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Question # 200….(10-31-03) Isn’t it a wise thing to ensure American Muslims and the Islamic worldwide faith that the war on terror is not a religious war. Do you think that the war against terrorism can be won without making moderate Muslims feel and know that we consider them as friends? President Bush has said that the Islamic terrorists were people that had hijacked the peaceful religion of Islam. Isn’t that true?

Answer…….. I would agree that it is wise and honorable to extend friendship to all people, regardless of religious background. It is a basic Christian characteristic and principle to extend friendship and love to all people. That is the reason that America, (as a Christian Republic) unlike most nations extends freedom of worship to all. But when warfare erupts between nations, everything becomes complicated. Religion has often been used a battle-cry for making war. The Papacy used the banner of Christianity to wage the Crusades, and that is just one reason to be careful about casting any religion as a “militaristic” enemy. The war on terrorism is especially complex in that it is difficult to identify the shadowy enemy and to identify what nation or nations sponsor, harbor and aid the mysterious enemy. Unlike the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 when we could easily identify the rising Sun on the attacking planes, the terrorists that attacked America on September 11th left no clear trails to an attacking nation. They hide and sneak out to hit again. Their attacks were cloaked under the battle mantra of a religion that crosses all borders. The President has said, as many others have said that the religion of Islam was simply hijacked by a bunch of fundamentalist fanatics that hate America. So the war on terrorism has been defined as a war with the Islamic “fundamentalists,” a declaration of war that can lead to a great deal of confusion on all sides. What is an Islamic Fundamentalist? Who are they and where are they, and what are they fighting for and why are they against us? And if Islam is really a peaceful religion, like we are being told, then how is it that those who practice its fundamentals can be classified as being “hijackers” of that religion? If those who practice the Fundamentals of Islam are responsible for terror, how in the world can Islam be fundamentally defined as religion of peace? It seems to me that the fundamentalists are practicing exactly what the religion of Islam teaches. Perhaps this is why we never hear a Muslim cleric issuing solemn apologies to the victims of the Islamic fundamentalist terrorists! The Islamic terrorists that attacked America are waging Jihad against America because they see America obstructing a primary goal Islamic fundamentalism. A fundamental tenet of Islam teaches Muslims to hate Jews and to destroy the State of Israel. That why the Islamic clerics that our President has met with and received council from, have all stated that America must change its foreign policy if it wants to avoid antagonizing the Muslim World. Osama bin Laden said it, Yasser Arafat has said it, the whole Islamic world is saying it: America; you are biased in favor of Israel, change or you are to blame for what happens! Hostility towards America over the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict has reached drastic levels in the entire Muslim world, so much so that the US has begun to spend billions of dollars on trying to improve its image in the Arab world. But in the end analysis, it is all about Israel. Satan is preparing the nations for the encirclement of the nation of Israel, and his first move is to eliminate America as an ally of Israel. Islam is playing a strategic role in today’s world as a component within Satan’s conspiracy to destroy Israel.



Question # 199….(10-15-03) Hey Darrell, Two things: 1) Have you ever noticed the prophetic words of Jesus in John 16:2, " whoever kills you will think they do God service." I just noticed that Sunday night and thought about the Muslim extremists who think that they are doing God's will. And also 2.) When I read Daniel 4, I get the impression that Nebuchadnezzar finally got saved from his statement about God in the last few verses. What do you think? Thanks and God bless.

Answer……Yes, I certainly have thought about this verse before, and I think that it is very applicable. I ran a Newsroom story on this very topic a couple of months ago. (John 16:1-2 These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended. They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.) The Arab/Muslim (and others) world has certainly fulfilled this prophecy. It is also a certainty that the Islamic/Arab world does not know the Father of Jesus, as verse three of John sixteen includes Jesus as saying. (John 16:3 And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me.) (Allah compels Muslims to kill Jews and deny that God has a SON named Jesus) (Matthew 24:9 is also a prophetic parallel to John 16:1-3))
      Nebuchadnezzar was born about 630BC, and died around 562BC at the age of 68. He was the eldest son of Nabopolassar, the actual founder of the Babylonian-Chaldean Empire. After serving as commander of the army, Nebuchadnezzar became king upon his father's death in August of 605BC. King Nebuchadnezzar came against Israel in 605BC, and that event thus set the stage for his future encounters with Daniel. Nebuchadnezzar’s experience of chapter four probably occurred around 570BC. Nebuchadnezzar’s experience with dementia occurred about 30 years after his action of casting Daniel into the fiery furnace. The last verses of Daniel chapter four are the last words history records from Nebuchdnezzar. (Daniel 4:37 Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase.) While Nebuchadnezzar’s last testament certainly portrays that he recognized God’s sovereign power, I am also reminded that he had made similar statements years earlier such as in the cases of Daniel 2:47-48 after Daniel’s interpretation of the Gentile power vision, and again in Daniel 3:28-29 after the fiery furnace episode. Theologians theorize that Nebuchadnezzar finally truly did acknowledge, and accept God. One thing is sure, he certainly did come to the end of his prideful abasement. Perhaps only God, Daniel and Nebuchadnezzar himself would have known for sure if he found salvation. Twenty-seven years later after Nebuchadnezzar’s death, his grandson, Belshazzar summoned Daniel for advice. Daniel recounted the arrogant pride of his grandfather, and how God humbled Nebuchadnezzar. Daniel, then around 80 years old remembers Nebuchadnezzar this way: (Daniel 5:21, “he knew that the most high God ruled in the kingdom of men”) And that is wisdom!



Question # 198….(10-14-03) In ancient times the Babylonians counted and numbered their gods using clay amulets, which were numbered 1-36 and totaled 666. There is now a very popular way of calculating the number of the beast and it’s by using this same amulet that the Babylonians used. By numbering and counting the names of the popes from 1798 to present, up to John Paul II equals 665 using the amulet. A pope with a new name that’s never been used before in papal history after John Paul II will bring the count to 666. There has also been 7 different Papal names since 1798 Pius, Leo, Gregory, Benedict, John, Paul, and John Paul. The 7th name being John Paul and the 8th and new name still yet to come could render 666. In 1798 the papacy was officially declared dead by Napoleon when he captured and imprisoned the pope, who later died in prison. The beast that was (papal persecution) was from 538 to 1798/1,260 years. And will come again as the 8th king 666. I’m not saying this is what’s going to happen, I just think its interesting. Its all put together so well that it makes it hard to eliminate as a possibility. What is your take on all this?

Answer….. Like you said, this subject is very interesting. I am only vaguely familiar with the Babylonian numerical amulets, however the data that you list is striking to say the least. Yet, I remain partially skeptical about its application for the Tribulation Antichrist, as I always make it my practice to verify things according to scripture, and not upon Babylonian mysticism. I do however believe that there is a definite Babylonian-Chaldean connection to the Roman Papacy, and from thence ultimately to the Antichrist. As you probably already know, the identity of the Antichrist will not be “revealed until his time.” (II Thessalonians 2:6-8 And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:)
      Babylonian astrologers or soothsayers divided the starry heavens into 36 constellations. These divisions of the zodiac were represented by different amulets, called "Sigilla Solis," or sun seal. These amulets were worn by the Chaldean priests and contained all the numbers from 1 to 36. This mystery-sun-god as mentioned by Plutarch the historian was also known as "the hidden god," and is known as "the hidden system" worshiped under the name "Saturn," which means "to lie hidden." (Perhaps it was the “hidden or unknown god that the Athenians erected a monument to in Acts 17:23) In the Chaldaic or Aramaic it is spelled "S-T-U-R," and is the number 666. This mystic number was given to the Revelator by the Holy Spirit, and its secret is intended to be helpful info to those who possess an extreme wisdom in God’s prophetic word, and in the workings of the mystery of iniquity. The title “Vicarius Filii Dei” is the title of the Roman Pope. The letters of this title which represent Latin numerals added together result in 666, just as was ironically the case with the supreme Babylonian bishop. So the association of all of this data with the Antichrist is compelling, interesting, provocative and nearly convincing, but we will all have to await the revealing of the Antichrist in “his short time” (Revelation 12:12) for the final evidence. But in the final analysis, one day soon, Jesus Christ shall destroy this impostor!



Question # 197….(10-13-03) There is a verse somewhere in Revelation that says that all liars, murderers and idolaters shall have their part in the lake of fire. Does that mean that Christians will have to endure a portion of this awful judgment?

Answer……..The verse that you are referring to is probably the following: Revelation 21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
      This verse should never be taken to mean that Christians would ever have a part in the lake of fire. Please note that the verse indicates that the “second death” is in view for these sinners. The 2nd death is the final state for all sinners that do not avail to themselves the atoning blood of Jesus Christ for their sins! These verse should never be taken to mean that Christians that continue to sin after becoming a Christian will have to endure a “proportional part” in the lake of fire to pay for those sins. Jesus is the propitiation for all sin! (past, present and future)
      These, who are without Christ, are described as fearful (cowardly, afraid to accept Christ), unbelieving (unwilling to trust only in Christ), abominable (given over to immorality), murderers (given over to malicious killing), whoremongers (sexually immoral throughout), sorcerers (given over to and trafficking in evil spirits), idolaters (worshipping false gods) and liars (compulsive deceivers). This description is not speaking of "occasional" sinning, it is one of habitual tenure. It speaks of their core-nature. These are those condemned for the "second death," which is an eternity in the lake of fire.
      Ephesians 5:5-8 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them.
For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:
      1 Corinthians 6:9-11 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
      All of humanity is born into the sin nature, and only after demonstrating faith in Jesus Christ can anyone’s sins be covered in his blood, and have the price for those sins forever vanquished. Paul says to the Corinthian Christians in the verse above; “such were some of you”, but having been washed-in-the-blood, that they are now justified. And so it is with all Christians! We all have sinned, and may yet sin again, but Jesus Christ’s blood cleanses all believers from the stain of sin! (see Rev. 1:6; I Peter 1:19; I John 1:17)
      All Christians shall appear before the Bema Seat of judgement, (to be judged having Christ upon us) while all sinners without the blood covering of Christ shall appear at the Great White Throne judgment having to rely on their own merit, and without Christ.
      Revelation 20:6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years. Revelation 20:11-15 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
      No Christian will ever have to face the second death, or be subject to some type of proportional purging of sin! Jesus has paid it all, and it is all finished for the believer!



Question # 196….(10-09-03) Do you think that the death of Yasser Arafat would hasten the appearance of the Antichrist? What about in the case of his exile?

Answer……….Yes, I do indeed! As long as Arafat remains on the scene in the West Bank there will never even be the remotest chance of any semblance or pretense of a manufactured peaceful co-existence with Israel by the Palestinians. Yasser Arafat, while likely being manipulated by conspiratorial forces behind the complex conspiracy for the Antichrist to prohibit Israel from exercising sovereignty over the Promised Land, is nevertheless an impediment to the ultimate reality that the Antichrist will in fact need to forge a “false peace” compact with Israel someday. Even the political powers in Europe are finally acceding that Arafat is a stumbling block to any potential resolution between Israel and the Palestinians. On the subject of Arafat’s possible exile, I would remind you that it was the EU-Vatican that conspired together to influence the 1991 Madrid Peace Conference to reincorporate Yasser Arafat into the Promised Land of Israel. That made him a partner in the Oslo Peace Process, by paving the way for his relocation from Tunis to Gaza. In 1988 that Arafat told the United Nations that he and the PLO had renounced terrorism and recognized Israel’s right to exist. After Arafat’ “pretense of abandoning terror”, seventy countries recognized the PLO as the legal government of the Palestinian Arabs, enabling Arafat to reverse his political decline and to re-emerge as the clear Palestinian leader, and one the world expected (and still expects) Israel to negotiate with. The 1991 Madrid meetings and the 1993 Oslo Accords were negotiated in European secrecy while Arafat remained in Tunis. Based upon these facts, Arafat returned to Gaza on July 1, 1994 and set up the new Palestinian Authority, and renewed his war to destroy the State of Israel, and apparently with UN-EU approval. Only America has befriended Israel through the Oslo war, and that fact has brought the US face to face with terrorism!
And so, Arafat’s usefulness to the world may have run its course. The impending passing of Yasser Arafat and Pope John Paul II from the geo-political-religious world stage should avail the opportunity for some interesting developments, prophetically speaking.



Question # 195….(10-07-03) This maybe a really stupid question. Is it possible that Arnold Schwarzenegger could be the Anti-Christ? Isn't he from the area the bible speaks of, the old Roman Empire area? Plus everyone is in full acceptance of him, although he doesn't strike me as super intelligent / conniving as the anti-Christ will be, and Arnold apparently shows an interest in women. Maybe this question is far off. I would like your insight.

Answer………..Now, now don’t feel stupid for asking any question. Leave that to me to look stupid when I answer. (ha) No, I don’t think Arnold will be the Antichrist. In fact he is ineligible to even run for President of the US. It is true that he is from an area of the old Roman Empire. (Austria) Personally, I just don’t think Arnold is anything like what the eventual AC will be like.(don’t rule out an American being the AC either—it is possible) The Antichrist will be an absolute master of international and global geo-political-diplomatic skills. Revelation 17:12-13 indicates that 10 kings of the Tribulation era will consolidate their base of powers under the authority of the Antichrist, a man which will have demonstrated amazing peace-craft skills and influence around the world, especially in the Middle East. (It is likely that the AC will be one of the 10 Kings—Daniel calls him a King of fierce countenance and says that he subdues 3 of the 10 kings) The AC will also have considerable experience dealing with, and enjoy unique support from the major religions (Roman Catholicism and Islam) of the world, and will utilize those religions to emerge into the spotlight of leadership after the Rapture. Arnold is already 56 years old and has absolutely no experience in global geo-political brinksmanship. We can speculate endlessly about whom the Antichrist will be of course, but as of right now, I simply cannot identify any potential prime candidates. It may be that the future Antichrist is a name that is not commonly known yet, but I think we can rule Arnold out.



Question # 194….(09-27-03) I read your newsletter from cover to cover. I really like the updates on Israel. The time surely has to be near for the rapture, I think. Can we as Christians hasten the coming of the Lord? I read an article quoting a scripture that said, “looking to and hastening that day.” I was just wondering if the time for the second coming of Jesus could be postponed or changed in any way?

Answer…….The scripture reference that you are referring to is found in II Peter 3:12. (II Peter 3:12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?)
The term “hasting” is the word speudo in the Greek. It means to “urge on” or “eagerly await,” and to “study about.” It does not mean to hasten, or quicken the occurrence of Day of the Lord. Personally, I believe that the exact time for the Lords coming is set in stone. (Psalms 102:13 Thou shalt arise, and have mercy upon Zion: for the time to favor her, yea, the set time, is come.) We mere mortal humans here on earth can only view history from our limited time-progression domain and often mistakenly perceive that events in history have altered God’s plan. But from God’s perspective from outside our dimension and his plans for this world are unchangeable, and God will perform his wondrous miracle for our world on his schedule. God is alpha and omega, which means that he has established the beginning and the end. John the revelator depicted the “set time” for the climax of all things pertaining to the Day of the Lord. (Revelation 10:6 And sware by him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer:) The phrase “time no longer” doesn’t refer to the absence of time-progression, but rather means that the “set time” for God’s providential plan of the ages to be implemented,” has run its course and the time of God’s patience has expired. The Tribulation, or Day of the Lord will then end its course. As verse seven of Revelation ten concludes, “the mystery of God shall be finished” as he hath declared to his prophets. (Check Psalms 37:1-13)
Isaiah 42:8-9 I am the Lord: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images. Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them. Isaiah 46:9-10 Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:
Isaiah 48:3-7 I have declared the former things from the beginning; and they went forth out of my mouth, and I shewed them; I did them suddenly, and they came to pass. because I knew that thou art obstinate, and thy neck is an iron sinew, and thy brow brass;
I have even from the beginning declared it to thee; before it came to pass I shewed it thee: lest thou shouldest say, Mine idol hath done them, and my graven image, and my molten image, hath commanded them. Thou hast heard, see all this; and will not ye declare it? I have shewed thee new things from this time, even hidden things, and thou didst not know them. They are created now, and not from the beginning; even before the day when thou heardest them not; lest thou shouldest say, Behold, I knew them.
Prophecy is God’s signature! His prophecies are based upon absolute precision. It is on schedule! Even Satan knows his time is running out! God in his all-knowing wisdom has kept the date of the rapture a secret, because it would avail to Satan vital nformation regarding the “set time” for his destruction. Even so, come Lord Jesus!

 

 

Question # 193….(09-26-03) Hey Darrell, Who are the Nicolaitans referred to in Revelation 2:15? Thanks and God Bless. Stacy.

Answer…….Hello Stacy. It is great to hear from you again as always. The Nicolaitans were a hierarchy of clerical theologians that came to dominate scriptural interpretation in the early churches, especially the church located at Pergamos. They were followers of a deacon-type priest named Nicolaus. The term “laity,” taken from the word “Nicolaitans” has become a synonym for ecclesiastical elitists that set themselves up as a “specially gifted” select group that think they, and only they are “uniquely qualified” to interpret scripture. Nicolaus, and his earliest followers attempted to incorporate the teachings of Balaam into (idol tolerance and sexual acts) the teachings of the Bible. The Nicolaitans were also promoters of 1st century humanistic thought in the church. Ironically, it was the city of Pergamos (where Satan’s seat was located) that absorbed the ancient priests of Chaldea (Babylon) when the Medes and Persians displaced them from the Middle East and destroyed the Empire of Babylon. Later in history, the Pergamos ecclesiastical Chaldean styled religious elitists would emerge in the city of Rome. Ironically, Rome-Vatican today sanctions an elitist clerical group called the “Magisterium” to interpret scripture. (The theology of the Nicolaitans is further reviewed in II Peter 2:14-15; Numbers 25 and in Jude 1:10-11) God hates it when false religious teachers creep into the church and lead the sheep astray. The Matthew 23 record regarding the Scribes and Pharisees is yet another prime example of an elite sect of false teachers setting themselves as controllers to the gate of Heaven. Selling salvation, and controlling scriptural interpretation is a dangerous game! (Matthew 23:13 But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.)



Question # 192….(9-06-03) What is your opinion of the Apocrypha and of 2 Esdra 11 and 12 in the Apocrypha? Certain sections of the Apocrypha were found in the Dead Sea scrolls. The Apocrypha was also put into the original 1611 King James version of our Bible. I know the Apocrypha has its pros and cons but should it or should it of not been added into our Bibles? God Bless!

Answer…….. The books of the Apocrypha were never accepted by the Jews or by the Church at large, as being part of the inspired word of God. Much later in history the Catholic Church made them part of the canon, because it tended to lend support to the Roman doctrine of purgatory. The Apocrypha books you mention were already in existence at the time of Jesus, and neither he nor any of the Apostles ever quote from the Apocrypha, or state that they regard it as being from a divine authority. The Apocryphal records, like that of the great 1st century historian Josephus and many other writings of the early Church fathers are valuable for historical reference and historical backgrounds to the events in Scripture, but that don’t make them Divinely inspired writings meant for God’s Holy word. Since I do not consider them to be Divinely inspired, I consider them in the same context as I would any other human resource. They are only relevant for reference study in so far as how they support Divine scripture. I think that God, who had the power to inspire Godly men to write HIS inspired word, also has the power to translate and preserve his word through Godly men, and I think that he has done so in the KJV.



Question # 191….(09-04-03) Isn’t it a fact that the only time there will ever be peace in the Middle East is when Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace comes to rein there? So why bother with all of this prophecy malarkey?

Answer……Yes, you are quite right, true peace will only come to the Middle East when the Prince of Peace sets up his throne in Jerusalem. But let me further point out a few things more. “True peace” will only come to North America, South America, Asia, Africa, Europe, and the whole world as well when Jesus returns. It’s not just the Middle East that needs peace. The fact that the Middle East is flaring up now, after Israel has returned to the Promised Land and Jerusalem has become the seemingly insurmountable stumbling stone to any kind of peace, is a landmark monument in Bible prophecy. These facts-in-prophecy portend that the forces of Hell and Heaven are engaged in a climactic struggle that will soon result in true peace on earth. Why bother studying the subject? I think that the Bible conveys a vast amount of information from God to enlighten us about these climactic times. I think that God would prefer for his ambassadors and soldiers in this world to not remain in ignorance about these things, but would rather that they become knowledgeable better-equipped Christian soldiers to carry the banner of Christ in these very days. Jesus left us with many benefits and admonitions, and among those was a command to watch for his coming so that we would not be unaware of the coming showdown. (1 Thessalonians 5:4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.) (Luke 21:34-36 And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.) My curiosity is why any Christian would choose to be ignorant about anything.



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