Prophecy Focus Global Update
Current Events in the Light of Bible Prophecy
October 1, 2024
The Entire 45 Minute Video/Audio Presentation can be seen at:
https://web.sermonaudio.com/sermons/92124192048233
Welcome to Prophecy Focus Global Update, where we discuss current events in relation to Bible prophecy. There are many events happening, but today we'll focus on a few key issues that highlight the perilous times we live in.
Biblical Warning
To begin, let's reflect on 2 Timothy 3:1, where the Apostle Paul warns Timothy about dangerous perilous times in the last days of the church age. These warnings resonate with the troubling events occurring in our world today. In 2 Timothy 4, Paul also mentions a time when people will not endure sound doctrine but will turn away from the truth. I suggest that the time Paul referred to is this very moment. This serves as a reminder for us to stay vigilant and fulfill our calling as Christians. In 2 Timothy 4:3-5, it states, "For the time will come," and I believe it’s now, "when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; they will turn their ears away from the truth and be turned aside to fables." Speaking to Christians now: "Be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry." Those are good opening verses to get us started.
Hezbollah Pager Explosions
One major news story is Hezbollah's recent attack on Israel, marking the first of its kind since the use of pagers for communication. Hezbollah reportedly purchased 5,000 pagers, preferring this older technology as it is harder to hack than cell phones. However, Israel's intelligence agency, the Mossad, allegedly intercepted this move and implanted explosives in those pagers. When the pagers were activated, a significant number exploded, resulting in tragic casualties and injuries.1 Thousands of severe injuries occurred included many who lost their eye sight, bodies mauled, and even death.
This incident illustrates the lengths to which groups will go to secure their communications and emphasizes the high stakes involved. The recent rise of technologies in surveillance and communication raises concerns about our own devices. Today, many people might not realize how easily their personal information can be accessed through technology.
Foreign Election Hacking
Another pressing issue is the risk of foreign hacking during election years, as identified by U.S. judges. This has been a recurring problem in recent elections, affecting both political parties and raising concerns about election security.2
We should also acknowledge the threats faced by politicians, including recent assassination attempts against former President Trump. While the level of rhetoric has become increasingly heated, we must pray for those in positions of public office, asking God to protect them.
Technology Threats
Shifting our focus back to technology, it ties into the discussions surrounding artificial intelligence and transhumanism, which are significant themes in Revelation 13. As technology continues to advance, we must consider its implications, especially how it may be used in potential future scenarios related to prophecy.
13He (false prophet - Antichrist’s second in command) performs great signs, so that he
even makes fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men. 14And he
deceives those who dwell on the earth—by those signs which he was granted to do in
the sight of the beast (Antichrist), telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image
to the beast who was wounded by the sword and lived. 15He was granted power to give
breath (life) the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak and
cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed (artificial
intelligence?). 16He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to
receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, 17and that no one may buy or
sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.
18Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for
it is the number of a man: His number is 666. (Revelation 13:13–18)
US vs China
In a geopolitical context, the U.S. is currently enhancing its maritime defenses against China, a nation mentioned in Revelation related to the end times. “The United States is amassing an arsenal of abundant and easily made anti-ship weapons as part of American efforts to deter China in the Indo-Pacific region and gear up U.S. forces there. Russia's invasion of Ukraine has pushed U.S. thinking toward a new philosophy - "affordable mass," as one missile industry CEO put it, speaking on condition of anonymity, referring to having plenty of relatively cheap weapons at the ready.” “The United States has ramped up testing of its QUICKSINK weapon, an inexpensive and potentially plentiful bomb equipped with a low-cost GPS guidance kit and a seeker that can track moving objects. The U.S. Air Force used a B-2 stealth bomber during a test last month in the Gulf of Mexico to strike a target ship with QUICKSINK.”3
Revelation 16 makes it clear that the “kings of the east,” which certainly includes China, will have a major part in the future battle of Armageddon, which occurs at the end of the 7-year Tribulation, leading into the millennial kingdom.
12Then the sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was
dried up, so that the way of the kings from the east might be prepared. 13And I saw three
unclean spirits like frogs coming out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the
beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. 14For they are spirits of demons,
performing signs, which go out to the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather
them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty. 15“Behold, I am coming as a thief.
Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his
shame.” 16And they gathered them together to the place called in Hebrew, Armageddon.
(Revelation 16:12–16)
US Massive Debt
The scale of U.S. national debt, currently around $35 trillion, also raises significant economic concerns. The government’s expenditures and mounting interest payments could lead to a financial crisis, which could play a role in how prophecy unfolds.
The U.S. Treasury Department reported on Thursday that the government has spent $1.049 trillion in interest payments over the past 11 months (since October), 30% higher than the same period last year. To belabor the point, those decimal places, “.049,” represent $49 billion! The Treasury Department expects to pay out $1.158 trillion on interest over the full fiscal year.4
Revelation 13 speaks of a one-world government, religion, and economy, events we see foreshadowed in the news today. The false prophet will play a crucial role in directing global worship toward the Antichrist. With advancements in technology, the idea of an image that speaks and monitors behavior no longer seems far-fetched.
As Christians, we can be both concerned and hopeful. While the world may seem chaotic, Scripture assures us that God is still sovereign. Revelation emphasizes that a final victory is forthcoming, though much turmoil may precede it.
The Centrality of the Gospel
We’re also reminded of the importance of compassion as we engage with people of different faiths. As Muslims increasingly populate various countries, we should view each person as someone for whom Christ died. Our goal should be to share the love of Christ and engage in meaningful conversations. “Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God”
(2 Cor. 5:20).
In conclusion, as we navigate current events through the lens of Bible prophecy, it’s crucial to stay aware and maintain hope. While the challenges we face may be daunting, they also represent the unfolding of God’s plan as we look toward the eventual triumph of good over evil. Let us remain steadfast in our faith and committed to sharing the message of hope with those around us.
________________________________
1 Laila Bassam and Maya Gebeily, Hezbollah Says It Launched First Attack On Israel Since Pager Blasts,
Reuters, September 18, 2024, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-planted-explosives-hezbollahs- taiwan-made-pagers-say-sources-2024-09-18/.
2 Nate Raymond, US Judges Warned of Election-Year Risks of Foreign Hacking, Reuters, September 17,
2024, https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-judges-warned-election-year-risks-foreign-hacking-2024-09-17/.
3 Gerry Doyle and Mike Stone, US Strategy For Anti-Ship Weapons To Counter China: Plentiful, Mobile,
Deadly, Reuters, September 17, 2024, https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/us-strategy-anti- ship-weapons-counter-china-plentiful-mobile-deadly-2024-09-17/.
4 Joshua Arnold, Federal Interest Payments Top $1 Trillion Annually, Washington Stand, September 16,
2024, https://washingtonstand.com/commentary/federal-interest-payments-top-1-trillion-annually.
Biblical Warning
To begin, let's reflect on 2 Timothy 3:1, where the Apostle Paul warns Timothy about dangerous perilous times in the last days of the church age. These warnings resonate with the troubling events occurring in our world today. In 2 Timothy 4, Paul also mentions a time when people will not endure sound doctrine but will turn away from the truth. I suggest that the time Paul referred to is this very moment. This serves as a reminder for us to stay vigilant and fulfill our calling as Christians. In 2 Timothy 4:3-5, it states, "For the time will come," and I believe it’s now, "when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; they will turn their ears away from the truth and be turned aside to fables." Speaking to Christians now: "Be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry." Those are good opening verses to get us started.
Hezbollah Pager Explosions
One major news story is Hezbollah's recent attack on Israel, marking the first of its kind since the use of pagers for communication. Hezbollah reportedly purchased 5,000 pagers, preferring this older technology as it is harder to hack than cell phones. However, Israel's intelligence agency, the Mossad, allegedly intercepted this move and implanted explosives in those pagers. When the pagers were activated, a significant number exploded, resulting in tragic casualties and injuries.1 Thousands of severe injuries occurred included many who lost their eye sight, bodies mauled, and even death.
This incident illustrates the lengths to which groups will go to secure their communications and emphasizes the high stakes involved. The recent rise of technologies in surveillance and communication raises concerns about our own devices. Today, many people might not realize how easily their personal information can be accessed through technology.
Foreign Election Hacking
Another pressing issue is the risk of foreign hacking during election years, as identified by U.S. judges. This has been a recurring problem in recent elections, affecting both political parties and raising concerns about election security.2
We should also acknowledge the threats faced by politicians, including recent assassination attempts against former President Trump. While the level of rhetoric has become increasingly heated, we must pray for those in positions of public office, asking God to protect them.
Technology Threats
Shifting our focus back to technology, it ties into the discussions surrounding artificial intelligence and transhumanism, which are significant themes in Revelation 13. As technology continues to advance, we must consider its implications, especially how it may be used in potential future scenarios related to prophecy.
13He (false prophet - Antichrist’s second in command) performs great signs, so that he
even makes fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men. 14And he
deceives those who dwell on the earth—by those signs which he was granted to do in
the sight of the beast (Antichrist), telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image
to the beast who was wounded by the sword and lived. 15He was granted power to give
breath (life) the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak and
cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed (artificial
intelligence?). 16He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to
receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, 17and that no one may buy or
sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.
18Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for
it is the number of a man: His number is 666. (Revelation 13:13–18)
US vs China
In a geopolitical context, the U.S. is currently enhancing its maritime defenses against China, a nation mentioned in Revelation related to the end times. “The United States is amassing an arsenal of abundant and easily made anti-ship weapons as part of American efforts to deter China in the Indo-Pacific region and gear up U.S. forces there. Russia's invasion of Ukraine has pushed U.S. thinking toward a new philosophy - "affordable mass," as one missile industry CEO put it, speaking on condition of anonymity, referring to having plenty of relatively cheap weapons at the ready.” “The United States has ramped up testing of its QUICKSINK weapon, an inexpensive and potentially plentiful bomb equipped with a low-cost GPS guidance kit and a seeker that can track moving objects. The U.S. Air Force used a B-2 stealth bomber during a test last month in the Gulf of Mexico to strike a target ship with QUICKSINK.”3
Revelation 16 makes it clear that the “kings of the east,” which certainly includes China, will have a major part in the future battle of Armageddon, which occurs at the end of the 7-year Tribulation, leading into the millennial kingdom.
12Then the sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was
dried up, so that the way of the kings from the east might be prepared. 13And I saw three
unclean spirits like frogs coming out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the
beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. 14For they are spirits of demons,
performing signs, which go out to the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather
them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty. 15“Behold, I am coming as a thief.
Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his
shame.” 16And they gathered them together to the place called in Hebrew, Armageddon.
(Revelation 16:12–16)
US Massive Debt
The scale of U.S. national debt, currently around $35 trillion, also raises significant economic concerns. The government’s expenditures and mounting interest payments could lead to a financial crisis, which could play a role in how prophecy unfolds.
The U.S. Treasury Department reported on Thursday that the government has spent $1.049 trillion in interest payments over the past 11 months (since October), 30% higher than the same period last year. To belabor the point, those decimal places, “.049,” represent $49 billion! The Treasury Department expects to pay out $1.158 trillion on interest over the full fiscal year.4
Revelation 13 speaks of a one-world government, religion, and economy, events we see foreshadowed in the news today. The false prophet will play a crucial role in directing global worship toward the Antichrist. With advancements in technology, the idea of an image that speaks and monitors behavior no longer seems far-fetched.
As Christians, we can be both concerned and hopeful. While the world may seem chaotic, Scripture assures us that God is still sovereign. Revelation emphasizes that a final victory is forthcoming, though much turmoil may precede it.
The Centrality of the Gospel
We’re also reminded of the importance of compassion as we engage with people of different faiths. As Muslims increasingly populate various countries, we should view each person as someone for whom Christ died. Our goal should be to share the love of Christ and engage in meaningful conversations. “Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God”
(2 Cor. 5:20).
In conclusion, as we navigate current events through the lens of Bible prophecy, it’s crucial to stay aware and maintain hope. While the challenges we face may be daunting, they also represent the unfolding of God’s plan as we look toward the eventual triumph of good over evil. Let us remain steadfast in our faith and committed to sharing the message of hope with those around us.
________________________________
1 Laila Bassam and Maya Gebeily, Hezbollah Says It Launched First Attack On Israel Since Pager Blasts,
Reuters, September 18, 2024, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-planted-explosives-hezbollahs- taiwan-made-pagers-say-sources-2024-09-18/.
2 Nate Raymond, US Judges Warned of Election-Year Risks of Foreign Hacking, Reuters, September 17,
2024, https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-judges-warned-election-year-risks-foreign-hacking-2024-09-17/.
3 Gerry Doyle and Mike Stone, US Strategy For Anti-Ship Weapons To Counter China: Plentiful, Mobile,
Deadly, Reuters, September 17, 2024, https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/us-strategy-anti- ship-weapons-counter-china-plentiful-mobile-deadly-2024-09-17/.
4 Joshua Arnold, Federal Interest Payments Top $1 Trillion Annually, Washington Stand, September 16,
2024, https://washingtonstand.com/commentary/federal-interest-payments-top-1-trillion-annually.
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