Dear friends:

GOD'S PURPOSE FOR AMERICA. Popular Bible teacher Perry Stone recently said something on television that probably most of already knew -- God raised up America in these end times to be the major force to proclaim the gospel to the world. I wrote about this a few years ago in an essay titled, "God's Purpose for America," available at http://www.choicesforliving.com/spirit/part4/america3.htm.

The United States of America has been the greatest missionary sending nation in history. It has been estimated that today the U.S. supplies 85 percent of all resources spent in the world on evangelistic missions. And wherever in the world this gospel has been taken, the missionaries and indigenous Christian workers have brought hospitals, schools and orphanages which would have never otherwise existed. Contrast that with Islam, which is followed by death, destruction, tyranny, and poverty.

History is full of evidence of America's divine purpose. For example, in a speech on July 4, 1837, the 61st anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, U.S. President John Quincy Adams proclaimed "Why is it that, next to the birthday of the Savior of the world, your most joyous and most venerated festival returns on this day? Is it not that, in the chain of human events, the birthday of the nation is indissolubly linked with the birthday of the Savior? That it forms a leading event in the progress of the gospel dispensation?" (Emphasis supplied.) President Adams also said, "The highest glory of the American Revolution was this: It connected, in one indissoluble bond, the principles of civil government and the principles of Christianity."

IS THAT PURPOSE ALMOST FULFILLED? This morning I was reminded of two prophetic, end-time verses. First, Jesus says in Luke 21:24 “and they will fall by the edge of the sword, and will be led captive into all the nations; and Jerusalem will be trampled under foot by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled…… “ Most believe the 1967 Six-Day War, specifically June 6, 1967 when the Temple Mount was captured, saw this fulfillment and at least the beginning of the end of the "times of the Gentiles."

Second, in Luke 21:32 Jesus says, "Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all things take place.“

If by "this generation" Jesus meant the one that began on June 6, 1967 as many believe, and if it is true as the evidence suggests that a biblical generation is 38.8 years, or 14,000 days, then "this generation" will end on Rosh HaShanah, October 4, 2005. For the 14,000-day calculations, see http://wonderful1.com/wst_page3.html and also the June 26 entry at http://www.insights.injesus.com.

This would mean that America's end-time calling to proclaim the gospel to the world in the age of the Gentiles would come to an end on or before October 4, 2005. I say "before" because Jesus said, "this generation will not pass away until...."

If this is a valid inference, the following will occur before October 4, 2005: (1) the end of the times of the Gentiles, (2) the end of America's divine evangelistic calling, and (3) possibly the rapture of the church.

With all the above considered, it does not seem mere coincidence that just recently we are seeing credible reports that a radical Muslim multi-city nuclear attack on America is imminent, maybe even within the next 30-90 days. (See July 24 entry at www.insights.injesus.com.) This would effectively shut down the nation and virtually end the nation's evangelistic role. Isn't it interesting that this historically unique terminal threat comes right near the end of the present 14,000-day generation?

The above represents an unusual confluence of biblical prophecy, history, and current headlined news. I may be wrong, and if so, I will go back to the drawing board. But the confluence seems too unusual to overlook, so I submit it to you for your discernment and prayer.

“Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near” (Luke 21:28).

"Take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man" (Luke 21:34-36).

Jim