Persecution

Persecution of Christians has happened since the beginning of the church! In the First Century, Christians were thrown to the lions as sport and entertainment! Many have been martyred throughout the centuries because of their faith in Jesus Christ and believing in His deity and resurrection. Jesus warned His disciples, if they hate Me, they certainly will hate you. He even warned that those closest to you, even within your family, will hate you and betray you (Matt. 10:21-22; 36; Mark 13:12-13). In Muslim countries becoming a Christian could mean certain death, as we have witnessed so many times. In August 2021, when the Taliban took over in Afghanistan, many Christians were murdered. Even just last week more Christians were executed in Nigeria (started in Dec 2024).

But has the Bible predicted an even more severe persecution, in the end-times? YES, the 5th seal (Matt. 24:9; Rev.6:9). In Jesus’ rendition of Noah’s day (Matt. 24:40-41; Luke 17:34-37) He says one will be taken, and the other left. This has often been misinterpreted as the Rapture, but in Luke 17:37, He explains that it is for execution. He also tells us in Matt. 24:10, that this intense persecution will cause many to fall away from the faith (apostasy), BUT he who endures to the END shall be saved (Matt. 24:13; 10:22). Rev. 2:10 (my paraphrase) tells us not to be fearful of what we will suffer, but to be loyally faithful even unto death [if so required], and He will give us the crown of life! Also see II Cor. 4:17.

In Luke 17:26-37 (Matt. 24:37-41), Jesus gives us a short synopsis of two separate times when these executions will take place. One in Noah’s Day, the second in Lot’s Day. In Noah’s Day, which is another time of great flooding (not as extensive – see “In Noah’s Day”), and which I believe are the six seals, the world will go through an extremely turbulent time of war, famine, plague, and wild beasts (the Four Horsemen) AND then the 5th Seal PERSECUTION… In Lot’s Day, the fire and brimstone will happen again at the end of the Tribulation, at the battle of Armageddon. So this analogy of Lot’s Day is referring to the Tribulation period, when the Jews will suffer great persecution too! BUT it is interesting to note, that in the middle of the Tribulation, when the antichrist breaks the peace treaty, and seeks to annihilate the Jewish people, God will provide a place of refuge and safety for the remnant of Jews that have so far survived, in a place in Jordan, called Petra. I believe this will also happen in the period of the Six Seals! Yes many Christians will be martyred and lose their lives, BUT a remnant of survivors will be kept safe in another “type of Petra,” which I believe will be Zimbabwe!

So in what shape and form will the persecution take, and when will it start? I believe the 5th Seal has already started, but will intensify once the asteroid is sighted! But persecution will not ONLY be bodily and physical harm. It will manifest in every area of our lives – in our homes, schools, work and socially and financially! When the “mark of the beast” (biometric micro-chip known as R.F.I.D. [Radio Frequency Identity]. It will be inserted under the skin in the right hand or forehead) is implemented (which I believe will be during the six seals), refusal of it will cause great difficulties for Christians. We will be “locked out” of the new global digital financial system, not being able to buy or sell or pay any utility bills! But God will supernaturally provide for His children.

In Rev. 7 (which I believe is describing the Raptured saints – notice it is after the six seals) it tells us what we will suffer. I must cut in here, and explain vs. 14 which has been greatly misinterpreted, because of the wording of “the great tribulation.” People have quoted that as The Great Tribulation (the second half of the Tribulation period). Firstly the word “the” is omitted in the KJV. Secondly the word tribulation is also translated as persecution, in the AMP version. So therefore this verse is NOT talking about The Great Tribulation, but to great persecution. It is referring to the travail of the church, which I believe to be the six seals (but will be over a relatively short period, possibly 15-16 months). In verse 14-16 it tells us what we will suffer: 1/ great tribulation (Rev. 3:10, trials) which will include persecution (the 5th Seal), 2/ hunger, 3/ thirst and great shortages of food and supplies (Hab. 3:17), 4/ sun smite them, nor any scorching heat (Isa. 49:10; 35:6; Ps.121:6). It does not say what the scorching heat is? It could be high temperatures or perhaps solar radiation (from weakened magnetic fields)? BUT it does NOT mention plague or wild beasts (4th Seal), or war (1st, 2nd and 4th Seals). We as believers will not be affected by those!

Whew, this is a lot to take in and is very terrifying! It will also be an extremely exciting time to be alive, as the power and glory of God will be around us all the time! Great unprecedented miracles will be commonplace! AND if we endure to the end (salvation is not promised to those who do not overcome), we are promised GREAT rewards and a position in heaven. We will also come back in the New Millennium and will rule and reign with Christ on earth, for a thousand years! But that is another story for another post!!!

S.J.

In Noah's Day

What do we know about the Great Flood of Noah’s day? When Jesus said that just before His return, it would be like in the days of Noah. What was it like in the days of Noah? Evil had greatly increased, so much so that God regretted making man. The Nephilim or giants had also corrupted man’s DNA and roamed the earth (Gen. 6:1-8). But something else happened that very few mention. Creationists believe that it was an asteroid impact that rented the earth and released the fountains of the deep, where most of the water came from. Also huge amounts of water were discharged into the atmosphere creating hurricanes and torrential rainfall, which fell upon the earth for forty days (Gen. 7:11-12). Could Jesus also be referring to another asteroid impact that will cause great flooding (not as extensive as the Great Flood) across the world in the form of tsunamis (caused by numerous earthquakes)?

We know that the asteroid in Noah’s day was a mass extinction level size, what would that size be? And what size could the next one be?

Here is an excerpt from “The Aftermath” (still in progress)...

“The small asteroid that exploded in mid-air, in Chelyabinsk on 15 February 2013, was only twenty meters wide. But it still injured over a thousand people because of shattered glass from buildings.

It is interesting to note, that the dinosaur-killing asteroid, called Chicxulub, was estimated to be ten to fifteen kilometres in diameter. It created a crater about one hundred and eighty kilometres wide and twenty kilometres deep, at the edge of the Yucatan peninsula in Mexico. Scientists believe that this happened around sixty-five million years ago. They proclaim that the dinosaurs died because of thick clouds of dust that blocked out the sun for two years. Would this not have destroyed all plant life permanently too?

But Creationists believe, firstly that the earth is only six thousand years old, according to Biblical accounts. And secondly that the dinosaurs were destroyed (along with all other species, including man [and Nephilim – giants – corrupted seed], that were not in Noah’s ark), by the Great Flood of Noah’s day. Is it possible that the giant asteroid Chicxulub, was in fact the asteroid that caused the Great Flood, over four thousand years ago? The earth was rented, releasing the fountains of the deep, and discharging massive amounts of water into the atmosphere, creating hurricanes and heavy torrential rainfall. As well as shifting tectonic plates, causing massive tsunamis? Yes, this size asteroid would have been a mass extinction event, had it not been for the ark. Only the vegetation and water creatures would have survived.

The Apophis Asteroid (2004 MN4; 99942) which will have a close flyby of earth on 13 April 2029, is estimated to be three hundred and sixty-four meters wide. Tom Horn believes the Apophis Asteroid is in fact, Wormwood (Rev. 8:11), and are the first four trumpets (see his book The Wormwood Prophecy). We know that this will happen one year before the mid-trib point. We can see what damage that size will cause from Revelation 8 (Rev. 8:7-12). There is no mention of the earth ‘standing still’ in those verses. So can we assume that the sixth seal asteroid is slightly larger?

End of The World?

You may ask, ‘What you have just described sounds very much like the end of the world?’ Yes, this alone is horrific, but NO it is not the end of the world. Life will miraculously carry on. ‘How do you know that for sure?’ Simply by following the scriptures we are told what happens next…and there is still much more to follow. But life as we know it now will never be the same again. ‘Can it get any worse than this?’ Unfortunately, what I have just described is only the beginning! ‘So what happens next?’

Earthquakes, Tsunamis, Plague, Famine (and great shortages), Fire…”

It’s important to note that yes, this asteroid impact will affect the whole world, but one part will be more severely affected (the Pale Green Horse), being the closest to its impact. they will receive the greatest force of the shock waves, winds, fire, earthquakes, tsunamis and plague. And will have the greatest casualties! The rest of the world will still experience earthquakes and thus tsunamis and great flooding. So therefore it will NOT be a mass extinction size, but possibly a little larger than the Apophis Asteroid? But still large enough to cause a global catastrophe! Of course wars, insurrections and famine will ensue…

How close are we to these events? With so many other signs lining up, even secular ones, we can say without any doubt, that these times are upon us (see “Beginning of Sorrows Chart”). It is essential to prepare, firstly spiritually, in other words make sure your life is right with God and invite Jesus to become your Saviour and Lord. Secondly, where possible, and according to your means, store food, water, medical supplies, solar equipment, gas supplies and generators. Perry Stone also has some useful tips, such as keeping a full tank of petrol (in an emergency situation it may be essential to leave an area as soon as possible, for example with a tsunami warning!) And also to keep some small change, in order to purchase small items (small change will not be available in emergency situations).

Do NOT allow fear or panic, as this will cripple and paralyze you! Put your trust and faith in the Lord your Rock and High Tower. There will be many angels upon the earth during this time, to protect God’s own children. Many unprecedented miracles of divine protection, divine provision and divine health will happen. It will be the time of the latter rain and great outpouring of the Holy Spirit. So there is nothing to fear, as long as you are “in Christ”.

S.J.

Rich Renner’s book “World Before the Flood”

Also see: The New Nephilim