Happy New Year everybody and it is good to finally be back on the site writing.
For my first blog out of the gate, I thought it would be a good time to recap some highlights of 2015 and where we feel it relates to end time prophecies.
Each topic could be written on at length and we will probably be writing more specifics on some as time moves forward. None of this would be mentioned if the Bible did not tell us so first. And, if you follow prophecy, there can be no denying that the media has been overwhelmed with associated stories. Many are dark, but they are also pointing to the fact that Jesus is coming soon. While some of these things have been going on for a long time to a degree, it is the converged progression, frequency, and intensity that have our attention.
Here are the topical snippets, in no particular order:
- Israel Losing Allies and Surrounded by Enemies
For me, this is the most astonishing to watch. Even America, Israel’s greatest ally, is abandoning her. Sadly, Israel now has no superpower willing to back her up. She is also currently surrounded by many enemies, including Hezbollah, ISIS, Russia, Syria, Hamas, and to top it off you have Iran promising to drop nukes on her every day. Keep in mind, she is small — close to but not quite the size of New Jersey. At some point she is going to cave and agree to the seven-year Middle East peace treaty the Antichrist will present.
And when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then you will know that the time of its destruction has arrived. (Luke 21:20)
The ruler will make a treaty with the people for a period of one set of seven, but after half this time, he will put an end to the sacrifices and offerings. And as a climax to all his terrible deeds, he will set up a sacrilegious object that causes desecration, until the fate decreed for this defiler is finally poured out on him. (Daniel 9:27)
- Days of Noah
Lawlessness. The Bible refers to the days of Noah, when everyone was doing what was right in their own eyes, overstepping the Word of God. Are our days similar to this? The days of Noah were marked with extreme violence and total corruption; however, there was an overall acceptance that those things were normal. Jesus told us we would know His return was near when our times resembled the days of Noah.
When the Son of Man returns, it will be like it was in Noah’s day. (Luke 17:26)
- Political Disillusion
My own personal opinion is that I have never seen such a political circus as now, and I think it is quite obvious that the majority of people agree. Is this setting the stage for the Antichrist to come in and save the day? People are so discouraged with politicians. There is no doubt that people, on a global level, are looking for an answer because our national leadership is severely suffering. The Antichrist’s arrival will be celebrated, as it is written:
The next to come to power will be a despicable man who is not in line for royal succession. He will slip in when least expected and take over the kingdom by flattery and intrigue. (Daniel 11:21)
- Delusion
God, towards the end of time, will send a strong delusion and people will not be able to make sense of things. I’ve written about this before in “Days of Delusion.” Today, many people believe that guns cause the problem of tragic massacres, not the person firing the gun. Radical Islam is, or can be, good and peaceful. Climate change is more dangerous than Jihadist terrorists. Israel is now seen as the bad guy. ISIS isn’t radical Islam. I could go on and on with examples….
He will use every kind of evil deception to fool those on their way to destruction, because they refuse to love and accept the truth that would save them. So God will cause them to be greatly deceived, and they will believe these lies. (2 Thessalonians 2:11-11)
- Blood Moons – Tetrad
Jesus said you should never try to predict the exact time of His return, but I do think this amazing tetrad meant something, as told in Luke. I believe this is somehow tied to Israel, and there is no denying a lot is going on with her now. Am I right? Only time will tell, but I do think this tetrad of blood moons had great significance, as God controls the moons and the stars.
There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. (Luke 21:25)
- Paganism
Environmentalists staged a bizarre ceremony recently during which the image of Kali – the Hindu Goddess of death and destruction — was displayed on the Empire State Building in New York City. Conspiracy theorists and some Christians freaked out in response to the show, claiming that the projection was an Illuminati ritual or a satanic ceremony. Now personally, I am not calling it that because there is no solid back-up to deem that true. However, why would a goddess of death and destruction be glorified in such a manner? Any way you look at it, it’s creepy stuff being glorified.
What sorrow for those who say that evil is good and good is evil, that dark is light and light is dark, that bitter is sweet and sweet is bitter. ( Isaiah 5:20)
- The Temple Mount (Jerusalem)
Israel’s Temple Mount was a focal point in the news the entire year of 2015. The present waves of violence taking place there are escalating over “rights.” In addition and all the while, Israel is clearly moving toward the rebuilding of the temple and it’s completion, just as prophesized. It is absolutely fascinating to read up on it and look at the progress. Its completion will be the obvious first step into the seven-year tribulation; a lot more on this topic is soon to come on our site.
- Gog: Now on the Move
Putin has rebuilt and is now aligning with other prominent Bible players, such as Iran, Turkey and Libya, and they seem to be moving around like players on a chessboard. You can refer to my earlier blog post on Gog and Magog for more detailed information, or simply read Ezekiel 38 and 39.
- Christian and Jewish Mockery
Christians are being heavily mocked and Jews are on the run back to Israel, as not seen since World War II. Christians and Jews (though different, both go by the Book) are being marginalized, while Islam, along with many other religions, is being glorified, honored and protected.
Most importantly, I want to remind you that in the last days scoffers will come, mocking the truth and following their own desires. (2 Peter 3:3)
And all nations will hate you because you are my followers. But everyone who endures to the end will be saved. (Matthew 10:22)
- Technology Giants
It’s quite apparent (and on the rise) that the powers that be behind the social media scene are trying to suppress the truth and again are marginalizing the Gospel. Gospel messaging is being censored on social media, period. This is starting to affect certain evangelicals I follow on their media websites, with content being removed and channels being threatened for shut-down due to “inappropriate content.”
- Global Religion
There has been a late 2015 celebration that religion can all come together. For example, Pope Francis, the most interesting figure in this movement, seems to be representing more than Catholicism these days. This includes, Marxism, environmentalism, the new world order, global government, sustainable development, the Jesuit agenda, the unity of faiths, the global constitution, and even a global court. Global religion will arrive some day and in 2015 we saw a very large movement forward in this direction. You can visit my post “The Tower” for a closer look at what the Bible has to say.
- Cashless Society
All over the planet governments and powers that be are placing restrictions on the use of cash. It looks like we are headed straight to a cashless society, sooner than I thought. Sound too futuristic? Google it!
And no one could buy or sell anything without that mark, which was either the name of the beast or the number representing his name. (Rev 13:17)
- Prophecy Mockery
More than ever, prophecy began being mocked in 2015 (“doom and gloomers, end-time Eddy’s,” etc). More and more prominent teachers and pastors telling us not to spend our time studying this. The majority of churches out there are not addressing it and, in a lot of cases, are making fun of it and telling people not to waste their time concerning themselves with it. While I understand sensationalists can and do give the Bible a really bad reputation with outlandish predictions on some over-the-top crazy websites and writings, this doesn’t take away the fact that one-third of the Bible is prophecy. My take? The Bible is God’s Word — all of it — and it should be taught and not shunned and certainly not made fun of. Just because there may be a lot of muddy truth in the water doesn’t take away the fact that the solid truth should be taught. Again, God’s Word.
- Decline of America
Last but not least. Because there is no mention of America in the Bible, we are going to have to blend in with the rest of the global government versus the power players. In the Middle East, it is becoming apparent that Russia and Iran are the new power players on the scene. China is also on the rise. We need to be constantly praying for America.
After reviewing what I have just written, it is no doubt dark. We are living in some very dramatic times. But, guess what? There is a whole lot of good and light out there as well, through Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord. God gave us prophecy not to scare us, but to prepare us. He gives us assurance that no matter what goes down in our lives and in our loved ones’ lives, He will be holding our hand all the way through to the end. We are promised, through our acceptance of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, to live in eternity with him. All of this darkness will be gone one day. Every single last drop.
So in the meantime, look back and thank Him, look around and serve Him, look ahead and trust Him, and always, always look up and expect Him. Because He is coming again.
Holding fast,
Lori
“Be still, and know that I am God!
I will be honored by every nation.
I will be honored throughout the world.”
(Psalm 46:10)
Photography by NASA
Lori thank you and thank Lisa for helping me to learn and understand. My faith and belief is what keeps me sane and able to endure things I thought were impossible. Love your writings. Bev
Thank you Bev for the nice words. We are really glad that you keep up with our posts… it means a lot!! If there is ever a topic in particular you want us to write about, please let us know.
Amen Lori! Thank you for your hard work on this subject. You & Lisa are right on & I’m so grateful that our Father is holding us all closely as we stay close to Him thru these end times. With love, hope & gratitude…XOXO Dedee
Thanks Dedee for reading, along with sharing :)
Will be interesting to see what 2016 has to bring!
Love you! xo
P.S. When are you up for writing a post ?? (wink wink)
Lori, I had no idea you were going to write about this topic when I was sitting in church yesterday and the pastor made a tongue-in-cheek comment about “prophecy updates” as if they are a distraction from our real purpose as believers, and that is to share the gospel. That is hard for me to understand, because as you know, our purpose in starting Holding Fast Now was to write about our times since many don’t know that the Bible does predict future events, and also to share our faith (to evangelize). I have read and heard countless testimonies of people who came to saving faith in Christ when they learned about prophesy in the Bible — past prophecies specifically fulfilled, and our current headlines lining up with future prophesies though written thousands of years ago. For me, the imminence of Christ’s return — whether today, tomorrow, weeks or even years from now — has woken me up and reshaped my priorities. The deepest desire of my heart is to see my children and others I love and care about come to know Jesus personally because I know what He’s done for me. I cannot ignore what’s happening all around us and pretend things aren’t shaping up as Jesus said they would before His return. That, to me, would be delusion. I think there is a lot of misunderstanding and pigeon-holing of solid Bible teachers and pastors who teach prophesy. So for me, I will continue to “look back and thank Him, look around and serve Him, look ahead and trust Him, and always, always look up and expect Him. Because He is coming again”!
Love you, Sis ~ Lisa
Love you too Lisa! And, I look forward to the year ahead with you on this site!! Have a feeling we will have a lot to write about :)