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Matthew 16:1-3 NKJV — Then the Pharisees and Sadducees came, and testing Him asked that He would show them a sign from heaven. He answered and said to them, “When it is evening you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red’; “and in the morning, ‘It will be foul weather today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ Hypocrites! You know how to discern the face of the sky, but you cannot discern the signs of the times.
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Bible prophecy is always a hot topic, especially now, when events around the world seem to point to something with biblical significance. In a surprising move, the United States orchestrated a surgical strike against a top Iranian general which resulted in the death of General Qassem Soleimani, the head of Iran’s elite Quds Force. He had been responsible for the deaths of many Americans and at one time was a guest of the White House during the Obama administration. The Defense Department said it killed Soleimani because he “was actively developing plans to attack American diplomats and service members in Iraq and throughout the region.” It also accused Soleimani of approving the attacks on the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad earlier this year.
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Not surprisingly, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned that a “harsh retaliation is waiting” for the United States. Iranian state TV carried a statement by Khamenei also calling Soleimani “the international face of resistance.” Experts were concerned that Iran would deploy sleeper cells in America and abroad to retaliate against the U.S. and its interests. On January 7, 2020 short range missiles were launched at american targets inside Iraq from Iran. The Hill reported and led with this headline, “Rockets hit Iraq base housing US troops; Iran claims responsibility.” Is the red sky we are witnessing a sign of an upcoming war?
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File / Archive
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The Islamic Republic of Iran is the official name of a country that used to be known as Persia. Many have asked, “Where exactly does Persia (Iran) lie in terms of prophecy in the Bible? Is this latest event a prelude to something more crucial?
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In the book of Ezekiel, chapters 38 and 39, the prophet Ezekiel writes about a battle that will take place in the latter days between Israel, Gog and Magog. A battle that many bible scholars claim will take place at the beginning of the tribulation period and a battle where God will supernaturally intervene and defeat the enemy of Israel. A battle so devastating for the enemy, it will take seven months to bury the dead. Is this battle near? Are coalitions gathering for this attack against Israel?
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Ezekiel 38:1-6 NKJV — Now the word of the LORD came to me, saying, “Son of man, set your face against Gog, of the land of Magog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal, and prophesy against him, “and say, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD: “Behold, I am against you, O Gog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal. “I will turn you around, put hooks into your jaws, and lead you out, with all your army, horses, and horsemen, all splendidly clothed, a great company with bucklers and shields, all of them handling swords. “Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya are with them, all of them with shield and helmet; “Gomer and all its troops; the house of Togarmah from the far north and all its troops—many people are with you.
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Several nations are named in the book of Ezekiel but is the anti semitic movement in these countries gaining momentum? The changes that have taken place in Turkey over the past decade and a half could possibly indicate the latest piece of the puzzle falling into place. Before President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s ascent to power, Turkey and Israel enjoyed a close working relationship, from tourism to trade to the military and beyond. That began to change when Erdogan was elected prime minister in 2003. Since that time, he has become increasingly open about his plan to reshape Turkey into an Islamic state. He wasn’t subtle and indeed was quick to oppress and/or arrest anyone who opposed him.
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More than 2,700 years ago, the prophet Ezekiel listed Turkey in the Gog-Magog alliance, which includes Russia (Magog), Iran (Persia), Sudan (Cush), Libya (Put); and Turkey (Gomer). Since his ascension to power nearly 15 years ago, Erdogan has not hidden his hatred toward Israel and the Jewish people. Turkey’s growing friendship with the Gog-Magog alliance is indisputable evidence of the coming fulfillment of Ezekiel 38 and 39. The best part of this frightening scenario is God’s intervention on behalf of His covenant land and people. Still, God advises His people,
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Ezekiel 38:7 NKJV — “Prepare yourself and be ready, you and all your companies that are gathered about you; and be a guard for them.
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Missile Attack in Iraq – Courtesy of AP
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The escalation of hostilities between the United States and Iran may be the beginning of the events prophesied in the book of Ezekiel and it is also a call for prayer for our loved ones in the military stationed in the region and the hope that diplomats from both countries can find a peaceful solution.
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Israel is also preparing for the inevitable acts of aggression that Iran will continue to escalate against them. That is the real end times significance of what is taking place. In Bible prophecy, Iran is Ancient Persia. The Iranians aren’t Arabs, they are Persians and it is important to note that even though the religious zealots that control Iran are radical Muslims, their hatred for Israel and the U.S. runs deep and they truely believe that the god of Islam will defeat the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Maybe the Iranian government should take into account of a 4.9 magnitude earthquake taking place in a region near Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant. The 4.9 magnitude temblor struck about 6 miles southeast of Borazjan and 40 miles from the site tied to Iran’s controversial nuclear program.
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Earlier in the day, a Ukrainian passenger jet crashed in flames shortly after leaving Tehran’s international airport, killing 176 passengers and crew aboard. Taking place on a day of retaliation by Iran which produced no casualties on the U.S. side and the loss of innocent lives may be a sign of warning God is conveying.
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Despite this the Iranian Muslim leaders believe they have been called by Allah to attack Israel and to usher in the end times and the return of the Hidden Imam. They literally believe that destroying Israel is their prophetic destiny and spiritual responsibility. Even though Iran and their allies, who will think their time to destroy Israel has come, they will in fact be on a short leash and God will be the one controlling things. When the time comes for Ezekiel’s prophecy to be fulfilled, God Himself will provoke them and lead them to Israel so He can destroy them and glorify Himself in the sight of the nations.
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Conditions in the Middle East can literally change from day to day and though precautions are being made we must realize that the events written in Ezekiel are destined to happen and all of God’s people, Jew and Gentile, must pray for peace and time to minister the Gospel to those who need the salvation of the Lord.
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Psalm 46:10-11 NKJV — Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth! The LORD of hosts is with us;
The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah
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