Jim's Eschatological Info

Down through the centuries and particularly in modern times, Christians of various persuasions have set dates for Jesus’s return. They typically base their conclusions on prophetic biblical texts they presume to be definitive for this purpose. Of course, all previous dates set earlier than today have failed because, obviously, Jesus hasn’t returned yet. The question is, should they even be doing this?

Though there have been many, one missed prediction in particular comes to mind. In the 1980’s when I was still a young Christian, a man by the name Edgar Whisenant, a bible student and NASA engineer published a book titled “88 Reasons Why the Rapture Will Be in 1988”. He based his prediction on his particular approach to biblical numerology and the fact that Israel became a nation again in 1948. One “generation” from then, which he mistakenly concluded was 40 years, gets one to 1988. He proceeded to back that up with his interpretation of many Old Testament prophecies, largely from Daniel. He stated that he had amassed 23,000 clues from biblical sources that proved his conclusion. However, the only thing he was successful at was selling his book which was published by the World Bible Society. He sold over 4 1/2 million copies and shipped 300,000 free copies to ministers across America. He was famously quoted as saying “I would stake my life on Rosh Hashana 1988.”

So, using Whisenant’s example, what’s wrong and what’s right about this?

Let’s start with what’s wrong. If Whisenant had simply stated “it’s my opinion that Jesus will return in 1988″, he would have merely been sharing his conclusions based on his personal studies, laying them out for all to judge. But that’s not what he did. He presented his conclusions as firm and undeniable and if it didn’t happen as he stated then the bible is lying to us. Unfortunately, many of his followers believed him and took action such as selling their properties and blindly taking his advice. When Jesus didn’t return, they were not only devastated, but many rejected Christianity altogether. Whisenant meanwhile basked in the millions he reaped from vulnerable easily deceived Christians. A significant portion of Christianity became a laughingstock in secular and Christian media. So, altogether not a good experience.

Let’s look at what could have been right about this incident. If Whisenant had humbly and honestly shared his studied opinion and opened it to scholarly debate, it could have served to educate Christians and the world about prophetic scriptures. It might have spurred Christians into serious bible study which ultimately could only have positive effects. Surely, Christians need to be informed about biblical prophecy so they can be alert and watching for the signs Jesus taught and how they fit with Old Testament teachings. We cannot fulfill Jesus’s command to watch if we are ignorant concerning what to watch for. In other words, even errant teaching such as Whisenant’s could have value if it prompts Christians into deeper study. And that is exactly what it did for me. It made me aware that prophetic scriptures just might be pointing to Jesus’s return, perhaps even in my lifetime. It sparked a curiosity in me that led to a deeper study of eschatology. But the question remains: should I use scripture study to put a date on the second coming?

It seems quite unlikely that God through His prophets and His Son would provide for us a wealth of clues to determine the timing of Jesus’s coming if He expected us to ignore them. Jesus severely criticized the Jews for not recognizing the time of His first coming. (Luke 12:56, 19:44). They certainly had plenty of biblical precedent. We have even more. We not only have the entire New Testament, but Jesus also gave us His Holy Spirit who will tell us of things to come. (John 16:13). There simply is no spiritual reason why we should not be fully engaged in attempting to ascertain the timing of our Lord’s return as part of our Christian experience. Once assured of our salvation, we should long for and “love His appearing”. (1 Timothy 4:8, Titus 2:13).

In my personal studies, I am currently of the opinion that while we can speculate about certain dates, it’s too early to be exacting. I do believe, however that we can determine the “season” of His return, which I also believe we are in now, even as I write this. It seems obvious to me that the biblical events leading up to Daniel’s 70th week (the last 7 years of this age) are current, such as the “beginning of birth pangs” Jesus talked about, the maturation of “mystery Babylon”, and the alignment of key individuals and nations. Once we are in the middle of the 70th week, the timing of which will be unmistakable, we will be able to accurately predict a date. I address all this in detail in my book; “Last Days Events-Sequence and Synchrony“. You can get it at Amazon Books both in paperback and Kindle format. It’s also on Kindle Unlimited for zero cost.

So, to address the title question, I would say yes, have a go at it. But don’t be rigidly dogmatic about your conclusions so not to be disillusioned. You’ll likely be wrong but better off because of the scripture study involved. Just remember that the odds of being correct on a specific date are quite small at this time but will increase as we near His return. Be sure to use proper scripture exegesis guided by a sound objective hermeneutic, and you’ll profit as one always does when studying God’s Word. Who knows? Maybe you’ll get it right!

Maranatha, Jim

Where is your punishment, O death? Where is your sting, O Hades? (Hosea 13:14 – Septuagint)

O death, where is thy Sting? O grave, where is thy victory? (1 Corinthians 15:55 – KJV)

HE IS RISEN!!

Happy Resurrection Day

Maranatha, Jim

The primary concern the Church has to deal with in these last days is deception. The significance of this was highlighted by Jesus during His comprehensive discussion of what it will be like as we near the end of the age. His teaching is commonly referred to as the Olivet Discourse. He began His treatise by saying: “Take heedthat no one deceives you.” (Matthew 24: 4). His message was not lost on His disciples as they frequently remind us how the “god of this world” blinds our eyes to the truth. I’m going to give you one example from the teaching of the Apostle Paul that demonstrates pervasive deception in our Christian church.

Both of Paul’s letters to the Thessalonians deal extensively with Jesus’s second coming and events leading up to the resurrection of the just. The Thessalonians were troubled about the timing of the resurrection (rapture of the saints) which some were deceptively teaching had already happened. Paul answered them plainly in easy-to-understand language. “Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus and our gathering together unto Him, we ask you, not to be shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come, let no one deceive you by any means; for that day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshipped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.” (2Thessalonians 2:1-4). When Paul says “the coming of our Lord Jesus” on the “day of Christ” when “our gathering together unto Him” takes place, he is clearly speaking of the second coming and the resurrection of the saints. “Our” gathering together identifies the future resurrection of those Thessalonian Christians, Paul himself, and all the righteous. Notice, he said “let no one deceive you by any means”. Obviously, there were false teachers in their presence that were deceiving them. Before that “gathering together unto Him” can happen, according to Paul, several things must first take place. One, a great falling away (apostacy). Two, the revealing of the antichrist. Three, the abomination of the antichrist demanding worship on the temple mount. Paul says “don’t be shaken in mind” or deceived by something supposedly from us (Paul and his associates) either from the spirit, spoken word, or written letter. Nothing like that had originated with them.

I’m sure most reading this are aware that many in our modern church teach that the next event in the biblical timeline is the “rapture” of the church (the resurrection or the gathering together of the church to Him). They teach that Jesus’s coming for His people is “imminent” in that nothing needs to happen before that can take place. This is precisely the deception that Paul so clearly refers to in 2nd Thessalonians. That same deception that confronted the Thessalonians is hugely present in the church today. Much has yet to happen before the resurrection of the saints which is not imminent nor has already happened as some preterists teach. Those that adhere to these deceptive teachings are likely to be ill-prepared for the tumultuous events of Daniel’s 70th week we are all going to face.

This is but one of many pervasive teachings and deceptions that are sweeping through God’s church. Many theological and exegetical gymnastics are employed to give supposed biblical support to these deceptive teachings. It’s up to us to be ever vigilant and confront false and deceptive teaching wherever we encounter it. Study effectively and become someone God can count on to “rightly divide the Word of truth”. When studying, use an objective hermeneutic that will keep you from error and counter deceptive teaching. Scroll down to an article linked below (Links to Articles) covering the hermeneutics I use when studying the bible. You may find it helpful. We all need to avoid deception by all possible means. God has given us all the study tools we need including the Helper-the Holy Spirit, the author of our bibles and Teacher Who abides in us and leads us into all truth. You have the mind of Christ and need not be subject to deception of any sort.

Maranatha, Jim

Unless you are totally oblivious to world news these days, you can’t miss the rise and increasing influence of Islam all across our world. Major world powers are quickly succumbing to Islam by tolerating open-border immigration into their countries without limit. Examples include European countries such as England, France, Germany, and Spain, where their large city centers are already taken over by Islamists touting Shariah law. 126 years ago, Winston Churchill prophetically said this which is now happening in our day:

“Individual Muslims may show splendid qualities, but the influence of the religion paralyses the social development of those who follow it. No stronger retrograde force exists in the world. Far from being moribund, Mohammedanism is a militant and proselytizing faith. It has already spread through Central Africa raising fearless warriors at every step; and were it not that Christianity is sheltered in the strong arms of science, the science against which it struggles, the civilization of Europe might fall, as fell the civilization of ancient Rome….”

This is also happening in many other countries across the globe on every continent. Of course, the middle east and northern Africa are already 100% Islamic with the exception of tiny Israel. And, as I pointed out in my last post, the origin of the coming antichrist is to the north of Israel, the region of Syria and Turkey. This antichrist will eventually form a union of ten nations that do his bidding, all of which are Islamic. That the antichrist is from Islam is the obvious conclusion.

In my book “Last Days Events“, I devoted an entire chapter to the biblical description of the antichrist- chapter 7. Here is an excerpt from that chapter:

“…A king shall arise, having fierce features, who understands sinister schemes. His power shall be mighty, but not by his own power; he shall destroy fearfully and shall prosper and thrive; he shall destroy the mighty, and also the holy people. Through his cunning he shall cause deceit to prosper under his rule; and he shall exalt himself in his heart. He shall destroy many in their prosperity. He shall even rise against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without human means.” (Daniel 8: 23-25) For a while he will seem tolerant of all religions. Ultimately, however, his true colors will emerge. “He shall regard neither the God of his fathers nor the desire of women, nor regard any god; for he shall exalt himself above them all. But, in their place, he shall honor a god of fortresses; and a god which his fathers did not know he shall honor with gold and silver, with precious stone and pleasant things. Thus, he shall act against the strongest fortresses with a foreign god, which he shall acknowledge, and advance its glory; and he shall cause them to rule over many and divide the land for gain.” (Daniel 11:37-39). Assuming he is descended from Japhetic or Hamitic roots, the God of his fathers would be Yahweh of the Old Testament. The desire of women is to be the maternal parent of the prophesied Messiah (Jesus). He has no respect for either of these, considering himself above them both (Father and Son). But he does honor a “god of fortresses” who his fathers did not know. This fits well with the late emergence of Allah, the god of Islam. It also fits well with his origins.”

I would also recommend Joel Richardson’s ground-breaking book “The Islamic Antichrist”. You can read it for free here: Islamic-Antichrist.pdf

Virtually all the turmoil we are presently witnessing in our world involves Islam in some form or fashion. Biblical prophecy indicates this will (shortly) lead to the emergence of “the man of sin”. Keep your eyes open!

Maranatha, Jim

The current war between Israel, the United States, and Iran will likely end with Iran being crushed both militarily and politically. Israel will certainly emerge as the big winner, but there will be others, not the least of which is Turkey. While Turkey has tolerated and even supported Iran and its proxies in its quest to annihilate Israel, it has been competing with Iran to become the dominant “power” in the region. Also, it is diametrically opposed to Iran as Iran is the leading Shia dominated country (at least the leadership), where Turkey is Sunni. These two branches of Islam clash with each other as enemies. Turkey under Erdogan is the main driver of the Muslim Brotherhood, seeking to reestablish the Caliphate over all of Islam as it was in the Ottoman Empire over a century ago. Iran being crushed and diminished in this current war gives Turkey the upper hand as the dominant Islamic power and a boost to Erdogan’s Muslim Brotherhood. This will vastly enhance Turkey’s influence in the region and likely have huge prophetic implications.

A few years ago, I wrote an article about keeping an eye on Turkey. I’m copying it in its entirety below with some editing. I think you’ll see the reason Turkey’s gain in this current conflict is important prophetically.

Keeping an Eye on Turkey

 Many times I’ve prompted my Christian friends and fellow Bible students interested in prophecy to keep an eye on developments in the nation of Turkey.  There are many scriptural reasons for this, the focus of the rest of this article.

  The current geography of Turkey constitutes the probable origin of the antichrist – otherwise referred to as the “beast” or the “man of sin” or the “little horn”.  One, he is said to be an “Assyrian”. (Micah 5:5&6, Isaiah 10:5&12).  The ancient lands of Assyria lay primarily to the north of Israel encompassing modern day Turkey.  Two, he comes from the breakup of the Grecian empire after Alexander the Great, specifically the northeastern part known as “Yavan” or Asia minor; again, modern day Turkey. (Daniel 8: 8&9, 21&22).   Three, he is called the “king of the north” in Daniel Chapter 11 as typified by Antiochus Epiphanes, who came from the area of Turkey.  Four, he is described as Gog – chief prince of Meshech and Tubal. (Ezekiel Chapters 38 and 39). Ezekiel describes the land of Gog and Magog being in the “north quarter” directly north of Israel, clearly describing Turkey.

   Since the location of the antichrist’s origin seems to be clear, what else is there about the nation of Turkey that indicates its connection to the Beast?  Much, it seems.  Turkey, till 1923 was the leader of the Muslim world under a Caliphate based out of Istanbul.  This Caliphate was known as the Ottoman Empire that rose out of the ashes of the Eastern Roman Empire. This Caliphate dominated the entire middle east and northern Africa including Israel during its second exile.  The book of Revelation in Chapter 17:7-18 describes the Beast to be the 8th following 7 prior kingdoms that historically ruled over Israel. They are also termed “heads or mountains”.  These 7 kingdoms can be listed as follows; Egyptian, Assyrian, Babylonian, Medo-Persian, Grecian, Roman, and the Ottoman.  Revelation Chapter 13:3 states that one of these “heads” was mortally wounded but came back to life.  None of the other kingdoms has come back to life, but, in our day, one is likely.  The Ottoman Empire. (Note- The “mortal wound” may be an actual physical wound to human antichrist.) The antichrist is himself “of the seven” (Rev. 17:11) and is also the eighth kingdom.  I believe we are about to witness the rebirth of the Ottoman Empire before our very eyes!

  In the 1920’s The Ataturk revolution and WW1 ended the Ottoman Empire and the Caliphate with Turkey becoming a secular state.  Shortly thereafter, The Muslim Brotherhood was formed in Egypt with a primary goal of restoration of the Ottoman to its former glory complete with a Caliphate ruling the Muslim world.  The brotherhood has been working in the background ever since without wavering from its goals.  Just a few years ago a man named Recep Erdogan was elected president of Turkey.  He was of the AKP party, an extension of the Muslim Brotherhood.  Since his election, the transformation of Turkey has been nothing short of remarkable.  He has quickly purged the politicians, journalists, and military leaders that stood in the way of the Islamization of Turkey.  He has engineered a constitutional change that effectively makes him dictator for life.  Erdogan has not hidden the fact that he desires the restoration of the Ottoman Empire, and is honored that many followers are ready to declare him Caliph.  Militarily, He has expanded his reach into Iraq, Libya, Afghanistan and now Syria. He has been a closet supporter of ISIS and Al Qaeda and is a virulent hater of Israel and all she stands for.  He openly supports Iranian proxies Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis, all enemies of Israel.  He is openly shunning NATO (of which Turkey is a member) and most western nations. He has recently converted the Hagia Sophia, once the largest Christian church in the world, along with another historic church into Mosques.  Erdogan himself is fascinated with Sufi Islam, a mystical form of Islam that could unite both Sunni and Shia Muslims.  He is in complete opposition to the “satanic” state of Israel. He is currently nearly at war with Greece and Cyprus over rights to Mediterranean gas.  He is at odds with Egypt’s Sisi for the overthrow of Egypt’s former leader, a member of the brotherhood. 

Revelation Chapter 17 states that the beast will form a ten-nation alliance that will crush “Mystery Babylon”, war with Israel and her allies and, ultimately, with Christ Himself at the battle of Armageddon.  If you’ve been watching, it’s not difficult to see this alliance taking shape in our day.  I believe this alliance will all be Muslim nations surrounding and to the north of Israel including Iran, Syria, Lebanon, Yemen, Ethiopia, Libya, and others led by Turkey.  Interestingly, in recent news we see an opposing alliance (Abraham Accords) forming with UAE, Bahrain, Jordan, possibly Saudi Arabia, and other potential Arab states signing peace agreements with Israel.

  In conclusion, I am not saying that Recep Erdogan is the prophesied antichrist, but, perhaps, a successor of his will be.  He certainly fits the biblical profile of the beast and propagates the most anti-Christian belief system that has ever existed.

  That’s why we need to keep an eye on Turkey.

Maranatha, Jim

All three synoptic gospels record an account of a vision Jesus supplied a select trio of His disciples, Peter, James, and John. He took them up high on a mountain so He could be alone with them and prayed to His Father until the vision was manifest. As the disciples watched, He was transfigured before their eyes into a glorious gleaming state. And the yet to be resurrected Moses and Elijah appeared at His side. “As He prayed, the appearance of His face was altered, and His robe became white and glistening. And behold, two men talked with Him, who were Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of His decease which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.” (Luke 9:29-31). The disciples were filled with fear as a cloud enveloped them out of which came a voice saying, “This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!” (Luke 9:35).

Just prior to this occurrence Jesus had told His disciples: “But I tell you truly, there are some standing here who will not taste death till they see the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:27). Then, after six days had elapsed, Jesus took them up the mountain and gave them a preview of what the kingdom would look like. These three were the ones standing there Jesus said would not die till they see the kingdom. The passing of six days is significant as it is mentioned in all three of the gospels. (Luke states eight days but includes the day of Jesus’s statement and the day of the transfiguration.) I believe the six days are confirmation of the six millennia span from when Jesus spoke the creation into existence till the coming of His millennial kingdom, the seventh millennia. This is further evidence that we are in the season of Jesus return in glory to set up His kingdom as we are closing in on the completion of 6000 years since creation.

Peter recalls this incident in his letter to the gentiles: “For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ but were eyewitnesses of His majesty. For He received from God the Father honor and glory when such a voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory: ‘This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.’ And we heard this voice which came from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain.” (2 Peter 1:16-18). Interestingly, Peter followed that up later by stating: “with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years one day.” (2 Peter 3:8).

The apostles were faithful to share with us the glory to come as they preached and wrote about the kingdom of God, not only what Jesus showed them, but even the timing of when it’s about to arrive. Peter further stated concerning this glorious transfiguration, “And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you will do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.” (2 Peter 1:19).

Maranatha, Jim

We are exhorted in the New Testament to become familiar with and hold on tightly to the teachings of Jesus’s apostles. “I stir up your pure minds by way of reminder that you may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and the commandments of us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior.” (2 Peter 3:1-2). This was faithfully adhered to in the early church. “They continued steadfastly in the apostle’s doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.” (Acts 2:42). “Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistles.“ (2 Thessalonians 2:15). The apostle Paul instructed Timothy: “Hold fast to the pattern of sound words you have heard from me.“ (2 Timothy 1:13). And this is even more important in these end-times: “exhorting one another (with these teachings), and so much more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:25).

Jesus’s brother Jude writes the following: “I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.” (Jude 1:3). The apostle’s doctrine was delivered completely for all time to the saints in the first century AD. They were totally successful in carrying out the commission from their Lord to preach and preserve the gospel of the kingdom. With the help of the Holy Spirit, it was a “fait accompli”. It was complete and lacked absolutely nothing. And nothing is to be added or subtracted.

The only comprehensive source of the complete doctrine of the apostles, the faith “once delivered”, is, of course, our bibles. Any other source is liable to contain error or religious constructs of men. As we see the “Day” approaching, it is more important than ever to follow the Apostles doctrine. This is not a time to drift off into error. Let’s hold fast to the faith and doctrine of the apostles. We do that by reading, studying, and sharing Gods word. Only then can we “earnestly contend” for the Faith. Saints, the Day of the Lord is drawing near.

Maranatha, Jim

Jesus shared a parable with His followers describing the wedding feast in His coming kingdom. It is recorded in both Matthew and Luke’s gospels. Matthew’s account records a unique incident. “But when the King came in to see the guests, He saw a man there who did not have on a wedding garment. So, He said to him, ‘friend, how did you come in here without a wedding garment?’ And he was speechless. Then the King said to the servants, ‘bind him hand and foot and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ ” (Matthew 22:11-13). So, just what is this garment without which admittance to the marriage supper isn’t possible? Apparently, all others in attendance were clothed with the appropriate apparel.

The apostle John was given a vision of the actual marriage supper to come in which he describes the bride’s wedding garments. “Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready. And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.” (Revelation 19:7-8). Job said: “I put on righteousness and it clothed me.” (Job 29:14). The Prophet Isaiah said: “My soul shall be joyful in my God; for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness.“ (Isaiah 61:10). From these verses, it’s evident that righteousness is a key characteristic of the proper garment.

The apostle Paul gives us added clarity. “But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.” (Romans 13:14). “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” (Galatians 3:27). Being clothed with righteousness is equivalent to being clothed with Christ. He is our righteousness. Our own righteousness won’t get us very far. “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” (2 Corinthians 5:21)

The proper garment that will allow us entry into the marriage supper of the Lamb is to be clothed with Christ and His righteousness. We don this garment through faith and by being baptized into Him. The “gatekeeper” for the great feast will recognize our clothing and grant us admission. Our ticket to the supper is our garment. Our garment is the righteousness of God in Christ.

Do you have your ticket yet? It’s free!

Maranatha, Jim

One primary characteristic of the last days is hatred of Christians. This was prophesied by Jesus Himself in His Olivet Discourse when teaching His disciples what to expect in the end times. He said this would happen immediately following the beginning of “birth pangs”. “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My names sake. And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another.” (Matthew 24:9-10). This will present itself as a huge increase in the hatred of Christians already strongly manifest in this world. The Greek word used for hate, hated, or hatred in our bibles is “misos“, which literally means to detest Christians to a point that justifies open persecution.

Earlier, Jesus warned His disciples that they would be hated. “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you.” (John 15:18). And here’s the reason for this hate: “The world hates Me because I testify of it that its works are evil.” (John 7:7). Jesus prayed to His Father for His disciples at the Last Supper. “I have given them Your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of this world, just as I am not of the world.” (John 17:14).

Yes, hatred and being hated is part of life for real Christians. And, depending on your situation, you may not even be aware of the hatred harbored behind your back by those opposed to your Christianity. Your very presence condemns them and makes them uncomfortable. And this will persist in increasing measure as the return of our Lord nears and the satanic agenda matures. Of course, if we hide our light under a bushel basket and live as the world lives, we can avoid this hatred. But that puts us in huge danger for ignoring such a great salvation. Living a bold outward Christian life is what the Spirit directs and is expected from us by our Lord.

So, just how should we handle this hatred which will surely become more and more prominent? Jesus’s teaching is clear.

“Do not marvel, my brethren, if the world hates you.” (1 John 3:13). “I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.” (Matthew 5:44). Instead of hating back, their hate toward us should be cause for doing good, prayer, love, and even rejoicing. “Blessed are you when men hate you, and when they exclude you, and revile you, for the Son of Man’s sake. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy! For indeed your reward is great in heaven.” (Luke 6:22-23). Leap for joy?? Sounds counterintuitive, doesn’t it? But that’s our Lord. He knows that love conquers all, and in Him we are more than conquerors.

Saints, expect to be hated by the world. It comes with the territory.

Maranatha, Jim

God watches over His Word to perform it. (Isaiah 55:11)

And He is absolutely precise and exacting as He causes biblical prophecy to come to pass. Prophecy will be fulfilled at the precise time He has determined and nothing in this universe can stop it. Many, if not most, prophecies have a mathematical component built in by God Himself. His exacting math is readily apparent as we read beginning with the six days of creation in Genesis, His direction for solar and lunar calendar timekeeping, the significance of the Jewish feasts, the countdown to Messiah and Daniel’s 70th week (Daniel chapter 9), Sabbath rests for the land of Israel (both 1st and second exiles), the duration of the Great Tribulation, the 1000 year kingdom reign, etc, etc.

As an example, we only need to consider developments leading up to Jesus’s sacrifice. All the characters and situations necessary for that to happen at the exact time were meticulously engineered by God Himself. It’s no accident that characters such as Caesar Augustus, the Magi, John the Baptist, the disciples, Judas, Herod, Annas and Caiaphas, Pontius Pilot, Joseph of Arimathea, etc, were on hand doing their thing so that God’s plan would be carried out in every detail. All so that Jesus the sacrificial Lamb would be put to death at precisely the right moment, fulfilling the Passover feast at the precise time. I’m not saying these characters did not have a free will in their situation, just that God knew how they would respond, and manipulated them to accomplish His will. We can see similar acts by God thru ought the entire bible where God has a predetermined outcome predicted through His prophets.

Jesus’s second coming will be just as precise regarding timing and other prophetic fulfillment. If you are watching as Jesus commanded us to do (Mark 13:37), it’s not too hard to observe God in the process of moving men and nations into place on His chessboard. Things are rapidly developing as we approach Daniel’s 70th week, as well as all the detailed events that are contained in the related prophecies. Before He ascended into heaven, Jesus told His disciples; “It is not for you to know the times or the seasons which the Father has put in His own authority.” (Acts 1:7). The word “put” here means “fixed“. God has a precise time set in stone when His Son will return and set up His kingdom. The Father will see to it that everything that needs to happen will happen so that His prophecies will be fulfilled to the letter, at the exact time. And it shouldn’t surprise us. Jesus said, “But take heed; see, I have told you all things beforehand.” (Mark 13:23)

He watches over His Word to perform it. Keep your eye on what He’s doing.

Maranatha, Jim