The Prince of Peace Is Coming!

by Leonard V. Johnson

Every year we hear ──throughout the world ──the talk of peace – “peace on earth, goodwill toward men.” And all of a sudden secular people are quoting God’s living word.

Christmas is supposed to be the time of our Lord Jesus’ birth. And, every year── throughout the world── we hear two passages quoted extensively –

“For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; …”

I can still hear Linus of the Peanuts explaining to Charlie Brown how we “got Christmas.”

“And the government [the kingdom of God] will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father; PRINCE OF PEACE.” – Isaiah 9:6.

Mankind has come to identify Christmas with their longing for real-world peace.

A folk song that was sung by Ed McCurdy, which was covered by Simon & Garfunkel has the line –

Last night I had the strangest dream 

I ever dreamed before 

I dreamed the world had all agreed

To put an end to war.

But, without the LORD God there will never be true lasting peace.

One of the most popular Leftist ideas in this present evil age is – that if only the nations would get rid of their AR-15 assault rifles and just be nice to their fellow man there would be peace. And we can go a step further, as they announce – if only the world as a whole would get rid of their military weapons there would be real peace on Earth! In reality – no nation, country, or province would survive very long without a military or military armaments. Yet, to the Leftists that doesn’t seem to matter that much to them. Their idea is – control.

Back in 1979 at the Princeton Declaration of the Third World Assembly – an assembly of 354 participants of Buddhist, Christian, Confucianist, Hindu, Jain, Jewish, Muslim, Shinto, Sikh, Zoroastrian, and other religions from 47 countries, announced that collective efforts rooted in love and righteousness could create a world of peace.

Upon reading this PDF declaration the only mention of God was thus – “Adhering to different religions, we may differ in our objects of faith and worship. Nevertheless, in the way we practice our faith, we all confess that the God or the truth in which we believe transcends the powers and divisions of this world. We are not masters, but servants and witnesses, always being changed and disciplined in worship, meditation, and practice by the truth which we confess.”

It’s utterly sad, that all these so-called religious people, should leave the LORD God out as a NECESSARY PART of attaining any lasting world peace! But, of course, none of these religions know the true God of the Holy Bible!

For nearly 6,000 years mankind has not known the way to peace. From the very beginning man has known war – cf. Genesis 3:6; 4:8. We war against our brothers! God’s living word, unlike the religious leaders of this world, reveals to us the true nature of mankind –

“As it is written: ‘There is none righteous, no, not one; … 15) Their feet are swift to shed blood; Destruction and misery are in their ways; And the way of peace they have not known.’ THERE IS NO FEAR OF GOD BEFORE THEIR EYES.” – Romans 3:10, 15-18.

If there was true fear [reverence] of the LORD God there would be no crime and no war!

This is why I often quote Neville Chamberlain when he had returned from his appeasement of Adolf Hitler, and him raising a signed agreement that Nazi Germany would not continue war if only France and the UK permitted Hitler to incorporate the Sudetenland – and they did! Announcing to the crowd and to the world – and now the Leftists are saying we have all heard this wrong for nearly 86 years! – “Peace in our time!” The talk of any true peace apart from the LORD God is hollow and without the understanding of mankind’s true nature.

When mankind sinned against the LORD God – the family of God; which at this time consists of God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ – in the Garden of Eden, they caused all forthcoming human generations to be susceptible to the spiritual influence of Satan the Devil. The Apostle Paul goes over our human nature –

“Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: Adultery [both physical and spiritual adultery] …”

The LORD God considers anyone worshiping any other god adultery.

“ … fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders [both physical and spiritual], drunkenness, revelries, and the like; …” – Galatians 5:19-21.

Truly since the first known war was started by Lucifer (now presently known as Satan the adversary) when he staged a coup against JESUS CHRIST (known as the Word, the Spokesman at that time; see John 1:1, 14) at the very headquarters of the God family!

“’ How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, [‘shining one’]! How you are cut down to the ground, [for he was thrown to Tartarus/Sheol – the Earth]. You who weakened the nations! For you have said in your heart; ‘I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars [the angels] of God; I will sit on the mount of the congregation On the farthest sides of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.’” – Isaiah 14:12-14.

So, there should be no surprise that nations, countries, and provinces, that are under his influence also go to war.

“’ THERE IS NO PEACE,’ Says my God, ‘for the wicked.’” – Isaiah 57:21.

Truly, the only thing that will stop men from warring against their brothers is the power of the LORD God!

What is it about power that causes peace?

As an example – when two nations have equal military strength and armaments (as do China and the United States of America today!) they are more likely to go to war. It’s really “Both inward and outward vectors are powers; the balance between them defines belief. Doubt is the inequality in the strength of the vectors, where the outward expectation exceeds the inward verification; belief is an equal strength between the two.” 1

Dr. Rummel’s research confirms what God’s living word tells us about human nature. The true cause of peace in this present evil age ── as strange as this sounds ── is a nation or a bloc of nations with superior force. No superior force, no peace.

Sadly, in this Satan-influenced world, superior force so often means tyranny. While there are some nations── like China and Russia ── that experience a form of peace, stability, and economic growth under authoritarian regimes, this often comes at a high cost of personal freedoms and inalienable rights. The truth is that what mankind calls “peace” is not true peace – not even in democratic nations.

The nation that wields superior force must also have true moral values with which to wield that superior power for the benefit of the governed. And in reality, this only means a government of and by the LORD God ─ not a government of or by man.

The Return of the PRINCE OF PEACE

Our Lord Jesus Christ’s gospel message was not about peace ─ “’ Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword.’” – Matthew 10:34. Our Lord Jesus knew ─ and knows ─ our nature and our proclivity for war. And it will be a far superior King of kings and Lord of lords that will ultimately bring true peace to Earth! The Son of God── who already has the right character to wield an unstoppable force that will bring true PEACE and STABILITY!

Our Heavenly Father and our Lord Jesus Christ, along with the resurrected saints, and a great army of angels from the upper atmosphere will literally have to militarily annihilate many of the nations of Earth!

the seven last plagues

ONE:

“Now I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals; and I heard one of the four living creatures saying with a voice like thunder, ‘Come and see.’ 2) And I looked, and behold, a WHITE HORSE. He who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer.” – Revelation 6:1-2.

I guess there could be different interpretations. However, this may represent a false religion gaining great strength and world prestige again –the Mother Church of Europe – which has helped plunge this world into numerous world wars!

“ …’ Take heed that no one deceives you. 5) For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many.’” – Matthew 24:4-5.

TWO:

“When He opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature saying, ‘Come and see.’ 4) Another HORSE, FIERY RED, went out. And it was granted to the one who sat on it to take peace from the earth, and that people should kill one another; and there was given to him a great sword” – Revelation 6:3-4.

This is our Lord Jesus Christ suggesting the prophecy of the prophet Daniel in chapter 11. A direct reference to a final holy war between the end-time Catholic United States of Europe (‘king of the North’) and the Islamic confederation of nations (‘king of the South’) – cf. Daniel 11:40; Revelation 9:13-16.

“’ For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. …’” – Matthew 24:7a.

THREE:

“When He opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, ‘Come and see.’ So I looked, and behold, a BLACK HORSE, and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand. 6) And I heard a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, ‘A quart of wheat for a denarius [which was approximately one day’s wage for a worker!], and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not harm the oil and the wine.’” – Revelation 6:5-6.

The black horse of FAMINE. So here the food is very scarce. Your food is being measured out on a scale in very small quantities – like a cup of wheat. Not enough food to sustain one’s family let alone themselves! And, not only the purchase of wheat but also of barley.

“ … ‘ And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places’” – Matthew 24:7b.

FOUR:

“When He opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature saying, ‘Come and see.’ 8) So I looked, and behold, a PALE HORSE. And the name of him who sat on it was Death, and Hades [the grave] followed him. And power was given to them over A FOURTH OF THE EARTH, to kill with SWORD, with HUNGER, with DEATH, and by the beasts of the earth” – Revelation 6:7-8.

So, it is as if death and the grave are personified here with this being which is sitting upon this pale horse.

You take 8 billion people – we’re talking about 2 billion people who are going to die as a result of these events here! And I know this is horrible news! The prophet Ezekiel saw what was written on that scroll, “it was lamentations and mourning and woe.” – cf. Ezekiel 2:9-10.

The majority of the Anglo-Saxon-dominated nations will be affected – which are the end-time descendants of Israel, also prophetically referred to as Israel (cf. Genesis 48).

“’ All these are the beginning of sorrows.’” – Matthew 24:8.

FIVE:

“When He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held” – Revelation 6:9.

This is allegorical. Throughout our history, many peoples were martyred doing God’s true work – and very soon, there will be many more martyred. So, the fifth seal talks about the martyrdom of God’s true servants – a group of “end-time prophets” who go out throughout the world as a witness to all nations and preach the living gospel message – the kingdom of God.

“’ Then they will deliver you …’” – here pertaining mostly to the final “end-time prophets” – cf. Revelation 11. “ ‘… up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. 10) And then many will be offended, will betray one another. 11) Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. 12) And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.’” – Matthew 24:9-12.

And they – possibly twelve final end-time prophets – will be given power from God Almighty and Jesus Christ to begin prophesying – testifying - to kings, to world rulers, to the captured and subjugated elect of God, to a great religious leader and political leader – standing before the god of the earth (Satan the devil) – WARNING for 3 ½ years!

“’ And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world AS A WITNESS to all the nations, AND THEN THE END WILL COME’” – Matthew 24:14.

SIX:

“I looked when He opened the sixth seal, and behold, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became like blood” – Revelation 6:12.

Logically, the moon appears “like blood” or reddish – when it appears in an atmosphere full of dust, smoke, or smog! The atmosphere will be thick with volcanic ash towers from a great number of volcanoes erupting around the globe, possibly caused by the massive “great earthquake.”

“’ Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; …’” – Matthew 24:29a.

SEVEN:

“When He opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour” – Revelation 8:1.

We believe that the first four of these following trumpets are in conjunction with the prophesied “end time prophets” which are spoken of in the Book of Revelation chapter 11 – which finalizes with the “Two Witnesses.”

FIRST FOUR

Trumpet Plagues

An asteroid impact with volcanoes erupting!

“The first angel sounded: And hail and fire followed, mingled with blood, and they were thrown to the earth. And a third of the trees were burned up, and all green grass was burned up.

8) Then the second angel sounded: And something like a great mountain burning with fire was thrown into the sea, and a third of the sea became blood. 9) And a third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed.

10) Then the third angel sounded: And a great star fell from heaven, burning like a torch, and it fell on a third of the rivers and on the springs of water. 11) The name of the star is Wormwood. A third of the waters Became wormwood, and many men died from the water, because it was made bitter.

12) Then the fourth angel sounded: A third of the sun was struck, a third of the moon, and a third of the stars, so that a third of them were darkened. A third of the day did not shine, and likewise the night.” – Revelation 8:7-12.

Fifth Trumpet

Satan the Devil confined to the earth.

A nuclear electromagnetic pulse and modern military armaments

“Then the fifth angel sounded: And I saw a star fallen from heaven [the atmosphere] to the earth. [Satan the Devil and his demons being ejected from the atmosphere and being confined only to the earth!]. To him was given the key to the bottomless pit. 2) And he opened the bottomless pit, and smoke arose out of the pit like the smoke of a great furnace. Then the sun and the air were darkened because of the smoke of the pit.

3) Then out of the smoke locusts came upon the earth. And to them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power. 4) They were commanded not to harm the grass of the earth, or any green thing, or any tree, but only those men who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads. 5) And they were not given authority to kill them, but to torment them for five months. Their torment was like the torment of a scorpion when it strikes a man. 6) In those days men will seek death and will not find it; they will desire to die, and death will flee from them.

7) The shape of the locusts was like horses prepared for battle. On their heads were crowns of something like gold, and their faces were like the faces of men. 8) They had hair like women’s hair, and their teeth were like lions’ teeth. 9) And they had breastplates like breastplates of iron, and the sound of their wings was like the sound of chariots with many horses running into battle. 10) They had tails like scorpions, and there were stings in their tails. Their power was to hurt men five months.

11) And they had as king over them the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in Hebrew is Abaddon, but in Greek he has the name Apollyon.”

“And they …” They are 200 million strong Islamic soldiers, which is spoken of when the sixth angel sounds his trumpet.

“One woe is past. Behold, still two more woes are coming after these things.”

Sixth Trumpet

A massive 200 million-strong Islamic Army counterattack!

“Then the sixth angel sounded: And I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God, 14) saying to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, ‘Release the four angels [very possibly four combined Islamic nations] who are bound at the great river Euphrates.’ 15) So the four angels [Islamic nations; we are told in Scripture that often times demons are in charge of this world’s nations! – cf. Daniel 10:13], who had been prepared for the hour and day and month and year, were released to kill a third of mankind.

16) Now the number of the army of the horsemen was two hundred million; I heard the number of them.

17) And thus I saw the horses in the vision: those who sat on them had breastplates of fiery red, hyacinth blue, and sulfur yellow; and the heads of the horses were like the heads of lions; and out of their mouths came fire, smoke, and brimstone. 18) By these three plagues a third of mankind was killed ── by the fire and the smoke and the brimstone which came out of their mouths. 19) For their power is in their mouth and in their tails; for their tails are like serpents, having heads; and with them they do harm.”

“but in the days of the sounding of the seventh angel, when he is about to sound, the mystery of God would be finished, as He declared to His servants the prophets” – Revelation 10:7.

Seventh Trumpet

The Resurrection of the Saints

“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 [God the Father] and of His Christ [our Lord Jesus], and He shall reign forever and ever!’” – Revelation 11:15.

“Then the SEVENTH ANGEL poured out his bowl into the air, and a loud voice came out of the temple of [low-earth orbit], from the throne, saying, ‘It is done!’” 18) And there were noises and thunderings; and there was a great earthquake, such a mighty and great earthquake as had not occurred since men were on the earth. 19) Now the great city [speaking of Jerusalem] was divided into three parts [see Zechariah 14:4], and the cities of the nations fell. …” – Revelation 16:17-19.

A Thousand-Year Rule

“And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. AND THEY LIVED AND REIGNED WITH CHRIST FOR A THOUSAND YEARS. 5) … This is the FIRST RESURRECTION.” – Revelation 20:4, 5.

“And I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude, as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty thunderings, saying, ‘Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns! 7) Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the MARRIAGE OF THE LAMB HAS COME, and His wife [the Church; the Body of Christ] has made herself ready.’” – Revelation 19:6-7.

Satan and his demons are Dethroned

“Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, ‘Now salvation and strength, and the kingdom of our God [Theos, God the Father], and the power of His Christ HAVE COME, for the accuser of our brethren [Satan the Devil], who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down.’” – Revelation 12:10.

“Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven [low earth orbit], having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. 2) He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for A THOUSAND YEARS; 3) and shut him up, and set a seal on him, so that he should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years were finished. …” – Revelation 20:1-3.

That Great Day of God Almighty

“Now I saw heaven [low-earth orbit] opened, and behold, A WHITE HORSE [could this be a white flying horse like the Greek mythological creature Pegasus!?] And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and IN RIGHTEOUSNESS He judges and makes war.

12) His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns [representing the many kingdoms of the world]. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. 13) He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called THE WORD OF GOD [again, see John 1:1, 14].

14) And the armies of heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on WHITE HORSES. 15) Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 16) And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.” – Revelation 19:11-16.

“Then I looked, and behold, a white cloud, and on the cloud sat One like the Son of Man, having on His head A GOLDEN CROWN, and in His hand a sharp sickle. 15) And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to Him who sat on the cloud, ‘Thrust in Your sickle and reap, for the time HAS COME for You to reap, for the harvest of the earth is ripe.’ 16) So He who sat on the earth thrust in His sickle on the earth, and the earth was reaped.

17) Then another angel came out of the temple which is in [low-earth orbit; see Rev. 15:2-8], he also having a sharp sickle. 18) And another angel came out from the altar, who had power over fire, and he cried with a loud cry to him who had the sharp sickle, saying, ‘Thrust in your sharp sickle and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth, for her grapes are fully ripe.’ 19) So the angel thrust his sickle into the earth and gathered the vine of the earth, and threw it into the great winepress of the wrath of God. 20) And the winepress was trampled OUTSIDE THE CITY [speaking of Jerusalem], and blood came out of the winepress up the horses’ bridles, for ONE THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED FURLONGS [for 3½ years!].” – Revelation 14:14-20.

This will not be a weak PRINCE OF PEACE! This pictures the mighty strength of a military commander who knows that He must put down any resistance by force if there is to ever be any lasting peace – a conquering King of kings and Lord of lords!

God’s Kingdom Come

“Now I saw a new heaven [the atmosphere] and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea [speaking of the Dead Sea, along with a large swath of the Mediterranean Sea].

2) Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of [low-earth orbit] from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3) And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, ‘Behold, the tabernacle of God [Theos, God the Father] is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God.” – Revelation 21:1-3. □

Bibliography:

1 Rummel, R.J., Understanding Conflict and War, Sage Publications; New York, Distributed by Halsted Press, 1975, pg. 69.

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Personal From... Greed for our time

Leonard V. Johnson    About

COJCOM · Personal - Greed For Our Time - Audio Article

The other night I watched on television again a great movie “Darkest Hour,” the 2017 war drama featuring the legendary Sir Winston Churchill─ one of the greatest leaders of the 20th century─ and his unwavering belief that Adolf Hitler was indeed an evil, vile, despicable genocidal psychopath! And the fact that no peace could be achieved for our time! Even though Mr. Churchill may not have been aware of it, the LORD God was using him to lead the island of Great Britain to conquer tyranny with its tyrannical leaders!

While watching this film I asked again the question─ where are the great leaders of this world!? Why are they gone!? It’s sad to me to know that this generation is calling Mr. Churchill a warmonger! This world is certainly not like it was in my youth─ from the age of 12 to 20 the United States of America had a great blessing from our LORD God to be led by a great leader, President Ronald Reagan─ who had a profound sharp eye for the dangers that we were facing at that time. Personally, to me, the next to the last great leader since President Donald Trump!

Before I was born we had many great leaders in the USA! And to name but a few ─ John F. Kennedy, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Franklin D. Roosevelt along with his cousin Theodore Roosevelt, and of course, Abraham Lincoln. Yet sadly, those great leaders have come and gone.

As I’ve stated before─ the calm before the storm is over! We are now facing the brunt of the storm! Where is our great civic leader to help lead us through this tremendous storm we are facing!?

As I sit here early morning writing at my desk here in Florida, our news headlines are all pointing to one terrible outcome! The utter collapse and destruction of life as we have come to know it!

● “Why prosecutors might get Trump─ and not Biden─ for classified documents!” ● “Russia Threatens To Nuke United Kingdom, Launch ‘Unstoppable’ Torpedo To Create 500–Meter Radioactive Tsunami”

● “North Korea issues chilling warning to US about escalating tensions” ● “U.S. General’s Prediction of War With China ‘in 2025’ Risks Turning Worst Fears Into Reality” ● “Doomsday clock advances to 90 seconds to midnight — the closest to apocalypse it's ever been” And the list goes on and on.

Is all but saber-rattling!?

News headlines in other nations read similarly –

● “Chinese video shows fighter jets tracking foreign warplanes over disputed waters” ● “Australia domestic violence: Over 600 charged in four-day police operation” ● “Australia targets Myanmar, Iran with economic sanctions” ● “Taliban beat up, detain professor who spoke out on women's school ban on live TV”

Again I ask ─ Why can’t we all just get along, as Rodney King stated after his beating by four police officers after initially evading being pulled over for driving while intoxicated. No matter what an individual does – no one deserves to be beaten to an inch of their life ─ or murdered, by a self-appointed judge, jury, and executioner! NO PERSON!

Let us take a REAL CLOSE LOOK at the STATE OF THIS WORLD, TODAY!

Is it, as my wife is famous for saying, that there is no more violence in the world than there always has been!? That there are only more news sources and greater technology to cover it!? Strangely enough, this appears to be the sentiment of others. I found a 2017 article entitled “Why human society isn't more—or less—violent than in the past.” According to their controversial new study: People who lived in small bands in the past had no more proclivity toward violence than we do today.

I think we can all agree, however, that a great many of our cities in this world have become a cauldron of evil with buckets of blood flowing through our streets the likes of which we have never seen! Yes!?

Just WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN!?

Sadly, so many of our peoples around the world are like Emperor Nero who fiddled while Rome burned. At least that is what my generation was taught in our history books.

According to Global Conflict Tracker ─ there is great civil unrest around the world! Massive criminal gang violence in Mexico, Instability in Venezuela, Mali, Libya, Egypt, Iraq, Afghanistan, the Central African Republic, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, conflicts in Nigeria, in Somalia, civil war in South Sudan, and war in Ethiopia and Yemen. A grave territorial dispute raging in the South China Sea, and a North Korea crisis! Just to name a few. And one which I didn’t see on their list ─ a US border crisis getting worse by the day!

Sadly, this WORLD IS NOT PAYING ATTENTION AS A WHOLE! As that article speaks about, this world takes this violence globally as a matter of course. “The past had no more proclivity toward violence than we do today”! They suppose it to be just a natural state of affairs.

IT IS NOT!

In 1923, an American Western drama, Helen Mirren as Cara Dutton utters, “Greed will be the thing that kills us all!”

In this Personal, let’s discuss greed.

At the very beginning of this great downfall, Lucifer himself ─ filled with greed ─ said to himself, “I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; … I will be like the Most High” – Isaiah 14:13, 14. Greed and pride was at the forefront of his thinking.

Our 40th President of the United States of America made a dire PREDICTION! Here is what he warned –

I can't believe that this world can go on beyond our generation and on down to succeeding generations with this kind of weapon on both sides poised at each other without someday some fool or some maniac or some accident triggering the kind of war that is the end of the line for all of us.

He made this comment on May 16th, 1983, to the National Association of Home Builders, but it was certainly a comment made for more than just to them!

STILL TODAY – nuclear proliferation!

Eight sovereign states have publicly announced successful detonation of nuclear weapons. And according to World Population Review, it includes the five major countries that occupy the five permanent slots on the United Nations Security Council. In reality─ including the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists moving the ‘Doomsday Clock’ but 90 seconds to midnight─ this world’s final world war fuse shortens!

Why is greed one of the main reason for war!? Greed causes an unfair taking away or destruction of another’s property. This can occur at all levels, from an individual to an entire nation. Why in the nearly 6,000 years of mankind’s history, that mankind has NEVER been able to stop warring!? To have “lasting peace”!?

Why war in the first place!?

There are certainly a number of reasons why kingdoms war against one another, and why war exists.

WAR IS A BUSINESS. There are some in a few circles that are saying that the U.S. could use a war to get the economy back up and running. Mike Moffatt, writing for ThoughtCo. says, no. He says─ This faulty belief stems from a misunderstanding of the economic way of thinking. 1 Irregardless, the manufacturing, producing, and selling of military hardware brings BIG MONEY! There are entire industries that flourish for this very reason! Thousands of jobs hinge on WEAPONS─ like the U.S.’s newest fighter jet, the F-15 EX!

Compared to the Great War (1914-1918), in which, according to some estimates 8,500,000 soldiers were killed and an unknown number of civilian casualties! ─ Today, with our modern, sophisticated, technologically superior military weapons, such as the F-15 EX, which is advertised as “Enhanced Survivability” ─ lethal and reliable, with a price tag of $87.7 million each─ our modern militaries have the ability to annihilate every man, woman, and child from the face of the earth!

Thoughts & Attitudes

It’s all in attitude of mind. Let us notice what our Lord Jesus Christ says –

“’ For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, 22) thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. 23) All these evil things come from within and defile a man’” – Mark 7:21-23.

These evil thoughts from within the heart of man, uncontrolled, are what produces civil unrest, instabilities, territorial disputes, crises, and war! For when these evil things from within the heart of man has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death! - cf. James 1:14-15.

Nearly every nation and kingdom claim they want peace, but they want peace through their means ─ not the LORD God’s!

The LORD God’s Way of peace is based upon the love for others – cf. John 13:34. Yet love ─ true love ─ has been left out of human teaching throughout the ages. True unadulterated love is not even a part of the thinking of such groups as Antifa, the Black Lives Matter group, or the Bilderberg Group!

Greed, lust, and utter foolishness have been prevailing worldwide! Taking, instead of giving. Hating, instead of loving. And war is the final result. Civil unrest, among families, neighbors, kingdoms, and nations.

God’s living word lays it out before us!

A brother to our Lord Jesus, the apostle James writes –

“Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members? 2) You lust [you covet] and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask. 3) You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures” – James 4:1-3.

In other words, individuals, kingdoms, and nations fight and kill ─ and in many cases, murder. Desiring to have. Is it any wonder why we do not have “lasting peace”!? And if God is sought─ surely the very God many know of as “THE UNKNOWN GOD,” the One in whom they claim to worship, though they know Him not (Acts 17:23), or even, sadly, a great many pray to or through Mary the mother of our Lord Jesus, or even to angels; which is forbidden ─ they ask for their own selfish interests.

Where does this attitude of selfishness and greed actually come from!?

Let us acknowledge a vital TRUTH! Satan the Devil is real! And he is a great military tactician! He influences human behavior for the worst! And this cunning evil “serpent of old” deceives all peoples, kingdoms, and nations.

“ … that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; …” – Revelation 12:9.

Again, it is his spiritual influence that causes civil unrest, instabilities, territorial disputes, crises, and war! Just how this “anointed cherub” became Satan the Adversary is explained in our sermon “Lucifer - Became Satan The Adversary.”

Mankind’s first parents, under the very influence of Satan the Devil, outright rejected the LORD God (the great family of God; at this time consisting of God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ) and Their Way. And mankind has reaped the consequence. Filled with hate, greed, and jealousy, Adam’s firstborn son, Cain, MURDERED his brother Abel!

“Now Cain talked with Abel his brother; [under the guise of brotherly familiarity, he concealed his PREMEDITATED PURPOSE] and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother and [MURDERED; 1 John 3:12] him” – Genesis 4:8.

And sadly, mankind has been killing and murdering ever since!

‘Repent, and believe in the gospel’!

The time is at hand─ national and individual repentance unto our great God Most High and our Sovereign Lord, along with the acknowledgment of Their ultimate power will protect all those who trust in the LORD God!

I watched again last night on television “We Were Soldiers,” starring Mel Gibson, in which he played the real Lieutenant General (Ret.) Hal Moore, which dramatizes the Battle of Ia Drang on November 14th, 1965. And while watching I couldn’t help but mourn for the loss of life on both sides─ 234 US soldiers dead with 242 wounded, and over 1,500 North Vietnamese soldiers having been killed!

Our beloved apostle Paul – under the divine inspiration of God’s Spirit says –

“Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord. 20) Therefore ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.’ 21) Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” – Romans 12:19-21.

Our great and awesome LORD God has all power. Even if one nation were to turn to the Lord God─ the very One who made the world and everything in it─ He would protect that nation against its enemies.

“When a man’s ways please the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him” – Proverbs 16:7.

What nation or individual is willing to heed the Lord God’s message, TODAY!?

But even if our nations are not willing to heed His voice, His mercy comes─ “lasting peace” will be imposed upon a rebellious mankind for their own good.

Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ overcame our archenemy Satan the Devil! He qualified to become this earth’s RULER! He has PROMISED to return to earth –

“Now I saw heaven [the atmosphere] opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. 12) His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. 13) He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called THE WORD OF GOD [see John 1:1-14]. 14) And the armies in heaven [the atmosphere], clothed in fine linen, white and clean [representing righteousness], followed Him on white horses. 15) Now out of His mouth goes a sharp [two-edged] sword, that with it [His very living word; see Hebrews 4:12] He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 16) And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written:

KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS” – Revelation 19:11-16.

When our Sovereign Lord returns He will put down any opposition against the kingdom of God! But WOE to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea!

“Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, [the atmosphere] ‘Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God [God the Father], and the power of His Christ [our Lord Jesus Christ] have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down” – Revelation 12:10.

Notice chapter 6 of the Book of Revelation as well –

“And the stars of heaven [the atmosphere] fell to earth, as a fig tree drops its late figs when it is shaken by a mighty wind.” - speaking of Satan the Devil and his minions.

Eventually, Satan the Devil along with his minions will be bound for a thousand years so that he cannot continue to deceive the whole world –

“Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven [again, the atmosphere], having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. 2) He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years; 3) and cast him into the bottomless pit [the abyss; prison], and shut him up, and set a seal on him, so that he should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years were finished. …” – Revelation 20:1-3.

Major violence and hate will subside. Military weaponry will be a thing of the past. Military weapons will be converted into peaceful and productive implements –

“He [the Lord our God] shall judge between the nations, And rebuke many people; They shall beat their swords into plowshares, And their spears into pruning hooks; Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, Neither shall they learn war anymore” – Isaiah 2:4.

Instead, the LORD God’s Way of “lasting peace” will be taught from childhood. Knowledge about the LORD God and Their Way of life will prevail─

“Now it shall come to pass IN THE LATTER DAYS That the mountain of the LORD’s house [the headquarters of the kingdom of God; New Jerusalem] Shall be established on the top of the mountains [human ran kingdoms or governments], And shall be exalted above the hills [smaller nations]; and all nations shall flow to it” – Isaiah 2:2.

This is part of the glorious message from Father God that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ brought almost 2,000 years ago. Yet, this present evil world as a whole has rejected this message.

We and our affiliated churches ANNOUNCE THIS MESSAGE! □

1) Moffatt, M., Are Wars Good for the Economy? ThoughtCo. 7, 9, 2018; Retrieved 4 Feb. 2023.

A Morning Bible Study - Just What Is Armageddon?

Leonard V. Johnson     About

In our latest Letter to our Friends, we briefly speak of Armageddon. Just what is Armageddon!? Does it have anything to do with the 1998 blockbuster movie “Armageddon” starring Bruce Willis!? Nearly everyone on this planet has heard the name “Armageddon.” World leaders, movie directors, and even scientists have all used this biblical name when speaking of an all-out nuclear war between world nations, or even a “planet-killing” asteroid! Yet, very few know just what Armageddon is.

In this Bible study let’s begin to understand how this name fits into biblical prophecy – especially when it comes to the glorious and powerful return of our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ!

“Yours, O LORD, is the greatness, The power and the glory, The victory and the majesty; For all that is in heaven and in earth is Yours; Yours is the kingdom, O LORD, And You are exalted as head over all” – 1st Chronicles 29:11. Amen.

1) What are the first FOUR future plagues allowed by the LORD God upon an unrepentant sinful world!? Called in the Bible “the seven last plagues.”

ONE

“Now I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals; and I heard one of the four living creatures saying with a voice like thunder, ‘Come and see.’ 2) And I looked, …”

So, it was the apostle John that this cherub was addressing – not the whole world here.

“ … and behold, a WHITE HORSE. He who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer.” – Revelation 6:1-2.

Now, I guess there could be different interpretations. However, it is possible that this represents a false religion gaining great strength and world prestige again –the Mother Church of Europe – which has plunged this world into numerous world wars!

Notice –

“ …’ Take heed that no one deceives you. 5) For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many’” – Matthew 24:4-5.

TWO

“When He opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature saying, ‘Come and see.’ 4) Another HORSE, FIERY RED, went out. And it was granted to the one who sat on it to take peace from the earth, and that people should kill one another; and there was given to him a great sword” – Revelation 6:3-4.

This is our Lord Jesus Christ suggesting the prophecy of the prophet Daniel in chapter 11. A direct reference to a final holy war between the end-time Catholic United States of Europe (‘king of the North’) and the Islamic confederation of nations (‘king of the South’) – cf. Daniel 11:40; Revelation 9:13-16.

Notice –

“’ For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. …’” – Matthew 24:7a.

Religious motivated militancy and aggression often lead to war. And wars often lead to FAMINE, which is mentioned as number three.

THREE

“When He opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, ‘Come and see.’ So I looked, and behold, a BLACK HORSE, and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand. 6) And I heard a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, ‘A quart of wheat for a denarius [which was approximately one day’s wage for a worker!], and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not harm the oil and the wine.’” – Revelation 6:5-6.

The black horse of FAMINE. So here the food is very scarce. Your food is being measured out on a scale in very small quantities – like a cup of wheat. Not enough food to sustain one’s family let alone themselves! And, not only the purchase of wheat but also of barley.

Notice –

“ … ‘ And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places’” – Matthew 24:7b.

FOUR

“When He opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature saying, ‘Come and see.’ 8) So I looked, and behold, a PALE HORSE. And the name of him who sat on it was Death, and Hades [the grave] followed him. And power was given to them over A FOURTH OF THE EARTH, to kill with SWORD, with HUNGER, with DEATH, and by the beasts of the earth” – Revelation 6:7-8.

So, it is as if death and the grave are personified here with this being which is sitting upon this pale horse.

You take 8 billion people – we’re talking about 2 billion people who are going to die as a result of these events here! And I know this is horrible news! Again, when the prophet Ezekiel saw what was written on that scroll, it was lamentations and mourning and woe.” – cf. Ezekiel 2:9-10.

The majority of the Anglo-Saxon-dominated nations will be affected – which are the end-time descendants of Israel, also prophetically referred to as Israel (cf. Genesis 48).

Notice –

“’ All these are the beginning of sorrows’” – Matthew 24:8.

2) What are the last THREE future plagues upon a still unrepentant sinful world!?

FIVE

“When He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held” – Revelation 6:9.

This, of course, is allegorical language. Throughout our history, many peoples were martyred doing God’s true work – and in the very near future, there will be many more martyred. So, the fifth seal talks about the martyrdom of God’s true servants – a group of “end-time prophets” who go out throughout the world as a witness to all nations and preach the living gospel message – the kingdom of God.

Notice –

“’ Then they will deliver you …’” – here pertaining mostly to the final “end-time prophets” – cf. Revelation 11. “ ‘… up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. 10) And then many will be offended, will betray one another. 11) Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. 12) And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold’” – Matthew 24:9-12.

And they – possibly twelve final end-time prophets – will be given power from God Almighty and Jesus Christ to begin prophesying – testifying - to kings, to world rulers, to the captured and subjugated elect of God, to a great religious leader and political leader – standing before the god of the earth (Satan the devil) – WARNING for 3 ½ years!

“’ And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world AS A WITNESS to all the nations, AND THEN THE END WILL COME’” – Matthew 24:14.

SIX

“I looked when He opened the sixth seal, and behold, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became like blood” – Revelation 6:12.

Logically, the moon appears "like blood" or reddish – when it appears in an atmosphere full of dust, smoke, or smog! The atmosphere will be thick with volcanic ash towers from a great number of volcanoes erupting around the globe, possibly caused by the massive "great earthquake."

Our Lord Jesus Christ also prophesied of this sixth seal.

Notice –

“’ Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; …’” – Matthew 24:29a.

SEVEN

“When He opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour” – Revelation 8:1.

Now, we believe that the first four of these trumpets are in conjunction with the prophesied “end time prophets” which are spoken of in the Book of Revelation chapter 11 – which finalizes with the “Two Witnesses.”

This ‘fallen star’ is Satan the Devil and his demons being thrown into the ‘bottomless pit’ just before the glorious and powerful return of Jesus Christ, His saints, and His angels! – cf. Revelation 20:1-2. Back in the 1st chapter of the Book of Revealing, our Lord Jesus Christ tells us that “stars” can represent angels – Revelation 1:20.

“And they [these 200 million strong Islamic soldiers, which is spoken of when the sixth angel sounds his trumpet] had as king over them the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in Hebrew is Abaddon, but in Greek he has the name Apollyon” – Revelation 9:11.

Of course here referring to Satan the Devil.

“One woe is past. Behold, still two more woes are coming after these things.”

3) What will occur when this SIXTH TRUMPET BLAST is poured out!?

“Then the sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up, so that the way of the kings from the east might be prepared” – Revelation 16:12.

The great river Euphrates – the longest river in southwest Asia, it is 1,740 miles (2,800 km) long, and it is one of the two main constituents of the Tigris-Euphrates river system – will be dried up. The river rises in Turkey and flows southeast across Syria and through Iraq.

“And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs coming out of the mouth of the dragon [a reference to Satan the Devil], out of the mouth of the beast [a final end time Catholic United States of Europe], and out of the mouth of the false prophet [a final end time great religious leader]” – Revelation 16:13.

Notice that these three unclean spirits directly influence the leaders of nations - verse 14.

4) Are these three unclean spirits truly responsible for gathering together the armies of the nations!?

“For they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings [the leaders] of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty” – Revelation 16:14.

Satan the Devil and two of his demons will especially work through human leaders. Such as a final end-time “beast,” a political-military leader of the 10-nation revival of the “Holy” Roman Empire. Also, through a final end time “false prophet,” a great religious leader who will have global appeal because “he performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down from heaven [the atmosphere] on the earth in the sight of men” – Revelation 13:11-17. They work together and will spiritually influence this world’s political and military leaders to mobilize their forces!

5) WHERE do these three spirits of demons cause the armies of the nations to be gathered together!?

“And they gathered them together to the place called in Hebrew, Armageddon” – Revelation 16:16.

The nations will gather their great military forces at a place called “Armageddon.” Armageddon actually comes from the Greek rendering of the Hebrew name Har Megiddo. “hill of Megiddo.” Megiddo is a plain about 86 miles north of Jerusalem.

Ancient Megiddo was one of the royal cities of the Canaanites. The city was not fully occupied by the Israelites until the time of King Solomon. Notice –

“And Solomon had twelve governors over all Israel, who provided food for the king and his household; each one made provision for one month of the year. … 12) Baana the son of Ahilud, in Taanach, Megiddo, and all Beth Shean, …” – 1st Kings 4:7, 12.

Megiddo and the valley of Megiddo became a strategic site. Megiddo was the most important fortress city that guarded the strategic passes of the Mt. Carmel area.

For the kingdom of Israel, Megiddo as well as the Plain of Jezreel became a battleground for centuries. Time after time vicious bloody battles were fought there. Today Tel Megiddo is a national park!

Notice the Book of Joel chapter 3 –

Verse 1 – “’ For behold, in those days and at that time, When I bring back the captives of Judah and Jerusalem.’”

Here speaking about a two-fold prophetic statement at the time of the end when these nations are going to be in a type of subjugation. Now, do we ever hear this talked about in our news media!? That we here in the great United States of America could be someday in a state of subjugation by a foreign power!? Absolutely prostrate on the ground in front of our enemies!?

Verse 2 – “’ I will also gather all nations, And bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat.’”

The name Jehoshaphat means “YHWH has judged.” So, the focal point of this massive battle will be in the Valley of Jehoshaphat. This valley is slightly northeast of the Old City of Jerusalem, which then separates the Temple Mount from the Mount of Olives. Today it known as the Kidron Valley.

6) How is this great climatic battle pictured!?

Continuing in the Book of Joel chapter 3 –

Verse 9 – “Proclaim this among the nations: ‘Prepare for war! Wake up the mighty men, Let all the men of war draw near, Let them come up. 10) Beat your plowshares into swords And your pruning hooks into spears; Let the weak say, ‘I am strong.’”

Verse 11 – “Assemble and come, all you nations [the Gentile nations], And gather together all around. …”

Verse 12 – “’ Let the nations be wakened, and come up to the Valley of Jehoshaphat; …” – indeed, speaking of just what we read in Revelation 16:16.

“ … ‘For there I will sit to judge all the surrounding nations. 13) Put in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe. …’” –see Revelation 14:14-16. “ … ‘Come, go down; For the winepress is full, The vats overflow – For their wickedness is great.’”

Verse 14 – “Multitudes, multitudes [millions!] in the valley of decision! For the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision.”

7) What will occur when the SEVENTH TRUMPET BLAST sounds!?

We’re speaking about a time here when there is NO MORE DELAY.

“but in the days of the sounding of the seventh angel, when he is about to sound, the mystery of God would be finished, as He declared to His servants the prophets” – Revelation 10:7.

SEVENTH ANGEL, SEVENTH TRUMP! THIS IS THE RESURRECTION TRUMP! And you can turn to 1st Thessalonians chapter 4 and 1st Corinthians chapter 15, and we can read about this very event! – “the mystery of God would be finished.” In fact, this is the culmination of the event which is depicted by all of God’s prophets down through history. Certainly, all of the prophecies we read about that is yet to be fulfilled, such as in the Book of Isaiah chapter 2, Micah chapter 4, and even in the Book of Habakkuk where it says, “For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, As the waters cover the sea.” All of God’s prophets have looked to this moment in time! And here it is about to unfold! They have all thought about and meditated and pondered this very moment! There are even some of whom I know – begotten children of God who have since died – that looked for this very moment in time! In the Book of Hebrews, the apostle Paul speaks of men and women, who lived by faith – some of which were “tortured, … had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment … stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented─ of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth. And ALL THESE, having obtained a good testimony THROUGH FAITH, DID NOT RECEIVE THE PROMISE”! “These all died IN FAITH, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them.” – cf. Hebrews 11:13, 35, 36-39.

“Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven [the atmosphere], saying, ‘The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord [God the Father] and of His Christ [our Lord Jesus Christ], and He shall reign forever and ever!” – Revelation 11:15.

The BLOWING OF THE SEVENTH TRUMP is that event where the saints of God – living and dead – are resurrected and brought into full-time eternal membership in the family of God! □

Scriptural Index

Old Testament - Genesis 48; 1 Kings 4:7, 12; 1 Chronicles 29:11; Ezekiel 2:9-10; Daniel 11:40; Joel 3:1, 2, 9-10, 11, 12, 13, 14; Habakkuk 2:14.

New Testament - Matthew 24:4-5, 7, 8, 9-12, 14, 29; Hebrews 11:13, 35, 36-39; Revelation 1:20; 6:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8, 9, 12; 8:1, 7-12; 9:1-11, 12, 13-19; 10:7; 11:15; 13:11-17; 14:14-16; 16:12, 13, 14, 16; 20:1-2.