Flee the Wrath

The following 9 minute video is an excerpt from a BBC produced documentary on the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, Japan in 1945.

I’m not sure exactly why I’m posting this video except to say that it is entirely plausible that a western nation may have to endure a similar scenario in the not too distant future. In fact from a biblical perspective, it’s pretty much assured.

Clearly there were things that the population of Hiroshima would have wished they had known, like don’t drink the black rain.

It is presently estimated that somewhere between 24,ooo and 33,000 nuclear weapons exist today, the vast majority belonging to the US and Russia. Considering the destructive power of the Hiroshima bombing, and putting it into context with the present stock of nuclear weapons, one can’t help being confronted by the tremendously destructive power presently available to humanity.

Interestingly in the scriptural account recorded in chapter 8 and 9 of  Revelation, concerning what sounds like nuclear warfare. We see a third of the earth destroyed and the waters made bitter, leading to the death of those who drink the bitter water. This comes as a result of a star named “Wormwood”

My belief is that this “wormwood” is a nuclear weapon, and the bitterness of the waters refers to the highly radioactive content that comes as a result. Basically that same scenario which led to the poisoning of so many Japanese during the Hiroshima bombing.

Rev 8:7  The first angel sounded: And hail and fire followed, mingled with blood, and they were thrown to the earth.[fn1] And a third of the trees were burned up, and all green grass was burned up.
Rev 8:8   Then the second angel sounded: And something like a great mountain burning with fire was thrown into the sea, and a third of the sea became blood.
Rev 8:9   And a third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed.
Rev 8:10 Then the third angel sounded: And a great star fell from heaven, burning like a torch, and it fell on a third of the rivers and on the springs of water.
Rev 8:11 The name of the star is Wormwood. A third of the waters became wormwood, and many men died from the water, because it was made bitter.

How often I wish I could say “thus sayeth the Lord” or that I could prophecy of coming upheavals with a certain sense of God ordained authority.

I wish I could tell you I had a dream about something or I saw a vision in my mind’s eye relating to a time of trouble for 2009, but alas, at least for me, it’s not to be.

As an avid student of “end time” theology, my thinking often tends to be apocalyptic. I see all things through a pair of glasses clearly coloured with the words “a time of trouble, not seen since the foundation of the world” Daniel 12:1, Matthew 24:21. Constantly looking for signs of the times, signs of Christ’s return. If you are into accumulating worldly possessions, it’s not a position I would recommend. Every time I think of buying something that might be considered a luxury, I hear the words “it’s all going to burn” 2 Pet 3:12. My earthly comfort is diminished, though I do delight in my wife and children and the opportunity to serve God in this generation.

So that said, what do I discern for 2009.

The world has embarked upon a journey toward a “new world order”. Since 911 this journey has gathered momentum, being driven by an unholy trinity of fears. Fear of terrorism and war, fear of global warming and climate change, fear of financial upheaval and economic apocalypse. This threefold trinity of fears will continue to drive the present generation toward a “New world order”, there is and can be no doubt about it, we are well down that road already.

In 2009 the most significant driver for this new world order will come as a result of the financial upheaval. 2009 will see the West sink into something far more significant than a recession. The prevailing madness that ensues will ensure that the appropriate “one world order” changes are instigated. There will no doubt be a currency crisis. I expect, along with many others, to see the present financial system, in which the world buys and sells in US dollars, come to an end. A new global financial system that suits the major players will follow. A system which will ultimately insure that you can neither buy nor sell without the appropriate government endorsed currency, the mark.

Also from within this unholy trinity of fears I expect to see the fear of terrorism and war will drive the world toward a global peace plan. What this means for Israel I am not sure, however I imagine that she will come under intense pressure from the world, as if all the nations are gathered against her. Many in the world already see Israel as the stumbling block toward world peace, and this a key issue which must be resolved if the world is to have peace. If only they knew!

Fear of terrorism will drive the continued encroachment of Gov’t and big business into our lives. The advance of a big brother with the promise that he will keep us secure and remove the threat of disorder, will continue. However you should expect the very opposite. With the present economic upheaval and the prevailing civil unrest we will see the policy of big brother justified and strengthened. Expect issues pertaining to personal identification to advance rapidly, expect loss of freedom, expect loss of privacy.

Finally, the third unholy fear, of global warming and climate change, will continue to unite many nations of the world. They will come together in like mind with a global plan and vision, to bring peace and security and a prosperous world to fruition. Though the vision is admirable, it is nothing more than a satanically inspired fear that assists in driving this new world order. Expect the results of whatever the new world order agrees to in this regard, to be burdensome to the peoples. Expect this “green religion” to prosper.

What can we expect in 2009? A continuation of all of these things, with increased momentum.

When men no longer trust God, when He is no longer seen as the all sufficient provider, men must trust in themselves, and as you can see, fear then becomes a motivation which drives the direction of humanity. Fear, along with mans own desire to create heaven on earth, are the driving forces which will bring about the fulfillment of biblical prophecy concerning the “beast” world power of the Book of revelation.

What can we expect in 2009 Christian?

These are days in which I am often saddened and at other times overjoyed. On one hand I see that men ought to hope in God, to place their trust in God, but do not. On the other hand  I see the day of our redemption drawing near. I too am able to be persuaded as to the uncertainty of the times, to be shaken and fearful, however, if there is something for us to learn, perhaps it is this. That the Lord God allmighty is allowing all of these things to come to pass, that scripture might be fulfilled, that the mystery of iniquity may reach it’s fulfillment, and that we Christians might continue to trust and be assured that He is bringing everything to completion in Christ. We must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

In 2009, I expect that we will learn to trust God a little more, and though the world around us is shaken, our hope will be more securely established in Him. What else can we do, where else can we go, for you oh Lord have the words of life.

Here is a short clip of a recent speech made by Gordon Brown concerning the New World Order.

Please see viewer warning at the bottom of this post before watching the video.

Went out last night to pick up a couple of things from the supermarket. On the way out the guy in front of me was pushing his trolley along and accidentally ran it straight into the pillar at the door entrance. We had a laugh together and I advised that he should get some driving lessons. But the noteworthy point in this meeting being that the first word that departed his lips as he hit the pillar was “Jesus”

How often when I’m at work, someone comes in to pay for their fuel, something goes wrong, i.e. swipe the EFTPOS card, card rejected, insufficient funds. So often the first words to depart the lips of the customer, “Jesus Christ”

The boss can’t get the books to balance, or something disastrous has occurred in the office. How often I hear it, either “Oh my God” or “Christ”

What is that? What is is about that name? That people who neither go to church nor confess a genuine belief in God, take delight in using that name.

When the Hollywood directors cast a scene that requires an impacting use of vocabulary, how often do we hear it, time and again “Jesus Christ”

I’ve watched German subtitled movies,  can’t understand any of the language, except the occasional “Jesus Christ”. What is that?

Why not Buddah, or some Hindu god. What about a devil, like Baal, or Lucifer, why the name of Christ?

What is it about that name?

WARNING : Many of you have probably seen the very short clip below of one of the WTC towers being hit by an aircraft, never the less, if hearing four letter words or the name of Christ used in vain offends you, then I suggest you do not watch the video.

In my previous post I mentioned briefly my belief that in these last days the Lord intends to reform His western church.

This coming reformation will not be according to the will of men, but God. It will not come as a result of a spiritual frenzy amidst Americas mega-churches, nor will it be an apostolic anointing in which men gather together to declare a move of God in the city.

Well how shall it come? I believe it shall come by tribulations and persecutions, and let me explain why.

Whilst reading a recent news item on Islam, I was overwhelmed by a sense of shame and sadness. In the article the author was explaining how the Sydney Islamic community has a desire and vision to build a large youth centre. Increasingly we see these issues coming to the surface, be it the building of Islamic schools, mosques, cemeteries. Islam is advancing and there is a certain sense of unity amongst their peoples, to work together to establish Islam in this nation.

Why do I have a sense of shame? I wonder, by way of contrast, where is the Christian unity? Where is the body of Christ in our day, where do we see the countless thousands of denominations in our day working together in One mind and One spirit, in a common vision to see the cause of Christ established beyond the walls of the church. I’m not sure that there is one, and this to our shame.

Is it just me or has it all become about church services, about big meetings, about denominational gatherings, about extravagant worship, about impacting sermons within the walls of our own buildings. This new age experiential Christianity which does not seek the good of Christ, but of men, of movements, of faiths, of congregations.  How many today call themselves “in Christ” yet divide themselves according to biblical revelations and teaching. Shame on us, shame on our self centred, selfish, self fulfilling ambition that seeks to exalt it’s own self, it’s own brand of church, whilst the body of Christ is torn apart amidst denominational struggles and sees little progress as a result of a lack of unity and vision. God help us!

Whilst Islam goes forward, one step at a time.

It’s too late, I’m sorry to have to be the one to say it, but I honestly believe it’s too late and that there is no man made way of undoing this mess which we have created. Mark 3:25 And if there is division in a house, that house will come to destruction. How I wish that there was another way out of this mess.

If indeed God is with us, if we are His, then in these last days He intends to correct the error of our ways. Surely He desires that we will be found spotless and without blemish at His coming. Right now, at this point in time we are far from it Christian, in fact we are more likely to be found poor, blind and naked according to Christ.

The western church must be refined in the fire of tribulation, she must wash her garments, make herself ready, and be found in the faith when He comes.

In the same way that God divided His people from the Egyptians using pharaoh, in the same way that Pharaoh’s heart became hardened with hatred toward the Hebrews, in this way I believe God will drive His people out of spiritual Egypt, the world. They shall come out of her enduring tribulation, in faith and patience. A united and separated people, for they will no longer be free to buy or sell, unless they take the mark.

Unfortunately, due to the lukewarm teaching which pervades Western culture today I fear many will be altogether shaken when trouble comes. Christ taught that tribulation will cause men to fall away from the faith, therefore they must be prepared, they must know what is coming in order that they might be found worthy to stand before the Son of man.

Eyes up people, reformation is coming. It’s just that I don’t believe it will come the way we had hoped it would come.

So many articles, dreams, visions and prophecies out there at the moment concerning the very soon coming rapture of the church, that I feel I must, along with many others continue to provide a counter argument to this rapture thinking.

The following article is thanks to “White Horse Media” and supports the view many of us have, one in which we believe that the western church must endure a coming tribulation. Perhaps more so now than anytime in history, the much divided, self centred, inward focussed Christian church needs a reformation, but this reformation will not come by the will of men, but God.

Will the Church go through the “Tribulation”?

by Steve Wohlberg

Many Christian prophecy teachers are now saying that “the Church” will NOT go through Earth’s final “tribulation,” but will instead be “raptured” (taken to heaven) before the final crisis hits. O­n the surface, such an idea sounds good – for who wants to suffer? The fact is, Christians have suffered “tribulation” throughout history and there will be no complete relief until the Second Coming of Jesus Christ at the very end of the world.

If you look up the word “tribulation” in the New Testament, almost every reference applies to what true Christians go through, rather than what they escape from.

John 16:33 – Jesus Christ said to His followers, “In the world YOU shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

Acts 14:22 – Paul told Christians, “WE through much tribulation must enter the kingdom of God.”

Matthew 24:21,22 – Jesus said there would be “great tribulation” which His followers (the “elect”) must endure. Yet for “the elects sake, those days shall be shortened.”

Romans 5:3 – True Christians are to “glory in tribulations” because “tribulation works patience” and develops Christian character.

2 Thessalonians 1:4 – Paul wrote of the many “persecutions and tribulations” which “the churches of God” were enduring in the first century (Christians were thrown to the lions in the coliseum, eaten by wild dogs, burned at the stake and lit up as torches in Nero’s garden).

Revelation 1:9 – John was our “companion in tribulation.”

Revelation 2:9 – To His church, Jesus said, “I know your works and tribulation…”

Revelation 2:10 – Again to His church, Jesus said, “YOU shall have tribulation…”

Revelation 7:14 – God’s final people “came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.” They did not escape it, but endured through it, being purified.

Thus the clear biblical evidence reveals that Christians have always gone through “tribulation” and will endure tribulations until the end. Yet we need not fear what man, governments, Satan or devils can do. Jesus Christ has promised, “Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the world.” Matthew 28:20.

Thanks again to ASBO Jesus….. “looking for God”

Over the past couple of weeks I’ve been pondering the issue of Mystery Babylon more than usual. The reason being that I read so much stuff on the web pertaining to her identity and her whereabouts.  Some say she is Jerusalem, some say she is the USA, some say she is Babylon of the middle east, some say she is the Roman catholic church……quite frankly it gets pretty confusing reading so many different thoughts.

I believe that in seeking to identify her we so often miss the point. We so often seek to see her identified in a physical form, like a nation, or a church. We all want to say look there she is, you see I was right…..but so often we give the impression that it’s not something the average joe Christian needs to be concerned about.

However it is not the location of Mystery Babylon that ought to be critically  important to us Christian, but rather to identify her ways. Let me explain.

Mystery Babylon exists for a purpose. God allows her to remain until the end of the age because it is according to His will. Though I imagine, most things she does are like an abomination to God, never the less it suits His purposes to allow her to remain for a time.

Babel, then Babylon, and now mystery Babylon, does the same thing she always has done throughout history. She is led and directed by the same Spirit, who is often referred to in the scriptures as Bel, Belial, Baal or Beliar. This spirit does the same thing it has always done, it leads men into idolatry and all manner of uncleaness.  The spirit behind Mystery Babylon is allowed to test the hearts of the men of the earth in order to prove those who are strong toward their God, to define those who will stand and not bow before other gods . She serves to refine the faithful, but to deceive the wicked.

We must recognise this bigger picture, and understand why she exists. Then you will understand why God allows His people to be surrounded by this Babylonian spirit. At the same time as we seek Him and His righteousness, He will grant us eyes to recognise her and flee from her. If we are earnest in our love, adoration and obedience to Christ, God will grant us the eyes to see, and then we will praise God in thankfulness.

Therefore in these last days in which many in the west have fallen from the faith, the way of Bel, Belial, Baal or Beliar is more prominant than ever. In these last days she is a significant spiritual kingdom who influences many nations of the earth. She is the harlot who rides the back of the nations, and if you are a Christian living in a western nation you will understand that she has led most men in our generation and culture to bow before other gods, like mammon, like idols made with hands, bowing with our service, our time and finance, to worship the things of the world.

In 2 Corinthians 6:15 the apostle Paul challenges the Corinthian church of 2000 years ago ” What harmony can there be between Christ and Belial”

The spirit of Belial existed in Babel, In Babylon, in the days of the Apostle Paul and the Corinthian church, then took on a new form under Rome by way of her apostate practices and now in these last days specifically seeks to deceive the Christian nations of the west.

She is allowed to test the hearts of the men in this generation, in order to prove those who are strong toward their God, to define those who will stand and not bow before other gods . She serves to refine the faithful, but to deceive the wicked by way of strong delusions.

Throughout the generations God has called his people to be seperate ;

2Cr 6:17 Therefore “Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you.”
2Cr 6:18 “I will be a Father to you, And you shall be My sons and daughters, Says the LORD Almighty.”

You see it’s not a new message, its’ the same message that God has been proclaiming to His people throughout history, “come out of her my people” It’s just that in these last days the delusion is strong and the comforts of this western culture are causing many to become complacent, for as Christ told His lukewarm church,we are poor, blind and naked.

As a western believer I must confess that it is rare that I come upon another believer who has forsaken the ways of this world in order to follow Christ.  Most I know live like the world, doing the things the world does, all be it under the banner “I’m a christian”. The life of the faithful is often just Church on Sunday and Bible study on Wednesday nights.

We serve the world with our time, yoke ourselves to the world by way of financial arrangements, bow before the same idols, idols made with mens hands, entertain ourselves as the world does, we seek the temporal over the eternal and we so often pay lip service to God, rather than foot service.

Our lives as Christians ought to be radically, inspirationaly different from those in the world around us. We ought to look like a peculiar people, refusing to live as the world lives, therebye living a pleasing life before God. If we will live according to the way which Christ has taught, we will not become entangled amongst the way of Mystery Babylon.

Christian, make no mistake about it, the way of Mystery Babylon is all around you. Do not be complacent, nor contented to live as the world lives. Flee from her ways. God may have granted you the wisdom of Solomon, the discernment of Paul, but these gifts will prove no benefit should you have neglected to heed the call.

Come out of her my people?

It is my firm belief that as the Day of the Lord, the Day of the wedding supper of the lamb approaches, the bride of Christ will recognise the closeness of that day at hand. We may not know the very day, but we will certainly recognise the season.

Even though the Day of the Lord shall indeed come as a thief in the night, a day when many do not expect, it is my conviction that as Noah was prepared and aware of the closeness of the day of the flood, in like fashion the bride of Christ will also be aware.

As the parable of the virgins declares “the midnight cry went out, the groom is returning” Mat 25:6

Those amongst the body of Christ who remain watchful, will hear the midnight cry, will trim their wicks and make ready.

The apostle Paul confirms this belief when he writes these words to the church of Thessalonica “but you are not in darkness concerning these things, and you will not be surprised when the day of the Lord comes as a thief in the night” 1 Thess 5:4

I do not believe for a moment that the Lord intends His people be unaware, He only comes as a thief to those who are unprepared, or altogether unwilling to keep watch, therefore they are caught unawares.

Those amongst the body of Christ who today would say something like “We do not know when the Lord is returning, He is coming as a thief in the night, so it is foolish for us to ponder”. To these ones I say you are possibly in darkness already. In fact my experience would indicate that those who think or make such statements are often living just as the world lives, in fellowship with the harlot and do not want to be distracted from pursuing their carnal plans in this world.

As Revelation 19 declares just before the wedding supper of the lamb, “the bride has made herself ready”. Yes she was aware the wedding was about to take place, she was prepared and has made herself ready, she has clothed herself in garments of righteousness, in white robes, granted to her as she carried out acts of righteousness.

Rev 19:7 “Let us rejoice and be glad and give the glory to Him, for the marriage of the Lamb has come and His bride has made herself ready.”
Rev 19:8 It was given to her to clothe herself in fine linen, bright {and} clean; for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.

It is the conviction of this author that the period preceding the judgement of the harlot, Mystery Babylon, recorded in Revelation 18, is the midnight cry to the people of God. It is the sounding of the trump, come out of her My people, make yourselves ready for the day of the Lord is at hand, the wedding supper of the lamb.

For those of us who dwell amidst the kingdom of Mystery Babylon, there are coming troubling times, times of testing, persecutions, which will require endurance. Even now I believe the judgment of the harlot is unfolding by way of the  removal of her god, Mammon. In this judgement God has granted an opportunity to us, according to His Grace, that we should clothe ourselves with righteous deeds, that we will not be found naked as those who are Lukewarm will be found naked.

Therefore I say to you Christian, be aware of the harlot of Mystery Babylon, know who she is, recognise her ways and flee from her, and God will grant you eyes to see her unfolding judgement.

Even so, she still pursues you Christian, and as Joseph was forced to flee the seduction of Pharaoh’s harlot wife, half naked. Let us apply that same desire to flee unrighteousness. Perhaps like Pharoah’s wife, the harlot will then hate you, because you resisted her, and imprison you, as you refused to be seduced by her ways. Never the less, endure your time of testing in quietness and confidence, and the Lord will exalt you in due season.

Failure to come out of her, to withdraw from her, will be likened to a groom who enters his bedroom, only to find his bride in bed with another. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Bhubaneshwar (AsiaNews) – There is still widespread terror in the district of Kandhamal (Orissa), where for months attacks and killings have continued against the Christians. The government of Orissa is forcing Christians to return to their villages, but is not guaranteeing them any security.

In recent days, two Christian women have been killed in the district. They had returned to the village to try to harvest rice from their fields, hoping to provide food for their family.

One of them, Bimala Nayak, 52, was hacked to death with axes and thrown into the forest. Her body was found in three pieces, outside the village of Gubria. She had left the refugee camp of Nuagaon to harvest the rice from her plot of land.

The other, Lalita Digal, 45, was killed in Dodabali last November 25. She was staying in the refugee camp of K.Nuagam, and on November 21 she had left to return to the village and harvest the rice. She was staying with some Hindu friends in the village. Witnesses say that the woman was taken away from the house where she was staying. Her body has not yet been found.

Full article can be found here

The ongoing persecution in Orissa, India these past 4 months ought to make us aware of a significant point. The world, by and large does not really care. Perhaps this is because Indians are not westerners, or perhaps this is because Christians are somehow responsible for the crimes being committed against them. Exactly which I do not know, perhaps both or some other reason.

In Contrast, the terrorism in Mumbai, India this past week has received tremendous coverage with many of the worlds leaders speaking out on the tragedy, our Western news media delivering to us daily the updated coverage, our front pages emblazoned with the individual stories and the now ongoing investigation into how this event managed to unfold. Mumbai was a tragedy, and the media is quite justified to bring this to our attention.

But I ask you to consider the response by the west and it’s media to the ongoing tragic events in Orissa.

Since the persecution in Orissa began 4 months ago it is estimated that as many as 500 Christians have been murdered, many of them brutally hacked to death, approximately 4000 homes have been destroyed, over 200 hundred churches burned, and as many as 40,000 have fled their homes to live elsewhere, only to be forced to return and face further persecution or slaughter.

Have you seen the media report these events in any significant sense. Has there been an uproar from the nations and a call for justice and order.

Surely these events are significant, perhaps more significant than the Mumbai terrorism. Ahh, then I guess not, these people who are suffering terribly in Orissa are not westerners, nor are their lives counted as valuable because of what they believe.

Christian let us consider that in the days ahead we may also find ourselves oppressed, persecuted, fleeing the comfort of our homes. The world may abandon you, perhaps you will think to yourself, surely their ought to be someone speaking out against my injustice, perhaps you will think that God has abandoned you, as no one cares. Do not be dismayed, for such are the trials of your brothers and sisters throughout the generations of Christ.

The event in Mumbai does bring one other thought to mind. These terrosists were looking specifically for Westerners and Jews. The same murderous spirit that led to the slaughter of 6 million Jews is aroused. This time however it is not Jews alone, but westerners, those who make up the Harlot kingdom of Mystery Babylon.

Rev 17:16 And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire.
Rev 17:17 For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled.
Rev 17:18 And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth.

I am reminded today of the great gift given to us in Christ, a new heart and a new Spirit. This is the salvation of God unto eternal life.

I am reminded that we are like the lilies of the field, there is little we can do of ourselves. To know God, to desire Him, this is a gift according to His righteousness and grace.

There are times I sense I am striving to to earn this salvation, to prove myself worthy of it, you may even get some sense of this in my writing, but this is just vanity. As if I can save my own soul!

My purpose and message in this blog, to encourage you to flee from the midst of Mystery Babylon cannot come by human understanding alone, the ability to discern Mystery Babylon, to recognise her and her ways, yes even this is according to the grace of God. Should you the hearer of these words be in any way, shape, or form, led to flee from her ways, then Praise God.

Christ only requires us to listen and follow. We are to rest from our labours, this I understand now. Allow the Shepherd of the flock to lead, and if we will listen, I am confident that we will hear that it is He who is calling His people out of Mystery Babylon, it is He who is bringing this end time exodus to it’s fulfillment.

The Apostle John declares in Revelation “listen to what the Spirit says to the churches”

I would not want any man to think that we are saved according to our own efforts and that your fleeing from Mystery Babylon was in some sense according to your own good effort, this cannot be true, except in the Grace of God in Christ.

Salvation in Christ alone, according to His grace and mercy alone. He is the Shepherd, and we follow.

To God be the glory.

And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. Rev 18:4