December 21, 2018 Brethren Letter
Dear Brethren,
“For then shall be GREAT TRIBULATION, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be” (Matthew 24:21).
The verse quoted above is a sobering reality! NEVER in the history of man has anything like this occurred (even in the worst of times). NEVER will times like this happen again. See also Mark 13:19 (a parallel verse). In Jeremiah 30:7, we also see that the great tribulation is referred to as “…the time of Jacob’s trouble.”
Mr. Herbert W. Armstrong wrote the following words in the June 25, 1985 – Brethren and Co-Worker Letter, concerning certain events in Europe that would lead right into the tribulation.
“…So what will CAUSE the Great Tribulation just before Christ’s coming? We find the very event of his coming described in Revelation 17. A woman — symbol for a great false church — is described as riding on a beast — guiding it as a woman riding on a horse guides the horse. This symbolic beast is pictured in verses 12-14, as fighting against Christ AT his coming. So they will be on the scene up to the instant of Jesus’ coming. Who and what is this mysterious beast?
Revelation 13, Daniel 2 and 7, show it to be the revived Holy Roman Empire of the Middle Ages. For some years I have shown the prophecies that speak of this, and how 10 nations will be reunited in Europe to once again resurrect the Roman Empire. Several leaders in Europe are working diligently for this. I know a few of the top leaders in this movement…
The prophecy of Daniel 2:44, illustrated at right, shows the 10 toes representing these 10 nations as five in Eastern and five in Western Europe. Apparently, they must come together before the prophecy of Revelation 17 and Daniel 2:44 can be fulfilled. The stone cut without hands (verse 34) represents Christ returning as King of kings to set up the Kingdom of God on earth…”
Mr. Armstrong was given the responsibility of being a “watchman” (Ezekiel 33:1-7). I know there are scoffers around the world who would vehemently disagree (II Peter 3:3-4). Some people I’ve known in the past have
erroneously thought that since the Great Tribulation didn’t happen in Mr. Armstrong’s lifetime, somehow the scriptures regarding this subject are invalid. This is exactly what Satan the Devil would love everyone to believe (especially God’s people). Satan would like to have us believe that everything will go on and on just like it has for centuries.
Brethren, Mr. Armstrong’s death has absolutely NOTHING to do with the reality of scripture, and what lies ahead. We’re seeing events rapidly unfolding, changing and building in the continent of Europe. The European Union as it now exists, will not remain together in its current form. The upheavals we’re seeing are paving the way for a re-alignment of nations in the way Mr. Armstrong spoke of – all in the context of TRUE, Bible prophecy!
“…the soon-coming resurrected “Holy Roman Empire” — a sort of soon-coming “United States of Europe” — a union of 10 nations to rise up out of or following the Common Market of today (Rev. 17). Britain will NOT be in that empire soon to come. This united Europe will conquer the House of Israel…” (Mr. Armstrong – Mystery of the Ages).
Here is a headline to take note of in the news, written just today, from “Express”…
Yellow Vest protest spreads to Portugal as unrest against EU governments boils over
YELLOW vest protests have hit Portugal as furious anti-government demonstrators start to copy the ‘Gilets Jaunes’ activists who are wreaking havoc across France.
Copycat protests have also flared up in other countries such as Belgium.
Meanwhile, today has seen Catalonia independence protesters clash with police in outrage of the Spanish government holding a Cabinet meeting in Barcelona.
And demonstrators are marching in Hungary against its leader Viktor Orban’s policy changes.
Just how quickly events occur is strictly up to God and His timetable! As you know, we DON’T set “dates” but we DO watch and pray (Luke 21:36).
Jesus Christ asked a very important question found in the book of Luke. “… Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find FAITH on the earth?” (Luke 18:8). That is a very important question, one that
should make us stop and think. The answer to the question is a RESOUNDING, YES! We can find the answer to Christ’s question in our Bibles.
“And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened (Matthew 24:22).
“These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful” (Revelation 17:14).
“And ye shall flee to the valley of the mountains; for the valley of the mountains shall reach unto Azal: yea, ye shall flee, like as ye fled from before the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah: and the LORD my God shall come, and all the saints with thee” (Zechariah 14:5).
These scriptures have real meaning for us, brethren. However, we must remain loyal and faithful to God and His TRUTH, love His law and way of life with every fiber of our being! YES, there is good news beyond the bad!
Have a wonderful Sabbath!
Your Brother in Christ,
Gary Liebold