Where is the Promise of His Coming? Everywhere!

By Jan Markell, Olive Tree Ministries, Inc.

www.olivetreeviews.org

I believe prophecy scoffers, both Christians and non-Christians, are soon going to have egg on their face. I think the timing is when we are taken out of here in the pre-Tribulation Rapture. To the skeptics who are Christians, it will be tempting to say, "I told you so." Many of us have been excited about Jesus' return only to be met with variations of, "They've said the Lord was returning any day for 2,000 years, so where is the promise of His coming?" (II Peter 3:4)

Look with me at some events that are current:

* "The New York Times" said last week, "We are hoping for the emergence of an extraordinary political figure." Well, desperate world, I think he's waiting in the wings.

* The exit of Yaser Arafat leaves a vacuum in that volatile part of the world. The world is alive with the hope that a "new peace opportunity" will emerge there. The antichrist will arrive on the red carpet of peace as he makes his triumphal entry on the world scene some day. The primary peace is between Israel and her enemies as outlined in Daniel 9:27.

* Jerusalem and the Temple Mount continue to get top billing! Recently the most evil man in the world wanted to be buried there and most of the world thought he should have that right. When it comes to issues of the "end-times," Israel is the time clock, Jerusalem is the minute hand, and the Temple Mount is the second hand. Eschatology watchers should never take their eyes off of those places.

* Pope John Paul seems to be on his way out due to age and health. Please don't hear me say that the next Pope is the antichrist; however, Rome has to play a significant "end-time" role. It could be that a future Pope ties into some prophetic role, large or small. Pope John Paul is not the apocalyptic figure needed.

* Bill Clinton aspires to be Secretary General of the U.N. in 2006. His wife wants to be President of the United States in 2008. They would head the rush to globalism in their respective positions and both will represent the values, or lack of values, of the "hard Left."

* A lead story this week is al-Qaida's hope to use nuclear or radiological devices against America. Just the thought causes many, along with "The New York Times," to long for "Mr.Fix-It."

* The persecution of both Jews and Christians is heating up. In the recent election, the Christians ate the lions and the Left can't stand it. There is a war over ideologies between the "blue and red states." Barbra Streisand says on her Web site that America is presently under the control of "witches" (Christians). Garrison Keilor says Christians should no longer be allowed to vote (I guess we're only citizens of Heaven). God only knows what kind of legal action is ahead to try to silence us. One bumper sticker I saw reads: "So many Christians--so few lions." I'm happy to be a martyr for the cause of righteous values.

* Jews are even coming under attack from so-called people of faith, not to mention the surge in blatant anti-Semitism around the world. The World and National Council of Churches have declared a virtual war on the Jews and Israel. While talking about serving God, they are consumed with sympathy for the devil--Yaser Arafat.

* Check out "Prophecy Watch" on my Web site, www.olivetreeviews.org . You will see how many places are using the new "chip" in people, not just pets. However, it is not clear if the antichrist will use chips or a mark. Perhaps both.

* Iran will likely be the story of 2005. They are cozy with the Russians and must be according to Ezekiel 38-39. There must be an "end-time" alliance between Gog/Magog (Russia) and Persia (Iran). Iran would not have the growing geo-political power it does were it not for Russia.

I could go on but you get the point! The hour may be later than we think. The Bible says, "When you see these things BEGIN to come to pass, look up and know your Redeemer draws night." (Luke 21:28) So try not to look down at your circumstances, but rather look up. He is at the door. In the meantime, please win the lost while there is still time.

(Jan Markell is founder/director of Olive Tree Ministries, Inc. To learn more or receive her e-mail or print newsletter, visit her Web site, www.olivetreeviews.org . All her radio programming can also be heard at the Web site.)