Jim's Eschatological Info

Los Amigos home bible studies has just concluded a three-part series focusing on the ontology of Jesus as put forth in the scriptures as well as an analysis of current orthodoxy concerning His place in the Godhead. This series is, admittedly, controversial as it may challenge your perception of our Lord. The three parts are entitled “Beginnings”, “Agency”, and “Kenosis”. Here is the link for all Los Amigos Bible studies: The Los Amigos Bible Study – YouTube. The link for the first session of this new series: Theology of the Son – Beginnings.

Please remember that this is a “home” bible study, so do not judge it based on professionalism or the presenter, but on content. As always, comments are invited, positive or negative. Iron sharpens iron.

Maranatha, Jim

The short answer: possibly. It’s clear that in revelation, a friendly location emerges for believing Israel to flee when the great tribulation begins. “But the woman was given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness to her place, where she is nourished for a time, times, and half a time, from the presence of the serpent.” (Revelation 12:14). This is the time Jesus warned Israel about: “Therefore when you see the ‘abomination of desolation’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (whoever reads let him understand) then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.” Matthew 24: 15-16). Although the word “mountains” as used in scripture is usually a high hill – the normal definition-there is a prophetic use in Revelation 17:9 equating mountains with empires, or great nations. Is it possible that this is where believing Israel is to flee (fly)? Is it also possible that the United States is that mountain, that “great eagle” who facilitates her flight to safety? I would suggest that such a conclusion is within scriptural possibility. It’s obvious that actual mountains local to Israel cannot provide “nourishment” and physical protection for large numbers of Israelis for this 3 1/2 year period. However, a rapid and sustained air lift to the US could be carried out with a short duration.

Considering the above as a possible scenario, it would be necessary that the US would have in place a government friendly, accommodating to Israel, and aware of Biblical prophecy. While the previous US administration was openly hostile to Israeli interests, the Trump administration is just the reverse as was clearly demonstrated in his past term and is indicative of the next four years. So, yes, maybe this is part of God’s prophetic plan.

One thing we know with absolute certainty is that Trump, whether you support him or not, would not be in office unless God wanted him there to fulfill His purpose. “He removes kings and raises up kings” (Daniel 2:21). “For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.” (Romans 13:1).

Whatever happens concerning what is prophesied in our near future, rest assured that God is in full control, engineering and maneuvering events to fulfill His Word. What an exciting time to be alive and witnessing our Lords prophecies coming to pass!

Maranatha, Jim

About 4 years ago I wrote an article entitled “Keeping an Eye on Turkey”. With Recep Erdogan as Turkey’s Dictator, that nation is quickly becoming the main geopolitical rival of Israel. Erdogan, since coming to power in 2002, has transformed turkey into a radical Islamist state. Erdogan himself is a hardcore radical Sunni (Sufi) Islamist and diehard leader of the Muslim Brotherhood. The Brotherhood exists to restore an Islamic Caliphate modeled after the Ottoman Empire. Erdogan has ambitions to be that Caliph.

The recent fall of Syria into radical Islamist hands has delighted Erdogan, as his influence can now proceed unhindered throughout the only country between Turkey and Israel. And, as Israel is busy destroying what’s left of Syria’s weapon stockpiles and establishing buffer zones along their borders with Syria, Erdogan has given Israel a warning. He just stated a couple of days ago that Israel must withdraw its forces from Syrian territory or face “an unfavorable outcome”, his words for a war threat. We need to remember that Turkey is a NATO member nation with the second largest military in that alliance. The waning influence of Iran and her proxies projects Turkey into the limelight as Israel’s #1 enemy.

Turkey in an unmistakable player in prophesied end-time events and so bears watching. Refresh your information on Turkey by reading the aforementioned article here: Keeping an eye on Turkey – Google Docs

Maranatha, Jim

“See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” (Ephesians 5:15-16). “Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside (of the faith), redeeming the time.“ (Colossians 4:5). Sound advice from the apostle Paul about not wasting our time on this earth chasing fool’s errands but doing the Father’s will as the kingdom of His Son approaches. To walk circumspectly means to carry out His will diligently and exactly or precisely. And how do we know His will? “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. “ (Romans 12:2). I don’t think I need to convince you that the days are certainly evil and continually getting worse. And we need to approach those outside our Christian faith with Godly wisdom that can only come from a mind mature in handling God’s Word trained to follow the Spirit’s lead.

The word “redeeming” means to “purchase” for ourselves every opportunity for doing good. Saints, we are instructed to redeem the time. The time left is truly short and we must take advantage of every occasion to confront evil and be effective witnesses for the coming kingdom of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Maranatha, Jim

It’s that time of the year again, time to consider reading through the entire bible in one year. I hope you’ll decide to do that, whether it’s for the first time or the 30th. Just a suggestion, as this blog primarily is concerned with eschatological topics. As you’re reading and studying, and you come across passages that may be related to future prophecy as determined by wording such as, “in the last days”, or “at the time of the end”, jot them down and keep a listing. You can then refer to them later to help prepare for what’s soon coming. I think you all know that I feel the last days are upon us and Jesus’s return is near.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and here’s wishing you a happy new year filled with personal bible reading and the many revelations that come with it.

Maranatha, Jim

When is the last time you heard a sermon in your church describing the nearness of our Lord’s return and how you should be preparing? Did it include a summary of the signs already fulfilled that indicate His 2nd advent is near? Did it include a discussion of the signs yet to be fulfilled that Jesus commanded us to watch for so that we are ready? Most likely, if you’re an average Christian the answer to these questions is no or, perhaps, even never. The vast majority of Christian pastors will pay lip service to the fact that Jesus is coming back someday but usually quote out of context a verse that says, “no one knows the day or hour”. Based on this they ignore eschatological scripture or teaching about yet to be filled prophecy labeling it as too controversial. What this leads to is a church that is asleep and largely ignorant of biblical prophecy. Needless to say, this is sad and unfortunate as many Christians will be easily deceived when confronted with the coming “great tribulation.”

The apostle Paul gave some good instruction in his letter to the Romans almost two thousand years ago. How much more appropriate are his words in our day. “And do this; knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand.” (Romans 13:11-12). Jesus said, “Watch therefore, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming-in the evening, at midnight, at the crowing of the rooster, or in the morning-lest, coming suddenly, he finds you sleeping.“ (Mark 13:35-36). Paul stated emphatically to the Thessalonians, “But you, brethren, are not in darkness so that this day should overtake you as a thief. You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. Therefore, let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober.” (1 Thessalonians 5:4-6)

As I’ve stated before in previous posts, watching for the signs Jesus gave us is not an option for Christians, but a command. Regardless of the teaching or lack of teaching you are sitting under, it behooves you individually to carefully study all the prophetic passages in both Old and New Testaments so that you are adequately prepared for these last days. God is busy shaping events in order to fulfill His Word. And they’re happening quickly. Every prophecy will come to pass. You can count on it. Of course, you’ll miss most of it if you’re sleeping!

Maranatha, Jim

Keeping abreast of end-time events is not a choice for Christians. That is if you’re obeying Jesus’s command. He commanded us all to watch and stay aware always looking for the signs He so abundantly gave us. After giving His disciples a great detail of information about the times just preceding His second coming, He told them this: “It is like a man going to a far country, who has left his house and gave authority to his servants, and to each his work, and commanded the doorkeeper to watch.” (Mark 13: 34). He then added this: “And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!” (Mark 13: 37). If we choose to ignore His command, we will be woefully unprepared and unable to discern the season of His arrival. He clearly stated that “when we see all these things, (the signs He had just given them) know that it is near-at the doors” (Matthew 24: 33). Yes, know! He’s given us more than we need to be ready and anticipating His arrival. “But take heed; see, I have told you all things beforehand.” (Mark 13:23)

Considering the vast proliferation of news sources available to all in our day, it takes little effort to stay informed about significant last days events. God has provided countless “watchmen on the wall” to help make sure we’re up to date. You can consider this blog as one small effort to keep you informed. Let’s all adhere to Jesus’s command and- Watch!

Maranatha, Jim

The word “resurrection” as used in the bible simply means a dead person restored to life. The word “rapture”(which is not in the bible) as used in modern prophetic discourse also means resurrection but includes physical change from a mortal body to a glorious immortal one at Jesus’s second coming. (1 Corinthians 15:51-52).

Resurrections are detailed three time in the Old Testament, all in 1st and 2nd Kings at the hands of the prophets Elijah and Elisha. Included are the widow Zarephath’s son, the Shunammite womans son, and a dead man contacting Elisha’s bones. In the gospels, there are the resurrections of the widow of Nain’s son, Jairus’s daughter, Lazarus, many holy people at Jesus’s death, and, of course, Jesus Himself. The gospels also imply many resurrections that are not described. The Book of Acts details Peter’s raising of Tabitha, and Paul’s raising of Eutychus.

Of utmost importance is the fact that all of us are going to experience a resurrection from death with the exception of those who belong to Christ and are alive at His coming. Then, everyone will be judged. “….it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.” (Hebrews 9:27). Paul said: “…. there will be a resurrection of the dead both of the just and the unjust” (Acts 24:15). These resurrections are commonly termed the “general” resurrections as they will encompass all mankind in our future. Jesus taught us about this: “…. for the hour is coming when all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth-those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.” (John 5:28-29).

These two general resurrections are clearly described in John’s vision in the Book of Revelation. “Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the Word of God, who had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. (But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished.) This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power.” (Revelation 20: 4-6). Please note that if you read the above scripture without the parenthetical insert, it’s obvious that those who endured and were martyred during the “great tribulation” take part in the “first” resurrection. This first resurrection is clearly the general resurrection of all believers (the just, the resurrection of life) when Jesus comes in all His glory. The parenthetical insertion states that the second general resurrection will take place 1000 years after the first. This is called the “Great white Throne Judgment” (Revelation 20:11-15) when all those not raised in the first resurrection will be raised to face judgment. Scripture is clear, there will be two general resurrections.

Unfortunately, many prophecy teachers posit that there will be at least three general resurrections, and some even more. Many exegetical gymnastics are required to come to these conclusions, all which do violence to the scriptures. A basic understanding of end time events will give the student of prophetic scripture clarity as to when these resurrections (raptures?) will occur. For an in depth look at the “when” of the first resurrection as related to other end time events please look up and read the scriptures referred to in this previous post. The “When” of the Resurrection of the Righteous – Jim’s Eschatological Info

Maranatha, Jim

It’s likely that because of this late date the individual who will transform into the antichrist is already in limited power in the geographical area he will arise from. We know for certain we will be able to positively identify him at the midpoint of Daniel’s 70th week. It’s then he will declare himself to be worshipped as God in the holy place on Jerusalem’s temple mount. We can’t and won’t mistake that. But the question is, will we be able to determine his identity before that? This may be important in our preparation for the “great tribulation” Jesus warned us about. The answer is maybe; here are some biblical clues.

One important clue is to watch those who rise to power in the area the bible indicates the antichrist will come from. That area is the old Assyrian empire to the north of Israel of which a major part is modern day Turkey. This is strongly indicated by verses such as Micah 5:5-6 (Assyrian), Ezekiel 38:15 (Gog-from the north quarter), Daniel 8 (Little horn-from Greece, that is ‘Yavan’ or western Turkey). Another clue is that he is likely to survive a major wound that should have killed him but from which he miraculously recovers. This could come from an assassination attempt, or a military battle. A third clue is the ‘number of his name'(666) which might be determined using Greek alpha-numerics. A fourth clue that should help will be his personal attributes as described in Daniel and Revelation. He is a charismatic leader of ‘fierce countenance’, a schemer and deceiver who is largely successful in battle. His influence and reputation will earn him high regard among the nations. A fifth clue is that he rises out of obscurity as opposed to royal inheritance. A sixth clue is his organization of a loyal 10 nation confederacy that will fully align with his nefarious goals. A seventh clue is that he will be the primary driver behind a “covenant with the many” that will kick off the final 7 years of this age till Jesus returns.

These seven clues taken together should give us a heads up as to his identity even before the middle of Daniel’s 70th week. I’ve provided much more detail about the antichrist in chapter 7 of my book “Last Days Events”. You can access it here: Last Days Events Sequence and Synchrony – Kindle edition by Weinert, James. Religion & Spirituality Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

It’s imperative that the Church watch for these clues so we can prepare and do all we can to resist this individual.

Maranatha, Jim

Back in August I penned a post entitled “US Election and Bible Prophecy”. I’m sharing a link to it here: US Election and Bible Prophecy – Jim’s Eschatological Info. I ask you to read it and look at what I felt were the scriptural reasons this election would be so important and vital for the eschatological future of the United States. Things are looking a little brighter for the US as viewed from a biblical standpoint.

Maranatha, Jim