Prophecy Update: The Winds of Change - Part 5

Special Announcement: Weather Conditions - Arctic Cold!

Because of strange weather patterns and continual arctic blasts, freezing weather conditions may result in cancelling our scheduled Sunday morning service. Keep your eye on the weather. We will keep you updated with any cancellations.  

Bobservations' Column

Titled - Prophecy Update: "The Winds of Change" - Pt.5

Written by: Pastor Bob Lawrenz

The media has changed since the World Wars of the 20th Century. Once they used to show us films of human atrocities to say, “never again.” The media now shows us what they want us to see, an agenda noting their favorites, and denigrating whom they view as their enemy. They do not want us to see atrocities again. It’s the NEWS that they’d like to see occur, and it is bent around a few wealthy minds that pay them well, and who share the agenda of their own Uber-Wealthy Master(s) that hide in supposed anonymity.

The wealth and actions of Iran are currently coming into question, because they are not playing by the rules of one-world domination. The world looks to glorify humanity itself, while Iran seeks to glorify their false god under a restored Caliphate. God destroyed Babel once for attempting this. He will do it again when the time is suitable, “But the time is not yet.” Matthew 24’s “wars and rumors of wars” is playing to God’s agenda. His plans, for His Creation. Except for a Rebellious Satan and all his minions, God has not relinquished ownership of any part of His Creation.

Iran’s rulers are struggling as public protests continue there, and the great Islamic Regime has been exposed with chinks in its armor. Only 20% of Iranians support the Regime, and public demonstrations vocalize the Public’s majority desire for a return to the Monarchy of the past. Tens of thousands of demonstrators have been murdered in the streets of Tehran and other cities of Iran. The Regime now requires payment from their families to recover the bodies of the dead for humane burials. The Regime is fighting tooth and nail, as world opinion is down-played both there and in the media.

But Iran is just a distraction. Israel, and Jesus Christ are the focal points of Prophecy. Things are aligning according to God’s Prophecies, but as Matthew quotes Jesus, “the end is not yet," keep your eyes upon Jesus.

“And Peter said, … bid me come unto thee on the water. And (Jesus) said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.” - Matthew 14: 28-30

Bobservations' Column: Audio Version

Sunday Morning Message:

Zechariah 8:1-17 - "The Winds of Change" - Part 5

Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:

The current headlines against the nation of Israel even as it tries to defend itself against multiple enemies whose constant threat to annihilate them, makes the promises of God seem like an impossibility.

The apostle Paul makes it clear that Israel has not been rejected by God, and they remain His elect people (Romans 11:1-2). Paul confirms that there is a remnant preserved by God. The church has not replaced Israel and national Israel’s future is promised in the coming kingdom of Christ.

One day, the church will be completed – and raptured (1 Thessalonians 4:17) – and prophetic events will feature the restoration of Israel, bringing them to repentance as they are saved and restored by the grace of God (Romans 11:4). Paul writes, “A partial hardening has come up Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in (the church is completed); and in this way all Israel will be saved, as it is written (Romans 11:25-26; Isaiah 59:20).

The prophet Zechariah gives us the detail that this national repentance will occur as they see the “One whom they pierced” returning to earth (Zechariah 12:10).

Yes, Israel is God’s chosen people – and they will experience His covenant promises as prophesied. There is no reason to spiritualize away the promises of the prophets of Israel’s future home, a throne in Jerusalem, and a restored nation. God has not erased His promises to Israel.

The view that the Jewish people are a curse on the world will be completely changed into being the blessing they were always meant to be.

Zechariah 8:1-17 presents a powerful message of restoration, where God proclaims His passionate love for Zion, promising to return to Jerusalem and transform it from a desolate city of exile into a secure "city of truth." It promises peace, agricultural prosperity, and safety for all ages, while encouraging the remnant to be strong, act justly, and live truthfully.

Setting the Stage:

As a result of the night visions (Zechariah 7-8:23) which described the future of Israel, including the subjugation of her enemies, the final regathering to the land, her cleansing, restoration, and the coming of Messiah and His kingdom, the Jews were greatly encouraged and comforted. The temple was more than half done, all obstacles to the construction were removed by the decree of Darius confirming the decree of Cyrus (Ezra 6:1-14); and all was going well. This gave rise to a question by the delegation from Bethel involving the continuation of a national fast to mourn the fall of Jerusalem and the destruction of the temple. though Jerusalem had no walls yet and there were many ruins (Haggai 1:4), now that the temple was being finished, they were sent to inquire of the Lord and the priest whether they needed to continue the fast.

The question is answered negatively in chapter 7 with two messages and positively in chapter 8 with two messages. Each of the four messages was given to impress on the people of Israel to live righteously.

In Zechariah chapter 8, continuing his response to the delegation from Bethel, Zechariah contrasted Israel's past judgment with the promised future restoration. In light of past captivity, the nation was to repent and live righteously; in light of promised future blessings, Israel is to repent and life righteously. Looking to the future, Israel will be brought to a place of special blessing!

Sunday Morning Audio Message:  Upload Coming Soon!

Key Words and Definitions with Reference:

Jealous (8:2) - Very strong language that expresses the idea that God can't bear the estrangement from His chosen people brought about by their sin, nor can He always tolerate the enemies of Israel. His love for Israel is so great that He will come in full presence to Israel again and dwell with His people. Ezekiel had the vision of God leaving Jerusalem (Ezekiel 8-11) and of His presence returning (43:1-5).

Zion (8:2) - The mountain on which ancient Jerusalem was built, which became a name for the city.

City of Truth (8:3) - A city which ss characterized by truth, both in word and in deed (vv. 8, 16), because it is ruled over by Messiah who is characterized by truth (John 14:6).

The Holy Mountain (8:3) - Zion is holy because the King who lives there is holy (Isaiah 6:3).

Old Men and Women (8:4, 5) - The most defenseless people of society will live in tranquility, peace and security (cf. Isaiah 65:20-22).
Marvellous in the Eyes (8:6) - Men tend to limit God (cf. Psalm 78:19, 20, 41), but nothing is too hard for the Lord (cf. Genesis 18:14; Jeremiah 32:17, 27).

East . . . West (8:7, 8) - The context assures that this return speaks of a worldwide regathering at the Second Advent of Christ. The return from Babylon cannot be in view also, since Israel had not been scattered to the west until the diaspora engineered by the Romans in the first century A.D.

I Will Bring Them (8:8) - Referring to Israel's national conversion spoken of in 12:10-13:1, by Jeremiah (32:38-41), and by Paul (Romans 11:25-27).

The Prophets (8:9) - This refers to Haggai and Zachariah for sure, possibly, there were non-writing prophets also.

Before These Days . . . But Now (8:10, 11) - Zechariah recalled the immediate years prior to 520 B.C., described in Haggai 1:6-11, when their hassles and intrigues with Samaritans and their love of ease and comfort developed indifference toward building the temple, resulting in divine punishment.  But since they had started again to build the temple, God would not treat the people as He had those described in verse 10.

Prosperous . . . Blessing (8:12, 13) - The richness and comprehensiveness of these prosperity promises look beyond the historical moment to the time when Messiah reigns in HIs millennial kingdom.  This will be a reversal of Deuteronomy 28:15-68 and Jeremiah 24:9; 25:18; 29:22.

Fear Ye Not (8:14, 15) - The sorrows of past judgment became the pledges of future blessings (cf. Jeremiah 32:42).

Things Ye Shall Do (8:16, 17) - As always, the promised blessings are connected with obedience to god's righteous standards.  Such obedience can only be brought about by the power of the Spirit in the life of a person who has been transformed by God's grace through faith.  The standards are reminiscent of Psalms 15:1-5; 24:4; Proverbs 6:20, 22.

Prophecy Update: Glory Among the Heathen - Part 4

Special Announcement: Weather Conditions - Arctic Cold!

Due to extreme weather conditions, Sunday morning service is cancelled once again.  For those who are interested, we are meeting tomorrow morning (Monday) and will be recording the audio message from Ezekiel chapter 39.  All are welcome to join us! 

Like many parts of the U.S.A., we are still in the deep freeze and expecting it to continue through this weekend of January 31st, and February 1st. Temperatures have been in the teens (degrees Fahrenheit) during the day and single digits to below zero many nights. Snow continues to fall off and on. Our region overall has had 8 to 10 inches of snow; other areas have had much more. God must think I am special because I have about 14 inches in my yard. But we are all grateful to our State and Town Highway Department workers for working tirelessly to keep our streets and roads cleared of snow and open to traffic.

We hope to be back in church this Sunday, but who knows what the Lord has in mind for us? Our weather forecasters are calling for a high of 15 degrees on Sunday, and 28 for Monday. 28 degrees which is far more normal for us this time of year. Lord willing, and the snow doesn’t rise further, we will be back in the pulpit Sunday morning, to finish our study of Ezekiel 39 (See "Special Announcement" above).

The news this week from the Middle East: Iran has been in the midst of public demonstrations for many weeks, and the Ayatollah Khamenei has turned control of the government over to the IRGC, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. And they themselves have been seen fleeing due to the public outcry among the citizens. The far leftist regime is only supported by about 20% of the citizens, and they have suffered greatly ever since the Iran/Iraq war of 1979 when the Ayatollahs took over, ousting Iran’s King. As of news this morning, Ali Khamenei is hiding in a bunker, separated from his government. No one knows who is running the country. Israel is bombing Military targets in Iran with their drones. Iran's King Reva Pahlavi has announced to the country that the Royal Family is planning to return.

The weather we have had reminds me to be thankful for all things. Our lakes and streams will be filled this summer because of all the snow, while the Euphrates River in the Middle East is drying up (Revelation 16: 12). Remember to “Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem, they that love thee shall prosper.” (Psalm 122:6)

“Hast thou entered into the treasures of the snow? Or hast seen the treasures of the hail, which I have reserved against the day of battle and war?” -  Job 38: 22 & 23

Bobservations' Column

Titled - "Glory Among the Heathen"

Written by: Pastor Bob Lawrenz

Ezekiel 39’s first half of the chapter left us a with clear understanding of the strong devastation coming as God’s Judgment falls upon the armies of Gog and her allies as they invade the Holy Land. These armies, mentioned in the previous chapter, represent much of the political power in a Christ-rejecting world. The whole world will feel the impact, but geographically, the battle takes place in tiny Israel.

Readers must remember that Bible Prophecy is about Christ and His enemies in both the spiritual realm and the physical realm. Gog, Russia today, has pockets of believers, but their leaders are godless men who have designed a government to replace God. Persia (Iran & Iraq), Ethiopia, Libya, Turkey, and others represent much of the Muslim world, which worship a god and his false prophet, who was reported by many to be an illiterate farmer who could neither read, nor write.

The current war between Russia and the Ukraine has a similar Spiritual component to it that no news media is taking about. The Ukraine is filled with believers who follow the Eastern Orthodox version of the Christian Church. For Gog and her allies, this mass of Israeli invaders worship either no god, like Russia, or a false god according to the Jewish and Christian texts of the Bible. These texts pre-date the Quran and its alleged author by more than 500 years. They conveniently acknowledge Jesus’s teachings because they cannot be ignored, but they view our Lord as a holy man and a prophet, rejecting His own words about Deity, the Father, and Himself.

The Jews await a Godly leader to relieve them of foreign occupation and provide for peace in Israel. The Russians look for control over resources, while Muslims await “another” Savior/Redeemer. They look for the arrival of their “Mahdi,” who will give them Jewish and western lands and purge the Earth of every religion but their own. Hence, I have chosen our reading today for the beginning of this teaching: Under the Inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the Apostle Paul wrote Colossians 1:12-19.

God’s defeat of these unbelieving armies will mean a clean-up must be undertaken to purge Israel of the death and destruction of all those that fight against God. Jesus, God-with-us, will be glorified among all mankind as the Father glorifies Himself. We come to the aftermath of this great battle.

“And this shall be the plague wherewith the Lord will smite all the people that have fought against Jerusalem; their flesh shall consume away while they stand upon their feet…” - Zechariah 14:12

Bobservations' Column:  Audio Version

Sunday Morning Message:

Ezekiel 39:14-29 - "Glory Among the Heathen" - Part 4

Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:

We live in an age where science thinks that is has done away with God. In fact, for many people, science has become their God. It is the source of all truth (apparently). We live in an age where mankind is self-focused and self-exalted. In the Western world especially, humanism is in. God... well not so much. We live in an age where Islam again seeks to dominate on the world scene. It has lofty goals of imposing sharia law across all nations. And yet it has a thorn in its side that it hasn't been able to remove... those pesky little Jews living in their backyard in that tiny land called Israel! To those under all of these things (and more), the true God, who has been hidden to so many, will make His name known. For some it will lead to repentance and salvation. For others, a further hardening of their heart (as it did to Pharaoh when the God of Israel revealed Himself through judgments upon the land). But either way, mankind will be given proof. There will be no excuse. And God will do it through the tiny nation of Israel. He has said it and will bring it to pass. Strap yourselves in!

This week, Ezekiel 39:14-29 details the aftermath of God’s decisive defeat of Gog, focusing on the extensive, months-long cleansing of the land and the ultimate, permanent restoration of Israel. God vows to display His holiness, gather all His people from exile, and never again hide His face from them, pouring out His Spirit.

Sunday Morning Audio Message: 

Key Words and Definitions with Reference:

Hamon Gog (39:16) - Hamon-Gog (Valley of the Multitude of Gog) refers to a prophetic location in the Bible (Ezekiel 39:11-15) east of the Dead Sea, designated for burying the vast armies of Gog, a powerful northern leader who will invade Israel, symbolizing God's ultimate victory over evil forces and the cleansing/restoration of the land. In verse 16, a city in the area will be named Hamonah, "multitude" (cf. a similar idea in Joel 3:14).

Speak Unto . . . Fowl . . . Beast (39:17-20) - This phrase is primarily found in Ezekiel 39:17, representing a vivid, apocalyptic image of God’s victory over His enemies. God's word summons carrion birds and carnivorous animals to consume the fallen flesh as described in Revelation 19:21.

My Sacrificial Meal (39:17) - Since God describes the feast by the imagery of a sacrificial meal, the warriors who fell (v. 19) are described figuratively in words such as rams and other animals used in sacrifice.

I will Set My Glory (39:21-29) - refers to a divine intention to reveal God's majesty, power, and character to all nations. Rooted in texts like Ezekiel 39:21 and Isaiah 43, this phrase signifies bringing God's character and worthiness into plain view through acts of salvation, judgment, and the transformation of His people. Specifically, God vanquishes Israel's foes to show His glory so that His enemies and Israel will all know that He is the Lord (vv. 6, 22).  This is Israel's salvation spoken of in Zechariah 12:10-13:9; Romans 11:25-27.

Bring Again (39:25) - The Lord would answer their prayer, by returning the Jews to their land, cf. Daniel’s example and God’s response (Daniel 9:4–27). Fulfillment would occur in the era of Ezra and Nehemiah, and beyond this in even fuller measure after the Second Coming of their Messiah (cf. Daniel 2:35, 45; 7:13, 14, 27; 12:1–3, 13).

Poured Out My Spirit (39:29) - God's provision of His Spirit at the Second Coming of Jesus Christ complements the regathering (cf. 36:27; 47:14; Joel 2:28). Ezekiel 39:29 marks the end of the Gog-Magog prophecy, promising that after punishing Israel's enemies and restoring His people, God will permanently pour out His Holy Spirit upon them. This signifies a final, intimate covenant reconciliation, ending divine distance (hiding His face) and replacing it with inward transformation and lifelong, intimate communion.

Prophecy Update: The Judgment of Gog - Part 3

Bobservations' Column

Titled - "The Judgment of Gog"
Written by: Pastor Bob Lawrenz

The 3rd week of our Prophecy Update Series opens with Ezekiel 39. It opens with an almost identical verse as the previous chapter. The only difference is that in Chapter 38, it is Jehovah directing the Son of Man (Christ) what to speak to Gog, and Magog, that nation north of the Caucasus Mountains between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea.

In Ezekiel 39:1, it is the Son of Man speaking those words, “I am against thee…” just as the Father had said. There can be no question about how Jehovah (Lord) and Jesus, the Son of Man (Lord) feel about that nation and the one who is their leader. Gog is the nation and Magog is their leader.

The Father is making good on His promise made to Abraham and his descendants, Israel. “I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him who curseth thee.” (Genesis 12:3). To find one’s self in a adversarial position against the God of the Universe, is an unenviable position. God does not speak unless He intends to follow through with His prophetic word.

And hence, Gog and Magog will face judgment at the right time in the future. Ezekiel 39 is a direct description of this judgment against the nation that is modern-day Russia, and we are witnessing the alignment of Israel’s enemies today. We are also witnessing the strength of Israel increasing militarily, and economically, and at least one former enemy is enlisting Israeli defense methods, vis-à-vis Israeli’s Iron Dome defense initiative.

At some point in the future, however, Israel will be isolated to face a coalition of nations that are her enemies, and God’s. And we may be surprised by their names.

“The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved.” - 2 Thessalonians 2:9, 10

Bobservations' Column:  Audio Version

Sunday Morning Message:

Prophecy Update: Ezekiel 39: 1-13 - "The Judgment of Gog" - Pt. 3

Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:

We saw in the first two studies of the Gog and Magog invasion that the Bible predicts an end-time alliance between Russia, Iran and Turkey (along with other countries) that will come against Israel in the last days leading up to the return of Jesus. As they cover the land like a storm it will look like a sure thing win for the invading forces. A sure thing, that is until God steps in! We saw in the first study that God will not allow this invading force to prevail but will supernaturally wipe them out on the mountains of Israel in an event that will literally leave an unbelieving world gasping! It will, the Bible says, be an event that will be used by God to make His name known again to both Israel and the nations of the world.

Ezekiel 39:1-13 describes God's judgment against Gog, a northern invader, foretelling his total defeat by Israel, his vast army's weapons providing seven years of fuel, and a massive, seven-month burial process in the Valley of Hamon-Gog, culminating in the purification of the land and recognition of God's power by all nations.

Sunday Morning Audio Message:  

Key Words and Definitions with Reference:

Behold, I Am Against Thee, O Gog (39:1) - Repeated from Ezekiel 38:3, which is for the confirmation of it, and to inject terror into him. How horrifying to have God against any you. This scene of the army's ruin adds detail to Ezekiel 38:18-23 such as: the disarming of soldiers (v. 3); their fall in death (vv. 4, 5); the gorging of birds and beasts on the corpses (v. 4); fire sent also on others besides the army (v.6); and the burning of weapons by Israelites (vv. 9, 10).

Gog (39:1) - “Gog” is the mysterious leader introduced in the previous chapter (Ezekiel 38:2). The prophecy is “against” him, signaling judgment rather than blessing (Ezekiel 25:2; Amos 1:3). The scope is international; God’s concern extends beyond Israel’s borders to global powers (Psalm 2:1-6; Revelation 20:8). The Gog and Magog assault in Revelation 20:7-9 at the end of the Millennium is another assault on Jerusalem patterned after certain images of the invasion here (chapters 38, 39), but it is a distinct event one thousand years after the Millennial kingdom begins.

Burn the Weapons (39:9, 10) - God promised to “break the bow and shatter the spear” (Psalm 46:9; Isaiah 2:4), and here He does so literally. Every category of ancient weapon becomes fuel, symbolizing total disarmament of hostile nations (Micah 4:3). The list is comprehensive, leaving no threat un-neutralized. As shocking as it sounds, there will be enough equipment to provide fuel for seven years. 

Seven Years (39:9) - Seven in Scripture often marks completeness (Genesis 2:2-3; Revelation 1:20). Here it indicates a definite, measurable period during which the refuse of war meets Israel’s domestic needs. The duration suggests both the vast quantity of weapons and the sustained peace that follows God’s intervention (Ezekiel 37:26). A vast army (cf. "many," 38:15) would have much weaponry, requiring seven years to burn.  Since this likely occurs at the end of the time of Tribulation, synonymous with the battle of Armageddon (Revelation 16:16; 19:19-21), the burials would extend into the millennial kingdom.

Give Unto Gog a Place There of Graves (39:11-16) - Israelites moving east from the Mediterranean Sea, with the sea to their backs and the Jezreel Valley before them, bury bodies.  Further, people in the whole land help in the massive interment, which takes seven months.  The description fits the time after Christ's Second Coming extending into the millennial era as those who go into His kingdom do the work (cf. Revelation 20:1-10).

Hamon-Gog (39:11, 16) - Hamon-Gog (Valley of the Multitude of Gog) refers to a prophetic location in the Bible (Ezekiel 39:11-15) east of the Dead Sea, designated for burying the vast armies of Gog, a powerful northern leader who will invade Israel, symbolizing God's ultimate victory over evil forces and the cleansing/restoration of the land. In verse 16, a city in the area will be named Hamonah, "multitude" (cf. a similar idea in Joel 3:14).