2012 Alerts
Change in Title, Change in Focus
Note the change in title of this email from “Update” to “2012 Alerts”. I want to thank Dave Bolthouse for suggesting this new title to be more in synch with the titled of my book. I consider Dave to be a promotional genius, so I am trying to adapt his suggestions for the promotion of my book.
Along with the change in title will come a slight change in focus. Up to now, the focus of this email was to show we may be getting close to the return of Christ based on connecting current events with Biblical prophecy. With this email, I will post some 2012 statements (though those statements will not necessarily suggest my official position on those—to see that, read my book) to show the hype of the 2012 phenomenon. I will also briefly discuss those current events that I believe may indicate the nearness of Biblical prophetic fulfillment, and then pose the question: Could these indicate a 2012 fulfillment? But up front, I want you, my reader, to understand that I am not positing a date for the fulfillment of Biblical prophecy.
With that said, on with this edition of “2012 Alerts”.
The 2012 Phenomenon
Author Patrick Geryl is one who has become convinced that the world may end in 2012. He points to the ancient Maya cyclical calendars, the longest of which last renewed itself approximately 5,125 years ago and is set to end again, supposedly with catastrophic consequences, in 2012. He speaks of the ancient Egyptians, who, he claims, also saw 2012 as a year of great change. And he points to science, stating that NASA predicts a sharp increase in the number of sunspots and sun flares for 2012 sure to cause electrical failures and satellite disruptions.
ABC News reporter, Christine Brouwer, reports:
Thousands of people worldwide seem to be preparing, in one way or another, for the end of days in 2012. Survival groups exist in Europe, Canada and the United States. A simple Google search for “2012” and “the end of the world” brings up nearly 300,000 hits. And the video-sharing Web site YouTube hosts more than 65,000 clips informing and warning viewers about their fate in 2012.
Since December 21, 2012 marks the ending of the current cycle of the Maya Long Count calendar, it has sparked many to believe that the world as we know it will come to an end at that time. Interestingly, a news item hit this week indicating that contemporary Mayans are not the ones who believe the 2012 phenomenon. However, does that prove that the ancient Maya calendar does not point to the end of the world? Stay tuned, as we plan to have more on this in the next “2012 Alerts”.
Could We See Bible Prophecy Fulfilled in 2012?
Could it be that the rapture (the return of Jesus in the air for Christians) and the inception of the seven-year tribulation period could occur as soon as 2012? And if so, can we know if we might be that close to those prophetic events?
Christians living near the end of the Church age who have their eyes wide open to what God is doing in the world through the fulfillment of His prophetic word could know that they are very close to the occurrence of the rapture and the beginning of the day of the Lord. In fact, the Apostle Paul announced this possibility to Christian readers in 1 Thessalonians 5:4 when he wrote this: “But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief.”
This Day refers to the beginning of the seven-year day of the Lord. While he announced two verses earlier that, to the world, “the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night,” he clearly stated in verse 4 that it should not overtake believers in this way. What did he mean by that? He meant that non-Christians will be caught by surprise by this period of time, but Christians should see it coming.
Christians living on this side of the day of the Lord will be removed from the world on the day it begins. But the emphasis indicated by the analogy of a thief in the night is upon the element of surprise. Therefore, Christians who are spiritually alert should not be surprised by the timing of the day of the Lord (and, as well, the rapture of the Church). The implication is that those believers who are living just prior to that era should foresee its approach.
If that is true, then might we be close to the rapture of the Church and the beginning of the Day of the Lord? And if so, how close? Could these converge with prophecies based on the Maya calendar regarding 2012? Why not?
Israel’s Growing Isolation
An article this week focused on the growing international pressure on Israel. It seems from Europe to the Middle East to South America there is a growing isolation of Israel taking place. Though it is true that Israel will sign a treaty with ten other nations, might this growing isolation of Israel set up the Jews for a time of great world-wide persecution in the last three and a half years before Jesus returns?
Iran: Escaping Sanctions
There was much more evidence this week that there will be no new significant sanctions coming against Iran. One article focused on China's refusal to bring sanctions against Iran because of growing commerce between the two nations, which includes the operation of one hundred Chinese companies in Iran. In addition, Russia’s Foreign Minister announced this week that sanctions won't work, which, interpreted, means: Russia will not support any sanctions against Iran—for any reason! As a result, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton agreed to not pursue sanctions at this time. In addition, Vladimir Putin stated this week that there should be no sanctions against Iran because we don’t want to upset the mullahs (Muslim men educated in Islam theology). Russia is not concerned about Iran acquiring nuclear weapons because of two main reasons—common enemies and dependence on one another in regard to commerce.
In the meantime, the U.S. and other countries are pursuing dialogue with Iran which, according to at least one article this week, is giving Iran a green light to pursue nukes. While engaging in talks, Iran is enriching uranium. However, there is great concern among many that if Iran were to acquire nuclear weapons, it would reshape the Middle East. Interestingly, a three-minute video, filmed by an IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) member shows an Iranian simulation of a nuclear warhead exploding 600 meters above the surface of the earth, the best distance to create maximum damage. This seems to be proof that Iran is on its way toward nukes.
Moreover, the Ayatollah of Iran this week once again threatened the existence of Israel. This is why Israel cannot allow Iran to achieve nuclear capability.
Several months ago, I read that Israel was secretly working with others to provide Iran faulty equipment in building its nuclear reactors. Recently, Iran shipped some of its uranium to Russia, supposedly as part of a deal with the U.S. and others. However, according to an article this week, it turns out, that Iran shipped its uranium to Russia because it apparently contained impurities. If so, that would mean that all of Iran’s enrichment may be for naught at this point. And if there are impurities in Iran’s uranium, how did they get there? Oh, those Israelis! God has gifted them with much ingenuity!
In another article, a fellow Nobel Peace laureate gives President Obama some advice on dealing with Iran. The interesting part of the article for me is its focus on how easily Iran’s regime might be overthrown by the Iranian populace, and if that occurs—according to this article—a democracy may occur which will likely not pursue nukes. Thus, if Israel attacks Iran, there will likely be a regime change which will change the whole tenor of the Middle East and which could lead to Biblical prophecy fulfillment quickly—including the world proclaiming “peace and security,” leading to a peace treaty between Israel and ten other nations.
Official Release Date of Apocalypse 2012: The Ticking of the End Time Clock
I learned from the publisher this week that the official release date of my book is May 1st. Please pray that God will provide for that to be the prime time for its release (or that He will move up the date on the release—of course, He can do that!). And please pray that God will get it into the hands of all who are open to His truth.
My editor was assigned to me this week, and I heard from her. It turns out I have a bit more homework—but mostly just some formatting stuff. Cindy Mallett will assist me on that.
We May Be Getting Close
We are getting close to completion of work on the book (at least I keep thinking that), but I also believe we may be getting close to seeing some major prophetic fulfillments. So I would encourage you to keep looking up!
John