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ASK, Inc.2007 Newsletters HOW MIDDLE EAST CONFLICT FITS BIBLICAL PROPHECY John H. Stoll, Ph.D. Executive Director, ASK, Inc. The volatile situation in the Middle East, along with other conflicts and continuing natural disturbances in the world, have caused many Christians to ask how all these fit into Biblical prophecy. Jesus pointed out in Matthew 24:3-35 that at the time of the end all these problems would descend upon the world, just like the birth pains of a woman about to give birth. History has always had political problems, wars, natural disturbances, etc., but in the past number of years the frequency, the intensity, and the widespread of them has caused many to believe that the “pains” of the world are about a minute apart (Mt. 24:8). We live from catastrophe to catastrophe on a daily basis. One of the most significant issues is that of the Middle Eastern countries, mainly Arab nations that surround Israel. Given the fact that they have agreed to wipe Israel off the map, as stated in the Bible (Psalms 83:2-5), what does the Bible say, as to this plan? It states that once Israel has been re-gathered as a nation, which became a reality in 1948, they will never be destroyed or taken captive again (Ps. 89:34-37; Jer. 33:16,17; Lu.1:33). Consequently, there has arisen a mortal conflict between the Arab nations and the avowed declaration of God to preserve Israel, his people. How then will it be resolved? Ezekiel 38, 39 provides us with God’s response to the threat of the surrounding nations to Israel. It is readily seen today, that nuclear energy is a potent factor on both sides, with worldwide negative repercussions, that may adversely affect every nation in the world, not just the Arabs or Israel alone. In two significant chapters, Ezekiel 38,39, God outlines what he will do, at the time of the end of the age, but before the beginning of the Tribulation that will come . See Matthew 24:15-24. In Ezekiel God speaks to a ruler, called, Gog, who rules over a land called, Magog. There have been many ideas as to who this person is and where the land is, over which he rules. The Bible is not clear as to who this person is, but as to the geographical area over which he rules (it might be a collective group of Arab nations), it is the area originally known as Mesopotamia (modern day Iraq and Iran) as well as the countries of Northern Egypt. In other words, all those nations that surround Israel today. As those Arab nations go against Israel, which has prospered (Ezek. 38:8), they will come from the “North” (in the Bible “North” does not mean true North, but “East”, since in the days of historical Israel, all nations from the East, had to come from the North over the Euphrates River valley down into Israel). See: Ezek. 38:15,16. In Chap 39:1-12, God states that he will destroy five sixths of those nations, “upon the mountains of Israel” (v.2) and it will take Israel seven months to bury the dead and seven years to cleanse the land (v. 9, 12). At this time Israel will turn to the Lord for deliverance (Ezek. 39:28,29). A number of things need to be understood in relation to what was stated in Ezek. 39. There is historical evidence for God destroying ancient armies who had besieged Israel. In Hezekiah’s day, a king from the East had besieged Jerusalem, and the King prayed to God to break the siege. In 2 Kings 19:35 it states that God sent an Angel, who in one night destroyed 185,000 enemy soldiers. So, there will be no problem with God, in destroying the Arab armies, who will come against Israel. If it takes seven years to cleanse the land (Ezek. 39:9), does this refer to atomic energy being used (it took approximately seven years for the atomic fallout over Japan to be carried away). Furthermore, it states in Zechariah 14:12 that the verse may refer to atomic fallout, adversely affecting human bodies. Once God has destroyed the armies of these nations, there will be a power vacuum in the Middle East. Israel will still be hated of all nations (Matt. 24:9), and it is conceivable that at this time the Anti-Christ, who comes out of the European Union will step in and fill the void, by making a peace treaty with Israel, which will begin the seven years of Tribulation. The Anti-Christ’s ability to bring peace to the region will cause him to be admired of the whole world (Daniel 11:36-39; 2 Thess. 2:3,4; Rev. 13:5,6). This peace treaty with Israel for seven years, will not be one of love for Israel, but of expediency sake, until he consolidates his power, and after 42 months he will break the treaty and now for 42 months he will bitterly persecute Israel. The culmination of his persecution will bring on Armageddon and Jesus Christ’s rule over all the world. See: Revelation 16:16; 19:11-21. The question arises as to when this battle of Gog and Magog will take place. There have been many theories, but no one is able to say exactly. Given two elements, i.e. taking seven years to cleanse the land, indicates it probably will be just before the Tribulation begins. The other indicator is that the Anti-Christ stepping in to fill the Middle East power vacuum, which will exalt him in the eyes of the world (by virtue of his ability to make peace, which had been so elusive up to then), will enable him to make the seven year treaty with Israel. This will bring peace to Israel for seven years (only to have the Anti-Christ break it after three and one-half years and begin to persecute Israel), which will enable them to re-construct the Temple in Jerusalem. Will Gog and Magog be before or after the Rapture (i.e. God’s taking the Christians home to Heaven), is a question that remains to be answered, since the Bible is not clear on this. One thing is certain, and that is, all the events leading up to Christ’s coming for the saints, is in place; there is nothing prophetically speaking that needs to be yet fulfilled before He comes. The next prophetic event to transpire, as the Bible teaches, is the Rapture of Christians to Heaven. Events that follow probably will be the battle of God/Magog, and then the appearance of the Anti-Christ, and his treaty for seven years with Israel. The final admonition to the Christian is found in Luke 21:28, “And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draws near.” In Matt. 24:33,34, Christ stated, “When you shall see all these things, know that he is near even at the doors. This generation shall not pass, until all these things be fulfilled.” We can say with the Apostle John, “Even so come, Lord Jesus” (Rev. 22:20). WHAT ISN’T BEING TAUGHT IN SCHOOL TODAY John H. Stoll, Ph.D. Executive Director, ASK, Inc. Recently, I was listening to a radio talk show host, who was lamenting the fact that our children and college students weren’t being taught some of the basic facts of life. He mentioned five: Wisdom, Character Development, No Personal Identity, No Route to Happiness, and about God. As I reflected on his analysis of each of these, I realized that the Bible provides us guidelines in all of these areas. God’s ultimate purpose to us is stated by Jesus Christ in John 10:10, “I am come that you might have life, and that you may have it more abundantly.” God desires every person to enjoy life to the full. As to whether we arrive at that goal depends on many variables in life, but regardless of circumstances, the Bible is the ultimate guide as to one’s ability to have fullness of life. If one accepts the Bible’s guidelines, then God is the guarantor that a person will enjoy a fulfilled life. Let us reflect on each of these important aspects of life, that need to be instilled in every person. WISDOM: This is the ability to have knowledge (i.e. the acquiring of facts), and to gain understanding (i.e. the comprehension of the facts), so that one is able to make right choices based on good judgment. How then does one come to good judgment? The answer is found in the following verses in the Bible (Proverbs 9:10; 3:13; 2:6; 16:16; Psalms 19:7-9; Ecclesiastes 7:12; Psalms 90:12). Society today not only does not teach wisdom, very little of it is found anywhere, so that our youth have poor role models in life, as well as the lack of teaching, upon which to construct their lives. The truths of the Bible have an excellent history and application, for one to formulate their life upon its precepts, as a guideline for life and fulfillment. CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT: The majority of everyone’s character development is instilled in that person between birth and puberty, by whoever has raised that child. Adult character is basically characterized through life by those formative years, so it is eminently important for every child to have a good role model in a Father and Mother, who love each other and their children, and who bring them up in the admonition of the Lord. This develops a well balanced character as well as personal security of life. A poor childhood results in poor adulthood, but one’s character may be transformed in adulthood, by following Biblical precepts, and trusting God for wisdom and guidance in life. The following verses provide excellent truths by which one may overcome adverse behaviors and situations that constantly affect one’s fullness of life. (Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1:2,3; Romans 8:6; Proverbs 7:1-3; Psalm 37: 3-7,23,24,37; Deuteronomy 28:13).
PERSONAL IDENTITY: Every baby born to life is searching for
personal identity, since we all are born totally naked, and without
personhood, character, security, or understanding. It is eminently
important for one to have a personal identity in life, since there are
no two people alike. Again, there are many variables of life that impact
one that determines a person’s future identity, such as parental
guidance, schooling, peer pressure, education, moral and ethical
teaching, and spiritual understanding. All these combined weave a
pattern on one’s life, that makes that person unique and different from
all others. This contributes to one’s fullness in life, or detracts from
it. Since we all come into life as a “blank” as it were, how then can
one be guaranteed that they will enjoy a personal identity that will be
a blessing, not a bane in life?
ROUTE TO HAPPINESS: Everyone desires happiness in life, but
it is often fleeting and illusionary. Happiness is dependent upon
enjoyable circumstances that will eventually fade. The real goal is to
find joy, which is an inner peace and contentment that is not dependent
upon circumstances, and is constant, rather than passing. When one finds
joy, then events that bring happiness are more greatly to be enjoyed,
since joy is foundational, and happiness is passing. ABOUT GOD: Unfortunately, in today’s society, the most important aspect of life, i.e. the Biblical teaching of God through the Bible, is being constantly squeezed out of every aspect of life, especially in our schools and colleges, as well as our homes and even Churches. It is no wonder we have a barrage of crimes, divorces, wars, drugs, etc. that are dominating our world, and producing a catastrophic decline into anarchy and oblivion. The Founding Fathers of our country would be appalled at what they would see in our country today. When it was founded, our country rested on three pillars: the Church, the home, and the school. All three were founded on the word of God: the Church proclaimed the truth of Scripture with its precepts; the home was headed by moral, ethical, and spiritually minded parents; and the school was taught mostly by the Pastor of the Church, who was the most educated person in the community. These three elements reinforced and affirmed each other. Furthermore, the text book used to teach were the McGuffey readers, though used to teach reading and spelling, were basically underwritten by a 98% understanding of moral, ethical, and spiritual principles, through the text. In this way the instruction was not only educational, it was teaching the principles of the Bible at the same time. What a great departure we have come to today, from those days, that provided a foundation for our great country. The Bible is full of Godly truths, that provide guidance and understanding for life and productivity, that are a blessing to all. Some passages that underscore these truths are: Psalm 19; Proverbs 3; Deuteronomy 6:4,5; 10:12,13; Titus 2:11-15; 2 Peter 2:2; 3:18. Would to God that families, Parents, teachers, businessmen, politicians, and Pastors, might return to the basic teachings of the Bible, and follow the precept of Proverbs 22:28, that tells us, “Remove not the ancient landmarks, which your Fathers have set.” “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. These words which I have commanded you this day, shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and you shall talk of them when you sit in your house - - you shall bind them as a sign on your hand and on your forehead.” Deuteronomy 6:5-8. This admonition is as valid today, as it was when Moses gave it to the children of Israel, since God’s word is eternal. By God’s grace, may we commit ourselves and our families to his truth for today. John H. Stoll, Ph.D. Executive Director, ASK, Inc. Along with the many and varied problems the world faces today, not the least is the issue of global warming. It has taken front page at various times, and by many and varied voices, all wishing to be heard. There have been expert opinions, both pro and con, as to the impact of global warming, and its consequences upon the world, and peoples. Who is right, what does all this mean, and is there Biblical information relative to this coming phenomenon? Since everyone makes and has basic assumptions in life, we all tend to see the world through the assumptions we accept. At times they may be true, and at times they may not be true, due to skewed information we accept. Global warming is a scientifically observed phenomenon, that may or may not be true. Some accept it as true, and others are skeptical of it. Most people are puzzled today, as to the truth of it, and the disastrous import of it, in the years ahead. There is one true assumption that can be accepted, and that is, that what the Bible says on any given subject, is absolute truth, though one may not fully understand the full implication of what is written. As to the Biblical indicators of global warming, there is no definite understanding on the subject, but there are indicators relative to it. Let’s consider just what the Bible does say on this subject, along with other indicators, that portend and foretell God’s coming judgment on the increasing wickedness in the world today. The primary fact of the Bible is, the absolute sovereignty of God, over the earth, and all that is in it, including every person (Psalms 10:16; 29:10; Romans 13:1; Proverbs 21:1). As far as God is concerned, He not only has created everything, He rules over the earth, and the peoples in it, and all is in order, as He has ordained it. Granted, God has given to mankind a will, which he has decided to use in a self centered manner, contrary to God’s will, and thereby brought consequential problems on himself, down through the centuries, contrary to God’s will for his fulfillment. Furthermore, the very earth God created to sustain mankind in life, he has selfishly taken advantage of, to his own detriment, and thus has brought overwhelming problems upon himself. Mankind has misused nature, exploited the abundance of a God given earth for his blessing, into a selfishness that has produced the blight that we see in the earth today (Isaiah 24:5). Could it be that global warming is a consequence of mankind’s destructive use of the earth, and thereby incur the wrath of God upon himself, for so doing? True, there have been various cycles, over the centuries, of warming and cooling, but may the impending warming be God’s final judgment on the wickedness of human behavior? Two thousand years go, Jesus Christ spoke of a coming day of judgment upon the kingdom on mankind, for increasing wickedness, and that God’s grace would give way to His judgment. He gave indicators to those who accept Him, and follow His word, as to the days immediately prior to the coming judgment. Not only are these indicators described in the Bible, but they are all in place and are active in today’s world. From a futuristic point of view, there is nothing that yet needs to transpire, before the day of God’s judgment upon the wickedness that is prevalent today. In Matthew 24 and Luke 21, Jesus described events just prior to His return for the Christians, followed by God’s judgment on the world. The catastrophic events outlined in Matthew 24:6,7 and Luke 21: 25,26 have been in evidence throughout the history of the world, but never to the extent, frequency, diversity, or intensity, as we have witnessed in the past number of years, that put together, have caused the peoples of the world to wonder, what is coming next? Jesus used a common analogy of the birth of a baby to emphasize our understanding of the soon coming judgment, when He said, “All these are the birth pangs of sorrows”(v.8). When a woman is about to give birth, and when pains are a minute apart, there is no rest between pains, and the birth is imminent. So, likewise, it is evident in today’s world, that problems descend on us overwhelmingly, on a daily basis, so that mankind is reeling from crisis to crisis, everywhere, and without seeming resolution. When in Luke 21:25, Jesus said of coming judgment, “the sea and the waves roaring”, did this refer to global warming and catastrophe? As one reflects upon what God tells us in His word, as to events transpiring in today’s world, a number of elements are clearly seen. In Psalms 2:1-4, it says that God sits in the Heavens and laughs at mankind’s turmoil, for He has the wicked in contempt. In Psalms 7:11 it tells us that God is angry with the wicked, everyday. Someday, the day of God’s saving grace to mankind (2 Peter 3:9; 1 Timothy 2:4) will conclude and the day of God’s judgment will commence, and He will “punish the world for their evil” (Isaiah 13:9-11). In today’s society, we see two basically parallel groups of people. The vast majority of society is basically self centered, materialistic, and desirous of getting ahead, as best one is able. In 2 Timothy 3:1-7, it emphasizes the selfishness of mankind, with all the attendant evils, and even with all the vaunted knowledge in today’s world (i.e. through the computer), we have less ability to get along together than ever. This has produced a wickedness unparalleled in society, in general. This is the wickedness God sees, and with which He holds the world in contempt. Upon this group will fall the judgment of God, someday. The other group of people in society, are those who have put their faith, by commitment, in the saving grace of God, through Jesus Christ’s work on the cross for their sins. These are Christians, who love God, serve Him, and try to live according to God’s divine principles, as outlined in the Bible. God’s answer to their trust in Him, is the assured hope of eternal life in Heaven with Him (Philippians 1:6). There is a constant tension between the two groups, because the first group has no understanding of the commitment of the other group (See: 1 Corinthians 2:9-14). To the Christian, the person of the world is one who needs to accept Jesus Christ, as his/her Savior from sin, and enjoy the fruit of relationship and fellowship with God (See: John 3:16; Romans 10:9,10; Acts 4:12). The Christian is desirous of helping the other person come to that position, so they may enjoy a loving relationship with God, as their Heavenly Father, and escape the ravages of God’s impending judgment. Whether global warming is a cyclical pattern of nature, or not, or has been brought about by mankind’s polluting the environment, is not ultimately known at this time. However, one thing is certain, and that is, that what we have seen in “Katrina”, and other natural catastrophes, are but indicators of God’s soon coming judgment on the wickedness of the world, and that when it comes, what we have seen up to now, will be insignificant compared to God’s destruction in the day of His wrath (Joel 2:1,2; 3:1-16). The conclusion will be the righteous rule of Jesus Christ over all the world, and elimination of all evil and wickedness, throughout all eternity. (Psalms 83:17,18; 1 Corinthians 15:24-28; Zechariah 14:9). For the Christian, one may say, “Surely, I come quickly, even so, come, Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20). A LOOK TO THE PAST, AND A LOOK TO THE FUTURE John H. Stoll, Ph.D. Executive Director, ASK, Inc. This is the time of the year, when we reflect upon the past, both the year, as well as the advent of Jesus Christ. Two thousand years ago, God sent his son, Jesus Christ to save mankind from self destruction, both temporally as well as eternally. The sin of mankind, which is basically a self centeredness rather than a God centeredness, is that which has caused all the sorrow and torment in the world. The past year has been no exception, as well as the many years before that. If the past year has been one of conflict and misery, what may we anticipate in the year ahead, that will be any different? For one thing, the Christmas season we celebrate, does bring peace to those who have committed themselves to Jesus Christ, as savior and Lord of their lives. It also brings an assured hope, that in the midst of troubled and contentious world, that someday soon, God in his sovereignty will ultimately rule over the universe (Luke 1:33; Isa. 9:7; Zech. 6:13;14:9). Though it seems as if, “Right is on the scaffold, and wrong is on the throne”, it will not always be that way, for, “The Lord has prepared his throne in the Heavens, and his kingdom rules over all” (Ps. 103:9). This is the anticipated hope of every Christian. As one reflects upon what may transpire in the year ahead in our world, it is imperative to understand what has caused the worldly situation in which we live, and unless God intervenes, the whole of civilization will sink further into the morass of sinfulness that constitutes what is transpiring today. In 2 Timothy 3:1-7, the Apostle Paul noted that in the last days “perilous times will come, for mankind will be lovers of SELF”, and everything that he predicted and enumerated in this passage is evident today. The arch enemy of God, Satan, has successfully attacked God’s basic foundation for society, and that foundation is crumbling before our very eyes. God instituted the threefold elements of the Home, the School, and the Church, to be nurturer and character developer of the child, so that as an adult, that individual could serve society properly, earn a living, and continue to reproduce in the world. Without that foundation, a child left to his own selfishness, would become a tyrant in society. And, this is what is fast approaching in our country today. What has brought our country to this place? Today, the home has been fractured, rent apart, by selfishness, divorce, fighting, drugs, single parent, etc., so the child does not have a stable environment in which to develop, both by example as well as by precept. The public schools and colleges have been hijacked by Humanism, Relativism, Socialism, political correctness and diversity, so the child does not learn the basics of understanding. The Church has diluted what the Bible teaches, and seldom there is heard, “This sayeth the Lord” and has been replaced by “feel good” homilies, that bring little Biblical truth to the hearers. When our country was founded, the three basic foundations positively interacted with each other, to provide a proper context in which the child could grow with love, encouragement, proper discipline, and security, which is what each person fundamentally needs to develop as an adult with self esteem, worth, dignity, and labor. In those early days, the basic teaching tool was the McGuffey Reader, which though it presumed to teach basic reading, also instilled moral/ethical/spiritual principles to the child. Usually, the teacher was also the Pastor of the Church, since he was the best educated person in the community. Then, the Church taught Biblical, spiritual, and practical principles for Godly living and the parents reinforced all of these elements to their children. Today, we have very little coordination of the three foundational elements, because there has been concentrated effort by Satanic influence through ungodly people and teachers, to undermine our children and adults. .We see the results evidenced in society today, by killings, rapes, robbery, drugs, broken homes, rap music, humanistic philosophy, Hollywood morals, etc. just as the Apostle Paul said would come. In spite of the fact that the world it turned upside down, and God has pronounced a woe upon mankind ( Isa. 5:20) . with his ultimate judgment (Eccl. 12:13,14), there are Biblical admonitions that are imperative, not only for the Christian, but society in general. One may ask, why doesn’t God wrap it all up in judgment, now? In Romans 2:4, we have the answer: “Do you not understand the riches of God’s goodness, and forbearance and longsuffering: not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?” In other words, God is hanging in there, to give people an opportunity to repent of their sins and accept Jesus Christ as Savior for their sins. The day of God’s grace will not last indefinitely, but someday his judgment will come. In the meantime, as Christians we are to be diligent in telling the truth of God’s love for all, so they may see him through us. As citizens in the world we are also to be good stewards of our citizenship, and in Proverbs 22:28 it says, “Remove not the ancient landmarks which your fathers have set”. In other words, Christians are called to conserve the basic principles of our Godly foundation, upon which our country was founded, and not give in to the liberalizing tendency of self centered mankind today. Our Constitution is under attack from many sides, not the least from activist judges. In Isaiah 10:1,2 it says, “Woe to those who enact evil statutes and to those who constantly record unjust decisions, so as to deprive the needy of justice and rob the poor of their rights.” We can thank those judges who are strict constructionists of our Constitution, and pray that God will overrule on those who trample it. As we enter into a new year, unknown as to what may transpire, we can trust the sovereignty of our Heavenly Father, that he does all things well, even though we may not understand his ways (Isaiah 55:8-11), yet we can surely trust him, and rest in his promises to us, regardless of what may come (Note Psalms 37). |