Sharpening Our Focus for A Smooth Transition
About a month ago I had a waking dream where I saw "Joel 2:17" written on a white background. That was the last thing I saw after I had been in pursuit of something all through the night and time ran out before I could catch up to...whatever it was I was chasing.
This conspicuous verse of Scripture flashed before me in the transitional state between sleeping and waking, and it was one of those mysterious occasions where you can't get the thought out of your head until you write it down and mine the depths.
Having had some time to think about it, considering both the context of the passage and the context of our current high-watch season, I have some idea of the meaning. Maybe not the fullest extent, but as the late Tom Petty sang, I'm currently"runnin' down a dream, that never would come to me; workin' on a mystery, goin' wherever it leads..."
Workin' on a mystery. That about sums up our journey so far as we still look through a glass darkly. One thing for sure: The alarm has sounded (the great sign), and the Day of the LORD is near. Joel 2:17 has primary application to Israel, but considering how Peter recalls Joel 2:28-32 in Acts 2:17-21, there is relevance for the Church as well:
Over the past couple of months, your internal or external conversation with God might have resembled mine. Something like this: "Lord, where are you? Don't you know my reputation is at stake? I've stuck my neck out there and told people about the sign, the implications, to be prepared. What gives?"
Our loving Father, knowing our limited understanding, comforts us with what He has already spoken and revealed in His word. Joel 2:17 is one example. Within the book of Joel, this is the verse just before the turning point in 2:18. And that's where we are right now. On the cusp. On the verge. And yet, until Christ returns, our hearts' cry will continue to be, "How long?" and "Why should the people say, 'Where is their God?"
We also need to be reminded that it is not our name that is on the line. It's His name and reputation. I know that it would be nice to have been vindicated already, but the LORD has told us that He is going to act for His own name's sake. He alone is going to be exalted and glorified when He erupts onto the world stage again:
Just as He did for Israel in the past:
After all, the day that we, the body of Christ, are so eagerly looking for is a day that belongs only to the LORD. It's the Day of the LORD. He alone will be exalted at that time and go out to conquer until all His enemies are a footstool for the Messiah's feet—a gracious privilege that we will also share as co-heirs and co-rulers in the coming millennium (Ps. 2; 1 Cor. 15:25; Rev. 1:6; 2:26-28; 12:5).
Watching Our Walk While We Wait
Times of bewilderment and confusion can be prime opportunities for growth. Though it's often agonizing to wait, especially when we're so close and our Father's house is on the horizon (c.f. Lk. 15:20), we have to be patient and stay focused. We must take this time to examine our motives and continue to listen and learn from the One who provides rest and says that He is gentle and humble in heart (Matt. 11:29).
I have also read that God's people will know Him and find what they're looking for when they search for Him with all of their heart (Jer. 29:13). For some, He's got your attention now. But have you given Him your all? Have you let go of control and said to Him, "Your will be done, not mine?" As many of us have already experienced, Bible prophecy rightly interpreted can result in significant life-change. When you see the Bible come alive and witness prophecy being fulfilled before your very eyes, how can you not be amazed and transformed?
However, the signs are means to an end. Even prophecy will cease when the perfect arrives (1 Cor. 13:8-10). So, we should keep our eyes fixed on the author and perfecter of our faith, looking to Jesus continually until we are seated with Him in the heavenly realm (Eph. 2:6; Heb. 12:2; Rev. 3:21; 4:4; 5:6).
The transition from perishable to imperishable will be swift, this much we know. Like the twinkling of an eye (1 Cor. 15:51-52). Therefore, we can't wait until then to seek Him wholeheartedly, so we have to seize the moment at hand. I don't know about you, but I want my flight from earth to heaven to be smooth without turbulence. I want to know how we can accomplish what Peter refers to in this verse:
I believe the late-19th century English minister, J.C. Ryle, had this verse in mind when he wrote:
Ryle, along with some of his other trailblazing contemporaries, had keen insight. In the work previously cited written around 1867, he was already expecting the prophecies concerning the nation of Israel to be literally fulfilled in the future. This was well before the First Zionist Congress in 1897 and what we now see on the world stage today as end-time events continue to rapidly unfold (if you want to read more from these 19th-century pro-Israel writers, go here).
Let's explore this concept of having an entrance into heaven "abundantly supplied." As a genuine believer in Jesus Christ, you have two options regarding your transition into glory. When the door opens, you can:
A) Leap over the threshold
B) Stumble over the threshold
My guess is that you want to leap and not stumble; to be, as Ryle stated above, like Enoch translated from walking with God on earth to walking with Him in heaven without fear, shame, or hesitation. The apostle Peter tells us how we can accomplish this goal in the opening of his letter.
Abundant entry into heaven isn't available to everyone, this much is clear from Peter's opening address:
If all that survived from the New Testament were the Greek manuscripts of 2 Peter, we'd still have solid evidence from Scripture that salvation is exclusive: By grace through faith given only to those who have the imputed righteousness of Christ. Oh, and in case you missed it, the deity of Christ is made explicit as well, "...by the righteousness of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ."
Ok, so this narrows the scope to genuine born-again believers. Now we can proceed further to discover how a believer in Christ can have an abundant entry into glory:
(1) We need to know that God has already done His part (2 Pet. 1:2-4)
(2) We need to know our part (2 Pet. 1:5-7)
(3) We need to know that this is a matter of maturity [i.e. sanctification], not eternal security (2 Pet. 1:8-10)
Now let's clarify the summarizing verse of 2 Pet. 1:10:
At first blush this verse might sound like "salvation by works," but we know from the previous verse that even a genuine believer can fall away, becoming "blind and short-sighted" and as one who "forgets his past cleansing from sins" (2 Pet. 1:9). Remember, this is a matter of sanctification, not eternal security.
The apostle isn't trying to plague his readers with fear or heap condemnation on them. On the contrary and positively speaking, he wants them to "confirm" their calling and election [God's part] by doing their part in the process of sanctification (2 Pet. 1:5-7).
The Greek word often translated "confirm" is also used in 1:19, where Peter says that the prophecy of Scripture was strongly confirmed by the apostles' eyewitness testimony of the Transfiguration (2 Pet. 1:16-17; c.f. Matt. 17:1-9). Thus, based on the apostolic teaching and testimony, you can confirm or strengthen your calling and election by supplementing your initial saving faith in Jesus with all of the qualities mentioned in 1:5-7. This is similar to the apostle Paul's goal of bringing about "the obedience of faith" among the nations by proclaiming the gospel and instructing the churches (Rom. 1:5; 15:18).
There's a particular reason why an abundant entry into heaven was top-of-mind for Peter. He sensed his own departure was near (1:14-15). And though this humble, gracious servant of Christ was speaking of his physical death ("laying aside his tent" – c.f. 2 Cor. 5:1-10), we should adopt the same mindset of being on the verge of transition. Surely, given the strong prophetic indicators of our day, our departure is imminent. Really imminent.
Further, when you look at the Greek of 2 Peter 1:11, 15, there is some intentional wordplay. The word translated "departure" in 1:15 is exodos, a term used only 3 times in the New Testament, one of which connects Peter with Jesus (see Lk. 9:31). Peter is following in Christ's footsteps, just as the Lord commanded him to do (c.f. Jn. 21:18-19, 22). Now we are to follow the apostle's word and example in order to obtain the abundant entry into glory.
The antonym [opposite] of exodos is eisodos, a term translated "entrance" and found in our key text of 2 Pet. 1:11. Thus, not only is Jesus' return for us a departure [an exodus], the resurrection and rapture of the Church is also an eisodos, an entrance into His eternal kingdom in glory. The Holy Spirit must have inspired the author of Hebrews to pen a similar concept in Heb. 10:19-25 (the word eisodos is used in 10:19, "Therefore, brothers, since we have boldness to enter the sanctuary through the blood of Jesus...").
Why Should It Be Said, "Where is Your God?"
Back to my dream from earlier ("Joel 2:17"). It's never fun to be the object of scorn and ridicule. The Lord Jesus, a man of sorrows, knows this feeling more than anyone (Isa. 53:3; Mk. 15:16-20; Jn. 15:18-21). Following in the steps of Jesus and His apostles involves enduring ridicule and mockery for speaking the truth.
Mockery seems especially poignant and disheartening when it comes from within our own tribe. Aside from the unbelieving nations, why should it be said among the churches, "Where is Your God?" Or, as Peter says about the scoffers in 2 Pet. 3:3, "Where is the promise of His coming?"
In the meantime (and I do mean meantime), it was suggested above that we turn our attention to our walk with the Lord. We addressed what we should do while we wait for our salvation, and Peter emphasizes the proper mindset again in 2 Pet. 3:14-15.
Brothers and sisters, we are at tipping point. We are on the verge of a major transition. As shown above from the text of 2 Peter, we are exhorted to grow and strengthen our heavenly calling by bearing good fruit. Patience is a necessity.
Also, at a moment's notice, we must be ready for the door to open. Draw closer to Him today, so that when He does open that door, you can be bold and leap over that threshold!
Let the priests, the ministers of the LORD, weep between the portico and the altar. Let them say, 'Have pity on Your people, LORD, and do not make Your inheritance a disgrace, an object of scorn among the nations. Why should it be said among the peoples, 'Where is their God?" (HCSB).
Over the past couple of months, your internal or external conversation with God might have resembled mine. Something like this: "Lord, where are you? Don't you know my reputation is at stake? I've stuck my neck out there and told people about the sign, the implications, to be prepared. What gives?"
Our loving Father, knowing our limited understanding, comforts us with what He has already spoken and revealed in His word. Joel 2:17 is one example. Within the book of Joel, this is the verse just before the turning point in 2:18. And that's where we are right now. On the cusp. On the verge. And yet, until Christ returns, our hearts' cry will continue to be, "How long?" and "Why should the people say, 'Where is their God?"
We also need to be reminded that it is not our name that is on the line. It's His name and reputation. I know that it would be nice to have been vindicated already, but the LORD has told us that He is going to act for His own name's sake. He alone is going to be exalted and glorified when He erupts onto the world stage again:
I will act for My own sake, indeed, My own, for how can I be defiled? I will not give My glory to another" (Isa. 48:11, HCSB).
Just as He did for Israel in the past:
...I acted for the sake of My name, that it should not be profaned in the sight of the nations among whom they [Israel] lived, in whose sight I made Myself known to them by bringing them out of the land of Egypt (Ezek. 20:9, NASB).
After all, the day that we, the body of Christ, are so eagerly looking for is a day that belongs only to the LORD. It's the Day of the LORD. He alone will be exalted at that time and go out to conquer until all His enemies are a footstool for the Messiah's feet—a gracious privilege that we will also share as co-heirs and co-rulers in the coming millennium (Ps. 2; 1 Cor. 15:25; Rev. 1:6; 2:26-28; 12:5).
Watching Our Walk While We Wait
Times of bewilderment and confusion can be prime opportunities for growth. Though it's often agonizing to wait, especially when we're so close and our Father's house is on the horizon (c.f. Lk. 15:20), we have to be patient and stay focused. We must take this time to examine our motives and continue to listen and learn from the One who provides rest and says that He is gentle and humble in heart (Matt. 11:29).
I have also read that God's people will know Him and find what they're looking for when they search for Him with all of their heart (Jer. 29:13). For some, He's got your attention now. But have you given Him your all? Have you let go of control and said to Him, "Your will be done, not mine?" As many of us have already experienced, Bible prophecy rightly interpreted can result in significant life-change. When you see the Bible come alive and witness prophecy being fulfilled before your very eyes, how can you not be amazed and transformed?
However, the signs are means to an end. Even prophecy will cease when the perfect arrives (1 Cor. 13:8-10). So, we should keep our eyes fixed on the author and perfecter of our faith, looking to Jesus continually until we are seated with Him in the heavenly realm (Eph. 2:6; Heb. 12:2; Rev. 3:21; 4:4; 5:6).
The transition from perishable to imperishable will be swift, this much we know. Like the twinkling of an eye (1 Cor. 15:51-52). Therefore, we can't wait until then to seek Him wholeheartedly, so we have to seize the moment at hand. I don't know about you, but I want my flight from earth to heaven to be smooth without turbulence. I want to know how we can accomplish what Peter refers to in this verse:
For in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you" (2 Pet. 1:11, NASB).
I believe the late-19th century English minister, J.C. Ryle, had this verse in mind when he wrote:
Ah, reader, I fear that some believers will be far less ready for the day of Christ than others. I suspect that some will have far more abundant entrance into heaven than their brethren, more boldness, more confidence; more felt readiness for the company of their Lord. Oh, that every one into whose hands this address may fall, may so walk with God, that like Enoch he may be only translated from a lower degree of communion to a higher: from walking by faith to walking by sight..." (from Coming Events and Present Duties, "What Time Is It?" pg. 60).
Ryle, along with some of his other trailblazing contemporaries, had keen insight. In the work previously cited written around 1867, he was already expecting the prophecies concerning the nation of Israel to be literally fulfilled in the future. This was well before the First Zionist Congress in 1897 and what we now see on the world stage today as end-time events continue to rapidly unfold (if you want to read more from these 19th-century pro-Israel writers, go here).
Let's explore this concept of having an entrance into heaven "abundantly supplied." As a genuine believer in Jesus Christ, you have two options regarding your transition into glory. When the door opens, you can:
A) Leap over the threshold
B) Stumble over the threshold
My guess is that you want to leap and not stumble; to be, as Ryle stated above, like Enoch translated from walking with God on earth to walking with Him in heaven without fear, shame, or hesitation. The apostle Peter tells us how we can accomplish this goal in the opening of his letter.
Abundant entry into heaven isn't available to everyone, this much is clear from Peter's opening address:
...to those who have received a faith of the same kind as ours [the apostles], by the righteousness of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ" (2 Pet. 1:1, NASB).
If all that survived from the New Testament were the Greek manuscripts of 2 Peter, we'd still have solid evidence from Scripture that salvation is exclusive: By grace through faith given only to those who have the imputed righteousness of Christ. Oh, and in case you missed it, the deity of Christ is made explicit as well, "...by the righteousness of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ."
Ok, so this narrows the scope to genuine born-again believers. Now we can proceed further to discover how a believer in Christ can have an abundant entry into glory:
(1) We need to know that God has already done His part (2 Pet. 1:2-4)
(2) We need to know our part (2 Pet. 1:5-7)
(3) We need to know that this is a matter of maturity [i.e. sanctification], not eternal security (2 Pet. 1:8-10)
Now let's clarify the summarizing verse of 2 Pet. 1:10:
Therefore, brothers, make every effort to confirm your calling and election, because if you do these things you will never stumble" (HCSB).
At first blush this verse might sound like "salvation by works," but we know from the previous verse that even a genuine believer can fall away, becoming "blind and short-sighted" and as one who "forgets his past cleansing from sins" (2 Pet. 1:9). Remember, this is a matter of sanctification, not eternal security.
The apostle isn't trying to plague his readers with fear or heap condemnation on them. On the contrary and positively speaking, he wants them to "confirm" their calling and election [God's part] by doing their part in the process of sanctification (2 Pet. 1:5-7).
The Greek word often translated "confirm" is also used in 1:19, where Peter says that the prophecy of Scripture was strongly confirmed by the apostles' eyewitness testimony of the Transfiguration (2 Pet. 1:16-17; c.f. Matt. 17:1-9). Thus, based on the apostolic teaching and testimony, you can confirm or strengthen your calling and election by supplementing your initial saving faith in Jesus with all of the qualities mentioned in 1:5-7. This is similar to the apostle Paul's goal of bringing about "the obedience of faith" among the nations by proclaiming the gospel and instructing the churches (Rom. 1:5; 15:18).
There's a particular reason why an abundant entry into heaven was top-of-mind for Peter. He sensed his own departure was near (1:14-15). And though this humble, gracious servant of Christ was speaking of his physical death ("laying aside his tent" – c.f. 2 Cor. 5:1-10), we should adopt the same mindset of being on the verge of transition. Surely, given the strong prophetic indicators of our day, our departure is imminent. Really imminent.
Further, when you look at the Greek of 2 Peter 1:11, 15, there is some intentional wordplay. The word translated "departure" in 1:15 is exodos, a term used only 3 times in the New Testament, one of which connects Peter with Jesus (see Lk. 9:31). Peter is following in Christ's footsteps, just as the Lord commanded him to do (c.f. Jn. 21:18-19, 22). Now we are to follow the apostle's word and example in order to obtain the abundant entry into glory.
The antonym [opposite] of exodos is eisodos, a term translated "entrance" and found in our key text of 2 Pet. 1:11. Thus, not only is Jesus' return for us a departure [an exodus], the resurrection and rapture of the Church is also an eisodos, an entrance into His eternal kingdom in glory. The Holy Spirit must have inspired the author of Hebrews to pen a similar concept in Heb. 10:19-25 (the word eisodos is used in 10:19, "Therefore, brothers, since we have boldness to enter the sanctuary through the blood of Jesus...").
Why Should It Be Said, "Where is Your God?"
Back to my dream from earlier ("Joel 2:17"). It's never fun to be the object of scorn and ridicule. The Lord Jesus, a man of sorrows, knows this feeling more than anyone (Isa. 53:3; Mk. 15:16-20; Jn. 15:18-21). Following in the steps of Jesus and His apostles involves enduring ridicule and mockery for speaking the truth.
Mockery seems especially poignant and disheartening when it comes from within our own tribe. Aside from the unbelieving nations, why should it be said among the churches, "Where is Your God?" Or, as Peter says about the scoffers in 2 Pet. 3:3, "Where is the promise of His coming?"
In the meantime (and I do mean meantime), it was suggested above that we turn our attention to our walk with the Lord. We addressed what we should do while we wait for our salvation, and Peter emphasizes the proper mindset again in 2 Pet. 3:14-15.
Brothers and sisters, we are at tipping point. We are on the verge of a major transition. As shown above from the text of 2 Peter, we are exhorted to grow and strengthen our heavenly calling by bearing good fruit. Patience is a necessity.
Also, at a moment's notice, we must be ready for the door to open. Draw closer to Him today, so that when He does open that door, you can be bold and leap over that threshold!
Hi Jeff, I felt compelled to share a quick story.
ReplyDeleteI discovered unsealed this summer as I learned about the possible fulfillment regarding Rev12. I devoted my own time and study and devoured everything I could and while I didn't (and don't) dismiss the validity, I was very quick to dismiss any of the "numbers" and "math" that often accompanied what we were seeing from other posters. I personally felt the sign mapped back to what was written ... it stood on it's own for what it was.
I share that context because I have to admit, I have been seeing 2:17 continually for the last month or so. Like - I literally can't escape it. Again, I dismissed this initially because it also happens to be my birthday, I just thought it was kind of strange. But checking Unsealed, as I do daily, this article stopped me dead in my tracks.
The Lord has been working overtime on me these last four months, realizing that I've been busy trying to lump his part (2 Pet 1:2-4) into mine (2 Pet 1:5-7) to obtain security (as opposed to maturity). It's amazing how seemingly lifelong struggles, sin, understanding, guilt/shame etc. simply melted away once the order and hierarchy came together.
I simply thought I'd share as it was weird to me ... but then again, should I really be surprised? Best in Christ to all!
Wow! This is so encouraging. Thank you for sharing, Aaron.
DeleteGen 7:11, my youngest son shares your birthday. Thank you for sharing your Testimony, to His Glory. Maranatha!
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DeleteExcellent encouragement, brother. This is exactly what I needed to hear today.
ReplyDeleteI press on.
And I'll keep pressin' on too, brother.
DeleteGreat article, Jeff. May the watchmen keep watching; but for most of us, our primary focus should be on just strengthening our walk with the Lord, because it's getting too late in the game for us to worry about a whole lot else. I fear many in the Church *are* going to stumble into the kingdom--and I have no plans to be one of them.
ReplyDeleteI pray everyone who visits this wonderful website feels the same way.
Thank you, Greg!
DeleteYes!..Stand!..Hold The Line!..Hooold!..Wait For It!..Hoooold!.. He's Already Here, He's Just About To Call Us Up!!!...
ReplyDeleteAmen, Uncle Jimmy!
DeleteExcellent sermon Jeff! Knowing me I'll be stumbling & bumbling, tripping over myself to get into the kingdom. LOL!😁 Gods peace to all my brothers & sisters! Amen!
ReplyDeletePeace to you, Mark!
DeleteI will add my comment this article is a confirmation as well.
ReplyDeleteSpiritual warfare is heating up. I take it as
1. the spiritual realm knows change is coming, too.
2. my job is to be ready.
I've been a bit discouraged over the spiritual warfare pointing out my lack of maturity and how it attempts to beat us down using our weaknesses. But, I do see the Holy Spirit using it to point out what I need for just that transition or entrance.
This article is precisely what I've been praying and discussing with the Lord and it's a confirmation to you guys He's using you. Thanks.
Thank you, Ben.
DeletePoint # 13 in my fourteen reasons why Watchers should perhaps be giving a look at 12/31/2017.
ReplyDelete13. God wants us to know the finish line. God wants us to run the race like Paul but we cannot run a race appropriately unless we know where the finish line is. Now, PERHAPS, we know. Run appropriately. Like Zamporini in the famous world record shattering last lap at the 36 Olympics. Even if the date turns out to not be anything remarkable, it will be a good lesson on how to run a race. It we remain watchful, perhaps there will be more confirmation later and before the date.
Blessings Saints. Soon we rise and shine.
Dennis L. Watson
lawtrams@aol.com
Thanks, Dennis. Soon we rise and shine, amen.
DeleteJeff. That thought of stumbling through to the finish line. It really hit me. I do not want to do that. I have prayed for years for a 7 day sign before the rapture like Noah had so I could actually SEE A FINISH LINE. What do runners do when they SEE a finish line? What did Peter do as he ran to the tomb to see it empty and John was ahead of him. I know you (and other unsealed readers) may not be convinced by my LAST DAY stuff, but for me, it gives me energy to run for a finish line.
DeleteI pray the rapture is today. However, we need to follow the evidence. Here is a short summary of my 14 points Why Watchers should keep their eyes on December 31, 2017. I would be happy to send you the complete 15 page document where I unpack these points. These points are set out in some detail in comments (after November 21, the comments are in time order) at unsealed.org commenting on Billy Graham turning 99. Amazingly, 99 is an important number but not for the reasons in the article, look at the comments at the end of this article if you are interested.
http://www.unsealed.org/2017/11/billy-graham-turns-99-and-other-news.html
This is a compilation of short summarys of my points. I have much more on each point in the comments mentioned and next week the full 15 page document will be published.
So, Why should a Watcher be interested in December 31, 2017? (you can ignore these but you have to ignore them all)
1) The hint from Enoch. He was raptured at his year 365. December 31, is day 365 of the GREAT YEAR OF 2017, the year of the GREAT SIGN OF SEPTEMBER 23, 2017. Day 365 could be the day of rapture. God anticipated and exercises authority over the Gregorian Calendar by choosing to rapture Enoch when he had a life expectancy of maybe around 600 years. Why was Enoch taken at 365? Anyone?
2) Resurrection is a Sign - Apply Leviticus 23:15 & 16 to get to 1st day (inception) of Pentecost. Great Sign of September 23, 2017 is a sign. Apply termination count of Leviticus 23:15&16 to get to termination of Pentecost on December 31, 2017.
3) Martha told Jesus her brother would rise on the "last day." I submit the last day is the last day of new Christians being added to the church, also when Lazarus would rise, on the last day of December, the last day of 2017, the last day of the Pentecost count from September 23, 2017.
4) After rapture occurring at end of year, Israel will say, "Summer is over (the winter equinox was 10 days before), the harvest is past (the rapture just occurred), and still we are not saved. Jer 8:20.
5) Song of Songs 2 is not a picture of the rapture. It is a picture of what the bride's life will be like in heaven, spring-like, beautiful, and Jesus often comes to spend time with His bride. The rapture will be from winter on earth, to spring like conditions in Heaven.
6) Eclipse of 8/21 hits The Great Resurrection Sign of 9/23 after 33 days. 99 years since last eclipse. From the Great Resurrection Sign of 9/23 there will be 99 days to the end of the count on December 31, 2017.
7) 12/31 add digits "7"; 12/31/2017 add digits "14" 2x7; add digits of 14 and it is 5 = GRACE. Day 365 add digits it is "14" 2x7 and again add digits it is 5=GRACE.
Continued
8) New revelation (from going over and over the book as Daniel 12:4 suggests) we find two potential counts in the Pentecost count in Leviticus 23:15 & 16. One count for initiation of Pentecost. One count for termination of Pentecost, IN THE SAME LANGUAGE.
Delete9) From Super Blood Moon of September 28, 2015 to December 31, 2017 is 826 days. Strongs Greek 826 augazo TO SHINE FORTH. That's what the Saints will do at the rapture.
10) Other videos support the idea of major change at end of 2017. Obamacare legislation currently requires installed chips as of December 31, 2017. updated https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktTgrpeDdhc from 2015
11) The inception of Pentecost started a process of individual Feast days, individual divine appointments, and at the end, at the termination of Pentecost, (which has its own different count) all Christians will be 1) gathered, 2) in an upper room, 3) joyous, 4) language of all understood, 5) in one accord, 6) lit up and shiny.
12) The Sabbath reading on December 30th, a Sabbath, is "AND HE LIVED" and the last of the reading is the last of Genesis 50 (50 is completion) where the bones of Joseph are RAISED AND TAKEN TO THE PROMISED LAND. The next day is December 31, 2017 when the Saints will be RAISED AND TAKEN TO THE PROMISED LAND.
13) God wants us to know the finish line. We cannot race like Paul says we should run the race because we should run to win. Running to win means you KNOW WHERE THE FINISH LINE IS. Jesus said Look Up so that you would see it. The start of the race is 9/23/2017 the end of the 99 day race is 12/31/2017.
14) Yes I am speculating. May this be the day. If it is not the day then we are looking for a day that will similarly display our Lord's sovereignty over sun, moon, stars, Scripture, Feasts, Calendars both Hebrew and Gregorian, nature, the plans of Satan and the hearts of men. You know, JUST LIKE THE DECEMBER 31, 2017 DATE WOULD HAVE BEEN HAD IT ACTUALLY BEEN THE DATE OF OUR GATHERING.
Blessings Saints. Soon we rise and shine.
Dennis L. Watson
lawtrams@aol.com
"Stumbling over the threshold." I am laughing so much right now. Made me think of that Olympic TV ad, where it shows the winter olympic skier, going down the high jump and he loses control towards the end of the ramp. It's ugly, but he did make it to the threshold. Hah! I don't want to be like that guy crossing the threshold into heaven. Jesus will say, "Well, at least you made it!" and millions of angels will be laughing.
DeleteDJ. I have read all your negative posts. You can leave point #7 out if you wish. Thank you for confirming all the others by failing to mention. These were not proofs just confirmations. Further, I talked about 5777 when I developed that point further. You were not interested in learning. You just want to make a scene.
DeleteGrace Perfectly Completely Finished at end of 5777 (9/21-22/2017)
Then the next day, 9/23, in 5778 begins a final 99 day count to rapture where
Grace is Perfectly Completed and things are made Anew – 5778.
We are in that count now saints. 5777 and 5778 connected by the GREAT RESURRECTION SIGN of 9/23/2017. Steve at Heavenlysign2017 did a great video on that connection though he was thinking the rapture would be at FOT.
The count ends on 12/31/2017. The count started on 9/23, then 7 Sabbaths after, then morrow after, Saints begin count to 50. DJ. I can tell you are excited about this because you are marking it down to make sure you confront me on 1/1/2018. I welcome it. On that day I will deserve it. Although I am not promising Daniel Cortez that I am guaranteeing that 12/31/2017 is the rapture. It simply is a high day full of Glory that God will use if he wants.
What is it you live for DJ? Just this? Making fun of people by saying their ideas are nonsense?
DJ. You do not have to count. I like posting on unsealed because people there are serious and accepting of ideas. So far, congratulations, your posts are always consistently ... what's the word?...
Was God thinking nonsense when He had Ezekiel lie on one side for 390 days and another side for 40 days. You in spirit were there. Making fun of him. You were there in spirit, making fun of Noah as he built. You really get around DJ.
I hope you are a part of the rapture. Your unhappy mind will be healed.
Blessings.
Actually, after again reading the article about Billy Graham being 99 in unsealed.org, I see that I exactly agree with the reasons in the article for looking at 99, and in addition I gave a date for starting the interesting number of a day count to December 31, 2017.
DeleteBlessings Saints. Soon we rise and shine.
For many years that I've watched the signs since 2010, I tried to keep my excitement and yearning high at all times. 9-23-2017 came and went and we're still here. One of the challenges of 'being here' is the ever struggle of doing what is right and pleasing to God. My fellow watchmen friends message me and ask to pray for them as they falter on some days. There are days where I myself need the prayers. I really do.
ReplyDeleteI really think the Harpazo can be any day now especially that Russia, Iran and Turkey just made their deal on and had their masterplan on what to do in Syria. Reading Ezekiel 38, I pondered on verse 16 "You will advance against my people Israel like a cloud that covers the land. In days to come, Gog, I will bring you against my land, so that the nations may know me when I am proved holy through you before their eyes." Now they are fully assembled in Syria, It is GOD who will direct them to attack Israel. I get to reflect on that and it brought shivers to my bone...knowing that GOD.WILL.MAKE.THEM.TO.ATTACK. Whew...they are now THERE. Can we see now how near it is?
Maranatha Brothers and Sisters.
Yes, Ryan! There is so much confirmation for us who are remaining alert. The major end-time players are moving into alignment. All it takes is a hook in the jaws!
DeleteI will be leaping! Here is a song titled "Promise" for anyone interested. https://youtu.be/-S-29Ie_ISo
ReplyDeleteAwesome. Thanks for sharing.
DeleteJeff, your article makes my day thank you so much and praise the LORD for you being here to encourage us all! When it comes to think about transition I often think about Elijah and Elisha being separated smoothly while walking and talking with each other - in the middle of a sentence! Probably we will just finish our sentence in the Kingdom if ever necessary... :) much love to you and all the unsealed Team!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Annabel. Always good to hear from you...and Corinna ;)
DeleteCorinna will share this article on YouTube now! LOL :)
DeleteA big AMEN to what you've shared with us in this article, Brother Jeff!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Nora!
DeleteJeff, I just posted a response to the earlier article, here at Unsealed, about our need to 'shift' to a new paradigm to better walk out these moments at hand. Your article, which I had not read when I posted that response, makes it clear that The Spirit is the One drawing us into this new understanding and your article is a delicious serving of that, thank you. Maranatha!
ReplyDeleteAmen, Jimboni!
DeleteJeff says, "About a month ago I had a waking dream where I saw "Joel 2:17" written on a white background. That was the last thing I saw after I had been in pursuit of something all through the night and time ran out before I could catch up to...whatever it was I was chasing."
ReplyDeleteWell, I read that just before bed last night and woke up this morning thinking, "This poor guy is driving himself nuts over something that never happened." Then this part of an article by Dr. Faulkner (https://answersingenesis.org/astronomy/stars/reflections-september-23-2017/) that I had read a while back came to mind...
"Did any of the prophecy gurus who talked endlessly about this “sign” even attempt to see it? Probably not, for if they had, they would have seen how unimpressive this “sign” was. I seriously doubt any of them could actually find these things in the sky. Instead, they were content just to view simulations of it on their computer screens. Sorry, but the Apostle John wrote that “there appeared a great wonder (or sign) in heaven,” (Revelation 12:1, KJV) not that “there appeared a great wonder on computer screens.” Genesis 1:14 tells us that one of the reasons God placed lights in the sky was to be for signs. Again, it is an unreasonable stretch to morph this into signs on computer screens. To function as a sign, a sign must be seen. Imagine an intersection with a stop sign badly obscured by growth from a tree or shrub. To operate as a sign, the sign must be visible to those for whom it was intended. Simply knowing that there is a sign there (say by consulting a computer listing of stop signs maintained by the city) does not suffice."
...along with this post from the Rev 12 Daily blog where some woman named Annabel suggested that Dr. Faulkner must not be part of the Body of Christ if he says things like that:
"As my dear brother Brad felt to apologize before some Dr. Danny Faulkner (among others) and as his latest Rev12-sign review article was mentioned above now feel free to read what this guy writes about "promoters of the September 23, 2017 NONSENSE" (!!) after a month later and how disrespectful he deals with all the findings around Rev12-sign. Now please anybody tell me HOW this person can be my brother in Christ? 'Cuz he ISN'T. How may I ever even quote from what he's saying nor listen to him furtheron? Well again, I WON'T."
...and I concluded, "This thing has gotten way out of hand."
A couple of days ago I posted similar thoughts on the Rev 12 Daily blog and was promptly banned. Hopefully, the same thing won't happen here. But Jeff, c'mon. Do yourself a favor. There's no virtue in banging your head against the wall (even harder than you have been) over something that nobody -- looking up at the real-life the sky that God made -- could even see. If we want to hear about dreams, we can go to YouTube and listen for hours to the pitiful, deluded souls there.
DJ you have made the choice to be a miserable, denigrating part of the Body of Christ. I understand clearly misery loves company, but we have elected not to join you in scoffing, mocking and attempting ensnare other believers in your demonic effort. I am ever grateful Gary made the choice to ban you from Rev 12 and I would hope it would cause you to do some serious soul searching to ask the Holy Spirit why this occurred. Your efforts to belittle and undermine our interpretation of following the Spirit of the Lord in Watching and Waiting for the Return of Yeshua are not commendable and should you succeed in causing even one little one to stumble, the price may be greater than you are willing to pay. I pray you will see the Lord on this matter and cease your efforts to spread your misery and doubt. Blessings - Sherry
DeleteSMH - I am thinking you haven't been on this site very long in reading DJ's comments.
DeleteWhat you accuse Unsealed of seems to be applying to you.
If you don't believe in also watching and waiting for Christ's return along with also looking into astronomical signs - than I find it difficult to understand why your on this site. It's one thing to read comments and disagree but it is another to speak in a derogatory manner.
The issue with DJ overall I think is not what he believes, but his persistent attempt to pressure others to think and act and believe as he does and not look at astronomical signs by consistently emphasizing his views to the detriment of the well-being of the body of Christ on this site.
Cathi
SMH - And, I would also like to add DJ's comments on Revelation 12 Blogspot site should have been included above. He was recently banned. Which reminds me of your comments to do with banning others on this site.
DeleteI just want to say I disagree with your summation and overall (including Revelation 12 site moreso because of DJ's incessant comments). And, he is being the same way here. I think people are patient and moving forward in a manner we are told to do in the scriptures. Mistakes are made, things said and assumptions made that are uncaring, or mean-spirited or downright wrong. But, honest attempts to rectify this are addressed. And, to me that is being a believer. The Apostle Paul said he presses forward to win the race ... He doesn't dwell on past mistakes. He was not perfect. Wretched man that I am he cried. He saw his sin. And, he loved the brethren. And, so we press on. Cathi
DJ, let's make an effort to be building up here, not tearing down the body. If someone else's faith-walk and relationship with our Lord has evidence of different affections than yours, and it's comfort and confirmation are from the Spirit and word of God, please let us enjoy our faith-walk without mockery and ridicule. Not cool for a brother in Christ to poke his own eye. Comment on another's life In Truth and love and you can be sure it's from a place of fruitfulness.
ReplyDeleteGreat article! very true and encouraging! Thank you.
Jeff, thank you so much for your insightful article. I find often the best time for the Spirit to convey something to me is the time between sleep and waking. My brain, with all its doubt and confusion, is not quite so quick to pounce and muddle up the message. As difficult as this season of waiting and watching has been, it has been the most glorious time of learning and studying I have personally ever experienced. I have been consumed with knowing the Lord and hearing His directives more clearly for the past 4 years. It was the Watchman, like yourself, who encouraged me to get off the pew and seek truth and intimacy with our Savior. I asked for truth and He has thoroughly enjoyed the rooting out of "man's doctrines" and the replacing of those with the Truth of His Word. How miraculous to know we can have a picture, a whisper or a nudge come straight from the Throne of God and move us into truth. Without this period of waiting, I fear I would have stumbled over that threshold in fear. As you so eloquently point out, now I long for the day we can join hands and leap over as fellow travelers and true brothers and sisters in Christ. Thank you for all you do and your heart for Our Lord - Blessings - Sherry
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sherry. I thank the Lord for you. You are a clear thinker who writes gracefully and have been a blessing to the Rev12 watching community.
DeleteDJ. Thank you for making me feel like a part of unsealed.org. Blessings.
ReplyDeletea
ReplyDeleteWould it be lacking in humility to wish to pole vault my way into the Kingdom ?
ReplyDeleteLol. That's the spirit!
DeleteSeems like a Group Conscience moment may be in order on the next shrill voice to be escorted from the discussion? Pity.
ReplyDeleteDJ do not assume that if we are eagerly waiting for the Lord it means we are not of any earthly use! the only ones who are of any earthly use are those who are eagerly waiting for their forever home.. they realize this life is fleeting and their treasure is in heaven so their heart is also there! They will be occupied with eternal things!
ReplyDeleteDear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears,we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure! God bless you!
Jimboni, completely agree.
ReplyDeleteMARANATHA Donna N
I haven't had time to read all of your post, but what I have read is sufficient for me to get your message of keeping our eyes fixed upon the Lord.
ReplyDeleteThis is what I have represented on my mobile - a picture of a sea with the words 'Walk on water', as this reminds me of Peter having to keep his eyes fixed upon the Lord to be able to walk on the water (which is only possible with God), and not to look down at the turbulence (which the enemy would have us to focus on through the carnal mind), in order to have all the promises of God which are 'YES' in Jesus.
Amen!
DeleteBrenda, thank you for that nice dividing of the Word to help us have some Divine Direction in these times as our concerns can run amok. Maranatha!
DeleteYou are very welcome, and may God bless all who endeavour to seek God's ways as we grow in Christ - having the mind of Christ, ignoring what the enemy is trying to put into the carnal mind to distract us. All things are possible with God. Lovely to meet brothers and sisters.
DeleteDo not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.
ReplyDelete1 John 2:15-16
I'm eagerly waiting on the Lord and not focused on earthly desires.
The Spirit has been clarifying some things to me which seem so simple, yet they become more and more profound with each new tidbit of information added to the storehouse. Many have struggled with the BEMA judgement picture of our "works" being placed before the Lord of Heaven for the test of fire. For years I read that passage as "being in the ministry" and if you're not in the ministry you have no works, if you're not on the mission field or serving in the nursery at church etc. The Spirit has completely reshaped my understanding of this picture and Jeff has shown another light on this with his insights. Because language is so limited, or perhaps its only my thinking, I was steered to "things accomplished" or "things perfected" and I now realize even those things are wood, hay and stubble and perhaps the most deceptive. The only things God cares about are souls, His Body. Those are the things which are already being subjected to the fires of tribulation (the world, its evil, temptations & cares). The Jewels which will survive the fires are the souls in which we invest our time, our prayers, our hearts and our caring. Souls are the only things which go with us when we leave this earth in the Rapture. It is those jewels which leap over the threshold with us. I do not refer to the great soul-winning stadiums (yes they matter greatly), but for most of us it is the face of the child we stopped to wipe a tear from or the harried Mom who couldn't make the child stop crying in the store and she was so flustered and embarrassed and you stopped and spoke kindly and reassured her. It is the homeless person you carried a care bag to with water, gift card for food and a Scripture Verse and prayed for them and told them God loved them and they mattered. It's the young person just starting out in your career field you stopped and kindly guided and helped to see how they might earn a living. These are the ministries most of us have toiled faithfully in for years and those people are our jewels. The ones we've spoken to with kindness, faithfulness and accuracy about the coming Rapture and Christ who may not have accepted our words yet are the seeds we leave behind. Those seeds are the ones which the 2 Witnesses and the 144,000 will water and bring to full fruit. There are not many of us who have filled stadiums and seen the masses come to faith in Christ, but we have labored in God's field and those "works" are the ones which will come with us and withstand the fire of testing at BEMA.
ReplyDeleteDear Sherry I understand what you mean but look also at Revelation 5:8 / 8:3-4 what will be most precious to God on the golden altar before the throne: the sweet incense of the prayers of saints. No works, no good deeds but PRAYERS.
DeleteYou know, I often think of the time period between Malachi 3:16 (the gathering of the remnant) and Luke 2:25+36 (old Simeon and Hannah) when God didn't speak to Israel at all for about 400 years. I often try to imagine what His believers did during that period and how they tried to keep all the sayings of the Torah, how they endured for generation waiting for the blessed hope Jesus Christ to reveal Himself at the appointed time. I cannot imagine there was really much more for them to do at all but pray and hold fast what they got, passing their faith to their children. For 400 years. Without any word or prophecy from God. Without any more sign from Heaven. Without new revelation. In complete silence. While the nation of Israel just declined spiritually on a daily basis. For 400 years. And then, when Jesus was brought into the temple: two old people waiting for His appearing. TWO. OLD. BELIEVERS. These are who are mentioned. These are who are among those written in Hebrews 11, the "heroes" of faith. Do you think they had much "success" in bringing others to believe in the Messiah while waiting for 400 long years after they had heard the last words of God through the prophet Malachi? Well, I assume it will be just the same now. Luke 18:8 b) is the prophecy for today. Jesus Himself said these words. So again, what are the most precious "works" one of His people can EVER do for God? Sweet incense of PRAYERS. MARANATHA!
Hi DJ, thanks for mentioning this passage. I've studied this for years and understand this passage in light of previos passage James 2:1-13. That is the "works" are to prove man's motivation, which manifests itself in good works for the church members, for example poor brothers and sisters! It doesn't speak of a works-based salvation at all! Romans 4:1-5 Why do you take on the courage to judge before the Lord about the deeds and motivations of others? It stumbles over me, indeed!Romans was probably written later than James. The audience of James "twelve tribes"! James is dealing with the big problem in the early church - the equal treatment of Believers in the church! Come you the Bema judgement well through indeed? I agree here with Sherry's arguments! For example James 2:25 - Rahab cared for these men and their safety, that is for their souls! And she was rawarded indeed! So are to act also we all! I can write here long further! I pray for you continually, for your family and health! Yor've made a great deal for me and my family! Thank you from my whole heart! Please pray very hard and diligently! Much Blessings! Amen!
DeleteOh, Allah and Annabel, thank you for your wisdom as always. So often today we see those who confuse Salvation and Sanctification. Salvation has nothing to do with us, only Yeshua and His Finished Work of Blood Atonement on the Cross. Sanctification is that never-ending, ongoing process whereby we are purified and the purification calls us to Pray, to Seek, To Bless, To Reach Out and touch those Souls who either now or later will belong to Him! We are His hands and His Lips of Prayer when we ask Him fervently to intervene in our own lives and the lives of others - what greater work could there be? Are we more saved? No, but we certainly are more sanctified and thus a more pleasing aroma. The picture of our prayers being cast on the Altar is, to me, one of the most poignant calls in all scripture to have us understand how important our prayers are. The prayers of a righteous man availeth much and we are righteous because we wear the Righteousness imputed to us by Christ Jesus when we are born again. It always goes back to and forward to Jesus, the Spirit and ultimately the Father! What a privilege we have! Blessings to you both! Sherry
DeleteDJ I'm not following what you are talking about. I'm new to faith. I need to study and gain more knowledge. I will re-read your post tonight and try to understand what ur trying to say.
ReplyDeleteGot it, DJ, I'm trying my best to make things right with our Lord. I hope I'm doing it the right way. I will keep on praying and ask for guidance. Anyway to everybody: thanks for all of ur posts. I'm trying to better educate myself.
ReplyDeleteAmen, Suzanne! Much Blessings are sure for you, as you pray and ask Him for guidance. 1Thes 5:17 John 16:23-24
DeleteSuzanne, I would stress the importance of reading the bible, studying it and relying on it and the Holy Spirit speaking to you through the Word. Listening to one's own thoughts can be deceiving as the Word tells us the heart is deceitful and who can understand it.
DeleteIf you are not in a bible believing church I would suggest you check into this. Get into a bible study.
Rely less on what others say and immerse yourself in the Word of God.
I like Vernon McGee's ttb.org radio program. He is biblically knowledgeable.
It isn't easy to discipline oneself to read the Word and easier to look everywhere else. Get a translation bible like NIV or ESV. Avoid bibles that are paraphrased.
Cathi
Suzanne if you need some biblical sound comfort of brethren "outside" the bible itself I can recommend YouTube channels 'Kay Tdid' / 'Midnight hour oil' (Melissa) / 'Barry Scarbrough' / 'It is finished' (Todd) to hear some true children of God meeting with true and joyful Christians speaking to you in a way you can understand. Blessings to you!
DeleteThank you! I go to BSF (Bible Study Fellowship). I feel that the days are short. I will try to make the most of my days and serve our Lord. Thanks for you input. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteDear Suzanne, there might be some who just cannot discern the cranks from the true brethren in Christ on YouTube, so be it. But if you are sealed with the Holy Spirit you don't have to fear not to be able to discern them. Much love and blessings to you! :)
DeleteDear Suzanne. I applaud you. I am 65 and when I was about 20 I started bicycling to a men's BSF in Stanton California. I loved it. After two years of it I decided I wanted to go to Bible School.
DeleteThe book DJ recommended is wonderful. C.S. Lewis and Mere Christianity. Definitely life changing.
Here is another quote from C.S. Lewis.
"Faith is the art of holding on to things your reason has once accepted in spite of your changing moods."
So Suzanne, your changing mood, if you have them, cannot separate you from the love of God.
and this...
"A proud man is always looking down on things and people; and, of course, as long as you're looking down, you can't see something that's above you."
So Suzanne. Find your encouragement from people who are looking up.
Blessings.
Additionally, it is true, "the days are short" and you will be honored by God and all your brothers and sisters if you truly will "try to make the most of my days and serve our Lord."
ReplyDeleteIt is OK to both be busy and wish for heaven. Here is another quote from C.S. Lewis...
"If we really think that home is elsewhere and that this life is a 'wandering to find home,'' why should we not look forward to the arrival?'
Even C.S. Lewis knew that looking forward to our rapture is entirely natural for a healthy Christian.
Blessings and be encouraged.
DJ has been banned. Not for speaking truth, but for violating our commenting policy. It was a repeated and very clear cut violation. There is a way to talk to people and there is a way not to, and DJ chose the latter.
ReplyDeleteRegarding the content of DJ's arguments, disagreement is fine. I welcome it. I even agree with some of DJ's thoughts. For example, his argument against saying "God told me X" is fairly solid.
But truth wrapped in pride/hate/invalidation/self-righteousness/false accusations/etc will not be received or welcomed here. Period. It's not becoming of the Body of Christ.
Thank you, Gary.
DeleteThank you Gary. I am by no means easily offended by a persons tone but my unbiased opinion is that DJ's comments were rude. From my short time here, people on this site are typically very polite which is welcome and refreshing in today's world. Thank you for your vigilance.
DeleteThank you Gary. It really did suppress the free exchange of thought and was not encouraging or uplifting. I realize it is not an easy choice, but I believe was well made. Blessings - Sherry
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteGary, good move as a shepherd of this space for all. Thank you. No hard feelings involved here but the outlet DJ is seeking, and may well be appointed to find, is not in this forum. Maranatha!
ReplyDeleteGary. I think it was an incredible example of the kind of church discipline that Paul had in mind. You went to him, it continued, then action. Thanks Gary. I am going to tell my pastor about it.
ReplyDeleteThought I would share some observations.
ReplyDeleteAs of today (12/1/17) we are 70-days beyond Feast of Trumpets and 170-days until Pentecost. Easter 2018 falls 190-days after the Great Sign of 9/23/17. The evening beginning Pentecost falls 240-days after Feast of Trumpets (9/21/17). The morning of May 20th will mark the anniversary of the conception of the Church and, perhaps, the birth of the Church. (Rapture)
Easter and Pentecost both fall about 2-1/2 years after the last blood moon of the lunar tetrad of 2015. I find this interesting as the signs in the heavens are declaring His glory and second coming just as John the Baptist came before the Lord Jesus to declare the coming Kingdom. If John were a type forshadowing the signs in the heavens we see today, Lunar Tetrad of 2014/2015, Great American Solar Eclipse, The Great Sign and Star of Bethlehem (which we have now all witnessed); then the third hour (Jerusalem time), sometime after midnight Eastern Time, on May 20th, 2018 (Pentecost) is a logical high watch time.
The values 190-days and 240-days are interesting as the number "19" is symbolic of faith while "24" is symbolic of "The Priesthood". Even the Star of Bethlehem (Jupiter/Venus conjunction) shown forth 50-days after the Great Sign of Revelation 12. The number "50" being symbolic of the Holy Spirit and Pentecost.
A vision of new birth for the year 5778 Lord willing?
I pray that you are encouraged at the coming of our Lord and share the good news of His coming. Let us be encouraged to share our faith in a natural way -- by being ourselves and letting the Spirit work in us as He has called us to do.
May we all be seen hard at work on the Day of His coming! May we all be found good stewards of the talent(s) He has given us to invest. May the Day of our ascension be one of great joy and an event we look to with anticipation! May we continue to encourage each other, humbly admonishing one another out of love and to the glory of G-d. May we continue to inspire each other through sound teaching of the Word that Christ be lifted up in our hearts and lives. May we pray for one another, our neighbours and our leaders in these final days that the saints be encouraged and the lost be found.
Let patient endurance win the Day! (Hebrews 10:36 ESV)
Grace and peace to you. Glory to G-D in the highest!
Pastor Rich
Pentecost 2018 is a possibility. I also heard about other possible high-watch times which are even closer than the 20th of May concerning 2018. But honestly, imo the rapture could happen any day from now and there’s still a good chance for it to happen this year. Lord willing we’ll still be here at the 1st of January next year, I’ll change my focus to 2018.
ReplyDeleteConcerning “high-watch times” I’m not so sure anymore. Lately I’ve thought a lot of what Jesus said in Matt 24:42, “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.” I know that this whole passage is debated whether it’s about the time of the Second Coming or the rapture. I’m more on the opinion that a lot of passages -in the 4 “Gospel Books”- which are many times thought to be about the rapture are actually about the Second Coming but I’m not so sure about that one verse.
I use the term "high-watch times" as a point of reference. A reference to a potential event. In reality we are called to be good and faithful servants and thus be ready at all times. Even more than ready, longing! In the meantime we continue in the work He has given us.
DeleteJack W Langford wrote a book called "The Pentecostal Rapture of the Church of Jesus Christ" which includes an additional study called "20 Reasons for the Pretribulational Rapture". I got a copy via Prophecy Watchers and have found it very interesting. Gary Stearman interviews Jack Langford more than a couple of times and is recommended viewing.
Of course we won't know His coming until it happens. Unless of course He answers one of our prayers concerning the day and time. I'm not offering such prayers, but I am praying for those who need Him most. I am continuing in our hopes and plans for the future and trusting in Him no matter what.
Not everyone will taste death. Some will be taken. As close as we may be to that blessed event; we are not guaranteed to see that Day are we? I think this is what is being discussed in the gospels. There is "our" last day and then there is "the" last Day. It depends on the context and perspective with which you view the light of scripture.
Keep close to the Shepherd!
PR
And just so that anyone reading doesn't get me wrong...when I say that "we are not guaranteed to see that Day", I mean that some of us may pass in the meantime. In that case we will be the first to be raised!
DeleteMerry Christmas!
Could the hook be Trump's recognition of the embassy to move to Jerusalem. That's going to bother the non believer no end
DeleteAnother question I have is do I need to again ask him into my heart as I did in the 80s? I slept and sinned a long while then one day BAM it hit me that I needed to come back. I'm back and studying but I have a frat of the church in some ways. Babylon. I was also baptized ( if at all) as Roman Catholic. From what I read it's not the best thing for anyone. I recognize that the pope and church are very much a tool for Satan. What do you people think. I know that the holy spirit stays with you until his work is complete in you. I get discouraged watching dates come and go. I do not know the Bible anywhere near as well as you folks. Now I'm rambling. Thank you all for helping me in becoming more mature in my Christianity,! God bless all and those who offer this site.
DeleteMark Smith,
DeleteFor encouragement:
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” (Matthew 7:7-8)
“…for everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:13)
“If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9)
Seek the Lord prayerfully, He’ll surely help you! He did that to me too! :--) He doesn’t let anyone falling through the cracks. “…for everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
Perhaps one of my fave Bible teachers, the late Jack Kelley’s answer to a question will help concerning the problem you described.
https://gracethrufaith.com/ask-a-bible-teacher/doubting-my-faith/
Mark,
DeleteChristianity is a personal, one-on-one, relationship of the heart. Our Father knows your heart as He knows all the days of your life. We call Him Abba, meaning "Dad" and even "Daddy" because of all that Christ has done for us. Jesus opened the door that made it possible for us to talk to our Father directly, with or without a mediating priest. We have a High Priest in Christ alone! Take your cares, fears and apprehensions to Him in prayer. Openly, honestly, the good, bad and down right ugly that is inside you. Give it all as your offering on the altar in prayer.
Ask the LORD to teach you how to love Him. Ask our Father to teach you how to love Him most! Pray to receive Christ anew for He knows us from the inside out. Pray and listen for what the Spirit has to say. Pray to be led to a Bible believing church that preaches, teaches and lives the truth! Get connected and get involved.
Always remember that baptism is an outward demonstration and sign of the depth of our inward love of the Lord. We are not saved by baptism, we are saved by faith in Christ alone. Open your Bible to (Romans 10:9-10). If this describes you to a tee in your heart, then you're already there.
This is the point at which I would rededicate my heart to the LORD in prayer. We call it the Sinner's Prayer. There are no magic words. Listen for the guidance of the Holy Spirit to guide you in prayer. Pray honestly and from your heart and remember to receive Christ, to trust Him all of your days for the forgiveness of your sins. This is personal, between you and the living G-D.
Read your Bible daily. The ESV Bible is a good place to start unless you have a heart for original languages as I did. Connect with a church and get into a discipleship program. Other avenues may include restorative ministries such as Worldwide Discipleship Association (WDA) at https://www.disciplebuilding.org/. They specialize in helping people overcome past grief and process pain of past life experiences. (All part of our walk to maturity in Christ).
As much as you may have wandered from the church. You were never out-of-sight of the LORD. Consider the parable of the Prodigal Son. What a wonderful greeting awaits you!!!
Grace and peace to you my brother in Christ Jesus!
Pastor Rich