2012 Alerts: November 27, 2009
In this issue:
2012
Anti-Semitism: In the World and in the Church
Peace Treaty
Peace and Security
A Dramatic Preparation for Peace and Security
Sudden Destruction
A One-World Government
Your Help to Advance the Word
2012
I finally saw the movie “2012” last evening. It presents all of the predicted causes for the destruction of the world “as we know it” (that phrase is a common one in articles on “2012”, as well as used in the movie used to cover the possibility that mankind may survive 2012, though the world will undergo a calamitous barrage of “natural” destruction)—the alignment of all of the planets in the solar system behind the sun, electromagnetic reversal, polar reversal, and planet X, creating a tectonic shift of the earth, the destruction of the earth’s crust, worldwide droughts, floods, hurricanes, tsunamis, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions. This scenario, predicted to occur on December 21, 2012 (12/21/12) makes for a fascinating and engaging movie, but will it all come to pass? One thing is for sure; the interest in the 2012 phenomenon is growing exponentially. As ABC News reporter, Christine Brouwer, announced:
“Thousands of people worldwide seem to be preparing … for the end of days in 2012. Survival groups exist in Europe, Canada and the United States. A 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.”
Even if credible sources discounted the 2012 phenomenon, Biblical scholars who realize the Bible’s teaching of the imminent timing of the rapture of the Church and the beginning of the seven-year tribulation period admit that 2012 could be associated with massive plagues attacking the earth, including one which will wipe out a fourth of the world’s population (cf. Revelation 6:8).
Thus, did Nostradamus, the Mayans, and others have a glimpse of God’s plan for the end of the earth? If so, will anyone survive December 21, 2012, or will that be the end of humanity? Are there confirmations of these ancient end-times prophecies in Scripture? Is there a link between these ancient prophecies and what the Bible presents about the end times?
I cover all of this in my book (Apocalypse 2012: The Ticking of the End Time Clock: What Does the Bible Say?). (See www.2012apocalypsebook.com for more information.) In addition, in connection with the approach of the doomsday apocalypse, I show there is great news for those who have believed Jesus for eternal life. God has arranged the great escape.
Anti-Semitism: In the World and in the Church
An article published yesterday (Friday) provides very credible evidence that the roots of Anti-Semitism in the Arab world can be traced back to Hitler’s Nazi Germany. In fact, because of the influence of the Muslim world in today’s Europe, and because there are intellectual descendants of Hitler’s Germany remaining in the Rhineland, one could easily make the case that Anti-Semitism is alive and well in the European community, as well.
In a past e-letter, I presented the case for a rise in Anti-Semitism today and suggested that this surge could well provide the foundation for the last three and a half years before the return of Christ. During that era, the entire world will be against Jews, but especially against Jews who believe in Jesus Christ for eternal life. They will be hunted down by troops under the control of the one-man ruled government of that day to be executed, and they will be turned in to the authorities by those close to them.
It is one thing, however, to see this rise in the world today, but it is quite another to see that this surge in Anti-Semitism has taken place within Christianity, as well. As a matter of fact, this began long ago—in the fourth century—when the Roman ruler Constantine supposedly had a conversion to Christianity. At that point, he made Christianity the state religion, but, in his zeal to elevate Christianity, he indicated that the Church (the body consisting of all Christians in the world) had replaced Israel in God’s plan, specifically indicating that the promises God had given to Israel were taken from His previously chosen people and given to the Church; and he suggested that the Jews were evil for having crucified Christ.
Near the same time, a man by the name of Augustine also converted to Christianity who later came to the same understanding as Constantine. These two became very influential in the development of theology in the Catholic Church which, in turn, greatly influenced the majority of denominations in the world today which had their formation when they broke away from Catholicism. As a result, almost every denomination today (not every, but certainly most) believes that the promises of God all rest in the Church and, as a result, have at least relegated Israel to a second-class status. In fact, this theology influenced the Church’s support (if not aggressive support, at least a silent one) of Adolph Hitler’s rampage against the Jews.
The Bible shows us that after Jesus removes all who have believed Him for eternal life, the world, including those who claim to be Christians, will begin to pull together, arriving at a one-world government focused on ridding the world of believing Jews. It seems to me that the current rise of Anti-Semitism in the world, and, unfortunately, also in the Church, will prepare for that nightmare situation.
But we need to keep in mind that God’s prophetic plan has always had Israel at the center, including His plan of the future. So, to understand what is coming in the near-future, one needs to keep his eyes on Israel. This is why, I believe, both the world and the Church are asleep at the wheel regarding how close Jesus’ coming for believers in Christ and the final seven-year tribulation period might be. (By the way, the last chapter of my book, Apocalypse 2012: The Ticking of the End Time Clock: What Does the Bible Say?, lays out the evidence that “the end of the age,” as Jesus put it, may be near.)
Peace Treaty
My book presents the Bible’s revelation of a seven-year treaty between Israel and ten other nations, initiating the final seven-year era leading to the return of Christ. Because the guarantors of the treaty will be ten nations, we know that the treaty with Israel will not involve the Palestinians, which have never been a nation. (In fact, Palestinians are comprised of descendants of many other nations; but they themselves have never been one.) In addition, more and more evidence suggests that Israel will not sign a treaty with the Palestinians. For example, articles this week show that Israel's recent decision to halt settlement construction—to appease the U.S. and, supposedly, to appease the Palestinians—will have no effect on advancing peace with the Palestinians. (Since the Obama administration, several months ago, announced that Israel must halt settlement construction [even “settlements” where only Jews live] to prepare the way for a peace treaty with the Palestinians, Palestinian leaders have used that as one more excuse not to budge in fulfilling their responsibilities.)
In addition, an article this week featured Martin Indyk, former U.S. ambassador to Israel and a former supporter of President Obama. Indyk now criticizes the President’s approach on the Middle East peace process and points out that the President had relied on Saudi Arabia's support of a treaty between Israel and the Palestinians; however, Saudi Arabia rebuffed the Obama plan. This is one more (among many) evidences that there will not be a treaty between Israel and the Palestinians.
Peace and Security
In announcing this temporary (for ten months) settlement halt, Prime Minister Netanyahu proclaimed that Israel was willing to do what it needed to do in order to provide for "peace and security" in the Middle East. Interestingly, this is a phrase that comes right out of the New Testament, specifically, 1 Thessalonians 5:3. I point out in my book the incredible rise in the use of this term among world leaders, preparing for the brief period of time—immediately prior to the beginning of the seven-year tribulation period—when the world will proclaim that it has achieved “peace and security”. It seems the world will believe “peace and security” have arrived in connection with the announcement of the nearness of the seven-year treaty with Israel and in conjunction with a dramatic happening to convince the world that terrorism has been dealt with.
A Dramatic Preparation for Peace and Security
It is very possible, as I have written in the past, that one major dramatic preparation for peace and security could be Israel's attack on Iran, and an article this week cited a number of reasons why Israel will likely launch this attack, with the threat of Iran launching one on Israel (as soon as it achieves nuclear capability) as the primary one. In fact, foreignaffairs.com announced this week that it is not a matter of if Israel will attack, but when the attack will occur. As I have included in past “2012 Alerts,” this attack will, of necessity, be a quick and powerful strike; and when it occurs, it is highly likely that the tenuous Iranian regime will be overthrown. At that point, the greatest sponsor of terrorism in the world will be destroyed and replaced by a government that will be far less aggressive and much more willing to work with other global powers to achieve peace.
Sudden Destruction
One correspondent this week mused about the frightening possibility of Pakistan's nuclear weapons falling into the wrong hands. As he brought out in his published article, with all eyes on Iran, who is watching Pakistan’s nukes?
This reminds me of the Apostle Paul’s statement in connection with “peace and security,” also found in 1 Thessalonians 5:3. He wrote that when the world proclaims “peace and security, then sudden destruction comes upon them, and they will not escape.” I argue in my book that this “sudden destruction” accords with Jesus’ description that immediately following, “nation will rise up against nation” and wars will break out throughout the world (see Matthew 24:6-7). In addition, I make the case that both the suddenness of this calamity and the devastation (the concept of the Greek word for “destruction”) brought by it in all likelihood refers to a nuclear attack. Could it be that the attack will come from rogues who obtain nuclear weaponry from a nation such as Pakistan? Something to ponder.
A One-World Government
In a speech captured by the BBC and posted on YouTube, the first permanent president of the European Council in the European Union, Herman Van Rompuy, proclaimed, “2009 is the first year of global governance with the establishment of the G20 in the middle of the financial crisis.” He then continued by proclaiming, “The climate conference in Copenhagen is another step toward the global management of our planet.”
There are two fascinating aspects to Van Rompuy’s statements. The first is the announcement of “global governance”. This means that the EU (European Union), with whom the Obama administration has been working closely, seems to have as its goal a one-world government.
The second is his bold admission that the climate conference in Copenhagen this coming week is a step toward the goal of “global management”. As I reported in a recent “2012 Alerts,” the “green” movement, in its concern for changing our global environment for the better, has as its goal global control. (The movers and shakers behind the green movement believe that the only real way to ultimately save our environment is to control what people do; thus, global control must be put in place, governed by a one-world leadership.)
The goal of global governance, and the use of the environmental movement to achieve it, is not new; but what is new is the bold admission of this goal. However, this is simply one way the world is being prepared for a one-world government that the Bible reveals will occur.
This global take-over will ultimately occur with one man ruling the world, beginning exactly three and a half years (to the very day) prior to the return of Christ to the earth. To put it into perspective, it will occur exactly three and a half years following the commencement of the seven-year treaty between Israel and ten other nations.
Ironically, it will be the destruction of the environment that will be a key preparation for the ascendancy of a one-world ruler. Global cataclysms will occur, initiated by wars of nation against nation in various places, followed by worldwide famines, pestilence, etc., preparing the global leader to ascend to his throne. During the first three and a half years of this global destruction, a man will conquer the Middle East and northern Africa (Egypt, Libya, and Sudan), preparing his resume for rule. After three and a half years of war, disease, very little food and water, and no hope in sight of change occurring, people will be looking for change they can believe in (sound familiar?). (No, this world ruler will not come from the United States, regardless what you may have seen on the internet!) The timing will be perfect, but preparations (environmental movement, financial crisis leading toward global economic control, etc.) are being made now for that reality to take place.
Your Help to Advance the Word
I cannot tell you how much I appreciate those who have helped me get to this point of the publishing process. One reason I have so much appreciation for the help I have been given is because of my passion for the material in my book. I truly believe that it could have an eternal impact upon its readers, but for it to get into the hands of all who are open to the truth, I need more help to get the word out.
I need help to establish media contacts, so please let me know of any contact you may have; or email and contact local media outlets (i.e., newspapers, TV stations, radio stations, etc.) yourself. Media contacts listen better when others (beside the author) appeal to them to take a look at the author’s website (www.2012apocalypsebook.com).
In addition, you can help by forwarding the “2012 Alerts” to others and encourage them to sign up (at jrclaeys@yahoo.com or through the website) to receive it themselves. Each person you get to read the “Alerts” could multiply exponentially the amount of others who receive the word, as well (as your friend contacts others who contact others, etc.).
Finally, pray. Ask God to put the book into the hands of all who are open to His truth.
By the way, as I mentioned, I will be receiving a thousand copies of the book in February and will distribute those on a first-come, first-serve basis. So order now!
Thank you for your support. Keep looking up!
John