It is possible that the first three trumpets have already sounded. If so, what events do these trumpets represent? I believe the first trumpet could represent high powered artillery used during World War I. The hail mixed with fire and blood does not sound like hail. Hail is not hail if it is on fire. I think it is clear that we are dealing with descriptive language of something unknown to John rather than literal hail. I believe the hail represents bombs which explode in a fire ball and kill people. The grass and trees being burned could be a description of all the burning that took place in World War I. Now to say that one third of the trees and all the grass in the entire world was burned up is a bit of a stretch even for World War I. However we know that the Roman empire was called the inhabited earth in John’s day (Lk. 2:1) so it is reasonable to interpret the earth as meaning Europe and vicinity. The word translated “all” in this passage is not a strong word in the Greek. It does not indicate every single spot of grass. This same word and construction is used in Colossians 1:28 where Paul claims to teach “every man.” Obviously, Paul was not claiming to have taught every single person. According to Greek experts, the meaning of this construction is almost the same as the plural. Thus, “all grass(singular)” is almost the same as saying “grass(plural)” and “every man” is almost the same as saying “men.” It indicates a general “all” rather than an absolute all. It would also be limited in scope by the context. For example, Paul would have, in a general sense, taught all the people he had contact with. However he would not have taught anyone that he had no contact with and would not have taught every single individual that he had minimal contact with either. Many other examples could be cited from the New Testament. Suffice it to say that this very general usage of the word “all” is very well established.

The second trumpet seems to fit the events of World War II. The huge burning mountain could represent the nuclear bombs dropped on Japan (which is an island in the sea). The one third of the sea turning into blood could be a reference to large portions of the sea being used as battle fields. Irvin Baxter claims to have researched the number of ships involved in any way in World War II and the number of ships sunk in World War II. He claims that the number of ships sunk was almost exactly one third as described in Rev. 8:9. (Although I disagree strongly with many of Irvin Baxter’s teachings, he has done some useful research. His website is: www.endtime.com).

The third trumpet fits the events of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster. The word Chernobyl is Ukrainian for “wormwood.” When the Chernobyl reactor blew, a huge lid flew up into the air and fell back down. The explosion spread radioactive particles into the air which were then carried by the wind and dropped all over Europe in the form of radioactive rain which contaminated many rivers and streams. Apparently more people died of cancer etc. from the radioactive water than died from the local event. (Source: endtime.com)

I believe that we have already seen the first four seals and the first three trumpets which means the next thing would be the seven year treaty, the 5th seal and the rebuilding of the temple. We are first told about the seven year treaty back in Daniel 9:27. This treaty is made with many, but we know that “the many” includes Israel because the whole seventy weeks relate to Israel. The E.U. has already made a set of treaties with ten of it’s neighbors including Israel. These treaties have a funding instrument which is for seven years. At the mid point of this funding instrument is a time of re-evaluation by the E.U. However as time has passed and the temple has not been rebuilt, it is becoming less and less likely that the E.U.'s treaty could be "the treaty". Certainly the world is primed for the appearance of anti-Christ. We must keep our eyes and ears open as the seven year treaty is a very important milestone in end times prophecy.

The breaking of the treaty in Daniel 9:27 involves the desecration of the Temple. Already we can see that the Temple must be in existence before the mid point of Daniel’s 70th week because you cannot desecrate a temple that does not exist. Now turn to Rev. 11:1-2. Here we see that the Temple proper has been rebuilt but the outer court is in the hands of the gentiles. In the same context we see the city of Jerusalem occupied for three and one half years (42 months) and the ministry of the two witnesses for three and one half years (1,260 days). This second three and one half years ends between the 6th and 7th trumpets according to Rev. 11:14, which is also the end of Daniel’s 70th week. It is therefore safe to assume that the Temple of Rev. 11:1-2 is the same Temple that is desecrated in Daniel 9:27. So after the peace treaty we are looking for the Temple to be rebuilt. This Temple however will not include the outer court because the gentiles will control that area. In other words, either one or both mosques will still be on the Temple mount and the Temple will be built beside it/them. Some reputable scholars believe the original location of the Temple was off to the side of the Dome of the Rock. Whether it was or not really makes no difference. The fact that some believe it was off to the side means that there could be support for putting the next Temple off to the side. What we know is that a mosque doesn’t necessarily need to be destroyed in order to rebuild the Temple and that the Temple mount will be shared.

As we have already demonstrated (to my satisfaction though not beyond all doubt), the rapture does not occur until some time after the middle on Daniel’s 70th week. We know that the first half of Daniel’s 70th week will be characterized by peace in Israel, worship in the Temple on a shared Temple mount and persecution of Christians. During this time we will see the financial and physical destruction of Babylon, which I believe is New York City. The financial destruction of New York City would almost certainly include the U.S. in general. After Babylon is destroyed, the anti-Christ will come to world power for three and one half years (Rev. 17:16-17; 13:5). At this time the false prophet will require everyone to worship the anti-Christ and to take a mark in order to buy or sell (Rev. 13:14-17). Refusal to worship the anti-Christ will earn the death penalty. However, this does not seem to be fully enforceable. We see that those in Judea and Samaria are told to flee to the mountains at this point (Matt. 24:16-22). The implication is that those who do will survive. So apparently the mark will be instigated as a means of enforcing anti-Christ worship. Those who do not seek the mark will not be able to buy or sell. Some will be reported to the authorities by their family, friends and neighbors (Mk. 13:12-13). Some however will survive until the rapture (I Cor. 15:51).

In view of what we know will happen, I have a few recommendations, most of which are a good idea even if the end times are not upon us. However, if the end times are upon us, they become extremely important.

Get to know God better by spending more time in His word. There is no substitute for personally knowing the One who is in control. If you find yourself compromising under pressure now, imagine what you will do when it is life or death. Christ will return during hard times, those who are faithful in the midst of those times will receive a reward (I Cor. 3:12-15; Rev. 2:26-28; 3:5, 11-12, 21; 14:9-12).

Spend time familiarizing yourself with the prophecies of Scripture. By this I mean more than just studying the different views. Prophecy experts and myself always put in a little interpretation based on previous experiences. It is part of being human. If we know the actual Scriptures, we will be able to recognize a fulfillment when it happens even if no one predicted it correctly. In my paper I have tried to open eyes to a different understanding of prophecy. Although I have been forming my interpretation for many years and believe it is essentially correct, I am very aware of my humanness and am still always re-evaluating as I learn more.

Not only should we prepare spiritually and emotionally, we should also prepare physically. Believe it or not, physical preparation can be a good way to witness. Many people say they believe in prophecy, but their words mean very little. Talk is cheap. In this day of hyped marketing, who is going to believe you really mean what you say. The proof is in sacrificial actions. If you are willing to sacrifice for something you believe, then people will know you actually believe it. Be prepared to be thought of as a fanatic even by some of your Christian friends, but your actions are much more apt to get people’s attention than your words. Your life can preach a more powerful message than you mouth ever could.

Click here to read about whether or not we should prepare in physical ways.

On the physical side of things, I recommend everyone get out of debt. You can be sure that if you owe someone money that you cannot pay, they will report you for not taking the mark. I realize that this is not possible for some, but for many it is just a matter of priorities. If you cannot possibly pay off your house loan, plan to give your house up willingly. Don’t worry about your financial loss, the money will not do you any good anyways. Think of someone who owns a house in the country that you can go stay with if necessary once the mid point begins. If you rent you could pre-pay some rent or if you own your home, you could pre-pay utility bills and if possible property taxes once you see the first three and a half years are almost over. If you own a home in the country, your home might make a good place of refuge for homeless Christians.

Start living more simply. Tough times are ahead. If you are used to living simply, you will not have as big of an adjustment once things really get bad. Besides, if you plan to pre-pay some things, you will need that extra money you will save by living simply. Store at least some basic food. Some people object to storing food on the basis of Matt. 6:25. But remember that in Jesus day, storing a year’s supply of food was standard practice. Harvest happens only once a year! What Jesus criticized was worrying about or putting your trust in your stored things. He did not say, don’t store food! To not store food would have been suicidal. When storing food think simple, like beans, rice and oatmeal. The objective is to survive not to continue life as usual.

Try to have a source of drinking water that does not depend on outside electricity (remember- no money, no electricity unless you pre-pay and pre-paying might not be possible in all areas). I do not recommend bottled water. It is not practical. You could pre-pay your water bill, but if possible find access to a well, stream or lake and a water filter.

In the midst of your preparation, remember that ultimately God is in control. You may make good preparations only to have them destroyed or you may not be able to make significant preparations and find that God provides for you in an unexpected way. Our hope should be in God, not our plans, but we should do what we can to prepare.