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!
With "country" - a political entity.
The Kurds are a nation, not a country. Wales is a nation not a country (though it's part of a country), ditto Basque lands, etc. etc.
Israel has always been a nation since 1400 BC so your statement Israel as a nation did not exist for +1900 years until 1948. is false
If you mean Israel as a political entity did not exist for +1900 years until 1948. -- that is also false --> in 48 AD there was Judea as a province. In 132 AD there as a brief state of Israel.
I don’t see this generation being spiritual nor going to church. They have their own moral relativity and trust mans answers. Replacement theology is growing?
Churches are closed, people huddle in homes scared of the government and hope for a little freedom while dying in isolation and wait for the freedom of a DNA vaccine that won’t make them free and possible change their cell structure for good.
So Zechariah 13:6-7 was undeniably fulfilled in the first advent -- this puts a lie to the non-biblical rapture adding of 2000 years
Zechariah 9:9 is quoted in Matt 21:4-5 --> Jesus fulfilled Zechariah 9 as well in the first advent.
Amen.
While the Jews were given first opportunity to receive their True Messiah they rejected Him and because of this we as Gentiles were grafted in. However they remain the Apple of His eye.
He is regathering the Jews from the four corners of the Earth in these last days of the church age dispensation to re-establish the nation that was desolate for nearly 2,000 years prior. That Fig Tree began once again to blossom.
But Jew or Greek, all are required to be Born Again and receive Jesus Christ as Saviour.
1 Corinthians 12:13
King James Version
13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
Galatians 3:27-29
King James Version
27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
29 And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.
I know your aware of all this, but not sure of “another” in fact not sure where he stands on anything. I think its the amillenialism that confuses him.
God Bless. Time is short and these mortals are about to put on immortality. That Trump is about to sound.
Amen.
Not sure where these people get this replacement theology belief. They seem to believe because Israel rejected her Messiah that He was forced to give to the church that which He swore a Blood Covenant to the Jews.
1’st Peter 1:19-20 assures us the Lamb would be slain.
Because of this He turned to the Gentiles and we were grafted in. This time known as the time of the Gentiles, as well, also known as the church age dispensation.
However this age is drawing to a close as God is shifting back to the Jews to fulfill His Covenant with them. A time known as the Time of Jacobs Woes. As well, the fulfillment of Daniels seventieth Week.
Because of Israels rejection of her King Jesus, she will suffer greatly. But will nonetheless receive her King when He returns to save Israel as it will then appear that all is but lost. (Matthew 24:21)
Then will the Blood Covenant be fulfilled. This will uterly destroy replacement theology.
And then will her borders be enlarged:
Genesis 15
Interesting commentary.
I’d like to comment on the following excerpt:
“It was this astonishment that had led to their questions. They didn’t know anything about a Church Age that would cause a 2000 year pause in Daniel’s 70 weeks prophecy. Even today, most of us don’t understand that the Church Age didn’t end the Age of Law, it has just interrupted it seven years short of its scheduled completion. How could they have understood it? (The fact that the Age of Law hasn’t ended explains why there will be a Temple erected in Israel soon. They will need one to complete the final 7 years.)”
My reply:
When I first read this comment, the Grace response rose within me. However, it does make sense why he would say this, if in fact I am understanding his point.
Knowing that Israel as a nation has yet to accept her Messiah. So for this reason they continue in their belief that salvation can only come about by means of the Law. Hence, the rebuilding of the Temple to again offer sacrifice. So in this respect, the age of Law continues for the Jew.
Another point I wanted to make is this. When reading the Olivet Discourse, knowing that it was written to the Jew, (Jesus came unto His own and His own received Him not) also through the enlightenment of understanding through the Message given to Paul, we understand more thoroughly this passage as it relates as well to a time in the near future. That is not to say this passage excludes the time in which it was spoken.
What I am getting at is this. The Olivet Discourse applies to both. Then and now. An understanding in prophecy known as duel fulfillment. It applies to both periods of time. Then and now. Especially as it applies to the seventieth week and the time of Jacobs woes. For the Jews it applies directly. For us as Gentiles if elightens our understanding of this present age and the age to be fulfilled.
God Bless.
There’s a whole lot of people trying to rationalize Christians are the new Jews and Israel is not really Israel despite the prophecies to the very day.
The following is of utmost importance:
There’s a very simple reason why the Lord never explained the Church Age in any detail. It’s because He came to offer the Kingdom to Israel. The theme of His ministry to Israel was, “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near” (Matt. 4:17). And when He sent the original 12 disciples out on their first missionary trip He told them, “Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near’ (Matt. 10:5-7). Then there’s the strange incident where Jesus refused to even acknowledge the Canaanite woman who begged Him to heal her daughter. When the disciples urged Him to respond to her, He replied, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel” (Matt. 15:24).
Here is where much of the church goes astray failing to understand Pauls message of separation. Paul was chosen to reveal the message of Grace unto the Gentiles. When the two messages (Law and Grace) are mixed it leads to great confusion.
(For reasons of clarity I should add, I don’t believe in unconditional Eternal Security either as Calvinists believe)
With that being said:
Galatians 2
King James Version
2 Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also.
2 And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain.
3 But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised:
4 And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage:
5 To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.
6 But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man’s person:) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me:
7 But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter;
8 (For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:)
9 And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.
10 Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do.
11 But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.
12 For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision.
13 And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation.
14 But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?
15 We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles,
16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
17 But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid.
18 For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor.
19 For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God.
20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.
In order to further clarify the understanding of the church age dispensation to the Gentiles, we need to uderstand the following:
Because the Jews rejected their Messiah, God turned to the Gentiles and offered Grace. Hence, we were grafted in:
Romans 11
King James Version
11 I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.
2 God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel saying,
3 Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life.
4 But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal.
5 Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.
6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then it is no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.
7 What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded.
8 (According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day.
9 And David saith, Let their table be made a snare, and a trap, and a stumblingblock, and a recompence unto them:
10 Let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see, and bow down their back alway.
11 I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.
12 Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness?
13 For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:
14 If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them.
15 For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead?
16 For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches.
17 And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert grafted in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree;
18 Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee.
19 Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be grafted in.
20 Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear:
21 For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee.
22 Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.
23 And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be grafted in: for God is able to graft them in again.
24 For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert grafted contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree?
25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.
26 And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:
27 For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.
28 As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the father’s sakes.
29 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.
30 For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief:
31 Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy.
32 For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.
Amen.
God offered His Grace to Israel one last time before turning to the Gentiles. He did this through Steven. But instead they stoned Stephen and rejected the message of Salvation unto the Jews first. But this is not to say God has abandoned the Apple of His eye. But rather in due time will offer His focus again to save the Jews. But because of their present condition regarding Salvation, will suffer greatly first.
Acts 7:
51 Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.
52 Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers:
53 Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it.
54 When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth.
55 But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,
56 And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.
57 Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord,
58 And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man’s feet, whose name was Saul.
59 And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.
60 And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
Sorry ducttape45. Not sure what happened. Post 88 was meant for MAGG.
The Jews blame Christians and rightly so because so many factions of Christianity just slaughtered Jews. There's scripture in Zechariah Zec 13:8 And it shall come to pass, that in all the land, saith the LORD, two parts therein shall be cut off and die; but the third shall be left therein. Zec 13:9 And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The LORD is my God.
It's a tragedy we blame each other for Jesus' death. We've all missed the mark and only through His cleansing blood as the living atonement can we be white as snow.
Many many Christians, and Jews can't see this. And yes, Stephen was murdered because of his incredible bravery and true words.
IdayI agree. I had a similar discussion a few days ago.
I wrote:
Who crucified my Lord? Was it the Jews or the Romans?
Who drove the nails?
It was I. It was my sins. I am the guilty.
Forgive me Lord. It was I that drove the nails.
It was I that You found worthy enough to endure the pain and suffering. It was I that received your Grace. Your unmerited favor. Your Word says we will be learning of Your Grace for the ages to come.
Though I am unworthy Lord, You remained Faithful! And You uttered not a word.
1’st Peter 1:
19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
20 Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,
The Truth is not in you, as evidenced by your bold lie of ‘interchangeably’. You are of your father. Having no Truth in you, you lack the discernment to recognize to whom the Word of God is addressed in various passages. We won’t see you in the clouds ...
•Matt 9:35 And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. The Kingdom was right there with them, because Jesus the King was right there with them. The Jewish leaders rejected The Present With Them Kingdom and God withdrew the offer to establish the millennial Kingdom at that time.
•Matt 16:13-20: 18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.Again, deceiver, Jesus speaks of the KINGDOM OF HEAVEN where HIS Redeemed are present with Him. This is the KINGDOM IN HEAVEN, not the physical millennial reign of Christ UPON THE EARTH.
•Luke 11:20 But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you.The Kingdom of GOD, not specifically only the Kingdom of Heaven OR the KINGDOM of the Millenial reign of the Christ upon the Earth. The Kingdom of God was where GOD WITH US stood before the leaders of Israel.
Lacking spiritual discernment you fail to see that Jesus was offering to establish the Millenial Reign KINGDOM at the point where the scene is found in Luke. You are a very pernicious deceiver, working for the confusion agenda of satan.
Brother, it is necessary that we remain vigilant, for you see on this very thread satan’s little minions trying to sow confusion and error. Not all who read these threads where we are ‘preaching to the choir’ are yet members of The Body of Christ, joined by faith alone in Christ alone. You can identify for your own satisfaction whom it is that is doing more than just occupying until He returns for they are active in rebutting the lies from the evil one delivered through his dead soul dupes.
‘These’ people are not ready for that message. When the antichrist comes upon the scene, too many will be persuaded that he is delivering truth and protection, and they will be doomed for eternity away from God.
Sweet words to Jesus n me. Very sweet words!
Thank you for your so cogent posts.
They’re ready to hear but they’re led astray and no one is watering and nurturing them or there’s a bitter creek? Our volition is a right God refuses to demand and as you stated, He’ll give them their choice, weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Hear here! Amen
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