PODCAST: A Variety of Views, Part 4 (The Prophet Daniel’s Report #669 with Daniel Whyte III)

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Welcome to The Prophet Daniel’s Report. This is report #669.

My name is Daniel Whyte III here to remind you that Jesus Christ is coming back soon and that you need to be prepared. This broadcast is not about predictions, nor is it about setting dates as some foolishly have done, however it is all about preparation.

First, today, let’s look at some Signs of His Coming in the news.

The disciples asked Jesus in Matthew 24:3, “What shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?” Jesus Christ gave them (and us) clear signs that show us when we can begin to expect to see the Coming of the Lord and the end of the world. Looking at world events through the lens of the Word of God, let’s look at some headlines from today’s news that point to the Second Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.

First, today, under the Sign category of WARS & RUMOURS OF WARS — According to The Jerusalem Post, Incoming rocket sirens were activated in southern Israel on Sunday night, hours after Defense Minister Naftali Bennett warned Hamas that “no one will be immune” from IDF action following the continued launching of explosive balloons and rockets from the Gaza Strip. The IDF said one rocket was identified as being launched from the coastal enclave. There were no reports of injury or damage after the projectile struck an open field. Hamas responded to the threats made by Netanyahu and Bennett earlier, warning Israel that it would bear the consequences of any “foolish action” in the Gaza Strip. Following a situation assessment in the Gaza Division, Bennett said, “The lawless conduct of Hamas leadership is bringing us closer to fatal action against them. We will not announce when or where, but no one will be immune.” There has been incessant rocket fire and explosive balloons launched towards Israel’s south from the Hamas-run Strip since the release last month of US President Donald Trump’s “Deal of the Century” peace plan which has been rejected by the terrorist group. There has also been a spike in violence in the West Bank and Jerusalem, leading to the deaths of four Palestinians and injured dozens of soldiers.

Second, today, under the Sign category of PESTILENCES & FATAL EPIDEMIC DISEASES — According to Reuters, China raised the death toll from its coronavirus outbreak to 811, passing the number killed globally by the SARS epidemic, as authorities made plans for millions of people returning to work after an extended Lunar New Year break. Many of China’s usually teeming cities have almost become ghost towns during the past two weeks as Communist Party rulers ordered virtual lockdowns, canceled flights, closed factories and shut schools. The scale of the potential hit to an economy that has been the engine of global growth in recent years has taken a toll on financial markets, as shares slumped and investors switched into safe-havens such as gold, bonds and the Japanese yen. In a BBC interview, China’s ambassador to Britain described the newly identified virus as “the enemy of mankind” but added it “is controllable, is preventable, is curable. At this moment it is very difficult to predict when we are going to have an inflection point. We certainly hope it will come soon, but the isolation and quarantine measures have been very effective.” Commission data showed total confirmed coronavirus cases in China stood at 37,198. The virus has also spread to at least 27 countries and territories, infecting more than 330 people.

Third, today, under the Sign category of TURMOIL IN THE MIDDLE EAST — According to The Jerusalem Post, Palestinians are again planning mass protests against US President Donald Trump’s plan for Mideast peace – this time when Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas is scheduled to address the UN Security Council in New York. Some Arab states, meanwhile, have “advised” Abbas to “turn down the volume” of his rhetorical attacks on the US and Israel. A senior PA official in Ramallah [RUH-MAH-LAH] said, “Egypt, Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries have advised President Abbas to start calming things down. They are worried that the strong criticism and calls for demonstrations against the Trump plan would cause instability in the region. The president has assured them that he does not support violent protest or terrorism as a way of protesting the Trump plan.” Palestinians in Ramallah [RUH-MAH-LAH] said that some Arab heads of state are apparently worried that widespread protests against the US and Israel on the streets of Arab capitals would see demonstrators also turn against their presidents and monarchs. Abbas’s visit to New York is aimed at rallying worldwide support for Palestinian opposition to the Trump plan, known as “Peace to Prosperity.”

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Now, it’s time for Prophecy Bootcamp.

Prophecy Bootcamp is where we deal with the basics of prophecy, the Second Coming of Christ, and what will happen in the future according to the Bible. Our aim here is not to make predictions but to help you get prepared by understanding how things will unfold in the end times.

Our topic for today is titled “A Variety of Views, Part 4” from Tim LaHaye and Ed Hindson’s book “The Essential Guide to Bible Prophecy.”

Pre-millennialists believe that the rapture, the Tribulation, and the glorious appearance of Christ will all occur before the beginning of the Millennium. During the Millennium, Satan will be bound for 1000 years, and a theocratic kingdom of peace will ensue with Jesus as its King. The righteous will have been raised from the dead prior to the Millennium and will participate in its blessings.

Toward the end of the third century, an allegorical approach to Scripture began to dominate theological thought. Philosophy replaced the study of Scripture, and pre-millennialism fell into disrepute. Not until after the Reformation was there a revival of pre-millennial thought. Later, in the nineteenth century, Bible institutes and Christian schools across America began to emphasize a literal interpretation of the Bible, and with it, a return to pre-millennialism. Today, despite continued attacks, pre-millennialism is the dominant millennial view.

Lord willing, we will continue looking at this topic in our next podcast.

In closing, let’s consider what God wants you and I to do in light of His Second Coming.

Jesus Christ said in Luke 19:13 to “Occupy till I come.” In light of that, we are continuing our journey through the book, “Coming Events and Present Duties,” by J.C. Ryle. It is a collection of what he called “prophetic tracts” that focus on the believer’s duty in light of the signs which point to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.

This section is titled, “Idolatry to be Destroyed at Christ’s Coming” (Part 2). J.C. Ryle writes:

Let me, then, first of all set before you the definition of idolatry. Let me show you what it is.

It is of the utmost importance that you should understand this. Unless I make this clear, I can do nothing with the text. Vagueness and indistinctness prevail upon this point, as upon almost every other in religion. The Christian that would not be continually running aground in his spiritual voyage, must have his channel well buoyed, his mind well stored with clear definitions.

I say then, that “idolatry is a worship, in which the honour due to God in Trinity, and to Him only, is given to some of His creatures, or some invention of His creatures.” It may vary exceedingly. It may assume exceedingly different forms, according to the ignorance or the knowledge–the civilization or the barbarism, of those who offer it. It may be grossly absurd and ludicrous, or it may closely border on truth, and admit of being most speciously defended. But whether in the adoration of the idol of Juggernaut, or in the adoration of the host in St. Peter’s at Rome, the idolatrous principle is in reality the same. In either case the honour due to God is turned aside from Him, and bestowed on that which is not God. And whenever this is done, whether in heathen temples or in professedly Christian Churches, there is an act of idolatry.

If the Lord tarries His Coming and we live, we will continue looking at this topic in our next broadcast/podcast.

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CLOSING PRAYER
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Remember the words of the Lord in Matthew 24:42: “Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.” Matthew 24:44 says, “Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.”

If you are not ready for the Return of Jesus Christ, may I encourage you to get ready today by receiving Him as your Savior. Here is how:

First, accept the fact that you are a sinner, and that you have broken God’s law. The Bible says in Romans 3:23: “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.”

Second, accept the fact that there is a penalty for sin. The Bible states in Romans 6:23: “For the wages of sin is death…” Third, accept the fact that you are on the road to hell. Jesus Christ said in Matthew 10:28: “And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” Also, the Bible states in Revelation 21:8: “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.”

Now that is bad news, but here is the good news. Jesus Christ said in John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Just believe in your heart that Jesus Christ died for your sins, was buried, and rose from the dead by the power of God for you so that you can live eternally with Him. Pray and ask Him to come into your heart today, and He will.

Romans 10:9-13 says, “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

Keep looking up for your redemption draweth nigh. Let us join in the prayer of John the Revelator — “Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” God bless you.

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