John Paul Jackson, (www.streamsministries.com), a mighty prophet of God who prophesied many of the things that have already happened, including the shuttle Challenger explosion and that Netanyahu was going to be the next Israeli Prime Minister, also heard an angel crying in a loud voice,  

"The woes of 2012; the woes of 2012; the woes of 2012"

Well, 2012 is now upon us! Are these words by an angel given to a prophet soon to come to pass? If not by 2012, I'm personally convinced that we can surely expect serious woes upon this earth shortly. The prophets are prophesying it and the Word of God prophesies it. I want these sobering truths we study tonight to prepare you for any coming woes to America.

But then tomorrow night, I’ll have good news to greatly encourage you: the most wonderful things in history are going to be happening concurrently with these woes and much of these exciting events will be manifested by the Church of Jesus Christ. I call them   "The Wows of 2012!"

John Paul released a statement in 2008 called The Coming Perfect Storm. He spoke of a time coming to America and the world where: 

Economic, military, religious, political, and geophysical

issues and events would occur in a short period of time to make up a "perfect storm" of calamity. Did John Paul hear right? Those 5 words make a good outline to study Bible prophecy to see if 2012 really could be a year of "woes."

I preface this teaching by saying: Do not interpret the book of Revelation sequentially. Many mistakenly read John's writings, assuming that the events in chapter 1 happen before chapter two and then the events in chapter 4 happen before chapter 7, etc. But, this is an assumption not based on scriptural precedent. Biblical prophetic visions and revelations are not always given in chronological or order nor do prophetic events always happen sequentially.

For instance, Isaiah 2 speaks about end times; then, Isa. 42 speaks of Christ's first coming, then 45 speaks prophecies concerning ancient ruler Cyrus, then 60 speaks again of the last times. It is important that you understand this, because many assume that Christ will come before the horrible (woe-full!) events of Revelation 6-19. But, if John simply reported the visions of the book of Revelation in the sequence in which he saw them, we cannot, on the basis of Old Testament example, demand we interpret then as being fulfilled sequentially.

If one insists that we interpret Revelation sequentially, then we must use that same plumb-line for Jesus' teaching on the end times. In Matthew 24:21 He talks about the "Great Tribulation" before He mentions His first coming 7 verses later.

I personally am convinced that we will very likely be on earth for at least half of the Great Tribulation period and will thus experience many of the Revelation 6-19 last day's events! This is, of course, just an opinion, but it is a studied opinion. If you think you are going to be rescued from such times, you will not prepare yourself physically, emotionally or spiritually. If woes are about to come upon us, even as soon as 2012, then you can see how important it is to not have an "escapist" mentality, but rather to have a "survivor" and "reaper" mentality! (Getting ready for hard times and getting ready for the greatest harvest of souls in church history.") 

As we begin our study, I want us to consider one place in the book of Revelation where the word "woe" is used, in 12:12:  

"Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time."

The above verse speaks of the time when the devil is cast down from heaven once and for all and after this happens, immediately "all hell breaks loose" (literally) on earth. It is a future event. Those who believe that the rapture takes place before chapters 6-19 believe only unbelievers and new converts of the Tribulation will experience this most difficult of times. But, if as I have sought to prove, chapter 12 doesn't necessarily take place before the rapture, then for this study's sake, consider the phrase: 

"Woe to the inhabitants of the earth."

After Satan is cast down from heaven everybody on this planet will experience "woe." If we are going to be here at least half of the Great Tribulation, then we must expect "woes." It is Bible prophecy. No amount of faith or confession will hold it back! The consolation we Christians have, though are the promises of grace, supernatural protection, provision and the "wow" anointing that will take place simultaneously with this last day furious attack from hell.

If you are convinced of the Pre-tribulation rapture theory, you might be right and if so, we'll all go up together! But, of course, that still doesn't mean "The woes of 2012" aren't coming to America. Woes recently came to Haiti destroying a quarter of a million people, an earthquake and tsunami in Japan took over 20,000 lives, and the 2004 earthquake and tsunami in Indonesia killed over 200,000 people in 14 countries. I wonder if any Christian teachers told the churches in those countries, "Don't worry. Christians won't have to go through the Great Tribulation." Small consolation to those who lost their homes and families!

"Woe"fully bad things happened to Christians in Russia and China. It is estimated that as many as 40 million people were killed in Russia under Stalin. May of them were Christians, as Stalin closed tens of thousands of churches and systematically tried to destroy Christianity. It is estimated that 70 million were killed by Mao Tse-tung. Many of them were Christians, as Mao birthed the greatest attempt to wipe-out Christianity in the history of the world.). Tribulation for Christians is not limited to just the "Great Tribulation!"   Woes could happen here and we still must be prepared!

You need to start asking yourself:

"If 2012 is going to be filled with woes for America, what do I need to do physically, emotionally and spiritually to prepare for them?"

You might ask, “How can we have any joy at the prospect of possible soon coming "woes?" That's an easy question! Jesus told us exactly what to do when these "signs" began to happen in today's devotional verse,  Luke 21:26, 28:

"men's hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth . . ." 

(That is how the unsaved will react to "woes" but look how Christians should react:)

" . . . when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near." 

Last days "woes" always involve many glorious last day's "wows" Here is the best wow of all: 

YOUR REDEMPTION DRAWS NEAR!

Though we may differ some in our prophetic understanding, we can still agree to disagree for the sake of the gospel.  Let's get in "one accord" tonight agreeing to lay our differences aside to hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches for 2012.

1/   One calamitous event that John Paul saw was Economic

Is there an Economic perfect Storm in 2012?

Just for the sake of open-mindedness towards the opinion of your brother in Jesus, consider the ramifications for your life if we are going to be here for at least half of the Great Tribulation.  Events such as the rise of the antichrist would certainly greatly affect America’s Economy.  For instance, How could:

“the whole world (including the USA) wonder after the beast” (Rev. 13:3)? 

How could the nations be deceived into receiving his mark?    It is likely partly because,  

“no man can buy or sell except he have the mark of the beast” (Rev. 13:17),

we know that there must of necessity be some kind of a world-wide economic collapse, causing hunger and fear to drive people to a one-world government leader who promises them answers.  On strong sign of impending economic collapse is the fact that European countries as large as Italy which are now at the brink of bankruptcy (And remember most prophecy experts expect the antichrist to rise out of Europe)! 

Many American states are also near bankruptcy!  Calif. alone is in debt (est.) 265 to 737 Billion!  That’s 7K to 19K per capita!  Add that to the 45k per capita national indebtedness, and you see the virtual impossibility of ever getting out of debt and thus a primary cause of the future failure of the American economy. 

Add to this “car hanging over a cliff” just one more Katrina, one more 9/11, one more giant corporate failure or Stock Market crash and you see how quickly our economy could collapse. 

25,000,000 Americans are presently out of work!  One economist predicts in the next depression, 50% of Americans will be out of work!  We now have serious economic problems, even if these aren’t the last days.  But, does the Bible speak of specific last day economic problems?  You betcha!

The Bible in Revelation 6:5, 6 points to economic calamity:

“Behold, a black horse, and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand.  And I heard a voice, “A quart of wheat for a denarius . . . And do not harm the oil and the wine.” 

(Black represents famine or death.  Mention of scales and food denotes scarcity:  money is of little help!)

Revelation 18:2, 11 reveals some kind of world-wide economic disaster:

“Babylon the great is fallen . . . The merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her for no one buys their merchandise anymore.”

Could James 5:3 be a prophetic reference to our times?

“Your gold and silver are corroded, and their corrosion will be a witness against you and will eat your flesh like fire.  You have heaped up treasure in the last days.”

If 2012 is the year this calamity explodes upon us, what should we as Christians do to prepare for it?

Three things you can do to prepare for Economic calamity:

1/  Keep paying your tithes and offerings (Offerings are gifts to ministries above the tenth of your income you give to your home church) so you can claim the wonderful promise to the give in Malachi 3:7-11:

2/  Let the Holy Spirit lead you in all your career, housing, employment and financial decisions.

Don’t be like the guy who came up to a very wealthy Christian man in his church and was asked him what he did to become so wealthy.  The man explained, “ I just asked the Lord to guide me through the Word.  I opened the Bible at random and the first word I saw was “gold” so I invested in God.  Then, I opened the Bible to the word “silver” so I invested in silver.  Finally, I opened the Bible and saw the word “oil” so invested in oil.  I have been wealthy ever since!

The man went home and opened the Bible and the first words he saw were “chapter 11” so he went out and filed bankruptcy. (Ha, ha!).

The Lord may speak to you by simply opening the Word.  He may speak to you in a dream, prophetically, or through a Christian book or counselor.  However you hear from the Spirit, you need to hear from him now!  Where should you live?  What job should you be doing?  What preparations should you be making:  clothing, food, water, water purifications equipment, wood for burning, a weapon, etc. (You don’t believe in weapons?  Well, if you were that 17 year old in Oklahoma, holding your baby, and a 250 pound madman with a knife had just broken down your front door, you’d become a believer real quick like!)

3/  Learn to live in a supernatural dimension. 

The last days will be so difficult and so demanding, that we will need the supernatural assistance of heaven to survive.   We do have great Scriptural precedent for this expectation too:

Israel being fed in the wilderness with manna from heaven

Elijah sustained by ravens bringing him food

The widow’s cruse of oil that “failed not”

The coin found in the fish’s mouth by Peter

The 5 loaves and two fishes being multiplied to feed 5,000

One of the “wows” of 2012 is likely to be an introduction to the church of supernatural provision from heaven like we have never seen before.

Be encouraged by this prophecy by Kenneth Copeland:

“The manifestation of the blessing saith the Lord is at an all-time high. You are approaching a blessing manifestation that the human race has never seen before. The blessing will surround you. They blessing will incase you. All debt will have to get up and leave you the same way leprosy left the lepers of old. Debt is financial sickness. It is financial leprosy. It is a burden and it is a part of the curse. If you will begin to confess that this blessing manifestation is coming, you will be shocked and thrilled at how quickly you’ll have the glory arise and drive the debt right out of your life. I will bless you beyond your income. I will bless you beyond your salaries. I will bless you beyond anything you've ever known before. I will bring financial blessing on you that you don't have any idea where it came from. It has to come to an explosive place. It's ready, I'm ready, are you ready? Saith the Lord.”

I am praying for a miracle to get completely out of debt!  I am not looking to our government.  I am looking to heaven!  I believe that God’s faithful children will not be trembling in fear because of a financial woe which has come upon us.  The world may be saying “Woe is me.”  But, I believe that we believers will be so thrilled at our supernatural provision that we will just be standing around in amazement saying,

“Wow!”

2/    John Paul Jackson also so military calamity coming to America

Are Military woes coming in 2012?

Matt. 24:7, 8 says,  

"For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginnings of sorrow."

The key to these two verses is the word "sorrow." In the Greek, this word can be translated "birth pangs." When a woman is pregnant with change, and the time for new life appears, she experiences birth pangs. In this phenomenon, the pangs get closer and closer together (they increase in frequency) and the attendant pain gets greater and greater (it increases in intensity). 

Yes, there have always been wars. But, in the last days, we can expect these to increase in intensity (surely the advancement of the killing power of today's weapons fulfills this!) and frequency and thus point to His soon return. With this in mind, look at the current picture of America! 

We're in a World War against terrorism, which will be impossible to ever win as long as there are over a billion Muslims from whom terrorist organizations can "draft" suicide bombers to continue to wage warfare against the west. 

The potential for war with Iran to destroy its nuclear capability looms on the horizon (If not by the USA, by Israel!). Iran recently threatened to close the Straits of Hormuz, which in itself would certainly lead to war. Today in the news, it was announced that Iran had finally succeeded in creating nuclear fuel rods for reactors, which is a big step forward in their desire to build nuclear warheads. Iran also successfully tested an advanced long range missile which could reach Israel or our own military bases.

Our troops are stationed at the border of Korea which is thought to have nuclear weapons and claims to have them. China has successfully stolen much of our weapon technology and has nukes. Will China soon amass the 200,000,000 "horsemen" from the east prophesied in Rev. 9:15, 16:  

"So the four angels, who had been prepared for the hour and day and month and year, were released to kill a third of mankind."

Now the number of the army of the horsemen was two hundred million."
Pakistan and India threaten each other in Kashmir, and they both have nuclear capabilities: and Pakistan, long our ally, is at odds with us and has a large populace of extremist Muslims (who could quickly take control!) 

We're in drug wars with Latin America. Though it hasn't happened yet, imagine if these drug lords take their wars to the streets of America!

Although the cold war is over, never forget that Russia still has more than 10,000 nuclear warheads which could be turned again on America! And but one suitcase nuclear device detonated by Muslim Terrorists in NY City or Washington DC could immediately begin World War 3! (And one prophet has "seen" a nuclear explosion on the east coast!).

Revelation 8:7 describes a scene that could easily be interpreted as the result of a nuclear war:

"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 grass was burned up." (Rev. 8:7).

A "third of the trees" being burned up certainly sounds like the effects of nuclear holocaust. And, 1/3 represents an awful lot of earth's surface. Is America to be one of the two-thirds left, or are we a part of the one third that experience such devastation? I don't think we can say for sure, but I sure don't like the odds (1 out of 3!). 
Rev. 6:4 says: 

"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."

Though at war in a number of ways, the homeland of America has still nevertheless experienced peace for over 60 years (except on 9/11). This "peace" will, according to the above verse, one day be "taken from the earth." (America is part of the earth). Could 2012 be the year that Military events help bring a "perfect storm" of calamity and "The woes of 2012" which the angel spoke of? We won't know for sure until it happens. But, just the possibility should make us prepare ourselves intellectually, emotionally and spiritually.   

What can Christians do to prepare for possible military woes in 2012!

1/ Be led of the Holy Spirit as to where you live!

During every war in the history of our planet, there were places where if you happened to live there, you died there; and other places where you remained safe and sound. The Lord knows where such places are. I don't think you will be protected from a 50 megaton nuclear bomb that explodes ½ mile from where you live. Even righteous Lot had to be led by the hand completely out of Sodom before the fire fell, which obviously would have killed him. So, safety during any coming war could be predicated on you hearing direction from and obeying the Lord by moving.

2/ Memorize and stand on some of the glorious promises in the Word to protect from death:

"A thousand may fall at your side, And ten thousand at your right hand; But it shall not come near you." (Psalm 91:7)

"He shall deliver you in six troubles, Yes, in seven no evil shall touch you. IN famine He shall redeem you from death, And in war from the power of the sword." (Job 5:19, 20)

"I will not be afraid of ten thousand people Who have set themselves against me all around." (Ps. 3:6)

3/ Whatever happens militarily, fear not: 

Many Christians throughout the history of the church have died during wars. If you end up being one of these "heroes," then die with honor and dignity; and die with faith in your heart, prayers on your lips and a Bible and gospel tract in your hand!

"And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." (Matt. 10:28)

"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil." (Psalm 23:4)

4/  Do what Jesus told us to do in Matthew 24:6:  

"You will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled   (alarmed, disturbed)." 

We must never get our worldview from news reports on TV. Rather, we need to look behind the scenes at what the Lord is doing.  Future wars bear evidence that He's getting ready to return and set up His kingdom on this earth; a kingdom where we will "reign with Him a thousand years."By faith can you see the armies of heaven preparing even now to come to earth and banish the devil and his armies to a thousand year confiment while we rule with Jesus for a 1000 years/

Now, that is something to "Wow" about.

3/   John Paul also prophecied Political calamities coming to Ameria

Are Political woes coming to America in 2012?

Politically, the kingdom of Pharaoh passed away; The Babylonian Kingdom vanished; The Greek Empire failed; The Roman Empire crumbled; Feudalism failed; Colonialism failed; Communism folded behind the Iron curtain; Socialism is failing in Europe; the bamboo curtain will fall; Capitalism will fall; Sharia Law will fall!  And, I am sorry to inform you, in case you thought otherwise, America too shall eventually decline. 

Every attempt of man to set up “his kingdom” on earth, since the tower of Babel, will fail and only one kingdom is going to last!

“The God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed; and the kingdom shall not be left to other people; it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever.” (Daniel 2:44).  

Before He sets up His kingdom, the Lord will have to judge and humble every system of man:

“The lofty looks of man shall be humbled . . . The Lord alone shall be exalted in that day . . .  When He arises to shake the earth mightily.”   (Isa. 2:11, 19).  

A great shaking is coming!  And a major part of this shaking is political.  The rise of the anti-Christ and the rise of a 10 nation European coalition supporting the “Beast” (Study Daniel 7-11 and Rev. 13) will surely “shake the earth mightily.” 

Daniel had a last day’s vision of four beasts in Daniel chapter 7. In v. 17, it was explained to the prophet that these beasts were actually,

“four kings which arise out of the earth.” 

Then He describes the fourth beast or king in v. 17, 18:

“The fourth beast . . . was exceedingly dreadful, with its teeth of iron . . . and . . . ten horns that were on its head, and about the other horn which came up . . . which had eyes and a mouth which spoke pompous words.”

This is speaking of the antichrist himself. 

Daniel goes on to say in. 8:24 concerning the antichrist,

“He shall prosper and thrive; He shall destroy the mighty (could “the mighty” include the United States and is this why we are not mentioned in prophecy as being the great defender of Israel that we now are?)  and also (He shall destroy) the holy people.”

If America is destroyed by nuclear weapons, if economically our nation falls, if a reunited Europe led by the antichrist defeats our military or bullies us into some 3rd world country submission, this will greatly impact the church!  We are dependent on freedom and America’s bill of rights to evangelize and enjoy our worship and service to the church and to Christ.

However, even if the antichrist isn’t appearing for a 100 years, America could still experience great political problems in 2012.  Consider the possibility of civil disobedience bringing our democracy to a halt. 

In 1992, the Rodney King riots in South Central Los Angeles cost an estimated 800 million to 1 billion.  I remember driving past smoldering buildings to deliver an organ to a church in Los Angeles.  What if a financial collapse results in race riots as in Watts in 1962, economic riots (Occupy Wall Street could be a harbinger of this), lawless crowds burning down buildings, breaking and stealing from stores?  Imagine if this happened in every major city in America at one time!  Americans have proved they can be very naughty when they don’t get their way!

Remember, the prophetic word John Paul received was a “Perfect Storm” of five major issues at once.  Could America politically handle widespread riots, another 9/11 in our national capital, a financial collapse and horrible weather disasters all happening at once?  Could America resort to martial law with the military marching in our streets?  When Kathy and I ministered in India in 2001, we stayed in a motel where out our motel window (which had not glass!) we had soldiers carrying AK47 rifles guarding the intersection from the roof across the street.  Kathy loved the excitement! (Ha, ha!). 

Are political woes in America’s future in 2012?   Even if it is in America’s future, this is not the church’s future!  Daniel saw what our future was in the last days:

“But the saints of the Most High shall receive the kingdom, and possess the kingdom forever, even forever and ever.”  (Daniel 7:18)

A political debacle in America and a world-wide nation-busting must happen before Christ can set up His kingdom; a kingdom that we are going to “receive” and “possess” “forever and ever.”  Now, that is a wow!  But, before that wow, there must be a political woe.  So, don’t be alarmed.  Don’t pine for the old American way of life when it begins to dramatically change.  I promise you the coming kingdom of Christ will be far better anyway!

Remember, Jesus said in John 18:36,

"My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here."

Jesus’ kingdom is not of this world.  And neither is ours!

“They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.”  (John 17:16)

Jesus isn’t an American.  And, really, neither are we!

“For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.”  (Phil. 3:20)

Worried about the election?  Don’t be.  Jesus is going to end up as our President (and we are going to all be on His cabinet!)

We are “kings and priests unto God and His father.”  (Rev. 1:5 KJV)

4/  John Paul Stevens also so in the “perfect storm” of 5 events, geophysical calamity

Are Geophysical woes coming in 2012?

Geophysical refers to the earth and its environment.  Matt. 24:7 says there will be:

“Pestilences”

Pestilences are raging epidemics of diseases. During the “Spanish flu” world-wide pandemic of 1918 it is estimated that 20 to 40 million people were killed: more than during the black plague of the 14th century.  In America more than 675,000 died!  (My father’s father, who was a preacher, died in that epidemic!).  Bird flu, swine flu, flesh eating disease, antibiotic resistant staff infections or genetically engineered microbes gone out of control:  what possible plague could bring calamity to our nation in 2012?

Luke 21:11 says there will be:

“Great earthquakes in various places.” 

A previously undetected fault was discovered almost directly under Los Angeles.  In the Northridge, California earthquake, which cost America about 50 billion dollars, the force was toward the mountains, and that earthquake was only 6.1 on the Richter scale.  Imagine an 8.1 earthquake, (100 times as powerful) throwing all its force directly in Los Angeles!   One prophet, Bob Jones, said he saw in a vision downtown Los Angeles literally swallowed up into the earth.  

One 30 second earthquake in a major American city could far exceed the damage of Hurricane Rita and Katrina.  Rick Joyner has prophesied a horrible earthquake on the West Coast (likely in Southern California: Californians, Oregonians and Washingtonians, store up emergency water supplies!  Don’t assume Washington can get enough water to 15 million people, especially if it is overtaxed with other simultaneous calamities!).   Earthquakes are a part of last day prophetic timing (see Rev. 6:12; 8:5; 11:13, 19; 16:18) and point to His return (remember the “birth-pangs” warning:  earthquakes will increase in frequency and intensity).  

In Luke 21:11 Jesus also said there’d be . . . 

“Famines.” 

Geo-physical events cause famines. Drought, tidal waves, blizzards, hurricanes, tornadoes and floods all destroy crops which are necessary to avert hunger.  The 2011 drought in TX was the worst drought in its history.  2011 also set a US record of 12 weather disasters at over a billion dollars each.

Are these weather disasters but the temporary results of “global warming” or are they a harbinger of the judgment of God with even worse disasters coming in 2012? 

One extremely severe geophysical disaster (such as an earthquake, hurricane, series of tornadoes or 500 year flood) could cause severe economic calamity, which could lead to political calamity which could lead to other disasters.  Remember, it was the confluence of a “Perfect Storm” of all five things happening the same year that the prophet was shown.  Could 2012 be the year of a literal “perfect storm?”

After the 9/11 terror attacks, calls and messages flooded into the David Wilkerson ministry office in Manhattan, asking, “Was the terrorist attack on September 11 the calamity you were prophesying back in 1992?”  David responded:

“No, not at all.  What I saw coming will be much more severe.  Indeed, if America rejects God’s call to turn back to Him, we’ll face the same judgments Israel faced.  And they will hit not only New York but also every region in the country.  Even the heartland won’t be spared.  The nation’s economy will collapse, and violence will erupt.  Fires will consume our cities, and tanks will rumble through the streets.”  (end quote)

Yes, God may have to chasten America as well as the church in America, even as He did His people Israel.  He chastened Israel time and again.  I remind you that He chastened Israel because He loved them and so they would repent and serve Him for their own good!  God never gave up on Israel and He will not give up on Americans (maybe on America, but not on Americans who repent and call out to Him!).  He will be gracious to us even in the midst of any correction He must bring.  Be encouraged by his words to Israel in Jeremiah 30:7, 11 (speaking of God’s dealings with Israel during the coming Great Tribulation):

7 “Alas! For that day is great, So that none is like it; And it is the time of Jacob's trouble, But he shall be saved out of it . . .

. . . 11 For I am with you,' says the Lord, 'to save you; Though I make a full end of all nations where I have scattered you, Yet I will not make a complete end of you. But I will correct you in justice, And will not let you go altogether unpunished.'”

Moffat translates that last phrase:

“I will chastise you, but not too hard, though I must punish you.”

Yes, God does chastise His people, but “not too hard.”  I love that fact, don’t you?  Yes, there are times God “must punish” His people.  Many Christians mistakenly believe that God would only bring judgment on the unsaved or very rebellious Christians.  That is not so, according to Heb. 12:5-7:

5 “And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: "My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him

6 For whom the Lord loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives."

7 If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten?”

As with loving parents chastening their children, there is similarly a God given judgment (chastening) as correction.  And there is also final and permanent judgment.  God wants to correct the nations, not destroy them.  But, if you don’t think God chastens nations, you need to consider Psalm 94:10:

“He who chastens the nations, will He not rebuke.” (NASB)

“He disciplines nations. Do you think he can't punish?” (GW)

Yes, God can discipline a nation.  Do you think America might be due for some discipline:  the champion of pornography, cursing God, homosexuality and abortion?  God chastens and judges nations like America.  And In fact, God deals with His church in judgment first, 1 Peter 4:17!

“For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?”

Christian, receive the Lord’s correction with a repentant heart and it “won’t be too hard” on you (As Jer. 30:11, Moffat translation says).  But, oh if the unsaved only knew what is soon to come upon them if they don’t repent!

In David Wilkerson’s 1973 book called “The Vision” he shared the judgments God showed him coming to our nation.  These judgments included geophysical judgments (David described seeing hailstones the size of softballs, for instance!).  He saw an earthquake happening in Japan and then on the west coast soon thereafter (just what Prophet Rick Joyner saw!). 

These are “woes” indeed and they might begin happening in 2012.  But, David Wilkerson also encouraged us that when these things begin to happen, just look up and say:

“That’s my Father!” 

We may experience geophysical woes in 2012.  But, the Lord is going to be calling you up, instructing you what to do.  And, be reminded that, it is truly “all working together for good.”  So, in the midst of woes, believers have the most profound “wow” possible.  They can look to heaven and report:

“That’s my Father!”

5/  Finally, John Paul say Religious calamity coming to America

Will there be Religious Woes in 2012?

I thought about 3 possible woes that could come in the area of faith, especially as it affects our “religion:” Christianity.

Woe #1:  All Nations may finally be reached with the gospel: 

“This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world, as a witness unto all the nations, and then shall the end come.” (Matt. 24:14). 

This verse tells us two things.  One, that Jesus can’t come until every nation (Greek “ethne” or people group) has had a chance to hear the gospel.  Two; after this finally does happen, He will come. 

A number of missionary societies have made it their goal to fulfill this verse by reaching every nation, tribe, and tongue with the gospel.  We now have the means through TV, the internet, radio and modern transportation to actually do this and to do it quickly.   Even today, in some remote area of the Amazon River, some previously unreached tribe may have at last been touched with the gospel by our missionaries, signaling at last the fulfillment of the Matt. 24:14 promise, hastening His soon return!

Why would this religious event be a woe?  Because, according to Christ’s words in Matt. 24:14, the end cannot come until all nations are reached with the gospel.  If they are finally reached in 2012, immediately final end time events (including so many woes) could begin.  But, even in this is a “wow” for the church:  after 2000 years of work, we finally complete the one “big business” of the church which was to “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.”  (Matt. 28:19).

Woe #2:  Laws may be passed greatly hindering the work of the church in America:

In 1962, the US Supreme Court banned prayer in all public schools.  Then in 1963,  thanks to the efforts of atheist Madalyn Murray O'Hair, the reading of the Bible was banned from schools.  In 2005, the Ten Commandments were ordered to be removed from courthouses.  That same court OK'd the murder of unborn children and will likely soon legalize gay marriage.  Satan has been very successful in his patiently methodical plan to wipe out Christianity in America, thus far primarily through just 5 or 6 Supreme Court Justices!!!!!  

An increasingly hostile mindset in America disdainful of the church, any liberal president or radical members of the Supreme Court could possibly begin championing and decide such things as:  
A/   Gifts to churches will no longer be tax deductible
B/   Ministers can no longer get tax deductible housing
C/  Churches are no longer Non-profit corporations, but For-profit
D/  Churches must begin paying taxes on buildings and offerings
E/  Money cannot be sent outside our borders to missionaries  

These decisions, which would be a deviation from a long standing traditions in this nation, could devastate churches that have already had to lay off staff members, where pastors have had to take a secular job, and where missionaries (and evangelists!) are so dependent on the generosity of God’s people giving sacrificially above the tithe. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is on my prayer list, along with the High Court.  Add a justice and the court to your list too, if it isn’t already!  There is still hope, if we’ll pray and America will repent; nevertheless the day could come when the foundations of American society are so torn up and crumbling that, as David bemoaned in Ps. 11:3:   “If the foundations are destroyed, What can the righteous do?”   Let’s do all we can, while we can:  Pray, vote and be light and salt in an increasingly disintegrating nation!   Woe # 3:  Great Persecution against the Church:   “I (John) saw . . . the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held.  And they cried with a loud voice, saying, “How long . . . until You judge and avenge our blood . . . And it was said to them that they should rest a little while longer, until both the number of their fellow servants and their brethren, who would be killed as they were, was completed.” (Rev. 6:9-11)     Martyrdom is the “fifth” seal of the 6th chapter of Revelation (Interesting that I would choose religious as my “fifth” woe to discuss).   Immediately after Jesus spoke of the “beginning of sorrows” He added in Matt. 24:9: “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake.” 

Only older people like me can appreciate how the church in America has devolved in just half a century from being respected, protected and celebrated to instead being suspected, denigrated and feared.  I can still remember a Christmas play in Junior High School where the Christmas story was read from Luke (That was before reading the Bible was outlawed!).   Even our own President said (to the shock of most Christians)

 “America is not a Christian nation.” 

Just look what happened in China and Russia under communism and what is happening in Muslim Countries today.   For example, there is not one Christian church in the entire nation of Saudi Arabia!  Not one!  The USA; the one nation on earth founded for religious freedom is losing that freedom rapidly.  Will the American church be persecuted or even outlawed one day?

David Wilkerson received a vision in 1973 regarding the future of the United States and subsequently published that vision in a book called “The Vision.” One of the events in his prophetic vision were:

"A persecution madness against truly Spirit filled Christians who love Jesus Christ."

David even reported seeing “Hate Christ Clubs” being formed on school campuses in America! 

Now, this persecution could happen in 2012 even apart from the last day’s persecution (Ask the Chinese and Russians if persecution can come before the great tribulation).  But again, for the sake of open mindedness to a concept hitherto you may not have even considered; what if all these things are leading up to the rise of the antichrist and the church is still going to remain on earth for at least half of the tribulation period?  If so, this has “religious” ramifications indeed, since the Bible shows clearly that the Satan-filled antichrist (or beast) has as his primary purpose to persecute God’s people.

“I was watching; and the same horn (the antichrist) was making war against the saints, and prevailing against them.” (Dan. 7:21)

“He . . . shall persecute the saints of the Most High . . . Then the saints shall be given into his hand For a time and times and half a time (3 ½ years, or half of the 7 years Tribulation period!).” (Dan. 7:25)

“He shall destroy fearfully . . . He shall destroy the mighty (the USA: the past great defender of Israel?) and also the holy people.” (Dan. 8:24)

“It shall be for a time, times, and half a time (again 3 ½ years); and when the power of the holy people has been completely shattered, all these things shall be finished.”  (Dan. 12:7)

Hallelujah, one day all these “woes” will be at last “finished!”

John the Revelator also saw this about the antichrist in Rev. 13:7:

“And it was granted to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them.” 

(That is one of my least favorite verses in all the Bible!).  Then he adds in Rev. 13:10 TLT:

“Anyone who is destined for prison will be taken to prison. Anyone destined to die by the sword will die by the sword. This means that God’s holy people must endure persecution patiently and remain faithful.”

Paul knew that he was “destined” for persecution, (1 Thess. 3:2, 3 ISV):

“Send Timothy, our brother who works with us for God in the gospel of the Messiah to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, so that no one would be shaken by these persecutions, for which you are aware that we were destined.”

There will be many called as “encouragers,” like Timothy, to stand beside, visit in prison, and strengthen any who must be tested so “woefully” (even as an angel stood by Jesus in the garden to comfort Him before his martyrdom).

Some of us will likely die as martyrs (with or without the antichrist’s help!): since the church has been persecuted through the ages by the Jews, the Romans, the Muslims, the Catholic Church (of previous centuries) and the Communists. 

If persecution comes in 2012, it will truly be a religious “woe.”   But, there is even a “wow” in this, as today’s devotional verse in Revelation 2:10 explains:

 “Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.”

What should our first response to coming persecution be?  John tells us above:   “Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer.”

Why not fear?  Because a “crown of life” awaits martyrs and those who are tortured or imprisoned for the faith but yet remain faithful!  What could be more of a “wow” than the privilege of wearing a “crown of life” throughout all eternity?  

Prophets are now prophesying persecution.  They did so in Paul’s time too. How did he respond to those prophecies? Acts 20:23-24 shows us:

“The Holy Spirit testifies in every city (through prophetic words), saying that chains and tribulations await me.”

“But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.”

Don’t be “moved” from a position of faith, prayer, praise and the work of the gospel just because of the threat of persecution.  Be committed, like Paul, to “finish your race” and your “ministry” to “testify to the gospel.” 

Take great encouragement from the words of Stephen the martyr.

Just before he was stoned to death for the sake of the gospel, Acts 7:56 says,

“He, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.”

Martyrs immediately get to see the “glory of God.”  What a “wow!”  But, not only that; Jesus was “standing at the right hand of God.”  Every other place in Scripture, Jesus is “sitting at the right hand of God.”  But here, in honor of one of His faithful martyrs, he stands at attention to salute and welcome him into his eternal home, free from pain, sorrow and woes at last!  What could possibly be a greater honor that that?

Can any of you possible future martyrs say along with me in response to this glorious hope a big . . .

“Wow!”

I know I have given a lot of bad news today.  It may seem negative, a half-empty cup, and just more doom and gloom.  But, we have to face the facts! Talking positive and focusing only on pleasant promises is not going to keep the woes of the book of Revelation from coming to pass!

Prophet Rick Joyner has been sharing horrific words about what he is convinced are things soon to happen to our nation.  He wrote recently in his “Weekly Word” sent out to all his email subscribers 

“Those who discount any who have “negative prophecies” are going to be both surprised and unprepared for what is coming.  The doom and gloom that is coming will not be doom and gloom for the prepared, but it will be their finest hour.”

There’s your “wow:  it will be your finest hour!

In another weekly word, Rick also wrote:

“Radical changes are coming to the whole world this year (2012).”

Go to Rick Joyner’s website and read some of the things he has been saying about coming judgments (”woes”) to America.  I strongly urge you to also sign up for his free weekly words.  He too has a ministry to prepare people for the end times:   His website is www.morningstarministries.org!)

When God first revealed to me, over 3 decades ago, that we would be here on this planet when many of the “woes” of the book of Revelation take place, I was depressed for weeks.  I was not ready for persecution or any other hard trials for that matter.  But, God has lovingly dealt with me and trained me through the years:  I believe to great extent, in order that I might lead and train others also to be ready for these last times and to help them make the most of it for the kingdom of God. 

I no longer fear or dread the coming calamities.  I don’t relish them, of course!  But, I understand this is God’s plan for earth and necessary to wrap up His-story.  This week, a USA Today report said that nearly half of Americans never give thought to whether or not they’re going to heaven.  That being the case, “woes” are a necessary ingredient for helping us reap the final harvest of souls.  Why? Because many will only respond to judgment (even as Israel of old!).  And the possibility of these 150,000,000 fellow Americans (with no thought of heaven), being snatched from the flames of hell and brought into the kingdom is infinitely more important than maintaining our comfortable way of life.

So, be sure to come tomorrow night when I give you a lift and share all the glorious wows that are just ahead of us.

In closing, I want to tell I story I heard:

After the Titanic had hit that iceberg, there were not enough boats for all the men.  Consequently, many of them jumped into the water instead of sinking to the bottom with the ship.  The water was near freezing, of course, and no one could last long floating in it.

One man, obviously a Christian, was reported by a survivor to have kept crying out to his fellow doomed flotsam:

“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved!”

“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved!”

“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved!”

At last, paralyzed by hypothermia, and realizing he was about to sink to his death, the man cried out:

“I’m going down!”

But suddenly, reminded of the glorious hope of the believer, he cried out again:

“No, “I’m going up!”

And he did go up!

America is like the Titanic and many Americans may soon be going down.  But, you can in the midst of it all, joyously confess, “I’m going up!”

Our message for this final hour is the same as it was for Paul in Prison and for a dying man in the chilly waters surrounding the sinking Titanic: 

“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.” (Acts 16:31 KJV)

To unbelievers, this should be our continual cry.  And to fears, to doubters and to the devil himself, we can cry with one incomparable “wow:”

“I’m going up!”