 Okay. Good morning, everyone. Welcome to BC 213, our course on the end times. And, thank you for joining the class. Let's take a moment to pray, and then we will get started. Could one of us please pray with the class, and we can start? Let's pray. Father Almighty, King of glory, in the name of Jesus, we thank you for today. We thank you for bringing us together. We now surrender this class into your hand, that Father, let your Holy Spirit come and lead us. We pray for a spirit of wisdom, spirit of knowledge, spirit of understanding, that what we may learn, Lord God, may impact on us. Let us give us wisdom to spread your word. We pray all this in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. Amen. Thank you. Thank you once again. All right. So, we have been, we started our final lesson in this course on the end times. So, the plan is to finish that and then next week, maybe we'll do a full review of the entire course. So, we were looking at the signs of the end times, the signs of the end times. We're going to share the PDF so that we could pick up from where we paused last week and just quickly review a few things and go forward. So, what we're doing in this lesson, lesson five, is trying to look at what are the signs that are indicating to us where we are in relation to the start of the final seven years of tribulation. Just before that, the rapture will take place. The Lord will come to take the church out of the way and then the seven years will begin of tribulation that will lead us basically from Revelation chapter six onwards. So, how close are we? Now, of course, we cannot predict the date or the month or the year. We can't do that but we can get an indication that we are close and so that's what these signs of the times are for that we're looking at. So, we said one of the biggest most notable signs is of Israel coming together as a nation which has already happened. This is very significant because a lot of the end time prophecies that are yet to be fulfilled are in relation to the Jewish people and are in relation to Israel as a nation. So, that was very important. So, Jewish people began to gather back into Israel over time and then in 1948, they identified themselves as an nation, an independent nation. In addition to that, what was significant was that they recaptured Jerusalem some in 1967. That means Jerusalem which is a very important city for the Jewish people. They regain control of it or at least part of that control of that city in 1967. So, Jesus said one generation will see all these things. So, if we put this as the starting point, then we say, okay, we don't know how long a generation is, whether it's 78 years or it's a lifespan of a normal human lifespan or what it would put somewhere in that range is what we're looking at. A generation is going to see all of these things. So, this is just to give us an indication of where we are and we're not trying to predict the year or the date or anything like that because we know we cannot when we're not supposed to. The second important sign of the time is that Jerusalem becomes a focal point of conflict. And that again is happening now. People are very interested in what's always looking and what is happening in Jerusalem in Israel, particularly in Jerusalem because we said that the and we see this in Revelation 16 and on that the buildup towards the battle of Armageddon is armies of the earth moving towards Jerusalem, Israel in general and Jerusalem in particular. So, God said I will make Jerusalem a cup of drunkenness to all the surrounding peoples. So, that is an important observation that we need to look at. Keep looking at it. What is happening? How are the nations aligning themselves in relation to Israel and towards Jerusalem? So, that's a second sign that we discussed. So, we're going to start now from number three and move forward. The third sign we need to look at is about the temple mount, the temple being ready to be rebuilt. The reason is again a lot of end time prophecies like we saw in Revelation 13 that this Antichrist who comes he sets himself up in the temple as God and demanding worship. So, we say there obviously has to be that temple because he's going to stop the sacrifices. He's going to put himself up to be worshiped. Desi is going to speak blasphemies against God. We see in Revelation chapter 13 and also in the book of Daniel chapter 7, 8 and 9. So, there has to be this temple but like we said in a previous chapter right now on the temple mount there are two Islamic monuments or monuments that belong to the Arab people, the Muslims. There is the Al-Aqsa Mosque and there's the Dome of the Rock. They are both sacred places for the Arabs and the Jews are only allowed to come to one side, the western wall. So, we need to look at that and that of course is the major point of conflict between the Jews and the Arabs. And we need to see, you know, how is this temple going to come back? I mean we don't exactly exact place but we know that's the temple mount. That was where the temple was or used to be. And what we can read and this has been known for some time is that there are a group of Jews who are all ready, all set to rebuild the temple if they were given the opportunity. So, they've made their plans. They've got everything needed to resume the worship inside the temple, the sacrifices, the sacrificial worship and rituals. They've got everything ready and it is not a secret. They have a website also, I think it's called the temple mount.org and you can go and everything, you can read about all the preparations, everything is ready. The only thing is they just, okay, give us the place, the place to build this on and they are ready to do it. So, we are that close to seeing that happen. Now, how and when, you know, we don't know. Just the fact that these people are ready to do it, the Jewish people are ready to do it, got everything in place and now it's just a matter of the place on which they're going to build the temple. So, we are very close, very close and literally within months, they would be able to set it up, put everything to build the temple and, you know, resume this or to have the sacrifices coming. So, that is something to keep looking at what is going to happen, how are things developing towards that, you know, you have to keep observing. A fourth important thing signed to look at is about the 10 leaders, 10 leaders who are to emerge. Now, where do we read about this? I'll just quickly mention in Daniel chapter 2, Daniel spoke about a time when, you know, in the image that he had, you know, there was this big image head made of gold and chest of brass and waist of silver, I think, waist of brass and feet of iron, legs of iron and then the feet was a mix of iron and clay and had 10 toes and Daniel in interpreting that dream with Nebuchadnezzar had, he said, in the days of that kingdom, that is, the mix of iron and clay, God himself will set up his kingdom. That was Daniel chapter 2 and then that is expanded for us in Daniel chapter 7, 8 and 9, where the 10 toes are then represented by 10 horns or 10 leaders. Where will these 10 leaders come from? They will come from the region that's a mix of iron and clay. Iron was the Roman Empire. So, you know, when we study Daniel, we will understand this. It was the part of the Roman Empire and then the Roman Empire now is mixed with clay, which is people from all other nations. So, the Roman Empire predominantly covered parts of Europe across the Mediterranean and then the northern part of Africa. So, that's where the Roman Empire was and today that iron is mixed with clay. That means that region is, it has people who were part of the original, you know, people living there, but it's all mixed with people from all the nations, all mixed people, all migrated and emigrated and so on. And in that vision Daniel chapter 2, because in the days of those kingdoms, when there were 10 leaders emerging, God would intervene. So, there are going to be 10 leaders coming out of that region. The region where there was once the former Roman Empire, which now is mixed with people from all other countries, all other nations, which is what we are seeing today. So, while we won't restrict ourselves to the European Union, the European Union is of interest because it covers overlaps with parts of that which used to be the former Roman Empire. There's an overlap and so we're looking, you know, parts of Europe, who are these 10 leaders who are going to rise, who are going to come into political significance. Why is that important? Because in Daniel's vision, chapters Daniel 7, 8 and 9, he tells us, we will study this in our third year, he tells us that there will be a little horn, a small horn, meaning a very insignificant leader who will come. He will rise up from what used to be the former Greek Empire. So, he will rise up from that region and he will subdue three of these 10 leaders, meaning he will somehow gain influence over three of these 10 leaders and with their help, he will come into prominence. He will come into, you know, he will become the Antichrist, this man who tries to bring in a peace, a deal with Israel in the Middle East. So, we are looking at what is happening in this part of the world with interest. Who could be these 10 leaders who are emerging? Who could be this little horn who's coming on the scene? And which of these 10 leaders, three of these 10 leaders here, he's going to gain control over, he'll influence them. So, we are watching that. But the main point is, all of this is very possible today. Then we look at what's happening in and around Europe and around the Mediterranean. That means we're talking about, you know, Europe going all the way from Western Europe, Eastern Europe. And then you cross the Mediterranean, you come over into Turkey and Syria and around the countries all around Israel, come across Northern Africa and so you're looking at all this region, this area carefully and you're saying, okay, yeah, we can see, you know, 10 leaders coming and how these others are aligning themselves and just keeping an eye, you know, on this region. But whatever Daniel wrote in Daniels 7, 8 and 9, you know, it actually can happen before our eyes. Then leaders, a little leader coming and influencing three of them coming into prominence and that leader being able to come and set up some peace agreement with Israel. It can happen any time. So that also is of great interest to us as we look in that area. And that's a sign because only then can the prophecies of the end times be fulfilled. Number five, the fifth sign. Let me just pause. Any questions on that? Yeah, you all with me so far? Any questions? Okay. Feel free to ask any questions. I'm not purposely turning into Daniel 7, 8 and 9 because we will study that, you know, worst by worst in our third year. But I'm just pointing to you, to the chapters where these prophecies have been given for us. Another important sign of the end times that we're going to look at, we should be looking at years. The possibility of a global currency system and identification system. Now, we saw this in Revelation 13. You know, when the Antichrist comes, he's referred to as the beast in Revelation 13. And of course, he's empowered by the dragon, that is Satan. The Antichrist, along with another man called the false prophet, they're going to extend their influence politically and through a economic system and through a religious system. Now, this economic system is such that in Revelation 13, it says no man can buy or sell unless they get the mark of the beast, which is 666. Now, we don't have to worry about the particular number 666, you know, okay, it's there. But the point is, it is a mark of the beast, an identification system. And only if you accept it, receive that, only then can you engage in financial transaction, but you cannot buy yourself without having that mark. You know, if you thought about this maybe 30, 40 years ago, you'd say, how is this possible? You know, how could you control what people buy or sell and you know, how is this possible? But today, it is possible that you could have a financial system, a global financial system that you can then say, if you're going to participate in this financial system, you need to have this particular identification or you have to have this particular way of engaging. You can do that today. Right? So, for example, of course, there are many financial systems, many banking systems around the world, every country has their own, you know, system, but any person sitting in any part of the world can transact financially, literally anywhere else. Now, you have your credit card or you have your bank details and you can move money, you can buy yourself globally. It's possible. Now, today, you can sit in, you know, one country and you can make a purchase somewhere else in another country online and you know, things can happen globally. So, the technology and the possibility is in place for what John wrote 2000 years ago in Revelation 13. Of course, the Lord Jesus revealed it to him and he said, this beast is going to control people. They cannot buy yourself unless they have the mark of the beast. He wrote that 2000 years ago and here we are today and we say, yeah, that's possible. It's possible to have a global financial system where people around the world can engage in and you can require some sort of an authentication from them, where in this particular case, it's called the mark of the beast. So, that's very interesting that we are living in a time when Revelation 13 can actually be fulfilled before our eyes. What, two years ago, it would not be possible. You know, so it's telling us how close we are to where these things can actually take place. Number six is to see how Russia, China, Iran and Turkey align themselves. So, I just want to point us to one verse of Scripture, one or two verses of Scripture. If you turn with me to Ezekiel chapter 38, please, just to highlight this, we won't read the whole chapter but I want to point out something for us. Ezekiel chapter 38 and if you read verses one, two, eight, Ezekiel 38, one, two, eight. Can somebody read that please? Ezekiel 38, one, two, eight. Somebody could read it. Ezekiel chapter 38 verses one through eight. So, let's just look at it here. He says, son of man, set your face against Gog of the land of Magog, the prince of Rosh, Meshach and Tubal and prophesy against him and say, thus says the Lord God, be all that against you, O Gog, the prince of Rosh, Meshach and Tubal. I will turn you around, put hooks in your jaws and lead you out with all your army, horses and horsemen, all splendidly clothed in a great company with bucklers and shields, all of them handling swords, Persia, Ethiopia and Libya are with them, all of them with shield and helmet, Gomer and all its troops, the house of Togarma from the far north and all its troops, many people are with you. Prepare yourself and be ready, you and all your companies that I gathered about you and be a God for them. After many days you will be visited. In the latter years you will come back, come into the land of those brought back from the sword and gathered from many people on the mountains of Israel, which had long been desolate, they were brought out of the nations and now all of them well safely. And then if you skip now to verse 16, he goes on to say, you will come up against my people Israel like a cloud to cover the land, it will be in the latter days that I will bring you against my land so that the nations may know me and I'm hallowed in you O Gog before their eyes. So basically is equal to 38th chapter. If you look back in verse one onwards, Gog, the land of Magog, the prince of Rosh Meshach, Tubal. Now what some Bible scholars point out for us is Rosh Meshach and Tubal are pointing to tribes that belong or a part of Russia today. So that's why when they say Gog and Magog or Rosh Meshach and Tubal, they say these are pointing to Russia, tribes in Russia. And then you look at verse five, Persia. Persia is the Bible name for Iran, Ethiopia and Libya. So we have these people, these nations, what will happen to them? Verse 16, they will come against Israel. They'll come against this land whom these people who have been brought back into their land. So this is something for us to look at. So that's why, let's go back to the notes. Russia, Iran, Turkey, Togarma. This is in verse six, Gomer and all its troops and the house of Togarma. So Turkey Togarma, Persia, Iran, Gog and Magog represent by the tribes of Rosh Meshach, Tubal, that's Russia. So these are nations that are going to be engaged in coming against Israel. The reason we also mentioned China, although China's never mentioned by name, is because of what we saw in the book of Revelation, where he says Kings from the East, this is Revelation 16, Kings from the East begin to move across the river Euphrates towards Israel. So we don't know for sure, because China's not mentioned by name, but Kings from the East, talking about leaders from the, you know, armies from the East. So we say, well, it's very likely China is one of those powerful nations that will move from the East, East of Israel. So that's why we're looking at these countries, because we know about Russia, Iran and Turkey, mentioned in Ezekiel 38 and China, Revelation 16, most likely comes as part of the Kings of the East. So how about these nations aligning themselves? How are they positioning themselves? And it's very interesting to see that although Russia and China, you know, they don't always see, you know, they don't, or to say, maybe they're not 100% aligned, but yet you can see them, you know, building their relationship. And then their influence, Russia and China over in these areas, Iran and Turkey. So you can see these leaders, and I've just mentioned a little bit here, but you can see how these leaders are interacting with each other and how are the leaders in China and Russia, you know, they're strengthening their personal positions in their own lands. But they're also trying to build bridges with other countries. China has done a lot of work through its Belt and Road Initiative, where they have actually invested in about 70 countries worldwide, and they're kind of building almost like a network of governments who will back them up. So it's almost like if China moves in one way, these other countries are going to move with them because of the kind of influence China already has in nearly 70 countries because of the investments they have made. So China has now become a very influential nation of superpowers globally and is now, you know, building bridges with Russia as well. So you can see what China is doing in terms of investing, especially in Iran. They've strategically invested over there. Russia is strengthening its relationship with Turkey. Turkey is exerting its influence in that part of the world. So it's interesting to see all these nations, how they're lining up with each other. So if one of them were to move in war against Israel, it's likely they're going to bring all of the others in because they've already invested so much and got them to be on their side. They're going to move towards Israel. And so the kings of the east could very well be all of these nations who have aligned themselves with each other moving against Israel. And this is very likely, very possible. It's a fulfillment of what we see in Ezekiel chapter 38 and also in chapter 39. The next any question on that point number six? Are you all with me? Is it clear? Yes. Okay. Yes. Okay. All right. So now let's move to our next point. Number seven about peace talks with Israel and the plan to divide the land. So like we said, Israel as a nation, Jerusalem specifically, has been a rubble spot in the world, mainly because of the conflict between the Palestinians and Israel. The Palestinians want a separate identity, a separate nation. They have sections of land on the west side called West Bank, the west side of Jordan, and also Gaza, again another portion of land. They're staying there. And there's always been this talk, how do we resolve this conflict? And so many, many leaders have tried to establish peace, right? But Joel prophesied in Joel chapter three, verse one and two, he said, for behold in those days and at that time, when I bring back the captives of Jerusalem, I'll also gather all nations and bring them down to the valley of Jehoshaphat, that is Megiddo at the Battle of Armageddon is going to take place. I've lent a judgment to them there on account of my people, my heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations. They have also divided up my land. So God is saying, in those days at that time, after, you know, when I bring back the captives of Judah and Jerusalem, so the people of Judah and Jerusalem, they are back in their own land. They have come back. We saw that 1948, they were there, recognized as a nation, 1967, they've got back part of Jerusalem. So we are very close to this fulfillment of this. What is happening is the nations are coming against Israel, and they are going to divide up the land. So when you look at the solutions that were being proposed for resolving this conflict in the Middle East between Palestinians and Israel, one of the solutions was, let there be two states, let them have their own place and let the Palestinians have their own place and be given their own identity, which means Israel is going to give up what they want for themselves, what they consider as really part of their land. So that's been proposed, put forward, but nobody has taken that, you know, to make it real. It's just not possible. Israel will not let it happen. There's the other challenge, which is the control of the city of Jerusalem, especially the Temple Mount. Who's going to control this place? Because the Jews want it, the Arabs want it. So Israel says, hey, all of Jerusalem is our capital. All of Jerusalem belongs to us. That's Israel. The Palestinians, they say, hey, east of Jerusalem, that's our part, our part. It belongs to us. East Jerusalem, all of that portion is belongs to us. So there is debate, there's, you know, the desire to control Jerusalem. And these are two very difficult or two points of conflict that are going on and on and on. Different leaders have attempted so many different things over the years. But eventually what the Bible is saying is, people will come to divide up my land. So one of the things that will actually give rise to this ultimate conflict, that is the battle of Armageddon, where the nations will gather in the valley of Jehoshaphat. Yes, they're going to come to divorceably divide the land, take it out of Israel, and say, no, you've got to give it. So they've come to divide up the land. Which means that these two problems have precipitated, have become something so big that nations have gotten involved in it. And they've come to divide up the land. And that's when, as they come into the battle of Armageddon, God himself will step in. And he says, I will enter into judgment with them for the sake of my people, because they have come to divide up my land. So looking at what leaders are proposing as a solution, you know, to this Arab-Israeli Arab conflict is something we have to keep looking at, because we know the direction this is going to go. We know that ultimately, they are going to try to forcibly divide the land. And that will give rise to this final conflict, the battle of Armageddon. So it's interesting. Keep looking. What are people trying to propose as a solution to this problem? And what is the direction it's going? Keep looking at it. One more, let's look at maybe a couple of more. Another important thing we keep looking at is to look at the church. So all these other signs, previous signs that we looked at were signs outside the church, what is happening in the world. But it's also very important to look at what's happening in the church, because the Apostle Paul said that when the Lord Jesus comes back, he will come for a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing. So that he might present her to himself as a glorious church. That means when Jesus is coming back, he's going to present the church to himself as a glorious church, not as a weak church, not as a defeated church, not as a divided church, but a glorious church. So in order to bring the church to this place of glory, what do we need? Well, he has put apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers to equip the saints to edify the body of Christ. That means to build up the body of Christ till we all come to the unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God to a mature man. That means these ministries are going to be working towards bringing us to that place of maturity. So this is another important thing to look at. We have seen over the last several decades that the minister of the apostle, the prophet, the evangelist and pastor and teacher has been restored in the body of Christ. And then these ministries are helping build up the church, build up the body of Christ and are helping the church come to this place of being a perfect man, to the full measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. So that's what we are seeing happen. And God is restoring everything in the church, is bringing the church to be this glorious church. And Acts 3, Eater said, Lord Jesus Christ, whom heaven must receive, or the word receive actually can be also translated retain, heaven must retain until the time of restoration of all things. So Jesus is going to be in heaven until the time when everything is going to be restored. And one of the things that will be restored is the church, that the church would be brought to this place of restoration. So you look at the early church, you see how powerful it is. We know the church went through a difficult time in history, but now the church is coming back to its place of strength and glory, and Jesus will be retained in heaven until the time of restoration of all things, including restoration of the church. So the church is brought to its place of restoration, and then Christ will come. So that's something to look at as we consider the science. And it's exciting to see that the church is being restored, being brought into this place of maturity. A couple of other things that we can quickly look at, which we are, I would say, a more familiar science, number nine, is that the gospel must be preached to all the nations, which is something that's happening. Like never before in history has, you know, this many people living on the earth, and the gospel having reached so many people all across the world. Yes, there are tribes or there are communities and there are tribes where the gospel is not yet reached, but the gospel is being preached in all the nations. Within those nations, there may be tribes where, you know, the final, the last mile, the final efforts are being made to bring the gospel to those people groups. But the big picture is the gospel has reached all the nations, and we are now looking at people groups, which are the people groups that need to hear the gospel. So this is amazing that this science, because Jesus said, this gospel of the kingdom will be preached as a witness to all the nations, to all the ethnic people groups, and then the end will come. So we are looking at the gospel reaching all the people groups, all the nations. And that's, and we can see that we're getting closer and closer to the coming of the Lord. Increased persecution of the church is another indication, because Jesus said, as he gave the signs of the end times, he said, look, they're going to lay hands on it, they're going to persecute you. Yes, we know persecution has always been there, but there's going to be an increased persecution for my name's sake, for the sake of Jesus Christ. So we look at that, how, what's happening in the world's reaction to the church. We look at that and see what's happening. There's going to be increased deception, false spirituality, false Christ, false prophets. Again, now these are things that have always been there, meaning it's not new in that sense. There are always been cults and false religions and all that, but it's going to happen in an increased manner. First Timothy 4, 1 and 2, the Spirit says very clearly in the latter times, there will be deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons. So that's going to increase in the latter times. So that's something the Holy Spirit has already spoken to us. Okay, let me pause here. Any questions so far? Everybody's with me? Okay, so let's take a break and right after the break, we'll be back in 10 minutes and right after the break we'll finish the remaining signs of the end times. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. We'll finish the remaining signs, maybe just another, I think we just need maybe another 20 minutes after the break. And then we should be done with this lesson. And then our next step is to do a full review. I will most likely keep the full review for next week. We'll take the two hours just to quickly review and I'll also encourage you to please ask any questions that you may have about anything in this course that we've covered. So let's take a quick break for 10 minutes, be back in 10 minutes and then we will finish up this lesson on the signs of the tax. Thank you.