The Eagle is Landing: Recognizing the Abomination of Desolation in Modern Christianity

This sermon explores the prophetic warnings of Jesus about the “abomination of desolation” and its dual fulfillment—first in 70 AD with the destruction of Jerusalem, and ultimately at the end of time. The pastor examines how the Roman eagle (Aquila) served as an idolatrous symbol that signaled Jerusalem’s coming destruction, and draws parallels to modern Christianity’s departure from gospel simplicity. The message warns that when churches lose the power of the Holy Spirit, they resort to worldly entertainment, manipulation, and eventually force to maintain influence. The sermon calls for a revival of primitive godliness and self-sacrificing love as demonstrated by Christ, warning that Protestant America is moving toward using state power to enforce religious observance, fulfilling Revelation 13’s prophecy of the lamb-like beast that speaks as a dragon.

Key Points:

  • The abomination of desolation in 66-70 AD was fulfilled when the Roman eagle (Aquila) was paraded through Jerusalem, signaling the coming destruction
  • God’s kingdom operates through drawing people with self-sacrificing love, while Satan’s kingdom operates through force, dominion, and power
  • When churches lose the Spirit of God, they resort to entertainment, worldly methods, and eventually force to retain members
  • Modern Protestant churches have embraced worldly idolatry (money, entertainment, sports) as substitutes for genuine spiritual power
  • The push for Christian nationalism (Seven Mountain Dominionism) represents the lamb-like beast speaking as a dragon
  • Seventh-day Adventism has similarly departed from gospel simplicity, relying on polished evangelists, entertainment, and organizational structure rather than the Holy Spirit
  • A great tribulation is coming, but also a revival of primitive godliness unlike anything since apostolic times
  • The gospel will go to all the world as a witness through demonstration of Christ’s character, not merely proclamation

Scripture References from “The Eagle is Landing” Sermon

Explicitly Mentioned Scripture References:

  1. Matthew 24:15 – The abomination of desolation
  2. Matthew 24:16 – Flee to the mountains
  3. Luke 21:19-20 – Jerusalem compassed with armies
  4. Mark 13:14 – Abomination standing where it ought not
  5. Matthew 24:21 – Great tribulation
  6. Matthew 24:23 – False Christs and false prophets
  7. Matthew 24:27 – Coming of the Son of Man like lightning
  8. John 12:31-32 – Christ lifted up, drawing all men
  9. John 6:44 – No man can come except the Father draw him
  10. Matthew 20:25-28 – Gentiles exercise dominion; the Son of Man came to serve
  11. 1 Peter 5:8 – The devil as a roaring lion
  12. Revelation 13:11 – Beast with two horns like a lamb
  13. Revelation 17 – Woman sitting on seven mountains (referenced)
  14. Matthew 24:14 – Gospel preached in all the world as a witness

Alluded to Scripture References:

  1. Daniel (general reference) – Prophecies about abomination of desolation
  2. Deuteronomy 6:6-9 – Law written on heart, hand, forehead
  3. Isaiah 14 – King of Babylon/Lucifer
  4. Matthew 23:38 – “Your house is left unto you desolate”
  5. Hebrews 2:14-15 – Fear of death
  6. Revelation 13:15-17 – Mark of the beast; those who don’t worship killed
  7. 1 Timothy 6:10 – Love of money is the root of all evil

Relevant Verses for Main Themes (Not Explicitly Mentioned):

On False Prophets and Deception:

  • Matthew 7:15-20 – Beware of false prophets in sheep’s clothing
  • 2 Thessalonians 2:3-12 – The man of lawlessness and strong delusion
  • 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 – Satan masquerades as an angel of light

On Force vs. Drawing:

  • John 3:16 – God so loved the world
  • Romans 2:4 – God’s kindness leads to repentance
  • Hosea 11:4 – I drew them with cords of love

On Revival and the Latter Rain:

  • Joel 2:28-32 – Outpouring of the Spirit
  • Acts 2:17-21 – Peter’s quotation of Joel
  • Zechariah 10:1 – Ask for rain in the time of the latter rain
  • James 5:7-8 – Be patient for the early and latter rain

On Babylon and Religious Apostasy:

  • Revelation 14:8 – Babylon is fallen
  • Revelation 18:1-5 – Come out of her, my people
  • 2 Timothy 3:1-5 – Form of godliness but denying its power

On Sacrifice and Service:

  • Philippians 2:5-8 – Christ’s humility and service
  • Mark 10:42-45 – Parallel passage to Matthew 20
  • Galatians 5:13 – Serve one another in love

On the Character of God’s End-Time People:

  • Revelation 14:12 – Patience of the saints; keep commandments and faith of Jesus
  • Revelation 12:17 – Remnant who keep commandments and have testimony of Jesus