(Examining Current Events in the Light of Bible Prophecy) P.O. Box 13006, Roanoke, VA

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1 PTNews February 2014 Published 10 times annually (Examining Current Events in the Light of Bible Prophecy) P.O. Box 13006, Roanoke, VA This newsletter is also available on our new website: address for general communication: address for orders: The Sign of the Red Blood Moon And I will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and terrible day of the LORD come. - Joel 2:30-31 By Mike Wingfield The Bible tells us that in the past, God spoke to His chosen people, Israel, in a variety of ways (Hebrews 1:1), including through signs and wonders. Our Lord s Jewish disciples believed their prophets had declared there would be signs from the Lord at the end of this age. Consequently, near the end of His earthly ministry almost 2,000 years ago, they asked Jesus: Tell us what shall be the sign of thy coming, and the end of the [age]? (Matthew 24:3) Part of Jesus response to their question is found in Luke 21:25-27: And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Therefore, it is clear that the last days will be marked by strange and unique celestial phenomena that include the sun and the moon. Before, we examine the celestial signs of the last days, we need to recall to mind the words of the Apostle Paul when he declared the Jews require a sign. (1 Corinthians 1:22) The Scriptures indicate that the Holy One of Israel has spoken to the Jewish people through many signs, wonders, miracles, and visual aids. The ministries of many of the great prophets of Israel Moses, Elijah, and Elisha were accompanied by these great wonders. With powerful visual aids to communicate divine revelation, God spoke to the children of Israel in the wilderness with the Shekinah Glory, manna from heaven, and water from a rock. He directed them to build a tabernacle where He would meet with them. Many supernatural events were connected to the Ark of the Covenant. He spoke to them

2 2 P a g e PTNews February 2014 through the sacrificial system and the priesthood about His holiness, their sin, and the need of redemption. When Jesus came, His ministry was also accompanied by signs, miracles, and wonders. After His ascension to heaven, the apostles continued with the signs of an apostle. (2 Corinthians 12:12) However, a close study of the New Testament will indicate that as the church became more Gentile, the Jewish apostles gradually passed off the scene. As this occurred, the signs, miracles, and wonders connected to the ministry of a Jewish messenger of God ceased. The Apostle Paul proclaimed this would happen. (1 Corinthians 13:8) Ultimately, the church will be raptured and the Lord will return to His divine program with Israel. When this happens, supernatural signs, dreams, and visions will return to His people. Speaking to the Jewish people of the Tribulation Period, Joel wrote: And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your [Jewish] sons and your [Jewish] daughters shall prophesy, your [Jewish] old men shall dream dreams, your [Jewish] young men shall see visions: and also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit. (Joel 2:28-29) In a very unique sense, a divine anointing of power and protection will be upon 144,000 young Jewish men (Revelation 7:1-8; 14:1-5) and two Jewish witnesses. (Revelation 11:3-12) It is Biblically legitimate to view some amazing celestial events as supernatural signs. When Moses recorded the creation account 1,400 years before the time of Christ, He wrote: And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night, and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years. (Genesis 1:14) Furthermore, it must be noted that the Scriptures connect the guaranteed survival of Israel with the existence of the sun and the moon. In Jeremiah 31:36, the Lord promised: If those ordinances [sun, moon, & stars] depart from before me, saith the LORD, then the seed of Israel also shall cease from being a nation before me forever. In another prophetic passage, Revelation 12:1, the Bible describes Israel in a symbolic form which includes the sun and the moon. And there appeared a great wonder in heaven [symbolic picture of Israel]; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars. (Revelation 12:1) So, in a very unique sense, the signs in the sun and moon have special relevance for the Jewish people in general and the nation of Israel in particular. In light of all of this, it is very interesting to consider the NASA reports concerning some very unique and timely celestial events that will take place in connection with the feasts of Israel this year and in It is evident from the Scriptures, that in God s eternal plan, the coming of the Messiah would be accompanied by amazing celestial signs. Concerning His first coming, Matthew [which many scholars agree was written for a Jewish audience] wrote: Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. (Matthew 2:1-2) Concerning the second coming of Christ, there are numerous passages that connect it with amazing celestial signs. Some of them are: Isaiah 13:13; 24:23; Joel 2:27-32; 3:15; Matthew 24:29; Mark 13:24-25; Luke 21:25-27; Acts 2:16-20; Revelation 6: Within these passages, there are three that predict the moon will appear to be red like blood. (Joel 2:31; Acts 2:20; and Revelation 6:12)

3 3 P a g e PTNews February 2014 Please notice that there are four red blood moons scheduled to appear on Passover and the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) this year and in These back to back red blood moons on Passover and the Feast of Tabernacles have occurred seven times previously in history. It is significant to note that the last two times were in (Israel s War of Independence and victory over five powerful Arab neighbors) and in (Israel s amazing victory in just six days over the same Arab neighbors in June 1967). This leads us to ask: Are we about to witness another war in the Middle East between Israel and her Arab neighbors this year or next? Another question that is being asked is: Does the appearance of these four red blood moons indicate the rapture is about to occur and these red blood moons would be those predicted to take place during the Tribulation? Those who ask this question are quick to point out that these back to back red moons are not scheduled to take place again for over 100 years from now. Also, they observe that it seems apparent that the feasts of Israel are in some way a chronological presentation of the redemptive plan of God for Israel. Christ died exactly at the time of Passover. He is called our Passover. (1 Corinthians 5:7) His resurrection took place on the next Jewish feast, the Feast of First Fruits. 1 Corinthians 15:23 declares that Christ is the firstfruits of the resurrection. The next feast was Pentecost, which is when the church began. (Acts 2) Now, looking forward, the next major Jewish feast is the Feast of Trumpets. Many connect this feast with the trumpets of the last days. The last annual Jewish feast is the Feast of Tabernacles, which many Biblical scholars connect to a symbolic reference to the millennial kingdom. So, the fact that these back to back red blood moon appear on major Jewish feasts days makes them very significant. Before we attempt to Biblically examine these considerations, it is extremely important to examine the Bible and the scientific evidence to determine what creates the conditions for a red blood moon. Please notice that in the Biblical texts that speak of a red blood moon, there is also mention of accompanying signs on earth that will create blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke. (Acts 2:19; see also Joel 2:30) In Revelation 6:12 the darkened sun and red blood moon are connected to a great earthquake. The prophet Isaiah wrote about the massive global earthquakes of the Tribulation Period and their devastating results in Isaiah 24. In verse 23 he states that the moon shall [blush] and the sun ashamed [cover its face] Collectively, it appears that these verses, as they are interpreted in their context, indicate global earthquakes will trigger global volcanic eruptions that will spew volcanic ash into the atmosphere, blocking out the sunlight during the day and making the moon have a blood-like appearance. Scientists tell us that when we see a deep red sunset or sunrise, we are looking at the light of the sun through volcanic ash in the upper atmosphere. A red blood moon takes place during a total lunar eclipse. When the earth comes between the sun and the moon, it creates a dark shadow on the moon side of earth. [See the diagram below.] The only light of the sun that reaches the moon is the small amount that shines around the surface of the earth. If this atmosphere is filled with volcanic ash, it will cast a red light upon the surface of the moon. To help us grasp all of this, NASA gives the following report: Our planet casts a long shadow. It starts on the ground--step outside at night. You're in Earth's shadow. Think about it!--and it stretches almost a million miles into space, far enough to reach the moon. Suppose you had a personal spaceship. Here's your mission: Tonight, at midnight, blast off and fly down the middle of Earth's shadow. Keep going until you're about 200,000 miles above Earth, almost to the moon. Now turn around and look down. The view from your cockpit win-

4 4 P a g e PTNews February 2014 dow is Earth's nightside, the dark half of our planet opposite the sun. But it's not completely dark! All around Earth's limb, the atmosphere glows red. What you're seeing is every sunrise and sunset on Earth-- all at once. This ring of light shines into Earth's shadow, breaking the utter darkness you might expect to find there. Turn off the cockpit lights. There's a lovely red glow. That same red light plays across the moon when it's inside Earth's shadow. The exact color depends on what's floating around in Earth's atmosphere. Following a volcanic eruption, for instance, dust and ash can turn global sunsets vivid red. The moon would glow vivid red, too. ( reclipse.html) Those who want to be adamant that these red blood moons are heralding the Tribulation Period should be very cautious. While it is possible that these red blood moons could occur in the Tribulation Period, we cannot be absolutely positive. One must remember that NASA and other scientists are making their predictions based upon what has been normal according to our historical and scientific data. The unique geological and celestial developments of the Tribulation demand caution on our part when drawing any hard conclusions concerning the chronology of future prophetic events. Nothing like the Tribulation Period has ever occurred in the history of creation. This will be an unprecedented time of geological, climatic, and celestial upheaval. While speaking about the wrathful divine judgments that will come upon the earth during this time, Jesus declared: For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, nor, nor ever shall be. the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken. (Matthew 24:21, 29) The prophet Zephaniah described this time as a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of wasteness and desolation, a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness. (Zephaniah 1:15) The uniqueness of this period of time is also seen in the impact of the days of great darkness that will come upon the earth due to the collecting volcanic ash in the upper atmosphere. At first, one-third of the atmosphere will be darkened, blotting out the sunlight during the day. (Revelation 8:12) Finally, when the end of the Tribulation comes, the entire earth will be enveloped in darkness. (Revelation 16:10) Under normal conditions, this would produce another global ice age. However, just the opposite will occur. The inhabitants will suffer increasing scorching heat. (Malachi 4:1; Revelation 16:9) No one can pretend to understand how the Lord will bring about these unique developments. The uniqueness of the celestial and geological developments in the Tribulation Period cannot rule out more red blood moons and solar eclipses that are not anticipated by scientists. We must not rule out God s sovereign rule over His creation. For example, the Lord gave a sign to King Hezekiah, turning the shadow of the sun back 10 degrees. (2 Kings 20:8-11) I am not trying to minimize the impact that the approaching red blood moons this year and next will have as definite signs of the end of this age. In light of the context of the Middle East at this moment, it is very apparent that these red blood moons are heralding some significant development that relates to Israel. However, no one can pretend to know what they are or when these events will take place. As we watch all of these signs it should create a spirit of expectancy in all of our lives. We should all stand in awe of the possibility that we could be in the presence of our Lord before the sun sets tonight. For those of us who are saved, it should motivate us to be holy set apart from this godless, wicked, and immoral culture in which we live. When He comes, will you be ashamed or confident of the record of your life? And now, little children, abide in him; that when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. (1 John 2:28) Are you abiding in Christ? To abide in Christ is to live in His presence. Read John 15:1-11. When we abide in Christ we will also feel at home in the Bible. It will strengthen us so that we will produce fruit (works) that will glorify our Lord. Are you at home in the Bible? Are you involved in His work for His glory? If the answer to these questions is no, then you had better repent or you will be ashamed before him at his coming. (1 John 2:28)

5 5 P a g e PTNews February 2014 Therefore, be ye also ready; for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. (Matthew 24:44) Get ready for the shout that will take us out! Palestinians and Putin Join Hands Debka File, a special website dedicated to reporting military and intelligence insights into the Middle East, reports: Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) launched his diplomatic intifada against Israel and exit from the Kerry peace initiative Thursday, Jan. 23, from Moscow. His meetings with President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev marked his breakaway from the US-led peace process with Israel, four months before it was due to expire, and signaled his bid for Russian backing for a Palestinian state. ( This move by Abbas caught the Americans and Israelis completely off guard. It means that all of the recent efforts to bring about a two-state solution to the Israeli- Palestinian conflict have been openly rejected by the Palestinians. As if this was not enough shock, the Palestinian leadership signed an agreement with the Russians that would allow Mike s Upcoming Speaking Schedule the Russians to develop a $1 billion natural gas project off the coast of Gaza. This is very troubling because Abbas government is not in control of Gaza and British Gas already has the rights to this area. Israelis are concerned that the Russians are making a move to get a share of the valuable oil and gas deposits in the Mediterranean just off of their coastal area. The Palestinian leader began his conversation with Putin by calling Russia a "great power" that deserved to play a more prominent role in the volatile Middle East region. The Palestinians have clearly opted to follow the examples of other Middle East leaders, ranging from Iran s Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, to Syria s Bashar Assad, Saudi King Abdullah and Egyptian strongman Abdel-Fatteh El- Sisi, in making tracks, overtly or covertly, to Moscow. They are opening the door for Russia to fill the void left by American disengagement from the region under the Obama administration. ( same article) This report definitely illustrates that Russia has its eyes on the wealth in Israel and is casting its lot with the Arab Muslims. This is certainly setting the stage for the Gog and Magog invasion mentioned in Ezekiel According this prophecy, the vast wealth in Israel will be one of the reasons behind this Russia/Islamic invasion of Israel. (Ezekiel 38:12-13) Please pray for these meetings and encourage your family and friends who live near one of these meetings to attend. It is very important for God s people to have a proper world-view and to understand world developments in the light of God s prophetic Word. February 20 Roanoke, VA Monthly Bible Study at Grace Baptist Church March 6 Rocky Mount, VA Monthly Bible Study at Franklin Heights Baptist Church March 9-12 Hinkletown, PA Hinkletown Mennonite Church Glenn Sauder March 20 Roanoke, VA Monthly Bible Study at Grace Baptist Church March Mishawaka, MI Mishawaka Grace Brethren Church Davy Troxel April 3 Rocky Mount, VA Monthly Bible Study at Franklin Heights Baptist Church April 6-9 Floyd, VA Beaver Creek Baptist Church Thomas Simpkins April Christiansburg, VA Bible Baptist Church Kenneth Wells Check out our website for directions and more information:

6 6 P a g e PTNews February 2014 The Ugly Face of Anti-Semitism I have made many trips to Israel in the last 29 years. Most of my memories of these trips are very pleasant and have enabled me to understand the Bible, especially Biblical prophecy. The one unpleasant, yet very important, part of my tours to Israel has been a visit to Yad Vashem, Israel s memorial to the Holocaust and the six million Jewish people who perished. I would never take a tour to Israel without a visit to Yad Vashem. It has been my practice to make this the last stop on my tour before our group travels to Ben Gurion airport for our trip back home. I want those who travel with me to never forget the Holocaust and what happen there. Anyone who visits this museum will know why there needs to be a Jewish nation called Israel. The Jewish people need to have a home of their own where they can defend themselves against the historical hatred that can be found throughout the pages of history. The Holocaust museum is overwhelming. If a person were to meticulously analyze the records, displays, exhibitions, and recorded testimonies, it could take about three days. Each time I visit this place I am moved to tears. I find it hard to grasp how anyone could be filled with hate! It is shocking to me how anyone, and especially those who claim to be Christians, can despise and hate the Jewish people. I have a very deep love for Israel and her people and constant pray for their safety in their land. The Arab/Islamic world denies the Holocaust. They say it never happened. It is my observation that the Holocaust is one of the most documented events in the 20 th century. The Nazis were proud of what they did and they kept meticulous records and photos to document what they did. In April, 2006, Germany made these records available to the public. The files, which make up one of the largest Holocaust archives in the world, are more than 15 miles long and hold up to 50 million documents, some seized by the Allies as they liberated concentration camps. ( Holocaust-archives php) The world just recognized International Holocaust Day on January 27 th, the day the Auschwitz concentration camp was liberated by the Allies in Yet, this is nothing compared to Israel s Holocaust Remembrance Day each spring. Sirens wail all over Israel for two minutes. Every person stops what they are doing and stands in complete silence for two minutes. Cars on the highway stop and all passengers get out of their automobiles to stand in memory of the six million Jews who perished in the Holocaust. The shocking evidence that our world is moving toward another Holocaust is evident both in the Scripture and the growing trends of anti-semitism around the world. The most virulent expressions of hatred expressed toward the Jewish people are found in the Middle East among the Islamic populations. For thirteen centuries, Islam has treated Jews as being subhuman and demonic. Hatred toward Jews today is collectively aimed at the nation of Israel. Every facet of Islamic life promotes the destruction of Israel. Mein Kampf, Hitler s diatribe against the Jews, remains a best seller throughout the Islamic world. Iran continues to call Israel a cancer that needs to be removed. The Islamic leadership of Iran continues to call for the annihilation of Israel. As with Hitler s threats against Jews, the world is once again deaf, or does not seem to care that six million Jews in Israel could perish should Iran launch a relatively small nuclear bomb against the tiny nation of Israel. Long ago, the prophet Moses prophesied that the Jewish people would be scattered among the nations and find no place of acceptance among them. (Deuteronomy 28:63-67) However, the Lord directed Moses to proclaim that in the last days the Lord would bring His people back to the land of Israel. (Deuteronomy 30:1-6) There are dozens of prophetic Scriptures which proclaim that the Jewish people would return to their land in the last days. These same prophetic passages declare that when the Jewish people return to their land, the world would join the nations surrounding Israel and attempt to annihilate the Jewish people. (Ezekiel 36:1-9; Joel 3:1-17; Zechariah 12:1-14:3) This hatred for the Jewish people will culminate during the final seven years of this age before the Messiah, Jesus Christ, returns at Armageddon. During this final seven years, two-thirds of the world s Jewish population will be exterminated. (Zechariah 13:8-9) Until the time comes when the Lord will rescue Israel, it is the duty and privilege of the Lord s people to stand by Israel. We need to support the Jewish people with our love and prayers. We need to stand with the Lord and His people, Israel.

7 7 P a g e PTNews February 2014 Come and Discover the Holy Land with Mike Wingfield November 3-11, 2014 $3, from NY I have been taking tours to the Holy Land for almost 30 years. Those who travel with me are delighted to enjoy a peaceful atmosphere, delicious food, and comfortable hotels. Each day is packed with new adventures as we explore the land of the Bible. We trace the footsteps of Jesus in Galilee and Jerusalem. Special features include a baptism service at the Jordan River, a float in the Dead Sea, and a cable-car ride to the top of Masada. There is so much to see and experience in Israel. You will come home with memories that will make the Bible come alive in 3-D color. I and our professional Israeli guide will be with you every step of the way. I really believe that now is a great time to travel to the land where Jesus walked. The price of this tour includes roundtrip airfare from New York to Tel Aviv on El Al airlines, a full buffet breakfast and dinner daily in our first class hotels, admission to all sites listed in the itinerary, hotel taxes and service fees, tips to the guides, drivers, and other service personnel. Once you join us at the gate, everything, but lunch in Israel, is paid for. Plan now to join us. Our space is limited. So, act fast and call us to request a brochure and registration form. Call Mike at and get ready for the trip of a lifetime! Mike has just released 2 new recorded messages: These 2 recordings are available in CD and DVD. Cost: CD- $4.00 or 3 CDs for $10.00; DVD- $8.00 or 3 for $20.00 Place your order using the order form on the next page or give us a call. #197- The Saved of the Tribulation Period #201- Satan and the Nations