Signs Of The End Times

Status
Not open for further replies.

murjahel

Senior Veteran
Oct 31, 2005
8,768
1,066
✟29,367.00
Faith
Pentecostal
Marital Status
Married
THE FIRST DAY OF NISAN


At the time of the exodus from Egypt, God declared that Israel would change their new year's day from the fall (first of Tishri), to a new system whereby the first day of Nisan (March-April) would become the beginning of the calendar year.

The first of every month is called ROSH HODESH in the Jewish calendar. The appearance of a tiny sliver of the new moon signalled the beginning of the month. This first day of every month was announced with the blowing of a shofar (the ram's horn) in the cities. Signal fires were set on the mountain tops to signal distant villages.

Psalm 81:3-5
"BLOW YE THE TRUMPET IN THE NEW MOON, IN THE TIME APPOINTED, ON OUR SOLEMN FEAST DAY. FOR THIS WAS A STATUTE FOR ISRAEL, AND A LAW OF THE GOD OF JACOB."

During the first temple period, in Solomon's day, the High Priest announced the appearance of the new moon. Later, the Sanhedrin announced the first day of the first month. This announcement set the calendar for the new year, and set the dates for the seven feasts.


EVENTS OF THE FIRST DAY OF NISAN

1. Dedication of the tabernacle during the Exodus

2. Cleansing of the temple by Hezekiah

3. Ezra and the exiles begin their return from Babylon

4. Decree given to Nehemiah to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem

5. Cleansing of the Millennial temple

6. Cleansing of the tares from the church


DEDICATION OF THE TABERNACLE IN THE WILDERNESS TWO YEARS AFTER ESCAPING EGYPT

Exodus 40:17
"IT CAME TO PASS IN THE FIRST MONTH, IN THE SECOND YEAR, ON THE FIRST DAY OF THE MONTH, THAT THE TABERNACLE WAS REARED UP."

The tabernacle was filled with God's presence, and a "shekinah glory" (Exodus 40:2, 33-34). This showed the cleansing of this structure so God could dwell within it.




CLEANSING OF THE TEMPLE BY HEZEKIAH

After Solomon died, a series of kings led a divided nation (Israel, Judah). Most of the kings were evil and idolatrous. Finally, a righteous king came, named Hezekiah.

II Chronicles 29:2-3
Hezekiah "DID THAT WHICH WAS RIGHT IN THE SIGHT OF THE LORD, ACCORDING TO ALL THAT DAVID, HIS FATHER, HAD DONE. HE IN THE FIRST YEAR OF HIS REIGN ON THE FIRST MONTH, OPENED THE DOORS OF THE HOUSE OF THE LORD, AND REPAIRED THEM."

The house of God was in such ruins that it took weeks to cleanse fully.

II Chronicles 29:17
"NOW THEY BEGAN ON THE FIRST DAY OF THE FIRST MONTH TO SANCTIFY..."

Two weeks later, they gathered to celebrate the passover. The temple was cleansed of the neglect and sin. This day was a day of cleansing.



EZRA BEGAN THE JOURNEY TO JERUSALEM TO HELP REBUILD

On the first day of Nisan, 457 B.C., Ezra began his journey to Israel.

Ezra 7:9
"FOR UPON THE FIRST DAY OF THE FIRST MONTH BEGAN HE TO GO UP FROM BABYLON, AND ON THE FIRST DAY OF THE FIFTH MONTH CAME HE TO JERUSALEM, ACCORDING TO THE GOOD HAND OF HIS GOD UPON HIM."

This day was a day that the returning Jews were cleansing themselves from the sin of Babylon, and were returning to the city of God. Revival starts with a cleansing from sin.


DECREE GIVEN TO REBUILD THE WALLS OF JERUSALEM

The Persian king, Artaxerxes Longimanus, issued a decree which sent Nehemiah to Jerusalem to rebuild the walls of the city. This occurred on March 14, 445 B.C.

Nehemiah 2:1-8
"AND IT CAME TO PASS IN THE MONTH NISAN, IN THE TWENTIETH YEAR OF ARTAXERXES THE KING...THE KING GRANTED ME, ACCORDING TO THE GOOD HAND OF MY GOD UPON ME..."

This is the beginning point of the vision of Daniel's seventy weeks of years.

(70 times 7 = 490 years times 360 days = 173,880 days) From the day of the decree, until the day Jesus rode into Jerusalem on the donkey was 173,880 days.

The walls were to be rebuilt, and the walls represented the fact that God was intending to restore and protect this city of Jerusalem. It was to be cleansed of the sinners who once defiled it and possessed it. Now God wanted a city that was cleansed of the sinners. God wanted to dwell within a cleansed city with His people.

Yet to come????

CLEANSING OF THE MILLENNIAL TEMPLE???


The Lord has been very specific in His determination of the day in which the Millennial temple will be cleansed. In prophecy, God has spoken that it will be on the first day of the first month that the temple of the 1000 year rule of Christ, after the second coming, will be cleansed.

Ezekiel 45:18
"THUS SAITH THE LORD GOD; IN THE FIRST MONTH, IN THE FIRST DAY OF THE MONTH, THOU SHALT TAKE A YOUNG BULLOCK WITHOUT BLEMISH, AND CLEANSE THE SANCTUARY."



CLEANSING OF THE CHURCH OF THE "TARES", APOSTATES???

Matthew 13 tells us that there would someday come a cleansing of the "wheat" from the "tares." Peter told us that "JUDGMENT BEGINS AT THE HOUSE OF GOD." (I Peter 4:17) Ezekiel 9, shows a vision of Ezekiel of a cleansing of the church. In these, and in many other places, a warning is given that before the Lord judges the sinners in the tribulation, a judgment will come upon the troublemakers and apostates of the church. The Lord is coming for a church that is "WITHOUT SPOT OR WRINKLE..." (Ephesians 5:27) This cleansing of the church is likely to occur on the first of Nisan. This is the day God uses to cleanse. The church needs to be cleansed so it can have the revival that God wants us to have. The church of today has too many hypocrites, gossips, apostates, unrepentant sinners, and spiritual abusers. To get the revival going is like trying to get a car going with the brakes applied. The revival needs cleansing so it can get into high gear. This judgment will be in "ONE DAY." (Zechariah 3:9)
 
Upvote 0

murjahel

Senior Veteran
Oct 31, 2005
8,768
1,066
✟29,367.00
Faith
Pentecostal
Marital Status
Married
TENTH DAY OF NISAN


SANCTIFICATION is the theme of the tenth of Nisan. It was the day connected with the setting apart of the Passover Lamb for a holy purpose. When Jesus rode into Jerusalem on the colt of an ass, He was presenting Himself as the Passover Lamb.

Certain events have occurred on this day, and several more special events (at least) will occur on this day.


SANCTIFICATION OF THE PASSOVER LAMB BEFORE THE EXODUS

The lamb was to be set aside 4 days before the Passover (Exodus 12:3-6). This lamb was a type of Christ, our Passover Lamb. The Jewish rabbis taught that the four days between this and the Passover typified the 430 years that Israel was in Egypt.



ISRAEL CROSSED THE JORDAN RIVER AND ENTERED THE PROMISED LAND


Joshua 3:5
"SANCTIFY YOURSELVES, FOR TOMORROW, THE LORD WILL DO WONDERS AMONG YOU."


Joshua 3:16
"WATERS WHICH CAME DOWN FROM ABOVE STOOD AND ROSE UP UPON A HEAP...AND THE PEOPLE PASSED OVER RIGHT AGAINST JORDAN..."


Joshua 4:19
"THE PEOPLE CAME UP OUT OF JORDAN ON THE TENTH DAY OF THE FIRST DAY OF THE MONTH (Nisan) [This was just before the 40 th Passover.]


CHRIST OUR PASSOVER LAMB WAS SANCTIFIED ON PALM SUNDAY


Palm Sunday was the tenth day of Nisan in A.D. 32. Jesus rode into Jerusalem and was "sanctified", or set apart, for His work. Daniel 9:26, speaks of the Messiah being "cut off" on this day, and it means that He was to be separated, and sanctified on this day. The crucifixion was between the tenth of Nisan and Thursday, which was the Passover. Christ was crucified on Wednesday.


EZEKIEL'S VISION OF THE MILLENNIAL TEMPLE


A vision was given to Ezekiel which was recorded in Ezekiel 40. God had just showed Ezekiel a prophecy of a great battle to come (counterfeit Armageddon). Now in a vision, God shows the final restoration when the Millennial Temple would be built. This too shows a "sanctification" to come. Israel will be "sanctified," along with the temple at that time.



THE DOUBLE PORTION OF THE LAST DAY REVIVAL BEGINS


With the "harvest of tares" occurring, probably on the first of Nisan, the remaining saints will come to a place of humbling, and "sanctification" on this tenth of Nisan. This great latter rain revival will conclude with a double portion time when God's power will flow through His sanctified church as never before. The healings, miracles, and salvations, will startle the world. The church, now purified by the removal of the hypocrites, troublemakers, and apostates will find how powerful the presence of the Spirit's fullness can be.


Joel 2:23
"...FOR HE HATH GIVEN YOU THE FORMER RAIN MODERATELY, AND HE WILL CAUSE TO COME DOWN FOR YOU THE RAIN, THE FORMER RAIN AND THE LATTER RAIN IN THE FIRST MONTH (Nisan)."
 
Upvote 0

murjahel

Senior Veteran
Oct 31, 2005
8,768
1,066
✟29,367.00
Faith
Pentecostal
Marital Status
Married
FOURTEENTH DAY OF NISAN
PASSOVER SUPPER

Leviticus 23:45
"THESE ARE THE LORD'S APPOINTED FEASTS, THE SACRED ASSEMBLIES YOU ARE TO PROCLAIM AT THEIR APPOINTED TIMES: THE LORD'S PASSOVER BEGINS AT TWILIGHT ON THE FOURTEENTH DAY OF THE FIRST MONTH." (NIV)


Passover always falls on a full moon, the first full moon of the spring. All Jewish males were required to go to Jerusalem three times each year to commemorate three feasts, Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles.

The Biblical calendar has a beginning of day at 6 p.m.

Genesis 1:5
"AND THE EVENING AND THE MORNING WERE THE FIRST DAY."

So the Passover began at 6 p.m.

Leviticus 23:5
"IN THE FOURTEENTH DAY OF THE FIRST MONTH, AT EVEN (6 P.M.) IS THE LORD'S PASSOVER."


Wednesday at 6 p.m. in A.D. 32, Passover began for that year. So Christ had to be down from the cross and buried before 6 p.m. that Wednesday. Wednesday night, Thursday night, and Friday night, the body of the Lord was in the tomb. He was resurrected around 6 p.m. Saturday evening, for their Sunday began at 6 on Saturday evening. The tomb was already empty when the women arrived at the tomb on Sunday morning. We celebrate Sunday as the Lord's day, because He was found on that day.


The Haggadah, in the Jewish liturgy, says:
"In every generation, each person should feel as though she or he were personally redeemed from Egypt."

So on each Passover, each Jewish person participates in the victory that God gave Israel that first Passover and looked forward to the TRUE PASSOVER LAMB, JESUS. There is beautiful typology in the Passover. The lamb that was eaten was, of course, a type of Christ. Yet, there is more to the study of the typology.


The lamb was to be a male of the first year. (Just as the lamb was to be at its peak of maturity, so was Jesus at His peak of maturity when He was offered.)

The lamb was to be without blemish. (This speaks of the purity of Jesus Christ. [I Peter 1:19 "But with the precious blood of Christ, as a lamb without blemish and without spot."] Pilate found no fault in Him.

Four days before the feast, the lamb was to be set apart for the sacrifice. (Before the foundation of the world, Jesus was designated for this sacrifice. Four days (4000 years) after Adam, Jesus was given as a sacrifice for our sins. Also on the day we know as Palm Sunday, Jesus rode into Jerusalem to offer Himself as the Lamb for the sacrifice.)

The Passover lamb had to be slain and roasted. (This is a picture of the suffering of Jesus upon the cross.)

The lamb was to be killed by the congregation. The whole congregation took part. (This is true of Jesus, the crowd asked for Jesus' crucifixion, and wanted Barabbas' release.)

Not a bone was to be broken on the lamb. (Jesus did not have a broken bone at His crucifixion either.)

The blood had to be applied from the lamb to the doorpost and the lintel. It was applied with a hyssop. It could not be put on the threshold. (In type, this shows that it is not enough that Jesus' blood was shed. Faith is the "hyssop" that makes the blood effective for each person. The blood must be applied. It could not be on the "threshold", that is, it could not be stepped on, with disrespect. The blood of Jesus deserves respect.)

The blood was to be found in three places at Passover:

1. In the spotless lamb (This pictures the incarnation of Christ)

2. In the basin (This pictures the crucifixion of Jesus.)

3. On the door (This pictures the appropriation of blood for salvation.)

The lamb was to be eaten, not looked at, but fed upon. It was to be eaten completely. (In type, this shows that it is not enough to know about Jesus, but we must appropriate Him.)

The Passover lamb was to be eaten immediately, so they could leave the land of Egypt. [Exodus 12:10-11] (They were to leave Egypt immediately after partaking of the lamb. We are to leave sin and Satan immediately after partaking of Jesus' salvation. Some today think of this backwards, they want to be perfect first, then think Jesus will save them. We cannot be perfect first, Jesus must save us before we will be able to leave our sins and habits.)


Many years before God had made a covenant with Abraham regarding the Promised land.

Genesis 15:18
"IN THE SAME DAY THE LORD MADE A COVENANT WITH ABRAM, SAYING, 'UNTO THY SEED HAVE I GIVEN THIS LAND, FROM THE RIVER OF EGYPT UNTO THE GREAT RIVER, THE RIVER EUPHRATES.'"

The covenant of the Promised land was made on the same day as the Passover would occur. God had told Abraham of a 400 year period of affliction, and then would come a deliverance from the land that was oppressing them. He then gave a promise to Abraham that the land was to be given again to them.

Exodus 12:41
"...EVEN THE SELFSAME DAY, IT CAME TO PASS, THAT ALL THE HOSTS OF THE LORD WENT OUT FROM THE LAND OF EGYPT."

It was on this day that the Israelites made their exodus from Egypt. The covenant of freedom from slavery began on this day.



THE BOOK OF THE LAW WAS DISCOVERED ON THAT SAME DAY

Josiah began to reign when he was 8 years old. When he was 18, he ordered a cleansing and repair of the temple. (II Chron. 34:2-3) A priest named Hilkiah found the book of the law of the Lord. The king had it read before the people. When he heard of the Passover feast, and realized it was the time for that to be done, he immediately had them celebrate that feast. It was on this day that they made an exodus from their unbelief and ignorance to restored worship to God. A new covenant began on this day.



DEDICATION OF THE SECOND TEMPLE

In 520 B.C., the Israelites began to rebuild the Temple. It was finished in the month Adar, five years later. On the 14th day of Nisan, in 515 B.C., the exiles celebrated the Passover by dedicating the rebuilt temple. (Ezra 6:16-19) So, on this day they made exodus from their time of not worshipping to a time of restored worship to God. This was the beginning of a new covenant.


THE EXODUS OF THE LORD TO PARADISE

Jesus partook of the Passover supper on the 12th, Tuesday, in A.D. 32. He was then tried and crucified on Wednesday. The Lord was put into the tomb, and on the 14th, the Passover he was already in Paradise preaching to the "spirits in prison." Just as the lamb was dead and within the people who ate it for the dinner, the Lord was in the "heart of the earth" on this day. Jesus announced to the saints in Paradise, the beginning of the new covenant.


POSSIBLE FUTURE EVENT TO OCCUR ON THIS DAY -


THE DAY THE ANTICHRIST COMMITS THE "ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION" IN THE TEMPLE AND MANY ISRAELITES FLEE TO PETRA



The False Prophet will set up an idol of the Antichrist in the Temple. The people will be told to worship this idol. It will have power to kill those who do no worship it while they are near it. The temple will be profaned by this idol. The Jews have been commanded by the Lord in the Scriptures to flee when they see this abomination. This day will see the beginning of their flight to the city of Petra. They will flee from Jerusalem as the Jews fled from Egypt on this day. The city of Jerusalem is spiritually like the city of Sodom, and the nation of Egypt.


Revelation 11:8
"...THE GREAT CITY, WHICH SPIRITUALLY IS CALLED SODOM AND EGYPT..."


The events of the 14th of Nisan all show the theme of an EXODUS from an old covenant, and entrance into a new one.


The Lord covenanted with Abraham about a Promised land to flee to from a land of sin and captivity.

The Israelites fled from Egypt and its slavery on this day, and entered into a new covenant.

The Israelites in the wilderness, 40 years later, left the wilderness to go into the promised land. This began a new covenant for them with God. Joshua circumcised many on this day as an entrance into this new covenant.

The book of the law was found and read, and they "exodused" from their time of sin and ignorance to a new awakening of the truth, and a new covenant of obedience to God.

The second Temple was dedicated, and they at that time "exodused" from their time of captivity to a time of restored worship to God. Again, a new covenant was made with God.

Jesus was crucified, and "exodused" to Paradise, leaving this sinful world behind. He announced to the waiting souls in Paradise, the beginning of the new covenant that His dying for their sins had begun.

The Antichrist's abomination of desolation will inspire the Jews to exodus the city of Jerusalem. They will flee to the city of Petra and be safe for the next 3 1/2 years till the Second Coming of Jesus. (1260 days after the 14th of Nisan is the first of Tishri, which is the day of the Second Coming. We will shortly show this.) They will realize they had accepted the wrong Messiah at this point and restore themselves to Jehovah's covenant.


So the "exodus" and "covenant" theme is consistent in all the events of this day. The first of Nisan had the theme of "cleansing." The tenth of Nisan had the theme of "sanctification." The "theme idea" seems to indicate a pattern for us to use in predicting, and making educated "guesstimations" of events to occur.
 
Upvote 0

murjahel

Senior Veteran
Oct 31, 2005
8,768
1,066
✟29,367.00
Faith
Pentecostal
Marital Status
Married
FIFTEENTH DAY OF NISAN


THE FEAST OF UNLEAVENED BREAD

During the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Jewish people were to eat the unleavened bread for seven days. There was to be no work. They were to bring a sheaf of the harvest to the priest. Then, before the Lord, they were to wave the sheaf. (Leviticus 23:6-7, 10-11) This feast lasted from the 15th day to the 21st day of Nisan. The leaven was a type of sin. The unleavened bread reminded Israel of their hurried fleeing from the land of Egypt.

I Corinthians 5:7-8
"PURGE OUT THEREFORE THE OLD LEAVEN, THAT YE MAY BE A NEW LUMP, AS YE ARE UNLEAVENED. FOR EVEN CHRIST OUR PASSOVER IS SACRIFICED FOR US. THEREFORE LET US KEEP THE FEAST, NOT WITH THE OLD LEAVEN, NEITHER WITH THE LEAVEN OF MALICE AND WICKEDNESS; BUT WITH THE UNLEAVENED BREAD OF SINCERITY AND TRUTH."

Paul had just discussed with the Corinthians a very sinful condition in the church. In I Corinthians 5:1-9, he talked of an incestuous situation in the church. Apparently, the church was unconcerned with the problem. Today, we can often find sinful situations in the church that people want to ignore. Shameful things can become spectacles, and the same condition goes on and on, without resolution. New people can come in the front door, and some can be chased out the back door by the sin of some Pharisaical "saints."

Why do we allow this type of situation??? Paul addressed the situation in Corinth, and said that the "leaven" needed "purged out." We, in the church, need to escape sin, leave it behind when we get saved. We are not to carry sin with us in salvation. Since the "harvest of tares" that purges the church is to occur (most likely) on the first of Nisan, the church, after that, will be able to be like the unleavened bread. The "leaven" will have been "purged out" of the church.

When the angel of death came to destroy the firstborn in Egypt, the Israelites began their flight. There was no time to let the dough rise, they baked the bread in a hurry. The slavery of Egypt was left. The freedom was anxiously sought. The leaven was prohibited in this Passover feast. Like sin that is left behind in our celebration of the Passover, so in the celebration of the feast of unleavened bread-- we escape our "Egypt" by leaving anxiously, and we won't carry the sin, malice, and wickedness with us. Since the blood of the Passover feast atoned for us, we won't want to carry sin with us in our flight.

The bread eaten during the feast of unleavened bread is called the "bread of affliction":

"BREAD OF AFFLICTION; FOR THOU CAMEST OUT OF THE LAND OF EGYPT IN HASTE: THAT THOU MAYEST REMEMBER THE DAY WHEN THOU CAMEST FORTH OUT OF THE LAND OF EGYPT ALL THE DAYS OF THY LIFE."
Deuteronomy 16:3

The Israelites were under "affliction," and threats of death on this day. They carried with them bread to eat hurriedly in their flight.

The symbol of bondage and slavery was the simple diet of bread. Yet God took the symbol of bondage, and made it a symbol of freedom. In the same way, the cross was a symbol of death and shame, and God has made it now to be s symbol of life and victory.


DISCIPLES IN HIDING

Jesus said:
John 6:35
"I AM THE BREAD OF LIFE."

Our Lord was like the unleavened bread of this feast. He had no sin. In the place called sheol in A.D. 32, the saints in Paradise were rejoicing with our "Bread" who because of His sinless perfection was about to conquer sin and death. We should rejoice as the saints in Paradise did on this day in A.D.32. The saints can now live a life for Christ with all our sins forgiven, and forgotten -- because of our "Unleavened Bread."

On this date in A.D. 32, the disciples were in hiding. The enemies of Jesus were feeling victorious. Jesus had been crucified. They now could attempt to wipe out all remnants of the Jesus movement. So the attack against the disciples was in full swing. Jesus had died to provide them the sinless perfection they could not earn themselves. The devil was angry. So the disciples were in locked rooms, to hide from the angry Pharisees.


FALL OF MASSADA

In the same way, on this very same day, around 40 years later, came the final fall of the Jewish resistance at Massada. For two years following the fall of Jerusalem and the Temple, the survivors of the Jewish resistance, under Eleazar, retreated to a mountain stronghold called Massada. This fortress on top of a mountain could only be reached by a snake-like path up the cliffs. A small group could easily hold off a large army. The Roman General Silva built a huge earthen ramp up the western side. Then these Romans used battering rams to break though the walls. As the defenders saw that their war was lost, they made a decision. The 960 men, women, and children left, knew rape, torture, and death awaited them. They decided to take their own lives. When the Romans reached them, they were all dead.

Josephus recorded (War of the Jews, Book 5, ch.9, section 1):
"They came within the palace and so met the multitude of the slain...nor could they do other than wonder at the courage of their resolution, and at the immovable contempt of death which so great a number had shown...This calamitous slaughter was made on the 15th day of the month Nisan."

Thus, a faithful few were hunted, and sought -- just as the disciples on the 15th of Nisan in A.D. 32. The Israelites were sought as they fled the Egyptians on their way to the Red Sea. The Egyptians had, on this day, decided to chase down the fleeing Israelites.


LATTER RAIN PERSECUTION INTENSIFIES

During the year that the rapture will occur, on this date, the sinners will see the double portion of revival starting and will initiate a persecution to try to wipe out all Christians. Just as the Egyptians decided to chase down the Israelites, and the Pharisees sought to wipe out the disciples, so in the time just before the rapture - the sinners will attempt to wipe out those Christians who have survived the harvest of tares. These will be the ones who have fled sin, and are as the unleavened bread.


MID-TRIBULATION FLOOD WATERS FAIL TO KILL THE JEWS

Exactly four years after that event, the Jews will be in their flight to Petra. They will be fleeing the Antichrist. The Antichrist on this day will attempt to use the waters of the Mediterranean to flood the fleeing Jews. The earth will open up and swallow the waters. These Jews are fleeing sin and are also typified by the unleavened bread. If they had stayed in Jerusalem, they would have had to worship the statue of the Antichrist in the Temple, or be slain by it. They flee. The Antichrist's fury and attempt to wipe them out will fail.


The Egyptians failed to wipe out the Israelites as they fled Egypt. The devil failed to wipe out Jesus, as He rejoiced in the Paradise in sheol in A.D. 32. The Romans failed to torture and murder the Jewish resistance at Massada. The sinners will fail to stop the latter-rain-revived saints. And the Antichrist will fail to stop the fleeing Jews who are on their way to Petra midway through the tribulation.

The theme of the events that transpire on this day seems to be-- the successful flight from sin. The 15th of Nisan will be a rejoicing day for us soon. We will be in the start of a revival that the world has not ever seen. We may be threatened, and attacked, but we will survive - because we are those with the unleavened bread.
 
Upvote 0

murjahel

Senior Veteran
Oct 31, 2005
8,768
1,066
✟29,367.00
Faith
Pentecostal
Marital Status
Married
SEVENTEENTH DAY OF NISAN
FEAST OF THE FIRST FRUITS



This is the third of the seven feasts. It occurred at the time of the harvesting of the early crops of spring. The purpose of the feast was to acknowledge that all they had was of God.

Exodus 23:19
"THE FIRST OF THE FIRST FRUITS OF THY LAND, THOU SHALT BRING INTO THE HOUSE OF THE LORD THY GOD."

The feast of first fruits consisted of the cutting of a sheaf from the harvest field. It was brought to the priest who waved it before the Lord. The Lord, in accepting the first sheaf, pledged His acceptance of the entire harvest.

The resurrected Christ was the first fruits of the harvest of believers. God accepted Him, and thus we are guaranteed a resurrection.

I Corinthians 15:20, 23
"BUT NOW IS CHRIST RISEN FROM THE DEAD, AND BECOME THE FIRST FRUITS OF THEM THAT SLEPT...BUT EVERY MAN IN HIS OWN ORDER: CHRIST, THE FIRST FRUITS; AFTERWARD, THEY THAT ARE CHRIST'S, AT HIS COMING."

So, the resurrection of Jesus happened on the day of this feast. God follows a pattern for a reason. This 17th day of Nisan is a "SHADOW OF THINGS TO COME..." Its observance through the years prefigured the resurrection of the Messiah.

The feast of the first fruits could not be observed until they reached Canaan. There were no harvests in the wilderness. There was no sheaf to take to the priest. The wilderness represents the wandering and disobedience of many who have started into Christianity. There is no fruit in the life of the believer till he has learned obedience. We, as Christians, are to become fruitful.

We must prove that their is Christ-life in us by our bearing of fruit. The Lord found a fig tree that had leaves on it, but no fruit. The fig tree bears fruit before it bears the leaves. So for Jesus to find a tree with no fruit, but leaves, angered Him. He is angered at those who do not show evidence of the new life that is in them. If we are alive in Christ, we should bear fruit to prove it. The Christians should also have life in them, and their fruits will prove the life they claim.

Matthew 7:16
"YE SHALL KNOW THEM BY THEIR FRUITS..."

When the Israelites crossed Jordan, they started to eat of the fruit of the land, and on this 17th of Nisan, they were to offer praise to God for the fruitful land.



NOAH'S ARK RESTED ON MOUNT ARARAT


On Mt. Ararat, on the 17th day of Nisan, the ark came to rest. Imagine, a year of floating on the waters, wondering if they would ever again see land, finally they found land on which to rest. This happened on the 17th day of Nisan (Genesis 8:4). These people probably celebrated this day for many years thereafter. God had decided to have this occur on the same day as He would later instruct Israel to celebrate the feast of the firstfruits. The Lord was following the theme of celebrating the firstfruits of a harvest. The family of Noah was the firstfruits of a harvest of righteous people that God would later harvest from this earth.

[Most ancients began their year in the fall, September-October. God changed that at the time of the exodus from Egypt. So the new year's day was changed from the fall to the spring. So the seventh month became the first month. (Exodus 12:1-2) So, in Genesis 8:4, the 17th day of the 7th month is really the 17th day of the 1st month, Nisan.]


ISRAEL MIRACULOUSLY CROSSES OVER THE RED SEA


The Israelites saw the Egyptians pursuing them. There was a mountain on their right, and a mountain on their left. The Red Sea was in front of them. The Egyptians were hurriedly coming to trap them in this spot. These people began to complain (Exodus 14:11-12). Moses answered them, and then parted the waters. They left Egypt and went into the wilderness on the 17th of Nisan. The first fruits of delivered Israel came on this day.


ISRAEL EATS THE FIRST FRUITS OF THE PROMISED LAND


The Israelites ate the Passover supper on the 14th of Nisan. Then on the 15th, they ate the old corn of the land. The last day for the manna to fall, was on the 16th. So on the 17th of Nisan, they began to eat of the fruit of Canaan.

(It is vital that we note the Lord does cause a pattern of events for particular day. This is perhaps a key to helping us understand the timing of events yet to occur.)


RESURRECTION OF JESUS


John 12:24
"EXCEPT A CORN OF WHEAT FALL INTO THE GROUND AND DIE, IT ABIDETH ALONE; BUT IF IT DIE, IT BRINGETH FORTH MUCH FRUIT."


I Corinthians 15:20
"BUT NOW IS CHRIST RISEN FROM THE DEAD, AND BECOME THE
FIRST FRUITS OF THEM THAT SLEPT."

Matthew 27:52-53
"THE GRAVES WERE OPENED; AND MANY BODIES OF THE SAINTS WHICH SLEPT AROSE, AND CAME OUT OF THE GRAVES AFTER HIS RESURRECTION, AND WENT INTO THE CITY AND APPEARED TO MANY."

Jesus was the first fruits of the first resurrection. The fact that He was resurrected proves that we will also be resurrected. (I Corinthians 15:4-6)


"DELAY NO LONGER."(Rev. 10:6) -RAPTURE OF THE 144,000 AND THE TRIBULATION SAINTS IN THE MIDST OF THE TRIBULATION


This is a very probable day for the saints that are saved during the tribulation, and the 144,000 Jews who finish their 1260 days of ministry, to be raptured and resurrected.

This happens during the sounding of the seventh trumpet. After many judgments, the hearts of many that reject repentance, get so hard that there are no more repenters. All who will be saved during the tribulation are saved...so God says..."DELAY NO LONGER." At this time, the 144,000 and the tribulation saints can be raptured and resurrected. The 144,000 are the "first fruits" of the tribulation.

The 144,000 are sealed from the seven trumpets, and their harm. So during the sounding of the seventh trumpet, and before the seven thunders, and the seven vials, the 144,000 are raptured. They are seen in heaven in chapter 14 of Revelation.
 
Upvote 0

murjahel

Senior Veteran
Oct 31, 2005
8,768
1,066
✟29,367.00
Faith
Pentecostal
Marital Status
Married
SIXTH DAY OF SIVAN

FEAST OF PENTECOST




This is the fourth of the seven feast of the Lord. (Leviticus 23:15-16,21) It took place 50 days after the Feast of Firstfruits. The word "pentecost" comes from the word "fifty." The Jews called this day "Shavuot." It was also called the "Zeman Matan Torenu" referring to it being the day that the law was given to Moses.


ENOCH RAPTURED

The Jewish writer, H.L. Ginzberg wrote in "The Legends of the Jews" that according to Israel's oral tradition, Enoch was raptured on the 6th of Sivan. The rapture of the saint from the patriarchal age went to heaven miraculously, in his earthly body. He is still there, never having died, and awaiting a return for 42 months, in which he will finish his ministry in the tribulation period. He is one of the "two witnesses" of Revelation.

Genesis 5:24
"AND ENOCH WALKED WITH GOD AND WAS NOT FOR GOD TOOK HIM."


GIVING OF THE TEN COMMANDMENTS


After leaving Egypt, the Jews marched 50 days. On the 3rd day of the third month, Sivan, they arrived at Mt. Sinai. Israel waited three days for Moses to return from the mount.

Exodus 19:11
"BE READY AGAINST THE 3RD DAY; FOR THE 3RD DAY THE LORD WILL COME DOWN IN THE SIGHT OF ALL THE PEOPLE UPON MT. SINAI."

Thus, the rabbi's taught that it was on the 6th of Sivan that God came down to the top of Mt. Sinai to give the law to Moses. The "Jewish Almanac" records that, historically, it (6th of Sivan) commemorates the revelation of the Torah to Moses. "The Jewish Holiday- A Guide and Commentary" describes the Feast of Pentecost, Shavuot, as the celebration of the giving of the Torah by God.


ARRIVAL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT


Fifty days after Easter, the disciples were in the upper room, and the Holy Spirit arrived (Acts 1:8, 2:1-4). The Holy Spirit had ben promised by Jesus to come. The Spirit had come to an upper room. The disciples then went down to the ground level and 3000 were saved that day. The next day 5000 more were saved. Within 70 years, over 10 million had been converted.


RAPTURE OF THE CHURCH

This is the most likely day for the rapture of the church to occur. There are others who prefer other dates for the rapture, yet I feel that the day of Pentecost is the most likely. God made it possible for us to argue for several different dates.

Some choose the Feast of Firstfruits (Easter), because following that day there were seven weeks and one day of harvesting before the day of Pentecost. So they think that the Feast of Firstfruits typifies the rapture, and the day of Pentecost as the second coming following the seven years of tribulation. They picture the rapture of Jesus on the 40th day like the rapture of the two witnesses, the 144,000, and the tribulation saints.

Some choose the Feast of Trumpets as the most likely day for the rapture. They assume that the "trump of God" that is to sound is an indication for this day.

Some choose the first day of the Feast of Tabernacles as the most likely day because the seven days is like the tribulation's seven years. If the rapture is to occur before the tribulation, then, they feel, the first day of the Feast of Tabernacles is a likely day.

There are a number of reasons that I choose the day of Pentecost as the most likely day for the rapture to occur.

This feast is also called the "feast of weeks" because it came 7 weeks after the Feast of Firstfruits. The rapture is to occur after the seven church ages described in Revelation chapters 2 and 3.


The Feast of Pentecost is also called the "Feast of Harvest" because it was held at the close of the wheat and barley harvest. Often the rapture time was referred to as the harvesttime. The whole church age started with the former rain revival, and it will end with a latter rain revival. These are like the spring and the harvest rains of a growing season. The church is the harvest that the Lord is anxious to harvest. The church is likened to wheat that will be harvested. The day of Pentecost is the day they celebrated the wheat harvest. On this day the people were to take some of the harvest, and carry it to the temple to present it to God. They walked along the streets of the city praising God on this day, and went to the temple to present their offering to God. On the rapture day, we will be presented to the Lord.

The celebration of this day consisted of 2 loaves of bread, baked with leaven, waved before the Lord. The two loaves represent the raptured, and resurrected saints. While the priest was in the temple waving the bread, the saints were in the upper room, and the coming of the Spirit announced the beginning of the church age. On Mt. Sinai, the two tables of law were given, and a new relationship was entered into by God with His people. Someday, at the rapture, the two groups (raptured, and resurrected saints) will be presented by Jesus to God the Father.

When God came down onto Mt. Sinai, a new relationship was started with mankind. When the Spirit came to the upper room, God announced a new relationship with mankind. When Jesus comes in the rapture a new relationship will begin between mankind and God.


Sinai saw the giving of the law.

The upper room saw the giving of new life and power.

The rapture will be the giving of the eternal life.



These show God's total plan.


The common sermon of today on the rapture has to include the idea that -- it is sooner than we think. Why is it sooner than we think? Why don't we think it to be sooner than it is? Why do Christians want to put off the rapture?

The Thessalonicans had to be corrected by Paul for thinking the rapture to be sooner than Paul had taught.

The Jews had expected what we know to be the second coming when Jesus came the first coming.

Abraham "looked for a city whose builder and maker was God" long, long ago.
Yet, the average Christian desires Jesus to take His time in returning.

What a poor compliment to the Lord to not anxiously await His return! ! ! Imagine the youngsters in a classroom awaiting the final bell of the school year. With the sounding of that bell, the summer vacation begins. With eager anticipation, and legs ready to scramble for the door, they watch the clock tick slowly to the sounding of the bell.

Yet, many Christians seem to want the rapture to be delayed. Their lack of enthusiasm must grieve our Savior. He has prepared joys and rewards for us that are beyond imagination. He wants to call us home to heaven. I would rather be ready and waiting too early, than to be like many who are trying to find loopholes in any idea that the Lord may be returning very soon!!

Enoch walked with God, and the Lord took him home to heaven on this day. We as the saints of the last days need to be walking with the Lord, ready to be called home. I doubt if the Lord had to convince Enoch that he should want to be raptured. Enoch had a relationship with the Lord that made him anxious for his rapture.
 
Upvote 0

murjahel

Senior Veteran
Oct 31, 2005
8,768
1,066
✟29,367.00
Faith
Pentecostal
Marital Status
Married
SEVENTEENTH DAY
OF TAMMUZ, FAST



Zechariah 8:19
"THUS SAITH THE LORD OF HOSTS: 'THE FAST OF THE 4TH MONTH, AND THE FAST OF THE 5TH, AND THE FAST OF THE 7TH, AND THE FAST OF THE 10TH, SHALL BE TO THE HOUSE OF JUDAH JOY AND GLADNESS AND CHEERFUL FEASTS.'"

Each of the four fasts mentioned in the above verse, were in commemoration of some tragic events concerning the destruction of the temple, Jerusalem, and the Babylonian invasion (606 - 587 B.C.) Zechariah promises that once the Messiah comes, these four feasts will become times of rejoicing. Many tragic events have occurred on these days, yet - soon- some great events will transpire to make them forget the tragedies of these days. They will begin to celebrate on these days that once brought memories of sorrow and grief.

The fast of the fourth month occurred on the 17. It was a day of fasting and mourning. It began a three week period of national mourning. It led up to the fast of Tisha Beav (9th of Av). The mourning was to recognize their sin and the punishment to come because of it.



MOSES BREAKS THE TABLETS OF THE LAW
WHEN HE SEES THE GOLDEN CALF


Moses met God and received the law on the 6th of Sivan. Mt. Sinai was covered with a cloud of smoke. The Lord God descended upon it in a fire. The whole mountain quaked greatly. (Exodus 19:18) Moses was on the mountain 40 days. While he was there the people built a golden calf and worshipped it.

On the 17th day of Tammuz, as Moses came down from the mountain, he saw the people in idolatrous worship of the calf. He broke the tables of the law (Exodus 32:19). Moses called out: 'Who is on the Lord's side?' The Levites came and stood beside him. Three thousand rebels were killed (Exodus 32:26). These events occurred on the 17th of Tammuz. They were a cause of shame for the Israelites.

They fasted on this day each year to remind themselves of their sin. They had broken the law, and gone far into idolatrous sin, in the short time it took Moses to receive the law from God on Mt. Sinai.



THE BABYLONIANS BROKE THROUGH THE WALLS
OF JERUSALEM AND CAUSED THE DAILY SACRIFICE TO CEASE



The city of Jerusalem was about to fall after a two year siege by Nebuchadnezzar. Finally, the Babylonians broke through the wall. In an attempt to continue the daily sacrifice, the priests had put gold coins in a basket, and lowered them from the wall. The Babylonian soldiers had put sheep back into the basket, as trade. When the outer walls were broken, the soldiers stopped selling the sheep. They knew they would soon have the whole city. For the first time in more than 400 years, the Israelites could no longer continue the daily sacrifice.
The 17th day of Tammuz showed God's anger, and the loss of His protection. The city was about to fall, and the sacrifices were stopped, and God was tired of accepting sacrifices from those who were not truly repentant.



THE ROMAN ARMY FORCES
THE CESSATION OF THE DAILY SACRIFICE



Almost 40 years after Christ's crucifixion, the Roman army besieged Jerusalem. In A.D. 66, a war of independence had started. In A.D. 70, Titus had Jerusalem surrounded. On the 17th day of Tammuz, Titus moved catapults close enough to hurl boulders onto the temple. This put the city into chaos, and caused them to cease the daily sacrifice. 656 years earlier, the Babylonians also had stopped the sacrifices on this exact day.

Again the day recognized the announcement day by God that He was about to devastate the city for its mock repentance. They were not truly repentant, and they had not reconsidered their rejection of the true Messiah. They were going through a form of religion, but had no power therein, for the repentance was not genuine.



FUTURE EVENTS TO CHANGE THE MOURNING INTO JOY


Perhaps this will be the day, during the tribulation on which the daily sacrifices will BEGIN at the temple. This will mark their revival back to Jehovah. Sacrifices will continue until the Antichrist commits the "abomination of desolation" in the middle of the tribulation. Before the Jews return to Jesus, and accept Him as their Messiah, they will return to Jehovah.

Perhaps this will be the day in Petra when the Jews will their call on Jesus to return. Realizing their mistake of rejecting Jesus as their Messiah, they will call for another chance.

God had announced on this day, throughout the years, that because of their fake repentance, judgment was about to fall. It would be an appropriate day for them to truly realize their sin, and begin a repentance process, that will bring the return of the true Messiah, Jesus Christ. This would turn this day of mourning into a day in which they could commemorate something joyful.
 
Upvote 0

murjahel

Senior Veteran
Oct 31, 2005
8,768
1,066
✟29,367.00
Faith
Pentecostal
Marital Status
Married
NINTH DAY OF AV

A FAST OF MOURNING



Now, we can look at another day of mourning and fasting, that God has predicted will someday be a day of feasting and joy. So, something has to happen on this day, on God’s calendar, that will transform its meaning for eternity.

This day is known at Tisha Be-av, and is the day that the nation of Israel mourns the loss of their temple. The ninth of Av has witnessed many great disasters. It was a day that Israel mourned the loss of their temple and looked forward to the coming of their Messiah.

This fasting and mourning day will become a day of joy and gladness in the last days. Zechariah (8:19) tells us that God will cause events to happen on this day that will transform its meaning.



12 SPIES RETURN, 10 WITH AN EVIL REPORT

Moses sent out 12 spies to spy out the promised land. Ten returned with a pessimistic and unbelieving report. Joshua and Caleb had faith and courage. The Jewish commentary says the night of mourning and weeping was on the 9th of Av. Numbers 14:1-10 records the rebellion and their desire to stone Moses. Each year the Israelites mourn over this sin and disobedience.

Christians today need to mourn some of the poor decisions they have made. Some have believed false prophecies, and missed great blessings from God, as did the Israelites. Happily for us, when we repent, the price is already paid, and out day can be turned immediately into joy, for we are then forgiven. We can then use that same day as a day to rejoice in the mercy of a forgiving Lord and Savior.

Some day soon, the Israelites will be able to rejoice on this day, that once brought sorrowful mourning. There will come events one this day, that will cause them to rejoice for the mercy of their true Messiah.
DESTRUCTION OF SOLOMON'S TEMPLE BY THE BABYLONIANS

In 589 B.C. a siege was started. Two years later the Babylonians broke through the walls. Twenty one days later the fight came to the Temple mount. On this 9th and 10th of Av the temple was burned. Jeremiah 52:5-14 is Jeremiah's eyewitness account of this event. On this day the Jews read the book of Lamentations.

The book of Lamentations is a book of LAMENTS, or mournings which are spoken. Jeremiah had warned the people of Jerusalem and Israel for many years. He had been rejected, hated, mocked, berated, imprisoned, and physically abused for his prophecies. Now, when the truth of his prophecies had been fulfilled, he did not rejoice, and say - 'I told you so...', but rather, he mourned woefully for the people he still loved.

Lamentations 2:7
"THE LORD HATH CAST OF HIS ALTAR, HE HATH ABHORRED HIS SANCTUARY, HE HATH GIVEN UP INTO THE HAND OF THE ENEMY THE WALLS OF HER PALACES; THEY HAVE MADE A NOISE IN THE HOUSE OF THE LORD, AS IN THE DAY OF A SOLEMN FEAST."



DESTRUCTION OF THE SECOND TEMPLE BY THE ROMANS

In A.D. 70, over 1,250,000 people were trapped in Jerusalem by the Romans. The original attack started on Passover in A.D. 66, while many pilgrims were in Jerusalem. The daily sacrifice ceased on the 17th of Tammuz. Twenty one days later on the 9th of Av, the army reached the temple. Titus had given orders to his men that they not destroy the Temple.

Luke 19:41-44 details the prediction of Jesus on this event. The angry soldiers disobeyed Titus and threw torches into the Temple. Josephus records that Titus stood at the Holy Place and tried to keep the soldiers out. "As God is my witness, this was not done by my order."

Daniel 9:26
"...PEOPLE OF THAT PRINCE ... SHALL DESTROY THE CITY AND THE SANCTUARY..."

Thus, Daniel shows that it was the "people of that prince" and not the "prince" that would destroy the Temple. Titus had just become a "prince". In A.D. 69, his father Vespasian, had become the emperor of Rome. So in A.D. 70, Titus was a "prince." The predictions of Jesus, and Daniel had been fulfilled in the smallest detail.

The heat of the fire melted the gold. It ran down into the cracks of the building. The soldiers, in search for the gold, used wedges and bars to search for the gold. In doing this, not one stone was left upon another. This destruction took place on the 9th of Av.

The Lord gives accurate prophecies, and even has them occur upon appropriate days of the calendar. We serve a God Who is precise in every detail.



ROMANS PLOWED THE TEMPLE MOUNT

In A.D. 71, on the 9th of Av, the Romans plowed the Temple mount. This fulfilled the prediction in Micah 3:12:

"THEREFORE SHALL ZION FOR YOUR SAKES BE PLOWED AS A FIELD AND JERUSALEM SHALL BECOME HEAPS, AND THE MOUNT OF THE HOUSE AS THE HIGH PLACES OF THE FOREST."



DESTRUCTION OF BAR KOCHBA'S ARMY

A dynamic leader, Simon Bar Kochba, was accepted by some to be the Messiah. Jesus had predicted that the Jews would accept another in place of Jesus.

John 5:43
"I AM COME IN MY FATHER'S NAME, AND YE RECEIVE ME NOT, IF ANOTHER SHALL COME IN HIS OWN NAME, HIM WILL YE RECEIVE."

For two years, this false Messiah, repelled the Romans. finally, the Emperor Hadrian, attacked the Jews at Beitar, southwest of Jerusalem. On the 9th of Av, in A.D. 135, Israel was slaughtered without mercy. Dio Cassius (a Roman historian) says that 580,000 Jewish soldiers died by the sword alone (not counting those who perished by fire and famine). The horses of the Romans waded in blood up to their girths. It was 65 years, to the day, after Jerusalem and the Temple had been burned.

From that day until May, 1948, Israel ceased to be a nation. The event that marked the end of their national status, was the result of accepting a false Messiah.



ENGLAND EXPELLED ALL THE JEWS IN 1290 A.D.

On the 9th of Av in 1290 (July 18th), King Edward I ordered the expulsion of all the Jews of England. 400 years later, Oliver Cromwell granted the Jews the right to settle (A.D. 1657). Britain began to prosper at that time of their return. When the Jews returned to England, England began to truly prosper.

Genesis 12:3
"I WILL BLESS THEM THAT BLESS THEE, AND CURSE HIM THAT CURSETH THEE. IN THEE SHALL ALL THE FAMILIES OF THE EARTH BE BLESSED.

It was on the 9th of Av, that England had expelled all the Jews in 1290. An event caused by the belief in the false prophecy started by that devil, that the Jews were the source of curses in a nation, and the only way to be blessed and prosperous, is to eliminate them. Many people still believe that false prophecy.



SPAIN EXPELLED ALL THE JEWS IN A.D. 1492

On August 2, 1492, on the 9th of Av, Spain ordered 800,000 Jews expelled. From that point on, Spain decreased. It was on that same day that Columbus sailed for the new world. When one door was closing for the Jews, God was about to open another temporary homeland for the Jews. The United States is still the country with the most Jews. In 1948, it was the U.S.A. that was the strongest supporter of the nation of Israel.

While many still believed the false prophecy that the devil continues to promote, the Lord is still demonstrating the truth, that those who bless the Jewish people are blessed of God.



RUSSIA LAUNCHED THE PERSECUTION OF THE JEWS IN 1914

On the 9th of Av, August 1, 1914, attacks and persecution began in Russia against the Jews. The immigration that these events started, helped set the stage for the events leading to the creation of the nation of Israel in 1948.

Again, the belief that the Jewish people are a source of trouble, has been believed by many, many people down through the ages. It is a lie, and God has always been demonstrating this to the world. This day, the 9th of Av, is a day when God has allowed to occur the rejection of His people, and the acceptance by sinners of the false prophecy of the devil.



FUTURE EVENTS ? ? ?



TRUE PROPHECY TO BE TAKEN TO THE JEWS IN PETRA

On the 9th of Av, all events occur with or as being a problem with false prophecy.

1. False reports were given by 10 of the 12 spies.

2. Solomon's temple was destroyed despite the false prophets' predictions.

3. The second Temple was destroyed because of the rejection of Christ by the false prophetic teachings of the religious leaders of Jesus' day.

4. The destruction of Bar Kochba's army was the result of people believing false prophecy that he was the Messiah.

5. England believed false doctrine that the Jews were the source of the trouble, and expelled the Jews.

6. Spain expelled the Jews in 1492 because they believed the same false prophecy.

7. Russia began the persecution of the Jews in 1914, also because of the same false reports.



Since this mourning day is to soon be replaced with a day of joy, the start of the rejoicing may be the celebration of the day when true prophecy will be taken to the Jews in Petra. The two witnesses, Enoch and Elijah, who return during the tribulation will go to the city of Petra and tell the Jews who are hiding there in confusion, that Jesus was the true Messiah. They were startled to learn that the Antichrist was not their Messiah. Now they will be taught the true prophetic truths, by the final two prophets.

Zechariah 8:19
"THUS SAITH THE LORD OF HOSTS: 'THE FAST OF THE... FIFTH... SHALL BE TO THE HOUSE OF JUDAH JOY AND GLADNESS, AND CHEERFUL FEASTS; THEREFORE LOVE THE TRUTH AND PEACE."
 
Upvote 0

murjahel

Senior Veteran
Oct 31, 2005
8,768
1,066
✟29,367.00
Faith
Pentecostal
Marital Status
Married
THE FEAST OF TRUMPETS


THE FIRST DAY OF TISHRI


Leviticus 23:23-24
"AND THE LORD SPAKE UNTO MOSES, SAYING, 'SPEAK UNTO THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL, SAYING, IN THE 7TH MONTH, IN THE FIRST DAY OF THE MONTH, SHALL YE HAVE A SABBATH, A MEMORIAL OF BLOWING TRUMPETS, AN HOLY CONVOCATION.'"

The first day of Tishri occurs in September-October, as soon as the new moon was sighted in eastern Israel. Watchers would trumpet the signal from hill to hill. Finally, the message was heard at the Temple. Then the High Priest would blow the shofar (trumpet made of a ram's horn), and announce the day. This was called Rosh Hashanah, the ancient New Year's day for Israel. It was a day of remembrance, a day of judgment.



JOSHUA, THE HIGH PRIEST, OFFERED THE FIRST OFFERING


After the return from captivity, Joshua, the High Priest, brought the first offering to the new altar. King Cyrus of Persia had allowed the Jews to return and rebuild Jerusalem and the Temple. Forty two thousand settled around Jerusalem. The first thing they did was rebuild the altar of God (Ezra 3:1-6). They began to offer burnt offerings on the first of Tishri. It was Joshua, whose name is the Hebrew form of Jesus, who offered the offering. In type, this shows Jesus reminding the people of the sacrifice that needed to be offered for their sin.



EZRA READ THE LAW TO THE RETURNED EXILES


Nehemiah 8:2-3
"AND EZRA, THE PRIEST, BROUGHT THE LAW BEFORE THE CONGREGATION, BOTH MEN AND WOMEN, AND ALL THAT COULD HEAR WITH THE UNDERSTANDING, UPON THE FIRST DAY OF THE SEVENTH MONTH. AND HE READ THEREIN BEFORE THE STREET THAT WAS BEFORE THE WATER GATE FROM THE MORNING UNTIL MIDDAY, BEFORE THE MEN AND THE WOMEN, AND THOSE THAT COULD UNDERSTAND, AND THE EARS OF ALL THE PEOPLE WERE ATTENTIVE UNTO THE BOOK OF THE LAW.


The people once again needed to make a covenant with God. It was on this first day of Tishri that they faced the Word of the Lord, and were obligated to covenant with God.


OTHER EVENTS THAT HAPPENED ON THE FIRST OF TISHRI


By oral tradition, it was taught that on the first of Tishri:

Adam and Eve were created-

Adam and Eve were expelled from the garden-

Waters of the flood dried and Noah removed the covering from the Ark-

Sarah, Rachel, and Hannah prayed and had their prayers answered-

Joseph was released after spending 16 years in prison-



POSSIBILITIES TO HAPPEN ON THE FIRST OF TISHRI


THE DESTRUCTION OF THE U.S.A.

Destruction of "Babylon" at the war that starts the tribulation, Counterfeit Armageddon. This is the day that God announces the beginning of the 2520 day tribulation. The saints will already have been raptured (perhaps on the Day of Pentecost), and then events began to transpire that brought war between the two super powers who would oppose the power of the soon coming Antichrist. This first war of the tribulation will eliminate the tow super powers from the scene. "Babylon" which seems to be the United States, will be destroyed in "one day". This will be the "one day."


THE RETURN OF JESUS, AND THE BEGINNING OF ARMAGEDDON

Exactly 7 years later, 2520 days, the battle of Armageddon will begin. This fits, because in the exact middle of those two wars, the "abomination of desolation" will occur as predicted. It is to occur 1260 days after the beginning of the tribulation, and 1260 days before the battle of Armageddon begins. The day that it is supposed to occur is the 14th of Nisan. This point is midway between the two wars. Daniel 9:27, and Revelation 12:6 says the Antichrist is to profane the Temple, and 1260 days later will be the battle of Armageddon.

It is 1260 days from Passover to the feast of the trumpets. The woman (Israel) flees from the Antichrist when the Abomination of desolation occurs, and is hidden in the city of Petra for those 1260 days. Then the Lord returns and rescues these Jews in Petra who have finally repented of rejecting Jesus.


The battle of Armageddon occurs when the saints return with Jesus at the Second Coming. Exactly 2520 days after the destruction of the "Babylon", that began the tribulation, the Lord Jesus returns... so this will be the same day of the year as that event. 2520 days is exactly 7 years of 360 days.

Joel 1:14-15
"SANCTIFY YE A FAST, CALL A SOLEMN ASSEMBLY, GATHER THE ELDERS, AND ALL THE INHABITANTS OF THE LAND INTO THE HOUSE OF THE LORD YOUR GOD, AND CRY UNTO THE LORD, ALAS, FOR THE DAY! FOR THE DAY OF THE LORD IS AT HAND, AND AS A DESTRUCTION FROM THE ALMIGHTY IT SHALL COME."

Jeremiah 4:5-6
"DECLARE YE IN JUDAH, AND PUBLISH IN JERUSALEM, AND SAY, 'BLOW YE THE TRUMPET IN THE LAND; CRY, GATHER TOGETHER, AND SAY, ASSEMBLE YOURSELVES, AND LET US GO INTO THE DEFENCED CITIES. SET UP THE STANDARD TOWARD ZION, RETIRE, STAY NOT, FOR I WILL BRING EVIL FROM THE NORTH, AND GREAT DESTRUCTION."


The pattern of the day seems to be clear, it is a day of remembrance and judgment. All the events seem to follow that pattern. Joshua's sacrifice brought to remembrance the fact that a Sacrifice had to be offered for sins. Ezra's reading of the law reminded the people of the Word of God that required a covenant to be made. The waters dried enough so that the judgment of the flood came to an end. Sarah, Rachel, Hannah, and Joseph all saw the remembrance of the promise by the answers to their prayers.


In the same way, the war of the beginning of the tribulation, and the war at the end of the tribulation, bring judgment and remembrance of the prophecy of the Word. The second coming of Jesus is a day of remembrance of His promise to return in power to judge and rule the world.

These may be "guesstimations", but they are based on prophetic study, and application of Scriptural facts. Remember, in the lesson on "Times and Seasons" why knowing these facts does not violate the principle of "not knowing the day and hour."
 
Upvote 0

murjahel

Senior Veteran
Oct 31, 2005
8,768
1,066
✟29,367.00
Faith
Pentecostal
Marital Status
Married
TENTH OF TISHRI
DAY OF ATONEMENT




Leviticus 23:26-32
"ON THE TENTH DAY OF THIS SEVENTH MONTH, THERE SHALL BE A DAY OF ATONEMENT: IT SHALL BE AN HOLY CONVOCATION UNTO YOU; AND YE SHALL AFFLICT YOUR SOULS, AND OFFER AN OFFERING MADE BY FIRE UNTO THE LORD. AND WE SHALL DO NO WORK IN THAT SAME DAY; FOR IT IS A DAY OF ATONEMENT, TO MAKE AN ATONEMENT FOR YOU BEFORE THE LORD YOUR GOD."

The Day of Atonement is known as Yom Kippur. It is the holiest day of the Jewish calendar. All Israel mourns for their sins on this day. Only on this 10th day of Tishri could the High Priest enter the Holy of Holies where the shekinah glory abode. He sprinkled blood on the mercy seat. For the 24 hour day the people were to fast, pray, and confess their sins.

Christ is our great High Priest. He sprinkled His blood upon the mercy seat in heaven for us.

Hebrews 9:12, 14
"NEITHER BY THE BLOOD OF GOATS AND CALVES, BUT BY HIS OWN BLOOD, HE ENTERED IN ONCE INTO THE HOLY PLACE, HAVING OBTAINED ETERNAL REDEMPTION FOR US. HOW MUCH MORE SHALL THE BLOOD OF CHRIST, WHO THROUGH THE ETERNAL SPIRIT OFFERED HIMSELF WITHOUT SPOT TO GOD, PURGE YOUR CONSCIENCE FROM DEAD WORKS TO SERVE THE LIVING GOD?"

The Day of Atonement was observed every year, but every 50th year (the year of Jubilee) it was different.


Leviticus 25:9-10
"THEN SHALT THOU CAUSE THE TRUMPET OF THE JUBILEE TO SOUND ON THE TENTH DAY OF THE 7TH MONTH, IN THE DAY OF ATONEMENT SHALL YE MAKE THE TRUMPET SOUND THROUGHOUT ALL YOUR LAND. AND YE SHALL HALLOW THE 50TH YEAR, AND PROCLAIM LIBERTY THROUGHOUT ALL THE LAND UNTO THE INHABITANTS THEREOF. IT SHALL BE A JUBILEE UNTO YOU AND YE SHALL RETURN EVERY MAN UNTO HIS POSSESSION, AND YE SHALL RETURN EVERY MAN UNTO HIS FAMILY."

All debts were canceled, all slaves set free, and family lands were returned to the original owners. This special Day of Atonement was to be observed every 50th year. There is no evidence that this law was ever followed by the Jews.


YOM KIPPUR

"Kippur" comes from the Hebrew word "kapper" meaning "to cover over." God covered over the sins of His people. When God sees a repentant sinner, He sees the blood of Jesus over them.

II Corinthians 5:21
"FOR HE HATH MADE HIM TO BE SIN FOR US, WHO KNEW NO SIN, THAT WE MIGHT BE MADE THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD IN HIM."


EVENTS OF THIS DAY


1. AARON, THE HIGH PRIEST, MADE ATONEMENT FOR ISRAEL FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THE WILDERNESS (Leviticus 16:1-28)


2. ISRAEL WAS SAVED FROM ANNIHILATION IN 1973 IN THE YOM KIPPUR WAR



On the 10 of Tishri, the Arab armies attacked Israel. More than 100,000 Egyptians invaded against 3000 Israelis. The Israelis miraculously won that war with ease.


3. SOME THINK THAT ISRAEL WILL MOURN THE MESSIAH WHOM THEY PIERCED

If the Second coming is on the 1st of Tishri, and the battle of Armageddon continues for up to 30 days, then by the 10th day of that 30 days (which would be this "Day of Atonement", i.e. "Yom Kippur") - Christ appears before the Jews in Petra. When Christ comes to Jerusalem at the end of the 30 day war, He comes from the direction of Petra. The Jews in Petra repent before their Messiah.

Zechariah 12:10-11
"AND I WILL POUR UPON THE HOUSE OF DAVID, AND UPON THE INHABITANTS OF JERUSALEM, THE SPIRIT OF GRACE AND OF SUPPLICATIONS; AND THEY SHALL LOOK UPON ME WHOM THEY HAVE PIERCED, AND THEY SHALL MOURN FOR HIM, AS ONE MOURNETH FOR HIS ONLY SON, AND SHALL BE IN BITTERNESS FOR HIM, AS ONE THAT IS IN BITTERNESS FOR HIS FIRSTBORN. IN THAT DAY SHALL THERE BE A GREAT MOURNING IN JERUSALEM AS THE MOURNING OF HADADRIMMON IN THE VALLEY OF MEGIDDON."

Ezekiel 36:26,33
"A NEW HEART ALSO WILL I GIVE YOU, AND A NEW SPIRIT WILL I PUT WITHIN YOU...IN THAT DAY THAT I HAVE CLEANSED YOU FROM ALL YOUR INIQUITIES..."

Romans 9:26
"AND IT SHALL COME TO PASS THAT IN THE PLACE WHERE IT WAS SAID UNTO THEM, 'YE ARE NOT MY PEOPLE;' THESE SHALL BE CALLED THE CHILDREN OF THE LIVING GOD."

{"the first shall be last, and the last shall be first..."}
 
Upvote 0
This site stays free and accessible to all because of donations from people like you.
Consider making a one-time or monthly donation. We appreciate your support!
- Dan Doughty and Team Christian Forums

murjahel

Senior Veteran
Oct 31, 2005
8,768
1,066
✟29,367.00
Faith
Pentecostal
Marital Status
Married
THE FIFTEENTH DAY OF TISHRI


THE FEAST OF TABERNACLES



Leviticus 23:33-34, 42-43
"AND THE LORD SPAKE UNTO MOSES, SAYING 'SPEAK UNTO THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL, SAYING- THE 15TH DAY OF THIS 7TH MONTH SHALL BE THE FEAST OF TABERNACLES FOR 7 DAYS UNTO THE LORD...YE SHALL DWELL IN BOOTHS 7 DAYS; ALL THAT ARE ISRAELITES BORN SHALL DWELL IN BOOTHS; THAT YOUR GENERATIONS MAY KNOW THAT I MADE THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL TO DWELL IN BOOTHS, WHEN I BROUGHT THEM OUT OF THE LAND OF EGYPT; I AM THE LORD YOUR GOD."


The Feast of Tabernacles was the third of the three annual feasts where all Jewish men were required to attend in Jerusalem each year. It is known as Sukkot. It was instituted of God in the wilderness. It begins on the 15th of Tishri, five days after the Day of Atonement. During this 7 day feast, the people dwelt in booths made of branches.


The people were to commemorate their dwelling in tents for 40 years. On each of the 7 days, they were to offer 14 lambs without blemish (Numbers 29:15,32). [parallel - generations from Abraham to David = 14, from David to the Babylonian captivity = 14, and from the captivity to Christ = 14]


EVENTS OF THIS DAY



DEDICATION OF SOLOMON'S TEMPLE ON THE FEAST OF TABERNACLES



In the year 1005 B.C., on the 15th of Tishri, the temple was dedicated. Solomon gathered the elders of Israel, and had the Ark of the Covenant brought out of the Tabernacle of David to the Temple. They began to praise the Lord with cymbals, psalteries, harps, and trumpets.


As they praised the Lord, His presence filled the Temple like a cloud. The glory of the Lord filled the Temple so much that the priests could not see. As they tried to keep praising God, in the midst of this cloud, they could not even stand up for the glory of God was so present. (II Chronicles 5:2-14, I Kings 8:1-2)


This great day announced the coming of God to His earthly House. He had come to dwell in this place. God inhabited the praises of His people on this day.



POSSIBLE BIRTHDAY OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST



There is no scriptural proof of the date of Christ's birth, but John gives us a hint --

John 1:14
"THE WORD WAS MADE FLESH, AND DWELT {"tabernacled" in Greek} AMONG US."



Christ was 33 1/2 when He was crucified. If Passover is 1/2 year from the feast of Tabernacles, then this 15th of Tishri would have to be near His birthday. He was crucified on Passover. He was resurrected on the Feast of First fruits. His replacement (the Holy Spirit) came on the Feast of Pentecost.


Thus, it is fitting that His birth was on the Feast of Tabernacles. If He was born on the 15th of Tishri, nine months before would be on the 25th of December. So - this may be why the Christians took that Roman holiday to celebrate Christ's birth. On the 25th of December would be the day that the Lord Jesus was conceived of the Spirit into the womb of Mary.



CELEBRATION OF THE WATER THAT POURED OUT OF THE ROCK



Each day during the Feast of Tabernacles, water was brought to the Temple from the Pool of Siloam. It was poured out in a basin at the foot of the Brazen Altar. When this was done, the priests chanted -"WITH JOY SHALL YE DRAW WATER OUT OF THE WELLS OF SALVATION." (Isaiah 12:3) This was done to commemorate the time when Moses struck the Rock in the wilderness and water flowed forth out of it.


Imagine-- in the wilderness, water flowed from the rock. This represented Jesus. In the year of the second coming, when Jesus goes down to Petra (which means - "the rock"), and they mourn Him on the 10th of Tishri, and by the 15th - Jesus and His repentant Jews who have finally accepted Him as the Messiah, will come "pouring out" of the rock (Petra). This will happen on the day the Jews celebrated the water pouring out of the rock nearly 3500 years before.


The rock from which the water poured was very near to the city of Petra. The water flowed down to the city of Petra. There is a dry stream bed which carved an opening in the cliff walls to the city of Petra. It is water from the rock that Moses struck that carved this exit/entrance to Petra that is so famous now (the Siq Pass). The stream bed is called the "Wadi Musa." This name means the "stream of Moses."


On the same day of the year on which the ROCK was struck by Moses, will Jesus leave the city of Petra (the Rock), and lead His people to Jerusalem.



BEGINNING OF THE MILLENNIAL AGE


Zechariah 14:9,16
AND THE LORD SHALL BE KING OVER ALL THE EARTH; IN THAT DAY SHALL THERE BE ONE LORD, AND HIS NAME ONE...AND IT SHALL COME TO PASS THAT EVERYONE THAT IS LEFT OF ALL THE NATIONS WHICH CAME AGAINST JERUSALEM SHALL EVEN GO UP FROM YEAR TO YEAR TO WORSHIP THE KING, THE LORD OF HOSTS, AND TO KEEP THE FEAST OF THE TABERNACLES."



The Feast of Tabernacles celebrated the deliverance from Egypt. So in the Millennium, all nations shall celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles as a celebration of the deliverance from this cursed world, and from Satan, to be then dwelling with Christ.


On this day in the first year of the Millennium, the blessings of God will be celebrated. This was the last of Jehovah's set feasts. It was celebrated after the harvests of the corn and wine. (Deuteronomy 16:13) The corn and the wine were the two part harvests of Israel. Both of these harvests will have been reaped when this feast takes place.


This Feast of Tabernacles pictures an event to take place after the corn [the good righteous ones] are harvested. It is also after the wine [those who have been judged by the winepress of God {the tribulation}] has been harvested. (Revelation 14:9-11, 16:17-21, 19:11-21)


In that first year of the Millennium, and thereafter, we will celebrate all the harvests of God. This will be a feast of THANKSGIVING for us.


The judgment of the world is over,


God's people have been harvested,


the repentant Jews in Petra have mourned the Messiah they had pierced,

on this day, Jesus will exit Petra with His repentant people and begin the journey to Jerusalem,

the second part of the harvest is over,

the curse is now removed from this earth,

God has restored His blessings onto this earth,

and we will celebrate every year with this 7 day feast.​


During this feast, the Temple area was lighted with golden candlesticks. The people sang hymns, and rejoiced together. It was a festive occasion. The lights were to remind them of the shekinah glory that was with them in the wilderness. During the Millennium, the shekinah glory will be back (as well as the manifest presence of Jesus).


The Feast of Tabernacles is a THANKSGIVING day. We will be eternally thankful for:

DELIVERANCE FROM EGYPT

SOLOMON'S TEMPLE, AND THE PRESENCE OF GOD THAT WAS WITHIN

THE BIRTHDAY OF JESUS

THE BEGINNING OF THE MILLENNIAL AGE

THE PRESENCE OF THE MESSIAH IN THE MILLENNIUM
 
Upvote 0

murjahel

Senior Veteran
Oct 31, 2005
8,768
1,066
✟29,367.00
Faith
Pentecostal
Marital Status
Married
TWENTY-FOURTH DAY OF CHISLEU



On the 25th day of Chisleu, the Jews celebrate Hanukkah. Hanukkah was not one of the "appointed feasts," but celebrated the cleansing and rededication of the second Temple. The day before Hanukkah has had some major events occur.


EVENTS OF THE DAY


FOUNDATION OF THE SECOND TEMPLE IN 520 B.C.


The Jews returned in 536 B.C. After 16 years of rebuilding their homes and farms, Haggai announced they must rebuild the Temple.


Haggai 2:18-19
"...FROM THE 4 AND 20TH DAY OF THE NINTH MONTH, EVEN FROM THE DAY THAT THE FOUNDATION OF THE LORD'S TEMPLE WAS LAID, CONSIDER IT...FROM THIS DAY I WILL BLESS YOU."


Babylon began besieging Jerusalem on the tenth day of Tebeth in 589 B.C. (II Kings 25:1) 360 days times 70 years of captivity equals 25,200 days. That period ended on the 24th day of Chisleu in 520 B.C.



ABOLITION OF THE TEMPLE SACRIFICE


Antiochus IV, known as Epiphanes, entered the Temple in 168 B.C. He took away the golden altar of incense, and the golden lampstand. He not only carried them away, he broke them. Later, he forbid sacrifices in the Temple. The last time daily sacrifice took place was on the 24th day of Chisleu. In the apocryphal book, I Maccabees 4:54, we are told that pagan sacrifices began on "the five and twentieth day of the 9th month."



THE RECAPTURE OF THE TEMPLE AND THE CLEANSING OF THE SANCTUARY
165 B.C.



Antiochus IV had demanded that he be worshipped as a god. The Jews recaptured the Temple site on the 24th day of Chisleu. Three years after Antiochus had forced sacrifices to end, the next day the Jews offered burnt offering. (I Maccabees 4:52-54)

The Talmud says that a one day's supply of sacred oil was found hidden away in the wall of the temple. It was used to light the lamp, and it miraculously lasted for a full 8 days till new oil could be made. The feast is commemorated by an eight day "Feast of Lights." Hanukkah starts on the 25th day of Chisleu.



JERUSALEM FREED FROM TURKISH RULE IN A.D. 1917


For almost 2000 years, one country after another occupied Israel. Turkey ruled almost 400 years, till World War I. General Allenby came against the Turks on December 9, 1917 (24th of Chisleu). The Turks surrendered without a fight.



MORE TO OCCUR ON THIS DAY


Haggai 2:18-19
"...CONSIDER NOW FROM THIS DAY AND UPWARD, FROM THE 4 AND 20TH DAY OF THE NINTH MONTH, EVEN FROM THE DAY THAT THE FOUNDATION OF THE LORD'S TEMPLE WAS LAID, CONSIDER IT... FROM THIS DAY WILL I BLESS YOU..."


This day is the likely day for the defeat of Gog and Magog in the war that starts the tribulation, called Counterfeit Armageddon. This last battle of the war is described in Ezekiel 38:19 - 39:8 When we compare Ezekiel 38:19-22 with Haggai 2:18-22, we see that the 24th of Chisleu is likely the day for this battle to take place.


Ezekiel 39:8
"BEHOLD, IT IS COME, AND IT IS DONE, SAITH THE LORD GOD, THIS IS THE DAY WHEREOF I HAVE SPOKEN..."


Haggai 2:18-22 shows that on the 24th day of Chisleu, God has chosen to overthrow a great kingdom. The battle described coincides with the one in Ezekiel 38, 39. So on the 24th of Chisleu, the nation of Israel, with the help of God will defeat the nation of Russia. Russia has previously defeated the United States on the Feast of Trumpets of the same year. They then see Israel as a weak, unprotected country to be easily defeated. They are surprised on this day by a country that IS defended by Someone - God.
 
Upvote 0

murjahel

Senior Veteran
Oct 31, 2005
8,768
1,066
✟29,367.00
Faith
Pentecostal
Marital Status
Married
The greatest single theme of the Bible is the second coming of Christ. The saints in the early church were so excited about it that they often used the greeting - "MARANATHA" - which means - "the Lord cometh." All of the Scripture points to the coming of Jesus.

The first prophecy given to mankind was Genesis 3:15:

"I WILL PUT ENMITY BETWEEN THEE (Satan) AND THE WOMAN, AND BETWEEN THY SEED (Antichrist) AND HER SEED (Christ Jesus); IT (Jesus) SHALL BRUISE THY HEAD (Satan's), AND THOU (Satan) SHALL BRUISE HIS (Jesus') HEEL."

Jude reveals in his book that even Enoch, the seventh generation from Adam, knew about the second coming of the Messiah and preached about it in his day.

Jude 14
"AND ENOCH, ALSO, THE SEVENTH FROM ADAM, PROPHESIED OF THESE SAYING, 'BEHOLD THE LORD COMETH WITH 10,000'S OF HIS SAINTS...'"

John, the revelator, ended his apocalypse with:

Revelation 22:20
"EVEN SO COME, LORD JESUS."

So, what is your attitude toward the coming of Jesus? The sick, dying, and persecuted are anxious for the Lord's return. What about the rest of us? Are we anxious?

If you were on your way to claim a 10 million dollar prize, would you be anxious? If you would be more anxious to do that than to see the return of the Lord, then you love money more than you love the Lord.

We need to be anxious for the Lord to return. Like a father and mother await the return of a long lost child, we should await even more anxiously the return of our Savior. Those parents would not want to delay the child's return to enjoy their favorite television program. No, nothing would be more important to them.

Yet, people, too often, think that they should just casually await the Lord. It is not, definitely not, a sign of spirituality to casually act as if one doesn't care if the Lord returns now, or later.

The five foolish virgins expected to have time to get more oil. The wise ones were ready to see their Lord. Anxiousness is a compliment to our Savior, not an insult. They were so anxious that they made extra sure they would have enough oil.

+++++++++++++++++


APOSTASY

Many signs are being fulfilled in our time. APOSTASY is prevalent. Many in the churches are leaving, slipping away from the Lord.

I Timothy 4:1
"...IN THE LATTER TIMES, SOME SHALL DEPART FROM THE FAITH, GIVING HEED TO SEDUCING SPIRITS, AND DOCTRINES OF DEVILS..."

These ones that depart from the faith, don't want to listen to the truth. This time is a one where they "SHALL NOT ENDURE SOUND DOCTRINE..." (II Timothy 4:1-5)

When the early rain revival stopped, so did the preaching of the second coming. It is no coincidence that revival ended when the anxiousness for the second coming ended. Revival and the anxiousness for the return of our Savior go together. In the last days, many will be saying - "WHERE IS THE PROMISE OF HIS COMING?" The anxiousness of many is now seen to be turning to unconcern, denial, and dread - of what we should be desiring.

+++++++++++++++++

"LOVE OF MANY WILL GROW COLD"
Matthew 24:12

Many hospitals in this country register more abortions than births. In Russia, there are a reported 7 million abortions a year. In the United States, there are a reported 1.6 million a year. We have surpassed 30 million since abortion was legalized. The holocaust of Hitler killed 6 million Jews, and the U.S.A. have gone five times worse.

The reason for the calloused slaughter of our unborn is the fact that the love of many has grown cold. Even many Christians will vote for someone who wants to keep abortion legal, make taxpayers pay for them, and encourage these murders to our youngsters in school. God will treat that like someone who voted for Hitler.

Other signs of this rise of cold love is the:

wife-battering
husband nagging
abuse of the elderly
critical attitudes toward anyone who calls sin to be sin
verbal abuse against teens, children and new Christians by the "mature" Christians in the church
physically hitting of some in Sunday School classes by teachers who lie about it when caught
willingness to do street ministry and get people saved as long as no one invites them to come to "our church"
--and the list could go on and on

The love of many has grown cold, and it saddens the Lord, grieves the Holy Spirit, and produces a Laodicean type church that has a "form of godliness, but denies the power thereof."

++++++++++++++++++++

"GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM SHALL BE PREACHED TO THE WHOLE WORLD..."


The book of Revelation (7:9-17) shows that many will become believers during the tribulation. The latter rain revival will have a time of "double portion" before the rapture, and thus see many conversions. Pastor Yongi Cho has a church of nearly 3/4 of a million in Korea. The revival is spreading. Is your desire to win souls growing???

++++++++++++++++++++

FALSE PROPHETS OF THE LAST DAYS

In II Peter 2:1-19, we are warned of some in the last days who will bring in "DAMNABLE HERESIES." These teachings will damn the souls of those who follow them. These ones are said to have "PERNICIOUS WAYS." This means that they follow their lasciviousness, and lusts to have a religion that lifts their egos fills their wallets, and satisfies their fleshly desires.

II Timothy 3:16 warns of "EVIL MEN, SEDUCERS"... that will increasingly deceive. In I Timothy 4:1, we were warned that many will "DEPART FROM THE FAITH" as they listen to these who have the "DOCTRINES OF DEVILS." There are many false prophets in the churches today. They teach a "gospel" that works will save, that we should "go into the world and smile...", that there is no rapture or second coming, that the main purpose of the gospel is to make us have full wallets and healthy bodies... while neglecting the teaching of giving to the needy, witnessing to the unsaved, and watching for our Savior's return.

+++++++++++++++++

COUNTERFEIT CHRISTS

In A.D. 132, Simon Bar Kochba led a revolt against the Romans. Rabbi Akiba called him the "Messiah." Hadrian, on the 9th of Av, killed 580,000 Jews. From that time until our century, the Jews were not a nation. This false "Christ" had many who trusted him with their lives. Through the centuries there have been many other false "Messiahs." Guru Maharaj Ji, Sun Myung Moon, Charles Manson, Jim Jones, David Koresh, and others have imitated the Messiah - all leading up to the ultimate counterfeit -- the Antichrist.

Matthew 24:24
"FOR THERE SHALL ARISE FALSE CHRISTS AND FALSE PROPHETS, AND SHALL SHOW GREAT SIGNS AND WONDERS, INSOMUCH THAT IF IT WERE POSSIBLE, THEY SHALL DECEIVE THE VERY ELECT..."

+++++++++++++++++++++

EARTHQUAKES

Ezekiel 38:19
"SURELY IN THAT DAY, THERE SHALL BE A GREAT SHAKING IN THE LAND OF ISRAEL."

Matthew 24:7
"THERE SHALL BE FAMINES AND PESTILENCES AND EARTHQUAKES IN DIVERS PLACES..."

Luke 21:11
"AND GREAT EARTHQUAKES SHALL BE IN DIVERS PLACES AND FAMINES AND PESTILENCES AND FEARFUL SIGHTS, AND GREAT SIGNS SHALL THERE BE FROM HEAVEN..."

There has been a steady increase in the number of major earthquakes through the centuries.

century earthquakes
13 84
14 115
15 137
16 174
17 258
18 378
19 640
20 2500+

Devastating earthquakes are to soon occur. Each great quake will be followed by an even greater quake. Soon there will be quakes that will shake the whole world, not just a small part of it. The world's worst quake will level every mountain, and cause the destruction of every island.

+++++++++++++++++

FAMINES

Matthew 24:7-8
"THERE SHALL BE FAMINES...ALL THESE ARE THE BEGINNINGS OF SORROWS..."

While millions are starving in Ethiopia, their government is exporting food to Russia so it may buy weapons. The famine is great in this world. Over one third of the world goes to bed hungry. New deserts are growing at the rate of 14.8 million acres a year. 26 billion tons of topsoil are lost each year. Tropical forests shrink by 27 million acres a year.

The population of the world is growing at the rate of 220,000 a day. Ninety per cent of the growth is in the poorer countries. Of the increase of 79,000,000 a year, 55,000,000 are in the poor countries. Half the people who have ever lived since Adam, are alive today. How are they to be fed? With wars, erosion, pollution, and pests destroying much of the world's food supply - we face some hard times in the near future.

When America was discovered there was an average of 6 to 10 foot of topsoil. Now we are down to an average of 3 inches of topsoil. Even America is one harvest away from famine.
 
Upvote 0

murjahel

Senior Veteran
Oct 31, 2005
8,768
1,066
✟29,367.00
Faith
Pentecostal
Marital Status
Married
PESTILENCES

Matthew 24:7
"THERE SHALL BE FAMINES AND PESTILENCES..."


Continued use of pestilences has helped produce "superbugs" that pesticides can barely kill. "Killer bees" have developed from crossbreeding. One third of all food produced in the world is destroyed by rats and other pests. AIDS has infected millions. In Uganda, one of five are infected with AIDS. New diseases will come that will make AIDS look like the flu.

+++++++++++++++++++++

HEARTS FAILING FOR FEAR


Luke 21:25-28
"MEN'S HEARTS (MINDS) FAILING THEM FOR FEAR"


Revelation 9:6
"AND IN THOSE DAYS SHALL MEN SEEK DEATH, AND SHALL NOT FIND IT, AND SHALL DESIRE TO DIE, AND DEATH SHALL FLEE FROM THEM"


The reason that drugs, and alcohol are so prevalent now is for an escape. The world is trying to escape from FEAR. The only real escape is Jesus. Soon these signs of the second coming of Jesus will come in so great a rapidity that the world will tremble and seek death as an escape to their reality.

++++++++++++++++++++

SPIRITISM DOCTRINE INCREASES, OCCULT EXPLOSION

Revelation 21:8
"BUT THE FEARFUL AND UNBELIEVING AND THE ABOMINABLE, AND MURDERERS AND WHOREMONGERS, AND SORCERERS, AND IDOLATERS, AND ALL LIARS SHALL HAVE THEIR PART IN THE LAKE OF FIRE..."


Over 50 million Americans are involved in astrology. 1230 of 1500 daily newspapers have astrology charts. Satanism and witchcraft are now being taught in public schools. Christians are being drawn into these sorceries...they watch movies that glorify demonic powers, they talk of "ghosts", etc. The new age movement is attracting many today. The new age movement with its sorceries is controlling the curricula of the school system. We are in a battle to hold back the devil. Spiritism is on the rise.

+++++++++++++++++++

LOVERS OF PLEASURE

II Timothy 3:1-4
"...IN THE LAST DAYS, PERILOUS TIMES SHALL COME, FOR MEN SHALL BE LOVERS OF PLEASURE MORE THAN LOVERS OF GOD..."


Americans spend more than 400 billion on pleasure each year. Where does your money go? Why do you miss church? What do you make time for in your life? What about your prayer life??? Does it suffer because of your recreation? What about Bible study, worship? Is the real god of many -- pleasure????

++++++++++++++++++++

HOMOSEXUALITY INCREASES

II Timothy 3:1-3
"THIS KNOW ALSO, THAT IN THE LAST DAYS, PERILOUS TIMES SHALL COME, FOR MEN SHALL BE...WITHOUT NATURAL AFFECTION ... (homosexual)"


The United States has many homosexuals. One of ten Americans are homosexual. In San Francisco, one of five are homosexual. The church should be speaking out... Homosexuality is a perversion. Schools are teaching it as an alternate life style and encouraging our youth to try it. It is a horrible sin, of the grossest type.

++++++++++++++++++++++

WARS AND RUMORS OF WARS

Matthew 24:6-7
"YE SHALL HEAR OF WARS, AND RUMORS OF WARS..."


Since 1945, not a single day has passed without a war raging somewhere in the world. The world is acting like the prophecy of Joel is now proclaimed:

Joel 3:9-10
"PROCLAIM YE THIS AMONG THE GENTILES --PREPARE WAR. WAKE UP THE MIGHTY MEN, LET ALL MEN OF WAR DRAW NEAR. LET THEM COME UP. BEAT YOUR PLOWSHARES INTO SWORDS..."

Armies of today contain 32 million soldiers, with a potential of 570 million. Fifty per cent of all scientists in the world work on developing weapons of war. The Arab nations have 500,000 more soldiers than NATO.

The United States has submarines named TRIDENT. They each cost 2.7 billion dollars. Warheads can be shot to within 100 yards of a target while 10,000 miles away. Each warhead is 5 times more powerful than the one dropped on Hiroshima. Each sub can destroy 408 cities. Each sub has more destruction power than all the bombs dropped in WW II.

There are 60,000 nuclear warheads in the world. Russia still has enough to wipe out the United States totally three times and have 8,000 warheads left over. Russia could send a warhead to every town of 1500 or more people, each warhead 80 times as powerful as the one dropped on Hiroshima. The war that starts the tribulation, Counterfeit Armageddon, is, at first, between Russia and the United States. It is ominously soon.

++++++++++++++++++

EXCEPTIONAL ASTRONOMICAL SIGNS

Luke 21:11
"AND GREAT SIGNS SHALL THERE BE FROM HEAVEN."


Luke 21:25-26
"AND THERE SHALL BE SIGNS IN THE SUN, AND IN THE MOON, AND IN THE STARS; AND UPON THE EARTH DISTRESS OF NATIONS, WITH PERPLEXITY, THE SEA AND THE WAVES ROARING. MEN'S HEARTS FAILING THEM FOR FEAR, FOR LOOKING AFTER THOSE THINGS WHICH ARE COMING ON THE EARTH; FOR THE POWERS OF HEAVEN SHALL BE SHAKEN."


Matthew 24:27-29
"FOR AS LIGHTNING COMETH OUT OF THE EAST, AND SHINETH EVEN UNTO THE WEST, SO SHALL THE COMING OF THE SON OF MAN BE. IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE TRIBULATION OF THOSE DAYS SHALL THE SUN BE DARKENED, AND THE MOON SHALL NOT GIVE HER LIGHT AND THE STARS SHALL FALL FROM HEAVEN, AND THE POWERS OF HEAVEN SHALL BE SHAKEN."


Acts 2:19
"AND I WILL SHEW WONDERS IN THE HEAVEN ABOVE..."


Revelation 6:12-14
"THE SUN BECAME AS SACKCLOTH OF HAIR...THE MOON BECAME AS BLOOD... THE STARS OF HEAVEN FELL UNTO THE EARTH...HEAVEN DEPARTED AS A SCROLL, MOUNTAINS AND ISLANDS MOVED OUT OF THEIR PLACES..."


Isaiah 13:13
"THEREFORE I WILL SHAKE THE HEAVENS AND THE EARTH SHALL REMOVE OUT OF HER PLACE, IN THE WRATH OF THE LORD OF HOSTS, AND IN THE DAY OF HIS FIERCE ANGER..."



Thus, from these verses and others, we see that the Bible teaches some astronomical events that will startle the world. The falling of huge meteorites the size of mountains, explosions that will shake the earth, changes in the orbit of the earth, the increase in the heat of the sun, showers of meteorites, as never before --- are all predicted for the last days. Many of these things will occur during the tribulation.


more signs to come...
 
Upvote 0

murjahel

Senior Veteran
Oct 31, 2005
8,768
1,066
✟29,367.00
Faith
Pentecostal
Marital Status
Married
ANCIENT BABYLON TO BE REBUILT

For 1300 years Babylon was the commercial and religious capital of the world. It has been rebuilt. Much of it was rebuilt with the original stones, which are now covered with bitumen. It is located 50 miles southwest of Baghdad, Iraq.

Revelation 18:18
"AND CRIED WHEN THEY SAW THE SMOKE OF HER BURNING, SAYING 'WHAT CITY IS LIKE UNTO THIS GREAT CITY.'"

This city is predicted to be the capital of the Antichrist for the first half of the tribulation. It will be destroyed during the tribulation. For centuries, it was a pile of rubble. Yet, in the last few years, it has been rebuilt, and now awaits its use.

+++++++++++++++

GOD TURNS HIS ATTENTION BACK TO THE JEWS

Daniel predicted 490 years of God dealing with the nation of Israel. A total of 483 of those years have passed. In the meantime God has dealt with the Gentiles. Seven of the years are left for God to deal with the Jews. We call this last seven years - Daniel's 70th week, the tribulation. We are now in an overlap period. God is ending His dealings with the Gentiles, preparing to rapture His church. He is also beginning to deal again with the Jewish people.

Luke 21:24
"JERUSALEM SHALL BE TRODDEN DOWN OF THE GENTILES, UNTIL THE TIMES OF THE GENTILES BE FULFILLED."

In 1967, Jerusalem came under the control of the Israelites. This was God's way of announcing to the church that He would soon be dealing with the Jewish people again. The rapture of the church is imminent.

Isaiah 19:18
"IN THAT DAY (the last days) SHALL FIVE CITIES IN THE LAND OF EGYPT SPEAK THE LANGUAGE OF CANAAN (Hebrew) AND SWEAR TO THE LORD OF HOSTS, ONE SHALL BE CALLED THE CITY OF DESTRUCTION."

In 1967, Israel captured the Sinai region. In the Sinai, there are five principal cities. When Israel returned the land to Egypt, one condition was to allow resettled Jews to remain and to allow them to school their own children. So Hebrew is being taught in these Egyptian cities. The name of one of these cities is El Arish. This name means "the city of destruction."

Matthew 24:9
"THEN YE (Jews) SHALL BE HATED OF ALL NATIONS FOR MY NAME'S SAKE."

Most of the time in the U.N. is spent on resolutions condemning Israel. Terrorists can strike at Israel, but if Israel retaliates, the U.N. wants to condemn them. The Arab terrorists may blow up a plane of innocent people and go un-condemned. If Israel bombs a camp of terrorists who periodically attack Israel, then the U.N. condemns them. Antisemitism has been stated and restated so many times that even some Christians believe it. We need to become more vocal for Israel.

Romans 11:28
"AS CONCERNING THE GOSPEL, THEY ARE ENEMIES FOR YOUR SAKES, BUT AS TOUCHING THE ELECTION, THEY ARE BELOVED FOR THE FATHER'S SAKE."

There are presently 3 to 4 million Jews in Israel. In the world there are 14 million Jews. 6 1/2 million are in the United States. 3 1/2 million are in Russia. The rest are scattered amidst the world. For 2000 years the Jews have been scattered.

Jeremiah 32:37-38
"BEHOLD, I WILL GATHER THEM OUT OF ALL COUNTRIES, WHITHER I HAVE DRIVEN THEM IN MINE ANGER, AND IN MY FURY."

Ezekiel 36:24,28
"FOR I WILL TAKE YOU FROM AMONG THE HEATHEN AND GATHER YOU OUT OF ALL COUNTRIES, AND WILL BRING YOU INTO YOUR OWN LAND... YE SHALL BE MY PEOPLE, AND I SHALL BE YOUR GOD."

God has been regathering the Jewish people back to Israel since it became a nation again on May 14, 1948. The Bible predicted that when the nation of Israel was reborn, the generation then present would not have died till all things (rapture, tribulation, and second coming of Jesus) would be fulfilled.

Matthew 24:32-34
"...THIS GENERATION SHALL NOT PASS AWAY TILL ALL THESE THINGS BE FULFILLED." (See also Luke 21:29-31)

Jeremiah 31:8-11
"BEHOLD, I WILL BRING THEM (Jews) FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY (Russia)... HE THAT SCATTERED ISRAEL WILL GATHER HIM... FOR THE LORD HATH REDEEMED JACOB (Israel) AND RANSOMED HIM FROM THE HAND OF HIM THAT WAS STRONGER THAN HE."

The break up of the Soviet Union has allowed many Jews to finally be allowed to escape that area. Plane loads, and boat loads are arriving daily in Israel.

Following the rapture of the church, the devil will begin to cause greater persecution of the Jews left in this country. Unhindered by the Christians, the sinful Gentiles will cause many Jews in this country to flee back to their homeland. They will escape in the nick of time for God has a horrendous defeat planned for the post rapture United States. He will save the Jews that flee to their homeland.

++++++++++++++++

"KNOWLEDGE SHALL BE INCREASED"
Daniel 12:4

Man fought with bows and arrows for 3500 years before gunpowder was invented. Now we can destroy the world with the push of a button. From the flood of Noah (2319 B.C.) to 1800 A.D. the knowledge of the world doubled. From 1800 to 1900, it doubled again. From 1959 to 1969, it doubled again. From 1969-1973, it doubled again. Now it is doubling every 2 1/2 years.

Scriptural and prophetic knowledge is increasing just as fast. Just as approaching a door to a lighted room, the closer one gets to the door - the brighter it becomes, and the sight keener.

Habakkuk 2:14
"FOR THE EARTH SHALL BE FILLED WITH THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE GLORY OF THE LORD, AS THE WATERS COVER THE SEA."

The context shows that this verse is speaking of the last days. The Lord is awakening the minds of many. Fulfillment of some key prophecies have given key factors to help us interpret some other prophecies. There is a growing awareness of prophecy. Visions and dreams are confirming the prophecies of the Bible. There are modern day prophets speaking s Scriptural message that is undoing the misconceptions that have blinded many about what the Lord is doing. The knowledge of prophetic truth is growing rapidly.
 
Upvote 0
This site stays free and accessible to all because of donations from people like you.
Consider making a one-time or monthly donation. We appreciate your support!
- Dan Doughty and Team Christian Forums

murjahel

Senior Veteran
Oct 31, 2005
8,768
1,066
✟29,367.00
Faith
Pentecostal
Marital Status
Married
We had better get ready.

Matthew 24:44
"THEREFORE BE YE ALSO READY; FOR IN SUCH AN HOUR AS YE THINK NOT, THE SON OF MAN COMETH."

Matthew 25:13
"WATCH THEREFORE, FOR YE KNOW NEITHER THE DAY, NOR THE HOUR, WHEREIN THE SON OF MAN COMETH."

We are to "LOOK UP" when we see these things "BEGIN" to happen. Since we are not of the night, that the day should take us as a thief, we are supposed to see these signs and know that the time is short. (I Thessalonians 5:1-9)

Open your eyes, Christian...get ready!!!!!
 
Upvote 0

murjahel

Senior Veteran
Oct 31, 2005
8,768
1,066
✟29,367.00
Faith
Pentecostal
Marital Status
Married
Jeremiah 8:7
"YEA, THE STORK IN THE HEAVEN KNOWETH HER APPOINTED TIMES; AND THE TURTLE AND THE CRANE AND THE SWALLOW OBSERVE THE TIME OF THEIR COMING; BUT MY PEOPLE KNOW NOT THE JUDGMENT OF THE LORD."

Every age chooses to ignore some prophecy.

Israel knew of the prophecies of the Messiah's Second coming, yet had chosen to ignore the prophecies concerning His first coming.

The people of Jeremiah's day ignored the prophecy that he gave concerning the captivity to come for their sin. They believed God would never let Jerusalem fall.

In Noah's day, they ignored the prophecy of the flood to come.

People always tend to ignore a prophecy that applies in a harsh way to them. Today, the sinners want to ignore the prophecy of the tribulation and the second coming of Christ. We, as Christians, don't mind sermons and teaching sessions on that part of prophecy.

Yet, Christians of today do ignore a prophecy. This prophecy is so ignored that many ministers have graduated from Bible college and seminary -- without ever talking more that five minutes about this prophecy. Then - they pastor and teach the Word, with barely a mention of this prophecy. Thus, the church members are ignorant of it because their leaders haven't taught it.

Isaiah 3:12
"O MY PEOPLE, THEY WHICH LED THEE CAUSE THEE TO ERR, AND DESTROY THE WAY OF THE PATHS."

Jeremiah preached a prophecy that the people did not want to hear, and ended up in the sewer of the jail in Jerusalem.

Zechariah prophesied about God being the God of everyone ("Lord of Hosts") and some of the priests stabbed him to death near the Temple.
John the Baptist prophesied judgment for the adulterous King Herod, and was beheaded.

Stephen preached that the Messiah had come and they had rejected Him -- so they stoned Stephen.

Thus, it is no wonder, that some are afraid to preach the truth of a prophecy to a church that does not want to hear it.


A preacher may say - "Name it, claim it..." and many will jump on his bandwagon. It doesn't work, and isn't harmonious with Scripture, but people want to believe it so much that the Holy Spirit has to deal long with them to show them the truth.

A preacher may say -- "there is no curse on you if you are righteous, and you should never get sick, or die..." People will fall for it, hoping he is right. The preacher who says such things may be aging, balding, sweating, etc. which are all part of the curse...yet , people want to believe the "prosperity" gospel so much they accept it. There is a seed of truth to their "gospel", but they have gone beyond the Word, and ignored many other passages in the Bible, and are transversing down a road that leads to a Laodicean-type church.

Yet if a man of God teaches that the U.S.A. will soon be judged and destroyed -- people click channels, or never invite that evangelist back. David Wilkerson is the most ignored prophet of the latter rain revival. Why? People don't want to hear the truth, if it stings. People want to ignore certain prophecies.

What is this prophecy that the church is trying to ignore? It is simply this - before the rapture, the Lord will judge His church. Similar to the "death angel" that judged the "firstborn" in Egypt at the first Passover, and similar to the judgment on Ananias and Sapphira in the early church when they lied to make themselves look better before the church--- God will soon judge a church that is far from ready for the rapture.

Matthew 13:24-30
"ANOTHER PARABLE PUT HE FORTH UNTO THEM, SAYING, THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS LIKENED UNTO A MAN WHICH SOWED GOOD SEED IN HIS FIELD.

BUT WHILE HE SLEPT, HIS ENEMY (Satan) CAME AND SOWED TARES (hypocrites, troublemakers, apostates) AMONG THE WHEAT (the true saints), AND WENT HIS WAY.

BUT WHEN THE BLADE WAS SPRUNG UP, AND BROUGHT FORTH FRUIT (near harvest time), THEN APPEARED THE TARES (devil is bringing a harvest of these people in the church of the last days) ALSO.

SO THE SERVANTS OF THE HOUSEHOLDER (saints who want a pure, and holy church for the Lord), CAME AND SAID UNTO HIM, SIR DIDST NOT THOU SOW GOOD SEED IN THY FIELD? FROM WHENCE THEN HATH IT TARES?

HE SAID UNTO THEM, AN ENEMY HATH DONE THIS. THE SERVANTS SAID UNTO HIM, WILT THOU THEM THAT WE GO AND GATHER THEM UP?

BUT HE SAID, NAY, LEST WHILE YE GATHER UP THE TARES, YE ROOT UP ALSO THE WHEAT (true saints) WITH THEM.

LET BOTH GROW TOGETHER, UNTIL THE HARVEST; AND IN THE TIME OF THE HARVEST (during the latter rain revival), I WILL SAY OF THE REAPERS (this refers to the angels, according to Jesus), GATHER YE TOGETHER FIRST THE TARES (harvest of tares is before the rapture), AND BIND THEM IN BUNDLES TO BURN THEM (sounds like death and hell, not a scolding); BUT GATHER THE WHEAT INTO MY BARN (following this judgment on the tares in the midst of the wheat comes the rapture)."

This judgment on a church of the last days that has apostates, troublemakers, offenders, sinners within it -- is necessary if we want a pure, and holy, and double-portion type revival just before the rapture. The enemy (Satan) has sown tares in most every church.

The word "tares" comes from the Greek word "zezania" which refers to a grain that looks like wheat while growing. When it is fully ripe it has ears which are long. The grains turn black, just before harvest. Wheat grains turn white before harvest. So to recognize these "tares" is difficult until harvest time.

These "tares" are the troublemakers- hypocrites- backslidden (but covering it up) people in the churches that often offend and hinder revival. Too many pastors worry about "church splits," when they should be worrying about a few in the church - who don't "split..." but stay and continually cause others to leave.

Whenever the church makes a move toward God and revival, these "tares" create a furor, hurt one of God's little ones, create a controversy, etc. and thereby cause the Spirit to be offended and grieved. These "tares" stay, feel no guilt, lie to get out of admitting they have sinned, and attempt to make the hurt and wounded saints (who limp away hurting) to look like the wrong ones.

How can a church have a true revival when God cannot visit that church with His glory and presence without judging the "tares" as He did Ananias and Sapphira? True, powerful, "double-portion" type revival has to await the purging of the church of these hypocrites.

Note the explanation of Jesus about the parable of the tares.

Matthew 13:37-43
"HE THAT SOWED THE GOOD SEED IS THE SON OF MAN.

THE FIELD IS THE WORLD; THE GOOD SEED ARE THE CHILDREN OF THE KINGDOM, BUT THE TARES ARE THE CHILDREN OF THE WICKED ONE.

THE ENEMY THAT SOWED THEM IS THE DEVIL; THE HARVEST IS THE END OF THE WORLD (the real word here means "age"), AND THE REAPERS ARE THE ANGELS.

AS THEREFORE THE TARES ARE GATHERED AND BURNED IN THE FIRE, SO SHALL IT BE AT THE END OF THIS WORLD (age).

THE SON OF MAN SHALL SEND FORTH HIS ANGELS, AND THEY SHALL GATHER OUT OF HIS KINGDOM ALL THINGS THAT OFFEND, AND THEM THAT DO INIQUITY. (This must be pre-rapture, for after the rapture these "offenders" and ones that do "iniquity" will not be in the midst of the saints.)

AND SHALL CAST THEM INTO A FURNACE OF FIRE; THERE SHALL BE WAILING AND GNASHING OF TEETH.

THEN SHALL THE RIGHTEOUS SHINE FORTH AS THE SUN IN THE KINGDOM OF THEIR FATHER. WHO HATH EARS TO HEAR, LET HIM HEAR."

It must be noted that the end of these troublemakers is not a scolding, not a whipping by the Lord... but Hell fire...!!! Many saints would like to ignore this prophecy, or water it down to a scolding-type judgment. But it is not so... We cannot play church in these last days. We must get on-fire for God. In these last days we are either Philadelphian, or Laodicean type people in the church. (See Revelation chapter 3.)

The lukewarmness of the churches has produced many whom God is ready to "spue" from His mouth. We may prefer talking about the terrible judgments to come on the world, but God wants us to know that He will judge His church - before He judges the world.

I Peter 4:17-18
"FOR THE TIME IS COME THAT JUDGMENT (the Greek word is "krima" which means "damnation") MUST BEGIN AT THE HOUSE OF GOD: AND IF IT FIRST BEGIN AT US, WHAT SHALL THE END BE OF THEM THAT OBEY NOT THE GOSPEL OF GOD?

AND IF THE RIGHTEOUS SCARCELY BE SAVED, WHERE SHALL THE UNGODLY APPEAR?"

The word "judgment" (krima) is a harsh word - meaning "damnation." It is found elsewhere in the Word of God. Too many have tried to make it be a word similar to "scolding", a fire and brimstone-type sermon, or a mild rebuke from the Lord or one of the ministers. Yet, the word is much harsher than that.

I Timothy 5:12
"HAVING DAMNATION (krima) BECAUSE THEY HAVE CAST OFF THEIR FIRST FAITH."

If God judges the church so harshly that the righteous are "scarcely" saved, what kind of judgment can the sinners of the world expect? The tribulation judgments are so horrible, that sinners have a hard time believing they can happen. The judgment on those in the churches is also horrible, and many choose to ignore the Scriptures that have forewarned us.

We, in the church, wish to think of the church as a "body." All parts of the body are to have a purpose, and be valuable. Yet, in the church today, there are some "warts" and "cancers" that need removed so the body may function properly. The judgment of the church is the removal of the "warts" and "cancers" that have hurt the "body."
 
Upvote 0

murjahel

Senior Veteran
Oct 31, 2005
8,768
1,066
✟29,367.00
Faith
Pentecostal
Marital Status
Married
Luke 17:32
"REMEMBER LOT'S WIFE."

Do we remember Lot's wife? Have we taken that Scripture to heart. She was in the group that was to be saved. She lost out in the last moments of that salvation. Some can think they are in the group to be saved, and not truly be saved. Judgment not only fell on the homosexuals of Sodom and Gomorrah, but also on the wife of Lot. We choose to remember the other sinners' judgment in those cities, and disobey God's command to "REMEMBER LOT'S WIFE."

Jesus wants a pure church. He wants to return for a church that is basking in the glory of God, winning souls, exercising the gifts of the Spirit, and anxiously awaiting His return.

Ephesians 5:27
"THAT HE MIGHT PRESENT IT TO HIMSELF, A GLORIOUS CHURCH, NOT HAVING SPOT OR WRINKLE, OR ANY SUCH THING, BUT THAT IT SHOULD BE HOLY AND WITHOUT BLEMISH."

Can we truly say that the church is presently like this? Can the Lord give the latter rain revival as He wants - to the church as it is today? Can the Lord allow the church to contain so much sin and hypocrisy, and then demand that sinners be judged for their sins? No, He cannot, and will not. He will purge, purify, and revive His church in these last days. Whether we want to talk about it or not, and whether we want to ignore it or not -- it will soon occur!

Malachi 3:3
"HE SHALL SIT AS A REFINER AND PURIFIER OF SILVER: AND HE SHALL PURIFY THE SONS OF LEVI, AND PURGE THEM AS GOLD AND SILVER, THAT THEY MAY OFFER UNTO THE LORD AN OFFERING IN RIGHTEOUSNESS."

If we sin, after salvation, and reject the conviction of the Lord for that sin -- we are again lost. We need to repent again. Too many churches want sinners to come up and repent, but many "saints" who have been in the church for years have ceased to weep before the Lord for their sins. The Holy Spirit is grieved and vexed by such people. He may withdraw and cease striving with them. They will then feel no guilt, and go on in a hypocritical profession that lacks reality.

Hebrews 10:26-27
"FOR IF WE SIN WILLFULLY AFTER THAT WE HAVE RECEIVED THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE TRUTH, THERE REMAINS NO MORE SACRIFICE FOR SINS, BUT A CERTAIN FEARFUL LOOKING FOR OF JUDGMENT ("krima" -damnation) AND FIERY INDIGNATION, WHICH SHALL DEVOUR THE ADVERSARIES."

In the fifth chapter of Zechariah (verses 1-5), there is an often forgotten vision. We are told of a scroll, the size of the Holy Place in the tabernacle, that flies into homes and remains overnight. It purges the homes of all sin by devouring that which is sinful. This vision is a prophetic warning of the judgment to come on sinners within the church.

Another passage in Zechariah (chapter 3:1-9) tells of a re-dressing of Joshua the High Priest. The Lord and Satan are seen battling over this priest. The vision shows him to be dressed in filthy clothes. He is commanded to remove the sinful clothes and be dressed in pure garments. Sin needs removed from the priesthood of believers in our day. Zechariah's vision shows the cleansing of the church that is still to occur. The startling part of this passage is in verse 9:

"...AND I WILL REMOVE THE INIQUITY OF THAT LAND IN ONE DAY."

The Lord is indicating that this cleansing of the church will occur like the first Passover, like the judgment of Ananias and Sapphira, like the judgment of Lot's wife, ---in "one day."

Many scholars believe that when Peter referred to the judgment beginning at the house of God, he had the prophecy of Ezekiel 9 in mind. In that Scripture God gives Ezekiel a vision that describes a judgment to come. It still has not occurred, but will soon have its fulfillment when God judges His church.

Ezekiel 9:2-6
"...BEHOLD, 6 MEN CAME FROM THE HIGHER GATE...EVERYMAN WITH A SLAUGHTER WEAPON IN HIS HAND, AND ONE MAN AMONG THEM WAS CLOTHED WITH LINEN, WITH A WRITER'S INKHORN BY HIS SIDE...HE CALLED THE MAN CLOTHED WITH LINEN WHICH HAD THE WRITER'S INKHORN BY HIS SIDE...THE LORD SAID UNTO HIM, GO THROUGH THE MIDST OF THE CITY...SET A MARK UPON THE FOREHEADS OF THE MEN THAT SIGH AND CRY FOR ALL THE ABOMINATIONS THAT BE DONE...TO THE OTHERS HE SAID...GO YE AFTER HIM THROUGH THE CITY, AND SMITE, LET NOT YOUR EYE SPARE, NEITHER HAVE PITY...SLAY UTTERLY, OLD AND YOUNG, BOTH MAIDS AND LITTLE CHILDREN, AND WOMEN, BUT COME NOT NEAR ANY MAN UPON WHOM IS THE MARK, AND BEGIN AT MY SANCTUARY. THEN THEY BEGAN..."

The death angel on the first Passover startled a nation that probably thought the idea of the firstborn dying for lack of blood on a doorpost and lintel was far-fetched. In our day, many think a judgment on the apostates within the church is far-fetched.

We expect the sinners to expect a tribulation, a lake of fire, etc. but we don't want to believe that God could send forth six angels to slay those within the church who are backslidden, devil inspired hypocrites who hinder our revival. Some of these people may be relatives, or long-time friends. But to ignore the truth of the judgment will not change it. We need to be preaching, teaching about this judgment. Unless they have sinned the unpardonable sin, they may still be saved. Their only hope is to repent and change.

There are no secret sins from God. Repentance is needed.

Mark 4:22
"FOR THERE IS NOTHING HID WHICH SHALL NOT BE MANIFESTED; NEITHER WAS ANY THING KEPT SECRET, BUT THAT IT SHOULD COME ABROAD."

Many will try to cover up their sins, claim to be innocent, and hope to fool even God. God told us in His word to "examine ourselves...," and we are told to "judge ourselves, lest we be judged..."

Jeremiah 2:35
YET THOU SAYEST, BECAUSE I AM INNOCENT, SURELY HIS ANGER SHALL TURN FROM ME. BEHOLD, I WILL PLEAD WITH THEE, BECAUSE THOU SAYEST, I HAVE NOT SINNED..."

Matthew 7:21-23
"NOT EVERYONE THAT SAYS TO ME, LORD, LORD, SHALL ENTER THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN...MANY WILL SAY TO ME IN THAT DAY, LORD, LORD, HAVE WE NOT PROPHESIED IN THY NAME? AND IN THY NAME CAST OUT DEVILS? AND IN THY NAME DONE MANY WONDERFUL WORKS? THEN WILL I PROFESS UNTO THEM, I NEVER KNEW YOU, DEPART FROM ME, YE THAT WORK INIQUITY."
 
Upvote 0

murjahel

Senior Veteran
Oct 31, 2005
8,768
1,066
✟29,367.00
Faith
Pentecostal
Marital Status
Married
Not all people in the churches are Christians. In Jesus' day there were Pharisees and Sadducees who were often in the Temple. They tithed meticulously, fasted, and prayed. They were zealous, and students of the Word. However, Jesus said they were all bound for hell. In our day, we have a similar situation.

Sinners are predicted to have crept into the church of the last days. The book of Jude, and the second chapter of II Peter deal with the sinners within the church in the last days. Both Jude and Peter remind us of the certainty of judgment for these people.

Jude 4
"CERTAIN MEN CREPT IN UNAWARES...ORDAINED TO THIS CONDEMNATION (krima - damnation), UNGODLY MEN, TURNING THE GRACE OF GOD INTO LASCIVIOUSNESS."

Peter adds that many of these who are to be judged are "false prophets...teachers."

II Peter 2:1-3
"FALSE PROPHETS...FALSE TEACHERS...DAMNABLE HERESIES, DENYING THE LORD, PERNICIOUS WAYS...COVETOUSNESS...MAKE MERCHANDISE OF YOU...THEIR DAMNATION (again this is the word -krima) SLUMBERS NOT."

The latter rain revival cannot have its most powerful outpouring until sin is judged and removed from the church.

Jeremiah 3:2-3
"THOU HAST POLLUTED THE LAND WITH THY WHOREDOMS AND WITH THY WICKEDNESS. THEREFORE THE SHOWERS HAVE BEEN WITHHOLDEN, AND THERE HATH BEEN NO LATTER RAIN."

Jeremiah 2:13
"FOR MY PEOPLE HAVE COMMITTED TWO EVILS, THEY HAVE FORSAKEN ME, THE FOUNTAIN OF LIVING WATERS, AND HAVE HEWED THEM OUT CISTERNS, BROKEN CISTERNS, THAT CAN HOLD NO WATER."

For many who are in churches, their religion is a broken, leaky cistern. They do not have a real fountain of the Spirit flowing through them. Without a real experience with God in them, they are simply giving a bad name to the church. They need to repent. Judgment is coming soon. Before God judges the sinners outside the church, He will judge His church, and remove those who are keeping the church from the revival He wants us to have just before the rapture.

The revelation of this prophecy to His disciples in Matthew 13 was a revelation of a truth that had been "kept secret from the foundation of the world." (Matthew 13:34-35) Jesus revealed to them a truth that had not been understood because of the reluctance of people to hear this truth. When Jesus taught this new truth, they were "offended" by His teaching.

Matthew 13:57
"AND THEY WERE OFFENDED IN HIM."

It is not surprising when this teaching offends and disturbs many today. People still don't want this teaching. After this judgment is over, the church will have a double portion of the former rain revival that the disciples enjoyed in the early church days.

Joel 2:23
"BE GLAD, THEN, YE CHILDREN OF ZION, AND REJOICE IN THE LORD YOUR GOD; FOR HE HATH GIVEN YOU THE FORMER RAIN MODERATELY, AND HE WILL CAUSE TO COME DOWN FOR YOU THE RAIN, THE FORMER AND THE LATTER RAIN IN THE FIRST MONTH."

The latter rain revival that reaches its "double-portion" status is to occur in the "first month." That is the month of Nisan in the Jewish calendar. The judgment of the church, is also likely to occur in the same month. The first day of Nisan had a number of events occur on it that shows that God has chosen it to be a day for "cleansing." (See the chapter on the first of Nisan)

The likely day for this judgment to occur is the first of Nisan.

Then the tenth of Nisan, which has had events of "sanctification" occurring on it, is the likely day in the "first month" for the double-portion of the latter rain revival to occur.

There are several other possible days that this could occur.

The day of the Passover is the 14th of Nisan, which is the day the Passover angel killed the firstborn of Egypt. The Lord cleansed the nation of unbelievers at that time.

The 10th of Nisan was a day of sanctification, and is a day the Lord may set apart (sanctify) the true believers from the hypocrites.


We cannot be sure which day it will occur, but there is ample Scripture to be as sure of the certainty of this event, as we are of the rapture. Therefore, we need to teach, and preach it. We are to tell a people who are unaware of this coming judgment. The task is monumental, and as Jesus was met with people who were angry at this teaching, so will we meet opposition to it. We are telling a people who have not yet heard much about the details of the judgment. We are telling hypocrites who will not repent.
 
Upvote 0
This site stays free and accessible to all because of donations from people like you.
Consider making a one-time or monthly donation. We appreciate your support!
- Dan Doughty and Team Christian Forums
Status
Not open for further replies.