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Archive for June, 2016

Trend Update: Ezekiel 38-39, Israel and Turkey, Diplomatic Ties Restored, June 2016

Posted in Ezekiel 38-39, Prophecy, Trend Update with tags Beth Togarmah, Ezekiel 38-39, ft.com, Gomer, Israel, Italy, Magog, Meshech, natural gas, New York Times, Revised Roman Empire, Rome, Russia, Tubal, Turkey on June 29, 2016 by paulthepoke

Ezekiel 38:1-3 The word of the Lord came to me: “Son of man, set your face toward Gog, of the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him and say, Thus says the Lord God: Behold, I am against you, O Gog, chief prince of Meshech and Tubal.

Ezekiel 38:6 Gomer and all his hordes; Beth-Togarmah from the uttermost parts of the north with all his hordes—many peoples are with you.

Historically Meshech, Tubal, Gomer, and Beth-Togarmah are associated with modern day Turkey. See attached link for more detail.

https://paulthepoke.com/2015/12/09/trend-update-russia-magogisrael-ezekiel-38-39-december-9-2015/

Israel and Turkey are in the news today, June 27, 2016, together. The agreement was brokered in Rome, Italy. Israel and Turkey have agreed to restore full diplomatic ties. The disagreement occurred when Israel captured a Turkish vessel off the coast of the Gaza Strip in May 2010.

As part of the agreement, Israel will pay $20 million to support the families of the victims. Turkey has agreed to drop all legal claims in the issue.

Turkey will also begin delivering aid to the Gaza Strip focusing on hospitals, water, and electricity.

Talks have begun between Israel and Turkey regarding the delivery of natural gas to Turkey from Israel. The Jewish state is looking to expand exports of natural gas into Europe. Turkey needs natural gas. The main supplier of natural gas to Turkey has been Russia. The supply of natural gas delivery has been in question since Turkey shot down a Russian military jet. As of June 27, 2016 Turkey has issued a public apology to Russia for downing their jet. The deal could have significant implications on Russia’s market share of natural gas sales…

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu states the deal provides stability in the Middle East.

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/a4ad3370-3c63-11e6-9f2c-36b487ebd80a.html#axzz4CnIO9Y35

http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2016/06/27/world/europe/ap-eu-israel-turkey.html?_r=0

Ezekiel 38:13 Sheba and Dedan and the merchants of Tarshish with all its villages will say to you, ‘Have you come to capture spoil? Have you assembled your company to seize plunder, to carry away silver and gold, to take away cattle and goods, to capture great spoil?

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Trend Update: Jewish Temple/Dome of the Rock, Side by Side, June 2016

Posted in Prophecy, Temple, Trend Update with tags Amos 9, Chief Rabbi David Law, Dome of the Rock, Temple Mount, Third Jewish Temple on June 26, 2016 by paulthepoke

Amos 9:11 In that day I will raise up the fallen booth of David, and wall up its breaches; I will also raise up its ruins and rebuild it as in the days of old;

Political support continues to grow for the building of the third Jewish Temple. It is believed that the two structures, the Dome of the Rock and the Jewish Temple, can be built side by side on the Temple Mount.

Israeli Chief Rabbi David Lau believes there is room for everybody to worship on the Temple Mount. Rabbi Lau has changed his tune on the topic. Previously in October 2015, he was opposed and believed in preventing Jews on the Temple Mount.

Included in the link below is an interview with Rabbi Law. He expresses his views on the topic.

http://www.breakingisraelnews.com/70460/top-rabbi-joins-growing-list-pro-temple-politicians/#cpTo7Ijc3cdfsGhP.97

The pro Temple movement continues to grow within the Israeli government.

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Trend Update: No Sun Spots, June 2016

Posted in Prophecy, Signs: Sun, Moon, Stars..., Trend Update with tags cold, ice, Jesus Christ, Job 38, Luke 21, NASA, Snow, sun spots, Tribulation on June 26, 2016 by paulthepoke

Luke 21:25 There will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth dismay among nations, in perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the waves…

For the second time in June 2016, the sun has been observed to be without spots. The current sun cycle has been observed to be the weakest in over a century. Scientists think this is a warning of a potential solar cycle minimum. Scientists expect an increasing number of days without sun spots in the next few years. The pattern starts with no sun spots for a few days. Then it will last for a few weeks. Finally, the pattern concludes with no sun spots for a few months at a time.

The result on Earth is the upper atmosphere cools and contracts. Translation, colder than normal temperatures with increased precipitation.

http://www.climatedepot.com/2016/06/25/the-sun-goes-blank-again-during-the-weakest-solar-cycle-in-more-than-a-century/

Please note Jesus states there will be “signs” (plural). Is this a “sign”? That’s up to you to decide.

Do know this. Per Scripture, the tribulation is a period of cold and snow and ice. The tribulation will be more consistent with an ice age than the hot and dry “Mad Max” world. Solar cycles are suggesting we are trending in the direction of the Bible’s end time scenario.

Job 38:22-23 Have you entered the storehouses of the snow, or have you seen the storehouses of the hail, which I have reserved for the time of distress, for the day of war and battle?

https://paulthepoke.com/2016/05/27/trend-update-hole-in-the-sun-may-2016/

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Trend Update: Strawberry Moon, Summer Solstice 2016

Posted in Signs: Sun, Moon, Stars..., Trend Update with tags 1948, 1967, full moon, Israel, jerusalem, Jesus Christ, Luke 21, Olivet Discourse, Strawberry Moon, summer solstice on June 22, 2016 by paulthepoke

Luke 21:25 And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves… -Jesus

The context of this verse is Christ’s Olivet Discourse. He is describing the events leading up to His Second Coming.

The first day of summer brought us a “Strawberry Moon”. What is that? By definition, A “Strawberry Moon” is when a full moon occurs on the Summer Solstice. It is a relatively rare event.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/capital-weather-gang/wp/2016/06/21/the-strawberry-moon-rises-on-the-solstice-for-the-first-time-since-1967-photos/

http://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article84765197.html

One of the interesting items about blogging is I receive all kinds of communication and interaction. This event would be one of those instances.

The last two times this occurred was 1967 and 1948. The point made was, “This is a sign!” When the Strawberry Moon occurred in 1948, Israel became a nation. When the Strawberry Moon occurred in 1967, Jerusalem became its capital.

Here we are in 2016. So what’s next if any?

Is this event a sign? It is a fun and interesting item. But, that’s up to you to decide.

I learned about a Strawberry Moon…Next Strawberry Moon is set for June 21, 2062.

http://thescoopblog.dallasnews.com/2016/06/check-out-the-strawberry-moon-tonight-because-your-next-chance-wont-be-till-2062.html/

Luke 21:28 Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.

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Millennial Kingdom:Geological/Geographical Implications;Greatest Earthquake Ever

Posted in Earthquakes/Volcanoes, Millennial Kingdom, Prophecy with tags earthquakes, geography, geology, Isaiah 24, islands, Jesus Christ, Micah 1, mountains, Mystery Babylon, Psalms, Revelation 16, Tribulation on June 12, 2016 by paulthepoke

Revelation 16:17-20 The seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and a loud voice came out of the temple, from the throne, saying, “It is done!” And there were flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, and a great earthquake such as there had never been since man was on the earth, so great was that earthquake. The great city was split into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell, and God remembered Babylon the great, to make her drain the cup of the wine of the fury of his wrath. And every island fled away, and no mountains were to be found.

The context of this verse is before the Second Coming of Christ. It occurs near the end of the seven year Tribulation. The Millennial Kingdom is about to commence. The seventh bowl concludes the judgments upon the earth and humanity.

…and a great earthquake such as there had never been since man was on the earth, so great was that earthquake. The last earthquake mentioned in the Bible will be the largest and strongest in the history of humanity. This earthquake will also be the most destructive. The Greek expression of the quake is restated three times. The earthquake is greatness and magnitude upon greatness and magnitude upon greatness and magnitude. The scale and power are larger than the Discovery Channel can imagine. It is the Mega Quake!

The great city was split into three parts. The great city is mystery Babylon. Some think the city is a reborn Babylon in modern day Iraq. Others think it is Rome. Some believe it is Istanbul, Turkey. Mecca, Saudi Arabia is a city on seven hills. Pick your seven hilled city. Conjecture in regards to city is pointless.

…and the cities of the nations fell… All the cities (plural) of the nations (plural) are doomed. The Greek word for “fell” is πιπτο (pipto). Per Strong’s Concordance, it means: to descend from a higher place to a lower; to be thrust down; come to an end, disappear, cease; to lose authority, no longer have force. Metaphorically: to fall under judgment, came under condemnation. “It is done!”

And every island fled away, and no mountains were to be found. The idea of no more mountains and changed geography is noted in multiple places in the Bible. Revelation is not the only source of this concept.

Psalm 97:5 The mountains melt like wax before the LORD, before the Lord of all the earth.

Psalm 46:6 The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts.

Isaiah 24:1 Behold, the LORD lays the earth waste, devastates it, distorts its surface and scatters its inhabitants.

Isaiah 24:19 The earth is utterly broken, the earth is split apart, the earth is violently shaken.

Micah 1:4 And the mountains will melt under him, and the valleys will split open, like wax before the fire, like waters poured down a steep place.

The level of destruction is unimaginable. We cannot comprehend. It says what it says.

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Trend Update: Israel’s Chief Rabbi Supports Temple on Mount with Muslim Holy Sites, June 2016

Posted in Prophecy, Temple, Trend Update with tags Al Aqsa Mosque, Chief Rabbi of Israel David Lau, Dome of the Rock, Eastern Gate, Ezekiel 44, Golden Gate, Revelation 11, Temple Institute, Temple Mount, Yehuda Glick on June 10, 2016 by paulthepoke

The Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of Israel David Lau stated the third Jewish Temple could be built on the Temple Mount without removing Muslim places of worship. He says there is plenty of room for all to worship.

“Jews, Christians, Muslims, everyone,” stated Rabbi Lau.

As of June 2016, Yehuda Glick is now a member of the Israeli Knesset. This is the same Yehuda Glick who took multiple gun shots from an intended assassin and survived. He is the same rabbi who was the head of the Temple Institute in Jerusalem. He believes Jews should be able to pray on the Temple Mount. Previously, Glick has stated a vision of three faiths (Islam, Christianity and Judaism) sharing the Temple Mount. This idea is gaining traction among Jews in Israel. Some believe it could be the key to a future solution to the Arab-Israeli conflict.

http://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-chief-rabbi-urges-rebuilding-jerusalem-temple/

There are multiple places where the Temple could be built on the Mount. The main focus appears to be in the olive grove on the north end of the Temple Mount. This location is particularly interesting. Straight east is the Golden Gate or the Eastern Gate. This is the Messiah’s gate. It has been closed for centuries.

Ezekiel 44:1-3 Then he brought me back to the outer gate of the sanctuary, which faces east. And it was shut. And the LORD said to me, “This gate shall remain shut; it shall not be opened, and no one shall enter by it, for the LORD, the God of Israel, has entered by it. Therefore it shall remain shut. Only the prince may sit in it to eat bread before the LORD. He shall enter by way of the vestibule of the gate, and shall go out by the same way.”

This location would also align with Revelation 11:2 Leave out the court which is outside the temple and do not measure it, for it has been given to the nations; and they will tread under foot the holy city for forty-two months.

A temple constructed in the north end of the Temple Mount would allow for the Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa Mosque to be in the outer courtyard of the Jewish Temple.

https://paulthepoke.com/2016/05/04/trend-update-mount-of-olives-passover-2016/

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Pentecost, Shavuot, Feast of Weeks: Counting of the Omer

Posted in Gospel, Pentecost/Shavuot/Feast of Weeks, Prophecy with tags Acts 2, counting of the omer, Ephesians 1, Feast of Weeks, Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, Law, Leviticus 23, Mosaic Law, Mount Sinai, Pentecost, Shavuot, torah on June 10, 2016 by paulthepoke

Leviticus 23:15-16 ‘You shall also count for yourselves from the day after the Sabbath, from the day when you brought in the sheaf of the wave offering; there shall be seven complete Sabbaths. You shall count fifty days to the day after the seventh Sabbath; then you shall present a new grain offering to the Lord.

With the Mosaic Law, this 50 day period of time is known as the “counting of the omer”. So what is an “omer”? The Hebrew word for “sheaf” is omer. Per Strong’s Concordance, an omer is a sheaf or bundle of grain; or a dry measure. Exodus 16:36 (An omer is the tenth part of an ephah.) In a western culture, an omer is approximately 2.3 quarts (http://biblehub.com/weights-and-measures/).

During Temple worship, an omer of barley was brought to the Temple on the second day of Passover. This was a grain offering. This marked the first day of the count.

In Jewish culture, the counting of the omer (50 days) connects the Passover and Shavuot. The Passover is celebrated to remind the nation Israel of the Exodus out of Egypt. Shavuot or the Feast of Weeks is a memorial of God giving Moses and Israel the Torah. Hebraic belief is redemption from Egyptian slavery was not complete until they received the instruction or teaching.

http://www.jewfaq.org/holidayb.htm

The Law was given on Mount Sinai roughly 1,500 years before Christ. Nation Israel honored Shavuot, the Feast of Weeks, every year. Fast forward to 33 AD. Nation Israel has been celebrating and living God’s Appointed Spring holidays.

Jesus Christ, the Passover Lamb, had been sacrificed. He was the buried Unleavened Bread. Christ is the First Fruits.

Acts 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them utterance. It is seven weeks after the death of the sacrificial lamb, Jesus. Shavuot or Pentecost is also the day God the Father gave the Holy Spirit. Because of this, Pentecost is considered the beginning or the birth of the church (believers in Jesus Christ).

Believers in Christ are cleansed of sin by the innocent blood of the Lamb. When that decision is made, we are sealed with the Holy Spirit. We are redeemed children of God, free of the bondage of sin.

Ephesians 1:13-14 In Him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in Him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of His glory.

Shavuot, Feast of Weeks, and Pentecost are synonymous. Shavuot is often associated with God giving the Torah, the birth of Judaism. Pentecost is often associated with God giving the Holy Spirit, the birth of the church. God chose His appointed holiday to reveal aspects of who He is.

https://paulthepoke.com/2015/05/17/shavuotpentecost-part-1/

https://paulthepoke.com/2015/05/22/shavuotpentecost-part-2/

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Trend Update: Peace Talks, Middle East Quartet, Russia, Saudi Peace Initiative, June 2016

Posted in Peace Plan, Prophecy, Trend Update with tags 1 Thessalonians 5, 7 year peace treaty, Arab League, Benjamin Netanyahu, Daniel 7, Daniel 9, Israel, Middle East Quartet, Oslo Accord, Russia, Saudi Peace Initiative, United Nations, Vladimir Putin on June 7, 2016 by paulthepoke

1 Thessalonians 5:3 While they are saying, “Peace and safety!” then destruction will come upon them suddenly like labor pains upon a woman with child, and they will not escape.

On June 3, 2016 representatives from the Middle East Quartet, the UN, Arab League and 20+ nations participated in peace discussions in Paris, France. The two parties (Israel and Palestinians) looking to achieve peace were not invited.

The Palestinians were in support of the talks. Israel opposed the discussions. Israel believes the two sides need to meet face to face.

Commentary indicated that “hopes for peace are in serious danger”.

“We must act urgently.”

There was consensus that Israel was to blame because of their settlements in disputed lands.

In the end it was agreed that further discussions would focus on the 2002 Saudi Peace Initiative. This includes Arab recognition of Israel. As a result, a Palestinian state would be established in territories occupied by Israel since 1967.

There were agreements to meet again during the summer of 2016.

Effectively, there was a lot of talking and dire language.

On June 6-7, 2016, Prime Minister Netanyahu made a two day trip to Moscow to meet with Vladimir Putin. The two leaders agree they have a common ground against terrorism. Putin states, “Relations with Israel are deep.” Some suggest Israel is trying to have Russia take the lead of peace negotiations and avoid the French led peace plan.

http://watch.org/

http://www.debka.com/article/25463/Israel%E2%80%99s-PM-seeks-role-in-Russian-US-duo-in-Syria

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-36441313

We know the following about the future peace treaty. There will be a 10 nation or leadership committee. Three of the original ten will be displaced by an evil one (Daniel 7:7-8, 20, 24). The deal will be brokered by a really evil guy, the antichrist. It will be an encompassing treaty with Israel and many others. The length of the treaty will be seven years (Daniel 9:27).

There are pieces of this covenant on the table with current negotiations in June 2016. The Arab recognition of Israel would involve 57 Arab nations. The Oslo Accord under President Clinton was a treaty for the length of seven years. Now if the current group of close to 30 gets whittled down to 10… By the way, we still a need a Temple.

As the Bible states in 1 Thessalonians 5:13, the time to get nervous is when everyone seems to think we are going to have peace.

While they are saying, “Peace and safety!” then destruction will come upon them suddenly like labor pains upon a woman with child, and they will not escape.

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Trend Update: Dead Sea Life, Great Barrier Reef, Australia, June 2016

Posted in Blood Red Water/Aquatic Death, Prophecy, Trend Update with tags Australia, bowl judgments, Great Barrier Reef, Revelation 16, Revelation 8, the guardian, Tribulation on June 6, 2016 by paulthepoke

Revelation 16:3 The second angel poured out his bowl into the sea, and it became blood like that of a dead man; and every living thing in the sea died.

The Bible states there will be a trend toward complete sea life death as stated in the book of Revelation. In chapter 8, 1/3 of the sea life dies and there is a progression toward Revelation 16 and complete sea life death.

Let me be clear. We are not in the tribulation.

The Great Barrier Reef in Australia is another example of a global trend of dying sea and fresh water creatures. The extent of death is on a massive scale. The smell of death is overwhelming per people on the scene. The majority of the damage is noted in the northern 1/3 of the reef. 22% of the coral has died. 93% of all reefs have experienced some level of bleaching.

The bleaching of the coral has been caused by increased water temperatures. Other factors include El Nino and changing global weather patterns, fertilizer, herbicides, and pollution.

The Great Barrier Reef is approximately 1,600 miles or 2,300 kilometers in length. It takes up an area approximately the size of Germany.

Half a billion people around the globe rely on the reef as a source of food. There are lost jobs as a result of the dying sea life. The reef brings in $6 billion a year in tourism. 70,000 jobs are filled with tourism demand. Jobs and revenue continue to decrease as a result.

Earlier in the year, the 2,500 mile coast of Chile experienced a similar event. This is not Uncle Joe’s farm pond and 15-20 dead catfish.

http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jun/07/the-great-barrier-reef-a-catastrophe-laid-bare

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Millennial Kingdom: Geological/Geographical Implications, Part 2

Posted in Earthquakes/Volcanoes, Millennial Kingdom, Prophecy with tags bowls, Dr. Henry Morris, earthquakes, jerusalem, Joel 2, Revelation, Revelation Record, seals, trumpets, two witnesses on June 5, 2016 by paulthepoke

Revelation 8:5 Then the angel took the censer and filled it with the fire of the altar, and threw it to the earth; and there followed peals of thunder and sounds and flashes of lightning and an earthquake.

Revelation 11:13 And in that hour there was a great earthquake, and a tenth of the city fell; seven thousand people were killed in the earthquake, and the rest were terrified and gave glory to the God of heaven.

Revelation 11:19 And the temple of God which is in heaven was opened; and the ark of His covenant appeared in His temple, and there were flashes of lightning and sounds and peals of thunder and an earthquake and a great hailstorm.

Revelation 16:18 And there were flashes of lightning and sounds and peals of thunder; and there was a great earthquake, such as there had not been since man came to be upon the earth, so great an earthquake was it, and so mighty.

This set of quakes takes place seven years before the Millennial Kingdom. Geography and geology are going to change for planet Earth. Each earthquake will increase with regard to intensity. The first quake in Revelation 6:12 moves mountains and islands out of their place. A seismic chain of reaction is started. Additional quakes will facilitate further land mass movement. The land we live on floats on molten lava and magma. The last quake in Revelation 16:18 will be the greatest in the history of man.

A pattern emerges with earthquakes in the book of Revelation. Earthquakes mark the end of each set of judgments (seals, trumpets, and bowls). The first earthquake in Revelation 6:12 is the sixth seal. The quake in Revelation 8:5 occurs before the beginning of the trumpet judgments. It is the seventh seal. The earthquake in Revelation 11:13 marks the sixth trumpet of seven. The quake in Revelation 11:19 is the seventh trumpet before the bowl judgments. The last earthquake in Revelation 16:18 marks the end of the seven bowl judgments.

In addition to the quake activity, imagine the collateral events associated. It is plausible to imagine significant volcanic eruptions which spew dust, ash, steam, and gases into the atmosphere. Tsunamis are highly likely. Breathing is going to be difficult. Joel 2:30-31 I will display wonders in the sky and on the earth, blood, fire and columns of smoke. The sun will be turned into darkness and the moon into blood before the great and awesome day of the LORD comes.

https://paulthepoke.com/2016/05/29/millennial-kingdom-geologicalgeographical-implications-memorial-day-2016/

Revelation 11:13…Jerusalem is the city referenced. Today (2016), Jerusalem’s population is estimated to be around 800,000+. The verse states a tenth of city’s infrastructure is destroyed. 7,000 people are prophesied to die in this earthquake.

This earthquake is also the exclamation point for the resurrection of the two witnesses of Revelation 11. People refuse to bury these two guys after they are killed by the antichrist. They are left to rot as an example. The Earth is throwing a party in honor of their death.

https://paulthepoke.com/2015/01/18/antichrist-the-beast-part-1/

The Revelation Record by Dr. Henry M. Morris; Tyndale House Publishers, Wheaton, IL; Creation-Life Publishers, San Diego, CA, 1983.