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World Events – 7 Reasons I’m on High Alert this Summer
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| 7 Reasons I’m on High Alert this Summer
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Doesn’t it seem that time is speeding up? We feel the world events racing. We perceive the conflict intensifying. And we sense that the time is short.
But it’s not merely our shared intuition that signals the coming of a global crisis. No. Virtually all of the biblical ‘signs of the times’ are increasing - in frequency, in intensity, and in visibility – all confirming the fact that we are indeed accelerating toward the fulfillment of that blessed hope – the appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.
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- The Pope is calling for Protestants to unify with Rome, as we are told “the Protestant Reformation is over,”
- Civil unrest is simmering to a boil in the US and many places worldwide,
- Shocking levels of immorality are not only permitted, but glorified,
- Families are falling apart, addictions rising, and personal piety waning,
- And even earthquakes and other natural disasters are on the rise (we’ve witnessed over a 40% increase in the number of 6.0+ magnitude earthquakes per year globally since 1970!).
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But, praise the Lord, the everlasting gospel is echoing more fully, more clearly, and more widely.
On the eve of the first day of summer, I write this newsletter with a sense of anticipation that this summer (and fall) will set into motion several major, world-changing events. Whether imperceptibly and quietly or startlingly and blatantly, events are underway that will, no doubt, accelerate the global descent into deception and ruin, and hasten the coming of Christ.
I share these seven indicators looming on the horizon not for the purpose of elevating world events to the highest focus of our study – for that position must always and only be reserved for the Word of God. But, I share these seven up-coming dates with you to briefly demonstrate that it appears that we are entering an important phase of the last days.
Simply put, we are witnessing a convergence of numerous, rapidly-approaching events. Political, social, economic, religious, and military forces are
accelerating and are bringing the world literally to the tipping point of history. Space doesn’t allow for a mention of everything going on in the world, but there are, in the next few months, seven key dates to take note of: one at the end of June, then July 1, July 15, September 13, September 24, September 28, and October 1. During this period, whether exactly on these dates or not, events will be set into motion that will change our world in a significant way.
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1. JUNE (A FEW DAYS FROM NOW) - US Supreme Court Ruling on Gay Marriage Most of the legal commentators and analysts are predicting that in just a few short days, it will become illegal and unconstitutional for any state in the U.S. to define marriage as a union between one man and one woman. In other words, the Supreme Court of the United States is set to proclaim homosexual marriage to be the law of the land in the entire country.
Aside from the obvious societal moral degradation that this decision will fuel, we will witness several major consequences with regard to religious liberty. First, it will now be established that a pastor who denies the request of a gay couple to officiate their wedding can be legally charged with violating the equal rights of gays. Bible-believing pastors have already been targeted in other western nations and in several states in the U.S. on these same grounds. This will now be the case nation-wide.
Secondly,
private individuals can also be accused of discrimination. This was the case in Colorado recently, when a baker who refused to bake a wedding cake for a gay couple because it violated his conscience to do so, was charged with discrimination. Now it will be the case nation-wide that private individuals can come under legal condemnation for refusing to support homosexuality in cases like this.
Thirdly, defining homosexuals as a protected group with special rights establishes the legal basis to further expand and enforce ‘hate crimes’ or ‘hate speech’ statues, which have emerged in western nations. It is not an exaggeration to say that the simple act of publicly reading aloud Romans 1 in many places in the West can bring the reader under legal condemnation, since this text condemns homosexual behavior – a form of so-called “hate speech.”
Perhaps the greatest
danger of this Supreme Court decision, however, lies a bit beneath the surface. This Supreme Court decision will be the most controversial morals-related decision since 1973, when Roe v. Wade made it illegal for state governments to prevent the killing of a baby in the womb. It was that Supreme Court decision, combined with the moral pollution of the 60s and 70s, which gave rise to the contemporary reactionary political movement known as the ‘religious right’ or the ‘moral majority.’ Elements of this movement loudly voiced the battle cry to ‘take America back for God’ – but not through evangelism. Through politics and government.
Today, we are seeing that same history repeat and intensify. We have once again witnessed societal moral breakdown in recent decades, just as in the 60s and 70s, but this time, much worse. And, we are once again going to see a controversial
Supreme Court decision handed down, just as in 1973 – but not a decision on abortion this time, a decision on gay marriage, an even more controversial topic.
So, what should we expect in response to the recent moral breakdown and the coming morally controversial Supreme Court decision? We can expect, once again, a major reaction on the part of the religio-political zealots, except this time, the battle cry to ‘take America back for God’ will be even more intense.
And what can that lead to in a time of crisis? You guessed it: political pressure to legislate and force religious observance. The lamb-like beast will indeed speak like a dragon.
Whispers of those dragon-like words are already with us. Recently, an Arizona state senator actually stated the following words in a committee hearing:
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"I believe what's happening to our country is that there's a moral erosion of the soul of America… Probably we should be debating a bill requiring every American to attend a church of their choice on Sunday to see if we can get back to having a moral rebirth.”
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Required Sunday observance? While it sounds unlikely right now, just wait for the right major crisis.
Lastly, it could happen that, just as God punished America for the sin of slavery during the crisis of the Civil War (1T 264), that He will once again punish our land during another time of crisis, this time for the great sin of sexual immorality – pornography, fornication, adultery, immodesty, lust, homosexual behavior – all of it.
Put simply, the religious freedoms that we have held dear for so long could be vanishing before our eyes very soon.
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2. July 1-11 – Historic General Conference Session Much has been said about what is arguably the most significant General Conference session in over a hundred years. I will hold my peace at this point regarding the issues being debated. But, to demonstrate the significance of this event in the scope of religious history I’ll quote a local conference official whom I spoke with, who gave me his succinct assessment of this GC session.
I asked, “Elder so-and-so, what is your take on this GC session?” He replied, “Scott, what does it mean to you when I say the words ‘Nine-Eleven’?”
“Well, when I think of 9/11 I think of an earth-shattering, history-changing event that had enormous and lasting consequences,” I replied.
His response: “Exactly. This GC is going to be a 9/11 type of event for the church.”
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3. July 15-September 15 – Unprecedented Domestic Military Drills in U.S. The map pictured below was recently leaked from a U.S. Military source. It shows that a military exercise called Jade Helm 15 is set to take place, which includes drill scenarios where certain areas of the U.S. (colored red on the map) are identified as enemy or ‘hostile’ territory. Military sources have acknowledged the authenticity of the map and the existence of Jade Helm 15. They have explained that these military exercises are set to take place between July 15 and September 15 in the American southwest. They are now working with local civilian governments and law enforcement to implement these domestic military exercises.
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| After this map was leaked, the idea that a country’s own military could bring itself to list portions of its own country as ‘hostile’ was quite shocking to many Americans. Not surprisingly, the map went viral on the internet, even triggering fears that this drill would go “live” and that there would be an actual martial law crack-down this summer.
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To be clear, there is no evidence whatsoever that there is a literal planned take-over of portions of the United States this summer. Yes, the high school U.S. Government teacher in me is a little disconcerted to see a military exercise that trains soldiers using a scenario where their own country is the ‘hostile’ enemy. And yes, it is true that the incremental presence of military activity domestically can definitely have the effect of psychologically normalizing domestic military operations in the minds of the population. But again, Jade Helm 15 is just a drill, and is not martial law.
Yet at the same time, we know that Revelation 13 points to a final crisis involving the mark of the beast and a death decree. When that time comes, there will certainly be a government crack-down of some kind, perhaps martial law or something like it – definitely the likes of which we have
never witnessed. The lamb-like beast will enforce the worship of the first beast of Revelation 13.
It goes without saying: these final last-days authoritarian actions cannot be implemented until they are preceded by certain preparatory phases including various forms of training, exercises, etc. Perhaps the increasing incidents of domestic military drills are evidence that we are in those preparatory phases today.
While we should not go onto the conspiracy theory rabbit trail, and while we should avoid manifesting a political reaction against Jade Helm 15, especially with a rebellious tone against our government, it is yet note-worthy that prophecy is being fulfilled, as certain political forces are – though probably unwittingly – indeed advancing the preparatory steps that will lead to the final fulfillment of Revelation 13.
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4. September 13 – The Last Day of the Jewish Sabbatical Year Why would we be interested in the Jewish sabbatical year? We are no longer under the feast calendar of the Israelites. Yes, that’s true. And honestly, I never have paid much attention to the Jewish calendar. And I still don’t. Except, as I put on my economics teacher hat, I notice this one very interesting trend going back many decades. Before I describe it, I want to be clear that this analysis should have no impact on our theology regarding the ceremonial and national laws of ancient Israel. But, as we do a little economics lesson, we may learn some enlightening things.
In the Bible times, every seventh year was observed as a ‘sabbatical’ year. Debts were cleared and the land lay fallow. Certainly, the concept of being debt-free is a good one, for “the borrower is slave to the lender!” (Prov. 22:7) And still today, for those who take out a loan, it is a reasonable
goal – not a law, but a good principle – to try to pay off debts within seven years. While we don’t insist on the ceremonial law of observing the sabbatical year, avoiding long-term debt is still a quite prudent financial principle. And this avoidance of perpetual debt was the principle behind the ancient sabbatical year.
Throughout history, the Jews have continued to recognize the sabbatical year. So, we can know with reasonable certainty that, had the sabbatical year continued after the cross, September 2014- September 2015 would be a sabbatical year.
Why does this matter?
A bit of economic history will help. In the 1990s and 2000s, we heavily borrowed our way into unprecedented prosperity in the West. Consumption had become the new idol of the last days, as men were lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.
What was the result of all of this debt?
Well, the stock market experienced what economists refer to as a ‘bubble’ – a dramatic rise in value – which inevitably ‘pops,’ as stocks or other assets crash in value. The most notable bubble was the ‘dot-com’ bubble of the 1990s. During this time, the prices of ‘tech’ stocks ballooned, and as expected, that bubble ‘popped’ (i.e. stocks crashed in value). This crash happened in the year 2000. What is especially interesting is that this year was the very year that today’s Jewish people recon as the sabbatical year.
Perhaps it was a coincidence that so much debt-based wealth was destroyed in the very year that was once dedicated to the clearing of debts.
But then it becomes even more interesting. On the exact day which was observed as the last day of that 2000-2001 sabbatical year (Sept. 17, 2001), the Dow Jones Industrial Average – the leading
U.S. stock market index – crashed 7.1%. On the last day of the sabbatical year. 7%.
Again, could be a coincidence.
But then, exactly seven years later 2007-2008, the same thing happened. We had another stock market crash begin in the fall of 2007. And then, as if on cue, on the exact last day of the Israelite sabbatical year (this time, September 29, 2008) – the Dow again crashed big-time in one day, this time a stunning and perhaps symbolic 777.68 points. On the last day of the sabbatical year. 777 points.
The 7% crash on the last day of the 2001 sabbatical year, and the 777 point crash on the last day of the 2008 sabbatical year were two of the biggest stock market crashes in history.
I can’t help but wonder if the timing of the crashes, the magnitude of the loss in wealth, and the inordinate number of 7s, all point to an intervention by the God of the
universe saying, “I am trying to send you a message. Stop living selfishly. Stop financing a lavish lifestyle with borrowed money.”
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PLEASE do not take this information to play the stock market or make predictions or keep the Jewish calendar or elevate economic study to the level of present truth! But, as we keep this all in perspective with a balanced view, it is worth noting that the biggest stock and bond crashes of our lifetime all took place during what is observed today as the ancient sabbatical year. The big stock/bond crashes of the last 50 years all occurred in: 1973-74, 1980-81, 1987-88, 1994-95, 00-01, and 07-08. All of these were Jewish sabbatical years (which run usually from September to September).
Also, interestingly, the biggest percentage-crashes in stock market history took place during the sabbatical year: 1930-31 and 1937-38. (The ’30-‘31 crash literally began the day after the sabbatical year began, and then the last day of the year, ushered in the biggest month of decline in stock market history.)
To be sure, this trend could possibly be orchestrated by powerful people who believe in these dates, and seek to produce self-fulfilling
prophecies. Who knows? But to me, this little economic history lesson is a good reminder from God to live within my means, avoid debt, and avoid risky investments. And if history repeats, we could expect this September to usher in some economic fireworks of some kind that have major world-changing implications.
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5. September 24 – The Pope to Address the U.S. Congress This is an absolutely astounding development in the scope of history. To put this in perspective, allow me to put on my U.S. History teacher hat. Go back 150 years and imagine yourself telling Americans on the street that there would come a time when the Pope would stand before the U.S. Congress to address this nation. They would think you’re joking. If you pressed the issue in all seriousness, you would be laughed at as a lunatic.
The notion that America and Rome, Protestants and Catholics, would ever reach across the gulf to clasp hands was considered patently absurd – an outlandish conspiracy theory. There was an historical, a present, and a very deep animosity between the two sides, even manifesting in marked instances of violence, the burning of Catholic churches, and an entire prominent political party (the ‘Know-nothing’ Party) dedicated to stopping immigration
from Catholic countries.
But, in spite of those seemingly irreconcilable differences, on September 24, the first and second beasts of Revelation 13 will formally meet. The Pope will address a joint session of the U.S. Congress.
To be sure, in the past, U.S. presidents have met with the pope. While that was a huge development at the time, this is even more significant for two reasons.
One, the Congress is the ‘peoples’ branch of government – it is representative of the whole ‘apostate Protestant’ nation. And secondly, this is not just a mere conversation between two leaders, but this is the Pope being elevated to a position of honor. Our lawmakers have asked him to address Congress – in other words, to counsel our nation, as they heed his insights into matters of governmental policy.
This is a clear signal that Revelation 13 will be kicked into high
gear sooner than we might have thought.
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6. September 28 – The Fourth Lunar Eclipse With this indicator, I have to be frank: many our evangelical friends have really taken this one overboard in their fanciful interpretations of prophecy, best-selling books, and practically obsessing on the topic. I’ll explain what the phenomenon is, and how we can view this, as remnant believers.
On seven separate occasions since the time of Jesus, the movements of the earth, sun, and moon, have coordinated an interesting line-up of events: four lunar eclipses over a period of two years, all of which fall on Jewish holidays. It is a very rare event to have four complete lunar eclipses all fall on Jewish holidays over a two-year period of time. It has only happened seven times in 2100 years.
I won’t recount all of the history, but it is quite amazing how each time this astronomical phenomenon has occurred, it has also coincided with some of the most
significant political, social, and geographic developments involving the Jewish people that have ever happened. Each time that there are four lunar eclipses falling on Jewish holidays, the history of the Jews has been impacted in a major way.
And, as you probably guessed, we’re in the midst of one of those periods right now. From 2014-2015, four lunar eclipses occur and happen to fall on Jewish holidays. The last lunar eclipse of the four will land on September 28, 2015. (The others occurred on April 15, 2014, October 8, 2014, and April 4, 2015.)
[A word of caution: Guard against having an Israel-centered interpretation of last day prophecies! It is one of the biggest deceptions out there today. Many prophetic teachers are making foolish predictions with regard to September 28, and linking it with false interpretations of Israel in prophecy – beware!]
So, why
mention the lunar eclipses and the Jewish people then?
Other than being aware of what the deceptions are and warning people against them, here is why I view this phenomenon as a significant one. When political and military leaders and powerful global interests notice patterns like this, that fact alone can produce a ‘self-fulfilling prophecy.’ In other words, there may be no divine interest or prophetic significance in these lunar eclipses at all, and yet human beings may view them as a harbinger, and thus act accordingly, causing more world-changing events involving the Jewish people. That means: more global instability and potentially war in the Middle East.
But you don’t need the eclipses to note that we are already in the midst of increased tensions in the Middle East and elsewhere, as we are witnessing the greatest revival of violent Islamic extremism
that we have seen in a thousand years.
And it appears to only be intensifying.
Christians are the single
most persecuted religious group in the world today, suffering at the hands of ISIS and affiliated violent Muslims.
And it is only a matter of time before the wars and rumors of war escalate into highly intense ‘birth pangs’ – i.e. war in the Middle East. Whether the powder keg goes off this fall, sooner, or later, is not the most important fact. We don’t know when it will happen. But we know that wars will increase in the last days, and that our world today is becoming more and more unstable very quickly. And, if the pattern holds, that instability could spill over this fall and into next year.
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7. October 1 - Economic Cycle Turns Down. When I studied Economics in my graduate studies, I realized quickly that analyzing the timing of economic cycles was not a popular or accepted practice in the field of economics. So, my interest was piqued.
In recent years, I have largely left off my studies in economics, political science and history, in favor of Bible study and seminars on media, parenting, education, etc. But I took notice in an especially keen way recently, when I recalled the “Economic Confidence Model.” This model was developed in the 1980s to analyze international capital flows. I’ll spare you the economics jargon and just say this: the Economic Confidence Model has accurately predicted many economic cycles since its development.
And, as you may have guessed, it is pointing to a major event that is set to begin this fall.
Specifically, this economic model happens to point to a serious
financial downturn beginning on October 1, and continues downward for the rest of the decade. Markets can’t be timed down to the day, but the trend is set to change this year and into 2016, with October 1 as the median hinge point.
And it’s not just that one economic model.
A number of economic cycle theories also point to the period of 2015-2020 as being a perfect storm of economic woe, as several indicators and cycles - from weather and geopolitics to demographics and civil unrest - all move in a downward trend at the same time.
Again, the Lord can intervene and overthrow the best predictive models. The angels at the four corners of the earth can give us more time to do the work of the Lord. But the likelihood that this fall and 2016 will bring huge economic problems is very high. It would be prudent to re-double your efforts to practice frugality, economy, and good stewardship.
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Moral degradation and religious liberty under siege. Historic controversies in the remnant church. Unprecedented domestic military drills. The unifying of the first and second beasts of Revelation 13. And the likelihood of major economic and military crises on the horizon. Do these all add up to something?
Certainly, world events ebb and flow, as the birth pangs slowly increase, pull back, and then increase more. But, I don’t recall a time quite like this summer and fall, when so many significant movements are converging in the same short period.
Exactly when the break-out crises will take place we do not know, and we need not speculate. Certainly, the four angels at the four corners of the earth have already held back the winds of strife longer than we had thought they would, and we thank the Lord for the extended time to labor. But this calm before the storm can only last for so long. To put it mildly, even secular commentators in various fields of research are now suggesting that the world just a couple years from now will not resemble the world as we know it today.
Today’s society has become spiritually fat, over-fed with
pleasure, and spoiled rotten. We are on the verge of the biggest crisis in the history of the world, and we are not even close to being physically or spiritually ready for a crisis of this magnitude.
Perhaps identifying these seven dates this summer/fall can serve to ring the alarm bell that the end-times clock is still ticking. It is now time to even more urgently repent and seek the Lord in the remaining hours of this Day of Atonement, to vigorously reach out to the lost with the gospel, and to urgently present the three angels’ messages in all their stunning clarity.
We are not to prepare out of fear, for there is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out all fear – a biblical fact observed in modern science, as the fear circuits of the brain actually impair the altruism circuits. Truly, it must be the love of Christ, not the excitement of the news headlines, that
constraineth us (2 Cor 5:14).
But if it takes the ominous thunder of the approaching storm to awaken us from our slumber, then let it be known this day, June 21, 2015, that in the coming months and perhaps a few short years, there is indeed a perfect storm brewing. Bible prophecy certifies the fact. The clouds are gathering even now. It is a convergence of events that, unless the Lord drastically intervenes to buy us more time to work, will trigger a rapid intensifying of the last day crises we have so long anticipated.
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| “And that, knowing the time,
that now it is high time to awake out of sleep:
for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.”
-Romans 13:11.
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Let us not be caught unprepared! Let us not fail to reach the lost! Let us work while the day lasteth!
For the night cometh when no man can work.
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| Scott Ritsema
Belt of Truth Ministries
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