Every now and then it makes sense to take a step back and review the "big picture". The big picture in terms of where we are in history - where we are as a generation - and where we are in this unique position of observing biblical prophetic fulfillment - uniquely placed here at this particular time and place with front row seats watching events unfold precisely as foretold.
First of all, it is important to always remember how important knowledge of Jesus' coming is to Jesus Himself. It is enormously important to Jesus. In fact, His primary focus during his last days on earth (Matthew 24, Luke 21, Mark 13, Luke 24) involved His Church understanding and acting upon prophecies of His coming.
Several long segments in Luke 12 (12:25-41, 54-57) involved the importance of watching the prophetic signs for Christ's coming - to the point where Jesus clearly stated that He considered any so-called followers of His as "Hypocrits!" for not understanding the signs of His coming.
Following the resurrection, Jesus also expressed frustration at - not only the two men walking to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-28) - but to the apostles (Luke 24:44-49) as well. He took, what was obviosuly considerable time and effort, to explain all of the pertinent prophecies to both groups of men on these occasions and inform them that their misunderstanding of events was based on their inadequate knowledge/understanding of prophecy.
Jesus even told us what events to look for, so that we would know when this last generation would begin:
"You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation and kingdom will rise against kingdom.
There will be famines and earthquakes in various places.
All these are the beginnings of birth pains."
(Matthew 24:6-8)
What is a generation? **(See footnote at bottom)
For some odd reason this gets debated, but it seems clear. Coming from the root word "genea", there are, admittedly several possibilities in terms of correct interpretation. One of the more popular and one that I adopt because it seems obvious is that a generation is simply a life-span. I believe context makes it clear.
First of all - when did the world see a noteworthy spike in these initial signs? Signs that would indicate that that "last generation" would know the beginnings?
As pointed out by Arnold Fruchtenbaum in "Footsteps of the Messiah":
"The first sign or the first birth pain signifying that the last days of the age have begun was to be a world-wide conflict coupled with famines and earthquakes. This was fulfilled in 1914-1918. This also marks the first of the events leading up to the Tribulation."
As Dr. Fruchtenbaum points out in this book, the idiom "Nation against nation, kingdom against kingdom" represents "world war", and of course, WWI was indeed the first legitimate "world war". At that same time, the world witnessed an enormous increase in both earthquakes, famine and pestilence. I don't have the space or time to detail each fact supporting these ideas, but such information is found in the audio links above.
The fact that the first "birth pains" were observed during the WWI era effectively rules out several theories on what "genea" means, and already pretty much reduces it to a life-span, since we are presently closing in on 100 years since that era began.
Back to context in a second. What is a life-span today?
Oldest people: 120 years. Yes, there are actually a few people who have made the 120 year mark.
What does the bible say?
Interestingly, during His Olivet (end times) discourse, Jesus referred us to the story of Noah (Matthew 24:37) when He stated that these last days would be "like the days of Noah".
What do we know about "the days of Noah"?
Genesis 6:3 provides the clue:
"Then the Lord said, 'my Spirit will not contend with man forever, for he is mortal; his days will be a hundred and twenty years."
Isn't that interesting?
So we have the scriptures pointing out that God's determined length of a generation is 120 years, and indeed, in this era we have people living to 120 years.
Therefore, we are rapidly closing in on the very last days of this "generation". The math is pretty simple. And if you are looking for Jesus' coming for His Church, at least 7 years (Tribulation era) has to be subtracted from the 120 (recognizing a pre-tribulation Rapture), so the Church is now looking at < 113 years from the "beginnings of birth pains" (recognizing that the Rapture could have happened at any point during the Church Age, but we know it will happen prior to the beginning of the Tribulation). Now do that math.
Also we must recall that Jesus didn't state that the Church would be here on the last day prior to the beginning of the Tribuation - in fact, it could happen at any point prior to the beginning of the Tribulation. So subtract some additional time there.
Also we must recall that Jesus said that "this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have passed". In other words, one generation would see all of the signs He had just described, signs which included the Tribulation followed by His 2nd Coming. He didn't state that the events would unfold right up to the final day of the generation - just at some time frame within the generation. So subtract a few more years there.
Suffice to say this: We are very very close to the last days of this generation.
What else tells us that we are at the very end?
The initial birth pains have steadily increased throughout this generation:
Earthquakes, famine, pestilence and warfare have all increased in this generation to world-wide levels in an unprecedented way. There are more major earthquakes in a few years now as compared to entire centuries of the past. Warfare is now waged in ways that could never have been even dreamed of in the past. Same with world-wide famine and pestilences as both have become major stories at the end of this generation.
Daniel 12 informed us that the last generation would be a time of noteworthy travel and knowledge. That case doesn't even have to be made does it? Man's form of travel throughout history was horse/mule and buggy, and in one single generation, we now travel through space at supersonic speeds. Knowledge? This generation is most often referred to as the " the generation of knowledge explosion".
Daniel 12 also informed us that the prophetic scrolls would be opened in the last days. Try to find a book describing a literal view of prophecy prior to this generation. Now go to google and type in "Bible prophecy" and see how many links appear. Go to Amazon and do the same. The number of articles, books, commentary etc on biblical prophecy is astonishing. One generation.
We were told that we would witness a regathering or a coming together of the ancient Roman Empire just prior the coming of Christ. The EU, especially when considering their growth/extension via the Med Union, is virtually identical to the ancient Roman Empire geographically. Politically it is rapidly morphing into the same type of centralized governmental control as seen with the original Roman Empire.
We were told that Israel would, miraculously, be reunified as a nation, in their own land, "in a day". This is precisely what happened in 1948.
We were told that the nation of Israel would go from being a dried up desert, to a restored land - a land of water and plentiful crops - a perfect description of Israel today.
We were told that we would see warfare between Israel and her immediate enemies, such as Syria, Lebanon, Gaza, Egypt, etc., and today we have those alliances intact - and at the same time we see their governments becoming even more opposed to Israel and even more open calls for the destruction of Israel.
We were told (Ezekiel 38-39) that we would see an alliance between Russia, Iran and Turkey, along with northern Africa in an anti-Israel alliance - which is exactly what we see consolidating every single day. This alliance will attack Israel only to be thwarted by God Himself.
We were told that the world would see movements in the world's economic structure which would lead towards a single currency allowing for the "Mark of the Beast" and centralized control of such. Again - something that we watch daily.
We were told that the "Kings of the East" would rise in power and indeed we see this daily as well.
We were told that apostasy would reign throughout the world, and we see this occurring, tragically.
We were told that there would be a raging conflict over the status of Jerusalem and that the entire world would line up against Israel. What day passes where we don't see this?
We were told that Israel would be surrounded by her enemies. Is there any debating that?
-------------------
So where are we?
We are at the very end of this generation. The generation that would see signs throughout it's history, cumulating in the 7-year Tribulation and the Second Coming of Christ Jesus as He comes to earth to set up his 1,000 year reign.
There is absolutely no doubting that fact. For those people who say "we can't know the time" or "we can't be sure" or "It may be another 100 years" - No, that isn't consistent with the facts. Period. The time is here and now. Period.
Not only are we at the end of this generation - we are at the very end of this generation.
------------------
So what are we to do?
One idea is clear. We are not to have a spirit of fear. Recall Jesus' first words on the topic?
"...but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen..." (Matthew 24:6)
Why not? How could we not have fear in the midst of these signs around us?
Jesus answered that question as well (and these scriptures are worth repeating over and over):
"When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift your heads, because your redemption is drawing near"
(Luke 21:28)
And
"Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near."
(Luke 21:31)
And below is one of my favorite instructions from Jesus Himself as far as what we are to do in these last days:
"...and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead - Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath."
(I Thessalonians 1:10)
"Thererfore encourage one another and build each other up."
(1 Thessalonians 5:11)
-----------------------
So what is the bottom line?
The take-home message?
1. We are at the very end of this generation.
2. Jesus is coming for His Bride.
3. With the knowledge of the above, we are to watch for His coming and while watching we are instructed to:
- Prepare
- Continue watching
- Look up and lift our heads
- Have no fear
- Realize that we are very close to receiving His kingdom
- Encourage one another with this news - build each other up.
After all, we have an epic reunion and celebration to attend very soon.
Not to mention the single most important aspect of prophecy watching - one that can never ever be forgotten:
We are on the verge of being in the very presence of our Lord and Savior: Jesus Christ. Just ponder that thought for a few minutes. I mean really think about that one. A one-to-one encounter with Jesus Himself. What will you say? What will you do?
After all, He is:
The same One who went to the cross on our behalf.
The same One who suffered unthinkable suffering and pain - all because of His enormous love for us.
The same One who looked directly into your eyes as he died on the cross and offered you the gift of salvation which only He could offer.
We will be with Him.
We will finally look into His face.
We will thank Him in person. Finally.
We will fall at His feet.
We will give Him our crowns.
We will love Him forever and He will love us forever.
We will love each other forever.
And that is just the beginning.
We will also reside in our eternal home:
New Jerusalem.
With Jesus.
With our Christian family.
What does that really mean?
When is the last time that you took a quick glance at your eternal home?
"The wall was made of jasper, and the city of pure gold, as pure as glass.
The foundations of the city walls were decorated with every kind of precious stone.
The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it for the glory of God gives it light and the lamb its lamp.
Nothing impure will ever enter it.
And the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the lamb down the middle of the street of the city.
On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month.
And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.
No longer will there be any curse.
The throne of the and of the lamb will be in the city and his servants will serve him.
They will see his face...
They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light.
And they will reign for ever and ever.
The angel said to me,
"These things are trustworthy and true. The Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, sent his angel to show his servants the things that soon must take place"
(Revelation 21-22)
AMEN.
"Come, Lord Jesus"
---------------
** Footnote: As stated in the "comments" section, there is one important point to be made:
For whatever divine reasons, God doesn't give prophecies which pertain to the Church - in terms of specific time frames, as He often does with prophecies pertaining to the Nation of Israel. There are many fascinating prophecies for the Nation of Israel that have timelines down to the exact day. Author Grant Jeffrey has done some great work on this topic.
However, unlike the Nation of Israel, the Church does not receive specific timelines as pertaining to prophecy. The Rapture is just one example of this - as we have no knowledge of this timeline. It is a mystery. The generational signs are the same. We know that all of the events which Jesus described in Matthew 24 will be fulfilled before a single generation ends.
My look at dates was only to reveal how close we are to the end of the generation - so at some point between now and the next few years (5 years? 10 years? 5 months? Who knows?) - the earth will experience all remaining prophecies that Jesus described, including the Second Coming. That means although we realize we are very close, that is as much as we'll ever know as far as "timelines".
So all we know from that, is the idea that fulfillment will occur before the generation ends. How long before that generation ends is anyone's guess. We really can't even specify the exact date that the generation began (we only have a general timeframe, which is somewhere inside of a 4-8 year period).
Additionally, the Rapture of the Church will come at an unknown time prior to the beginning of the Tribulation - adding yet another variable.
The fact that we are getting closer and closer to the end of the generation (as opposed to calculating exact dates, etc.) is all we need to know - and based on these general signs, we should be "looking up" for our redemption.
77 comments:
1914 + 113 = 2027, so is that the end of this generation? Is this correct?
Very beautifully written, Scott.
I'm not sure about the 120 years theory. The Jewish calendar is a few days shorter than the calendar we use. The way everything in the Middle East is currently shaping up coupled with the rapid decline of the US as well as the global economy, make me think the beginning of the Tribulation is closer than 2020.
The tribulation begins this fall. There has already been 10 multi billion dollar disaster's this year, & the big month of september just began. Watch this comet elenin very carefully already with the world on financial collapse, with no money anything involving a comet & this earth would DESTROY what little balance there is left.
Ok, 120 Jewish years comes to about a 117 years on our solar based calendar.
Anonymous, it very well could be this fall. And while I was a close observer of Elenin for several months . . .it does appear that the video Scott posted a few days ago of Elenin breaking apart, that it is, indeed just a comet made of ice and the quakes associated with it were coincidence. There's still some concern surrounding the meteor that will NE near Earth on 11/09, same day a the nationwide test of the new alert system.
I forgot to put one point in, and I may go back and make an addition.
The nation of Israel quite often gets very specific timelines with their propohecies. Its one interesting aspect of Grant Jeffrey's work - he finds the most interesting dates and timelines with Jewish prophecy and its fascinating
In contrast - the Church doesn't receive such specificity. Our prophecies never get specific timelines, for whatever reasons God has.
It is one of the differences in prophecies for the Church vs the Nation of Israel.
So a generation is meant to be a general time-frame, not a specific one.
Is it based upon the Jewish calendar?
Maybe - probably? I'm not sure because some of pur modern day prophecies are in the context of the era in which we are living AND the prophecies of the Church are set in the "modern day clock".
Now before I go and start another argument :)
I'm not dogmatic about the above. But we have to remember the context - and the context is the last generation.
Regardless - back to the original point.
I believe you have to see the generation as a general frame of reference --- somewhere in the neighborhood of 110-120 years (there are a LOT of people alive that are > 100, and many > 110.
And Jesus said that "the generation wouldn't pass"...He didn't say "on the very last day of that generation"...
So its only meant to give us a general time reference - I actually don't believe He wants us to get our calculators and start measuring the days (even though I did, to some extent, in the original piece. )
And based upon that idea - we're very very very close.
I wonder if anybody can help me.
Just been reading Isaiah 19
How does this chapter and in particular verses 16-24 fit into the whole scenario?
Ezekiel 38 mentions Israel as an unsuspecting people who are in unwalled villages and secure. So the Islamic war of Gog. Magog cannot come until Egypt has been saved, with its highway through Israel. This could be a picture of security.
Isaiah 17 destruction of Damascus could lead to that highway also.
If destruction of Damascus comes before Gog Magog war, then the salvation of Egypt must also come before to fit in ?
Could it be that a great revival springs out in the Middle East away from Islam which provokes the other Islamic nations to fight?
How do you all place Isaiah 19 within the whole scheme of things?
A wonderful, encouraging post. Wish it could be read from every pulpit in America. Might wake a lot of sleeping saints and encourage a lot of depressed ones.
Also, the scripture refering to the days -being shortened because of the elect -fits in there somewhere.
Scott,
I wuz looking for a link in last month's posts & I noticed that Jake asked a question way back here
I also noticed that Jake just now reposted it here cuz he was chompin' at the bit and couldn't wait for me to bring it up here...
This is something that I have seen on some other sites and I was wondering if you could find a way to put a panel on the right sidebar that links to "10 Most Recent Comments" no matter how far back they go, as I have found, both here and on other sites, that every now and then in searching for something in past articles, someone would post an interesting comment months after it went cold, that could re-ignite a lively topic.
Nathan had one for a while along with a panel for "Most Popular Articles" [driven by hits, not comments], but he had some kinks that he was trying to fix [it worked quite well, but there was a lag of several hrs before it would update to the latest comments], so he eventually dropped it in favor of "most popular", mostly because his site is not news-driven, but rather, doctrinal teaching article driven.
I think John C had added that to his site after conversing with Nathan, so he may have something to add.
DrNo - thats a good idea - let me check on that.
That was easy :)
Hi Scott
Its done it again. Cannot understand why. Please delete the above comment. I will post it again without the email address.
Thanks
Thanks DrNoFog for encouraging me to contribute.
Yes, DrNoFog is absolutely correct. Actually I never had a problem with the time delay. It only took a few hours at most, so was easy enough to catch up on those comments. However, L & L only had 10 recent comments which meant (by the time the comments appeared) it was feasible that some comments could be missed.
Thanks so much for adding that facility. Actually blogger allows for any munber of recent comments. So, if say 30 comments are made in an hour it may be best to change the default to show 30 recent comments. or maybe more, so that no-one misses any comments.
I have changed mine to just 20 comments because I don't get any where near as many as you.
Hi Scott
Thanks for trying to delete the comment. However, the email address (as the username) is still showing. Would you please delete the username also. Thanks
Excellent and encouraging commentary Scott...Well done and thank you for the good work. The conclusion and scripture was especially uplifting!
You could throw in the decline of America and the globalization talk with world recession/ borderline depression that reflects what will occur in Revelation 6
Thanks!
Thank you, Scott! That was beautiful and encouraging!
I'm with Misty...I wish it could be read from every pulpit in America!
Wonderful overview Scott :) Beautifully written to remind us how the worldly and the scriptural happenings are tied together in these last days. May everyone have a great holiday weekend and stay safe.
God Bless!!
GG
Thank you Scott. That was very well written and explains everything so well. I am happy that we are so close to the end, but sad that there are so many who deny the truth.
Thanks Scott for removing the email address.
I realise what I did. My fault, sorry!
Normally with me it is "once bitten twice shy". I guess this time it is "twice bitten, thrice shy". I will try not to make the same mistake a third time. That is, if I am called upon to contribute anything else.
I am rather nervous about saying anything on this blog now. I think I will just observe from a distance.
God bless
A few weejs ago I commented: I wonder who is behind these Jewish protests. 400,000 protesting today the press says they are mostly secular jews. Arutz Sheva reports that a former Clinton advisor and democratic strategist Greenberg is the one behind all this and organizing it all. This cuts me to the bone I tell you to find out an American is behind all this in Israel's calamities and distresses. It cuts me to the bone I tell you. I grieve for this country because I beleive Genesis 12:3.
Scott, Have been thinking about this all day. Great summation!
Its hard to believe, we really are that close. We're like everyone else here, viewing September with a great deal of question marks. In some ways all that you have talked about and more makes so much sense. In other ways it makes so much sense for us to be here to witness the prophecy of all things you mentioned to those not yet convinced or haven't put it all into proper perspective as it all comes to pass.
Do we dare to hope?
Hello D R Nofog
thankyou for bringing notice to my questions and for suggesting the recent comments. I can see why JC suggested 30 recent comments. Your request has already dropped off the bottom of the recent comments. As no-one has replied to my questions yet, I am concern that they will now lose track that the questions have been asked because it has now also disappear and I will not get the answers I am looking for.
I read JC's comments before and do understand why he is upset. it looks like he was only concern that his requests were not seen.
regards
Jake
To be honest, I'm not sure I fully understand your question.
I don't know where Isa 19 will fall out in the scheme of things. Isa 19 is not really in my area of expertise.
From what I have read previously - I know - following a battle with Israel (the Isa 17/Psa 83 scenario?) - Israel will actually possess parts of Egypt and those parts of Egypt will "see the light" so to speak - how and what kind of conversion this represents, I have no idea but it does appear that parts of Egypt will undergo a religious conversion.
Mrs C may be able to shed some light
We get a lot of comments and there is a lot of prophecy news coming in right now, pretty fast and furious. Occasionally some comments scroll off before being address. Its a by-product of volume I suppose. Most questions get asked pretty promptly by someone, sorry yours took a while.
Hi Scott & Jake, Mrs C may well be able to shed some light here but I'm afraid her schedule is really....well, just flat brutal for a couple of days.
Jake, she might be able to get on a few minutes tomorrow morning. I'll make sure she is aware that you have an Isa 19 question. :)
Thanks Scott and Caver
I will look forward to reading it.
Regards
Hi Jake and John-
In reading the recent request for answers to your very important questions lately, I can see how it seems they are being accidentally forgotten . If it eases your mind I promise that it has been my experience here that someone always seems to help. I have had some posts that had been out for days and some not answered, but not often and I learned that it wasn't personal but the very person I was addressing was very busy in their personal lives helping others. When they were able they came right back
to my past questions not only with an apology- that was not needed nor expected but with a great answer that was HS driven. If it had been a while then I just knew other topics came into that days discussion and could have moved them down and I would just repost again. :)
I have come to appreciate the delay as I learned they may be seeking their wisdom from the HS prior to just giving their personal thoughts. The teachings I get from the delay are great!
Since it has happened to me I wanted to ease your mind it is not a slight or personal but it turns out to be a great blessing. If any of mine do go unanswered then I know it has to be what my sister or brother has going on in their life at that moment but the love is always there and the Lord will provide me my answer in due time :)
God Bless!!
GG
Thanks Scott! Thank you for all the hard work and energy you put into this one. I thoroughly enjoyed reading,and learning. I wished I could figure out that time line with a calculator on that one, but anyway knew there were many years to deduct for the various different scriptures you had.
I kept saving to myself as I was reading, "he's going to mention the 70 year generation too.?
So here is just a bit more on another take, but feel it all points to about the same time period:
About the date of May 14th, 1948, being the re-birth of the nation of Israel. In
Psalm 90:10, it says how long a generation is:
The length of our days is seventy years-or eighty, if we have the strength; yet their span is but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away. If a generation is 70 years long and a little longer, only if you have strength, then co
nsider this passage that Jesus talked about in
Matthew 24:32-34:
Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door. I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. Now take the date of the re-birth of Israel and you have 1948. And then add 70 years to that and you have 2018, but now you must deduct for the 7 year Tribulation period and what do you come up with? Well, if your math is fuzzy like mine and you have to use the calculator, then that would be 2011! I am not setting a date as to when the world will end, but only trying to show that we are close, very, very close to it. Also, if your a pre-tribulationist like me, then the Rapture of the Church must be closer. It is definitely time to set our hearts right with the living God and be ready before it unfolds.
One other verse from the bible that I have to share is found in
1Thessalonians which talks about Christians not being under the wrath of God. The wrath of God in my mind has to do with God's judgments. I don't see how God would judge His bride to be after the start of the Tribulation Period with all of the judgments that unfold as all Christians are referred to in the Bible as being the Bride of Christ. So in
1Thessalonians 5:9 it says this:
For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.
THE MATTER IS UP FOR DEBATE.........
THAT IS
WHAT IS A GENERATION.
OTHER REFERENCES SAY 70 AND IF BY
STRENGTH 80, SO IT GETS CONFUSING.
IN ANY CASE, NO AC YET, SO I KEEP
WAITING........
HARD TO BELIEVE, THE DOLLAR IS
STARTING TO RALLY.....
STEPHEN >>>>>>>>>>>
DEAR JEC, THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH
YOUR CALCULATIONS, I HOPE YOU CAN
SEE IT.
14 MAY 1948 PLUS 63 IS 14 MAY 2011.
WE ARE ALREADY PAST THAT.
THAT IS WHAT GOT ME CONFUSED.
WHEN NOTHING HAPPENNED BY 14 MAY.
WHEN U SEE THE AC REVEALED,
THEN YOU KNOW THE TIME IS SHORT.
THAT IS THE BEST INDICATOR I CAN
THINK OF......
STEPHEN >>>>>>>>>
Steven! It is really good to hear from you. I really did miss hearing from you...just one thing please my friend. Could you tone down a bit..just a bit by taking CAP off the computer? Its just a little easier on the eyes. Thanks also for your monetary updates.
The only thing is this
There is no scripture in the entire Bible which links the regathering of Israel with the beginning of "the generation"..
Even if you interpret the fig tree as Israel (I personally don't place a lot of stock in that) - it still doesn't place the beginning of the tribulation with Israel's regathering
The ONLY place we get the beginning of the "birth pains" (aka the generation) is in Matthew 24:6-8.
This is a very important point and something that needs to be understood.
As far as a generation and its meaning in THIS CONTEXT is the reference to ~ 120 years IMO. And this is confirmed by the fact that indeed, in THIS generation - the proper generation in context is right at that number.
JEC we've asked him that before and it gets ignored.
Don't forget, Jesus knew what a generation would be in the last generation - that is what matters,
Plus, we have a direct length, and that is the reference to Noah - and that reference is right there in the Olivet Discourse - and then confirmed in the reference given in Genesis, which was directly from "the days of Noah".
Additionally, we have the luxury of being in this generation, and watching the signs accumulate like birth pains now, for ~100 years which seems confirmatory.
If you (someone) wants to find another definition of a generation, then you have to "beat" the evidence for the reasoning given above.
I don't think it can be done - so to me, the most compelling evidence by FAR is the one that approximates 110-120 year time frame.
Again, if you believe its 70 years or whatever - the above is a high standard to beat IMO.
Anon
Who is behind the Jewish Protests?
This may help:
Report: 'Clinton Adviser Greenberg is behind Israeli Protests
My dad is soon to be 89 and fought in WW II. He is a part of what has been dubbed the greatest generation. I have always believed that "his" generation would see the return of the Lord for some reason? Maybe becuse he saw the birth of Israel as a nation?
He and my mom are both really starting to show their age (parkinsons ans some dementia) and while he still is driving (much to the disamy of my wife)he most likely is not going to last all that much longer.
He and my mother were the two most faithful folks I have ever known. My mother still helps teach 3-4 year SS class at church. She is 85. If any body gets to hang around for the rapture I hope it is them.
FINE, I will type in small caps from now on......
BUT, I am convinced that it is
in the 70 to 80 year vicinity.
and, one could even make the case
that with the start of the Jewish
CONGRESS back in the late 1800's
that u can start the 120 count from there, so WHO really knows
the standard on all this....
that is why I go with the AC
revealing, I have given up
trying to FIGURE out when this
rapture will hit, or WHEN the
trib period will begin.
Stephen >>>>>>>>>
Stephen,
Check your keyboard, and maybe a dictionary; there is no such thing as "small caps"...
Some more things in these last days that make you go "Hmmmmm,... What!!!"
LEONID = Meteor Shower [en.wikipedia.org]
ELE = Extinction Level Event [en.wikipedia.org]
NIN = "Person" in Japanese [en.wiktionary.org]
"Deep Impact" (the movie) - about an E.L.E (Extinction Level Event), an asteroid hitting earth.
In the movie, the president was 1/2 black 1/2 white (Morgan Freeman) - we have President Obama.
In the movie, the kid who discovered the comet is named LEO Biederman, a Russian name. Leonid Elenin is a 'Russian' name.
Both discoverers in "reality" and in Deep Impact are born in January
Both comets in reality and the movie are discovered on a 10th day of the month - May 10, 1999 and December 10, 2010. That's '11' years apart [Just like Geo.HW Bush's 1st mention of the NWO on 9.11.1990, 11 years to the DAY!**]. Its now 2011...
The movie stared ELIjah Wood (has the word NINe tattooed on his body) and Tea LEOni ("8299 Tealeoni" asteroid is named after her, Deep Impact was her NINth film)
You know the way TPTB operates ... Everything is scripted well in advance and they use Hollywood to drop clues...
** Illuminati Kabbala-numerology fascinations with multiples of 11, and certain other numbers.
And:
Scientists Gone Too Far -Merging Body & Machine As One -Marking Of The Beast 666
Now that we have finally made it this far in the "future", we should be able to remove our 'rose colored glasses' and now, with our much clearer 20/20 hind-sight, we could take a 2nd look at things like this:
In his 9.11.1990 "Toward a New World Order" speech to a joint session of the U.S. Congress, President George H. W. Bush described his objectives for post-Cold-War **global governance** in cooperation with post-Soviet states:
"When we are successful, and we will be..."
Scariest line ever...
-IF you don't know the Lord Jesus!
Did you catch all that??
"...a rule of Law ... that governs the conduct of nations..."
Uuhhmmmm! - He swore an oath [with fingers crossed] to uphold the "sovereignty" of the United States ... yet advocating submission to a "Global Authority"?!?
Laying the foundation for R2P - Responsibility to Protect, Waaaaaay back then... and then sumore waaay back before that!! [Daniel 2]
..promise & vision of the UN founders...???
Good to see you again Stephen :)
Thank you for changing your type font. :)
God Bless!
Stephen.....thank you so much for leaving the Caps Lock key off. It helps the eyes so much.
Its good to see you back Brother! :hat
Thanks GG and Jake
You said "If it had been a while then I just knew other topics came into that days discussion and could have moved them down and I would just repost again"
EXACTLY! However, when I did that (a newbie) I got a lot of flack. Hopefully (from now on) the "established" contributors will understand why it is sometimes necessary to repeat the questions/requests.
I would ask that "the establishment" treat newcomers with a bit more grace, kindness, respect and patience, in future (although I have noticed that most are kind and gracious - just a few who are not), or you will send them away.
DrNoFog, clearly Hollywood is the mouthpiece for all things Illuminati. It seems that the primary goal of the entertainment industry is to condition the masses for future events. Call it predictive programing if you will. If you watched NBC's The Event season finale, you will remember that a planet was controlled by alien intelligence and moved within the earth's orbit (sounds like Elenin, doesn't it?). The aliens were coming home to earth but before doing so, many humans were going to be removed to make room for the new inhabitants. Blair Underwood plays the role of the President. Art imitating life? Perhaps.
John~
Please understand, my message was to let everyone understand that together we come and share on top of our daily required needs to our families, churches, and more. We are not forgotten, but how they care enough even while traveling and more they always come back home to help their family here.
I would suggest it be helpful to let sleeping dogs lie and reposting "quotes" back IMHO--is only flaming the situation at hand. It portrays what I call a 'Right Fighters Stance.' Flaming on any boards are just unacceptable, period.
We are a community of love,peace and understanding. We are all adults and can understand that there are many sources available to us daily and it is not anyone's intention to be here with ill-will or to have ill-will towards others. Having said that, I hope that last of proverbial "shots" stop.
I have been here for over six months and can assure you between Brothers Scott, and DrNo, Sisters Sue and Mr. & Mrs. C, these fine folks have been what I would consider head leaders and some may already be acting as Admins. or Moderators that Scott had appointed and we just don't know. I am not saying the rest of us do not matter quite the contrary, I need all my brothers and sisters here and every posts and thought counts. Christ like behavior needs to be at the front and center of our lives.
I can say the board is managed well from self-destruction or possible hijacking as well as to prevent self destructive remarks that create a division instead of a union. Everyone loves contributing in love and learning from each other. I am a fairly patient and kind hearted person, but I will not paint the group into something they are not and wished to make this clearer to those who expect more going forward. It is OK if they do not answer, I unselfishly understand it's not about me but I must look out for their needs as well. We must continue to lift each other up-not tear each other down. I hope this helps and seek for all to move on to a better place.
God Bless!!
GG
Stephen
The beginning of the generation couldn't have been during the 1800's because there was no world war, and there wasn't a spike in the signs given (Earthquakes, famine, pestilence, world war) - It ISN"T ARBITRARY - Jesus gave the first birth pains, and the FIRST time these signs appeared all at once was during the WWI era.
DrNo, have you read Tom Horn's book, "Apolyon Rising 2012"? If not, I think you would like it. I just read it a couple of weeks ago while on vacation... Also read his book "Forbidden Gates" a while back... It is AMAZING where we are w/regard to transhumanism... :(
Meanwhile, the average American is more concerned with Kim Kardashian's wedding... or posting their every move on facebook...
John:
I agree with GG. Any reference to to past post will just keep it going. Let's move on.
Stephen:
Thanks for changing the way you write. Antichrist is not revealed until we are reunited with Christ. To get those left behind in the right place to accept the antichrist all hope must be gone. That hope,the comforter, the restrainer, is the Holy Spirit. While the HS won't totally be removed His role of restraining will be removed and the end will come.
To all:
The 70 year generation I believe started with Israel back as a nation in 1948. Which I hope and pray puts us currently just before the 63rd year of the last generation.
This prophecy update on 8/28/11 by Brother JD at Calvary Chapel Kanehoe. It's very appropriate for Scott's post here.
Stephen:
Listen to the part about the antichrist being revealed after the Rapture.
http://www.calvarychapelkaneohe.com/index.php?view=sermon&id=10589%3Aprophecy-update-2011-08-28&option=com_sermonspeaker&Itemid=136
I have left my FINAL comment on the original article which contains the whole episode.
You will see (within the comments of that article) that I said nothing to deserve the treatment I got.
http://prophecyupdate.blogspot.com/2011/08/in-news_31.html?showComment=1315146704827#comment-c2870749932351700376
Jesus NEVER told us to sweep things under the carpet. We are actually encouraged to face up to the problems and try to resolve them, if we can.
John,
Our enemy wants to keep us all focused on past hurts. Please forgive you brothers and sisters. Where you have been hurt, I pray for God to minister His love and healing as only He can. Turn your hurts over to prayers. May God teach us all to become better vessels for Him.
John, you have so much to offer. I enjoy hearing from you and your insights too.
I don't think the AC will be doing "his thing" while we are here either. However, that doesn't mean he won't be out there and we won't have some clue as to who he is. I think the church has to be out of the way before he gets his way, though.
I have always been taught that the final generation started with Isarel becoming a nation, also. But I find Scott's ideas about it starting with WWI very interesting and fun to think about. I do love to hear everyone's ideas about it all.
Thanks Anonymous: Appreciated
I HAVE forgiven. All I am asking is for those who have attacked me to "own up" that they got things wrong, apologise and try to heal the damage (to my character) that they have caused. I DO pray for them and WILL love them regardless.
I am just trying to get my cred back so that the blog's readers will not reject everything I have to say because of that "red flag" that was put up against me.
Are we not all in danger of date setting? "as to the hour no-one knows ........"
Isn't this dangerously close to Paul's exhortation to not waste time speculating but focus on the things which concern us in the present?
It is okay to look at the signs as they present themselves and ok to interpret them as a tool for evangelism, but whoooooa let us not calculate when the rapture is likely to be. We know it is at hand and very close, but the coming is imminent, not to be calculated. Or am I missing something?
James
There are no scriptures which tie the beginning of the generation with Israel's regathering as a nation - its a common mistake. There are also no scriptures which tie a 70 year time frame to the 'last generation'.
I just wanted to clarify that because it is an important point and it is quite often mistakenly applied.
John
I don't really even know what you are talking about anymore, frankly, and you keep repeating the same mantra. Lets move on (from whatever) - it is introducing unnecessary drama and right now we all need to be focused on the signs of Christ's return and the things happening all around us, not some perception of having been theoretically "wronged" in some way (which, BTW, I still don't understand). You have had your say - now let it go.
Tas
This generation things comes from scholars far more worthy than me :)....In my humble opinion, it is pretty clear Jesus gave us the cardinal signs of when the generation would begin (the 'beginning of birth pains") - and it really is a simple matter of looking at the era in which all of those signs peaked. And they peaked in an unequivocal way during the WWI era - additionally, the next 'peak' was around the WWII era. And it was immediately after that that Israel was formed as a nation "in a day". To add to that, we now have the luxury of a "retrospective analysis" to see if the model fits over this generation, and it fits perfectly as all signs have progressively peaked over the years contained within this generation, thus confirming the 'hypothesis'.
First, I want to thank you Scott for this excellent post. I agree with Jake's last comment that we should not focus on the date. It is interesting discussion nevertheless. I will only add that I have also seen references to the first zionist congress in 1897. Here is another article which others may find interesting. cutting edge.
It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. -Psalms 118:8
Blessings all,
am
Lets not confuse what we are doing here, in terms of identifying "the generation" and its general time frame with attempts at "date-setting" for the rapture. These are VERY different things.
I don't think anyone here is "date setting". We're looking at the "generation" and trying to figure out the approximate timeframe that the generation began and its approximate duration (the best we can do anyway)
As I have said earlier, we (the Church) are not given specific dates and times for events, as the Nation of Israel often receives in 'their' prophecies.
In fact, even though the WWI era fits with Jesus' beginning birth pains, there is no way to identify a specific year for that - rather we have a general frame of reference - ie, somewhere around the 1914-1921 era. That is very non-specific.
So we can't really focus on a 'date' even if we so desired. Jesus simply didn't give the prophecy in this manner. Additionally, he said that the events would conclude within the generation - and how much "within" the generation we just don't know.
So the purpose isn't to date-set, but to identify the general reference to the meaning of "a generation" which is a different exercise completely.
Having said that, I agree, that under any scenario, we shouldn't focus on a singular 'date".
Thanks Scott! This is all very interesting and I sure appreciate you taking so much time to explain it all.
I guess I really don't care when we get to go home. I'm just so grateful that we get to go home. :)
GG
Thank you for your beautiful, loving response about the group of people that come to this site. I agree with you that Scott and the rest are loving and kind, and I see lots of "fruit of the Spirit" in them.As the group and comments keep growing, I think we have to understand that it probably will not be possible to answer every comment.I am so thankful for you all and continue to come here for not only news but encouragement.Let us remember that it is not about us, but our God and our love for Him and our Savior Jesus Christ whom we will be seeing face to face soon.
God bless, ms
Tas - these things we are discussing are indeed complicated and we are starting to delve deeper and deeper into the prophetic scriptures. The discussions we have are are really at 'graduate' level (one aspect that makes it infinitely fascinating) - we're all learning more and more together. The combined 'weight' of the folks here is awesome, and everyone brings different things to the table.
MS - that is SO WELL stated - many thanks for that.
Its not about us - it is about "our love for Him and our Savior Jesus Christ whom we will be seeing face to face soon".......Beautiful. Thanks so much for that reminder - where our sole focus should be .
MS, I know your comment was directed at GG, but may I say thank you for those insightful words.
I think its important, hugely important, to remember that Scott is....
a husband
a father
a home owner
a minister (of this ministry)
a teacher at many seminars and some Church services
a student of God's word and actions daily
an employee which requires him to stay abreast of many things in his field world wide.
In short, he wears many hats and his day is like ours, with but 24 hours to get it all in.
With his awesome knowledge, kind and gentle heart, and full and certain knowledge of his obligation and service to His Father's Kingdome....I sometimes think WE often direct more "special request" his way than we should. Personally, I don't see how he has time to do it all.
And, we need to remember, keeping this blog clean, fact filled, and current is probably Job 1 here......well over 1000 folk a day come here to read, learn, make decisions, .... No, they all don't comment...but they read and learn. Who knows what this knowledge and observations of like type comments and insights leads them.
This is just me talking and please forgive me if I am out of line....but when we start asking Scott for special request, address this, comment on that....he is inclined to do so. He has that kind of beautiful Servant's heart. But he has only so much time and a multitude of responsibilities.
I think that's worth keeping in the back of our mind. I have been feeling the need to say this for a few weeks. Several events of the past few weeks solidified it and I truly hope I didn't offend or over step my bounds. I'm just another grateful visitor here, the same as most of you.
OK, Caver climbs off his soap box and heads back to his corner......
Praise the Lord. I am sitting here, worshipping Him. Thank you Scott, for this wonderful treatise. Praise the Name of Jesus!
Thankfully, we have many folks who post here, who know more than I do about certain topics.
I was thinking about this the other day...Its almost like prophecy has become sub-specialized - and everybody has their particular interests and passions, which usually leads to greater knowledge
For instance, Mrs C seems to possess great knowledge about the "judgement of the nations" from Ezekiel, and the interplay between nations as we draw closer and closer to the various coming battles that we all discuss.
That is just one example.
I have tended to focus on the different "signs" of the generation, and how they cycle, like birth pains - and that, along with the proof/nuances of a pre-trib rapture seem to be where my 'expertise' has fallen. Identifying these signs and tracking them in biblical context seems to be where I landed.
Many others here bring a lot more to the table on other "sub-speciality" areas.
Many times when questions are asked, I am amazed at what some folks 'bring to the table' with commentary, references, etc...I read and learn like everyone else, especially when its not in my area of focus.
Also, when questions are asked, I may be away from the computer for a long block of time - so if I don't answer a question or whatever - its not that I am ignoring it, its just that I was away for a period of time.
Thanks Caver,
The list of many hats that Scott wears and everyone else also is what I was to trying to get across.
Of course, at my age everything seems overwhelming, and I forget that when I was younger it was much easier to handle more than a job.Scott, I do appreciate your kind words.with that said, enough.
ms
Scott, well said.
We all possess characteristics that make us uniquely qualified to reach out to different groups of people. As a medical researcher, Scott can influence those in the medical arena. WVBorn's son can relate to hikers and adventurists whereas Ally can reach gardeners for the Lord. Together, we bring so much to the body of Christ.
Geared - indeed - exactly the way God intended it. :)
Hope you are doing well !
I am, thank you. : ) Scott, I think your opinion pieces are among your best work. It also encourages discussion in response. Some of the best bible teaching comes from this in my opinion.
Why, thank you so much, geared. Its funny - I have those ideas in my head but there is usually so much news, its hard to get to it. The discussions are really awesome as you say - so that definitely makes it worthwhile. There is one I have been trying to get to now for about two months, but haven't had time - maybe tomorrow (my daily mantra :)
Hi MS~
You are very welcome. I left for most of the day today but wanted to say thank you too for your kind post.
I am glad others see what I see in the fact of how much we have in blessings here :) As I read down in all the post while just catching up before I go off to bed, all I can say is Yes..Yes..Yes... I agree with you all!!
Thank you all who carry the same attributes and busy schedules as Scott and still come here daily to give us our soul food. I love you all for that! I think your all wonderful and look forward to meeting you someday soon.
God Bless!!
GG
I removed the comment above because I accidentally posted it here instead of to my own blog.
John,
You were heard. Sometimes no matter how much we say things we do not get the response we want. We all answer to God ultimately.
Where people have hurt me, I seek to forgive, ask God to reveal if there were any areas where there was some truth in their message and ask God to help me change those areas.
I have noticed you are still accepted here. Please continue to post your insights regarding Bible prophesy. You are loved.
Hello Christian Brothers and sisters. I believe strongly that the catching up of the Christians will be very soon..the bible has made it clear that no one knows the day nor hour. I strongly feel that we will be with our Lord within years...Of coasre I dont know for a fact but i feel that it will be within 5 years.Either during this next Presisential election or the beginning of the next in 4 years..Im writing this on August 13, 2012... I belong to The River of Life Family church in Syracuse NY I am 18 and have been told thru someone thru the Lord that I am A Might Man of valor, a skillful musician and a man prudent in speech mentioned in 1 Samuel 16:18.....The Lord has been working with me in such short time and has givien me much wisdom..agian I say the Lords return is nearer than we think..God Bless all you and I look forward to meeting any of you that have read this in the Kingdom of Heaven..I pray that I am not talking thru myself but thru Christ.God Bless and keep our Heads up.Im a recovering addict and this message and this topic is the only thing keeping me strong. Of coasre with Gods strength. God Bless i say unto you again and we will meet in paradise!!
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