America’s Independent News Network
“A Free Press for a Free People”
Exclusive: Joel Richardson Shows
‘What Will Happen To Area When Jesus Returns’
‘What Will Happen To Area When Jesus Returns’
Joel Richardson, WND — As the focus of the world is now fixed on the Gaza Strip, students of the Bible would do well to stop to consider what the ancient Hebrew prophets had to say about the future of this little piece of land. Let’s consider a few passages. First, according to the Scriptures, the return of Jesus and the subsequent judgment will largely revolve around what the prophet Isaiah referred to as, “the legal cause,” or “the controversy of Zion”:“For the LORD has a day of vengeance, a year of recompense for the cause of Zion.” (Isaiah 34:8)
No doubt, today the “controversy of Zion” rages throughout the nations, as the state of Israel seeks to crush the Gaza-governing Hamas, a group with the stated goal of exterminating the Jewish people and setting up their capital in Jerusalem.
According to several prophets, the controversy will only intensify as we draw closer to the return of Jesus, when a vast coalition of nations will invade Israel and surround the city of Jerusalem, seeking to commit the final genocide against the Jewish people. The prophet Joel tells us that the Lord will execute judgment against all parties involved in this invasion, and specifically any who force the dividing of His land:
“I will gather all the nations and bring them down to the valley of Jehoshaphat. Then I will enter into judgment with them there on behalf of My people and My inheritance, Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations; and they have divided up My land.” (Joel 3:2)
Don’t miss Joel Richardson’s compelling books and videos on Bible prophecy, the Antichrist and end times – at WND’s Superstore.
Jehoshaphat is the valley that runs north to south, between the Temple Mount, and the Mount of Olives. In Matthew 25, as Jesus was actually sitting on the Mount of Olives looking down at the Valley of Jehoshaphat, He declared that when He returns, He Himself will sit as the judge of the nations. He declared that He would judge the nations specifically based on how they treated his “brethren.” It is clear that Jesus was harkening back to Joel 3, actually inserting Himself into the passage as YHVH, the divine Judge. We must also note that Joel also informs us that the judgment will be based on how the nations treated “My people and My inheritance, Israel” and also on their having, “divided up My land.”
As the prophecy continues, it goes on to speak of the Lord specifically executing vengeance against those from the regions of Lebanon and Gaza who have engaged in violence against the people of Israel:
“What are you to Me, O Tyre, Sidon (Lebanon) and all the regions of Philistia (Gaza)? Are you rendering Me a recompense? But if you do recompense Me, swiftly and speedily I will return your recompense on your head.” (Joel 3:4)
Where it says “Tyre, Sidon,” and “the regions of Philistia” one could nearly insert Hezbollah and Hamas. It is nearly pulled from today’s headlines.
The prophecy, of course, is not speaking of every single inhabitant of Lebanon and Gaza. The specific emphasis of the prophecy is on those who have sought out “violence” to “shed innocent blood” in the land of Judah:
“Edom (shall become) a desolate wilderness, because of violence against the people of Judah, for they have shed innocent blood in their land. But Judah will be inhabited forever And Jerusalem for all generations. And I will avenge their blood which I have not avenged, for the LORD dwells in Zion.” (Joel 3:19-21)
Like Joel, so also does the prophet Ezekiel reveal that Jesus will come back to execute judgment against those who embrace and foment the “ancient hatred” directed toward the Jewish people and shed the blood of “the children of Israel”:
“Because you have had an ancient hatred, and have shed the blood of the children of Israel by the power of the sword at the time of their calamity … therefore, as I live,” says the Lord GOD, “I will prepare you for blood, and blood shall pursue you; since you have not hated blood, therefore blood shall pursue you.” (Ezekiel 35:5-7) (emphasis mine)
While it is clear that Jesus passionately loves all peoples and is grieved over the loss of innocent life on both sides of the present conflict, the Scriptures are also painfully clear that when He comes back, because of the aforementioned violence and hatred, the region of Gaza will be devastated. The prophet Zephaniah, in specifically speaking of the Day of the Lord, warns the inhabitants of Gaza to repent; “Seek righteousness, seek humility. Perhaps you will be hidden In the day of the LORD’S anger.” Then comes a very stark description of what lies ahead for Gaza when Jesus returns:
“For Gaza will be abandoned. … Woe to the inhabitants of the seacoast, the nation of the Cherethites! The word of the LORD is against you, O Canaan, land of the Philistines; and I will destroy you so that there will be no inhabitant. So the seacoast will be pastures, with caves for shepherds and folds for flocks. And the coast will be for the remnant of the house of Judah, they will pasture on it. In the houses of Ashkelon they will lie down at evening; For the LORD their God will care for them and restore their fortune.” (Zephaniah 2:4-7)
Now, for those who are seeking to take a middle-of-the-road stance, it may be a hard pill to swallow that much of Gaza will become devastated and deserted, being left for the righteous remnant of Judah. This, however, is exactly what the prophecy declared. This is not a historical prophecy. The prophecy is ultimately pertaining to the Day of the Lord and the Return of Jesus.
Does it shock anyone that world events are now aligning more and more with the state of affairs that the ancient Hebrew prophets spoke of just prior to the return of Jesus? In pondering all of these things, we must all tremble. For in truth, through this passage the Lord is not merely warning those from Gaza, but everyone – Jew, Palestinian, you and me – to righteousness, humility and repentance. If we hear this warning and genuinely take it to heart, then as the prophet says, “Perhaps [we] will be hidden In the day of the LORD’S anger.” » Full Article
About the Author
JOEL RICHARDSON is the author of “Mideast Beast: The Scriptural Case for an Islamic Antichrist” and “Why we Left Islam” and is the co-author of “God’s War on Terror.” The Ministry Home of Joel Richardson: Joel’s Trumpet
» Joel Richardson | Article Archive
» WND
Other Headline News On WND
» New Petition Demands Congress Secure Border NOW
Warns U.S. could be ‘permanently transformed by a lawless president’
With advocates of President Obama’s open-borders policy criticizing opponents for lacking “compassion,” WND has launched a petition to Congress that spells out the horrific impact of the resulting flood of illegal aliens, not only on the 300 million people of all ethnic backgrounds who are citizens of the U.S, but on the immigrants themselves. The petition demands the U.S. Congress “secure the U.S.-Mexico border now, before America is permanently transformed by a lawless president into a dangerous, crime-and-disease-infested Third World country.” Sign the petition now! ...
With advocates of President Obama’s open-borders policy criticizing opponents for lacking “compassion,” WND has launched a petition to Congress that spells out the horrific impact of the resulting flood of illegal aliens, not only on the 300 million people of all ethnic backgrounds who are citizens of the U.S, but on the immigrants themselves. The petition demands the U.S. Congress “secure the U.S.-Mexico border now, before America is permanently transformed by a lawless president into a dangerous, crime-and-disease-infested Third World country.” Sign the petition now! ...» CDC Issues Ebola Airline Advisory
Guidelines warn of ‘severe, often-fatal disease’
NEW YORK – Although the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is on record that Ebola poses little risk to the U.S. population, the agency still published guidance for airline flight crews, cleaning personnel and cargo workers regarding safe handling of infected passengers. The advisory begins by describing Ebola as “a severe, often-fatal disease” that while rare, can spread from person to person, especially among health-care staff and other people who have close contact with an infected person...
NEW YORK – Although the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is on record that Ebola poses little risk to the U.S. population, the agency still published guidance for airline flight crews, cleaning personnel and cargo workers regarding safe handling of infected passengers. The advisory begins by describing Ebola as “a severe, often-fatal disease” that while rare, can spread from person to person, especially among health-care staff and other people who have close contact with an infected person...» Lois Lerner Calls Conservatives ‘A--holes’
Ex-IRS honcho unleashes foul-mouthed email rant
WASHINGTON – Lois Lerner showed her political bias in vividly colorful language, and the pressure on Attorney General Eric Holder to appoint a special prosecutor increased even more Wednesday morning, with the release of an email in which she called conservatives “a–holes” and “crazies.” After releasing the email, House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Dave Camp, R-Mich., wrote to Holder to demand that he appoint a special counsel to conduct “a serious investigation.”...
WASHINGTON – Lois Lerner showed her political bias in vividly colorful language, and the pressure on Attorney General Eric Holder to appoint a special prosecutor increased even more Wednesday morning, with the release of an email in which she called conservatives “a–holes” and “crazies.” After releasing the email, House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Dave Camp, R-Mich., wrote to Holder to demand that he appoint a special counsel to conduct “a serious investigation.”...PUBLIC ENEMIES 1, 2 & 3
Our God And Country Commentator
“America...Bless God, Again”
Top Three Enemies Of Freedom In The USA
“God and Country patriots need to change up their battle plans to take on the top three enemies of freedom in the USA.”
About Wild Bill:
Bill grew up in the Colorado Rockies and had a successful career in law enforcement, serving as both a Deputy Sheriff and a Deputy U.S. Marshal. He is a graduate of the Colorado Law enforcement Academy, the Federal Law Enforcement Academy and the U.S. Marshal’s Academy. Prior to law enforcement Bill served with the U.S. Marines as a Corpsman. » Full BioWild Bill’s Mission:
I
“To support and encourage the Tea Party and other conservative Americans because they are the people who will guard America’s freedom and heritage, ensuring that the United States will continue to be the greatest nation in history.”
II
“To promote Biblical values and remind American’s of the importance of faith in God, His Son, Jesus Christ and His written Word, as our ultimate guide to all of life.”
III
“To speak out boldly on the most important issues of our time, with just the right amount of humor and satire to keep it interesting.”
IV
“To keep America as one nation under God, with liberty and justice for all”
» Wild Bill For America | Official Site» Wild Bill For America | YouTube
» Tea Teams USA
NEWS BRIEFS: JULY 31, 2014
Current Events And Commentaries
U.S. Senator Ted Cruz
Puts Boehner’s House Border Bill In Jeopardy
Puts Boehner’s House Border Bill In Jeopardy
Lead Story by Melanie Batley, Newsmax —
The House leadership is planning a vote Thursday on a border security bill to address the immigration crisis, but conservatives, led by Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, say they may refuse to sign-on without language that would put an end to what they call the "Obama amnesty" law.
Cruz convened a meeting Wednesday night with 11 rank-and-file House members to try to persuade them to vote against House Speaker John Boehner's version of the bill on the basis that the measure does not defund President Barack Obama's Deferred Action for Child Arrivals [DACA] executive order.
The current leadership bill leaves DACA intact but simply prohibits any official policies to expand its scope, a position conservatives say is not acceptable.
After the meeting with Cruz, Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann suggested she and other conservatives may withhold their support from the current version of the $659 million border bill without stronger language on DACA, Politico reported.
Their refusal to sign-on could jeopardize the chances of the bill's passage, though a number of Democrats have said they would support the bill, according to Politico.
"There is support for the DACA fix," Bachmann told Politico. "I think you will see the DACA-fix bill pass."
Iowa Rep. Steve King, Texas Rep Louie Gohmert, and Arizona Rep. Matt Salmon were also among those at the meeting.
Cruz believes that 2012 DACA law, which allows the president to issue work permits to people in the country illegally, is "the direct and proximate cause" of the current crisis, and argues that any House bill should prevent the future implementation of DACA, according to Breitbart.
“The only way to stop the border crisis is to stop Obama’s amnesty. It is disappointing the border security legislation unveiled today does not include language to end Obama’s amnesty,”Cruz said Tuesday. “Congress cannot hope to solve this problem without addressing the fundamental cause of it.”
In an interview Wednesday on Fox News' "On the Record with Greta Van Susteren," Cruz went a step further saying, "If you're granting amnesty to people who come as kids, other kids will come."
Even with the new DACA strategy put into the legislation, some conservatives Wednesday still weren't satisfied, according to Politico. Alabama Rep. Mo Brooks said the measures still don’t provide adequate border security, and Iowa Rep. King wants tougher asylum language.
The leadership's ability to seal a deal is now down to the wire, as the House adjourns Friday for a five-week recess.
Meanwhile, Cruz said he has introduced a two-page bill in the Senate that says the president does not have authority to grant amnesty to any new illegal immigrants.
"We should have done our basic job a long time ago," he said. » Full Story...
» Hamas TV: Muslims To Exterminate The Jews
By Abe Katsman, Breitbart —
Though glossed over in major media reporting on the Israel-Gaza confrontation, the Hamas conflict with the Jewish State remains deeply ideological. Hamas’s Al-Aqsa TV broadcast a sermon Friday reaffirming the Hamas ideology that according to Islam, it is Muslim destiny to exterminate the Jews. Killing Jews as religious practice is a basic message of Hamas, which believes that Muslim struggle against Jews—not only Israelis—and eventual extermination of Jews at the hands of Muslims is intrinsic to Islam. Hamas includes this message in its charter: Hamas Charter Introduction: "Our struggle against the Jews is extremely wide-ranging and grave..."» IDF Calls Up 16,000 Reservists As Operation Protective Edge Moves Forward
By Aryeh Savir, Breaking Israel News —
“The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them.” (Psalm 34:7)
Israel’s Security Cabinet has agreed to continue Operation Protective Edge as IDF forces deepen their operations in the Strip. The IDF was given the go-ahead to call up an additional 16,000 reservists on Thursday to give the military “some breathing room,” bringing the total number of reserve soldiers called up to 86,000. The IDF is continuing to dismantle the terror tunnel infrastructure in Gaza, while deepening its hold on the Gaza Strip. For the first time in the operation, the IDF entered the Jabaliya refugee camp. Israel has reportedly stepped up its military strikes on Hamas targets as well...» These New Details About Rick Perry’s Plan To Seal The Border Prove He Is NOT Messing Around
By Dr. Kevin "Coach" Collins, Western Journalism —
The Left is about to get another lesson about underestimating...
Remember the laughter and snarky comments from the Left and its Ministry of Information when Texas governor Rick Perry activated one thousand Texas National Guard soldiers for duty at the southern border? “Ha ha, they’ll just stand around like wooden Indians and watch ‘undocumented immigrants’ walk by,” we heard from people Beltway liberals who hate conservatives, especially conservatives with a drawl. The Left is about to get another lesson about underestimating those who live in “fly over country.” There is a local website (callthecops.net) that is reporting what Perry’s plan actually involves. Contrary to what has been postulated – even by some uninformed GOP types- the Texas National Guard will not be standing around directing illegal aliens to the nearest aid station. They will be deputized as state police officers who will have the same powers as other sworn officers. Moreover, Perry has ordered the construction of holding camps modeled after military barracks where illegals who walk over the border will be housed until their case is adjudicated.» Why Are Massive Numbers Of Sea Creatures Dying Along The West Coast Right Now?
By Michael Snyder, The American Dream —
Never before have we seen so much death along the west coast of North America. Massive numbers of sea stars, bluefin tuna, sardines, anchovies, herring, oysters, salmon, marine mammals and marine birds are dying, and experts are puzzled. We are being told that we could even see “local extinctions” of some of these sea creatures. So are all of these deaths related? If so, what in the world could be causing this to happen? What has changed so dramatically that it would cause massive numbers of sea creatures to die along the west coast? The following are 15 examples of this phenomenon. Most scientists do not believe that these incidents are related. But when you put them all together, it paints quite a disturbing picture…» Israeli Frustration With Obama Reaching Boiling Point
By Ryan Jones, Israel Today —
“Obama is a fool, and Kerry is an idiot.” “The Americans’ behavior has angered not only Israel, but all moderate forces in the region.” “There is no other way to describe [American dealings] than as a perversion of morality and diplomacy.” Those were some of the nicer things one could hear Israelis muttering about the American leadership this week..Then a transcript of President Barack Obama’s follow-up call with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is leaked to the press. Israelis were stunned by Obama’s tone as he demanded Israel implement an immediate, unconditional ceasefire...» Netanyahu: All Gaza Tunnels Will Be Destroyed With Or Without Cease-Fire
By Jerusalem Telegraphic Agency (JTA) —
Israel will destroy all of the tunnels that lead from Gaza to southern Israel, with or without a cease-fire, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said. Israeli troops have destroyed dozens of tunnel branches so far during the 24-day operation in Gaza, Netanyahu said Thursday at the start of a special Cabinet meeting to discuss the security situation. “We are determined to complete this mission with or without a cease-fire, and therefore I will not agree to any proposal that does not allow the IDF to complete this work, which is important for the security of Israel’s citizens,” Netanyahu said. The tunnels would have allowed Hamas to kidnap and murder Israeli soldiers and civilians, and to infiltrate Israeli territory to commit terrorist acts, Netanyahu said. adding, “We are destroying that capability now...» Andrew Klavan: Thanks, Christian White Men!
By Andrew Klavan, Truth Revolt —
In which our host offers a rare display of gratitude to the one group of people no one ever says thank you to: Christian White Men! TRANSCRIPT: THANKS, CHRISTIAN WHITE MEN! I’m Andrew Klavan and this is the Revolting Truth. You know, so many things have gone wrong in our country recently — like the Obama administration and... the second Obama administration... that we sometimes forget the freedom, equal treatment and toleration most Americans have enjoyed from the very founding of this country until the Obama administration. So today we at the Revolting Truth would like to pause a moment and express our heartfelt gratitude to the source of these blessings. Thank you, Christian white men!...» Islamic State fighter: ‘Turkey Paved The Way For Us’
By Ariel Ben Solomon, The Jerusalem Post —
MEMRI report on interview of jihadi: 'We will build the Islamic state in the territories from Tigris to Jordan and Palestine and to Lebanon. Sunni Law will rule.'..Prime Minister’s Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s “AKP government has helped us a lot” since the war in Syria began, an Islamic State fighter told a Turkish journalist.. “Turkey paved the way for us. Had Turkey not shown such understanding for us, the Islamic State would not be in its current place. It [Turkey] showed us affection. Large number of our mujahedeen [jihadis] received medical treatment in Turkey,” he said... » Feds Quietly Dump Hundreds Of Illegal Immigrants In Tennessee
By Todd Starnes, Fox News —
Imagine you’re about to sit down for supper when suddenly 760 folks show up on your front porch wanting fried catfish and hushpuppies. You’d be fit to be tied as they say in Tennessee. And Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam is fit to be tied. The Obama administration recently released 760 illegal immigrant children to sponsors in the Volunteer State without any warning, the governor charged. “It is unacceptable that we became aware via a posting on the HHS website that 760 unaccompanied children have been released by the Office of Refugee Resettlement to sponsors in Tennessee without my administration’s knowledge,” the governor wrote in a strongly-worded letter to President Obama...—Daily Cartoon—
The Little Dutch Boy
» Cartoonist: Michael Ramirez is the two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist for Investors Business Daily. Please contact your local newspaper editor if you want to see Michael Ramirez’s cartoons in your hometown paper.