The Reapers are Coming

When Jesus returns and gathers His elect, the bible likens it to an agricultural harvest. Of course, this refers to the resurrection of the righteous, often called the rapture of the church. When the time is right, when the full number of gentiles has come in, Jesus will commence the harvest. “And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to Him who sat on the cloud, ‘thrust in Your sickle and reap, for the time has come for You to reap, for the harvest of the earth is ripe.’ “ (Revelation 14:15)

Jesus explained the parable of the Sower to His disciples so that they would understand what the coming Kingdom was like. The Sower (Jesus) sows good seed (His Word) in His field (the earth). However, an enemy sowed bad seed (tares) in His field. So, both grow up together. Jesus allows this to happen. “Let both grow up together until the harvest, and at the time of the harvest I will say to the reapers, ‘First gather the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them but gather the wheat into My barn’ “ (Matthew 13:30). Jesus further explains: “The enemy who sowed them (tares) is the devil, the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are the angels. Therefore, as the tares are gathered and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of this age.” (Matthew 13:39-40). John the Baptist, using similar harvest metaphor, prophesied this about the One coming after him; “His winnowing fork is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clean out his threshing floor, and gather His wheat into the barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” (Matthew 3:12)

When the time for harvest is fully come, the reapers will be pressed into action. The tares: “The angel thrust his sickle into the earth and gathered the vine of the earth and threw it into the great winepress of the wrath of God.” (Revelation 14:19). The wheat: “And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.” (Matthew 24:31). Angels have many functions related to mankind in God’s kingdom. (“Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?” Hebrews 1:14). For a short time, at the end of the age, their main task will be as reapers.

I believe we are fast approaching the time when Jesus will command the reapers to complete the harvest. From my vantage point, I can’t help but note that it seems the tares are out pacing the growth of the wheat. If that is true, it’s another indication of just how close we are to the end of the age. The reapers are coming! Are you ready?

Maranatha, Jim

US Election and Bible Prophecy

When considering this late date, the nearness of Jesus’s return, and the American election, an overriding question is: will the US be judged to be a sheep nation or a goat nation? This upcoming presidential election in November 2024 just might prove to be the deciding factor. The choice between the two candidates could not be more stark. While one candidate is overtly supportive of Christian principles and biblical values, the other is just the opposite. Examples include abortion. One candidate is demonstrably pro-life with limited exceptions who has appointed pro-life justices that resulted in overturning Roe v Wade. The other is pro death thru the entire term of pregnancy and even after. One candidate is supportive of lawlessness, such as illegal immigration and non-prosecution of rioters and looters, while defunding police. The other is for strict enforcement of existing laws. One candidate aligns with globalist goals, while the other would maintain and nurture an independent nation-state. Importantly, one candidate is consistently obstructing support for Israel in her time of need, while the other has done more for Israel than any other American leader. I could go on, but I think you get the point. The choices could not be more clear and biblically opposite.

So, what does this portend in light of biblical prophecy? Remember, God is in complete control. If the pro-Christian candidate wins in November judgment on this nation could be at least delayed. Overt support of Israel will fulfill a biblical mandate bringing blessing to the US. In fact, the US may even become a place of refuge for fleeing Jews during the last half of the tribulation (Daniel’s 70th week). If the other candidate wins, the US will surely move closer to globalist goals and ultimately align with the antichrist’s economy, bringing severe judgment.

Matthew 25 verses 31-46 describe what is referred to as the Bema seat judgment by Christ when he returns. While it contains elements of individual judgment, it is primarily a judgement of the nations. “When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on His throne of glory. And all the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats.” (Matthew 25:31-32). The rest of these verses describe the sheep as those who took care of the least of Jesus’s brethren, and the goats as those who did not. The goats are sent to eternal fire, while the sheep inherit the kingdom. Whom Jesus calls “My brethren” (verse 40) include both Christians and His fellow Jews.

I believe the outcome of November’s election will likely establish the trajectory of the US; will it be judged by Jesus to be a sheep nation or a goat nation? That consideration alone makes this election probably the most important in US history. I hope and pray we are on the right side of history. If you are an American voter, please vote your conscience in November, it may be of eternal consequence.

Maranatha, Jim

“The Testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of Prophecy”

While it’s easy to become engrossed in all the myriad aspects of prophecy concerning the return of our Lord, we need to be focused on the main topic. Or should I say the main Man, Jesus. The above title is a directive to the Apostle John when he fell down in worship at the feet of the angel who was instructing him. “And I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, ‘See that you do not do that! I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren who have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy‘ “ (Revelation 19:10).

The word “testimony” as used here is the judicial witness that Jesus is who our bible says He is. In fact, the entire Book of Revelation is an angelic “testimony” given to John for our consumption. “And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John, who bore witness to the Word of God, and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, to all things that he saw.” (Revelation 1:1-2). Authentic Christians in these last days will not be ashamed of this testimony concerning Christ even if the result is their own death. “And they overcame him (Satan) by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.” (Revelation 12:11).

The word “spirit” of prophecy is the underlying, animating force of our words of testimony. It’s the vital essence of truth making up the very nature of prophecy. The angel told John that he was a fellow servant who had this spirit of prophecy as did the apostle. He then added that all John’s brethren have it as well. This implies that we Christians all have this spirit of prophecy urging us to share our testimony of Jesus, our soon coming King.

Yes, the main topic of prophecy is Jesus. It’s all about Him. Everything He did from His acts of creation, His Old Testament appearances, His coming into the physical realm to redeem mankind from sin and death through His miraculous birth, life, death, resurrection, and ascension to His Father’s throne are all part of our testimony. Of course, His second coming to judge the earth and establish His Kingdom just as the angel detailed to the apostle John in Revelation should be a major part of our witness and testimony. Of course, our personal testimony of how we came to know these things and how it has impacted our lives is a useful part of sharing with others.

If you’re a Christian who is at all interested or intrigued by biblical prophecy, don’t keep it to yourself. You have “the testimony of Jesus.” And, “The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”

Maranatha, Jim

The New Jerusalem

I’ve written a new article concerning the new Jerusalem John describes in Revelation Chapter 21. There seems to be much misunderstanding as to its timing and nature. This is my attempt to bring clarity to this topic. I realize that some of my conclusions may be controversial but give it a read and let me know what you think. I tried to stick to an objective hermeneutic throughout. I’ll also provide a permanent link below on this site.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1YBumf0RPuggflXBpg9Gf_RCA5bmJ0x1ltbI4IulfWqY/edit?usp=sharing

Maranatha, Jim

Are You Being “Reviled” for Your Views on Jesus’s Soon Return?

The descriptive “reviler” is simply someone who rails publicly against another person’s beliefs and actions. A reviler ostracizes, ridicules, and makes fun another’s religious faith. The apostle Paul tells us such a person is doomed to hell. “Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.” (1 Corinthians 6:9-10). He also warns not to even associate with a reviler. “I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or is a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner-not even to eat with such a person.” (1 Corinthians 5:11). Of course, this does not mean someone who disagrees with your theology, but someone who is actively demeaning you for your understanding of scripture.

If you find you are being reviled, you’re in good company. The religious leaders reviled the man born blind whom Jesus had healed. “Then they reviled him and said, ‘you are his disciple, but we are Moses disciples.'” (John 9:28). Jesus Himself was reviled while on the cross. “And those who passed by reviled Him, wagging their heads.” Matthew 27:39). “Even those crucified with Him reviled Him.” (Mark 15:32). Jesus, however, did not respond in kind. “Who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return.” (1 Peter 2:23). He should be our example. We should also emulate the Apostle Paul. “And we labor, working with our own hands. Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure, being defamed, we entreat.” (1 Corinthians 4:12-13).

As the Holy Spirit continues to remind us and teach us about soon coming eschatological events, don’t stop sharing your knowledge of these things with whoever is receptive, it’s eternally important. Undoubtably there will be scoffers and revilers attempting to belittle and ridicule your positions, even from your own families and local church. But know that Jesus has your back. “Blessed are you when they revile you and persecute you and say all kind of evil against you falsely for My sake.” (Matthew 5:11).

Maranatha, Jim

E Book

The book “Last Days Events-Sequence and Synchrony” is now available in electronic form on Amazon. If you download it to any device other than Amazon’s Kindle, you’ll need to first download the Kindle app that’s shown on the site. Here’s the link: Last Days Events Sequence and Synchrony – Kindle edition by Weinert, James. Religion & Spirituality Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

Maranatha, Jim

Globalism-the Fuel for Mystery Babylon

Globalism, or the quest for centralized world population control of all aspects of life, is the number 1 political issue across the world in this year of 2024. Whether it’s the platform of the WEF or the UN’s agenda 2030 or the WHO’s attempts at absolute control or the trend toward open national borders or climate change, etc., it’s easy to see the world-wide effort toward a new world order of central governance. This issue of globalism is at the heart of elections taking place across the globe. While there are certainly other important issues, globalism is tops even if you don’t realize it. Here in America, where I am writing this, we are nearing an election where a confirmed globalist incumbent is running against an anti-globalist. For the time being, it seems the anti-globalists are gaining in strength as has been recently demonstrated in some EU countries. The European Union has been held up as an example of what global control might look like if only stubborn countries would be willing to give up their national sovereignty.

The globalist world leaders are taking this threat seriously and taking appropriate action, so they do not lose the gains they have made in the last two decades. They are getting involved by injecting huge sums of money into national elections supporting globalist candidates and exerting their power wherever possible against the anti-globalists. For example, even the Pope (a staunch globalist) is taking punitive action against Archbishop Vigano (an ardent outspoken anti-globalist).

We Christians are aware of this globalist scheme to unite nations, political leaders, thought leaders, wealthy businessmen, etc. as it is foretold in our Bibles. Revelation chapters 17-18 describe this global entity in great detail. We know her as Mystery Babylon who corrupts the nations with her wiles. Is there any way to stop her from exercising world- wide control? Perhaps the results of upcoming elections may trip her up for a time in reaching her ultimate goals, but she will ultimately “reign over the kings of the earth” (Revelation 17:18).

The greater Mystery Babylon grows, the greater our personal resolve to fight her globalist ambitions and “come out of her” (Revelation 18:4) should be.

Maranatha, Jim

“Whoever Reads, Let Him Understand”

These words of Jesus spoken during His Olivet discourse are of great significance for this last-days generation. He was referring to prophecies given by the prophet Daniel 500+ years earlier, telling us to read and watch for them in the future-our day. Importantly, He said that the one reading these prophecies in Daniel could “understand” them. Daniel himself had difficulty understanding what was being told to him even though Gods messenger was sent to make him understand. “Now I have come to make you understand what will happen to your people in the latter days, for the vision refers to many days yet to come.” (Daniel 10:14). Daniel later stated: “Although I heard, I did not understand.“(Daniel 12:8). God’s messenger then told Daniel; “Go your way, Daniel, for the words are closed up and sealed until the time of the end….The wicked shall do wickedly; and none of the wicked shall understand, but the wise shall understand.” (Daniel 12:9-10)

When Jesus told his disciples (and us) that we could understand Daniel’s prophecies, Daniels extensive use of the term ‘understand’ should jump out to us as I’m sure it did to His disciples, as they would have been familiar with the scroll of Daniel. Here’s the direct quote from Jesus; “Therefore when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the holy place, whoever reads, let him understand. (Matthew 24:15)

Therefore, based on Jesus’s words, from the time they were uttered in 30AD, it’s been possible to comprehend Daniel’s prophecies-if we are wise; that is, apply wisdom from the Holy Spirit. When Jesus said, “let the reader understand,” He was either making a proclamation, uttering a prayer to His Father, opening the minds of His followers to understand Daniel, or all of the above. I believe this was the occasion Daniel’s words were unsealed by Jesus and made understandable to the church. He subsequently poured out the Holy Spirit a few weeks later giving Christians the most important tool necessary for understanding the things of God.

We are living in prophetic times. Don’t make the mistake of setting prophetic scriptures aside as complicated or not understandable. In fact, these scriptures should be prominent in your studies, so they are recognizable when they are fulfilled. Quoting Daniel, “the wise will understand.”

Maranatha, Jim

Identifying the Ten Kings Allied with the Antichrist

The beast (antichrist) is described in Revelation 17 as having seven heads and ten horns. The ten horns are clearly described: “The ten horns which you saw are ten kings who have received no kingdom as yet, but they receive authority for one hour as kings with the beast. These are of one mind, and they will give their power and authority to the beast.” (Revelation 17:12-13). These ten are undoubtedly the same ones mentioned in Daniel: “The ten horns are ten kings who shall arise from this kingdom.“(antichrist’s). (Daniel 7:24). The ten kings are also likely the toes of iron and clay on Nebuchadnezzar’s image that are destroyed at Jesus’ second coming: “You watched while a stone was cut without hands (Jesus), which struck the image on its feet of iron and clay and broke them in pieces.” (Daniel 2:34). The ten kings are crushed by Jesus at Armageddon when he returns. This is confirmed by Ezekiel in chapters 38 and 39. There we see the kings of the earth gathered together with the antichrist (Gog) completely destroyed by Jesus. That Ezekiel is speaking here of Armageddon I have addressed in a previous post; Ezekiel’s GOG-Magog War is Armageddon – Jim’s Eschatological Info (eschatontrails.com)

Assuming the above is correct, we can look to Ezekiel to help identify the ten kings allied with the antichrist. “Behold I am against you, O Gog, chief prince of Meshech and Tubal….Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya….Gomer and Togarmah from the far north.” (Ezekiel 38:3,5,6). Ezekiel denotes seven kingdoms originating from Asia Minor (descendants of Japeth) and northern Africa (descendants of Ham). The listed northern kingdoms (Meshech, Tubal, Gomer, and Togarmah) are all placed by the most trusted scholars in modern day Turkey. The north African nations mentioned (Ethiopia and Libya) are in Hebrew Cush and PutSudan and Libya. Persia stands out clearly as modern-day Iran. Therefore, with reasonable certainty, we can list at least four of the ten Kings to come: Turkey, Iran, Sudan, and Libya. Note that these are all Islamic countries encircling Israel. That gives us clues to speculate about who the other six may be. Allow me to propose some likely candidates: Syria, Iraq, Egypt, Yemen, Afghanistan, and Algeria. They are all candidates as they are Islamic republics also encircling Israel. Of course, there are many other potential candidates.

As we approach these last days, we need to keep our eyes open for a ten-nation confederacy forming against Israel that likely includes Turkey, Iran, Libya, and Sudan. These ten nations will become a mighty tool in the hands of the antichrist.

Maranatha, Jim

The Nations Against Israel

The author of the attached article Jonathan Feldstein does a good job of bringing us up to date on the current abandonment of Israel by the international community. It’s prophetic that Israel will ultimately find herself alone on the world’s stage with Yahweh and the true Christian church her only allies. Truly, those are the only allies she needs.

Israel Standing Alone Among the Nations of the World – Israel365 News

Maranatha, Jim