Where Are We Now in Biblical Prophecy
By
Bishop Melvin L. Maughmer, Jr.
OPENING:- It doesn’t matter if you are a Biblical Scholar, a Biblical Novice, or totally ignorant to the Bible when you hear and see the asinine things taking place is our society, the political system turning into a chaotic menagerie of mindless incompetent blind followers hellbent on the dehumanization of people considered beneath the social, economic, and political status quo, the abolishment of humanitarian structures designed to help those in need, the revocation of civil rights, the destruction of the Federal Government system, and the retaliation against those that were standing for justice and doing what is right according to both the laws of God and man, you ask the question What’s going on? Are we living in the end times? And Exactly Where Are We in Biblical Prophecy?
Is it any wonder that a group of people who believe they have a divine right to wield authority over the world would see others as a threat? We have scapegoats being blamed for all kinds of economic issues like the price of eggs going sky high, crime being out of control, and jobs being taken away from decent law-abiding citizens. Now the mission and focus of government partly is the gathering of these individuals and removing them from society. This is simply the result of Dehumanization. Dehumanization is the denial of full humanity in others along with the cruelty and suffering that accompany it. A practical definition refers to it as the viewing and the treatment of other people as though they lack the mental capacities that are commonly attributed to humans.
Dehumanization is one form of incitement to genocide. It has also been used to justify war, judicial and extrajudicial killing and slavery, the confiscation of property, denial of suffrage and other rights, and to attack enemies or political opponents.
This menagerie of mindless incompetent blind followers are projecting onto others what they already have done and desire to do more of themselves. Then we hear the President of the United States make a statement that incites the threat of War and immediately rumors of war begin to circulate and people are wondering what is going on while drawing laughter and applause from the Zionistic thinking Evangelical leaders who are supposed to be the standard bearers of morality, decency and Biblical authority.
So Biblically, where do we currently stand and what lies ahead.
PRAYER
SCRIPTURE: - Matthew 24:6-7 “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. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places”.
Understand wars and rumors of wars are not completely related to the end times. When the Bible speaks of the end times, it describes some intense warfare. However, Jesus’ point seems to be that there always has been war, and, until He establishes peace in the Millennial Kingdom, there will always be war. Therefore, wars and rumors of war are not the main predictors for the end times, but as the time approaches Jesus’ return these wars will be more frequent and fiercer. Now the famines and pestilences I truly believe can be and will be brought on by the idiotic things that are being done right now like the dismantling of USAID and the abolishment of vaccines that are taking place.
So exactly where are we in Bible prophecy. The timeline of the future end times is revealed in Daniel 9:27 “And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate”. 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3 “Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition”. Understand the timeline and the order of events. First it is the rapture, the antichrist, the peace treaty with Israel, and then the Day of the Lord?
Now there are 3 variations of interpretations concerning the Rapture they are Pre-Tribulation which is how I believe and teach, Mid-Tribulation that believe the Rapture takes place at the 3 ½ year point of the Tribulation and Post-Tribulation the Rapture happens after the Tribulation.
So, we are literally standing at the point just before the Rapture so what must we do?
Now when does the rapture occur? Matthew 24:36 says, “But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only”. However, we have this promise in Revelation 3:10 “Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth” – this promises us that we, those that have been Born Again, will be kept from the tribulation, that means the rapture must occur before the Antichrist signs the peace treaty.
When the Antichrist signs the treaty, his identity is revealed. That is when the Day of the Lord begins. The Day of the Lord includes the Tribulation, Armageddon, the second coming of Christ, the millennial kingdom, a short rebellion, and then the White Throne Judgment.
So what are we to do until the Rapture happens.
1. Be Vigilant and Prepared. 1 Peter 5:8 “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour”. The message is to be ready regardless of when or how these tumultuous events unfold. We are encouraged to maintain a watchful and spiritually prepared mindset, understanding that unexpected challenges and tribulations may arise. This helps us in everyday life, not only at the end times.
2. Be Steadfast and Trust in God’s Sovereignty. 1 Corinthians 15:58 “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord”. Regardless of the circumstances, we are reminded to trust God realizing He is in control. As crazy as it may seem the unfolding events are ultimately under God’s guidance and purpose.
3. Endure Hardness. 2 Timothy 2:3 “Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ”. Regardless of the challenges wars, persecutions, or other trials Jesus calls for us to endure the hardness and remain committed to Him. This enduring faith is crucial in navigating the uncertainties of life, whether we are in the end times or not.
4. Discernment of Signs. Jesus encourages discernment of understanding the signs of the times. 1 Chronicles 12:32 says “And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their commandment”. Whether political uncertainties or spiritual truths, we are called to be discerning and wise. This discernment comes from God. In other words, the Holy Ghost reveals what we need to know and uncovers hidden things within our lives and global events. Trust his leading and insight.
5. Build your hope on things Eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:8 “While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal” While addressing the earthly challenges and conflicts, Jesus consistently directs attention to the eternal kingdom. Worldly events are temporary, and their passing nature underscores how we must prioritize God’s values and principles. Regardless of the temporal upsets, disappointments, or disasters of our society our ultimate citizenship is in the kingdom of heaven.
6. Remember your mission. Matthew 28:19-20 “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen”. While discussing wars and tumultuous times, Jesus emphasizes compassion and a commitment to the Great Commission. Regardless of the external circumstances, we are called to love, show compassion, and spreading the Gospel of salvation. Revelation also shows this, pointing us to worship Christ amid upheaval and darkness. The Word of God remains transformative among changing times.
7. Hope amid Turmoil. Jesus’ teachings in the Olivet Discourse convey hope even during turmoil. Whether facing wars or contemplating the end times, we are reassured that God’s redemptive plan continues. Understand as 1 Samuel 17:47 says, “And all this assembly shall know that the Lord saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the Lord's, and he will give you into our hands”.
CLOSE: - The end-time period surrounding Jesus’ second coming is called the end-times, last times, last hour, last days, day of the Lord, day of judgment, day of Gods wrath, time of punishment, end of the ages, end of all things. These expressions highlight the firm finality that the New Testament belief of this present course of history will come to an end when Jesus returns.
Mark 13:7-8 ESV says, “You will hear about wars. You will also hear people talking about future wars. Don’t be alarmed. Those things must happen. But the end still isn’t here. Nation will fight against nation. Kingdom will fight against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in many places. People will go hungry. All of those things are the beginning of birth pains”. These things are just the beginning. I believe that the annihilation of the USAID will be an avenue that starts the People will go hungry portion!
The Rapture of the Church will happen then the Tribulation period will occur after the peace treaty of Daniel 9:27 occurs. Once this peace treaty occurs, the temple in Israel can then be built. Then Christ’s prophecy Matthew 24:15 “When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand”. When the Antichrist signs the peace treaty, the Antichrist’s identity will become obvious. For he will sign the treaty on behalf of ten nations with Israel and Daniel’s prophecy Daniel 9:27 “And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate”. This can happen since a temple will exist.
Understand all who have tried to create lasting peace between Israel and her neighbors have failed; yet, the Word of God says that one man will appear to succeed. This man’s peace plan will begin the final countdown to the return of Jesus the Messiah to set up His Millennial Kingdom. This is the major sign people are waiting for and Zionist and those that think and believe they can bring this about through manipulation, with the removing of the Palestinians from Gaza, rebuilding Gaza and now opening up Eastern Riviera on the banks of Gaza which basically is what Trump stated this week. That is why it is so important to study the Word of God to show yourself approved unto God rightly dividing the Word of Truth and understanding what is going on in this world.
However, make sure that you are vigilant and prepared, steadfast and Trust in God’s Sovereignty, Endure Hardness of these times, have Discernment of the things that are going on, Build your hope on things Eternal, Remember your mission, Hope amid Turmoil.
Bishop Melvin L. Maughmer, Jr.
