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Hi Randy it's M. again. My dad has a question now. He would like to know what nations, and kingdoms are, and/or are they the same thing? He's referring to Matthew 24:7 "For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.". I am also interested in what you have to say about the two witnesses. Also here is a link to a site I found when in google search. http://www.the-two-witnesses.org/welive.html . What is your opinion about this type of action these two people are taking? I'm only asking this because I think the two witnesses is a big part in Revelation and this just doesn't seem like them. Thank-you for your time again Randy and all the filling scripture you quote.
Your friend in Christ. Mark

 My answer:

Hi M.,
You sure are keeping me busy, but I love it!

You wrote: My dad has a question now. He would like to know what nations, and kingdoms are, and/or are they the same thing? He's referring to Matthew 24:7 "For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom."

My response: Let's put it this first: All kingdoms are nations, but not all nations are kingdoms. Kingdoms are essentially nations headed by a Monarchy. Whether we recognize it or not, dictatorships are monarchies. For instance, Saddam Hussein is presently king of Iraq. Hitler was a king over Germany and much of Europe. Nations are people groups gathered within recognizable borders and under the same government. There are many variations of this with constitutional monarchies like England etc. but the form of power defines the classification. The Matthew 24:7 example is a generality of all nations whether monarchies republics or whatever. This doesn't mean that every time the Bible says kingdom that it would be readily apparent to the average person. The power brokers who stand in the shadows of governments are the 'kings' of this world. Most of the world's so-called democracies actually have a strong-man making key decisions behind the scene while the facade of government is the strong-man's tool and serves to placate the average citizen. I realize I gave a lot here but I believe better said than not. It is not safe to assume people understand such things in this day and age.

You wrote: I am also interested in what you have to say about the two witnesses.

My response: The two witnesses are Enoch and Elijah. This is based on the fact that it is appointed for ALL men to die. These two men have not died yet but will 3.5 days before Christ comes. Also, Elijah is mentioned by name as one who would precede the Messiah. Yes, John the Baptist came in the spirit of Elijah, but Elijah is yet to come back himself. The two witnesses will be prophesying during the second 3.5 years of the seven year covenant (Revelation 11:2-3 shows the occupation of Jerusalem for 42 months (3.5 years) during which the two witnesses prophesy for 1260 days). This will be during the time of the antichrist. They will start to prophesy when the abomination of desolation takes place and continue until they are killed. 3.5 days later they will be resurrected with the rest of the righteous in Christ (Revelation chapter 11).

You wrote: Also here is a link to a site I found when in google search. http://www.the-two-witnesses.org/welive.html . What is your opinion about this type of action these two people are taking? I'm only asking this because I think the two witnesses is a big part in Revelation and this just doesn't seem like them.

My response: I looked over the site you provided a link for. I found it very interesting and yet very disturbing. They are not who they say they are. God's prophets will both be men. We know this because they are referred to as the Olive trees and lamp stands. All of the old testament prophets were men. Yes, we do have Miriam, Moses's sister, but she did not prophesy of the end-times. They are confused people hurt by people who confess Christ with their mouths but their hearts are far from him. They appear to be believers and much, apart from the two witnesses thing, seems to be on track with the Bible. Another indicator of their false prophecy is that they name the antichrist as Putin. Israel has not yet rebelled against the covenant so the man of lawlessness has not been revealed yet. I have entertained Putin as a candidate, but we have to wait until the time of revealing. Their spiritual gifts may even be prophetic, but they have some serious delusions on the two witnesses and other end-time prophecies. If we contradict the Bible in one place then we have polluted the truth all the way through, much like taking pure water and adding salt. The salty water cannot be made pure again (I know about distilling water, but I don't think that was a biblical principal ;o).

I believe that these people need our prayers, just as they are asking. They can do much good, but they will also do much harm by deceiving some people.

I hope that helps,

Randy