As 2012 (twenty twelve) reached its conclusion and end: with 2013 here.
I began to look back over the year that was and started to ask myself some questions. For instance from a biblical perspective did twenty twelve fulfill any apocalyptic significance at all? Did those prophesies people make and forecast happen? After all much was said about 2012 being a prophetic calendar year! Well certainly "the end of the world" failed to occur (smile) ...
However, with those opening comments and introduction being said I do want to have a look at the year that was - but with a view to the future also:
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(What happened in 2012) ??
Natural disasters: The sea and the waves roaring: there is a passage in the bible that declares "God will have his way in the storm" furthermore this is how it reads verbatim " The Lord is slow to anger, and will not at all aquit the wicked. : the Lord has his way in the whirlwind and in the storm" (Nahum 1:3) I wonder how many people knew that passage of scripture was in there bible? That is not to suggest of course God is behind every single storm that happens - only that he is sovereign and reigns and hath the power to intervene in mans affairs accordingly (otherwise he wouldn't be God) With those thoughts in mind - it leads me into to what I want to discuss next and that is if you haven't already guessed it "hurricane Sandy" Sandy was aptly dubbed by some as "frankien storm" because she was a monster ... The mother of all storms ... Yea the Perfect storm. Sandy did live up to all forecast expectations and delivered to America's north eastern states a trail of destruction. Sandy wreaked havoc on America's economy, peoples properties, and took in excess (overall) of over 200 lives from the beginning of her destructive pathway and swaith:
Other natural disasters to occur in twenty twelve were: the devastating typhoon which struck the Philippines, the floods which inundated parts of England, the category 4 cyclone which flattened Fiji recently. Furthermore we saw droughts, tsunami alerts, deadly landslides, manifold volcanic eruptions, blizzards, wild fires, extreme temperatures both hot & cold, and 1556 earthquakes in total for the year ( in divers places)
Yes you read correctly 1556 earthquakes which registered a moment magnitude on the richter scale of 5 plus or higher. In fact for the last ten years we are averaging and experiencing no less than 150 major earthquakes per annum. To put it another way that is an average of 3 quakes per week. Also of note and interest is the FACT that quakes above 5 in "moment magnitude" are up 125 percent compared to the average seismic activity - over the last 100 years:
What should we expect in regards to future natural disasters then??
Luke 21:11 reads " And GREAT Earthquakes shall be in divers places"
Indeed in the lead up to christs return we can expect wars, famine, plagues, pestilence, signs in the skies, blood, fire, pillars of smoke. We should expect distress upon the earth, commotions, and rising sea levels:
We should expect tough economic times ahead and more extreme weather patterns. America in fact just at the midnight hour (literally) signed an agreement which is hoped will save her spiralling debt crisis and economic woes: (let's hope)
Finally everything we have witnessed thus far is but a drop in the ocean compared to what bible prophecy has in store for the end-times. It is but the tip of the iceberg (so to speak) 2012 might not have lived up to any apocalyptic predictions per se, however, the bible doesn't paint a rosy picture if your familiar with Matthew 24 and Luke 21 and Daniel & revelation
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(Knowledge will increase) Daniel 12:4
Few could argue that the current technological age has literally changed and revolutionized the way we all live now! One only has to walk down a busy mall or street to witness the scores of people whose eyes are fastened upon there "hand helds"or "I Pads" to know just how dependent we have become upon these 21st century gadgets. Not to mention the amazing advances in speed and travel also. NASA is predicting our first man on Mars landing on the red planet in the not to distant future:
Furthermore the advent of the micro- chip has been one of the most significant advances in technology seen in a long long time. This has revolutionized the entire communications system and the sky is the limit as to what and where else - it can take mankind. The mind boggles.
One has to wonder where it will all plateau out - or end ??
It is, however, this kind of technology which will surely pave the way for a new financial system in the way we ALL Transact at the market place!
The bible says this from revelation chapter 13 " that no man can buy or sell
Except he have a mark either in his right hand or forehead" doubtless micro chip technology, high tech scanners, and sophisticated tattooing devices will play a major role in this new global financial system headed up by the man of sin ... The beast ....also known as anti-Christ ( watch this space)
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(The population of the earth)
You could be excused for thinking "what the" does any statistic about current human population have anything to do with bible prophecy?
Let me begin, however, by saying presently there is as many as 5-6 generations of people living and sharing the planet all at once, all at the same time! And veritably there has never been a time when so many people co-existied as now. It would be fair to say We are in the middle of a population boom. One only has to realize the demand for more land and our overwhelming need for more hi-rise accommodation to know our society is very congested. Look at our roads they are grid locked, our terminal runways are often full and our public transport system often fails to cater and keep up - with consumer demand.
In fact someone once cleverly said the only one commandment mankind hasn't broken or disobeyed is the command "to be fruitful and multiply"(smile)
But here is the thing: Way back in genesis chap 17 God made a promise to Abraham which is still being fulfilled as we speak " he was told he would become the father of many nations (nations plural) not singular. Not just the father of the uncircumcision, but of the circumcision also ( the Gentiles)
That is great news for everyone not a Jew by birth. There is no difference now as God has granted to the Gentiles repentance unto life also (acts11:18)
The apostle Paul re-iterated this powerful truth in his epistle to the roman Christians which you can read later romans 4:16-18. So with that in mind you can see how this surge in population is also spiking a great number of souls being saved for the kingdom of heaven - and so accordingly Gods promise to Abraham all those centuries ago is coming to pass and being fulfilled this very minute - yes even now as we speak. Glory!!
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(False teachers, false prophets, false christs, Itching ears, and apostasy)
As I approached this theme it occurred to me that the above 6 afore mentioned things are NOT yet fully realized or fulfilled. We have already seen this in measured form ( Agreed) ) but the closer it gets to the end, that is the time of "great tribulation" you will see the fulfillment of this - in its entirety and fulness ( again watch this space )
I have often said all along that what is taking place in the " church" is just as much an indicator or sign (to the end times) as is - what is taking place in the world via world-events. One only has to read about the great whore of revelation chapter 17 to know this to be true - and other new testament passages where Paul talks about "a falling away" and the itching ears which will not endure sound doctrine but will heap to themselves teachers who will pander to those lusts.
Furthermore and sadly it can no longer be assumed or taken for granted that the person who sits next you in church with his bible on his lap has any knowledge of the bible whatsoever let alone even knows " the God of the bible "(savingly)
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(The sudden unexpected nature of christs coming to the earth)
This what I'm about to touch on now is very significant and had the people gathered together in Mexico recently (to herald the end of the world) had known and been aquainted with there bibles better.. Then they would not have ended up red faced!
For When people don't expect it ... Take heed .... And be expectant:
For that is exactly what the bible, the word of God teaches beloved: Mmm
This is what Paul wrote to the Thessalonians believers " for you yourselves KNOW perfectly that the Day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night"
For when they shall say peace and safety ( thinking there will be no more wars and worldwide peace is assured going forwards) then sudden destruction will come upon them - as a woman going into labour with child has no escape.
But Paul's words get even more intriguing as he goes onto say these words
" but you brethren, are not ( are not, are not ) in the dark, that that Day should come upon you or overtake you by surprise ...as a thief (my emp)
Followed by an admonition to be watchful, and sober, and not sleep:
Doubtless the day of the Lord will catch many unaware and the ten foolish virgins were also found not prepared and without any oil (also)
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(Dont focus on a year - any year - but rather focus on the times)
Avoid and resist giving place to any dubious date dabbling forecasts about the end of the world, armeggeddon prophecies, and apocalyptic predictions
2012 was a big year in some ways - but those that went out on a limb making startling (end of the world) predictions or that the natural disasters that occurred would signal the 4 horses of the book of revelation being fulfilled. Well all such people to be blunt - Ended up with egg on there face.
Notwithstanding as I wrap up this discussion about 2012 in review the bible does give us certain indicators to look for ... We can have a knowledge of what to look for based on scripture - which also gives an indication (i think) on how late the hour is. But in closing if you think it's a time to relax in the Lord (think again) the 5 unwise and foolish virgins were caught unawares and totally unprepared. Let not that be our fate or testimony brethren:
For if the apostle in Romans chapter thirteen spoke these words of
"And that, knowing the time, that NOW it is high time to awake out of sleep: for NOW is our salvation (deliverance) NEARER. Than when we believed:
Then We also as christians living in the 21st century should conduct ourselves in a manner with a sense of urgency and sobriety about us. Looking for and hastening towards the coming of the Lord and savior Jesus Christ. Amen!
For the time is approaching ...when no man ....can work:
Amen!!
God bless all in 2013
May you and your family be blessed and prosper in the year ahead:
Bro Stephen
AKA son of thunder