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[The text below represents an edited transcript of this Tomorrow’s World program.]

Germany’s Rising Power

On February 24, 2022, Russian tanks rolled across the border into Ukraine. They attacked in the north from Belarus, in the south from Crimea, and they attacked from the east, heading toward the capital Kiev. Just one month before, Germany had been reluctant to send weapons to Ukraine, not wanting to inflame already tense relations with Russia. The Germans infamously offered the Ukrainians just 5,000 helmets in response to their plea for help, as Russian troops amassed at the border.

But just two days after the invasion of February 24, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz made a surprise announcement. He committed the German government to increased military spending in 2022 by 100 billion euros. And, he pledged to send Ukraine 1,000 anti-tank weapons and 500 surface-to-air missiles.

This move did not just put Vladimir Putin on notice that Germany would stand with the Ukrainians; it also signaled a radical shift in Germany’s policy, one that had stood for decades.

As the news website France24 noted,

“Often described as predictable and ‘robotic,’ Chancellor Olaf Scholz has become emboldened since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, smashing policy taboos to steer Germany into ‘a new era’ that could reshape its role on the world stage” (February 28, 2022).

And that’s exactly what this shift has done—radically change Germany’s post-war policy. Since World War II, Germany has not allowed its weapons makers to export into war zones. It has not even allowed third parties to buy them for use in these areas. And this policy was a reaction to Germany’s dark, Nazi past. But now, everything has changed. This policy about-face has been nothing less than stunning.

But there’s more to the story. You see, it’s not just that Germany is taking a more muscular approach to its defense and its neighbors’ defense. There’s something else happening behind the scenes. What does it mean for Bible prophecy? And where will it lead in the end-times?

The Ancient Origin of the Germans

Welcome to Tomorrow’s World, where we help you make sense of your world through the pages of the Bible.

When Germany reversed its pacifist policy and pledged to stand with Ukraine, many were shocked. So, why DID Germany, after all those decades, dramatically change direction?

The answer lies in understanding the origin of the modern German nation. And that brings us to our first key to understanding why Germany matters in end-time prophecy:

1. Germany comes from ancient Assyria

Longtime viewers of Tomorrow’s World understand that nations of today didn't just appear out of thin air. Some countries, like Egypt, Italy, and Greece, have the same names as their ancient counterparts. On the other hand, other countries’ names have changed. This is true of Germany. You won’t find the name “Germany” in your Bible. But biblical and historical evidence show modern Germany sprang from ancient Assyria. How do we know? In the first segment, let’s look at some of the evidence.

The ancient empire of Assyria was a mighty and vast world-power that reached its zenith in the eighth century BC. But by 612 BC, it had collapsed and its capital, Nineveh, was overrun. Consider this comment by James Breasted in the book The Conquest of Civilization:

“[Nineveh’s] fall was forever, and when two centuries later Xenophon and his ten thousand Greeks marched past the place, the Assyrian nation was but a vague tradition, and Nineveh, its great city, was a vast heap of rubbish as it is today” ​(The Conquest of Civilization, 1954, p. 175).

The bulk of the Assyrians just disappeared. But where did they go? When you look at the historical record—combined with the Bible—you’ll find evidence of Assyrians moving north and west. Let’s examine just a few examples.

First of all, consider the city of Trier. One of the oldest cities in Germany, according to German legend, Trier was founded by an Assyrian prince named Trebeta, a descendant of the biblical Nimrod. While this is only a legend, it persisted at least as far as the 11^th century AD. If true, it would establish Assyrian knowledge of and access to the continent of Europe, well into antiquity.

Consider another point: Along the southern coast of the Black Sea is a promontory that in ancient times was called Sinope. Some historians say this ancient maritime city was founded by the Assyrians:

“The early foundations of Sinope are probably Assyrian. The extreme antiquity of that great power is constantly receiving fresh evidence…” (David M. Robinson, “Ancient Sinope: First Part,” The American Journal of Philology, vol. 27, no. 2, p. 145).

So, why is that significant? Because if the Assyrians had a presence in the Black Sea region before Nineveh fell, it would make sense to flee in that direction when their empire collapsed.

And that’s exactly where we do find some Assyrians, centuries after Nineveh fell. Diodorus of Sicily, a historian writing in the 1^st century BC, noted that the Assyrians were driven by the Scythians exactly to this region where they had long had a presence:

“It was by these kings [of the Scythians] that many of the conquered peoples were removed to other homes, and two of these became very great colonies: the one was composed of Assyrians and was removed to the land between Paphlagonia and Pontus” (Diodorus of Sicily, vol. 2, p. 29, Oldfather, 1935).

So, they were forcibly exiled to areas not unfamiliar to them.

Consider another piece of evidence: the Hittites. The Hittites were a powerful empire located in Asia Minor in antiquity. They had many cultural and ethnic ties to the Assyrians. And, they were next door neighbors. When the Hittite empire fell, around 1200 BC, the Assyrians swooped in to fill the vacuum. They occupied Hittite cities, and became even more mixed and linked as a people. Again, where would the fleeing Assyrians go when Nineveh fell, if not to areas where they were already established masters?

This is important, because later, we find historians tracing the Hittites migrating into Europe, carrying their names, their culture, and their tendencies with them. Undoubtedly, many Assyrians were mixed in as well.

Note some of the similarities between ancient Assyria and the Hittite empire, and modern Germany.

The iron cross was a military decoration by King Frederick Wilhelm III and by Imperial and Nazi Germany. It can ALSO be found depicted in engravings, hanging from the neck of the Assyrian king Shamshi-Adad V in the ninth-century BC.

The Hittite double-headed eagle and the Assyrian god Ashur depicted on a winged sun disk bear strong resemblances to the double-headed eagle of the Germanic Holy Roman Empire and the eagle and swastika disk of Nazi Germany.

British Assyriologist A. H. Sayce of the University of Oxford believed that the swastika symbol likely originated with the Hittites and spread into other cultures (xxi, Trojas, Heinrich Schliemann, 1881).

German Role in Bible Prophecy

You won’t find the name “Germany” in the Bible. Even so, you can identify where this powerful and influential nation sprang from. You can trace the movements of the ancient Assyrians through the centuries as they migrated and mingled among other peoples, finally settling in central Europe.

But why does it matter? Why should we care about these old histories and maps and artifacts? It might affect the days ahead, more than you realize. And that leads us to our second key to understanding why Germany matters in end-time prophecy:

2. Germany will dominate the Western world in the end-times

One third of the Bible is prophecy. And one of the basic principles of prophecy is that much of it is dual. In other words, there is a first fulfillment, and then there is a future fulfillment, yet to occur. But what does this have to do with Germany today?

To answer that question, let’s look at Isaiah chapter 10:1–3,

“Woe to those who decree unrighteous decrees, who write misfortune, which they have prescribed to rob the needy of justice, and to take what is right from the poor of My people…. What will you do in the day of punishment, and in the desolation which will come from afar?” (Isaiah 10:1–3).

Here in Isaiah 10, God was telling the ancient Israelites He was about to punish them for turning away from Him. Then, the next few verses explain WHO He would use to punish them, as a tool in God’s hands. Notice Isaiah 10:5–7,

“Woe to Assyria, the rod of My anger and the staff in whose hand is My indignation. I will send him against an ungodly nation, and against the people of My wrath I will give him charge, to seize the spoil, to take the prey, and to tread them down like the mire of the streets. Yet he does not mean so, nor does his heart think so; but it is in his heart to destroy, and cut off not a few nations” (Isaiah 10:5–7).

Note this. Israel was prophesied to be punished for their sins. Assyria was prophesied to be used by God to accomplish this. Not that the Assyrians were thinking they were doing God’s will. The Assyrian kings were doing just what Assyrian kings did naturally—conquering and overthrowing cities and nations to expand their territory. And that’s exactly what happened. Assyria attacked northern Israel in 721 BC, destroying its capital, Samaria, and deporting its inhabitants.

But notice, there’s one more element in this passage. In Isaiah 10:12,

“Therefore it shall come to pass, when the Lord has performed all His work on Mount Zion and on Jerusalem, that He will say, ‘I will punish the fruit of the arrogant heart of the king of Assyria, and the glory of his haughty looks.’ For he says: ‘By the strength of my hand I have done it, and by my wisdom, for I am prudent…. Shall the ax boast itself against him who chops with it?” (Isaiah 10:12–13, 15).

In other words, God would punish Assyria after He used them to correct Israel, for the king of Assyria’s arrogance and self-will.

What a profound glimpse of geopolitics from behind-the-scenes! We may see the outward effects of nations and armies trying to outmaneuver one another on the battlefield, or in the diplomatic arena. But God, our Creator, is the Sustainer of the whole entire globe. Though we may not see it, He is there, and even works through kings and leaders, to accomplish His will.

Again, why is this important and what does it have to do with Germany today?

You see, because prophecy is dual, this scene will be played out again. Ancient Israel comprises the English-speaking nations of the Western world, and those of northwest Europe. These nations grow more decadent with each passing day. There will come a day when they will be judged. And God will use the same nation He used to accomplish it in 721 BC; Assyria, Germany. That’s what your Bible says. A repeat of the Nazi regime in the last century. Only, this time Germany won’t be defeated. This horrific time to come is described in the Bible as the Great Tribulation.

But how can we really know this will happen?

Consider several prophecies that apply to the end-times. Notice Isaiah 27:12–13,

“And it shall come to pass in that day that the LORD will thresh, from the channel of the River to the Brook of Egypt; and you will be gathered one by one, O you children of Israel. So it shall be in that day: The great trumpet will be blown; they will come, who are about to perish in the land of Assyria, and they who are outcasts in the land of Egypt, and shall worship the LORD in the holy mount at Jerusalem” (Isaiah 27:12–13).

How could it be any plainer? The great trumpet is blown, the children of Israel will be about to perish in the land of Assyria, and then they return to worship the Lord at Jerusalem. That has not happened yet. It’s yet future.

Turn to Isaiah 11:16. Here is another passage showing Assyrian domination of Israel in the end times:

“There will be a highway for the remnant of His people who will be left from Assyria, as it was for Israel in the day that he came up from the land of Egypt” (Isaiah 11:16).

When you look at the context, this is clearly referring to the millennium, and the time leading up to it. And it says God will gather His people from Assyria.

In Jeremiah 23:8 and Jeremiah 31:8 it refers to the captives being brought back “from the north country.” In Hosea 11:10, it says the captives will return, trembling, “from the west.” Look on a map. What is north and west of ancient Israel? Well, Europe, with Germany at its heart.

The Beast of Revelation and Germany’s True Restoration

We saw that disaster is coming upon the nations of end-time Israel. This devastation will come at the hands of a German-led superpower, the final attempt to restore the Holy Roman Empire. This military machine is also called the Beast, as it’s described in the Book of Revelation. Notice what John saw and described, in Revelation 13:1,

“Then I stood on the sand of the sea. And I saw a beast rising up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and on his horns ten crowns, and on his heads a blasphemous name…. And all the world marveled and followed the beast” (Revelation 13:1, 3).

This coming superpower will shock and bewilder the nations with its technological prowess and military strength. It will subjugate modern Israelites, conquer an Arab confederacy, and even fight an all-out war with the armies of the East, for supremacy of the whole earth.

And by the way, some discount the idea that modern Germans came from ancient Assyria, because there are populations in northern Iraq, northwestern Iran, southeast Turkey, and Syria who call themselves Assyrians. Some additional ethnic Assyrians live in the United States. All told, these ethnic Assyrians comprise just over 5 million people alive today.

But think about it. After all we’ve seen in this program, could it be that a few scattered peoples could wield enough power in the end-times to bring down a superpower? Is it logical that the United States could be overthrown by a few million scattered ethnic Assyrians with no central nation of their own? Not at all. The prophecies of the Bible show that in the end-times, there will be a nation descended from ancient Assyria, that will comprise an intact, influential superpower. And this juggernaut will leap onto the world stage suddenly and shock the nations.

After this German-led Beast power takes the world by storm, just like in ancient times, this modern-day Assyrian empire will be punished as well. Just like Nineveh was flattened in 612 BC, God will judge this nation for its ruthless and brutal aggression. And, for its attempt to fight against Christ Himself. Notice what we find in Revelation 17:12,

“The ten horns which you saw are ten kings who have received no kingdom as yet, but they receive authority for one hour as kings with the beast. These are of one mind, and they will give their power and authority to the beast. These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful” (Revelation 17:12–14).

This is the so-called “Battle of Armageddon.” This is mankind’s attempt to thwart Jesus Christ when He returns. The armies of this resurgent Assyrian empire will be no match for the King of kings and Lord of lords. And that empire will be defeated.

But what happens next is the key I want you to leave you with. That is, our third key as to “Why Germany Matters in the end-times”:

3. Germany will be a leading nation in the Millennial age

Germany and other nations of the world will be humbled by Jesus Christ returning in power and glory. And then, after this horrific battle, a new age will begin. Our Lord and Savior, as we saw earlier, will gather the survivors of Israel from the land of Assyria, and other places where they were taken captive. He will also comfort and feed and heal survivors from all the nations of the world—those who suffered but survived during the Great Tribulation and the Day of the LORD.

The timing is at the beginning of the Millennium, when Jesus Christ is now on earth, after He puts down all rebellion. Notice, Isaiah 19:23,

“In that day there will be a highway from Egypt to Assyria, and the Assyrian will come into Egypt and the Egyptian into Assyria, and the Egyptians will serve with the Assyrians” (Isaiah 19:23).

Could there be a time of peace after World War III? Yes. But first, the modern-day Assyrians will have subjugated much of the Western world. They will have fought with and beaten an Arab confederation. And they will have battled Asian armies from the East, bringing the whole earth to the edge of cosmicide. But yes, after that, there WILL be peace.

Not only that, look who will be picking up the pieces. The German people, who survived that great calamity, will play an active role in rebuilding a broken and beaten world. They will be humbled and repentant, and ready to serve in a new world of peace and prosperity. Bible prophecy shows they will have an important–and even a leading–role in this new age. We pick it up in Isaiah 19:24,

“In that day Israel will be one of three with Egypt and Assyria—a blessing in the midst of the land, whom the LORD of hosts shall bless, saying, ‘Blessed is Egypt My people, and Assyria the work of My hands, and Israel My inheritance’” (Isaiah 19:24–25).

Did you catch that? Assyria—Germany—is described as the work of God’s hands. And they will work with other nations that were formerly bitter enemies. You see, God doesn’t hate Germany. On the contrary, God loves the German people. Just like He loves all of His children, made in His image. And He will use the tremendous strengths and talents and ENERGY of the German people to help rebuild the world, brick by brick.

Why does Germany matter in the end-times? Because if we know the identity of the German nation, we can understand why Germany, even today, is beginning to take a more proactive and assertive role in the world. While Germany acts with good intentions now, where will it lead? Prophecy tells us it will lead to an aggressive tyrant taking over Germany, bringing warfare and destruction like the world has never known. At the same time, prophecy ALSO shows that after that, the German nation will be used by God to help rebuild a new and peaceful world, under the leadership of Jesus Christ.

There’s much more to this subject than we can cover in this short program. And that’s why we are offering you the free study guide Germany in Prophecy. It will show that God has a plan for all His children. And He is working out that plan. He will put end-time Assyrians–modern Germans–to work to accomplish that plan. In fact, He even describes Assyria as “the Work of My Hands.” You need to know what will happen to these nations we’ve talked about, in the years just ahead. And you need to know how it will affect you. So, request your free copy of Germany in Prophecy. Order by phone, by mail, or on the web. Order today.

God’s Love for Germany—And for You

In this program, we’ve seen that you won’t find the name “Germany” in the Bible. And yet, you can understand who the Germans are today, and what God reveals for Germany in the end-times. And you can understand why Germany matters in these end-times.

God does not want any of His children, made in His image to suffer. And He is looking for those who will turn from their sins and respond to His call for repentance. May God help all of us—whoever we are and wherever we live—to heed the warning and draw close to our Creator in truth and sincerity.

Thanks for watching. And be sure to come back next week as Gerald Weston, Richard Ames, Wallace Smith, and I continue to share with you the teachings of Jesus Christ, the good news of His coming Kingdom, and end-time prophecies of His Word. See you next week.

Hey everyone, thanks for watching. We hope you enjoyed this video.

We here at Tomorrow’s World want to help you make sense of this world through the pages of your Bible.

So if you found it helpful and want to learn more, be sure to get your free copy of our study guide Germany In Prophecy. Just click the link in the description or order online at twtv.org/Germany. It will be sent to you completely free of charge.

And remember to like and subscribe to our channel so you don’t miss another video.

See you next time.

[The text below represents an edited transcript of this Tomorrow’s World program.]

Prophetic Focal Point of the World

The world has focused on war between Russia and Ukraine, and Europe’s renewed concern about war right at its doorstep. So, many are not paying attention to the beleaguered Middle Eastern nation of Israel. Yet Israel is at the heart of end-time prophecies! And events now beginning to unfold in Europe are laying the foundation for the fulfillment of those prophecies.

My friends, you need to know the future of the Middle East—and of the world!

As our regular viewers know, Jerusalem will become the capital of the world when Jesus Christ returns. But what will happen before then? God calls Jerusalem’s end-time spiritual condition “Sodom and Egypt” in Revelation 11:8. Because of its sins, Jerusalem will be trampled down by a foreign power for forty-two months, or three and one-half years as it states in Revelation 11:2: “But leave out the court which is outside the temple, and do not measure it, for it has been given to the Gentiles. And they will tread the holy city [that’s Jerusalem], underfoot for forty-two months.”

That is just one of the signs prophesied in your Bible concerning the Middle East. Will you be prepared for the future? Join us on today’s program: “Five Prophecies for the Middle East.”

A War of Biblical Proportions Predicted in the Middle East

Warm greetings to all our friends around the world!

My friends, we are living in a dangerous nuclear age. Russia has threatened to use nuclear weapons in its attack of the Ukraine. India, Pakistan, and Israel all possess nuclear weapons, with Iran producing close to weapon-grade uranium. The Bulletin of Atomic Scientists last year moved the hands of its Doomsday Clock forward sounding the alarm of unprecedented world danger. They stated on January 24, 2023,

The Clock now stands at 90 seconds to midnight—the closest to global catastrophe it has ever been” (“A time of unprecedented danger: It is 90 seconds to midnight,” TheBulletin.org, January 24, 2023).

In fact, this past January, the Doomsday clock reaffirmed its 90 seconds to midnight—the closest to total cosmocide it has ever been.

Germany, which after World War II resolved to keep its military force to a bare minimum, has responded to the war in Ukraine with an unprecedented increase in its military budget, which rose to more than 50 billion euros in 2023. Observers call it the biggest rearmament offensive since the end of World War II, as Germany resolved to procure new fighter aircraft, helicopters, tanks, ships and ammunition. And, as more than one observer has noted, “all this is just the beginning” (“German government increases military spending for war against Russia,” World Socialist Website, WSWS.org, November 17, 2022).

A re-armed Germany is now poised, more than ever before, to become a major military actor on the world scene, by itself or with NATO allies.

Your Bible warns of a great war outside of Europe. You have heard of the biblical climactic end-time war often called Armageddon. The greatest prophet who ever lived gave this warning to all of us in Matthew the 24th chapter:

For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened (Matthew 24:21–22).

How will Europe be involved in that war? My friends, you need to be prepared for the future.

On today’s program we’ll discuss five prophecies to watch for in the Middle East.

Geopolitical conditions continually change as world powers seek new alliances and military advantage. But there is an ancient source that can help us make sense of it all, if we know what to look for. Your Bible is a book of prophecy, and it reveals many signs of what is to come, particularly involving the Middle East, the most important region for end-time prophecy.

Our first prophecy for the Middle East is: Military alliances forming east of the Euphrates River. Turn in your Bible to Revelation 9:13:

Then the sixth angel sounded: And I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God, saying to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, “Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates.” So the four angels, who had been prepared for the hour and day and month and year, were released to KILL A THIRD OF MANKIND. Now the number of the army of the horsemen was two hundred million; I heard the number of them (Revelation 9:13–16).

This is describing another world war! And this phase of World War III will kill not just millions, but even BILLIONS of human beings! Jesus Christ said that unless those days were shortened no flesh would be saved—all life on earth would be destroyed. That’s in Matthew 24:21–22. Now, what nations lie east of the Euphrates River? Look on any map and you’ll see that those nations east of the Euphrates include Iran, India, China, and Russia. An army of 200 million will form in this area and march to the Euphrates. Prophecy Number One for the Middle East is: Military alliances forming east of the Euphrates River.

Israel and Jerusalem Beset by Enemies

Our second prophecy is: Greatly increased unity among Israel’s traditional longtime enemies.

Some of you older viewers may remember the Six-Day War of June 1967. Israel fought the combined forces of Egypt, Syria, and Jordan. Israel captured the Sinai Peninsula, the Golan Heights, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem. Now Israel had access to the holy places, including the Western Wall or Wailing Wall at the Temple Mount.

Six years later, in the Yom Kippur War, Israel repelled invasions by Egypt and Syria. Israel, Egypt, and Jordan later agreed on a United Nations cease-fire. In 1978, Israel and Egypt signed the Camp David Accords, returning to Egypt most of the captured Sinai Peninsula, except for the Gaza Strip. In 1980, Israel annexed East Jerusalem and declared the unified city part of Israel, against the protests of Arab forces and their allies. After ongoing violence known as the first intifada, Israel put large portions of the West Bank under Palestine Authority control in December 1994.

Israel’s borders have remained consistent since then, but violence continues. Palestinians living in the Gaza Strip and West Bank face tight restrictions on movement in and out of Israel, creating international outrage. Facing international opposition, what enemies will Israel face in the future? Listen to this description of a historic and prophetic alliance. Turn in your Bible to Psalm 83:1:

Do not keep silent, O God! Do not hold Your peace, and do not be still, O God! For behold, Your enemies make a tumult; and those who hate You have lifted up their head. They have taken crafty counsel against Your people, and consulted together against Your sheltered ones. They have said, “Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation, that the name of Israel may be remembered no more.” For they have consulted together with one consent; they form a confederacy against You: the tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites; Moab and the Hagrites; Gebal, Ammon, and Amalek; Philistia with the inhabitants of Tyre; Assyria also has joined with them; they have helped the children of Lot. Selah (Psalm 83:1–8).

That is not just an ancient prophecy. Let’s take another look at Psalm 83 as a prophecy in the end-times. Have we seen, in our time, which Arab nations are determined to destroy the tiny nation of Israel today?

Listen to this, on page 13 of the study guide we’re offering you today, The Middle East in Prophecy:

What nations have continuously committed themselves to destroying the name of Israel? In July of 1968, Palestinian leaders signed the “Palestinian National Charter,” which called for the destruction of the State of Israel…. As Psalm 83 indicates, Assyria (identified as modern-day Germany) will be joined by an end-time “confederacy” of Arab nations. Look on a Bible map for the ancient location of Moab, Ammon, and Edom, nations mentioned in Psalm 83 that are also prominently mentioned in Daniel’s end-time prophecy. These are the Muslim peoples of the Middle East!

As regular viewers of this program know, Bible prophecy is often dual. And here in Psalm 83 we see the end-time enemies of Israel listed in detail. Watch for these nations to overcome their disputes with each other and unite more strongly than ever against Israel!

Our second prophecy is: Greatly increased unity among Israel’s traditional longtime enemies. Our third prophecy for the Middle East is: International attempts to control Jerusalem.

Bible prophecy reveals that Jerusalem will be a focus of major international conflicts.

Jerusalem is considered holy to three of the world’s major religions. Jews today revere Jerusalem as the city of the great prophets, and the capital of the Kingdom of Israel and Judah under King David and his son King Solomon. The first and second temples were the center of worship until the destruction of the city by the Romans in 70 AD. Jerusalem is also the third most holy city of Islam, after the cities of Mecca and Medina. Today the Islamic Mosque of Omar, or the Dome of the Rock, dominates the Temple Mount. The Arabic term for the holy place is “al-Haram al-Sharif,” which means “The Noble Sanctuary.” It is believed that the prophet Muhammad ascended to Heaven from that site. Christians revere the city as the place where their Savior was crucified, and where He taught in the Temple. Christians believe Jesus will return to establish His Kingdom with Jerusalem as world capital.

Many in the international community are very concerned about the status of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.

Roman Catholic Pope Francis, in July of 2018, stated: “Only a negotiated solution between Israelis and Palestinians, firmly desired and favored by the Community of Nations, can lead to a stable and lasting peace, and ensure the coexistence of two states for two peoples” (“Jerusalem: A City for All,” Vatican News, March 30, 2019).

Yes, Jerusalem will soon be controlled NOT by Israel, but by other governmental powers. Turn in your Bible to Revelation, chapter 11. The Apostle John wrote in Revelation 11:1,

Then I was given a reed like a measuring rod. And the angel stood, saying, “Rise and measure the temple of God, the altar, and those who worship there. But leave out the court which is outside the temple, and do not measure it, for it has been GIVEN TO THE GENTILES. And they will tread the holy city underfoot for FORTY-TWO MONTHS” (Revelation 11:1–2).

This period of three and one-half years precedes the return of Christ. As we’ve pointed out on previous programs, two prophets of God will witness with great power during that same period of three and one-half years. You can read about that in verses 3 through 15 of Revelation 11. God Almighty states in verse 3,

And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth.

For three and one-half years, these two witnesses will contend with the Gentile force which will dominate the Middle East at that time. This will be a time of great tribulation for the whole world, especially for those who are true Christians. Billions will be killed. Many who accept Christ during that time will be persecuted terribly, even martyred.

Our third prophecy for the Middle East is: International attempts to control Jerusalem.

Restoration of “Temple Worship” in Israel—And European Intervention…

Our fourth prophecy to watch for is: Animal sacrifices restored in Jerusalem.

Turn in your Bible to Daniel the 11th chapter. Historically, the Greek ruler Antiochus Epiphanes issued a decree in 167 BC that prohibited further sacrifices in the Jerusalem Temple. Daniel 11:31,

And forces shall be mustered by him, and they shall defile the sanctuary fortress; then they shall TAKE AWAY the daily sacrifices, and place there the ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION.

In addition to stopping the daily sacrifices, Antiochus erected a statue of Jupiter Olympus in the temple and directed everyone to worship it. This abomination, also referred to in chapter 8 of Daniel, is a type of a similar END-TIME event. Notice also, that the END-TIME sacrifices are cut off 1,290 days before the return of Christ. Daniel 12:11,

And from the time that the daily sacrifice is taken away, and the abomination of desolation is set up, there shall be one thousand two hundred and ninety days.

Jesus told us to be alert to this key prophecy, which will take place in the Middle East. He said in Matthew 24:15,

“Therefore when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place” (whoever reads, let him understand), “then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains” (Matthew 24:15–16).

The Apostle Paul warns of a great false prophet who will stand in the holy place. Let’s read that in 2 Thessalonians 2. In 2 Thessalonians 2:3, the Apostle Paul writes,

Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God (2 Thessalonians 2:3–4).

This end-time false prophet will cause the sacrifices to cease! Let’s realize that the Jews have not offered animal sacrifices since 70 AD when the Romans destroyed the Second Temple in Jerusalem. In order for the end-time sacrifices to be STOPPED eventually, they need to BEGIN!

Some believe that the Temple must be rebuilt first in order to conduct animal sacrifices. Many Jews believe that only the Messiah will be able to rebuild the Temple. However, some Jewish groups are hoping to see today’s Jewish people take the initiative themselves. They believe that there can be no peace in the Middle East until the Temple is rebuilt.

Rabbi Chaim Richman, international director of the Temple Institute, has said,

It’s time to vote with our feet and send a clear message to the world that we truly believe that the Temple Mount is ours and we truly hope and pray for a time of unparalleled world peace and harmony with the rebuilding of the Third Temple (“Temple Institute Encourages Jews To Hope for Third Temple In New Video,” Jerusalem Post, August 7, 2019).

It is important to remember that an altar is needed for sacrifices, not necessarily a full temple building. Just read the third chapter of Ezra. The returning exiles to Babylon had only a holy place, not a temple. Ezra refers to the location of the holy place, as the HOUSE OF GOD, when the temple had NOT YET been built. Ezra 3:8,

Now in the second month of the second year of their coming to the HOUSE OF GOD at Jerusalem….

This was around 536 BC. But there was no building yet. The returning Jewish exiles referred to the Holy Place as “the House of God,” even though no temple existed.

The holiest place under the control of the Jewish religious authorities today, is the Western Wall, or the Wailing Wall. It is the western retaining wall to the Temple Mount. Jews are not allowed to publicly worship on the Temple Mount, only Muslims.

So, it remains to be seen where and when the Jews will begin sacrificing.

Listen, when animal sacrifices begin once again in Jerusalem, YOU WILL KNOW that the prophecies Jesus spoke about are heading for a grand-smash climax!

The fourth prophecy to watch for is: Animal sacrifices restored in Jerusalem. The fifth prophecy to watch for is: A superpower united Europe turning against Israel.

The European Union is headquartered in Brussels, Belgium. It is developing as a political, economic, and military entity, just like the King of the North prophesied in your Bible. Will it become that prophesied superpower? The EU is beginning to assert itself as a military force independent of the United States.

The coming Beast power prophesied in Revelation will exercise great military power. Revelation 13:1:

Then I stood on the sand of the sea. And I saw a beast rising up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and on his horns ten crowns, and on his heads a blasphemous name. Now the beast which I saw was like a leopard, his feet were like the feet of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion. The dragon gave him his power, his throne, and great authority. And I saw one of his heads as if it had been mortally wounded, and his deadly wound was healed. And all the world marveled and followed the beast. So they worshiped the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?” (Revelation 13:1–4).

My friends, we need to watch the military resurgence of Germany, along with the other prophecies. As we near the Great Tribulation, your Bible instructs us to watch key developments surrounding Jerusalem. Luke 21:19–20:

By your patience possess your souls. But when you see JERUSALEM SURROUNDED BY ARMIES, then know that its desolation is near.

Revelation 11:2 tells us that Jerusalem will be trodden down by the Gentiles for forty-two months, about three and one-half years. At the end of that time, during the Day of the Lord, the armies of Europe and Asia will combine to bring about the great climax of World War III, referred to as “Armageddon.” Yes, we need to watch for developments leading to an invasion of the Middle East from the powerful military King of the North, as it states in Daniel 11:40–41.

My friends, we are approaching the time of the end.

Daniel, Revelation, and the Resurrection

In today’s program we’ve outlined five prophecies for these end times.

1. Military alliances forming east of the Euphrates River
2. Greatly increased unity among Israel’s traditional longtime enemies
3. International attempts to control Jerusalem
4. Animal sacrifices restored in Jerusalem
5. A superpower united Europe turning against Israel

My friends, we are approaching the time of the end. The book of Daniel emphasizes “the time of the end” four times in chapters eleven and twelve. He even gives a key time-period for the great resurrection. We’ve focused on the Abomination of Desolation, which is yet to occur and may happen soon—in your lifetime. Notice Daniel 12:11,

And from the time that the daily sacrifice is taken away, and the abomination of desolation is set up, there shall be one thousand two hundred and ninety days.

The 1,290 days end with the resurrection of Daniel and all faithful Christians. Daniel is told in chapter 12, verse 13,

But you, go your way till the end; for you shall rest, and will arise to your inheritance at the end of the days.

Yes, Daniel will arise to his inheritance at the “end of days,” which is the sounding of the seventh trumpet in Revelation 11:15,

Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!”

Yes, that’s the last trumpet proclaimed in 1 Corinthians 15:52, describing the Great Resurrection of faithful Christians!

My friends, we need to be spiritually awake and watchful. We need to be prepared for the Second Coming. Christ will be King over all the earth, ruling from the new world capital, Jerusalem. Notice that in Zechariah 14:8:

And in that day it shall be that living waters shall flow from Jerusalem, half of them toward the eastern sea and half of them toward the western sea; in both summer and winter it shall occur. And the LORD shall be King over all the earth (Zechariah 14:8–9).

Thank God, His Kingdom is coming soon. May we all pray with our hearts, YOUR KINGDOM COME!

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