Prophecy Letters
"Blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear. For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them." Matt. 13:16-17
The Prophecy Letter is a circular letter that we send out relating to the development of latter-day prophecy.
August 2024
IRAN PLANS ISRAEL ATTACK, Turkey Opposes Israel, Russia Threatens WWIII, and the Olympics
TGP Prophecy Letter – August 2, 2024
Brethren and friends, as usual, there is much to talk about. It is simply not possible to cover all of the important events even in a passing manner, but I invite you to consider a number of them with me for a moment. This letter is a little longer than I desire, but if we are supposed to see more and more significant events as we near Christ’s return, it follows that our comments should feature more and more events. To do any diligence as a reporter on prophecy, I feel obligated to write more. As always, the first matter is the most pressing:
The Psalm 83 War Inches Closer
Prophecy teaches us that a multi-front war will occur which will result in the return of Jesus Christ to the earth to save Israel from her enemies (Psalm 83, Zechariah 12, 14, Luke 1:71, and many others). The Scriptures tell us that these enemies will include Hamas in the Gaza Strip, Hezbollah in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Jordan, the Bedouins in the Negev, and Saudi Arabia. Iran is not listed here, but they sponsor many of these players.
The fear of just such a multi-front war between Israel and Iran and their proxies has been feared for many months, growing rapidly thanks to Hamas’ invasion of Israel last October. What began as a conflict between Israel and Hamas has grown to now include Hezbollah to the north as well, and the threat continued to expand when Iran moved their Iraqi militias to the Syrian border with Israel (Newsrael). Now, the fervor has reached an even greater pitch thanks to Israel’s assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, the leader of Hamas (The Jerusalem Post). Iran is infuriated and has vowed a swift and heavy response. PLEASE NOTE:
Khamenei calls for direct attack on Israel, after Haniyeh killing – The Jerusalem Post
Iran plans attack on Israel over Haniyeh death on Jewish day of tragedy – The Jerusalem Post
How will the attack be carried out? Will it be just from Iran? Almost certainly not. Iran will use her proxies, all of whom comprise most of the Psalm 83 nations. What is expected from Iran is a multi-front attack on Israel through the Psalm 83 nations, called by some a “ring of fire”:
Ring of fire around Israel: Iran has made war inevitable, MidEast expert says – The Jerusalem Post
US, Israel brace for massive Iranian missile attack, possibly on multiple fronts – World Israel News
As exciting as this is, there are two interesting points on this which I believe show that more must be developed before the Psalm 83 war is fully realized, each of which can change fast. One is the support of the United States for Israel:
U.S. prepares to counter Iranian attack on Israel within days, U.S. officials say – Axios
White House announces new defensive deployments to help Israel – FOX News
US to send aircraft to assist Israel against Iran, Hezbollah attack – The Jerusalem Post
Should a full-scale war with Hezbollah or any of the surrounding nations break out, it appears that America is fully willing to help Israel. As we have written many times before, what we expect from prophecy is for Israel to stand alone against her enemies, and we therefore conclude that something will occur which will cause/force America to abandon Israel. As we look at the relationship now and the support America has pledged for Israel, it seems that America’s support is fairly solid. However, it’s not uncommon for nations to claim that they will do something but not follow through.
America’s pledge of support for Israel has been backed by the movement of US warships to the area and the promise to give Israel aircraft, and these are all intended to deter Iran from making any bad moves. But, it’s possible that this is all that America’s support is supposed to do: deter. If Iran does attack Israel, the American response may be underwhelming as they were never really planning to help Israel to any great degree. My personal belief as things stand right now is that America would act on Israel’s behalf, but in as limited a fashion as possible. Time will tell. There are so many scenarios in which Israel could lose American support that it would likely not be profitable to go over all of them.
The other interesting thing I perceive is Jordan’s response to Iran’s threats. We know that Jordan must come against Israel during the Psalm 83 war, for no other current nation can possibly answer to Edom, Ammon, and Moab (Psalm 83:6-7). But as of now, Jordan has supposedly promised to shoot down any Iranian missiles which enter their airspace (Newsrael). The article claiming this does not have much information in it, so it may be unreliable information, but it would not surprise me for it to be true given Israel’s odd relationship with Jordan. The two nations are historically enemies but have enjoyed a “cold peace” for many decades. When Iran fired missiles at Israel earlier this year, Jordan claimed to have shot many of them down as they passed overhead. This “peace”, however, has been eroding for some time though, and I believe it would not take much convincing by her Arab neighbors to cause Jordan to throw their lot in with their Muslim brothers. Jordan just recently called Israel a “rogue state” (Dawn).
While it is interesting and exciting to see how all of the pieces will fit together, we need not worry about what present circumstances look like in the region. The Bible tells us that Israel will face an Arab threat from all sides which will result in their humbling and their salvation by the hand of Christ, and we therefore know it will happen. Exactly when and how is something we will continue to watch, but the end result is known thanks to Divine revelation.
It is noteworthy, though, that Netanyahu realizes the extent of the danger should Iran activate all of their proxies. He has warned his people, saying that there are “challenging days ahead” (World Israel News).
Turkey Rises as Israel’s Foe
The Arab conflict we have been discussing is shown in the Bible to be phase one of Christ’s plan to conquer the earth. The heathen nations “round about” Israel attack her, Israel cries for deliverance, and Christ and the saints arrive to save Israel. The result is that the Kingdom will be established in the land of promised, “the wealth of all the heathen round about shall be gathered together, gold, and silver, and apparel, in great abundance”, and “Israel shall dwell safely” (Zechariah 14:14, Jeremiah 23:6). Such are the precise circumstances which entice Gog and his allies to come down as recorded in Ezekiel 38-39. This next war will be phase two of Christ’s plan, for once the Ezekiel 38 nations are destroyed, Christ will have then expanded his empire to those lands.
Just like the Psalm 83 war, the Ezekiel 38 war shows a confederacy of enemies which come against Israel (though these two confederacies share nothing in common and are completely separate). This confederacy will include Russia, Turkey, Germany, Iran, Libya, and Sudan (Ezekiel 38:5-6). We could look at each one of these and discuss their present relationship with Israel to examine why they are part of this confederacy, but the one we wish to mention now is Turkey.
The present tensions in the Middle East from the Hamas and Hezbollah conflicts have played a significant role in stoking Turkish hatred of Israel. While it is clear from Ezekiel 38 that the only named motive for Russia in coming against Israel is spoil (Ezekiel 38:10-12), it’s likely that Turkey joins that confederacy not only to gain favor with Russia, but to exact vengeance on Israel as well. Israel’s assassination of the Hamas leader has caused the following to come from Ankara:
Turkey blocks NATO-Israel cooperation over Gaza war – World Israel News
Erdogan calls for Haniyeh mourning day, Tel Aviv embassy lowers flag – The Jerusalem Post
Dr. Alon Liel: Erdogan will send Turkish forces if Israel enters Lebanon – The Jerusalem Post
That last headline makes it sound like Turkey will physically enter Israel as part of the Psalm 83 war, but a reading of the article shows a different story. It says that the meaning of “sending Turkish forces” is that “Erdogan will indirectly support Palestinians through aid and smuggling, not direct military action against Israel.” By “forces”, they mean weapons and supplies.
This is simply another example of the Lord’s hand working amongst the nations, setting up world events by moving each individual piece gradually to its desired place, much like the game of chess. All things are progressing as God has told us in His word, and we rejoice in it!
Russia Threatens WWIII
It almost seems to become “old news” that many don’t pay much attention to anymore, but tensions continue to rise between Russia and the West. The prospect for a third World War is apparently higher that it ever has been, and it seems as if Russia is ready to throw down. The following article is just one of many which shows this:
We have previously discussed the possibility of a third World War bringing about a change in world powers where the US is no longer head honcho, and that could be one thing which forces Israel to stand alone.
We therefore see how interrelated all of these events are. Events in the world are not isolated. One single event has a ripple effect which effects countless other situations in the world. The complexity of world events is mind boggling, particularly when one considers all of the different motives which go into decisions. Yet it is this complex realm in which the angels are continually working, and it is a testament to their incredibly superior nature! What’s even more amazing is that such is the nature that is promised “to him that overcometh” (Matthew 22:30, Revelation 2:7).
The Olympics – A Litmus Test for the Moral State of the World
This final subject seems to characterize the general teaching of all that we have been discussing. We talk frequently about the latter-day wars and how Christ will conquer the nations, but let us set aside all of the details and consider the simple fact that the nations will have to be conquered. We wish very dearly that the Bible showed the nations welcoming Christ and submitting gladly to his righteous sceptre when he returns. Such would bring only blessings to them and a righteous, just law which they have never known. But what we find revealed in the Bible is the opposite. Let four passages suffice:
Psalms 2:1-5 – Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? (2) The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying, (3) Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. (4) He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision. (5) Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure.
Isaiah 66:16 – For by fire and by his sword will the LORD plead with all flesh: and the slain of the LORD shall be many.
Jeremiah 25:32-33 – Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Behold, evil shall go forth from nation to nation, and a great whirlwind shall be raised up from the coasts of the earth. (33) And the slain of the LORD shall be at that day from one end of the earth even unto the other end of the earth: they shall not be lamented, neither gathered, nor buried; they shall be dung upon the ground.
Revelation 19:15 – And out of his (Christ’s) mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.
Just like in the days of Joshua when they conquered the land, what will first be offered to the nations outside of the Abrahamic lot is the opportunity to submit:
Deuteronomy 20:10-15 – When thou comest nigh unto a city to fight against it, then proclaim peace unto it. (11) And it shall be, if it make thee answer of peace, and open unto thee, then it shall be, that all the people that is found therein shall be tributaries unto thee, and they shall serve thee. (12) And if it will make no peace with thee, but will make war against thee, then thou shalt besiege it: (13) And when the LORD thy God hath delivered it into thine hands, thou shalt smite every male thereof with the edge of the sword: (14) But the women, and the little ones, and the cattle, and all that is in the city, even all the spoil thereof, shalt thou take unto thyself; and thou shalt eat the spoil of thine enemies, which the LORD thy God hath given thee. (15) Thus shalt thou do unto all the cities which are very far off from thee, which are not of the cities of these nations (“these nations” refers to the nations who reside inside the land promised to Abraham and are listed in the next verses. These nations were not offered peace as they had to be removed – continue reading verses 16-17).
An offer of PEACE coupled with a warning is therefore first made to the nations, and this offer is shown being made in
Revelation 14:6-7 – And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, (7) Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.
It is to this wondrous offer which the nations will retort the foolish reply of Psalm 2 – “Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.” It is a sad thing, but it shows unquestionably that the nations will rebel against Christ when he returns. We now ask, WHY?
There are many reasons, but they can most concisely be summed up in saying that the world wants nothing to do with God or His salvation. The world is humanistic and loves the dark ways of the flesh, and it will not give them up. This brings us to the Olympics.
The Olympics are supposed to represent and promote international unity. Athletes from many nations of the world join together to compete alongside one another, each athlete representing their country. Yes, it is competitive, but it is intended to show that we can all play together. The message of cohesion and mutual support are prominent themes throughout the games.
I never dreamt that I would write about the Olympics in a Prophecy Letter, for all previous ones in my experience and understanding have been uneventful and frankly irrelevant to prophecy. But in light of what the Olympics are to represent, what has gone on so far in the 2024 Olympics in France has been of greatest interest (and frustration on my part). We are seeing what’s becoming the “new morality” of the world being featured and praised in the Olympics, and it is precisely the sentiment which will cause the nations to rebel against Christ. In the 2024 Olympics, we are seeing an outright rebellion against and mockery of God’s ways.
Only a few points are needed to make this clear. First, the opening ceremony. As the name implies, it’s hard to think of a more glamourous event for something like the Olympics, and much care and money are invested into making it “just right”. What was done for this year’s opening ceremony? A group of gays, transgenders, drag queens, and all other confused and sickly persons dressed up and positioned to recreate the famous “Last Supper” painting of Christ and his disciples. Simply search “opening ceremony last supper” on the internet and you’ll see it (if you can stomach it). It has obviously sparked controversy amongst Christians, and many agencies were quick to say that “no harm was intended.” Yet when one reads the interviews with those who were in the ceremony, the message was clear. One drag queen stated that he has “no regrets” and called the scene “a photograph of France in 2024” (Associated Press). Those involved are completely unapologetic.
This theme of gender confusion and rebellion against God has continued throughout the games. Many are expressing outrage over a boxing match between an actual women a man who claims to be a woman. Unsurprisingly, the match lasted only 46 seconds. The woman received only a few punches and quit the fight as she realized that she could not win (because men and women are biologically different). Check out the article on The Mirror. While reasonable people are crying out for the poor woman, many in the world see no issue with what happened. Least apologetic is the man himself, whose response to criticism was simply, “I'm here for the gold - I fight everybody.”
While it is encouraging to see that many in the world are not okay with this woke mentality which is covering the earth, it continues to spread and will continue to do so as younger generations are brought up with this “new normal”. Yet not only is there hatred for God’s ways, but we are also seeing the new level of antisemitism being manifested in the Olympic games:
Protestors perform Nazi salutes during Israeli soccer match – The Jerusalem Post
More and more acts against the Jews like this are tolerated, celebrated, and promoted. Therefore, when the Jew Jesus Christ returns to claim his throne as KING OF ISRAEL and sends out his Gospel dictate to the nations, how will they respond? The Scriptures show us what they will say, but what’s exciting for us is that we are seeing them say it now! They’re opening and vehemently fighting against Biblical values, and while this can be difficult and frustrating for us to watch, it tells us that Christ’s return is fast, fast approaching.
I wonder if the fact that the 2024 Olympics are in FRANCE has prophetical significance – not that these Olympics were specifically prophesied, but that they are a piece of a much larger picture. We’ve mentioned that it is largely these wretched humanistic, woke teachings which are sweeping the world and preparing them to rebel against Christ and cause them to war against him. In Revelation 16, we’re told about such teachings doing that very thing:
Revelation 16:13-14 – And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. (14) For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.
There are various views at to what these things mean, particularly in relation to the frog-like aspect of the spirits, but a popular view (and one that I find to have the most support) is that the reference to frogs has to do with France, specifically the sentiments of the French Revolution of “Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity”. This was the motto of the French Revolution and is the current motto of France today. The symbol of France is the frog, and the prophecy seems to teach that these FRENCH sentiments of the French Revolution would disperse throughout the earth to create in the nations that disposition to rebel against the Gospel and Christ, and therefore “to gather them to the battle of the great day of God Almighty.” Indeed, the woke/leftist ideology takes the concepts of “Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity” to their utmost extremes, and their beliefs poise them perfectly contrary to God’s ways. When God’s ways are finally enforced by Christ, war will be the result.
In light of these things, I must wonder if it was of Divine origin that the 2024 Olympics are taking place in Paris, France of all places. The theme and teaching appears consistent to me.
Concluding Thoughts – The Meaning for Us
It can be difficult to follow so many subjects throughout our busy lives, and particularly when so many of these developments show the increasing Godlessness of the world, they can be incredibly frustrating as well. It’s possible for us to get too into the details where we become bitter and angry, all the while forgetting the bigger picture which is grand and beautiful. We should rejoice to see such trouble in the earth – not because we love trouble and Godlessness, but because all of these things tell us that the END of all trouble and Godlessness is near! It’s much like the birthing pangs which a mother faces (my wife is currently very aware of these at the moment). Contractions are not enjoyable (she made sure I was aware), particularly when they increase in frequency and intensity. In spite of that, the two of us rejoice when they occur because it means that our new baby is getting closer to entering our arms. We know of the awe and wonder which will fill our lives once that baby comes, and that allows her to power through them.
It's in this way which we must view “the sea and the waves roaring” and “men’s hearts failing them for fear” (Luke 21:25-26). Trouble lies ahead for the earth, but the result will be the dawning of the new day when Christ returns, and “unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings” (Malachi 4:2). You and I must only keep ourselves separate from the world and our garments pure and white until our Lord gathers us from the earth for judgment. From then on, any time we spend in the world at large will be with the perfect, glorified spirit-nature which our Elder Brother now possesses, for “when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is” (1 John 3:2). Let us hold on and encourage one another as this time approaches!
In the Hope of Israel,
Tanner Hawkins