Are We Living in the VERY Last Days?

“Are We Living in the Last Days?”

Does Monday (Eclipse Day) Start the Countdown Clock to God’s Judgment on America?

This Monday, August 21st, is a significant day because of the total eclipse of the sun that will be experienced over a significant swath of the continental United States. Last week I came across an article by Ann Graham Lotz, in which she suggested that perhaps this eclipse is a sort of harbinger, or warning sign, of God’s impending judgment. She referred to this video by Australian pastor Steve Cioccolanti, who believes God’s judgment will fall on the United States between the two solar eclipses of the next seven years:

 

By linking to the video above, I’m not recommending that you watch the video. In fact, save yourself the hour, because I’ve done the watching for you. While an effective speaker, I found three major problems with his presentation:

(1) He makes very strong, confident assertions that God’s judgment will fall on the U. S., and, therefore, the world, between the two solar eclipses (2017 & 2024). Then he backpedals significantly and comes across as saying this is just a “possibility.” So, if you didn’t notice…he’s now covered his tracks. If it happens like he suggested, he’s a prophet. If it doesn’t happen, he can point to his disclaimer statement. I’m not saying his intent was malicious; he may have complete integrity. It just seems odd that he gives himself such an “out.”

(2) He claims that the epicenter of both eclipses is at the confluence of the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers. I have a little advantage on the geography of things because I grew up in the area of which he speaks. While the confluence of these two great rivers is certainly not far from the exact epicenter (about 40-45 miles), it is not the actual epicenter, as the map below shows:

Yellow shows where my parents live. Red shows the epicenter of the two eclipses. Purple shows where the Mississippi River and Ohio River meet up.

On a side note, we drove through the area last week as a family, and stood at the bottom of the state of Illinois, right at the confluence of the two mighty rivers: the Mississippi and the Ohio:

Why are we all smiles, considering we are standing on the potential center of the bullseye of God’s judgment on America? Well, for one, I don’t think this prophecy is accurate. But even more importantly…”There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus…”!

According to Pastor Steve Cioccolanti, this will be the exact point at which God’s judgment will fall and the U. S. will be divided physically:

Man I would hate to live in Louisiana if this “prophecy” is true!

He mentions the New Madrid seismic zone (he mispronounces ‘Madrid’, but hey, he’s Australian, so I’ll give him a pass on that one) is right there as well, which is how God will bring the judgment… via earthquake(s). While it is true that a major quake in the New Madrid would likely bring devastating damage to the tristate region (Southern Illinois, Southeast Missouri, and far Western Kentucky), the actual seismic zone is south of where the two eclipses cross as well as the confluence of the two great rivers:

This seismic zone is significant. If the “big one” ever does occur, there will be massive destruction and loss of life. The last major earthquake of this fault zone was in 1811, creating Reelfoot Lake as well as damaging houses in St. Louis, Missouri (about 150 miles north of New Madrid, Missouri).

On to the 3rd major problem with his thesis:

(3) I do not believe the United States is the “Babylon the Great” of the book of Revelation. The entire thesis rests on the assertion that the U.S.A. is indeed “Babylon the Great.” If it is not, then this whole thing is pointless. While in many ways we as a nation have the spirit of Babylon, I have yet to find a compelling enough argument to convince me that the United States is even mentioned in the Bible. That said, end-times prophecy expert I am not. So, perhaps I am wrong on this one.

Whether I am right or whether this Australian pastor is right, the truth is that every day brings us closer to the day of God’s judgment. Maybe it will be in the next seven days or seven years, or maybe it will not be for another seventy years. One thing is for sure… God’s judgment is coming and the only way to be eternally protected is to be found “in Christ.”

Have you repented of your sin and placed your faith in Jesus Christ to save you from the wrath to come? Jesus died on the cross for sinners and rose from the grave, conquering death and Hell. Run to Him for salvation before it’s too late!

Babylon to be Rebuilt?

According to Joel Rosenburg’s blog, ancient Babylon is in the process of being built, which helps fulfill a prophetic key for Christ’s return. Another sign that we are living in the very last days?  Maybe.