REPENTANCE IS OUR ONLY HOPE

Pre-Trib / Mid-Trib*Pre-Wrath / Post Trib

This is a very short message because I have been getting bombarded with comments and messages lately in regard to when the Church is called up to be with the Lord.

I want everyone to know that I am currently working on a post that I will post soon on this topic. I do, however, want to make one thing very clear and that is… there truly are only 2 options that even come close to when the Church is raptured and those are the Pre-Trib belief and the Mid-Trib / Pre-Wrath belief.

For everyone who believes in either a Post-Trib belief or that believe there is no rapture at all, I suggest you read through *all* of the Bible and you will see that those beliefs do not hold any ground.

Again, I will be posting an article soon on this topic so please hold your comments/attacks on this until I post my article. I would not mind, however, if you would like to post verses that you think would support either the Pre-Trib or the Pre-Wrath belief and why you think they support that specific belief.

My goal is to clear this matter up once and for all… beyond doubt, so if you share your position regarding those it will help be address them in my article. Thank you.

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?”

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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

More on the OSAS teaching…

These videos are showing Biblical scriptures that go more in depth against the OSAS (Once Saved Always Saved) teaching. Please watch.

Part I

Part II

Why is the Jewish Calendar off?…

Here is a study that I came across answering the question of “Why is the Jewish Calendar off”. I recently was asked this question and here is my answer:

Part I

Part II

Part III

Part IV

Part V

The Holy Spirit in the Christian Life

The following, is a short study on the Spirit of God (Holy Spirit) and how we as Christians are to walk accordingly. I have kept it very simple and I pray that you will have your hearts opened to understand.

The Armor of God
Ephesians 6:10-19

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high [places]. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,…

What to do
Ephesians 4:25-32

Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor: for we are members one of another. Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil. Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labor, working with [his] hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.

Ephesians 5:1-7

Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savor.

Fruit of the Spirit
Ephesians 5:9-11

(For the fruit of the Spirit [is] in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove [them].

What not to do
Ephesians 5:3-7

But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them.

What to expect
Ephesians 6:8

Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether [he be] bond or free.

Living the Christian Life – Part II

In Living the Christian Life – Part I, we looked at how the Bible defines “love”. We began our study in Galatians 5:22-26 as we will pick up our study today with looking at “joy”. To recap, this is what those verses state:

Galatians 5:22-26 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

Dictionary.com has one definition of joy as follows:

Joy

Joy\, n. [OE. joye, OF. joye, joie, goie, F. joie, L. gaudia, pl. of gaudium joy, fr. gaudere to rejoice, to be glad; cf. Gr. ? to rejoice, ? proud. Cf. Gaud, Jewel.]

1. The passion or emotion excited by the acquisition or expectation of good; pleasurable feelings or emotions caused by success, good fortune, and the like, or by a rational prospect of possessing what we love or desire; gladness; exhilaration of spirits; delight.

If we look at Philippians 1:25 and 2 Corinthians 1:24, we can see that joy is based in faith and if we look further in Romans 15:13 and 1 Thessalonians 1:6, we can see that our joy (or faith) is given through the power of the Holy Ghost (Holy Spirit) and Acts 13:52.

In 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20, we see that our joy is correlated with hope and a crown of rejoicing. The hope of our joy is what helped Jesus to endure the cross as in Hebrews 12:2. Then if we look at Luke 15:10, we can see that joy is in the salvation of those who are included in the Bride of Christ (Christians) and the fullness of the Bride is the Lord’s joy fulfilled (John 3:29).

In John 15:11, we can see that the Word of the Lord is joy to us, as well as John 17:13. In John 16:22 we see that the Lord gives us joy that no man can take away. We can see that it is through the Holy Spirit in Christ that we attain our joy in Romans 5:11 and Romans 14:17.

We can see that in Hebrews 11:11 faith is strength and we have already concluded that joy is through faith, therefore, our joy in the Lord through the Word inspired by the Holy Spirit is what gives us the faith to strengthen us through our lives and the hope of our salvation to the conclusion of the fullness of the Bride of Christ.

We have this joy, hope, faith and strength because of our love toward the Lord our God because He first loved us (1 John 4:19). Now, this takes us to our next topic, peace, which will be covered in Part III.

 

Living the Christian Life – Part I

A friend of mine is doing a study on the Fruit of the Spirit, so today, I am focusing on how we are to live as Christians. The best examples given are the scriptures that I have copied into this article. Now, because this is going to be an in depth study, I will post it in parts (this being Part I). The first scripture we will take a look at today is Galatians 5 verses 22-26 and it reads as follows:

 

Galatians 5:22-26 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

 

Now, lets break that down a bit… The first one listed is Love. What else does the Bible say about Love? It says:

 

Leviticus 19:18 and Leviticus 19:34 tell us that love is to love our neighbors and to consider strangers among us as ourselves.

 

Deuteronomy 6:5 and Deuteronomy 10:12-13 describes love as fearing the Lord, walking in all His ways and serving Him with all of our hearts and souls while keeping His commandments and statutes. For those of you who do not believe that we are to strive to follow the commandments of the Lord our God, that Jesus did away with the law in His first coming, please read Matthew 5:18 and Luke 16:17.

 

Deuteronomy 11:22 describes love as cleaving to the Lord. According to Dictionary.com to cleave means:

 

1. to adhere closely; stick; cling (usually followed by to).

2. to remain faithful (usually followed by to): to cleave to one’s principles in spite of persecution.

 

So, we can look at it this way… that we are to stay close to the Lord through His Word and remain faithful in spite of persecution. This is what Deuteronomy is trying to relay.

 

Deuteronomy 30:20 goes a little more in depth by stating that we must obey His voice and that cleaving to Him is because He is our life. So, understanding this and placing the context into the previous sentence, lets see what it might say to us.

 

We are to desperately stay close to the Lord our God for dear life through obedience to His Word and remain faithful in spite of persecution.

 

That says so much of our Christian life, doesn’t it?

 

The Lord showed us what love truly is in two verses:

 

John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

 

1 John 3:16 Hereby perceive we the love [of God], because He laid down His life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

 

We are to give of ourselves completely and whole-heartedly to the Lord through studying His Word 2 Timothy 2:15 and conforming to His will Romans 12:1-2 through His Word faithfully, even unto death.

 

We will continue our study in Part II

 

 

Stand Firm In Times Of Trouble

In the days of violence and persecution, it is difficult to find peace and joy.  It is because of this, that I have chosen to write on this topic today. There are a few scriptures that came to mind, which deal directly with this topic. The life of a Christian believer is not one of ease and comfort, though many would like you to believe that it is. Once you become a believer in Christ Jesus, you become a target. We are meek in the fact that we put our trust in our Lord and Savior Jesus and not on our own abilities and influences. We are strong in the fact that our faith is an example, which cannot be disputed during the judgment of the unbelievers. That is right, we are an example.

 

Hebrews 12:1-4 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him that endured such contradiction of sinners against Himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.

 

2 Corinthians 4:8-10 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.

 

2 Corinthians 4:13-15 We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak; Knowing that He which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you. For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.

 

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

 

Philippians 4:6-7 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made know unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

 

Philippians 4:8-9 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.

 

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

 

So, what are we to think on??? We are to think on the things which are eternal, the things which we are taught by the Word of God, the things which we hope and long for by the redemption of our bodies at the rapture/resurrection of the Church, for this is our blessed hope – to be with the Lord God forever. When all around you seems to fail, when all around you seems hopeless, just remember, you have a hope… you have a Savior.

 

Psalm 34:17,19 The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles…Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.

 

Psalm 97:10 Ye that love the Lord, hate evil: He preserveth the souls of His saints; He delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked.

 

The time to press on, is coming to an end, the work is almost done… 

 

Matthew 9:37 Then saith He unto His disciples, the harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few…

 

Will you work while you can? Will you store up treasures, where moth, rust and thieves cannot corrupt? Will you be counted worthy to escape the things, which are about to come?

 

Luke 21:36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.

 

Now is not the time to loose heart. Be encouraged, the day is almost done and your rewards await you in Christ Jesus.

 

 

Jonah and Job – The Trials Of Life

Jonah and Job

Have you ever felt like giving up? Have you ever felt like God just wasn’t listening to you or feeling your pain?

I know someone who just went through a Jonah experience. He was on the wrong path, not doing what he was suppose to do… so God put him in the belly of a whale, figuratively speaking. During the first 3 days he was still closed off to what God was showing him… but after that, things opened up. It seems that sometimes, God has to back us into forced solitude to get our attention and sometimes he has to take everything away from us like he did with Job to get our attention (though Job didn’t do anything wrong to cause his situation).

I know someone else who is going through a Job experience and it seems to have no end. The friend who has gone through the Jonah experience is well and good now; he came through the pit hole all in one piece. On the other hand, the Job friend is not currently doing so great. Of course, when someone goes through the fire, a natural question to ask is ‘Why’ and ‘When will it be over’… Naturally, we do not always receive the answers until it is done, and sometimes, not even then.

Someone I once knew said that they believed that God allowed trials of our faith to always go beyond what the last trial pushed us to so that we would continually be strengthened in our faith and patience. I have also heard many times that God will not allow more than we can bare, however, I have never found scripture to back this statement up. I have seen it say that He will allow a way out of temptation, but not a trial. They are two separate things. It is assumed the He would not allow us to go through more than we could bare, or rather, He would give us what we need to get through those things – always learning to rely solely on Him and not ourselves. We of course were never promised a life of happiness and harmony, not in this life anyway…

A Life of Trials and Persecution

The choice to become a Christian should not be made based on comforts and promises of prosperity. Nowhere in the Word of God does it promise these things for those who choose to follow the Lord Jesus. Rather, it promises trials and persecution John 15:19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. John 17:14 I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. The word of God requires a sacrifice of self in the sense that we are not to take part in the sins of the flesh but rather Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Just as it says 1 Peter 1:6-11 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.

God has chosen the foolishness of the world to confound the wise and He sent His Son, Jesus who stated Matthew 9:13 …for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

We rest in the assurance that 1 Corinthians 1:25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 1 Corinthians 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 1 Corinthians 1:21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. 1 Corinthians 1:22 For the Jews seek after a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: 1 Corinthians 1:23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling block, and unto the Greeks foolishness;.

So, where do we go from here? We could pray, this is always a good idea. Comforting words are great, but once you have said whatever you can think of to say… then what? 1 Corinthians 15:30 And why stand we in jeopardy every hour?. The Bible says that Ephesians 6:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Also, 1 Thessalonians 3:8 For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord.

I always told my friends when they were going through rough trials, that they should stand firm in their trust in the Lord Jesus… He will come through for His name’s sake. Even when Israel was rebellious toward God, He kept His promises to them ‘for His name’s sake’. How much more for us who put our trust, hope and faith in the name, which is above all names, Jesus? His glory depends upon His faithfulness. Satan waits at the door to find any fault with God’s dominion reign so that he can try to say he is better than Him. We know that this will never be allowed to happen. So, stand firm I say in the truth you know in Christ and He is obligated by His own Words Psalm 34:17 The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles and Psalm 34:19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.

A Comforting Conclusion

Our comfort rests not in the things of this world or those who seem to control it, our hope lies solely in our Lord and Saviour, Jesus, the Christ, the Messiah, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. 1 Peter 1:3-5 Blessed be the God and father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 1 Peter 1:12 Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into. Jeremiah 17:7 Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is. Titus 2:13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and Saviour Jesus Christ; 1 Peter 1:25 But the word of the Lord endureth forever. And this is the word, which by the gospel is preached unto you.

So, I will end on this note (as previously stated): Ephesians 6:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.