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Christ specifically warned that we're not entitled to know when He's going to return.

By the way, the name is Dr. LaHaye and yes, Christ said we will not know the day or the hour, not even He would know the time but only The Father. Many people quote that passage and miss the point by implying it is usless to consider the timing of the "coming day." Of course we are not to claim to be able to set a date, however, this passage from Mark 13 ...

28) Now learn this lesson from the fig tree:

29) Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that it is near, right at the door.

30) I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened.

31) Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.

32) "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.

33)Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come.

It's clear that the fig tree metaphor strongly implies that we should recognize the "season" as it approaches. Like my Bible Study leader says, "It's time to get ready and to get others ready!". That's the important message.

Many point to war as the leading factor of End Times and as you rightly say, there have been larger catostrophic times than these days. However, there are many other factors that are significant such as 1) Israel is in the land - Ezekiel 37, 2) Only the last few decades have we had world-wide communication that would allow the simultaneous worldwide observation of the two witnesses

For three and a half days men from every people, tribe, language and nation will gaze on their bodies and refuse them burial. Revelation 11:9 (NIV).

3) The Gospel approaching worldwide proliferation for the first time "The Gospel will be heard by every tribe", 4)Nahum 2 says

The chariots storm through the streets,
rushing back and forth through the squares.
They look like flaming torches;
they dart about like lightning

Sounds like modern day travel to me.

5) Never has Paul's words to Timothy about men loving themselves been more true, 6) A great usage of Sorcery (actually in the original Greek Pharmacia or Drugs), and 7) The Earth is literally groaning with "birth pangs" awaiting the coming of Christ. This is a sign representing increasing frequency and magnitude (just like giving birth - so I'm told) that foretells the coming event. I'm no geologist but I've been told the number of severe earthquakes have dramatically increased over the last 50-60 years (and this takes into account the enhanced technology that detects earthquakes).

I too would critisize a "date setter", however, I would be just as critical of one who says we should not seek out and recognize the coming time. Just my $0.02.

I too would critisize a "date setter", however, I would be just as critical of one who says we should not seek out and recognize the coming time. Just my $0.02.

I've always been a consistent "date setter". If anyone says he's going to come back on a date certain, you can be certain that he will not come back on that date. Jesus said that he comes at a time when ye think not. So if you think so, then I think not.

So when everyone has pretty much given up on the idea that he's going to be coming, then he will come as a thief. Just my $.02. :-)

GREAT POINTS.

REGARDING A KEY END TIMES SIGN:

BTW, my pastor just returned recently from a visit to Albuquerque and a pastor's meeting with Hosanna music org and the--I think--American Bible society who are collaborating to get wind-up/solar MP3 players with Scriptures in their language. If my memory serves me right, they expect to have 96% or more of the remaining people groups without a Bible--to have at least major portions of The Bible within 8-12 years. They calculate it will take $25,000 to provide one people group with the Scriptures orally in their language--rather essential since many such groups have no written language and most individuals would be illiterate anyway.

A wonderful serendipity thing . . . they group requires that the people group/tribe

CHOOSE THE PERSON OF PEACE--WHO IN THE TRIBE IS KNOWN AS A "PERSON OF PEACE" AND THAT PERSON IS THEN CONTRACTED TO HOST ONCE A WEEK 1 HOUR OR SO OF LISTENING TO THE BIBLE ORALLY AND 1 HOUR OR SO DISCUSSING IT.

They discovered that just doing that--in one case, going back a year later--there were 60+ quality churches already up and going just from the Scriptures and Holy Spirit leading the people from The Scriptures.

PRAISE GOD!