[BeHoldAPaleHorse]

"Many (including myself) use the phrase "end times" very loosely when referring to prophetic end of the age events. An eschatological analysis of the book of Daniel would indicate that the "End Times" is a fairly short period of time - 3.5 years - the last 3.5 years of the remaining 7 years of Daniel's 70 weeks (490 years) of trouble decreed upon the nation of Israel."

That's what bugs me. Either we're really in the end times, or we're not. And I've been hearing the "end times" cliche for most of my life, and I'm a wee bit older than 3.5 years :)

[Mark in the Old South]

I am fairly certain the 3.5 years you refer to is the Tribulation. I do not think the Bible is all that clear on the duration of "End Times" Genesis covered thousands to Millions of years (depending on you view of the creation story)

[OB1kNOb]

Agreed. The term "end times" had been turned into a cliche - long before we were born. Perhaps because many think that the resurrection of the nation of Israel must be the beginning of the "end times"?... or perhaps they think that the period of time after the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, until His return constituted the "end time", meaning the last dispensation of age prior to Jesus' returning?

Personally, I firmly do not believe we are in the "end times" (i.e. timeperiod between the antichrist's attack to overtake Israel and the return of Jesus). I would tend to say we may be in the "beginning of sorrows" timeperiod. (Matt24:3-8). Either way, in the end, GOD wins!