This is a site dedicated to Christian studies of various subjects, which include: End Time Prophecy, Apostasy, Ministry, Missions and Current Events. You may notice that there are some other random topics here as well. This is because this was my first site and at the beginning, I wasn’t sure if it would be a personal site or otherwise… it turned out to be otherwise, therefore, I created other sites for my more personal entries. You can see those sites, which are listed below. Thank you for stopping by and I hope to hear from you. If there is anything that you would like for me to research, please feel free to leave a comment and I will do my best to cover it. Thanks again and God bless!
Sincerely In Christ,
Alison
Feasts of the Lord Part II
Posted by truthoughts on May 1, 2008
This video has captured the world over in the last week. It is a must see and I have posted both parts…
Prophecy In The News has posted Part II of their interview with Mark Biltz, which can be seen HERE. If you have not seen Part I, you can see that HERE. This video is the second part, which shows the corrolation between the solar and lunar eclipses falling on Jewish Feasts of the Lord. The significant point, is that they fall on 4 consecutive feasts one time for the next century and that falls in the years 2014-2015. This is also what is called a Sabatical Year. For more of an indepth background study, please go to this link.
The general idea is that according to Bible prophecy, the sun will be as sackcloth (darkened) and the moon will be as blood (reddened) right before the coming of the Lord (second coming). This is going to happen 7 years from now. The great tribulation lasts for 7 years, which begins with the confirmation of a covenant with Israel. At the moment, President Bush and others are fervently trying to bring this to pass, however, the one who actually confirms this covenant (of death according to the book of Daniel) will be the Anti-Christ.
For those of us who believe in a Pre-Tribulation rapture of the church, when the true believers in Christ will be raised up to heaven for the wedding supper of the Lamb, this means that it is coming this year… if all of this truly is part of the signs in the heavens that the Bible talks about. The excitement of the church is uncomprehensable, yet the horror of what is coming for those who do not believe in the Lord, Jesus… it is unimaginable.
melvin johns said
I had the opportunity to see the interview and it was in my opinion totally accurate. I beg to differ on the timing of the seven year tribulation. It does not start with signing a peace agreement. The peace in IThessalonians 5:3 comes after the destruction of Damascus. The first seal will be broken to bring the peace and safety. Then on the Jewish New Year 2008 will come the resurrection and rapture of the Church and the second seal will be broken at the same time to begin the seven year tribulation.The Oslo peace agreement will be strengthened after this.
God Bless!
Melvin Johns
The Prophet of the Most High God
truthoughts said
Melvin Johns,
Thank you for your comment. I appreciate your input. I understand your belief that the destruction of Damascus may come before the Rapture of the Church. Could you expound your thoughts regarding the first seal bringing peace?
Revelation 6:1-2 And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see. And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.
I can also understand your thoughts regarding the Rapture and resurrection occurring on Rosh Hashanna, the Jewish New Year. I too have believed this for many years, it is only recently that I have been researching the possibilities of it occurring on First Fruits or Pentecost.
Also, my husband would like for you to expound on what scripture(s) you refer to regarding your belief that the first seal will be broken before the Rapture/resurrection.
Again, I appreciate your comment and I look forward to your reply.
Sincerely In Christ,
Alison
melvin johns said
The view that I hold to concerning the first seal being broken before the Resurrection/Rapture of the Church takes place goes back to the events in the book of the Revelation. The Apostle John was in eternity when he received the Revelation and came back in time and wrote them down in a chronological order. The events of the book of the Revelation are written from a past present and future perspective we see this in Revelation 1:19. It is my opinion that chapter 5 has already happened, and it happened on the Feast of Trumpets September 13-14,2007. This was the seventh Feast of Trumpets for Israel since the attack on the Twin Towers. Not only did this began the seventh year of this Sabbatical cycle, it also began the Year of the Lord. The Sabbatical Year is of import because it was in a Sabbatical Year 93/94 that President William Jefferson Clinton signed the Oslo Agreement. The Twin Towers were also attacked in a Sabbatical year 2000/01. The Rabbi’s down through the centuries have long believed that the Messiah was coming back in a Sabbatical Year. It is my opinion that the Lord Jesus Christ has taken the seven sealed scroll out of the hand God the Father, but he hasn’t broken it yet because he has some unfinished business with Syria in Jeremiah 49:26,27. After the Destruction of Damascus in my opinion is when he opens the first of the seven seals as the Lamb of God. The temporary peace that comes from this will only last a matter of months. Then the resurrection/rapture of the Church and the 2nd seal is broken on the Feast of Trumpets.
God Bless!
Melvin Johns
truthoughts said
Thank you for your clarification. Based on what you stated regarding Revelation 1:19, being past-present-future coverage of the book, lets take a look at that:
Revelation 1:19 Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter
According to this statement, the Past, would be anything John has seen before this statement, which covers Revelation 1:1-18. The next item on the agenda covered would be what was the Present, which is speaking to the Churches, Revelation 1:20-Revelation 3:22. Then immediately the situation changes in Revelation 4:1 when John is called up to see what is next, which is the future. Everything after this point is future.
In Revelation 4:1-2 it states: After this I looked, and, behold, a door [was] opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard [was] as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter. And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and [one] sat on the throne.
Now, lets look at this ‘open door’ Jesus is talking about. There are two places that come to mind immediately that could clarify what He is saying. Those are:
Revelation 3:8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name. (Here He is speaking to the Church in Philadelphia whom He keeps from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth [Rev.3:10].)
and also:
Revelation 3:20-21 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. (This is also to the Church in Philadelphia).
Combining these verses in the context of the door in Chapter 4, it so far, seems to resemble the resurrection/rapture of the Church, but lets keep looking…
Next, John says that he hears the sound of a trumpet calling him up to the Lord. This of course brings to mind the verse:
1 Corinthians 15:51-54 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal [must] put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory…
This also seems to be indicative of the resurrection/rapture.
After this, comes the future…
Now, notice that the verse states that the voice said to John, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter. The ‘hereafter’ clarifies that he is about to see what is to take place after, future, beyond this point in time.
Next, as John states, he was ‘immediately in the spirit’ and he saw a throne with the Lord sitting on it. This I believe is a picture of the bema seat judgment, where all of the church will receive their rewards/crowns (to see this picture playing out, please continue reading Revelation 4 and take note that they are wearing white raiment and are crowned, which is promised to the Church…as well as the correlation of the seven candlesticks/and the Spirit of God.). Notice that all of this happens before Jesus even receives the scroll with the seven seals. So, if the book of Revelation is in chronological order, then it seems as though the resurrection/rapture of the Church happens before the seals are broken. I have not seen anything in the verses speaking of the seals that would indicate a picture of the resurrection/rapture happening after Jesus receives the scroll.
Regarding the importance of the Sabbatical Years, I am in complete agreement with you. The Jewish communities have believed for years that their Messiah will come back in a Sabbatical Year (you can check the Zohar, though it is not a Christian reference). God’s timetable has always revolved around Sabbaths/Rests and as He is the same today, yesterday and forever, so are His appointed times and dates.
One other point that we both agree on, is that we both believe that the resurrection/rapture could occur this year 2008. Of course, whether it occurs on Pentecost or Rosh Hashanah could be a debatable topic until one has passed and the other is left.
Sincerely In Christ,
Alison
melvin johns said
In reference to Revelation 1:19 the Apostle/Prophet John was told to write the things that were past, present and future. We must remember that John was taken over 2,000yrs into the future. In eternity time is past present and future. He was in the year 2008 so to speak when he was on the Island of Patmos. So from his perspective some of the things that are future to us were past to him. The entire book of the Revelation from God’s perspective is already completed. We have been given the bible so we can have faith to make it to the other side/eternity. At present we are in between Revelation chapter 1 and chapter 3:22, but God is in eternity and not bound by time as we are. The events in the Revelation are not all bound by time as we are. In chapter Revelation 7:1-8 we see the sealing of the 144,000 from the twelve tribes of Israel. The angel was told not to begin the judgement on the earth until the 144,000 were sealed. Chapter seven is after chapters 4,5,6, we see the judgement begins in Revelation 6:3-17. The Revelation cannot be interpreted from a strictly chronological view. I still believe that chapter 5 has been fulfilled on the Feast of Trumpets September 13-14,2007 the year of the Lord. Most bible scholars teach that the Church has been raptured in chapter 4:1 before the events in chapter 5 because they are interpreting from a strictly chronological view. I would like to ask where is the Church in chapter 5. I see the four living creatures and the twenty four elders and the myriad of angels. The twenty four elders had harps and golden vials that contained the prayers of the saints in verse 8. Again where is the Church, we have to have two witnesses for the doctrine that the Church is raptured before chapter 5. God The Holy Spirit is the bible scholar. When it comes to the bible we have to trust the Father the Holy Spirit and the Word/bible/the Lord Jesus Christ. I appreciate the scrutiny, we are to scrutinize everybody when comes to God’s word. The only celebrity is the Holy Prince the Lord Jesus Christ.
To be continued,
Melvin
truthoughts said
Thanks for trying to clarify, however, I must stand by my previous comment. I appreciate your thoughts, and again, we agree that the rapture/resurrection will probably happen this year… then all will be clear.
Sincerely In Christ,
Alison
EK said
This is interesting:
http://www.prewrathrapture.com/2008/05/responding_to_mark_biltz_blood_moon_ecli.php
truthoughts said
Thank you EK for your comment,
I have read this post, and have an open mind and listen to others viewpoints. I like to search things out fully to try and know which is correct or not to the best of whatever I have to work with… however, Alan Kurschner, the author of this post, did not make a good argument for his belief IMHO.
I have a friend who is a died-in-the-wool Pre-Wrath believer and he, my friend, makes a much better argument for his beliefs. I think that, if given all of the options at the same time, Mr. Kurschner, would not convince most people. There is one paragraph in particular that he actually contradicts himself and the Bible:
Here is where the Prewrath position solves this difficulty naturally and Biblically. We cannot assume that the Second Coming/Cosmic Disturbances happen at the completion of the 70th week of Daniel since Jesus himself places this dual event sometime after the midpoint of the 70th week of Daniel at the time when the Antichrist’s Great Tribulation (not the 70th week of Daniel itself) is “cut short” (Matthew 24:22). And thus, after the Great Tribulation is cut short with the Second Coming, the Day of the Lord’s wrath (trumpet and bowl judgments) will follow and unfold for the remaining part of the 70th week.
In short, the godly will be raptured when the Antichrist’s Great Tribulation is cut short, then God will pour out his subsequent Day of the Lord’s wrath upon the ungodly.
The ‘natural effects’ during the Great Tribulation is God’s judgment on the nations and the Antichrist is God’s strong arm (if you will) to follow through His judgment toward Israel, which is why there is a 70th week (read Daniel). The judgment on the Antichrist is that he will be thrown into the lake of fire, alive, at the end of the tribulation, right before the millennial reign of Christ on earth.
One of the biggest debates between Pre-Trib and Pre-Wrath, is that, they cannot agree on what the first ‘judgment’ is. Pre-Trib believes it to be the Seals and Pre-Wrath doesn’t (they don’t always agree within themselves when their idea of “wrath” begins.
Mr. Kurschner also has the time being “cut short” and beginning again… This is a dichotomy in its self.
Now, as far as the signs in the heavens, sun – moon – stars, etc., his stance is a blanketed one… meaning that he is grouping all Pre-Tribbers into his theory of what he thinks that they believe. The Bible is filled with prophecies that have multiple fulfillments. The battle of Gog and Magog is a great example of this. I believe that most people end up misunderstanding the prophecies because they limit them to either the New Testament or to the book of Revelation, etc. Christ came into the temple one day, quoted ½ of a verse in Isaiah 61:1-2 (it happened in Luke 4:21) and said it is done that day in their hearing… notice though that the rest of the verse 2 (or sentence) He did not read, because that would be fulfilled at His second coming. Everyone has to pay close attention when they read, to get the proper context and the full meaning of each verse.
In summary, there could be a book written to debate the two views and I am sure that there are many. I, however, will continue to stand on the Pre-Tribulational view. Thank you again EK, for your comment.
Sincerely In Christ,
Alison
EK said
The ‘natural effects’ during the Great Tribulation is God’s judgment on the nations and the Antichrist is God’s strong arm (if you will) to follow through His judgment toward Israel, which is why there is a 70th week (read Daniel). The judgment on the Antichrist is that he will be thrown into the lake of fire, alive, at the end of the tribulation, right before the millennial reign of Christ on earth.
Actually, Jesus makes it very clear in Matthew 24 of who the objects are in the Great Tribulation: the elect of God. No where does it mention that God’s judgment is directed toward the nations — that will come later at the Second Coming. Even Joel 2:31 says the cosmic disturbances have to happen _before_ the Day of the Lord.
One of the biggest debates between Pre-Trib and Pre-Wrath, is that, they cannot agree on what the first ‘judgment’ is. Pre-Trib believes it to be the Seals and Pre-Wrath doesn’t (they don’t always agree within themselves when their idea of “wrath” begins.
Prewrathers are all in agreement that God’s wrath begins at the opening of seventh seal. All the prewrath literature states this. Kurschner has made a cogent argument showing that the first 6 seals are not God’s wrath, which is the consistent prewrath view:
http://www.prewrathrapture.com/2007/10/the_first_six_seals_are_not_gods_wrath.php
Mr. Kurschner also has the time being “cut short” and beginning again… This is a dichotomy in its self.
That’s not correct. He has the Great Tribulation being cut short (which Jesus teaches) then God’s wrath following after it. Not sure how you can say that. Go back and read his statement
Now, as far as the signs in the heavens, sun – moon – stars, etc., his stance is a blanketed one… meaning that he is grouping all Pre-Tribbers into his theory of what he thinks that they believe. The Bible is filled with prophecies that have multiple fulfillments. The battle of Gog and Magog is a great example of this. I believe that most people end up misunderstanding the prophecies because they limit them to either the New Testament or to the book of Revelation, etc. Christ came into the temple one day, quoted ½ of a verse in Isaiah 61:1-2 (it happened in Luke 4:21) and said it is done that day in their hearing… notice though that the rest of the verse 2 (or sentence) He did not read, because that would be fulfilled at His second coming. Everyone has to pay close attention when they read, to get the proper context and the full meaning of each verse.
Again, not true, he says, “Many pretribbers try to get around this obvious problem by…”
The sixth seal cosmic disturbances align consistently with what we find in Matthew 24. Again, Kurschner wrote an excellent article on this:
http://www.prewrathrapture.com/2006/09/a_case_for_the_prewrath_rapture_the_cosm.php
Thank you for your time. I believe that Kurschner did do an excellent job in pointing out the inconsistency in Biltz theory.
truthoughts said
To begin, I do believe that we are at an impass, however, this is not a topic that should make or break a salvation issue. Pre-Tribbers are strengthened and rest in the hope of their soon departure, which sparks an outlook that the time is short and we must do all we can, while we can.
Pre-Tribbers also do not put as much focus on the Antichrist, because they do not believe that they will be here to see it anyway, so their focus is solely on Christ Jesus. Pre-Tribbers are not concerned about stocking up supplies and hiding in a cave, etc. because again, they don’t believe they will be here for all of that – therefore, the do not live in fear but rather in hope.
For some reason, it seems that those who believe in another position regarding the rapture/resurrection of the Church, seem to take it as their duty to take away the ‘blessed hope’ that others have in groaning to be home with the Lord. It is not a heretical stance to believe one way or another regarding the Rapture as it would be to believe in another god, savior (like Mary), etc.
There is definitely one thing that Kurschner wrote that I whole-heartedly agree with and that is:
“Reader, understand this: regardless of any significance of these astronomical events and their supposed correspondence to the Biblical calendar, the fact that Jesus is coming soon should spur us to sober holy living. Christ’s Return will materialize — and we must take heed to be found “blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
As we look at the world around us and observe the moral madness of humanity, the nations, and their unbridled hatred toward God, it is indeed difficult to think that the Lord will tarry much longer.”
To be fair, you are correct that Kurschner did say “Many” and not all, I appologise for that mistake. I can see where you take your stance on Joel 2:31. We are still in disagreement regarding God’s judgment vs. God’s Wrath and the beginning thereof, as well as who is being judged and when. So, thank you for your comment and be sure to check back because this is not the only topic that I cover here. Have a blessed day.
Sincerely In Christ,
Alison
EK said
Alison,
I would be interested to know if you have read any primary sources on the Prewrath position such as Rosenthal’s book _The Prewrath Rapture of the Church_? The reason I ask is I have read some of your comments and I do not get much evidence that you are familiar with the prewrath position. This has been my experience as well with others. They say they have read some articles on the internet or have learned it from a good friend who is Prewrath. If you have not studied any primary sources I would like to suggest the book above or some others I can suggest.
You said, “Pre-Tribbers also do not put as much focus on the Antichrist, because they do not believe that they will be here to see it anyway, so their focus is solely on Christ Jesus.”
Since of course it was Jesus himself in Mt 24 who warned God’s people of the coming of the Antichrist, as well as Paul in 2Thess 2 who exhorts believers to watch for the Antichrist before the Lord’s Return, the pretrib assumption here is undermining this important warning to the Church.
“For some reason, it seems that those who believe in another position regarding the rapture/resurrection of the Church, seem to take it as their duty to take away the ‘blessed hope’ that others have in groaning to be home with the Lord. It is not a heretical stance to believe one way or another regarding the Rapture as it would be to believe in another god, savior (like Mary), etc.”
The Lord’s Return is more of a blessed hope with the Church in the midst of world-wide persecution than it is with believers stuffing twinkies in their mouths sitting on a nice couch watching TV.
If you are interested in interacting with Prewrath sources than we may have a more fruitful conversation. I consider the Prewrath Rapture Dot Com site a primary source as well since the contributors are published and have taught the Prewrath view along side with Rosenthal and Van Kampen for 15 years. And I do not believe that you gave any meaningful critique to that one article on that website refuting Biltz, only that you made some assertions about disagreeing with it.
Thank you.
truthoughts said
EK,
To answer your question, I have not read that book. I have read some things online and listened to others I know who hold the Pre-Wrath belief. I in no way claim to be an expert on the stance. I haven’t really talked about Pre-Wrath, Mid-Trib, Post-Trib, etc. here.
Also, in my posts, I am trying to share what I have found, allude to my thoughts but leave it open for the reader to make up their own mind. I have purposely not posted a debated theory between the different views pertaining to the rapture of the church, though I would like to in the future… I would like to gain more information on all views before posting that one. I will take your recommendations into consideration when I get to that.
Regarding the thought of the ‘Blessed Hope’… I hope that you are not suggesting that every Christian today is a fat, lazy, slothful backslider who just wouldn’t want their lives disrupted by the coming of the Lord… I agree there are many of those out there, but certainly not all. You do not have to be under a knife to be persecuted.
I personally have a desperate longing to go be with the Lord, for His very soon return. I would love nothing more than to be with Him now. Life is not something that you “love” when you are in the truth and know what awaits you.
Regarding focusing on the Antichrist… I didn’t say that we do not put any focus on him because that same spirit exists throughout the church age, but we do not put as much time and effort into trying to ‘figure out’ who he is, because we believe that Christ was speaking to Israel there, otherwise, why would He talk about the Day of the Lord’s wrath? Even Pre-Wrath believers, don’t think we will be here for the ending, right? The New Testament will be just as relevant to the tribulation Israelites who believe in the end, as it is to us today, it isn’t just for the church. That is what I believe anyway.
Regarding the refuting of Mr. Biltz, have you questioned him directly? Just curious… Thank you for your comment and again, I will keep your recommendations in mind.
Sincerely In Christ,
Alison
Mark Biltz Responds To Criticism « Truthoughts said
[...] my previous posts please visit: Jewish Feasts of the Lord also Feasts of the Lord Part II and for the combined version… Jewish Feasts and Holy [...]
Bible Study Verses said
First-Class post.Sustain the eminent work,You should definitely have to keep updating your site
truthoughts said
“Bible Study Verses”,
Thank you for your comment. In response to updating the site, I agree… I have begun some new articles and hope to be able to finish them soon and post them. Thank you again for your comment.
Sincerely In Christ,
Alison