This has nothing to do with doubting the Rapture, or doubting the coming of the Lord, but rather -- "getting the facts straight" about what Jesus was saying and when it's supposed to be happening. It's obviously not happening right now -- that is -- we're not in an increasing mode of more and more earthquakes of bigger and bigger size... In addition to earthquakes I believe another "stage setting" event we will see prior to the Rapture is the Temple being built. I'm convinced the Temple will not be a small quickly built building, but will be along the lines of the Temple described in Ezekiel chptrs 40-42.
Rev. 11:1 Then I was given a reed like a measuring rod. And the angel stood saying, Rise and measure the temple of God, the altar and those who worship there.
John would not be told to measure a small structure that could easily be described, measuring indicates size.
Also, if the Temple is a large ornate building the muslim building at that site (the golden dome shrine) has to be removed. Something big has to happen to make this possible, earthquakes or a war. These "stage setters" have to precede the Rapture if it's pre, or mid, trib.
You were saying ...
In addition to earthquakes I believe another "stage setting" event we will see prior to the Rapture is the Temple being built. I'm convinced the Temple will not be a small quickly built building, but will be along the lines of the Temple described in Ezekiel chptrs 40-42.
Good point on that Temple, and I'm going to refer to another thread that had some discussion of the preparations for that Temple being built and the "furnishings" for the Temple.
This was the prayer thread, "Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem"...
See Post #11, which gives a "visual" on how the scenario in Revelation can be fulfilled, according to what we are told there.
Also, note Post #22, which gives a statement from the Temple Institute, who has made a lot of preparations for the coming Temple.
And lastly, see Post #30, for the implements for the Temple, that the Temple Institute has already constructed and are "ready-to-go"... :-)
And lastly, in connection with your statement above, the Temple described in Ezekiel can't be built, because of the size requirements and the topography of the land. It just wouldn't fit.
Bible Prophecy teachers pretty much say that this is the "Millennial Temple" that Jesus, the Messiah of Israel has built, when He has set up His Kingdom on this earth. So, this would be the "Fourth Temple" -- while the one described in Revelation (and the one that is being worked on right now by the Jews, in preparations) would be the "Third Temple" ...
John would not be told to measure a small structure that could easily be described, measuring indicates size.
Also, if the Temple is a large ornate building the muslim building at that site (the golden dome shrine) has to be removed. Something big has to happen to make this possible, earthquakes or a war. These "stage setters" have to precede the Rapture if it's pre, or mid, trib.
No, it wouldn't be a simple tent as what was carried around with Israel in the wildnerness wanderings. The Third Temple will be a regular structure, I believe. As far as how long it would take to build it, I've heard that it could take about 18 months, if they have all the preparations ready-to-go, and that's exactly what we see happening now (i.e., all the "preparations" are being made).
Also note in Revelation that not all the normal Temple area is measured. There is part that is "left out" because it's under control of the Gentiles, and I believe that's a reference to the Temple Mount area, being split between the Muslims and the Jews and each one occupying a portion of it.
There are three possible locations for the Third Temple being built, and only one of the three is in the location where the current "Dome of the Rock" is. So, if the Third Temple is built at either of the two other locations, the Dome of the Rock can stay there and not impede the building of the Third Temple.
Following up on this once again, you were saying ...
Also, if the Temple is a large ornate building the muslim building at that site (the golden dome shrine) has to be removed. Something big has to happen to make this possible, earthquakes or a war. These "stage setters" have to precede the Rapture if it's pre, or mid, trib.
I mentioned earlier that there were three possible sites proposed for the rebuilding of the Temple. Here's a picture showing where they are, labeled A, B, and C ...
This is from the following website...
The Temple Mount in Jerusalem
Where were the First and Second Jewish Temples Located?
Site A lines up with the Golden Gate, which has been sealed up by the Muslims, because they were told that the Messiah comes through that gate to claim His kingdom (whether the Messiah actually does that or not, I don't know).
You can see some pictures of the area, shown on this other thread...
A 1925 picture of the Golden Gate is at Post #13.
A 1937 picture of the Temple Mount shows the Golden Gate clearly and as being in front of the opening to a possible rebuilt Third Temple at Site A, where the Dome of the Spirits is at..., seen at Post #14