“The Ukraine War is this Gog/Magog”
“Are You Rapture Ready”
By
Bishop Melvin L. Maughmer, Jr.
OPENING: - In light of the events that are taking place in Ukraine and how Russia is putting an all-out assault on them under the direction of in my opinion a Crazy, Delusional, Possessed, Irrational, monster of a man named Putin, the question arises are the events taking place now Biblical, is this the Gog of Magog war mentioned in Ezekiel 38 & 39, and will Russia head toward and invade Israel? Unfortunately, many so-called eschatological preachers and doomsday prophesiers see the events in the news and say, this is what Ezekiel was talking about and prophecy is fulfilling itself right before our eyes. For centuries, end times preachers and prophecy prognosticators have tried to cram every current event into proof that we are living in the last days and Jesus’ imminent return. They take verses of scripture from the books of Ezekiel, Daniel, Matthew, and Revelation to come up with various theories as to how the world will end and they manipulate, twist and turn these scriptures trying to cause them to be shaped and shifted to comply with every current event and situation. Pat Robertson of the 700 club earlier this week even came out of retirement and made a special broadcast stating that Putin has a hook placed in his jaw by God quoting Ezekiel 38:4 and that he is being used by God to fulfill prophecy.
Amazingly over time the Gog and Magog label has been applied to Babylon, to the Roman Empire, and to the Vikings, among others. It wasn’t really until the Cold War that Russia entered the prospect when America was looked upon as being the new Israel replacing God’s chosen people, Ronald Reagan was the Anti-Christ because his name was Ronald Wilson Reagan, having 6 letters in each name for 666, and then the Soviet Union became Gog and Magog because it is the land in the far north and Gorbachev with the birth mark had the Mark of the Beast.
I have never claimed to be an End-Time Prophecy Preacher, I don’t try to manipulate scripture to fit a certain scenario, I believe in letting scripture speak for itself. Several months ago, I did a sermon on the Covid-19 Vaccination and the Mark of the Beast because I had people asking me if they got vaccinated where they taking the Mark of the Beast or just out right saying that the vaccination was the Mark of the Beast. I believe I presented scripture truthfully and explained in that message that the Mark of the Beast has to do with worship and therefore could not be and is not in any way the vaccine. Also, I explained how taking the Mark of the Best is or will be a conscience decision that a person will make and cannot be taken unknowingly.
Today I am going to deal with current events and through the Word of God answer a few questions: like is this war in Ukraine Biblical, is this the Gog of Magog mentioned in Ezekiel & Revelation, and the ultimate question How can I be ready.
PRAYER: -
SCRIPTURES: - Ezekiel 38 & 39, John 3:3&5. Matthew 24:4-8, Revelation 20:7-10.
The first question I need to answer is: Is this war in Ukraine Biblical? Let me says this and be definitive about it. This war and every war that will happen and has happened in the past 2000 years is Biblical. Matthew 24:6 says, this is Jesus talking “And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet”. Jesus spoke these words in what is called the Olivet Discourse in the last week of His life in 30 A.D. so every war according to the Word of God is Biblical, but the end is not yet. Jesus gave warning in the Matthew 24:4 saying, “And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you”. This is the key many people are being deceived because it is all about timing and timing has nothing to do with us but is all about God and His appointed time. That’s why I said - Unfortunately, many so-called eschatological preachers and doomsday prophesiers see the events in the news and say, this is what
Ezekiel was talking about and prophecy is fulfilling itself right before our eyes. Pat Robertson felt he needed to explain the events as Biblical Prophecy being fulfilled right before our eyes, but his timing is off. Yes, this war is Biblical because Jesus said, “these things must be but the end is not yet”.
For centuries, end times preachers and prophecy prognosticators have tried to cram every current event into proof that we are living in the last days and Jesus’ imminent return. Why because they fail to understand timing God’s timing.
The next thing I want to deal with is this war in Ukraine by Russia is this the Gog of Magog mentioned in Ezekiel 38 & 39 and Revelation 20. Well, I just mentioned about timing and because the timing is not correct this is not the Gog/Magog War mentioned in scripture. Now this is not just Bishop Maughmer’s opinion but let’s look at it through scripture.
Now in our modern day preaching and teaching there are 5 basic theories that are embraced by most conservative evangelical or fundamentalist branches of Christianity concerning this prophecy.
1st there is the Russian Theory: This theory states that the Hebrew word ‘Gog’ in Ezekiel 38:3 is identified with Rosh is the old root word for the land of Russia. ‘Tubal’ with Tiblisi or Tobolsk and ‘Meshech’ with Moscow, therefore Gog and Magog refer to Russia. Magog literally means the “Prince of Rosh.” God informs Gog and Magog in Ezekiel 38:15, “You will come from your place in the far North” (the Hebrew word means "the uttermost part of the North.” This is one of the most commonly held views and is based on a different interpretation of the Hebrew word Rosh, similarities in the pronunciation of words, and the Greek translation of Rosh referring to a tribe of people found in what is now Russia. I believe Russia will be a major player in the end times scenario mentioned here in Ezekiel 38 & 39 and Revelation 20; however, this current war that Russia is ensuing is not it because the timing is off. The timing of these events has nothing to do with us but is all about God’s Appointed Time.
2nd Indo-European Theory: Gog and Magog include the nations descending from Japheth one of the sons of Noah, these are actually the Gentile Nations: Russia, the Caucasus (Turkey), Iraq, and the Islamic republics of Central Asia. The coalition is an alliance of Arab nations, Muslim republics, Georgia, southern Russia and the Black Sea area.
It is the combination of these 2 theories that I believe what is mentioned in Ezekiel 38 & 39 and Revelation 20, but again this is in God’s timing in the end times, which is not yet. Remember I said this is according to God’s appointed time. Let’s look at Ezekiel 38:4 says “And I will turn thee back, and put hooks into thy jaws, and I will bring thee forth, and all thine army, horses and horsemen, all of them clothed with all sorts of armour, even a great company with bucklers and shields, all of them handling swords” WHEN WILL THIS BE? Revelation 20:7-10 says “And when the thousand years are expired, (this is after the Rapture, after the Tribulation, after the 1000 year millennial reign of Christ) Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog, and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea. And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them. And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever”.
This is the key to this prophecy, the Bible says when this will happen Revelation 20:7 “And when the thousand years are expired, (this is after the Rapture, after the Tribulation, after the 1000 year millennial reign of Christ).
Then Ezekiel 38:4 which says ““And I will turn thee back, and put hooks into thy jaws, and I will bring thee forth, and all thine army, horses and horsemen, all of them clothed with all sorts of armour, even a great company with bucklers and shields, all of them handling swords” comes into effect when “Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog, and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea”.
Now that we have the timing of this Gog/Magog scenario let’s find out who the players are, because in the current understanding and manipulation of events Putin and Russia is it. However, let’s have scripture tell us who is involved. Ezekiel 38:1-6 says “And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, Son of man, set thy face against Gog, the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him, And say, Thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I am against thee, O Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal: And I will turn thee back, and put hooks into thy jaws, and I will bring thee forth, and all thine army, horses and horsemen, all of them clothed with all sorts of armour, even a great company with bucklers and shields, all of them handling swords: Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya with them; all of them with shield and helmet: Gomer, and all his bands; the house of Togarmah of the north quarters, and all his bands: and many people with thee”.
Now let’s see who these names are. Genesis 10:2 says, “The sons of Japheth; Gomer, and Magog, and Madai, and Javan, and Tubal, and Meshech, and Tiras”.
OK let me explain this: - Ezekiel 38:1 Son of man, set thy face against Gog – Who is Gog? Gog is a title for the leader of Magog. Whoever is leading Gog at that time after the 1000 years has ended, that is not PUTIN if it would be he would be about 1076 years old if the Rapture, The Tribulation, and 1000yrs Millennial Reign started today. the land of Magog - Remember Magog was a son of Japheth who were later known as the Scythians. Jewish Historian Josephus said, 'Magog founded the Magogians, called Scythians by the Greeks. Scythians were a nomadic tribe who inhabited the ancient territory from Central Asia across the southern part of ancient Russia.
Now there is still a great bit of debate, but most scholars identify Magog with southern Russia. Now we come to this the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal, There’s debate over the location of Meshech and Tubal. Some say this is Moscow and Tobolsk in Russia, however, it is more highly believed that Mechech and Tubal are in present day Turkey. Then we have the rest of the coalition Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya with them; all of them with shield and helmet: Gomer, and all his bands; the house of Togarmah of the north quarters, and all his bands: and many people with thee. Persia was renamed 'Iran' in 1935, Ethiopia Historically located south of ancient Egypt, scholars believe it to be Ethiopia or Sudan today. Libya most scholars believe this to be Libya but could possibly be Somalia. Gomer. Josephus identified the Gomerites with the Galatians who lived in central Turkey. Others believe Gomer is Germany. Gomer today is located in present day Germany. Togarmah is normally identified as eastern Turkey or it's neighbor, Armenia. Although when we look at the map or watch CNN these areas seem to be in play but this coalition has not happened yet because it is not God’s timing.
The last 3 theories I am just going to mention briefly.
3rd Hashemite Kingdom Theory: The Islamic Nations will come against Israel either by an Iraqi-led, Jordanian led, or Turkish led coalition. The enemy from the north refers to the areas of Syria, Turkey, and Iraq. These Islamic nations make up the lands occupied by Magog, Gomer, Togarmah, Meshech and Tubal.
4th Caucus Theory: Gog and Magog are the Arab nations in an alliance with the Muslim republics of the former Soviet Union. This theory leaves out most of Russia and includes only the southern part.
5th All Europe theory: Gog and Magog are the sons of Japheth thus the originators of the European races. Gog and Magog therefore indicate all of Europe. I could run down a rabbit hole with this one but that may be another time. This is not a widely held theory and it is hard to find much support for it.
Matthew 24:7-8 says “For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows”. Jesus mentioned that there will be an increase of catastrophes as the moment of Jesus’ return draws near. In other words, the worse things get, the sooner Jesus is to return 1st for the Rapturing of the Church then towards the end of the Tribulation period and the Second Coming.
Let me give jus a few examples of how things are getting worse. Nation against nation and Kingdom against kingdom we are literally watching that happen right now. Although the CDC is saying we can get back to normal COVID is a pestilence that gripped the world. Gas and oil prices are increasing daily. Inflation is at a 40-year high causing food prices to skyrocket making famine an ever-increasing reality and the ability to buy the food that is available next to impossible to purchase. An economic collapse is just about inevitable. Stores are short on supplies. Economic sanctions on Russia will eventually cause life for them to be set back years and more than likely causing them to seek help from places like Syria, Turkey and Iraq which I believe will be the earmarks if the coalition mentioned in Ezekiel 38. Look at the natural weather conditions that have been happening around the world tornados, warm in the North and cold and snow in the South, earthquakes, hurricanes in January just to name a few.
Jesus is soon to return and Rapture His church, the ecclesia, out of here.
Someone may say Bishop Rapture is not even in the Bible and true the word Rapture is not in the Bible; however the word Bible is not in the Bible yet it is the Bible.
So, what must we do? You must be Born Again.
Jesus says to Nicodemus in John 3:7 “Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again”.
The phrase born-again has over time gotten a bad rap if you will. It frightens a lot of so-called Christian people and there some that follow watered down theology that don’t even recognize the need to be born-again. They teach a seeker friendly type of theology that states all you have to do is become an official member of one of this DENOM-ination by shaking the preacher’s hand and repeating these words to receive your salvation. Unfortunately, there are millions of sincere people attending church every Sunday, believing that God chose them and actually obtained salvation for them, not knowing that they aren’t saved and never will be unless they personally repent, be baptized in Jesus name and be filled with the Holy Ghost.
Jesus is very clear about being born again. John 3:3 says, “Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God”. To be born again is to have the Holy Ghost / Spirit transform our hearts from enmity, indifference and hostility toward God to a love of God and for God creating in us a new desire for righteousness and holiness.
John 3:5 says, “ Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God”. Now this born of the water and of the Spirit has been the topic of debate for centuries, but as I said earlier let scripture interpret scripture. Acts 2:38 says “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost”. This was the day of Pentecost; Peter spoke these words reiterating what Jesus said to Nicodemus in John 3:3&5 about being Born of Water and Spirit.
Let me explain it like this. When we are born in the natural there is the breaking of water in the mother’s womb then the child is born after the water breaks into the sinful world. The water baptism represents the opposite the breaking of water from the sinful world and the birth into a new creature in Christ Jesus. It is the outward showing of inward conviction. Then there is the spirit which is being filled with the Holy Ghost. The filling of the Holy Ghost is the only guarantee to being caught up in the Rapture.
If you have been Born Again then you just must do what the Bible says in Luke 21:28 “And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh”.
CLOSING: - Yes this war in Ukraine is an atrocity and times for all of us are going to get increasingly worse. Soon the Tribulation period will begin which will be a time of unprecedented for the entire world. However, God in His loving grace and mercy has provided an escape from the Tribulation.
The way of escape and deliverance from all that is to come is in a relationship with Jesus Christ. The Rapture will happen suddenly, 1 Corinthians 15:52 says, “In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed” there will not be even a split-second opportunity to seek forgiveness and make things right with God when the Rapture happens you must be ready.
Acts 2:38 says, “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost”.
Repent – be godly sorrowful and turn from your wicked ways.
Baptized – submersion in water in Jesus’ name.
Holy Ghost – infilled with the Spirit of God which is only power to make the Rapture.
Bishop Melvin L. Maughmer, Jr.
