Daniel Whyte III
Welcome to The Prophet Daniel’s Report. This is report #521. My name is Daniel Whyte III here to remind you that Jesus Christ is coming back soon and that you need to be prepared. This broadcast is not about predictions, nor is it about setting dates as some foolishly have done, however it is all about preparation.
First, today, let’s look at some Signs of His Coming in the news.
The disciples asked Jesus in Matthew 24:3, “What shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?” Jesus Christ then went on to give them (and us) clear signs that show us when we can begin to expect to see the coming of the Lord and the end of the world. Those signs include:
1. the appearance of false Christs and false prophets
2. wars and rumors of wars
3. famines
4. pestilences (fatal epidemic diseases)
5. earthquakes in divers (various) places
6. increased persecution of believers
7. the Gospel being preached in all the world
8. signs and great wonders in the heavens (involving the sun, moon, stars, and planetary movements)
9. distress and perplexity among people
10. increased violence “as in the days of Noah”
11. increased homosexuality and sexual immorality “as it was in the days of Lot”
12. the rise of “Gog and Magog” (which many Bible scholars believe refers to Russia)
13. the rise of the “kings of the east” (which many Bible scholars believe refers to China)
14. increase in knowledge (science and technology)
15. apostasy in the church
16. interest in a unified world government to bring about global peace
17. interest in the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem
The Bible also speaks of other signs which will be evident in “perilous times” in Second Timothy 3. Those signs are people being:
18. selfish
19. covetous
20. boasters
21. proud
22. blasphemers
23. disobedient to parents
24. unthankful
25. unholy
26. without natural affection
27. trucebreakers
28. false accusers
29. incontinent
30. fierce
31. despisers of those that are good
32. traitors
33. heady
34. high-minded
35. lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God
36. having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof.
Other signs of the times which have been gleaned from Scripture include:
37. scoffers who mock of Christ’s return
38. movement toward a one-world religion
39. outpouring of the Holy Spirit
40. outbreak of demonic and occultic activity
41. re-establishment of Israel
42. Arab hostility toward Israel
43. re-unification of Europe
44. movement toward a one-world economy
Looking at world events through the lens of the Word of God, let’s look at some headlines from today’s news that point to the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.
First, today, under the Sign category of WARS & RUMORS OF WARS — According to France 24, a day after French President François Hollande [FRAN-SWAH OH-LAHD] and German Chancellor Angela Merkel presented a new peace plan to Russia’s Vladimir Putin in Moscow, Hollande on Saturday called the proposal “one of the last chances” to avoid all-out war in east Ukraine. Speaking on France 2 television, Hollande said the plan under negotiation would see a 31- to 44-mile demilitarised zone established. He also called for “rather strong” autonomy in parts of east Ukraine. He told reporters, “If we don’t manage to find not just a compromise but a lasting peace agreement, we know perfectly well what the scenario will be. It has a name, it’s called war.”
Second, today, under the Sign category of WARS & RUMORS OF WARS — According to Fox News, the United Arab Emirates announced on Saturday that it is sending a squadron of F-16 fighter jets to Jordan, resuming its participation in U.S.-led airstrikes on The Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. The announcement was made by UAE’s official government news agency, following the U.S. State Department’s announcement Friday that the Arab country had reaffirmed its commitment to the coalition and that suggested that “positive news” on the matter would be announced within the next few days. The UAE stopped flying airstrikes over Iraq shortly after a Jordanian pilot was shot down in a mission over Syria and captured by ISIS in December.
Third, today, under the Sign category of THE TURMOIL IN ISRAEL & THE MIDDLE EAST — According to Ynet News, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated once again his promise to stop at nothing to prevent Iran from reaching nuclear capabilities, or maintain the ability to do so quickly through a deal with the west. Netanyahu said, “The major powers and Iran are galloping toward an agreement that will enable Iran to arm itself with nuclear weapons, which will endanger the existence of the State of Israel.” Netanyahu took aim at John Kerry and Mohammad Zarif, saying that their intention to complete a framework agreement by the end of March, forces Israel to take action. He said, “From this commitment stems the urgency of our efforts to try and block this bad and dangerous agreement.”
Fourth, today, under the Sign category of DISTRESS AMONG NATIONS — According to the Associated Press, North Korea says it has test-fired a new anti-ship cruise missile, a move experts in Seoul see as an attempt to raise tensions ahead of joint military drills between the United States and South Korea. The North’s official Korean Central News Agency said Saturday that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was on-site to observe the “ultra-precision” rocket being fired from a naval vessel in an exercise conducted by the country’s East Sea fleet. The report did not mention the time or location of the exercise.
Fifth, today, under the Sign category of INCREASED PERSECUTION — According to the Associated Press, Great Britain’s Prince Charles says he fears there will be “very, very few” Christians left in the Middle East after the turmoil wracking the region. The heir to the British throne, who is on a trip to the region, told the BBC that the plight of Christians persecuted by Islamic extremists was “a most agonizing situation.” He said, “I fear that the problems in the Middle East are not going to go away immediately. And so there is a danger that there [are] going to be very, very few [Christians] left.”
The Bible says in Matthew 24:40-42: “Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.”
You can read these stories in more detail and get more Second Coming-related news on our website at Second Coming Herald.com
Now, it’s time for Prophecy Bootcamp.
Prophecy Bootcamp is where we deal with the basics of prophecy, the Second Coming of Christ, and what will happen in the future according to the Bible. Our aim here is not to make predictions but to help you get prepared by understanding how things will unfold in the end times.
Our topic for today is titled “Judgment Begins at the House of God” (Part 7) from Dr. Ed Hindson’s book “Revelation: Unlocking the Future”.
This section is titled: PERGAMUM: THE POLITICAL CHURCH (PART 1)
Forty miles north of Sardis sits ancient Pergamum in the Caicus Valley. Pliny, the Roman writer, called it “the most famous city in Asia.” It was the center of Roman power and authority in the province. In fact, the residents of this city worshiped power. As early as 29 BC, it became the site of the first temple of the Caesar-cult, erected in honor of Augustus Caesar. The city also housed an ancient temple to the god Zeus — the god of power. The altar from that temple is in the Berlin Museum and was often visited by Adolf Hitler. Pergamum (also, Pergamos) was the epitome of the hunger for power in pagan society.
There was no distinction between religion and politics in Pergamum. The city’s coins depicted intertwined serpents to represent the interconnection between the sacred and the secular. For the pagans in this city, politics was religion and religion was politics. And for the Christians, there was a constant temptation to compromise their beliefs and practices for political gain.
Religion has always had a precarious relationship to political power. When power is on the side of religion, it tends to corrupt it. But when power is against religion, it tends to persecute it. Unfortunately, the pressure of persecution often drives religion to seek power as a means of protection and self-preservation. In time, religion itself often falls victim to the very thing it opposes. It has been observed more than once that the ultimate subversion of Christianity occurs whenever we confuse spiritual authority with political power.
Lord willing, we will continue looking at this topic on our next broadcast/podcast.
In closing, let’s consider what God wants you and me to do in light of His Second Coming.
Jesus Christ said in Luke 19:13 to “Occupy till I come.” In light of that, we are continuing our Bible study series on the books of First & Second Thessalonians which Paul wrote to believers who had concerns about the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, and what they should do as they waited. This section is titled “Living Like a Christian (Part 10)” from the book “Waiting on the Second Coming” by Ray C. Stedman.
Paul says, “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” This seems like a hard word from Paul.
Why be thankful? Because when you are faced with a trial, you are being given an opportunity to glorify God. If you never face trials or pressures, how will anyone ever see that you have an invisible means of support, that you have a reliable source of strength that others do not know anything about? These are God-given opportunities, so be thankful for them and in the process of them.
When the early Christian leaders were arrested by the Sanhedrin, they were beaten for their faith; but they left the council rejoicing that they had been counted worthy to bear suffering for His name’s sake. That is a thoroughly Christian attitude, and that is how we ought to face our trials.
Notice how the apostle underlines this truth: “This is God’s will for you.” The will of God is not to make some dramatic display of power or gift that is going to attract attention. It is the quiet response you make to the daily trials and circumstances in which you find yourself. Twice in this letter Paul uses the phrase, “it is God’s will.” First, he said, “It is God’s will that you avoid sexual immorality.” That is the will of God for your body! But here is the will of God for your spirit, your inner life: that you “give thanks in all circumstances.” If you want to do the will of God, there are two areas in which His will is clearly set out for you: moral purity for your body, and continual thanksgiving for your spirit.
If the Lord tarries His coming and we live, we will continue looking at this topic in our next broadcast/podcast.
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CLOSING PRAYER
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Remember the words of the Lord in Matthew 24:42: “Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.” Matthew 24:44 says, “Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.”
If you are not ready for the return of Jesus Christ, may I encourage you to get ready today by receiving Him as your Savior. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Just believe in your heart that Jesus Christ died for your sins, was buried, and rose from the dead by the power of God for you so that you can live eternally with Him. Pray and ask Him to come into your heart today, and He will. Romans 10:13 says, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
Keep looking up for your redemption draweth nigh. Let us join in the prayer of John the Revelator — “Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” God bless you.
Daniel Whyte III has spoken in meetings across the United States and in over twenty-five foreign countries. He is the author of over forty books. He is also the president of Gospel Light Society International, a worldwide evangelistic ministry that reaches thousands with the Gospel each week, as well as president of Torch Ministries International, a Christian literature ministry which publishes a monthly magazine called The Torch Leader. He is heard by thousands each week on his radio broadcasts/podcasts, which include: The Prayer Motivator Devotional, The Prayer Motivator Minute, as well as Gospel Light Minute X, the Gospel Light Minute, the Sunday Evening Evangelistic Message, the Prophet Daniel’s Report, the Second Coming Watch Update and the Soul-Winning Motivator, among others. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Theology from Bethany Divinity College, a Bachelor’s degree in Religion from Texas Wesleyan University, a Master’s degree in Religion, a Master of Divinity degree, and a Master of Theology degree from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary. He has been married to the former Meriqua Althea Dixon, of Christiana, Jamaica for over twenty-seven years. God has blessed their union with seven children. Find out more at www.danielwhyte3.com. Follow Daniel Whyte III on Twitter @prophetdaniel3 or on Facebook.
