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-For today’s prophecy update I’m going to argue from the scriptures how we can know this is the last hour of human history, as we know it. -I’m beginning with the presupposition that we all know how that God doesn’t want us ignorant concerning the last days prior to His return. -Not only does He not want us ignorant, He wants us watching, so we’re ready and when the time comes, it won’t be as a thief in the night.
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Matthew 24:42-44 NIV "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. (43) But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. (44) So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.
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John 14:29 NIV I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe.
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-The question becomes, what exactly is it that we are told will happen before it happens so when it happens we will believe in Jesus Christ. -I’m so glad you asked that question, because the Bible is replete with specific prophecies, which tell us precisely what’s going to happen. -You’ll forgive me in advance for moving really fast as I go through a smattering of these prophecies, all of which are happening right now!
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1) Isaiah 19 Concerning Egypt: This prophecy foretells how that Egypt will have an uprising, then come under the control of a fierce ruler. -Consider these recent headlines, from just the last few days, and by the way this is what we’ll do for all the prophecies we look at today.
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• Arab Spring run amok: 'Brotherhood' starts crucifixions • Muslim Brotherhood seizes control of Egyptian military • Egypt: Morsi sacks defense minister and chief of staff in radical shake up • Egypt troops move into Israel border zone
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2) Isaiah 17 Concerning Syria: This prophecy foretells how Syria will become a ruinous heap when it’s capital city of Damascus collapses.
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• PM who defected says Syrian regime near collapse
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3) Psalms 83 Concerning Israel: This prophecy foretells of an alliance attacking Israel to destroy her as a nation and wiping it off the map.
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• Hezbollah leader threatens to transform Israelis’ lives into hell • Khamenei: Zionist regime will disappear from map
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4) Ezekiel 38 Concerning Russia and Iran: This prophecy foretells of another alliance attacking Israel so as to take a spoil from her.
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• Fears of war grow in Israel with Iran strike talk • Israelis snap up gas masks as Iran attack threat rises
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5) Matthew 24 Concerning Wars and Earthquakes: This prophecy from Jesus Himself foretells of how there will be famines/earthquakes.
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• Nearly 1,000 earthquakes recorded in Arizona over 3 years • Strong 7.7 earthquake strikes water off far eastern Russia • Two earthquakes in Iran kill 300 and injure 5,000 • Flash Floods, Tornados, Oppressive Heat: When Will It End? • Extreme heat and droughts --a recipe for world food woes
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-While I could go on and on, ad infinitum, I won’t in the interest of time, but that’s not to say, you can’t take it to the next level on your own. -It’s been said that if you give a man a fish, you feed him once, however, if you teach a man to fish on his own, you will feed him forever. -I know I’ve done what my Master has called me to do when I’ve taught and equipped you to be good Berean’s searching the scriptures.
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-If you would permit me to, I would like to encourage you to search the scriptures daily not only for your own sake, but for the sake of others. -By that I mean, it’s incumbent upon all of us to be prepared in and out of season, to give an answer to every man of that hope within us. -If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably noticed that people are hurting and struggling, thus they have become very fearful and hopeless.
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-I think I’d be grossly remiss if I didn’t address the skeptic who argues every generation thought that Jesus would return in their lifetime. -At the risk of an oversimplification, I would submit that practically, logically, and especially, statistically, it’s not only possible it’s probable. -By virtue of the simple fact that Israel is back in her land, and has survived against all odds here-to-for, proves that we are that generation.
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Matthew 24:32-36 NIV "Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. (33) Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door. (34) I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. (35) Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. (36) "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.
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-In closing, I’d like to invite you to turn to the Peter’s second epistle chapter three and follow along as I read verses eight through eleven.
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2 Peter 3:8-11 NIV But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. (9) The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. (10) But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. (11) Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives
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Notes