The Last Days

Anita Clark

“But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety: then sudden destruction cometh upon them as travail upon a woman with child and they shall not escape.” I Thessalonians 5:1-3

Recent events in the Middle East are startling, but are certainly leading up to the times of “false peace” which the above scripture speaks of. The word “say” in this scripture in the Greek (according to Strong’s) means “to lay forth, usually of systematic or set discourse.” It also is interpreted to “ask, bid, boast, call, describe, name, put out.” This is exactly what we see in the present peace talks concerning Israel and the Palestinians, a systematic setting forth of discourse. This is called negotiation. People are educated and trained to be negotiators.

Because of the recent violence in Israel between its forces and Palestinian terrorists, which threaten to escalate into full scale war, the world is clamoring to again bring some kind of cessation of fighting and discussions to get the “Peace Pact” back on track. President Clinton said this morning at the emergency meeting between Israel and the Palestinians, “We cannot leave here until we have achieved a cease fire and get the peace process going again.

The meaning of the word “say” meaning to lay forth, of systematic set discourse speaks of the way that these peace talks are conducted. Today, Clinton and other leaders enumerate the steps that must be taken. Stating what must be the first step, and what must be the next steps to take. It is like a methodical systematic discourse. Man is applying all his mental faculties, all his human reasoning to bring about peace. According to the Bible, peace will come, but it will be short lived. Revelation 6 describes the “White horse rider,” which speaks of peace during the first part of the tribulation. Verse 4 says, “There went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him to take peace from the earth.” This corresponds with I Theses. 5:3, “...then sudden destruction cometh upon them ...”

Interesting statements have been made recently by various world leaders which remind us that we are living so near to the coming of the Lord. Barak of Israel has said that he would be willing to let the UN govern and be responsible for the Temple Mount Complex. How convenient for the AntiChrist to fulfill prophecy, “setting up his headquarters in Jerusalem,” and “setting his image in the temple. (tribulation temple which shall be built).”

The Arabs are talking about holding an Arab Summit. Some Arabs have stated they want to unite in a greater way against Israel. There also has been a call for oil embargoes against USA and other western nations. Then, also, Russia made a statement that they want to be involved with peace talks and processes, as they feel that not including them is ignoring them as an important world power. Their new leader Vladimir Putin, an aggressive, progressive leader is someone to watch. Russia is still selling weapon systems to Arab countries, who are against Israel. They will be joined with Arab nations in the end time, coming against Israel. That will perhaps fulfil the “Red horse rider”(Rev. 6:4; Ezk. 37-39). The Scripture will be fulfilled.

Peter says, “Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness.” It is the aim of this article to stir the hearts of the readers. It is the intent of these endtime events to spur us on to keep the faith and conduct ourselves as overcomers, holding this world loosely. Very soon all of this we are involved in will be dissolved. We cannot afford to hold this life precious to us, if we want to be there when Christ takes His throne, and be a part of the overcoming rank bowing down before Him, casting our crowns at His feet.(Rev.4)

PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION U.S.A.- By the time this article is printed this election may well be settled. Some Christians get very involved and upset about politics. The two candidates both say they are Christians. That is amazing, given the ungodly atmosphere in the USA as a whole. However, the candidates are in opposition on some important Godly principals. God is against the sin of homosexuality. He loves the sinner, but not the sin. He is against the taking of life of innocents in abortion, but He loves the women who do it and desires to change their lives. He is forgiving and compassionate to those who are repentant. These are some of the issues declaring the difference in the views and principals of the candidates. However, it does not make any difference who is elected, it will not stop immoral behavior. Sin is in the heart. Outward conditions or laws do not change the heart.

The Scripture is plain that God is in control and appoints the leaders of nations in the world. In Jeremiah 25:9 He calls Nebuchadnezzar, “...my servant.” He appointed him to come against Israel and judge them because of their disobedience. Daniel answered King Nebuchadnezzar in Dan. 2:20,22, “...God’s wisdom and might are His. He changeth the times and the seasons: He removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge unto the wise...” Also, Daniel 4:17, “...to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever He will, and setteth up over it the basest of men.” We might think that one candidate is better or more moral than the other, but if God chooses to permit a “base” man to be president, He has a more far reaching purpose in mind. All the prophesies will be exactly fulfilled. They are God’s Word which cannot be broken. We can rest that God is in control. He does not bring evil, but since He is the Sovereign Lord and knows the end from the beginning, He will bring about events on the earth according to His perfect plan and will.

Time is very short. Christ the perfect ruler will soon take His throne in the heavens. I want to be there. I intend to be there by the Grace of God. How about you?