Jim's Eschatological Info

Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson speaks of the potential for earth impact by a gigantic asteroid dubbed Apophis. I find the timing of this possible collision very interesting as it coincides likely biblical timing. Watch and listen to his You Tube Short here: Will Earth’s 🌍 Gravity Attract Apophis Asteroid ☄️ and change its Orbit 🤯 w/ Neil deGrasse Tyson (youtube.com). His conclusion is that there is a real possibility for Apophis to strike the earth in 2036.

Both the second and third trumpet judgments detailed in Revelation Chapter 8 describe what seems to be huge asteroids crashing into earth. This asteroid Apophis would fit these cosmic events quite well. I’ve speculated about the timing of Jesus’s return to set up His kingdom as potentially occurring in 2036. You can read my article on discerning the time here: Discerning the Time of Jesus’ Second Coming – Google Docs. I also discussed this timing in my Book “Last Days Events-Sequence and Synchrony”: Last Days Events: Sequence and Synchrony: Weinert, J D: 9798858723684: Amazon.com: Books.

Coming from a secular atheist astrophysicist, this timing for a potentially catastrophic collision with a huge asteroid is interesting indeed. One more item to add to your watchlist as we approach the last days. Keep watching.

Maranatha, Jim

This title is a quote from Jesus Himself as recorded in Luke 18:8.

There are many types and parallels found in the New Testament based on the Old Testament. One such parallel is Moses’s ascension up Mt Sanai and Jesus’s ascension to Heaven. Moses went up the mountain to God and received the ten commandments. After 40 days, he came back down to God’s chosen. What he found was shocking. Thinking Moses had left them for good, they fell into riotous, amoral, idol worship. Even Moses’ brother Aaron was caught up in the revelry, providing a golden calf for them to worship. No, Moses did not find faith in the camp when he returned, even though he was only gone 40 days. He found just the opposite. Jesus, on the other hand, has gone up to God, where, since His ascension, He sits at the right hand of His Father, until the date set by the Father for His return to His people. He will have been gone two millennia. Then, Jesus’s rhetorical question will be answered. Will He find faith on the earth? A rhetorical question is one asked for effect, not requiring an answer. Jesus knew the answer. Jesus asked this in between teaching two parables. The first was concerning the speedy judgment He will deliver to the ungodly. The second was a parable about the self-righteous who think they are justified before God.

The bible does not paint a very good picture of what Jesus will find when He returns. Consider these scriptures: “Now the Spirit expressly says that in the latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron.” (1 Timothy 4:1-2). “But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come; for men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.” (2 Timothy 3:1-2). Jesus Himself said; “And because lawlessness will abound, the love of most will grow cold.” (Matthew 24:12)

The answer to Jesus’s rhetorical question is that Jesus will find faith on the earth, but confined to His Church, His bride, those without spot or wrinkle, or as Paul says, a chaste virgin prepared for Christ, thoroughly tested in great tribulation. Unfortunately, the vast majority of humankind, like those in the desert waiting for Moses will have succumbed to the wiles of the god of this world and become objects of God’s wrath. It’s our job as Christ-followers to introduce as many as possible to the God who saves us and His Son who died for us. We need to help grow the camp of the faithful on this earth so that Jesus will indeed find faith on the earth in abundance when He comes. The field is ripe for the harvest.

Maranatha, Jim

The recent attack by Iran on Israel has sparked a renewed curiosity about how this might fit with prophecy as recorded in our bibles. Can Iran’s current aggression along with her proxies be found in scripture? Let’s take a quick look.

The modern nation of Iran was referred to as Persia in the bible. As such Persia is spoken of connected with end-time prophetic wars directly in two places. One is her participation in the alliance that comes against Israel in Ezekiel chapters 38 and 39. This war, however, takes place at the end of the tribulation and is describing the final battle called Armageddon in Revelation. For a discussion about the timing of this event read this previous post: Ezekiel’s GOG-Magog War is Armageddon – Jim’s Eschatological Info (eschatontrails.com). So, that’s not what’s happening today. The other direct mention of Persia in end-times prophecy is in Daniel chapter 8 concerning a “ram-goat” war out of which eventually the antichrist emerges. The ram is identified as Medo-Persia, but the goat is revealed as Greece or in Hebrew Yavan. Yavan is western Turkey and the Aegean, so is definitely not Israel. So, that fact again rules out this prophecy.

A couple of other candidates often mentioned where Iran is implied but not directly mentioned are the Psalm 83 war, and the sixth trumpet war. In Psalm 83, Israels antagonists include some of Iran’s proxies, but not Iran itself. You can read about the Psalm 83 war here: Psalm 83 War – Jim’s Eschatological Info (eschatontrails.com). Again, not likely what’s currently happening now between Iran and Israel. The sixth trumpet war is a horrendous war that results in the death of one-third of mankind. It’s the one often referred to as WW3. Iran is seemingly involved here, as the war starts in the area of the Euphrates River of which Iran partially borders, though no individual countries are named. However, as it occurs at the sixth trumpet, this war will not likely happen until the middle of Daniels seventieth week or early in the second half. There is, however, a remote possibility that this current conflict could evolve into a much wider-even nuclear war that decimates 1/3 of the world’s population. Revelation is not necessarily chronological. So, while this sixth trumpet war seems to occur much later than now, it remains a remote possibility.

The most likely scenario is that this current conflict between Iran and Israel is part of what Jesus called “the beginning of birth pangs”, a period leading up to Daniel’s seventieth Week. Among these early contractions, He listed “wars and rumors of wars”. I believe that is where we are at currently with this Iran/Israel war. Certainly, more wars that involve Iran are coming soon, but this particular one is probably a non-specific war as related to prophecy other than being a part of Jesus’s descriptive of the beginning of birth pangs.

Keep watching, things are heating up, and our redemption is drawing near.

Maranatha, Jim

Concerning the time when the antichrist sets up his “abomination of desolation”, the prophet records this: “the people who know their God shall be strong and carry out great exploits.” (Daniel 11:32b) NKJV. Let’s break this verse down so we can understand it. First of all, Daniel is writing down information given him by a mighty messenger angel from God. (Perhaps Gabriel or Jesus Himself?). It details what at least some of the people who “know” God will be doing at that time of great tribulation. The word “know” is yada in Hebrew which means to have experienced Jehovah to the point where they believe on Him and have a personal relationship with Him. In other words, they are confident He is the One to look to and serve in this difficult time. In the Greek LXX, the word “know” in this verse is ginosko, a term meaning intimate knowledge and understanding. There should be little question that at this time the messenger is referring to a future people who not only know God, but also His Son, Jesus Christ.

The word “strong” in this verse is in Hebrew chazak, meaning established, courageous, and valiant. No room for weakness, timidity, or inhibitions here!

However, the words “great exploits” are not in the text but added by the translators for clarity. And, I believe, rightly so, as “exploits” are implied. Otherwise, the verse would simply end “carry out” or accomplish and execute.

In any case, this prophecy indicates that knowledgeable Christians will be busier than ever doing God’s work during the last three-and one-half years of this age. One of the things we know for certain they will be doing is found in the next verse; “Those of the people who understand shall instruct many.” (Daniel 11:33). Christians living at this time who know their bible and all the eschatological events detailed in scripture will be used mightily by God to teach and exhort fellow Christians. In addition to teaching, a current English definition of “exploits” is as follows; bold, daring and heroic feats. We can only guess at what some of these feats might be, but when we read about what things the “heroes” of the bible accomplished when empowered by God’s Spirit and little else, we needn’t limit ourselves.

I’m confident many who are reading this will live to see these final days of this age. We’re definitely living in the end times. Are you ready to do great exploits? A mighty angel who came from the presence of the Father said you will.

Maranatha, Jim

The word often translated “conquer” in the New Testament is “nikao” (Greek). It is also translated as overcome, subdue, or prevail. All seven of the churches John wrote to in Revelation include this directive from Jesus Himself, indicative of its importance. “To him who conquers, I will….shall….etc.” The messages to these churches appear to be associated with end time prophecy. We are to be conquerors, particularly in these last days.

You might ask specifically, just what do we need to conquer? Here’s what’s listed that these seven churches needed to conquer. Ephesus: evildoers, false teachers, drifting from their 1st works, and the deeds of the Nicolaitans (heretical Christians). Smyrna: tribulation, poverty, blasphemy, and imprisonment. Pergamos: doctrine of Balaam (idol worship-sexual immorality), and doctrine of the Nicolaitans. Thyatira: teachings of Jezebel, holding fast to what they have. Sardis: lack of watchfulness, lack of repentance, and defiling sin. Philadelphia: hold fast to what you have. Laodicea: lukewarmness, reliance on personal riches rather than wealth from God, lack of zealousness, and lack of repentance.

If these churches were successful at conquering these issues, here are their rewards, listed together; the right to eat from the tree of life, avoidance of the second death, hidden manna from God and a new name, power over the nations, the morning star, given white clothing, name not blotted out from the Book of Life, kept from the hour of trial coming on the earth, become a pillar in God’s temple, given a name identified with the New Jerusalem, and granted to sit with Jesus on His throne. These promises are exclusively for those who conquer or overcome. Hopefully, that includes you.

Outside of the seven churches, the New Testament gives us further direction on what to conquer. “conquer evil with good” (Romans 12:21). “Conquer (prevail over) the beast” (Revelation 15:2). And how do we conquer the beast(antichrist)? “They conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony” (Revelation 12:11). Jesus Himself is our example. “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have conquered (overcome) the world.” (John 16:33). Jesus then gives us this magnificent promise; “He who conquers shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son.” (Revelation 21:7)

Saints, we’re not instructed to just sit back and partake in a passive Christianity, comfortable in this world. We are to use our God-given authority with the help of the Holy Spirit to resist evil in all its forms and advance the Kingdom of God in all that we do, conquering this world for Jesus. Only then will the Apostle Paul’s statement be effective in our lives. “Yet in all things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” (Romans 8:37)

Maranatha, Jim

This study concludes a 13-part study of eschatological events based on the book “Last Days Events-Sequence and Synchrony”. If you’ve studied along with us for all or part this series, please judge them based on content rather than the skills of the presenter. They are, after all, home bible studies. As always, comments including criticisms are welcomed. Writing the book and preparing for these studies has not only helped me to prepare and get ready for what is soon to come, but heightened my excitement as well. I hope you’ve experienced the same results. Great to study with you!

Chronological Eschatology: Events After the Tribulation of Daniels 70th Week (youtube.com)

Maranatha, Jim

Eighteen years ago, a prominent and highly respected Jewish Rabbi named Yitzhak Kaduri wrote a controversial note he instructed his followers to open one year after his death. He stated that the name of the Jewish Messiah as revealed to him would be written in a simple code. He died in 2006 at the age of 108 and his note was breathlessly opened one year later in 2007. In it, the first letters of the words in his message spelled out the name Yehoshua! Yehoshua, or Yeshua, or Joshua in Hebrew is translated as Iesous (Greek) or in English, Jesus. It was not surprising that this controversial revelation startled orthodox Judaism and thus has been largely suppressed ever since.

The likely source of the aging Rabbi’s insight was the prophecy of Zechariah. In Zechariah 3:8 and 6:12, reference is given to a Messianic title-the “BRANCH“, one who is God’s servant that will remove sin in one day and build the millennial temple. That this is a Messianic title is acknowledged by nearly all Hebrew translations by capitalizing this word. In Zechariah’s presence was a priest named Joshua. An angel of the Lord said this to Joshua: “Hear, O Joshua, the high priest, you and your companions who sit before you, for they are a wonderous sign; for behold, I am bringing forth My Servant the BRANCH.” (Zechariah 3:8). Then, in chapter 6, we read this remarkable passage: “Take the silver and gold, make an elaborate crown, and put it on the head of Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest. Then speak to him saying, ‘thus says the Lord of hosts, saying: behold, the man whose name is the BRANCH! From His place He shall branch out and build the temple of the Lord.‘ “ (Zechariah 6:11-12). (NKJV). Note: The high priest, Joshua, has the name of the Branch (Messiah). This is clear Old Testament prophecy foretelling the name of our Messiah-Yeshua, Jesus.

The old sage Rabbi Kaduri was right on. Prophecy tells us a day is coming when all Israel will acknowledge that name above all names-Jesus.

Maranatha, Jim

I had intended to write about this subject in light of renewed attention by UFO investigators. It’s important to consider this topic not only from a scientific perspective, but from a biblical and prophetic standpoint. Then I ran across this interview with UFO researcher Gary Bates from CMI (Creation Ministries International). If you watch the whole interview, you’ll be given a broad look at these phenomena both from a scientific and biblical position. Bates has devoted much time and resources researching this topic. It just may clear up some questions you may have.

Are Aliens Actually Demons? · Creation.com

Maranatha, Jim

The antichrist will not be a normal world leader. He will have come to power through intrigue and deception. He will have the ability to do this because he has been given full authority by the “god of this world”, Satan himself. “The dragon gave him his power, his throne, and great authority.” (Revelation 13:2). God also grants him this time (Daniel’s 70th week) and authority. “It was granted to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them. And authority was given him over every tribe, tongue and nation.” (Revelation 13:7). God will use him as part of his judgment of evil on the earth as well as an instrument to test His people.

It’s easy to see why the world will be enamored with this man. With the help of his ten-nation confederacy, he will wipe out the oppressive control “Mystery Babylon” had over much of the earth. “And the ten horns you saw on the beast , these will hate the harlot, make her desolate and naked and burn her with fire.” (Revelation 17:16). Newly possessed by the “beast from the abyss” he will be successful at killing God’s two witnesses who had tormented the earth bringing much joy. “And those who dwell on the earth will rejoice over them, make merry, and send gifts to one another, because these two prophets tormented those who dwell on the earth.” (Revelation 11:10). His political and economic systems will likely solve many problems providing peace and safety as well as addressing food and medicine shortages at least for a short time. That assumes, of course that one takes his “mark” of allegiance associated with his name. He will also present himself as a miracle worker. “The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders.” (2Thessalonians 2:9). His ultimate miracle will likely be his dramatic recovery from a normally fatal wound, mimicking Christ’s resurrection. “….and his deadly wound was healed. And all the world marveled and followed the beast.” (Revelation 13:3)

Yes, the world will be totally deceived! “So they worshipped the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and they worshipped the beast, saying ‘who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?’ “ (Revelation 13:4). As the time of his rule advances into the second half of Daniel’s 70th week his evil nature concerning all mankind will emerge for all to see, but then, it will be too late for those who followed him.

Fortunately, for believers in Christ, God has given us this warning, describing this man in detail so we won’t be deceived. Unfortunately, many, even in the Church, will fall for his deception. The apostle Paul called it a “great falling away” (apostacy) as the man of sin is being revealed. (2Thessalonians 2:3).

Saints, this is why a basic knowledge of end-time scriptures is so important. And even more so as we see the day approaching. Your eternal life depends on it!

Maranatha, Jim

The word “woe” was apparently one of Jesus’s favorite words as He is quoted in the Gospels using that word 31 times. It’s a Greek word ouai translated as grievous sorrow or distress. Jesus used it mostly to castigate the Jewish lawyers, Scribes, Pharisees, and other hypocrites in general. Sometimes He used it to admonish towns or areas, such as Chorazin and Bethsaida for their non-acceptance of His preaching.

In Revelation the word is used by an angel when describing to the apostle John three specific “woes”. These warnings of coming woes arise when the final three trumpet blasts are sounded announcing the three final bowl judgments poured out on the earth from God. “Woe, woe, woe to the inhabitants of the earth, because of the remaining blasts of the trumpet of the three angels who are about to sound!” (Revelation 8:13b). The first woe (fifth trumpet) is detailed in chapter 9 where Satan is seen cast out of heaven, opening the bottomless pit (abyss), and releasing demonic beings including the destroyer (king of the abyss). This results in great torment of mankind and the killing of the two witnesses. “Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows his time is short.” (Revelation 12:12). “One woe is past. Behold, still two more woes are coming after these things.” (Revelation 9:12). The second woe detailed in chapter 9:13-21 describes a horrific world war starting in the Euphrates River area that kills one third of mankind, nearly three billion people! That’s sixty times the death toll of World War II. “The second woe is past. Behold, the third woe is coming quickly.” (Revelation 11:14). The third woe is, of course, the last trumpet announcing the final bowl judgment from God which includes the largest earthquake the world will ever experience, great hailstones upon men, the battle of Armageddon, and ending with the coming of Jesus to establish His Kingdom.

While the first four trumpet/vials will affect primarily nature (created things- vegetation, seas, rivers, the sun, and the heavens) in turn affecting mankind, these last three “woes “are poured out on mankind directly. That is why they are treated separately. Collectively, they partly fulfill the woes pronounced by Jesus during His ministry on earth. Needless to say, this will not be a pleasant time on the earth for the unrepentant. For those of us who belong to our Lord Jesus, it should not be a time of woe but of rejoicing as we see the day of His coming is at hand.

Maranatha, Jim