Mideast Beast: The Scriptural Case for an Islamic Antichrist

Having delayed investigating the Islamic antichrist idea for a couple of years and after watching his videos, I recently decided to buy Joel Richardson's MYSTERY BABYLON, MIDEAST BEAST, THE ISLAMIC ANTICHRIST, and GOD'S WAR ON TERROR (co-authored with Walid Shobat) -all from Amazon.After reading the first two and excited to read the latter two, I am happy to report the spend was well worth it. If you think you already know the answer to the identity of the beast and the woman who rides it (Rev. 13,17,18) without having considered the Islamic possibility, then my friend you have missed the train and the scriptures indicate there won't be another before the return of the Lord Jesus Christ. And I know there are alot of people like that -sticking to their beloved Roman revival beast theory without even considering the evidence for another alternative idea -especially one that may offend their sense of all religions are the same idea. They're on television all the time. And now after reading the first two books, I know the Roman revival advocates are completely wrong. The sad thing is they think they are so right.In one of his videos, Joel says he has been working on MYSTERY BABYLON for several years (ten if I remember right). I believe him. Why? Because the arguments put forth are well thought out and researched and accompanied by high quality illustrations including historical maps! These books are not like others that after reading them you have a let-down feeling in that you expected to learn something new and significant only to realize 40% of what you just read was filler or already known.And so here are my top 10 reasons for loving Joel's MYSTERY BABYLON and MIDEAST BEAST.1. For the first time ever, I've learnt that God's revelation of the anthromorphic statute of Daniel 2 is progressively revealed in further detail throughout the book of Daniel including characteristics of the end-time Antichrist. It didn't occur to me before that the book of Daniel and the other Biblical prophets are all pointing in the same direction at the same end-time entity that Jesus personally will destroy (Rev. 19:20).2. For all that the Roman Catholic Church has wrong, they have one thing right and that points to another religion as the anti-Christ religion. The Catholics do not deny the LORD Jesus Christ as the son of God. But another religion, that Joel describes, does completely and vehemently.3. The conclusion of both books fits with the scriptures, history and geography perfectly. Although the conclusions raise questions whose answers are not known at the present time, it is better to know that there are unknown answers than to stick with a theory that will never materialize. It is clear from some scriptures that God has witheld revelation until a certain time (e.g. the seven thunders of Rev. 10:4). The Islamic anti-Christ revelation could very well be the most profound thing that God has decided to unseal, at the appropriate time, when the world situation has evolved so that the revelation will be obvious and abundant. I believe we have entered that time. And I think Joel has hit the nail on the head with the hammer. The geography of the Eygptian, Assyrian, Baylonian, Persian and Grecian empires fits perfectly with the Islamic Empire -not the Roman! Well done Joel on those maps!4. It gives hope that the long-feared anti-Christ will not take over all the world! Joel places the proper perspective on the Biblical worldview and hyperbole. He has obviously researched the topics well and consulted with numerous high-quality books and sought the opinons of reputable scholars.5. Joel knows how to research. He knows how to critically analyze opinions and theories. He gets into the Hebrew, Greek and the Koran to explain his ideas. I am happy that for $20 or so I can buy his books which saves heaps compared to hundreds or thousands of dollars he must have spent buying so many high-quality books upon which he bases his ideas.6. He speaks the truth. This allows a better clearer idea of how end-time events will play out. It also enlivens the church. Why are churches being abandoned and their flocks given over to the cares of the world or to other religions? In part because of the abandonment of truth and the lack of vision (Pr. 29:18). What God has started through Joel and Walid and the others who came before them should culminate in a revived elect who shall understand the events of the time of trouble and turn many to righteousness (Dan. 12:3).7. Someone needs to do it. Somewhere on earth there will always be a candlestick burning that gives light to a darkened world. Those pastors in the old boys' club with mega churches teaching their Roman revival theory will be lucky to see the flame of the candle. Those entrenched in their Western civilization-centered theories of the anti-Christ need eyesalve (Rev. 3:18 ) to see the light.8. They illuminate the age of Islam and penetrate into the heart of that religion. Most Christians are blissfully unware of that age and religion to their own detriment. Don't be a naive sheep and be fleeced.9. They give certainty about the future -not in every detail (yet) but a workable framework into which world events should unfold.10. The Spirit of God is upon Joel. He who has an ear, let them hear what he has to say.May God bless Joel. May the Christians of the world open their eyes to the ideology that has been setup as a direct assault on your freedoms and beliefs. MIDEAST BEAST is good foundational reading before reading Joel's MYSTERY BABYLON: UNLOCKING THE BIBLE'S GREATEST PROPHETIC MYSTERY.Next I have begun reading GOD'S WAR ON TERROR and intend to write a review for it when finished reading it.

Joel Richardson is the person who first proposed, in wide-spread format, what I'd concluded several years before I heard of him... the idea that Islam, in fact, fit every Biblical defining aspect of the prophesied "Antichrist Religion."His first mainstream published work, which was initially released under a different title, and which received several updates and expansion for the later release... is called "The Islamic Antichrist." In this book, he goes into great detail explaining how he came to this conclusions, and convincing others of the reasons to accept this interpretation of prophecy... and to expect it to become more clear as time goes on (as it has).Here is the current "Audible" audiobook version, which is the version I recommend to anyone truly interested. The printed version, for me, is mainly used as a "refer back to for quotes" supplement to the audio book... much as printed materials in a classroom are supplementary to a spoken lecture.https://smile.amazon.com/Islamic-Antichrist-Shocking-Truth-Nature/dp/B004ZG3NCW/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1538318087&sr=8-5&keywords=joel+richardsonHowever, as this work was intended to convince the unconvinced of this... and to use as much MUSLIM doctrine and scripture as possible, rather than merely "our" resources... he inevitably had to gloss over a few CHRISTIAN doctrine points in the process. Not ignoring them or sidestepping arguments, just giving them minimal coverage in favor of emphasizing Islam's own declarations about itself.This allowed some critics of this position... mainly in mainstream Christian churches which espouse the "European Antichrist" interpretation... to dispute some of his statements. The result is THIS book... which is a companion book to "The Islamic Antichrist" but which focuses, instead, on convincing CHRISTIANS, using almost exclusively Christian resources. It also provides a wonderful lesson for those who are, themselves, Christians already, and who may well believe his argument, but need further evidence to be presented in order to fully make the case for their own beliefs.By reading the first book first, and this book second, the case is fully made, from any potential perspective, of why Richardson believes as he does (and I agree with him, for the record). But note, this book is not really intended to be a "stand-alone" work. Rather, it is like an vastly expanded appendix to the earlier work. I do not recommend anyone but Biblical scholars who are convinced of the "European Antichrist" interpretation, and who disagree with Richardson's interpretation, to read this without reading the first work. In fact, I would not recommend them to do so either, but they will at least find some value in the work as read by itself, while non-believers in Christianity, or less scripturally-educated laypeople of any Christian subsect, will find less value in this book by itself.Richardson has two further major works which are complementary to "The Islamic Antichrist" as well, but which are fully stand-alone works... "Mystery Babylon" and "When a Jew Rules the World."The first helps explain one of the most controversial, and he argues misunderstood, element of scriptural prophecy... who, exactly, "Mystery Babylon" is.https://smile.amazon.com/Mystery-Babylon-Unlocking-Greatest-Prophetic/dp/B06XDWWRNV/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1538318087&sr=8-1&keywords=joel+richardsonHe makes a very sound case for the argument (which is more scripturally based than most other interpretations) as to what this confusing reference actually refers to (and for the record, he is not saying it must be "the literal ancient city of Babylon"... but I don't want to undercut his development of his thesis by giving away his final conclusion prematurely)https://smile.amazon.com/Mystery-Babylon-Unlocking-Greatest-Prophetic/dp/B06XDWWRNV/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1538318087&sr=8-1&keywords=joel+richardsonThe other work, "When A Jew Rules the World" is more of a study of why the "supercessionist" theory of Christianity... held by a disturbingly large number of Christian churches, both historically and at present... that "God rejected the Jews and when prophecy discusses Israel it really means the Christian Church"... is wrong.The "supercessionist" theory is behind almost all antisemitic behavior expressed by nominal "christians" throughout history, and is something those "christian" churches share with Islam, by the way... the claim that "God now hates the Jews because the Jews killed Jesus" (or rather, according to Islam, that they TRIED to do so... Islam declares that Jesus was never crucified, but rather used magic to trick the Romans into crucifying Judas in his place!)Richardson makes very clear that this position is not only not supported by scripture, but in fact is in direct contradiction to all biblical prophetic scripture. And he does so in a totally conclusive manner... leaving no doubt to anyone reading with an open and inquiring mind.https://smile.amazon.com/When-Jew-Rules-World-Really/dp/B0186HTPTK/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1538318444&sr=8-8&keywords=joel+richardsonFor anyone who comes to appreciate Richardson's work... there is one further publication in his retinue, but this is not his alone, but rather is a cooperative work with former-Palestinian-terrorist-now-Christian, Walid Shoebat. It's also a terrific work, but is more of a political/social book and less of a scholarly work, as the above are.https://smile.amazon.com/Gods-War-Terror-Islam-Prophecy-dp-0977102181/dp/0977102181/ref=mt_hardcover?_encoding=UTF8&me=&qid=

One rarely finds such anointed teaching these days that truly lines up with the Word of God! Hard truths but so needed!

This and other prophetic books by Joel Anderson and Walid Shoebat provide a refreshingly accurate and detailed understanding of Bible Prophecy for the end times; the Hope of Christians, Israel and even non-Christian remnants that our returning Lord, Jesus Christ will spare to re-populate the restored paradisaic/edenic Earth which will be ruled by His change and resurrected saints and Him. What are Mystery Babylon, the End-time Beast and the AntiChrist? What is the Mark of the Beast? These key prophetic questions are answered with full biblical quotations. What a relief! Now we can learn the truth instead of all the unbiblical prophetic interpretations based on mere human traditions. We can now really watch and pray as we see the unfolding and fulfillment of end time prophecy. The eschatological roadmap is now made clear!

For those who care about biblical prophecy then this is a highly valuable read. It is accessible in style but also very thorough and it is not a book to breeze through lightly. Those of an amillennial persuasion will not find it to their liking:- unless they are open to not spiritualising prophetic passages and are also willing to consider that Israel has not been divested of its inheritance as God's ancient covenant people. Followers of Jesus of a premillennial persuasion will find the book thought-provoking. To those who take the popular pre-tribulational 'European Antichrist' position, please don't close your mind to what Joel Richardson writes. In my view, his exposition of prophetic passages, such as in Daniel and Ezekiel 38-39, is impressive. The author's case for an Islamic Antichrist leading forces from hostile Muslim nations and peoples surrounding Israel is argued cogently. Joel Richardson's view is gaining traction and some prophecy teachers have been willing to change their views, though many hold views that are entrenched against abandoning previously held positions. This is an excellent book, but no detached theological treatise, as the author has a heart not just for the followers of Jesus and the people of Israel but also for the very many caught under the yoke of Islam.

Joel Richardson again explores with more information and the fast changing Middle East events to show and to try to prove the Biblical Anti-Christ is not EuroCentric as thought and taught,but from the Middle East. Richardson explores the possiblity that the Islamic 12th Iman is the last Anti-Christ as written in Daniel and the Book of Revelation.

This book makes more sense of end times prophecy and I have changed my own views as a result as the arguments are well presented. I am sure many others who read this book will also humbly admit they were viewing things from a 'Western' viewpoint rather than keeping in mind the Bible is routed in the Middle East.

Joel Richardson in his second book on the case for an Islamic Antichrist takes a scriptural cases and examines in great detail passages that maybe difficult to interpret. The case he builds is very strong, but the only flaw so far is he does not examine the Harlot Religion of Revelation 17, which is built upon idolatry, immorality and tolerance, which is contrary to what Islam believes. I would like to see a book where he examines Revelation in detail and how Islam fits in