Pentecost 2010 Date

Ok… I really wasn’t trying to focus on the actual date of Pentecost this year because it never fails that everyone continues to be wrong.

The Jewish Calendar said it was on May 19th which could not be farther from Biblical truth… Pentecost MUST fall on a Sunday, the day after the Sabbath (Saturday). No matter when it is otherwise… it must be on a Sunday. Check Leviticus 23.

Ok, so from what I had heard regarding the moon sighting and the barley being aviv… I calculated as did many others that it would fall on May 23rd of this year.

Well, there are other studies out in the webisphere that point to it being on June 20th of this year. Ok, there is one a friend of mine sent me that talks about it being on May 31st but in reading that, I do not know where they pulled that one out of their hat.

Seriously though, it is possible for it to be on June 20th of 2010 and I would like to point you to an article written by one of my friends, Stephen. See what you think.

Many believe, as I have shared here, that the rapture could happen on Pentecost of this year. Well, if it is on June 20th like my friend suggests… there would still be hope for that. We will see when it comes but it never hurts to hope for our blessed hope and watch as we are commanded to do.

So, check out his post on the subject and while you are there… look around. He has some very amazing things on his site. Honestly, there are not too many sites that blow me away but his is one of them.

Here is the link: Rapture Watch

Persecuted for Righteousness Sake

I know that many who stand for the Truth of God’s Words get persecuted for the sake of righteousness, being the Word. So, I just wanted to encourage all of you who experience this by reminding you of what our Lord says in the Word.

1 Peter 3:14-16 But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, niether be troubled; But sanctify the LORD God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.

Also,

Matthew 5:10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Now, I know that at times we may get flustered when defending the Word of God but remember that in the end it is the Lord’s battle, not ours.

2 Corinthians 2:10:3-6 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds; Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.

We must understand that the sin in man without Christ is very strong and works day and night to distort Truth in them. Jesus talks about seed in this manner in Matthew 13, Mark 4 and Luke 8. Lets take a closer look at those chapters to see what He has to say about it.

Lets begin with Matthew 13 beginning in verse 3.

And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow; And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up: Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away.

Now lets look at Matthew 13 beginning in verse 7.

And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them:

And also Matthew 13 verse 8.

But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold.

So, we see the parable as related in Matthew. Lets see what the Lord has to say next.

Matthew 13:10-15 And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables? He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath. Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.

Wow, did you catch all of that? Jesus spoke in parables so that those in attendance would NOT understand. However, to His disciples He says this…

Matthew 13:16 But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear.

Check that out! We know that God has blinded the Jews, for a time, so that the Gentiles could be brought into the fold…

Romans 11:25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles be come in.

but… what about others?

So many may come to churches and even profess to be believers but it is possible that they are still blind. The problem is that too many people rely solely upon the words and traditions of men to lead them and not the Word of God.

Matthew 15:9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching [for] doctrines the commandments of men.

1 Timothy 4:1-2 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron

We see here in Hosea, the importance of knowing and accepting  the Word of God.

Hosea 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee…

Ok, so far, we have not yet examined the meaning behind the parable. We will do that beginning in verse 18.

Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower. When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side. But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.

Notice how some, after they have heard the Word… yet when persecution comes because of the Word… he becomes offended. Why would he be offended? He is offended because he has no root. Well, what does it mean to have a root? Our root must be based in the Lord who is the Word of God.

John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

So many these days are offended by the Word of the Lord. Many who call themselves Christians get very irate if you correct them with the Word of God because they are offended… not rooted in Christ.

Now, regarding those who let the cares of this world choke the Word and become unfruitful. The best example of this I believe would be the Laodicean church which is existing today. If you turn on your television to one of the many “christian” tv stations… you can find a lot of these “believers” who get caught up in the cares of this life and therefore produce no REAL fruit.

Many are told if they give money here or there… or if they do this or that, then God will hear them and give them whatever they want… A new car, a large home, the ability to loose 150 pounds in 5 minutes, gold teeth… whatever. It is all the same. They believe they are acting on Biblical faith to produce a fruitful gain, but in actuality, they are dead in their sins because no one is telling them to repent and get rooted in the vine, Christ.

As Jesus says in Matthew 7:22-23 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Jesus continues from Matthew 13 verse 24 trying to explain it from a different perspective… We can see this parable in its fullness today.

Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares? He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.

The Lord has warned His church that we should be on guard because there are ravenous wolves waiting to tear into the flock.The Word also warns of men creeping in unaware to the sleeping church, just like the wheat and the tares for the purpose of driving them away after themselves.

Acts 20:29-30 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.

Jude 1:4-5 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not.

For we know that the Lord has created vessels of honor (His elect/chosen) and vessels of dishonor (the enemy’s camp). 2 Timothy 2:19-21 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, [and] prepared unto every good work.

Notice how it states that the Lord knows who are His. Not all who call on Him will be saved… not all who profess believe are His.

Matthew 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

Ok, so lets take a closer look at the parable of the tares and the wheat.

Lets begin with the tares in Matthew 13:36

Then Jesus sent the multitude away, and went into the house: and his disciples came unto him, saying, Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field. He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man; The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one; The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels. As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world. The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.

But guess what!? In verse 43, we see His plan for His righteous.

Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.

I suggest you continue reading the parables beginning in Mark 4:8 and Luke 8:8 because sometimes the different books will add a word or two that sheds more light on the topic.

Remember that we have the Word of God for our direction and our mirror. Daily, we should be aligning ourselves with the Word of God to be pleasing to Him and obedient in our love for Him. When you are persecuted for the Word’s sake, remember this verse:

2 Timothy 3:16-17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

And… remember that not all who profess Christ are His. We must judge them by their fruits.

Philippians 4:7-9 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

Galatians 6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

Luke 21:28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.

Building a Relationship with Christ

The following is part of a message that I sent a friend of mine in regards to how our earthly relationships represent our relationship with Christ and how the enemy attempts to attack those relationships. This effected my friend so much that I wanted to share it with you here too. Please keep in mind while reading that it was written in response to a question and therefore worded to them specifically. In general, it fits for all.

A Relationship with Christ

It helps to have a reference point. Whoever you have experienced the most love with… whether it was from a parent, grandparent, friend, romantic, a pet, etc. Use that as a reference point to begin at.

All of our relationships are to be an example of how we are to see God and how God sees us. Just as we grow and mature in this life, so do our relationships.

For example… We begin with our parents and grandparents. When we are infants, we rely solely upon them for everything. We cannot survive without their protection and provision. We also should see an unconditional love, at least in the beginning. I know that because this life is not perfect, not all parents are the way they should be and it causes us to have a distorted view of our first interactions. This is one of Satan’s weapons against us right from birth. If he can distort this relationship, then it will be even harder for us to relate to God as our Father, Provider, Protector, etc.

Our first step is to recognize Him, God as our creator. With this, brings a reverent respect and holy fear.

Secondly, just as in this life would be the parental perspective as stated above.

Thirdly, would be our relationship with our peers / friends. In this we learn to relate to God as our friend… our best friend. He is the one who never leaves us… is always there to hear everything about each detail of our lives. He is the one who has our back when times are rough. He is the one we can always count on. He is the one who makes us laugh and whom we learn to be a loyal friend to and take up for when others try to attack Him. When we in this life find backstabbing friends and unloyal friends, this is another of Satan’s tools against us to distort another aspect of our relationship with God. If Satan can pervert this, it then becomes even harder for us to relate to God because our trust has been taken from us.

Fourthly, would be as an authority figure. We learn from an early age that there are authority figures in our lives that we must obey and respect. This comes in different forms such as teachers, elders in general as well as police, etc. As you can tell, many in this life have corrupted their authority and so as with every other area of relationships… Satan uses this one to cause us to distrust, disrespect and rebel against all authority. If we do this, it becomes very hard to become humble toward God and be obedient to Him with an understanding that He has our best interest in mind with every step.

Fifth would be romantic relationships. This aspect is a vital one because we are the Bride of Christ and everything is summed up in this relationship. Satan has been so successful in disrupting this beautiful example. Satan began with breaking up homes with divorce through unfaithfulness and abuse so that no one has a good example growing up to attain to. Right off the bat, many have become broken in this area because if the romantic relationship is unhopeful and full of pain… what is there? Everything becomes unstable. Once this happens, Satan has then used perversions in order to encourage people to think that the only way to find happiness is to please themselves in whatever ways possible. The problem is that in always trying to please yourself, you find… just as a drug, nothing really ever works. You may have pleasure for a moment but in the next moment… not so much. This is when Satan has brought in homosexuality which leads to pedophilia and then finally to bestiality. Once this happens, there is nothing left but pure violence. This is Satan’s greatest tool because once he has gotten us to be our own gods (this happens when our concern is to please ourselves and be obedient to ourselves, etc.) then there is no more room for the one true God. This is when God turns us over to our own reprobate minds (desires) and we die in those. This is why it is said that the wages of sin is death.

Finally, when we have children. In this relationship, we are shown our relationship with God through God’s eyes. We become the protector, the provider, the everything to another. With this, we come full circle and can then see God in His entirety as a whole being. Just as we are because we are created in His image. Our entire lives are for the purpose of getting to know Him in a way that no other creation can because we experience Him through those around us and through ourselves when the cycle is complete.

Then, once we are in heaven with Him… we will be able to relate to Him in a way far deeper then we ever could here because we will then see Him just as He is from the inner depths to the outer surface. It is a dimension un-attainable to us in this realm.

So, as you can see… above is the plan God has for us getting to know Him in every aspect as well as Satan’s plans for destroying this along the way.

What you need to do is to start at the beginning. Look at what you know, what you have experienced. See how God intended for you to see Him. Recognize how Satan has twisted everything to tear you away from God. Then pray that God will wipe away everything that is a hinder and for Him to allow you to recapture the time that was stolen from you by Satan and to turn your heart to Him (God) and help you to gain an understanding and grow in love toward Him.

You just need to start at the beginning. Get the right perspective. Learn what is the wrong perspective and be willing to let go of it or it will weigh on you like an anvil and drown you in the lake of fire. Reading the Bible is to get to know God in His own Words. It is to help you know how to be pleasing to Him from the love you will have for Him once you let Him in. All pride, all resentment, all hatred, all vengeance, all unforgiveness must be let go of in order to let Him in and then He will change you… You cannot change your own heart, He must do it. You must chase after Him with whatever you do have and plead with Him to change your heart toward Himself.

*** In the end, we must read the Word of God to get to know who He is. The previous is to help us open ourselves to Him and it provides a starting point for communication and perception. ***

The Second Coming is Near

This video is in regards to the Second Coming of the Lord Jesus. It is nearer then you believe. For those of us who are watching and are ready, He will take us home to be with Him but for all others, wrath awaits. This is the Truth. All must wake up before it is too late. There is NO more time to sleep. WAKE UP! The Lord IS coming!

Run!

This is a race for our lives, run as though your life depends upon it because it DOES! RUN!

Are We In The Great Wheat Harvest Now

Below are 4 videos of Pastor Sandy Armstrong with Soldiers For Christ.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

A Wake Up Call To The Church

This 2 part video series is of Pastor Sandy Armstrong. You can check out his website here: Soldiers For Christ

You can see by one of my last posts… I posted a series of his teaching regarding the tribulation lasting from 2010-2017.

This set is a wake up call to all Christians and Churches to shake off their filth, get out of the worldly mud and get right before the Lord comes. We are not called to be of the world. We should not look like the world. We are to resemble Christ in the world. We are to be the light of the world, the salt of the earth, the Truth to the lost.

Our lives, words and actions, should always glorify Christ, edify other believers, mirror Christ and share His Word to the lost. Get off the milk baby Christian and get into some meat before time is up.

Jesus is not coming for a lukewarm Church. You have to be hot for Him, wholeheartedly sold out to Him. Obedient to Him and His Word or you will be left behind. The horror that is coming is unimaginable. Trust me, you do NOT want to be here for it. You have a short time left to repent and cry out to Him… don’t waste this moment. Everything else can and should wait. Get right with God now because no one is promised tomorrow.

Part 1

Part 2

2010 – 2017 Tribulation Years: Last Call!

Here is a 3 part video series I came across that I would like to share with you. If nothing else, it is certainly inspiring. I must say though, through much research lately… it sure does appear that the Tribulation period will be between 2010 and 2017. I hope to upload more information regarding the research for that soon. If this is the case, there is a very strong possibility for the Pre-Tribulation Rapture to occur either on May 13, 2010 (Day 40 of the counting of the Omer when Jesus Himself ascended to heaven *Acts 1:9-11*) or possibly on May 23, 2010 which is Pentecost.

As we know from *Colossians 2:16-17* the feasts, sabbaths, new moons, etc. are all a shadow of things to come which means they are prophetic.

Well, tell me… why did the Lord Jesus ascend to heaven on Day 40 of the counting of the Omer? Let me share something with you.

Acts 1:9-11 And when He had spoken these things, while they beheld, He WAS TAKEN UP; and A CLOUD RECEIVED HIM out of their sight. And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven AS HE WENT UP, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall SO COME IN LIKE MANNER as ye have seen Him go into heaven.

1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 For the Lord Himself shall descend FROM HEAVEN with a shout, with the voice of the acrchangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ SHALL RISE FIRST: Then WE which are alive and remain shall be CAUGHT UP together with them IN THE CLOUDS, to meet the Lord IN THE AIR: and so shall we ever be with the Lord Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

This is just the tip of the iceberg. There is so much more information to share on this topic but for now… I would like to share this inspiring video series. Thank you for watching.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

What Time Is It? Time To Go Home!

The following is a post I came across that I would like to share with you here. The author’s email is included at the bottom of the post if you would like to contact him regarding his thoughts. Thanks for reading. (Everything from this point on is a part of the article)

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A Study in Escatology by F.M. Riley

April 8, 2010 The Rapture Before June of This Year? A Study in Escatology by F.M. Riley

Pastor Riley is a dedicated man of God who has studied the scriptures diligently for many decades. In this article about the length of a generation he has analyzed profoundly the parable of the fig tree (Israel) and the last generation mentioned there.

His argument is scriptural and well thought, and I can see that his conclusions stand with a very strong probability of being correct. By his reckoning the Rapture of the church may be before the month of June 2010.

Thank you pastor Riley

Nando

F.M. Riley (9 Apr 2010)

“Why?”

——————————————————————————–

I wrote the attached Bible study and sent it out a few months ago. However, I have just revised and updated it and am sending it out again. In the light of current events it has never been more timely. Use as the Lord leads.

Pastor F. M. Riley

Why? Here’s Why…..

By Pastor F. M. Riley

Revised April 5, 2010

“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.”

1 Peter 3:15

Introduction

Dear __________,

I want to thank you for writing. You asked me several questions about the timing of the Lord’s coming to rapture His people to glory. If I understood your questions correctly, what you really want to know is “why I believe that the rapture will occur and the Tribulation will begin in 2010?

Sister, your questions have given me both incentive and opportunity to give you an answer that should be of benefit to all true believers. My earnest prayer is that my answers will be Scripturally enlightening and an encouragement, not only to you, but to everyone who reads this study.

So let’s get started…..

In Just One Generation

I believe there is only one appropriate place to begin this study, for everything that I will write about in this study has occurred, or is occurring, in only one Biblically specified “generation.”

The Parable of the Fig Tree

In Matthew 24:32-35 the Lord Jesus Christ gave to His disciples what is commonly referred to as “The Parable of the Fig Tree.” See also Mark 13:28-31 and Luke 21:29-33. This parable was given right after the Lord had concluded the prophecies set forth in the preceding 31 verses of the chapter. In the verses which follow this parable (24:36-51; 25:1-46), the Lord simply expanded upon the prophecies already set forth in the first 31 verses. This arrangement of the Lord’s discourse makes it obvious that the Lord Himself placed great emphasis on “The Parable of the Fig Tree.” This parable is very important. Is there a reason for this? Let’s see…..

To be learned…..Notice that the Lord instructed His disciples to “learn” the parable. Therefore, any one claiming to be a “Christian” that refuses to study and “learn” the truth that is taught in this parable, is willfully disobeying the Lord Himself. Read John 14:21-24. It is sad that many of God’s people [not all] read Matthew 24 and yet pay little or no attention to this parable, and don’t really have a clue as to what it means or why the Lord inserted it in His Olivet Discourse.

The Fig Tree…..When we obey the Lord and study this parable, what we “learn” is that the “fig tree” is symbolic of Israel. This is indisputable for anyone wanting to deal honestly with God’s Word, for such is clearly taught and stated in Jeremiah 24:4-7 and Hosea 9:10, and is used in such a manner in many other Scriptures.

The “Parable of the Fig Tree” then speaks prophetically of the re-establishment and expansion of the nation of Israel. The nation of Israel became a reality in modern times on May 14, 1948. The certainty of this prophecy coming to pass was emphasized by the Lord when He followed the parable by saying, “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My words shall not pass away,” 24:35.

That this parable prophetically teaches the re-establishment of the nation of Israel was unwittingly [?] verified when the newly established nation issued their first postage stamp. That first stamp was imprinted with a picture of a fig tree budding. Glory to God! Coincidence…?? Or was it the hand of God! You decide!

The tender branch…..When the nation of Israel was re-established, it was only a “tender branch.” Many people in high places, supposedly friends [?] of the Jewish people, had predicted that when the Jews declared themselves an “independent” nation, the Arab nations would wipe them out. But it didn’t happen! Little David beat Goliath right into the dust! When the Jews declared their independence, the whole Jewish population in the holy land numbered only about 350,000 people. They went to war against the Arab nations who have a combined population of a hundred million people, and yet God gave Israel the victory! Glory! Praise the Lord! The “tender branch” had succeeded in “sprouting” again. Read Job 14:7-9 and give praise to Israel’s God [and mine].

The newly formed nation of Israel remained a “tender branch” for the next 7 years. But then in the 8th year the Lord began to “toughen them up.” In 1956 the Jews had to fight the “Suez Canal War.” Once again, the odds were overwhelming, but again God gave them the victory. The “tender branch” had been buffeted in the storm, and had survived and began to grow with new life. The population of Israel began to increase as Jews in other countries began to realize that Israel was here to stay, and they started coming “home.” Read Jeremiah 24:6.

Putting forth leaves…..Eleven more years passed during which the population of Israel steadily increased. Then in 1967 Israel showed the whole world just “how tough” the “tender branch” had become. That year Israel fought the “Six Day War.” In just six days God again gave Israel victory over the combined forces of the Arab nations. In that war Israel regained control of their beloved city of Jerusalem, the Sinai peninsula, and the west bank, known to the Jews as “Judea and Samaria.” The “tender branch” in just six days had “put forth leaves.”

All these things…..Now carefully notice the next statement made by our Lord, “So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.” Remember that the Lord commanded His disciples to “learn” this parable. See what things? Know what is near? What doors? I’m so glad you asked!

The word “all” in this verse is translated from the Greek word, “pas.” This word literally means, “all at the same time.” See Thayer’s Greek Lexicon, page 493, Strong’s No. 3956. In other words, the Lord was telling the disciples that when “all these things” that He had predicted in the preceding 31 verses were happening at the same time, then the disciples would “know” that “the kingdom of God is nigh at hand,” Mark 13:29-31. Read Mark’s account for yourself. The Lord said in Mark’s account that the “it” in Matthew’s account is “the kingdom of God.” Praise the Lord! Hallelujah!

The Kingdom of God…..In other words, the Lord told the disciples that when that time arrived in human history when Israel had become a nation again, and there were false messiahs arising, wars, racial division, famines, pestilences, earthquakes, people murdering Jews and Christians in the name of God, hatred of the Jews, false prophets spewing out their poison, the abounding of iniquity, and love waxing cold (apostasy), all at the same time, then God’s people should “know” that “it [the kingdom of God] is near, even at the doors.” Hallelujah!

Folks, “the kingdom of God is near.” The Lord said so! If some reading this want to argue about it, don’t bother me with your silly argument. Go argue with the Lord. Tell Him you don’t believe Him. Give Him all your silly reasons for putting off the time of His coming. He said when we “see all these things” His Kingdom is “even at the doors.” The Lord said it, and as far as I am concerned, that settles it!

I can see “all these things” going on today right before my eyes, and if I can then you can. If you can’t, then maybe you ought to take off your blinders, get your head out of the TV, quite watching the “slop” operas and the “bawl” games, and look around you to see what is going on in the world today.

The Doors…..Let’s not overlook the Lord’s statement about “the doors.” Most people pay little or no attention to this expression. Yet it is very important in understanding and “rightly dividing” the truths set forth in this parable.

Notice that the word is “doors,” not “door.” It is plural rather than singular. It is also plural in the Greek text. Check it out for yourself.

When the Lord used the plural form, “doors,” in relation to “the kingdom of God” being near, He was pointing out a truth to His disciples that is commonly overlooked. The Lord pointed out that there are two doors connected with the revelation of “the kingdom of God,” and therefore two different times for the “doors” to open.

The first “door” is found in Revelation 3:8. In this verse the Lord told His New Testament church, “…..behold, I have set before thee [in your future] an open door, and no man can shut it:…” The exact expression in the Greek text is, “…..a door having been opened…..” This “open door” in the future of the Lord’s church is the door in heaven that New Testament believers will go through as they enter “the kingdom of God” at the time of the rapture. Glory!

Proof of this statement is found in Revelation 4:1. In this verse the exact same expression occurs, word for word, in the Greek text, that the Lord gave to His church in Revelation 3:8. This verse in the Greek text literally reads, “After these things I saw, and behold a door having been opened in heaven: and the voice which I heard at the first as of a trumpet speaking with me, saying, Come up hither, and I will show to thee what things must take place after these things.” This verse, occurring at the end of the prophecies about the church age, and at the beginning of the prophecies about the Tribulation, quite obviously typifies the rapture of New Testament believers into “the kingdom of God” in Heaven. This is the first “door” of the “doors” the Lord spoke about in connection with “the kingdom of God” in Matthew 24:33, Mark 13:29, and Luke 21:31. Then what is the second “door”?

The second “door” is found in Revelation 19:11, where John wrote, “And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and He that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He doth judge and make war.” This verse and the context, speaks of the return of the Lord Jesus Christ back to this earth at the end of the Tribulation to destroy His enemies and establish “the kingdom of God” upon this earth. Though the word “door” is not used in this verse, it is clearly implied. In the Greek text the word “opened” in this verse is the exact same word used, and in the same tense, as the word “opened” in Revelation 3:8 and 4:1.

Therefore 7 years after the first “door” is opened ushering New Testament believers into “the kingdom of God” in Heaven, the second “door” will be opened allowing the Lord and all the glorified saints to return to earth to establish “the kingdom of God” upon earth. Read Matthew 6:9-10, and rejoice! Praise the Lord!

Remember, the Lord said, “So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.” Glory! Hallelujah! Praise the Lord! Folks, the rapture of God’s people is right at the “door.”

But to make sure that His people wouldn’t overlook it, the Lord narrowed it down even more for us…..

This generation…..The next thing the Lord said was, “Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.” Right here the Lord predicted that all of the things predicted will occur in one specific generation, and will be “fulfilled” before all of those living in that generation “pass away” [die off]. Wow! Glory to God!

What “generation”? Those teaching Preterist theology claim that the Lord was referring to the generation living at the time He gave this prophecy, and that all of Matthew 24 has already been fulfilled (except the Lord’s actual return). Is that so? No it is not so! Such a false interpretation is impossible, for “all these things” in the preceding 31 verses includes “the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory,” [24:30]. The last time I checked, the Lord hadn’t returned yet. Folks,“all these things” is an on going process taking place during “this generation,” and they haven’t “all” been concluded yet. Before “all these things” are finally fulfilled, the Lord will have returned! The Preterist claim is a perversion of God’s Word and a false claim. Let’s examine this statement for ourselves and see the truth…..

In Matthew 24:34 the word “generation” is translated from the Greek word, “genea.”

This word literally means, “1. a begetting, birth, nativity; 2. that which has been begotten, men of the same stock; a family; the several ranks in a natural descent, the successive members of a genealogy; a race of men; 3. the whole multitude of men living at the same time: Matthew 24:34; Mark 13:30; Luke 21:32. See Thayer’s Greek Lexicon, page 112, Strong’s No. 1074.

This word is used numerous times in the New Testament. A “generation” is a specified length of time from the birth of a child until the birth of that child’s children. In God’s Word a “generation” involves a specified length of time and is associated with a person or people or event that occurs within that particular period of time.

The Lord didn’t leave us in the dark on this subject. The length of a “generation” is clearly defined in God’s Word for those who are willing to “search the Scriptures.” I have heard many “guesses” and various claims as to how long a “generation” is in the Word of God. Instead of guessing or estimating or assuming, why not just let God’s Word define it for us? God’s Word is the final authority!

I have personally looked up and studied every single place in the Bible where the word, “generation,” is used, both in the Old Testament and the New Testament. The Hebrew and Greek words which are translated as “generation” and “generations,” occur 172 times in the Old Testament, and 77 times in the New Testament, for a total of 249 times. The word “generation” is translated from 3 different Hebrew words in the Old Testament and 6 different Greek words in the New Testament.

In carefully studying every one of these Scripture passages, I determined that God’s inspired Word defines the length of a “generation” as being 33 years minimum and 42 years maximum.

If this doesn’t fit any reader’s theory on the length of a Bible “generation,” then I would suggest that you carefully read again Acts 17:24-29, noting especially the statement in verse 26, “ …and hath determined the times before appointed…” Folks, there are time periods in God’s plan of the Ages which ARE NOT limited to a Biblical generation. I acknowledge these time periods in God’s Word and His use of them in His great plan of the ages. Amen! But this doesn’t give Scriptural authority to ignore the length of a “generation” as defined by God’s Word, and insert a time period calling it a “generation.” It is not God’s Word that is wrong!

In making my “generation” study, I also discovered that the Lord has repeatedly subjected Israel to 40 year periods of testing. There are numerous examples of this truth in God’s Word. Our readers can look them up and check them out for yourself.

In the Olivet Discourse the Lord was answering questions asked by four Jews, Mark 13:3-4. They came to the Lord asking Jewish questions about Jewish concerns. The Lord answered them by speaking of things which would be of particular concern to the Jews during this present dispensation, and on to the end of the Tribulation. The entire discourse was then given to the Jews, was primarily for the Jews and concerned with the Jews. Since the discourse primarily concerns the Jews, then I have to believe that the “generation” under consideration in Matthew 24:34 is a 42 year period of testing for the Jews.

I think it is worthy of note that from the time the Lord gave the Olivet Discourse to these four Jews, it was then 40 years later that their Temple was destroyed. Now here at the end of this present dispensation, there has been another period of testing for the Jews. This present period of testing has now reached 42 years, and is proceeding towards completing 43 years. “This generation” is then a period of 42 years.

And the Lord Himself said that…..

Pass Away…..”This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.” This does not mean that everything the Lord predicted in the first 31 verses of the chapter will be fulfilled within the bounds of “this generation.” What it does mean is that all of the “generation” of people living at the time that “the tender branch” [Israel] “putteth forth leaves” [expanded their territory, regaining their beloved Jerusalem] will not “die off” before “the kingdom of God” is established upon this earth. Some of them will still be alive when that glorious event occurs. Glory!

Folks, I was 14 years of age in 1948, the year Israel was re-established as a nation. I was 33 years old when the “Six Day War” was fought, restoring to Israel her capitol city, the Temple Mount, the Sinai peninsula, and the West Bank. So I was alive when “this generation” began. I have lived during the time of “this generation.” I am a part of “this generation.” I count myself blessed of the Lord to be one of those living in “this generation.” I have been able to watch many of the great end-time prophecies of His Word being fulfilled before my very eyes. I am now 76 years of age, and if it is in accordance with the Lord’s plan for my life [His will be done, not mine], I fully expect to be one of those of God’s people “…..which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord…..,” which will be “…..caught up together with them [the resurrected saints] to meet the Lord in the air:….,” 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17. Glory! Hallelujah!

The Time Element…..Since “this generation” is a period of 42 years, then when did it begin? I’m glad you asked!

The Lord told us exactly when “this generation” would begin when He said, “…..When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves…..” Folks, Israel was re-established as a nation in 1948, but for 19 years there was no expansion of Israel’s territory. It was not until the 1967 Six Day War that Israel recovered their beloved capitol city of Jerusalem and other areas, expanding their territory. 1967 was the year that the “…tender branch…..putteth forth leaves…..” The 42 years of “this generation” then began June 5th – 10th, 1967. Now you know!

Since “this generation” is 42 years in length, and it began in June, 1967, then when will it end? From June, 1967 to June, 2009 is 42 years. Count it up for yourself! Since the Six Day War began June 5th through 10th, 1967, and we are now in April of 2010 the 42 years has been completed and we are now within the 43rd year. The 43rd year will be completed June 5th – 10th, 2010. The resurrection and rapture of God’s people should occur BEFORE THAT TIME. No, I DO NOT know the day the rapture will occur, but it is so close that every true believer should be looking for the Lord EVERY DAY NOW! Hello! Do I have your attention yet?

But there is more! For God’s Word reveals that “this generation” is also…..

The Last Generation

Israel was re-established as a nation in 1948. It is then more than coincidence that Psalm 48, the Psalm that corresponds with 1948, describes exactly what happened immediately following Israel’s declaration of independence. See Psalm 48:4-7, and compare the statements made in these verses with the actual history of what occurred in Israel in the last half of May, 1948, and the summer of 1948. Is our God amazing? Then give Him glory! The Psalmist predicted these events some 3,000 years in advance of their fulfillment. Glory to God! Praise the Lord!

Then in this same Psalm in verse 13, the Psalmist was inspired of God to write, “Mark ye well her bulwarks [Zion…Jerusalem], consider her palaces; that ye may tell it to the generation following.” Notice the words I have underlined carefully, then take your Hebrew Lexicon or Concordance and look up the meaning of those words. The word “following” in this verse is translated from the Hebrew word, “acharon.” This Hebrew word literally means, “hinder; last; hindermost; latter; rereward; uttermost.” See Gesenius Hebrew-Chaldee Lexicon, page 33, Strong’s No. 314. In other words, the latter part of Psalm 48:13 in the Hebrew text literally reads, “…..that ye may tell it to the last generation.”

Since this Psalm talks about the re-establishment of the nation of Israel, and the Lord was referring to the re-establishment of the nation of Israel in “The Parable of the Fig Tree,” then isn’t it obvious that the Psalmist and the Lord were both speaking about the same “generation? The Psalmist, writing by Divine Inspiration, says that it is “the last generation.”

This truth is confirmed a second time in Psalm 78. This Psalm corresponds with 1978, the year that Israel signed a “Peace Treaty” with Egypt. In verse 4 the exact same word is used in the Hebrew text that is used in Psalm 48:13. “…..showing to the generation to come [acharon] the praises of the Lord…..” In the literal Hebrew, “…..showing to the last generation…..” This verse, which again deals with the re-established nation of Israel, again confirms that “this generation” mentioned by the Lord in the Parable of the Fig Tree is “the last generation” in this present dispensation. Glory to God! Hallelujah! God’s people [true believers] are soon going “home.”

I do not want any reader to misunderstand the truths presented in these passages. The reference to “the last generation” in both of these passages does not mean that there will be no future generations of people. Such an idea would be totally contrary to God’s covenant with Noah in Genesis 9:8-12, and many other passages in God’s Word. According to God’s inspired Word, there will be future “generations” of people born right on into and throughout eternity. See my studies on The Ages to Come.

The “last generation” referred to in Psalm 48:13 and Psalm 78:4, and “this generation” in Matthew 24:34, then has to be understood in the light of God’s great “Plan of the Ages.” In His great plan, the Lord appointed six days [6,000 years…2 Peter 3:8] for mankind to prove themselves capable of handling all the affairs of man upon the earth, as they labor upon the earth. See Exodus 20:9-11, 23:12, 31:15, 34:21, 35:2, Leviticus 23:3, and Deuteronomy 5:13-14. In these 6,000 years the only thing mankind has proven, is that humanity is a total failure without the presence and leadership of Almighty God.

Now we are living in “the last generation” of the “Dispensation of Grace” [Ephesians 3:2], “the last generation” of “the times of the Gentiles [Luke 21:24], and “the last generation” in which man’s leadership shall prevail upon the earth. All future “generations” shall be under the direct leadership and administration of the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. Praise God! Glory to God! Hallelujah! Praise the Lord!

“But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ,” 1 Corinthians 15:57. Hallelujah!

The Prophetic Significance

In the Book of Deuteronomy and the Book of Joshua there is a parallel to “this generation” that I believe is prophetically significant. Let me briefly call it to the attention of our readers.

I urge our readers to carefully study the chronological record of events involving Israel, as recorded in Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.

Moses led Israel out of Egypt 2,513 years after the creation of Adam. Due to their unbelief and rebellion, the Israelites spent 40 years wandering in the wilderness. As the end of that forty years was approaching, Moses began delivering his final messages to Israel on the 1st day of Shevat, the 11th month on the Jewish calendar, Deuteronomy 1:3. The ministry of Moses was concluded and he died on the last day of that same month; the Jewish month of Shevat, Deuteronomy 34:5-7. The children of Israel mourned for Moses 30 days, the whole month of Adar on the Jewish calendar, Deuteronomy 34:8.

Then on the 1st day of Abib [Nisan] on the Jewish calendar [a new year], the Lord commissioned Joshua to take the children of Israel across the Jordan into the “Promised Land,” Joshua 1:1-9. Ten days later on the 10th day of Abib, the children of Israel came up out of the Jordan river and entered the “Promised Land,” Joshua 4:19.

Because many of God’s people don’t seriously study Bible chronology, they don’t realize that almost immediately after entering the “Promised Land,” the Israelites began fighting a war against their enemies that lasted seven (7) years.

Folks, it certainly appears to me that there is a parallel between Israel’s first 40 year “generation” some 3,400 years ago, and this “last generation” that we are living in today.

Forty-two + years ago [June, 1967] Israel regained control of the city of Jerusalem and the Temple mount. At that time they had an opportunity to rebuild their Temple and renew their covenant with their God. But because of the unbelief of their “faithless” leaders, those unbelieving leaders gave most of the territory they had gained, including their beloved Temple Mount, to their sworn enemies. Over these past 42 years Israel has continued in “spiritual blindness,” wandering in the wilderness of this world, always seeking “peace,” but finding none, and being constantly hated and oppressed by their enemies. Now here at the end of “this generation,” Israel still faces the 7 years of Tribulation. Is there not a parallel to be seen here?

Conclusion

Folks, I make no claim to knowing “that day and hour” when the Lord is coming. All I know is what the Lord Himself said about the “Parable of the Fig Tree.” I have done my best to “faithfully” share His Word with our readers, Jeremiah 23:28. Based on these statements of our Lord, I do know that we are living in the very end of “this generation” on our Gentile calendar.

The Jewish civil year 5769 ended on Rosh HaShanah in 2009, and the Jewish civil year 5770 began. However, on the sacred calendar that the Lord Himself gave to the Jews in Exodus 12, the sacred year 5769 just ended and the sacred year 5770 just began on March 29th – 30th, 2010. Glory to God!

I and hundreds of other true believers are expecting a “change” to occur during the Jewish year of 5770. So far we haven’t been disappointed. One CHANGE after another is swiftly taking place.

Folks, this year [2010] life on earth is changing! This change is beyond what anyone dreamed of or even imagined would occur, especially in America. The “signs” of such changes are all about us, and can easily be seen by those who are seriously studying God’s Word and watching world events.

Every area of life as we have known it in the past is collapsing. There is no question in my mind that total collapse will occur very soon. The economy will collapse, our money will become worthless, more businesses and factories will close, thousands of people will be without work, gas and food shortages will develop, utilities [gas; water; electric] will fail, all forms of communication will break down [yes, even your computer and cell phone], crime will mushroom, law enforcement and governmental authority will break down, and people will be left to their own resources to provide for themselves and their families or starve and die. Martial law will be declared and the authorities will oppress and enslave the people. Humanity is now facing a time unlike anything they have ever seen before in human history. If any reader doesn’t believe this, it won’t change the truth one bit. Just keep breathing and you will see it for yourself.

But don’t despair! In this dark forecast there is a bright side.

I am personally expecting the Lord to come through Heaven’s “door” and rescue [rapture] His people [true believers] in 2010. I personally expect Him to come before the June, 2010 anniversary date of the Six Day War. He is coming soon, Luke 21:28.

“For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first;Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

Wherefore comfort one another with these words.”

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

Again, in Revelation 3:10 the Lord said to His church, “Because thou hast kept the Word of My patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation [testing], which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.”

Folks, I emphasize to you again…..we are living in the very end of “this generation” on the Jewish calendar. It is time for God’s people to “look up” and get serious about living for the Lord.

It is also time for every lost sinner [one who has never received Christ as their own personal Savior] to get serious about seeking the Lord for the salvation of your soul. Quit playing games with God. Since the Lord uses the Jewish calendar in prophetic reckoning, you may have another 30 days or so to “prepare to meet thy God,” and you may not have even another day or another hour. God have mercy!

If any reader needs spiritual help, I would count it a blessing if you would call on me. I will do everything I know to do to help you find Christ as your own personal Savior, or to help you find assurance of your salvation. The Lord Jesus Christ is coming very soon. Don’t put it off. Get the eternal destiny of your soul settled NOW.

May God grant every reader GRACE is my prayer.

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NOTICE: Permission is granted to any true believer or Bible believing Christian ministry to reproduce copies of this study to share with others, or to quote from it in context as written.

Please address all comments, questions, or correspondence to: Last Call Gospel Ministry, Pastor F. M. Riley, 184 County Road 108, Harrisburg, MO 65256-9370.

My email address is: fmrglbd5@yahoo.com

This post was originated here: Rapture Watch