The Prophetic Clock is
Right on Schedule
                                                                                  By Pastor F. M. Riley
                                                                                  May 10, 2018
     "We have also more sure [certain] word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts;
     Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the Scripture is of any private interpretation [origin].
     For the prophecy came not in old [ancient] time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost [Spirit]."                                                                              2 Peter 1:19-21
Introduction
     Over the past year, I have watched various events occur, which I felt were "signs" of the swiftly approaching end of this present Dispensation of Grace, and the SOON coming of the Lord Jesus to resurrect and rapture His people to glory.  And as these past few months have passed, it seems to me that the pace at which these "signs" are coming has speeded up.  Now here we are in the month of May, and I am spiritually excited by what is happening, and the prospect of what is going to happen, in the next few days.  Join me for a Bible Study which I hope will be enlightening and a blessing to God's people.......
God's Prophetic Time Clock
     The nation and people of Israel are indeed God's prophetic time clock.  And in this study I want to point out the truth of this statement.....
Gold Tried in the Fire
     Let's begin with the prophecy of Israel in Zechariah 13:9, "And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on My name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is  My people: and they shall say, The Lord is my God."  
     After centuries of being driven from their homeland and scattered into all the nations of the world, the modern nation of Israel finally became a reality again on May 14, 1948.  Since that time the nation and people of Israel have seldom had a single day of real peace.  The Moslem nations all around them hate them, have attacked them, have waged war against them, and continue right to this present day to fire missiles into Israel, and cause much trouble to Israel with every passing day.  Just like gold tried in the fire, Israel has certainly been tested.  
     Now the interesting thing about this, is that the melting point of gold subjected to fire is 1948 degrees. Wow!  Do our readers suppose that the Lord God might have had something to do with this?
Israel's 70th Birthday
     Now let's go to the prophecy in Psalm 90:10, "The days of our years are threescore years and ten....."  
     Those readers who seriously study God's Word should notice that this Psalm is a prayer of Moses inspired by God centuries ago.  The context of this Psalm makes it quite clear that this is speaking to and about the nation and people of Israel.  
     I am aware that some today teach that this statement sets forth the lifespan of mankind living on this earth.  Hogwash!  In verse 7, Moses was inspired to say, "For we are consumed by Thine anger, and by Thy wrath are we troubled." See also verses 8 and 9.   It is glaringly obvious that Moses was speaking of His own brethren; the people of Israel.  
     Now on this coming Monday, May 14, 2018, the nation of Israel will be 70 years old as a modern nation in the world.   Do our readers suppose the Lord God might have had something to do with this?  
Israel is God's Battle Ax
     Then in Jeremiah 51:20, "Thou art my battle ax and weapons of war: for with thee will I break in pieces the nations, and with thee will I destroy kingdoms;....."  Read also the next four verses; 21 through 24.  
     Right now as I write, there is a war going on in the Middle East.  Syria has been the main instigator, and is being slowly destroyed as a nation and people.  In the future, when Russia comes down against Israel with her allies, there is no mention of Syria being one of them. Obviously by that time Syria will no longer exist as a nation.   The inspired Word tells us that Damascus, the capitol of Syria, will be destroyed to the extent that not a single inhabitant will be left in that city, Isaiah 17:1; Jeremiah 49:23-27.
     For no other reason than the Moslem nations hate Israel, now Iran has fired missles into northern Israel.  Iran has no idea that they are messing with God's chosen people, but they will shortly find out.  The Lord God is going to use the small nation of Israel to "cut in pieces" all of the Moslem nations around her.  The world will wake up someday real soon,  to the fact that Israel is one of the greatest military powers on the earth today.  Our readers should pray for Israel, and for "the peace of Jerusalem," Psalm 122:6. But readers don't have to worry about Israel being destroyed.  Israel will still be a nation in their  God given land, when the last Moslem nation vanishes from human history.  Do our readers suppose the Lord God might have had something to do with this?
Prophetic Implications
        "70" is the number in the Bible which signifies, "The restoration of Israel."  The fact that modern Israel will observe it's 70th birthday this coming Monday, May 14th, clearly indicates that the resurrection and rapture of all true New Covenant believers will take place at any minute of any day now.  Our "blessed hope" [Titus 2:11-14] is about to burst into glorious reality.  When we New Testament believers are raptured to glory, the transition of authority to serve as the Lord's "witness" on the earth will revert from the Lord's church back to the nation of Israel.
     Are our readers ready for the rapture?  The resurrection and rapture could occur this coming Monday, as Israel is observing their 70th birthday.  Or, it could occur on the actual Day of Pentecost on May 20th.  Or, it could occur a week later on May 27th.  But I personally believe that it will occur before this month of May is completed.  Pray and seek God's will for yourself.  
     And may our gracious Lord add His blessings to this study, and all who read it.  
Conclusion
     I hope that every reader truly knows the Lord Jesus Christ in a saving relationship.  Should any reader lack assurance of salvation, or have doubts about being truly saved, then study and pray as you read the following Scriptures.....
     John 3:16-18, 3:36, 5:24, 14:6, Acts 2:38, 4:12, 10:43, 16:30-31, Romans 10:8-13, 1 Corinthians 1:18, Ephesians 2:8-10, Hebrews 9:22, 9:28, and 12:1.  
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     Permission is granted to any true believer, or Bible believing Christian ministry, to reproduce this study to share with others, or to quote from it in context as written.  
     Any reader desiring to contact me personally should choose one of the following ways to do so.....
     Postal:   Pastor F. M. Riley, 14275 County Road 8120, Rolla, MO 65401
     Email:    francismriley34@gmail.com
     Phone:   573-202-6493  
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