2008: Transitional Year for Israel's Future Temple

The fact that the nation of Israel is currently preparing to rebuild the 3^rd temple-a building that has been destroyed for over two thousand years gives evidence that Jesus Christ is returning soon for his church. Many times an event will happen and in hindsight people can view how that event relays to Bible prophecy, events such as the state of Israel being reborn or Jerusalem becoming the official capital of Israel. It is a rare opportunity that the world witnesses a major prophetic event taking place gradually right before its eyes. The year 2008 will go on record as the beginning of severe economic chaos throughout the world. However, 2008 should also be known for the year of prophetic celebration. The activities surrounding the future 3^rd Temple in Israel have been reasons for believers to sing and shout about- countless preparations and temple materials have been developed for the 3^rd Temple. Some believe that Israel's future temple will be completed on the Temple Mount half-way through the seven-year tribulation. "...Measure the temple of God and the altar, and them that worship therein. But the court which is outside the temple, leave out, and measure it not, for it is given unto the Gentiles; and the Holy City shall they tread under foot for forty and two months. (Revelation 11:1-2)" The writing is on the wall. It's written so clearly that a five year old can read it. Stephen Colbert often promotes his "Welcome Jesus!" T-shirts to his television audience and it looks like it may be time for believers to purchase one-for the rapture can happen at any moment.

Every since 70 AD, when Roman Emperor Titus carried the 2^nd temple treasures from Jerusalem to Rome, the required vessels have been missing. Through miraculous events and God's unchanging Word, the people of Israel are fulfilling prophecy that the Hebrew prophets spoke of millennia's ago. The recent temple vessels that have been created are the following:

December 2, 2007- Temple Institute announced completion of the Tzitz, a golden crown which is to be worn by the High Priest of the temple.

December 6, 2007- The Temple Institute completed the Golden menorah to be used in the 3^rd Temple. It was recently moved to the Western Wall Plaza.

October 27, 2008- The Holy Temple Laver was unveiled. Traditionally, priest in the temple use the laver to sanctify their hands and feet before beginning daily services.

These recent astonishing, ground breaking activities should give cause for strong celebration. Even more exciting is the discovery of the ancient tola'at shani (crimson worm). The crimson dye that is produced from these unique post extinct crimson worms is used for making the belts of priestly garments. In addition, the dye from the worm is one of the main ingredients in producing the ashes of the red heifer which are utilized in the temple activities. Are you excited yet? Another important factor before rebuilding the 3^rd temple is the Sanhedrin, the highest council of the ancient Jews. Unfortunately, this council was abolished when Rome conquered Jerusalem in 70 AD. However, in January, 2005, Israelnn.com reported that the Sanhedrin gathered in Tiberius, Israel for the first time in sixteen hundred years. The primary topic of discussion among the Sanhedrin was to determine the exact foundation for building the temple.

I believe we are on the cusp of a major prophetic change-not only are materials getting prepared, but the Temple Institute has received a commitment from hundreds of teenagers to devote their time and effort to the rebuilding of the 3^rd Temple. For Christians across the world, this is fantastic! The fulfillment of the Time of the Gentiles is quickly approaching. Gentiles have benefited from the Jewish misconception (blindness) concerning the true lineage of Jesus Christ. Apostle Paul explains the reason why many Jews do not believe that Jesus is the Son of God: "For I, brethren, would not have you be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits: that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles be come in. (Romans 11:25)" The fullness of the Gentiles is quickly approaching and Israel's blindness is turning into 20/20 vision.

Have you noticed the Messianic revival taking place across Israel? According to the Christian Broadcast Network, ten years ago there were 3,500 Jewish believers who believed that Jesus Christ is the Son of God - NOW there are 10-15,000 Jewish believers in Jesus. This is nothing short of a miracle taking place before our eyes. With the 3^rd Temple to be rebuilt soon and more Jews seeking salvation through Jesus, Bible prophecies described in the Old and New Testament are proof of the infallible Word of the Living God. There is no other God or book that can touch what the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob can do for all His promises and prophecies are true. Go buy that "Welcome Jesus!" T-shirt and wear it proudly.