Like a thief in the night
The world will want to UNite in the face of such a crisis.
You DO want to be a good Global Citizen, right, citizen? Go Global. It's the worldly thing all good Global Citizens do.
Posted on 01/27/2021 4:35:36 PM PST by Roman_War_Criminal
These troubled days, one question burns at the center of every believer who adheres to the pre-Trib view of the Rapture. I’ve heard it many times through personal conversation and email ”How long will it be until the Lord says ‘enough is enough’ and calls us home?”
I’ve asked it myself on more than one occasion. But I’ve long since put the question somewhere closer to the back of my thinking. The reason, I suspect, is because I’ve finally got it through my hard head that our Lord wants me to prioritize efforts toward completion of the assignment He has given me while in this life.
Heaven’s bottom line is that I wouldn’t be here during these increasingly troubled times if there is no purpose, according to my Creator. Knowing that He has promised to take us to our homes He has been preparing for us is a comforting truth He’s expressed numerous times in His Holy Word. The more firmly we trust Him to keep that promise, the greater the comfort. Now is the time to trust and get on down that pathway He wants us to follow.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:5–6)
All that said, there is certainly justification, in my view, for the angst-ridden question: How long, oh Lord? How long will believers have to be subjected to the proliferating end-times evil assaulting society and culture? When will God say “enough is enough” and have His Son step out on the clouds of glory and shout “Come up here!”?
Jesus, while speaking to His immediate disciples on the Mount of Olives, gave the very first indicator to look for that would lead to all other signals of His Second Advent. He said that there would be great deception and many deceivers on the scene at the end of the age. The cumulative indicators of His Second Coming, he addressed a little later in His discourse.
And when ye shall see all these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your head, for your redemption draweth nigh. (Luke 21:28)
Can anyone legitimately deny that we have in recent months and years witnessed deception that is in our faces during every news broadcast, podcast, or electronic and print forum? The mainstream media, both news and entertainment, have been purveyors of their special brand of this indicator. Deception and deceivers pervade and permeate our lives each and every news cycle.
The former president who just left office properly termed the deceptive practices of journalists “fake news.” Paul the apostle said the following of such that will be prevalent as the Lord’s return nears:
But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived (2 Timothy 3:13, NKJV)
With the daily diatribes by all the mainstream media that consistently lied, thus brought to the office of president a candidate many consider an imposter because of what they believe to be election fraud, the New King James version certainly seems to fit. Deception of the sort Jesus and Paul pronounced upon the end-times generation seems quite appropriate.
Jesus’ words that times would be just like in the days of Noah and of Lot make it seem to many prophecy watchers as if He was speaking specifically of these very days that make us ask: “How long, oh Lord?”
Observing the anger and destruction of the thugs who burned down much of America’s cities during 2020 brings into sharp focus the words in Genesis chapter 6: “violence filled the whole earth.” Assessing the state of our nation and the world in the matter of the satanic forces normalizing what was a few years ago aberrant sexual behavior and deviancy quickly brings realization that the days of Lot prophesied by the Lord Jesus are quite likely the days we’re currently living in.
At last count, there are twenty-seven nations where gay marriage is legal. The Sodom level of sexual immorality and deviancy has just in recent years reached a zenith. Gay rights and all attendant to the perversions it has wrought, such as transgenderism, have torn apart society and culture and done irreparable harm to foundational morality. The youth of America and the world have been victim of inculcation by Sodom-like organizations such as the LBGQTI. The family and its traditional stability have been vitally diminished.
Every day, believers who are paying attention and have the truth of Christ’s words in their spiritual hearts say, “How long, oh Lord?” We’re wise to read again and again the words by our Lord while thinking on this question we’re are asking.
I know all the arguments from those who hold vehemently to the seminary line about the Olivet Discourse being for the Jews only, so don’t write hotly accusing me of misinterpreting these words recorded here. I believe the fig tree here refers to Israel. I believe Jesus is speaking of His next catastrophic intervention into mankind’s evil history–the Rapture. I believe He addresses to some extent the answer to our question of “how long?”.
Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled. Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. (Matthew 24:32–36)
Be assured and comforted! Our Lord’s words in Luke 21:28 are almost certainly for this generation!
I can almost hear that Trumpet now. Come up hither!
I’m getting homesick.
2 Peter 3
King James Version
3 This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance:
2 That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour:
3 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,
4 And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.
5 For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water:
And yet “Israel “ ie many 2nd temple Jews did NOT reject Jesus.
All the Apostles were Jews as were the majority of first believers.
Christianity is the continuation of the Jesus movement Jewish sect. They only got the name Christians in Damascus as an exonym and only took it fully after the event of the Kitos war when Zealot Zealot Jews committed genocide in Cyprus and Cyrene.
The only other sect of 2nd temple Judaism that survived the destruction of the temple were the Pharisees. They created a new religion in 70 AD that didn’t need the sacrifices in the temple and replaced the levitas and priests with rabbis. That is the rabbinical Judaism that we call Jews today.
Yet clearly both Christianity I.e. Jesus movement Judaism and Rabbinical Judaism are sister religions and both derived from 2nd temple Judaism
Revelation 3:10 Because you have kept My command to persevere [remain in faith alone in Christ alone], I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth
And read what Jesus Himself prophesied -- that Jerusalem would be destroyed within the lifetime of those listening to Him and his followers should run to the hills
And Jesus' prophesy in the Olivet discourse came to pass - the 2nd temple, the center of the Jewish world (to which the Jesus-movement Jews belonged) came to an end
that WAS the ending of the age
The period up to 69 AD were the last days of the Age -- Satan was loosed and his time was short until the destruction of the Temple as written about in the book of Revelations
And we have Christ's Kingdom, His Church
Let's read more of John 5, shall we?
John 5:28 Wonder not at this; for the hour cometh, wherein all that are in the graves shall hear the voice of the Son of God. -- Jesus VERY CLEARLY said the hour was coming - to his listeners and this is the prophesy of His descent into the dead
Why do you persist in not believing Jesus who prophesied the destruction of Jerusalem in 69 AD? - this is said of folks like that (who believe in the fake 19th century pre-trib secret rapture) John 5:46 For if you did believe Moses, you would perhaps believe me also; for he wrote of me.
47: But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe my words?
How will you believe Jesus' words if you keep harkening after fake pastors?
Luke 12:
46 The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.
Galatians 2:5
King James Version
5 To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.
Scoffers like to copy and paste their heresies, but Jesus’s words are clear. His children know His voice and recognize His Words.
Keep looking up!
A stranger they will not follow ;-)
Kind of makes me think of John 10
10 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.
2 But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.
3 To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.
4 And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.
5 And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.
You’ve posted two different texts where they fulfill scripture by their deeds.
You’re on a roll tonight! 👍
Lets go for a hat trick :-)
1 Corinthians 4
King James Version
4 Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.
2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.
3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man’s judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self.
4 For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.
5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.
The ‘rapture’ doctrine was/is addressed in Ezekiel 13
13 And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying,
2 Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel that prophesy, and say thou unto them that prophesy out of their own hearts, Hear ye the word of the Lord;
3 Thus saith the Lord God; Woe unto the foolish prophets, that follow their own spirit, and have seen nothing!
4 O Israel, thy prophets are like the foxes in the deserts.
5 Ye have not gone up into the gaps, neither made up the hedge for the house of Israel to stand in the battle in the day of the Lord.
6 They have seen vanity and lying divination, saying, The Lord saith: and the Lord hath not sent them: and they have made others to hope that they would confirm the word.
7 Have ye not seen a vain vision, and have ye not spoken a lying divination, whereas ye say, The Lord saith it; albeit I have not spoken?
8 Therefore thus saith the Lord God; Because ye have spoken vanity, and seen lies, therefore, behold, I am against you, saith the Lord God.
9 And mine hand shall be upon the prophets that see vanity, and that divine lies: they shall not be in the assembly of my people, neither shall they be written in the writing of the house of Israel, neither shall they enter into the land of Israel; and ye shall know that I am the Lord God.
10 Because, even because they have seduced my people, saying, Peace; and there was no peace; and one built up a wall, and, lo, others daubed it with untempered morter:
11 Say unto them which daub it with untempered morter, that it shall fall: there shall be an overflowing shower; and ye, O great hailstones, shall fall; and a stormy wind shall rend it.
12 Lo, when the wall is fallen, shall it not be said unto you, Where is the daubing wherewith ye have daubed it?
13 Therefore thus saith the Lord God; I will even rend it with a stormy wind in my fury; and there shall be an overflowing shower in mine anger, and great hailstones in my fury to consume it.
14 So will I break down the wall that ye have daubed with untempered morter, and bring it down to the ground, so that the foundation thereof shall be discovered, and it shall fall, and ye shall be consumed in the midst thereof: and ye shall know that I am the Lord.
15 Thus will I accomplish my wrath upon the wall, and upon them that have daubed it with untempered morter, and will say unto you, The wall is no more, neither they that daubed it;
16 To wit, the prophets of Israel which prophesy concerning Jerusalem, and which see visions of peace for her, and there is no peace, saith the Lord God.
******************17 Likewise, thou son of man, set thy face against the daughters of thy people, which prophesy out of their own heart; and prophesy thou against them,
18 And say, Thus saith the Lord God; Woe to the women that sew pillows to all armholes, and make kerchiefs upon the head of every stature to hunt souls! Will ye hunt the souls of my people, and will ye save the souls alive that come unto you?
19 And will ye pollute me among my people for handfuls of barley and for pieces of bread, to slay the souls that should not die, and to save the souls alive that should not live, by your lying to my people that hear your lies?
20 Wherefore thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I am against your pillows, wherewith ye there hunt the souls to make them fly, and I will tear them from your arms, and will let the souls go, even the souls that ye hunt to make them fly.
21 Your kerchiefs also will I tear, and deliver my people out of your hand, and they shall be no more in your hand to be hunted; and ye shall know that I am the Lord.
22 Because with lies ye have made the heart of the righteous sad, whom I have not made sad; and strengthened the hands of the wicked, that he should not return from his wicked way, by promising him life:
23 Therefore ye shall see no more vanity, nor divine divinations: for I will deliver my people out of your hand: and ye shall know that I am the Lord.*********
Some actually the majority have NO clue who makes up the House of Israel and the House of Judah... Course that was a promise the Heavenly Father made recorded back in Jeremiah... when HE divorced the House of Israel!!!
Amen!
And so it shall be. :-)
Don’t call me shirley :)
Nope, the rapture doctrine was not addressed in Ezekiel 13.
And you forget “‘Return, faithless Israel,’ declares the Lord,
‘I will frown on you no longer,
for I am faithful,’ declares the Lord,
‘I will not be angry forever’” (Jeremiah 3:12).
In the same passage in which God sets up a scenario of hopelessness for Israel, He invites His people to “return” to Him and promises that His anger will end. Could it be that God’s love is stronger than His people’s rebellion? The Lord doubles down on His invitation:
“‘Return, faithless people,’ declares the Lord, ‘for I am your husband. I will choose you . . . and bring you to Zion” (Jeremiah 3:14).
Israel was extended by grafting in the rest of humanity to her in the form of the Church as we see at the time of the Pentecost.
The Bible continually uses the terms Kingdom of God, Kingdom of heaven, Messianic Kingdom and Church interchangeably
The entire bible is amillenial and the Rapturists can only distort Revelation 20:1-6 -- note "distort" to put their 19th century rapture philosophy
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Yet we need to read what the Apostles themselves were taught and what they believed
Notice that they state that the Apostles and their listeneres were in the last days or the end of the age -- because the Messiah had come
Peter never changed his mind about this - as we read in 1 Pet 1:20 Christ was destined before the foundation of the world but was made manifest at the end of the times for your sake
This is relected in Pauline epistles like 2 Tim 3:1 "In these last days" and Jude 18 How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.
We have been in the last days since that first advent of Christ
Since the Ascension God's plan has entered into its fulfillment. WE are already at 'the last hour'. Already the final age of the world is with us, and the renewal of the world is irrevocably under way
Frankly we’re not ‘suffering’ in the true sense of that word. The USA population hasn’t tasted suffering.. Setbacks, yes, disappointments, without question,....suffering no......we still have options for now...... In fact until someone tells us our days are numbered everything we face would not be given us to contend with that God didn’t think we can handle.
Further He’s clearly asked us to ‘occupy’ until He comes. Get on with the business of living our life just as it is, whether it’s battling an illness - give it all you got, rebuilding what’s broken - put your heart into it, or moving on to the next goals set before us or even discovering what they are. The idea is get on with it!
[and the church age is about to conclude]
Yes, and then begins the 7 years. /preaching to the choir
Get in with it but with eager anticipation of the Lords return. No one is advocation sitting in the roof waiting for Him
[Just the way I read things but I don’t know if there is a revival before the harpazo.]
I don’t think so either. There WILL be a great harvest during the Tribulation. Especially the Great Tribulation.
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