The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to show unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. Blessed is he that reads, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand (Revelation 1:1-2, 3).

One of the most asked prophecy questions is, "Where is the United States in the Bible?" Most prophecy teachers say except "all nations" at Armageddon, Scripture is silent on America. However, the United States is in the Bible by many symbols, events, dates and results of our actions. God reveals His plan through specific details. Prophecy tells events of major end time countries.

Basic Prophesy Principles

1. The Bible is the inspired Word of God and the ultimate authority for truth. Through a proper understanding of Scripture, prophecy is revealed.

2. Studying prophecy is a pursuit of truth. This will require rejecting a few traditional views and denominational teachings that conflict with the Bible.

3. End Time prophecy is not a salvation issue. We may have different views but only one way to God exists: grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone.

4. Like the rest of the Bible, End Time prophecy can be understood. Just as humanity complicates God's simple plan of salvation, we also complicate prophecy.

5. Unlike other doctrines of the Bible, End Time prophecy is changing with time. When one prophecy is unsealed, fulfilled and revealed, other prophecies are better understood.

6. To know and understand End Time prophecy is good but it is worthless unless we allow the Holy Spirit to change our hearts and our lives so we impact the people in our churches and communities.

7. Knowing God's plan for our time decreases our fear and increases our faith and boldness. We cannot hide in a bunker or sit on a hill to wait out the clock. We must wake up the Church and make disciples to spread the Gospel to our families, our neighbors, our cities, our nation and throughout our world.

Worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy (Revelation 19:10).

So to be guided by these prophecy principles, Scripture is the primary source for truth. Because prophecy is about God's time and events, the Jewish calendar confirms the truth. Commentaries on eschatology should be reviewed but need to be updated. History, current events and fulfilled prophecy are better secondary sources. There are plenty of super signs in United States and world history that change what we understand about God's plan for our time and the time to come.

Super Signs & Superpowers

The rebirth of Israel in 1948 is the greatest fulfilment of prophecy since Pentecost. The Tribulation could not begin until the nation of Israel exists. Then the covenant that divides God's land causes the Tribulation, the fall of the United States and Armageddon (Daniel 9:27, Joel 3:2). God uses the third Jewish temple and end wars to bring the Jews back to the land and back to Himself. Israel changes our thinking of prophecy.

I will take you from among the heathen, gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land. A new heart will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh. You shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; you shall be my people, and I will be your God (Ezekiel 36:24, 26, 28).

Prophecy uses a simple algebraic formula: A + B = C. A is the current snapshot of nations: America is the current superpower. C is fulfilled Bible prophecy: Christ reigns. B is the unknown of how to get from point A to C or from America to Christ. The unknown is known by understanding history, current events and prophecy. Look at the End Time map. Seven End Time powers are preparing for the Tribulation.

Overlooking the United States in prophecy misses many super signs. This is not an American centered understanding but a God centered plan. All nations fall and Jesus Christ reigns. The world wars, Iraq Wars and end wars are hidden by a flawed interpretation of prophecy. Scripture describes our great rise as lone superpower and even greater fall. How did we rise? Who knocks us down? Who takes our places as superpower during the Tribulation?

Instead of looking at the world at the beginning of the Church Age, what does the world look like at the end right before the Tribulation? Once America is revealed in prophecy, then China, European Union, India, Islam and Russia prophecies are revealed. Prophecy was written to be unsealed, revealed and fulfilled so Christians can understand the end of the Church Age and into the Tribulation to come. See God in the center of prophecy, actively involved in His plan of redemption and return.

Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his: And he changes the times and the seasons: he removes kings, and sets up kings: he gives wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding. … there is a God in heaven that reveals secrets, and makes known to king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days (Daniel 2:20-21, 28).

          America in the Bible Articles

Seven C's of Bible Study

Part of learning Scripture is applying seven principles to Bible study. This is a review to many Christians but it exposes many flawed views when studying prophecy.

1. Communion

Bible study is about our relationship with God. It begins with prayerful communion. We must learn how to listen to the Holy Spirit and receive His instruction. Even with different maturity levels and spiritual gifts, every Christian starts with the same Holy Spirit, the same Bible and the same purpose: to know, understand and apply the Word of God.

But the Comforter, which is the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you (John 14:26).

2. Content

Bible study clarifies the meaning of the passage. Read the text and ask questions (who, what where, when, why). Translations may sometimes interpret Scripture. With the internet, plenty of study tools are available. You can even look up words in the original Greek and Hebrew text. It helps to consult various translations to clarify words and get the clear meaning of the content.

Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15).

3. Context

Bible study considers the context of the passage. Do not take verses out of context. Each book is written as a whole. Chapters, verses and punctuation are not Scripture and may confuse the flow of a thought. Chapter introductions in Psalms are part of the original text but chapter titles and study notes are not. Events may not be in sequence. Understand the verse, chapter and book as it relates to the rest of Scripture. Read and study the passage first before going to study notes and consulting with commentaries.

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

4. Comparison

Bible study compares Scripture with Scripture. The Bible does not contradict itself but rather will clarify and interpret using other passages. Paul emphasizes faith while James emphasizes works. Both are a part of our Christian walk. Prophecy depends on a basic knowledge of the entire Bible. John the Apostle wrote Revelation with many references to various Old and New Testament passages. Since prophecy is dispersed throughout the Bible, comparing Scripture is critical to study.

Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:20-21).

5. Culture

Bible study benefits from knowing the history and culture of the persons, times and places involved in the passage. Do not ignore the culture or apply our culture to a passage. Put yourself in their lives and understand the Word from their perspective. Knowing some background of the people, culture, geography, history and language will overcome many obstacles.

With Bible prophecy, it is critical to know the culture, traditions and history. The Hebrew people, the Jewish religion and the Israeli nation are interwoven yet form our Christian heritage. Knowing how the Egyptians, Canaanites, Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, Romans and Muslims interact with Israel adds depth. Even great scholars misinterpret prophecy by not understanding Jewish figures-of-speech. Knowing world history of the last one hundred years discloses fulfilled prophecies.

And these words, which I command you this day, shall be in your heart: And you shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise up (Deuteronomy 6:6-7).

6. Consultation

Personal study relies on instruction by the Holy Spirit and text of the Word of God when you use the first five C's. Then, Bible study benefits from consultation with other Bible scholars through commentaries, books, articles and sermons. Proceed with caution. Do not put the words or books of men higher than the Word of God or you end up following a man or denomination.

Now through the internet, a variety of resources are available. Many Bible translations, commentaries and dictionaries are available but discernment is critical. You will need to research the denomination (Catholic, Protestant, cult or humanist), the philosophy of Scripture (conservative or liberal), application of prophecy (figurative or literal), prophecy views (Tribulation and Millennium) and world views (Christian, religious, secular, agnostic/atheist) on the information given. This will disclose how much you can rely on the interpretation and how much it is biased toward a specific religious teaching. For example, Wikipedia is a good source for general knowledge but not Christian faith. Every teacher and writing will have some truth, error and bias.

To study various opposing views on prophecy is helpful. Discernment is required. Is that what Scripture is saying? Which rules of Bible study do they follow? Which rules do they break? Sometimes an alternative view gives a different perspective, provides additional insight, requires further study or strengthens your original belief. At times, you will get more questions than answers. After studying a passage thoroughly, take note of various opinions. If you are still not ready to decide on an answer, then return later. "I don't know" is better than accepting a wrong answer.

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart (Hebrews 4:12).

7. Communication

Bible study includes communicating what is learned. Don't just feed yourself or feed people but teach, encourage and inspire other people. Knowing and understanding Scripture leads to sharing, teaching, challenging, growing and encouraging others to study God's Word.

For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when you received the word of God which you heard of us, you received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectively works also in you that believe (1 Thessalonians 2:13).

The Bible: Written by God, Revealed by God

Through the prophets, the Holy Spirit gave us the Bible to teach us all things. Now we are responsible to study the Word and use basic principles of communion, content, contrast, comparison, culture, consultation and communication to know, understand and respond by applying truth to our hearts and lives. Keep on seeking God's Word and you will not only find God but you also will experience Him.

These [Bereans] were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scripture daily, whether those things were so (Acts 17:11).