Will You be Found “Worthy” to flee to Places of Safety on the Day of the Lord?

Our Lord gave us a stern warning about the days nearing His coming that we’d best not ignore. “But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the earth. Watch therefore and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21:34-36).

The wants, cares, and trials of this life will be a snare to you if your primary focus is on them. Instead, Jesus directed us to watch so that we are prepared and pray always. Always is translated from three Greek words; en pas kairos, which mean on every occasion. And the subject of that prayer is that we may be found worthy, that is, to be deemed entirely deserving. Found deserving or worthy of what? “To escape all these things”. There is a modern prevalent teaching that this means our Lord will come and snatch us away to heaven before all these things happen. But that is not what Jesus said. The word “escape” as it is usually translated here (ekphuego) (ek-out of) (phuego-flee) simply means to flee away from. Jesus used the same word to tell those in Judea to flee when they see the AOD set up in the temple. “Then let those who are in Judea flee (phuego) to the mountains.” (Matthew 24:16). Revelation also uses this word to describe a fleeing. “Then the woman fled (phuego) into the wilderness…“(Revelation 12:6). What Jesus is clearly saying in Luke is if we are found worthy, we can and will be directed and flee toward places of safety from the antichrist and the judgments from God that are coming on all the earth. There is no “catching away” even implied here.

Some scriptures you can look up that reference flights to safety in these end times that you can look up, Psalm 27:5, Isaiah 26:20-21, Matthew 24 :15-16, Revelation 3:10, Revelation 12:6, Revelation 12:13-14.

Real sincere Christians have nothing to fear as we approach these last days. Our Father knows how to keep His Son’s Bride safe in times of great tribulation. We simply need to heed His warning to watch and pray always that we may be found worthy to escape (flee out from) all that’s about to come to pass and stand before Him.

Maranatha, Jim

Are Daniel’s Prophecies Still Sealed?

The Book of Daniel is the go-to book along with Revelation for latter-day prophecy about what is happening in our time. However, among the myriad prophecies is a qualifier that should give the student of prophecy pause. And the prophet repeats this qualifier for emphasis. “But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book until the time of the end.” (Daniel 12:4). “Go your way, Daniel, for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end.” (Daniel 12:9). Before closing out his detailing of end-time prophecies, Daniel did add this concerning those last days prophecies: “…. None of the wicked shall understand, but the wise shall understand.” (Daniel 12:10). Thus, the angelic messenger giving Daniel those prophecies told him that though they are to be sealed, they will be open and unsealed in the last days for the “wise”. Who are the wise? According to the Bible, those who fear God and keep His commandments.

The questions we have to answer follow. Are we actually living in the last days when Christians should easily understand Daniel’s prophecies? If so, when did the “time of the end” start? Does the bible point to a specific beginning that from that point on Daniel’s prophecies could be understood by the wise as the angel indicated? The answer is yes, and I believe quite clear. I believe our Lord Himself opened Daniel’s book to our understanding. This occurred during His Olivet Discourse when He taught His disciples and us what to watch for in order to discern the time of His second coming. Here’s what He said, “Therefore when you see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the holy place, (let the reader understand) …” (Matthew 24: 15). Here, Jesus is clearly encouraging us to go and read Daniel’s book if we are to fully comprehend what He had just taught. The parenthetical expression “let the reader understand” is obviously related to the angel’s statement to Daniel that in the end times the wise would understand. The words spoken by Jesus for the reader (let understand) (noieo-Gr.) is His permission to use our intellect to comprehend the written words of Daniel. From that point on nearly 2000 years ago the prophecies of book of Daniel have been open to our understanding. Shortly after Jesus said this, roughly 55 days later, He sent the paraclete to help our understanding. “… He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak, and He will tell you of things to come. (John 16:13).

Yes, we’re living in the final years of the end time. But, according to the writers of the New Testament who all wrote their books during the first century, the last days began in their day following Jesus’s ascension and we are just now nearing culmination. Regardless of what you might have been told, all of the end time prophecies in the bible are understandable including those in Daniel. After all, Jesus Himself proclaimed that the reader of Daniel was to understand. He wouldn’t have said that if the book was still sealed. If you think you can’t understand biblical prophecy, just keep reading and studying. If you seek, you’ll find. Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to dwell in you, lead you into all truth, and teach you of things to come.

Maranatha, Jim

Is There a Devastating Asteroid Impact in Earth’s Near Future?

There has been much recent discussion about the potential for a destructive asteroid collision with earth. Recently asteroid 2024-YR4 was given a 3.2% chance of striking earth in 2032, but new projections by NASA have dropped the odds to near zero. Another much larger asteroid dubbed 99942-Apophis was originally given a probability of 2.7% that it would hit the earth on Friday, April 13, 2029. This has also been reduced to a “close encounter”, but not a direct impact. Of course, the odds of a catastrophic asteroid impact with earth at any time in the future are nearly 100%. But what does the bible say about this? The answer is clear. The odds are 100% that a huge meteorite impact is coming. And, coming soon, probably within a decade!

Here is the bible passage describing this event: “Then the second angel sounded. And something like a great mountain burning with fire was thrown into the sea, and a third of the sea became blood. And a third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed.” (Revelation 8:8-9). “Great mountain” is certainly describing something of significant mass. The fact that it is “burning with fire” accurately describes meteors as they catch fire from friction upon entry into earth’s atmosphere. This incident takes place as the 2nd trumpet announces the 2nd vial of God’s judgments poured out on the earth. Take note that it crashes into the “sea“. As the grammar uses the definite article (the) identifying “sea“, it is likely describing a specific sea. When there are no other identifiers indicated, bible writers are usually referring to the Mediterranean Sea. Thus, we can surmise a great meteoric impact to the Mediterranean Sea sometime during the last half of Daniel’s 70th week (Great Tribulation) powerful enough to destroy a third of all seafaring traffic and kill a third of all aquatic life. Undoubtably it’s sheer size will wreak havoc on the shores of those nations who border the Mediterranean (think tsunamis). It’s also sure to have global consequences far beyond the Mediterranean Sea. I published a recent post about Apophis, you can read it here: Will the Asteroid “Apophis” be a Part of the Prophesied Cosmic Signs? – Jim’s Eschatological Info

No question, a monster asteroid impact is coming as predicted by the bible, and, evidently, efforts by mankind to deflect it will be ineffective. This is part of God’s wrath against unrepentant humanity that is surely coming, and this asteroid is but a minor part. Are you ready for great tribulation?

Maranatha, Jim

End-Times Info-Where to Watch

Our Lord commanded us to “watch” as events unfold near the end of the age so that we can determine, as he said in parable form, what watch of the night the thief is coming and not let our house be broken into. In these last days, we are afforded many ways to carry out His command that would not have been available on a timely basis, even in the recent past. This is another indication that we truly are fast approaching the time of His second coming. We now have a plethora of media sources, both Christian and otherwise, that are instantly accessible by those who recognize the need to stay informed. Collectively, they act as “watchmen on the wall” to help us recognize prophesied events as they take shape. I’ve listed below some of the sources I personally check with intermittently to stay up to date. Hopefully this list will help you as well. I’ll provide a link to each so you can access them with any electronic device.

KOENIG | Koenig’s Eye View

Stories Mainstream Media Doesn’t Cover – Israel365 News

PROPHECY UPDATE – Bible prophecy update

WorldNetDaily

MEMRI | Middle East Media Research Institute

End Time Headlines | News From a Prophetic Perspective

Tracking the Birth Pangs – News and Links

Christian News – CHRISTIAN NEWS – LAST MINUTE

ISRAEL RADAR – Geopolitical Intelligence & Analysis

Harbinger’s Daily – World News Biblically Understood

Erick Stakelbeck on TBN – YouTube

The Israel Guys – Homepage – The Israel Guys

Israeli Newspapers: Jewish News Syndicate | Israel News | Jewish World News | JNS, The Times of Israel | News from Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish World, Israel news | Israel Hayom – www.israelhayom.com, Breaking News | The Jerusalem Post

I must note here that I do not necessarily subscribe to their particular views on biblical eschatology, but they are potential sources of breaking news. Of course, there are many other sources, such as individual watchmen and prophecy teachers that you might follow on social media or blogs such as this one. I’ll try to keep you updated about significant events as they happen, so stay tuned as things are about to get even more exciting! I also need to remind you of my book that details just what our bible says to watch for in chronological order. You can find it here: Last Days Events: Sequence and Synchrony: Weinert, J D: 9798858723684: Amazon.com: Books

Maranatha, Jim

Zephaniah’s Remarkable Prophecy Concerning Gaza

The prophet Zephaniah penned a prophecy concerning the east coast of the Mediterranean Sea in context of the soon coming “Day of the Lord”. It is of particular significance considering the current events surrounding the eventual fate of Gaza so prominent in today’s news. I’ve reproduced Zephaniah 2:3-7 in its entirety from the NASB below:

3 Seek the LORD, all you humble of the earth who have carried out His ordinances; seek righteousness, seek humility. Perhaps you will be hidden in the day of the LORD’S anger.

4 For Gaza will be abandoned and Ashkelon a desolation; Ashdod will be driven out at noon and Ekron will be uprooted.

5 Woe to the inhabitants of the seacoast, the nation of the Cherethites! The word of the LORD is against you, O Canaan, land of the Philistines; and I will destroy you so that there will be no inhabitant.

6 So the seacoast will be pastures, with caves for shepherds and folds for flocks.

7 And the coast will be for the remnant of the house of Judah, they will pasture on it. In the houses of Ashkelon they will lie down at evening; For the LORD their God will care for them and restore their fortune.

It doesn’t sound too good for the current Gazans, does it?

Maranatha, Jim

New Bible Study “Theology of the Son”

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

Did Trump’s Win Fulfill Biblical Prophecy?

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

Turkey

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

Redeeming the Time

“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

New Year Bible Reading

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