prophecy%20corner%20small.jpg contact_us.gif
Two-Edged Sword Ministries
The prophetic book Zecharai describes that in the last days God will make Israel a cup of wrath for all surrounding nations who try to lift this cup. One can already see, that "peace" in the Middle East or striving to attain peace is a major priority for the nations of the world. This prophecy could never occur without Israel being back in their homeland. Other prophecies describe how Israel would be scattered amongst the many nations of the world and will return to their homeland before a period of suffering and wrath would engulf the whole world with bloodshed on a scale never seen before.
Jesus himself spoke of the parable of the fig tree, which from a Biblical perspective, has always represented Israel. He said that when this fig tree, "Israel" has set forth its leaves, the Jews should lift up their heads, because that generation that sees these events, will see a period of wrath followed by their Messiah.

There are also prophecies related to the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. Whilst this temple has not been rebuilt many of the fabricated parts have been designed and developed, the clothing previously warn has been made and even sacrifical items like the red heifer is now in sufficient quantities. A prominent Jew who is working on the background assembly has said that if they have the command to rebuild, they could do so now in relatively short period of time. Incidently, the red heifer, which was previously extinct for more than 2000 years, has re-emerged in great numbers. The temple rebuilding is a necessary part as in terms of Bible prophecy, as it is going to herald a ruler, identified as the antichrist (the person who opposes Christ), who will set up idol worship in the temple and as a result will release Gods' wrath upon planet earth in the form of judgments.

There are so many prophecies involving Israel in end times study, that the volitility on the Middle East, makes for expectant times.
Long ago, the Bible has illustrated how the nations would be aligned before God intervenes into the affairs of men. The prophet Ezekiel describes the lands to the far north of Israel identified as Russia, who will ally with Iran, Turkey, Egypt, Ethiopia, Morroco and many others and come against Israel in the last days while Israel is at peace.

History reveals that there has never been such an alliance, but in recent years, one has seen the demise of the former Soviet Republic and the many alliances made with these Islamic countries. Presently, Russia has strong ties with the dictator of Iran and even aiding them with nuclear technology. Russia also has joint military sea patrols at intervals with Turkey and is a strong advocator of the Islamic right to the land of Jerusalem.
Across the waters, the book of Daniel and Ezekiel predict the emergence of a world empire, revived out of the Roman Empire that would form out of many alliances and treaties with one another. This already began at the same time Israel returned to its homelands in 1948. At present, it is termed "The European Union" and is gathering support and new members on a yearly basis. The Bible further continues to describe how eventually this huge conglomerate of nations will divide itself into 10 regions and a new ruler will emerge and head up this confederacy of nations.

Too the East, the book of Revelation describes a horde of 200 million people that will come accross the Euphrates river from the East and challenge this head of the Revised Roman Empire. This will result in the war of all wars, which we know as Armageddon. It is interesting to note, that according to a publication in "Time Magazine" in the year 2000, it was readily acknowledged that China has the capacity to raise 200 million troops.

All these nations play a part in a final period of human rule, referred to as "The Tribulation", a period of seven years that start off with quiet diplomacy and ends in mass destruction. The fact that all these players are being refined and come together just as the Bible predicted, is a sign in itself that events are shortly about to unfold.
The book of Revelation describes how a coming world ruler will impose a mark for every human being to carry either on his head or on his hand. This is referred to as the mark of the beast. Under this system, no-one would be able to buy and sell any goods or services, without having this mark.
We have already seen the launch of superchip technology that has the capacity to store hundreds of "bits" of information, although the monitoring capability is still not in place.

However, the Galileo project, as a "European Union" initiative, in which 30 satelites are launched outside the earths' atmosphere with the aim of monitoring up to a distance of one metre, is expecting to be completed by the end of 2012. Once again, the technological advancements indicate that a time is coming when this prophecy is a reality.

In the book of Romans, Paul tells us that in the last days men will be designers of many evil inventions. That the nuclear weapon and biological warfare is part of them, is a question of interpretation; but it has the capacity to maim and kill millions in the world.

Of course, Jesus Himself said, that it will be like the days of Noah, where violence and homosexuality abound. Paul provides for some interesting insights into human behavior in the last days, which we examine as soon as you click the mouse below.
signs%20of%20the%20times%20-%20part%201%20of%203001005.gif
Two-Edged Sword Ministries - South Africa
Copyright © May 2003 [ T.E.S. Ministries ]

All rights reserved.
First revision, November 2006 [2.0]
Second Revision: March, 2009 [3.0]
continue%20section.jpg
The Signs of the Times (Part 2 of 3)