Did Jesus really warn that there would be “desolation” near the end of this world, as we know it now?  The answer is YES!

What “desolation” could He possibly mean?  Whatever Jesus meant, we know that it deals with Jerusalem and its surrounding areas.  We also need to realize that Jesus wanted us to “see” or understand its significance.

Jesus’ prophetic words regarding the “desolation” and other end-time events are recorded in Luke 21, Matthew 24, and Mark 13.  The full context of these chapters is significant to an understanding of the meaning of each event Jesus describes.

In Luke 21, Jesus says people will “see Jerusalem compassed with armies” and that this event will serve as an indication that the “desolation” is near.

Luke 21:20 And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh.

Have we “seen” this event yet?  Have we been “WATCHING” for it?  Has Jerusalem been surrounded by armies?

The tiny state of Israel is certainly surrounded by its enemies.  Examine the map of Islamic countries around Israel.

http://www.alphanewsdaily.com/Israel%20Islam%20World%20Map%20Crop.gif 

It is reasonable to think that those enemies could arm themselves against Jerusalem in a short period of time if they were to choose to do so.

Many of God’s people are consistent and devoted readers of the Bible.  When we appropriately respond to Jesus’ words, we must also realize the need to be consistent and devoted observers of what is going on in Jerusalem and in the Middle East, because so much of end-time prophecy is related to activities in that geographical area.

In the context of these prophecies found in Matthew, Mark, and Luke, Jesus exhorts His disciples to WATCH.  What are we to WATCH?  Surely, we all need to be vigilant and watchful in every aspect of our lives, however, WATCHING the events in Jerusalem and in the surrounding area is the context of these specific prophecies.

In Luke 21:36, Jesus also exhorts us to PRAY.  We would all be wise to heed both of these exhortations (WATCH and PRAY) so that we can “see” and understand.  Praying about what we “WATCH” and “SEE” will help us know the meaning of the signs God gives to us.

Luke 21:36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.

Let us also remember that God is the One Who reveals prophetic meaning through His Holy Spirit (Ephesians 3:5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;).

The Bible also reminds us that no prophecy is to be of our own private interpretation (2 Peter 1:20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation).

As we move ever closer to the second coming of Jesus Christ, let us all be carefully watching and praying so that we “may be accounted worthy to escape…and to stand before the Son of man.”

Today is July 4, 2013.  On the Internet earlier today there was a photo of the American flag with the words across the front, God Bless America.  It got me to thinking about the question: Do we, who are the called of God, True Believers, really consider that the Great and Awesome God HAS BLESSED AMERICA?

Brethren, we live in a very affluent society with so many blessings that they are often difficult to count.  We have gadgets galore, so many things, so many opportunities.  It’s sometimes hard to be aware of all the blessings at one time.

God has blessed our Nation with such abundance and the peace to enjoy it in the last 300 years that it is often difficult to think of God’s protection as a blessing.  We often find people who ignore it, or simply take His protection for granted.  That’s the way it is for much of our “stuff” and our experiences, also.

Hebrews 13:15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name.

God’s Word instructs us to continually offer the sacrifice of praise and to give thanks.  And, after all, we really do have a lot of reasons to do so.  Yet, we need to ask, do we?  Do we praise and thank our God continually?

Sometimes we may even “feel” thankful, but our feeling thankful can be quite different from our actually giving thanks.  Oh, that we would do it!  How pleasing it will be to our God!

Psalm 107:8-9 (8) Oh, that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! (9) For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.

According to the Apostle Paul’s encouragement to the Colossians, when we “walk” in Christ Jesus the Lord, we will abound with thanksgiving

Colossians 2:6-7 (6) As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: (7) Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.

Let us set our hearts to response to the Psalmist’s exhortation.

Psalm 100:4 Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His name.

To help us do this, we need to pay attention to God’s blessings, to be alive and aware of them. Then we actually need to show our gratitude as we acknowledge every one of the blessings. And, then we need to enjoy them because that is why God gave them to us.

Happy 4th of July!  Celebrate!  Enjoy!  After all, God HAS BLESSED AMERICA!

As the threat of international violence erupting in the Middle East between Iran and Israel over the development of nuclear weapons, let us turn to the Holy Bible for direction.

What does the Holy Bible direct us to do, if anything?

Psalm 122:6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.

1 Peter 4:7 But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.

There certainly are “wars” and “rumors of wars” in the news everyday.  And, the Holy Scriptures prophesy that there eventually will be signs that the end is very near.  The Holy Bible describes the end-time events.

Read these passages for yourself.  How well do you think God’s Words (recorded over 2000 years ago) line up with what has transpired recently, and what is now transpiring in the Middle East?

Here are some additional Scripture to study and use to guide your “watching” and your “prayers.”

Matthew 24

Mark 13

Luke 21

Concerned citizens and scientists whose expertise is in nuclear power have refocused concerns about the US “practice of packing spent-fuel pools at power plants far beyond their capacity.”

Rod McCullum (director of the used-fuel programs for the Nuclear Energy Institute) says they think that it’s safe.

Oh, really?

According to some nuclear scientists in the US, we take more chances with our nuclear waste than was taken at the damaged Japanese plant.

Are you aware we have about 65,000 tons of nuclear waste spread across the United States at various facilities?  According to an article from Fox Business News, there were over 200,000 spent fuel rods in 2009, with the number growing every year.

Years ago the federal government promised to find safe storage for these used rods (which will remain radioactive for THOUSANDS of years).  But, as yet, that has not happened.  Our government is still debating the HOW and WHERE.

Are we surprised?  Have our scientists given our energy and profit hungry society a monster that we cannot kill, or even safely control?

The sort of problem that has threatened the life and quality of life of Japanese society can quickly become a WORLD-WIDE problem.  This is all the more reason that we must enthusiastically pray, “THY kingdom come” and prepare ourselves to be a part of God’s solution for mankind and a truly utopian society when Jesus Christ does appear.

For reference, check out a short article on the web: http://www.stltoday.com/news/national/article_696e430a-5e57-5b17-b91e-a17ae28aa9b6.html

One interesting Scripture that describes a significant end-time event is found in Luke 21.

Luke 21:20 And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh.

What kind of “armies” does this verse describe, and why are those “armies” surrounding Jerusalem?  Over the years there have been some interesting possibilities suggested for the “armies.” All of this war-like activity in Middle Eastern countries renews interest in identifying these “armies.”  Anyone watching world news obviously realizes that all around the tiny State of Israel there are numerous unfriendly nations.  Some of those nations are currently experiencing great internal conflicts, violence, and blood shed. Recently, there have been rebels troops, chaotic mobs and governmental troops doing battle in several of these countries.   Can these warring groups be considered “armies?”  Are these the “armies” of Luke 21? Or, is there a better explanation?

Are the armies surrounding Jerusalem because they are ready to destroy the city?  Or, could the armies near Jerusalem be there because they have the goal of  protecting Jerusalem?  Perhaps, the “armies” are stationed in Jerusalem to keep other “armies” from destroying it?

For everyone looking toward the end-time, the Middle East is the place to watch…especially the city of Jerusalem.

With the growing threat of radiation possibly being released from the damaged Japanese nuclear reactor after the earthquake and tsunami, it may be time for all of God’s people to learn more about how radiation is actually measured.  Even if humanity is not to be exposed to the dangers of radiation from this tragic event, we still need to be as informed as possible. Earthquakes are becoming much more frequent (Refer to the sermon on earthquakes for more details).  And, nuclear plants have been built on other fault lines in other areas of the earth.  Who knows what will transpire in the near future?

The US government has an easy-to-read explanation about how to measure radiation. Although the vocabulary will be new to many of us, the article is easy to follow and understand.

Radiation Emergency Fact Sheet from the CDC

The world is reeling, experiencing various repercussions from the Japanese double/triple tragedies.

For example, a British website (www.telegraph.co.uk) reports radiation is already being detected many hundreds of miles away from the Japanese nuclear facility.  This same site also reported some experts “expect” radiation to reach Britain within 14 days (forthnight), albeit, at levels that are not expected to cause health problems.

Apparently, in Eastern Russia (near to Japan), frightened citizens are rushing to get iodine tablets, face masks, and equipment to measure radiation levels.

In the US, our President is attempting to keep our citizens calm, while numerous safety investigations begin and emergency contingency plans are examined.

Should God’s people (around the world, including in Japan) be concerned enough about numerous “fallout” (Ha! A play on words) possibilities to do anything drastic to protect themselves?  After all, we are citizens of this world and are being affected, along with everyone else, right?

I think it is good to ask this direct question so we can all examine our levels of awareness, our decisions/judgments based on Bible wisdom as well as everyday saavy, and our levels of trust in God’s protection.

While there are numerous Scriptures to help guide us as we ponder this question, one particular verse stands out for me today with regard to personal safety and God’s protection.  Psalm 91:7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.

How many of us can believe this verse and know we can claim it when we sense we are in mortal danger?

It is now six days since Japan experienced the massive earthquake and tsunami. Japanese officials (and many experts) are greatly concerned about the damaged nuclear reactor. Officials are seeking help from the International Atomic Energy Agency Director.   We need to seek help from the Almighty God who created the atom and knows how to use the wonders of the atom for the good of mankind.

As concerned citizens of the world community and especially as concerned disciples of Jesus Christ, let us beseech our powerful God to avert any further crises for Japan.  Let us pray for wisdom and right judgment.

What an awesome tragedy to hit the nation of Japan!  As concerned disciples of Christ, let us go to God on behalf of the victims and ask God to ease their suffering.  Of course, the true and lasting answer to the earthquake and tsunami victims’ pain is the soon coming Kingdom of God.  If they only knew!  The light of God’s Truth will comfort them and set them free.  As we view the suffering via the news, let us be increasingly motivated to pray, “Thy Kingdom Come”  and ask God to intervene quickly.

Be sure to listen to the sermon delivered Sabbath, March 12, 2011 on the subject of
“Earthquakes.”