Category: Pre-Wrath

Pre-Wrath Rapture of the Church

THE LAST DAYS

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

Step back from the chaos of the 2020 election news. Step back from the chaos of the so-called CORONA virus pandemic, and realize, we are in an historic time in world history – in fact, an historic time in cosmic terms. Don’t miss or ignore what is actually taking place.  We will never pass this way again.

Are we in the “Last Days”, as spoke of in the Bible? And, in case you are wondering, “what exactly are these ‘Last Days’?” Then, read further.

The Bible describes events and conditions that would mark “the conclusion of the current system of things,” or “the end of the world.” (Matthew 24:3; NASB) The Bible calls this time period, variously,

The following are some outstanding features of last-days, or end-times, prophecies:

 1.  Wars and rumors of wars – Just to name three wars of the thousands which have occurred: The religious crusades 1095 – 1291, 2 million dead; WW I, 1914-1918, 17 million dead; WW II, 1939-1945, 70 million dead.

 2.  Famines. There is no way to accurately calculate the numbers of famiines and deaths since AD 1, but, the best records show at least 246 major famines and over 316 million dead. (See Famines – Wikipedia) .

 2.  Great earthquakes. No way to calculate the millions of earthquakes since the time of Christ.

 3.  Pestilences, or epidemics of “terrible diseases.”

 4.  Increase of crime.

 5.  Ruining of the earth by mankind. —Revelation 11:18.

 6.  Deterioration of people’s attitudes, as shown by many who are “unthankful, disloyal, . . . not open to any agreement, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, without love of goodness, betrayers, headstrong, puffed up with pride.” —2 Timothy 3: 1-4.

 7.  Breakdown of the family, with people who have “no natural affection” and children who are “disobedient to parents.” —2 Timothy 3: 2, 3.

 8.  Love of God growing cold in most people. —Matthew 24:12.

9.  Noteworthy displays of religious hypocrisy.

 10.  Increased understanding of Bible prophecies, including those related to the last days. —Daniel 12:4.

 11.  Global preaching of the good news of the Kingdom. —Matthew 24:14.

 12.  Widespread apathy and even ridicule toward the evidence of the approaching end. —Matthew 24:37- 39; 2 Peter 3: 3, 4.

 13.  The concurrent fulfillment of all these prophecies, not just a few or even most of them. —Matthew 24:33.

SO – WHEN DID THE “END OF DAYS” BEGIN?

I. Matthew 24:3-14, verse 3 says, “As He was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things happen, and what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?”     

Verse 4.  And Jesus answered and said to them, “See to it that no one misleads you. verse 5.  “For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will mislead many. (Religious Institutional Deception – A Deluding Influence)

Verse 6.  “You will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end. (Also described by Jesus in The Book of The Revelation as the 1st and 2nd Seal of The Tribulation)

Verse 7.  “For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes. Verse 8. “But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs.  (Also described by Jesus in The Book of The Revelation as the 3rd and 4th Seal of The Tribulation)

Verse 9. “Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name.  (Also described by Jesus in The Book of The of Revelation as 5th Seal of The Tribulation)

Verse 10. “At that time many will fall away and will betray one another and hate one another. Verse 11. “Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many. Verse 12. “Because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will grow cold.

Verse 13. “But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved.

Verse 14. “This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come. “But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs.”

*When was Matthew written? (Around AD 60) What “timeline” clues do you see?

II. Hebrews 1:2   “In these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world.”

*When was Hebrews written? (Around AD 60) What “timeline” clues do you see?

III. Acts 2:14   “But Peter, taking his stand with the eleven, raised his voice and declared to them: “Men of Judea and all you who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you and give heed to my words. 15“For these men are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only the third hour of the day; 16but this is what was spoken of through the prophet Joel:

 17‘AND IT SHALL BE IN THE LAST DAYS,’ God says,
            ‘THAT I WILL POUR FORTH OF MY SPIRIT ON ALL MANKIND;
            AND YOUR SONS AND YOUR DAUGHTERS SHALL PROPHESY,
            AND YOUR YOUNG MEN SHALL SEE VISIONS,
            AND YOUR OLD MEN SHALL DREAM DREAMS;”

*When was Acts written? (Around AD 60) What “timeline” clues do you see?

IV. 2 Timothy 3:1  “But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. verse 2.  For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, verse 3, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, verse 4, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, verse 5, holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; Avoid such men as these.“

*When was Matthew written? (Around AD 60) What “timeline” clues do you see?

V.  2 Peter 3:3  “Know this first of all, that in the last days mockers will come with their mocking, following after their own lusts, 4and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming?”

*When was 2 Timothy written? (Around AD 60)  What “timeline” clues do you see?

VI. Daniel 12:1  “Now at that time Michael, the great prince who stands guard over the sons of your people, will arise. And there will be a time of distress such as never occurred since there was a nation until that time; and at that time your people, everyone who is found written in the book, will be rescued. Verse 2. “Many of those who sleep in the dust of the ground will awake, these to everlasting life, but the others to disgrace and everlasting contempt. Verse 3. “Those who have insight will shine brightly like the brightness of the expanse of heaven, and those who lead the many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever. Verse 4. “But as for you, Daniel, conceal these words and seal up the book until the end of time; many will go back and forth, and knowledge will increase.”

      Verse 5.  “Then I, Daniel, looked and behold, two others were standing, one on this bank of the river and the other on that bank of the river. Verse 6. And one said to the man dressed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, “How long will it be until the end of these wonders?” Verse 7. I heard the man dressed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, as he raised his right hand and his left toward heaven, and swore by Him who lives forever that it would be for a time, times, and half a time; (note: 3.5 years), and as soon as they finish shattering the power of the holy people, all these events will be completed. 8 As for me, I heard but could not understand; so I said, “My lord, what will be the outcome of these events?” Verse 9.  He said, “Go your way, Daniel, for these words are concealed and sealed up until the end time. Verse 10.  “Many will be purged, purified and refined, but the wicked will act wickedly; and none of the wicked will understand, but those who have insight will understand. Verse 11.  “From the time that the regular sacrifice is abolished and the abomination of desolation is set up, there will be 1,290 days. Verse 12.  “How blessed is he who keeps waiting and attains to the 1,335 days! Verse 13.  “But as for you, go your way to the end; then you will enter into rest and rise again for your allotted portion at the end of the age.”

*What “timeline” clues do you see?

These “timeline clues” tell us that the LAST DAYS, (THE END OF TIMES, THE END TIME, THE END OF THE AGE), began sometime between AD 1 and AD 69. 

We have, in fact, been in the tribulation period known as the “times of distress”, that is Tribulation Seals 1 through Seal 4 since AD 1 and the effects of these broken Seals are working concurrently and have been intensifying. 

We are have now entered the 5th tribulation Seal and are awaiting the revealing of the anti-christ.

Identifying the timeline and what may have already occurred, we can identify the “season” we are now in and the urgency of this time.

OUTLINE OF THE TRIBULATION SEALS

Here is a Short outline comparing Jesus’ account of the Tribulation period both in the Book of Revelation and in the Book of Matthew:

Revelation Ch. 6 – as corresponding to – Matthew Chapter 24

the 1st Tribulation Seal  –  Global conquest and political intrigue

the 2nd Tribulation Seal –  Wars and Rumors of War

the 3rd Tribulation Seal  –  Famine

the 4th Tribulation Seal  –  Death

the 5th Tribulation Seal  –  Martyrs, persecution, Anti-Christ, falling away

The Opening of the 6th Tribulation Scroll Seal is The BEGINNING OF the 7 years. also known as “Daniel’s 70th Week” and “THE GREAT TRIBULATION” period.

the 6th Tribulation Seal  –  Cosmic disturbances, blood moon, darkened sun

During the 6th Tribulation Seal, these events occur:

      • Sealing of the 144,000
      • The Rapture
      • Multitude from the tribulation before the Throne of God
      • The breaking of The 6th Tribulation Seal is the beginning of the 70th week of Daniel which are the final 7 years of the great Tribulation. (The 7th Trumpet is the mid-point or 3.5 years)

The 7th Tribulation Seal  – The announcement of the 7 Trumpet Judgments

Here is a detailed comparison of the The Tribulation Seals between the Book of Matthew chapter 24 and the Book of The Revelation chapters 6 & 7

Seal 1 —Rider on White Horse – Revelation 6:1,2 –

  1Then I saw when the Lamb broke one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures saying as with a voice of thunder, “Come.” 2 I looked, and behold, a white horse, and he who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer.


Matthew 24:6 – Wars and rumors of war,

6“You will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end

*Seal 1 has been ongoing since between AD 1 -AD  69 and has been intensifying.

Seal 2 – The Red Horse —Peace is taken from the earth, War
 – Revelation 6:3

When He broke the second seal, I heard the second living creature saying, “Come.” verse 4, And another, a red horse, went out; and to him who sat on it, it was granted to take peace from the earth, and that men would slay one another; and a great sword was given to him.

Matthew 24:7 – Nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom.

*This has been ongoing since between AD 1 – 69 and has been intensifying.

Seal 3 – The Black Horse —Famine – Revelation 6:5

“When He broke the third seal, I heard the third living creature saying, “Come.” I looked, and behold, a black horse; and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand. verse 6, And I heard something like a voice in the center of the four living creatures saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not damage the oil and the wine.”

Matthew 24:7 – Famines

Verse 7. “For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes. verse 8. “But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs.

*This has been ongoing since between AD 1 – AD 69 and has been intensifying.

Seal 4 – Ashen Horse – Death and Hades – 
Revelation 6:7

“When the Lamb broke the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature saying, “Come.” verse 8.  I looked, and behold, an ashen horse; and he who sat on it had the name Death; and Hades was following with him. Authority was given to them over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword and with famine and with pestilence and by the wild beasts of the earth.

Matthew 24:21 – Death

“For then there will be a great tribulation, such as has not occurred since the beginning of the world until now, nor ever will. verse 22. “Unless those days had been cut short, no life would have been saved; but for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short.

This has been ongoing since between AD 1 – AD 69 and is intensifying.

Seal 5 – Persecution, Martyrs, Deception, Apostasy, anti-Christ revealed – Revelation 6:9

“When the Lamb broke the fifth seal, I saw underneath the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God, and because of the testimony which they had maintained; 10 and they cried out with a loud voice, saying, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, will You refrain from judging and avenging our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” verse 11.  And there was given to each of them a white robe; and they were told that they should rest for a little while longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brethren who were to be killed even as they had been, would be completed also.

Matthew 24:9 – Persectuion, Martyrs, Deception, Apostsay

“Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name. verse 10.  “At that time many will fall away and will betray one another and hate one another. verse 11. “Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many. verse 12. “Because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will grow cold. verse 13. “But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved. verse 14. “This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.

*Except for the revealing of the “man of perdition”, this has begun or been ongoing since around AD 60 and is intensifying.

IMPORTANT NOTE:  from 2 Thessalonians2:1

“Now we request you, brethren, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him,

((which is seen in Matthew 24:31 “And He will send forth His angels with A GREAT TRUMPET and THEY WILL GATHER TOGETHER His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other.”  An IMPORTANT TIME MARKER in MATTHEW))

2 Thessalonians 2:2 that you not be quickly shaken from your composure or be disturbed either by a spirit or a message or a letter as if from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come.

Verse 3.  “Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the *apostasy comes first, and *the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, verse 4, who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God.”

*BEFORE The Day of the Lord, the Great Apostasy will come. This is the 5th Seal

Seal 6 – Cosmic Disturbances, Great Day of the Wrath of the Lamb has come.  This  has not occured.

Revelation 6:12 “I looked when He broke the sixth seal, and there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth made of hair, and the whole moon became like blood;

Verse13.  and the stars of the sky fell to the earth, as a fig tree casts its unripe figs when shaken by a great wind.

Verse 14. The sky was split apart like a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island were moved out of their places.

Verse 15. Then the kings of the earth and the great men and the commanders and the rich and the strong and every slave and free man hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains;

Verse 16.  and they said to the mountains and to the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the presence of Him who sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb;

Verse 17. for the great day of their wrath has come, and who is able to stand?”

Matthew 24:29  “But immediately after the tribulation of those days THE SUN WILL BE DARKENED, AND THE MOON WILL NOT GIVE ITS LIGHT, AND THE STARS WILL FALL from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.

Verse 30. “And then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the SON OF MAN COMING ON THE CLOUDS OF THE SKY with power and great glory.

Verse 31.  “And He will send forth His angels with A GREAT TRUMPET and THEY WILL GATHER TOGETHER His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other.

INTERLUDE: Revelation 7:1 through 17 – Winds stopped, Sealing of the 144,000 of Israel, The Multitude Raptured from the Tribulation

Seal 7 – Silence and Preparation for – THE WRATH OF THE LAMB

Revelation 8:1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8 – Silence in heaven for half an hour, Seven Judgment Trumpets prepared, smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, go up before God, the fire of the altar is thrown to the earth; and there follows peals of thunder and sounds and flashes of lightning and an earthquake.

The pre-wrath-rapture

These are exciting and dangerous times.  We can be ready.  Contact me if  you have questions!

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

AM I REALLY SEEING WHAT I THINK I AM SEEING?

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

                 (click on image for details)  

  

                              IS THIS THE END? 

For the Christian:  IT IS JUST THE BEGINNING!

    Revelation Ch. 6  –  Matthew Chapter 24

(click theor the for details)

the 1st Tribulation Seal  –  Global conquest and political intrigue

the 2nd Tribulation Seal –  Wars and Rumors of War

the 3rd Tribulation Seal  –  Famine

the 4th Tribulation Seal  –  Death

the 5th Tribulation Seal  –  Persecution, falling away, anti-Christ 

The 5th Tribulation Seal is marked by a time when we will see the

the 6th Tribulation Seal  –  Stars fall, sun darkens, blood moon 

These things are happening before our eyes, yet we think, “Can this be what I have been hearing would happen?”  Then we doubt.

Listen to what God says, then we will see what we are to be doing!

Joshua 1:5  “No man will be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I have been with Moses, I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you.

 1.  We, as Christians, are to confront evil wherever we encounter it.  Do so with a steadfast spirit, a calm demeanor, knowing that “No man will be able to stand before you“

verse 6 “Be strong and courageous, for you shall give this people possession of the land which I swore to their fathers to give them.

 2.  We, as Christians, are to be fearless and determined – steadfast – as we take possession of the land God has given us – and that land is “Every place on which the sole of your foot treads, I have given it to you, just as I spoke to Moses.” Joshua 1:3

verse 7 “Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may have success wherever you go.

3.  We, as Christians, are to do exactly as The Word of God says, know that His Word accomplishes exactly what it is sent forth to do. Isaiah 55:11

verse 8 “This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success.

4.  We, as Christians, are destined to succeed according to God’s Will and according to God’s Word!  It is written!  We will prosper even as our soul prospers!

verse 9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

5.  We, as Christians, must audibly and courageously proclaim “Jehovah-nissi”, God is our protector!  He is with us wherever we go!

Believe it!  Know it!  Do it!  And, the victory will be ours, declares the Lord!

Your Brother in Christ,

Mike Young

A final word:  https://whitestone2020.com/2021/01/27/what-should-i-do-in-this-time-of-tribulation/

Ephesians 6:10  “Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness.

18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

THE COUNTDOWN HAS BEGUN

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

There is a convergence of events and prophecies as never before.  Alarming events have, from time to time, caused people to wonder if the End of Days as spoken of in the Bible had arrived.  But, never, have events coincided with prophetic fulfillment as we now see.

David Rosenthal, of Zion’s Hope ministries, explains the crucial significance of the new Abraham Accord recently signed by Israel and the United Arab Emirates. Unlike the peace treaties signed by Israel with Egypt in 1979 and Jordan in 1994, this new peace accord is intended to normalize relations between the two countries in ways never before thought possible.  And more Arab nations are coming to the Accord!

Following this video are a series of videos of greater detail on these matters:

May God give you wisdom and understanding on these matters as we prepare for His Return and the consummation of the age.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

For a full description of the Abraham Accord and a description of the 70th Week of Daniel  President Trump’s Peace Plan.

GET READY – STAY READY

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AND YOU SHALL BE MY DISCIPLES – Lesson #39

  • Await My Return

“Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming.

“But be sure of this, that if the head of the house had known at what time of the night the thief was coming, he would

have been on the alert and would not have allowed his house to be broken into.

 “For this reason you also must be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will.”  Matthew 24:42-44

WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

These are some to the most dire and clearest warnings given by Jesus about His Return and the necessity of our readiness.  Pay close attention and do what He says or be left behind!

 The context of these words start in

Matthew 24: 32  “Now learn the parable from the fig tree: when its branch has already become tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near;

33  so, you too, when you see all these things, recognize that He is near, right at the door.

34  “Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place.

35  “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away.

36  “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone.

37 “For the coming of the Son of Man will be just like the days of Noah.

38  “For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark,

39  and they did not understand until the flood came and took them all away; so will the coming of the Son of Man be.

40  “Then there will be two men in the field; one will be taken and one will be left.

41  “Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one will be left.

First, some literary housekeeping:  There are various discussions and debates about the supposed complexity and intricacies of these verses. 

  • Some theologians say these verses lead one to believe there will be “two Second Comings of Jesus” – which is utter nonsense.  Believe it or not, Jesus can do more than one thing at a time!
  • Others wrestle with the wording of the metaphor in verse 32 which says, “you will know when summer is near” and a seeming contradiction found in verse 42 which says “you do not know which day your Lord is coming”.  This too is nonsense.  Clearly, it reads that you will know the “season” but not “the exact day”.
  • Some “theologians” wrestle with the idea of Jesus being compared to a “thief in the night”.  “Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming. But be sure of this, that if the head of the house had known at what time of the night the thief was coming, he would not have allowed his house to be broken into.”  Once again, this is nonsense.  These are two separate statements, connected only by sequence of events. 

#1 – “be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming” is a stand-alone statement of fact.

#2 – “the thief”  is a warning and a direct reference to the breaking of the 6th Seal, The Great Tribulation and the Wrath of the Lamb, which will seem like a “thief breaking into your home, stealing your goods and harming you and your family”.

The wording of our focus verses (Matthew 24:32-44) is made clear when you and read these verses in context of the preceding verses in Matthew 24:29-31.

v29  “But immediately after the tribulation of those days THE SUN WILL BE DARKENED, AND THE MOON WILL NOT GIVE ITS LIGHT, AND THE STARS WILL FALL from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.

30  “And then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the SON OF MAN COMING ON THE CLOUDS OF THE SKY with power and great glory.

31  “And He will send forth His angels with A GREAT TRUMPET and THEY WILL GATHER TOGETHER His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other.

IMPORTANT:  Verse 29 says “But immediately after the tribulation of those days“ which is a reference to the beginning of the tribulation period, also known as the “Days of Distress”.  This period is described by Jesus in Matthew 24 verses 3 through 28. 

They are also found in Revelation 6:1-11 and are named the “Seals” of the tribulation.  Seal ONE through Seal FIVE have already been opened or are being opened and are ongoing events, all of which began sometime between AD 1 and AD 90.

NOTE:  The 6th Seal will mark the beginning of the a period, known variously as “The Day of Wrath”, “The End of Days”, “The Wrath of the Lamb” and “The Great and Terrible Day of the Lord”.

If you read our focus verses in Matthew 24 in the context of the entire chapter you will see why this is such an important warning.

AN ONGOING ALERT

Jesus words, “Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming” take on a new and urgent meaning when you realize we are on the verge of the Great and Terrible Day of the Lord (Seal 6).

The ALERT mentioned in Matthew 24:42 is an ongoing ALERT!  We must stay ever vigilant and ready for Jesus’ return.

Finally, and just before the opening of the 6th Tribulation Seal, two important events must occur: 

1.  The Great Apostasy (A rebellion, an abandonment of God’s revelation.)  https://www.gotquestions.org/great-apostasy.html

2.  The revealing of the anti-Christ

These events are likened to a thief breaking into your home at night and robbing you, destroying your home and harming you and your family.

2 Thessalonians 2:1  Now we request you, brethren, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him,

2  that you not be quickly shaken from your composure or be disturbed either by a spirit or a message or a letter as if from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come.

3 Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction,

4  who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God.

These events could occur at any moment.  You and I must be ready in a moment’s notice in “a blink of the eye”.  We must stay on alert if we are to escape this calamity, keep our homes and family safe, and  join Jesus when “He will send forth His angels with A GREAT TRUMPET and THEY WILL GATHER TOGETHER His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other.”

Now, it is your turn:

HOW MUST YOU DO IT?

HOW MUST YOU TEACH IT?

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

CONTEXT OF THIS “END OF DAYS” WAR

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ 2 Comments

We are at war.  Like it or not.  So, what shall we do?  First, we must understand the CONTEXT!

As an example:  I was talking with friends about the rapture.  One of them said the rapture could happen at any moment because all scripture had been fulfilled.

I suggested that 2nd Thessalonians chapter 2 says differently.

My friend became a bit animated and says, “That is talking about the Tribulation and not the raptures because it is about our gathering with Him after the rapture.  We will never experience the tribulation.”

I then suggested they might try reading 2nd Thessalonians 2:1 for CONTEXT which says, “Now we request you, brethren, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him,

2  that you not be quickly shaken from your composure or be disturbed either by a spirit or a message or a letter as if from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come.

3  Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction,

4  who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being…

Furthermore, the CONTEXT for “The coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him” can be found in Matthew 24:29, which says, 

“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 the heavens shall be shaken:” 

This event is also found in Revelation Chapter 6, verse 12 and says, 

“I looked when He broke the sixth seal, and there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth made of hair, and the whole moon became like blood;

13  and the stars of the sky fell to the earth, as a fig tree casts its unripe figs when shaken by a great wind.

14  The sky was split apart like a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island were moved out of their places.

Which, IN CONTEXT of the whole Bible, shows that “the gathering to Him” which is found in 2nd Thessalonians 2:1 occurs after the 5th Seal of the Tribulation is opened, which means we will experience the first 5 Seals of Tribulation.

NEXT, 2nd Thessalonians 2:3 goes on to say, ” Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first.”

Which is a great falling away from God through faith in Jesus Christ, which is just now beginning.  It is a world-wide phenomenon.

FINALLY, 2nd Thessalonians 2:3 also says, “3 ¶  Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction”

This man is also known as the anti-Christ and the son of perdition.  He has not be revealed yet.

My friend retorts “He (the anti-Christ) won’t be revealed until after the Rapture!”

I simply said, please re-read 2nd Thessalonians 2:3 “Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction”.

My friend blinked at me and said, “Well…..”  Unconvinced and uninformed.

NOW TO MY MAIN POINT about CONTEXT

The End of Days are well under way.  We now find ourselves in world-wide circumstances which strongly suggest that we are into the breaking of the 5th Seal of the Tribulation which marks the beginning of the Great Apostasy, the love of many growing cold, a period of great persecution, anarchy and the revealing of the anti-Christ.

And let me say, if you believe you will escape the first 5 Seals, just relax.  You have already been through most of the first 5 Seals! 

It is the 6th Seal you better hope you will miss because the Wrath of God begins with the 6th Seal and the 6th Seal marks the beginning of the 7 Years (Daniel’s Seventieth Week) of THE GREAT TRIBULATION which is the period of GOD’S WRATH, also known as the GREAT AND TERRIBLE DAY OF THE LORD, and the RAPTURE)

– TIME IS SHORT –

THE WAR HAS BEGUN – WE ARE UNDER ATTACK

HOW SHOULD WE RESPOND?

Most of what I read, outside the Bible, which is being written or said by Christian Leaders is a muddled mix of

  • “Be kind and gentle like Jesus”,
  • “We are sheep to the slaughter”,
  • “Win people to Christ while we have time” and
  • “Don’t Worry – God’s Got This”

There is truth scattered around in those types of statements, but it is OUT OF THE CONTEXT of the entire Bible.

But, most of what I read inside the Bible says another thing all together.  But it must be read IN CONTEXT of the entire Bible! 

In this article, I will only address what our response to the End of Days should be ACCORDING TO THE BIBLE, and not about our preparation FOR the End of Days.

THE OLD TESTAMENT

In the entire Old Testament, when the House or Nation of Israel (God’s People) was under assault for reasons other than God’s Discipline, they responded according to their circumstances – IN CONTEXT OF THE ASSAULT.  (I.e., when their lives were threatened they defend their lives with a violent forceful response.  When their food source was threatened by famine they responded with the agricultural technology they had.  When their water source was threatened by drought, they didn’t go to war, they looked for alternate sources.  CONTEXT!)   The instances of how ISRAEL responded to EVIL and threats on their lives, are so numerous that I will only cite this one example but I will add a link to other great battles SO YOU CAN SEE THE CONTEXT AND THE PATTERN OF THE BIBLE:

DAVID’S CAMP WAS RAIDED AND DAVID RESPONDED

  1 Samuel 30:1  “Then it happened when David and his men came to Ziklag on the third day, that the Amalekites had made a raid on the Negev and on Ziklag, and had overthrown Ziklag and burned it with fire; 2 and they took captive the women and all who were in it, both small and great, without killing anyone, and carried them off and went their way.”

1 Samuel 30:8  “David inquired of the LORD, saying, “Shall I pursue this band? Shall I overtake them?” And He said to him, “Pursue, for you will surely overtake them, and you will surely rescue all.”

1 Samuel 30:16  “When he had brought him down, behold, they (the Amalekites) were spread over all the land, eating and drinking and dancing because of all the great spoil that they had taken from the land of the Philistines and from the land of Judah. 

17 David slaughtered them from the twilight until the evening of the next day; and not a man of them escaped, except four hundred young men who rode on camels and fled.

18 So David recovered all that the Amalekites had taken, and rescued his two wives. 19 But nothing of theirs was missing, whether small or great, sons or daughters, spoil or anything that they had taken for themselves; David brought it all back.

20 So David had captured all the sheep and the cattle which the people drove ahead of the other livestock, and they said, “This is David’s spoil.”

What is the CONTEXT of David’s response?

  1. David and his camp were attacked by evil men
  2. David inquired of the Lord
  3. God told David that he would prevail
  4. David hunted the evil men down
  5. David and his men attacked and slaughtered the evil men
  6. David and his men took their property back
  7. David also took the Amalikite’s  property as spoils of war
  8. David divided the spoil among the faithful men in his camp

That is the pattern and THE CONTEXT of the correct response.  Here Other Great Battles In Ancient Israeli And Biblical History to help with CONTEXT:

https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/greatest-battles-in-ancient-israeli-and-biblical-history.html

THE NEW TESTAMENT

The New Testament does not diminish our right and our capacity to fight battles, resist and overcome the enemy – it enhances it.  But it must be kept in CONTEXT.

The CONTEXT begins with Jesus teaching about 2 Kingdoms:

1.  The Kingdom of Heaven a.k.a., The Kingdom of God

2.  The kingdoms of this world.

Jesus always separates the two kingdoms in His Teaching, and instructs us that the kingdoms of this world are subject to the Kingdom of God!

In other words, you cannot successfully respond to an earthly threat (attacks, assaults, etc.) from an earthly perspective.  You see the CONTEXT from a heavenly perspective!

Jesus’ Teaching and Response about confronting evil and the End of Days

Let’s see what the Bible really says about how we are to prepare and how we should respond, using Jesus as our model.

Many times we see a circumstance from our own personal earthly mindset or worldview.  This can cause us to misread or misinterpret what is really going on and how we can understand what we are actually seeing and how we should respond. 

We, as Christians,

  • must know what the Bible really says
  • in the context of how it was said,
  • why it was said and
  • we must know how to apply it.

And, Jesus is the only place we can find The Truth of these matters.

A pastor and friend of mine liked to say, “Remember to be kind and gentle like Jesus”.  And, yes, that is right.  But keeping Jesus’ behavior and words in context of the situations He found Himself, you will find that there were times when Jesus would respond to evil and say things you may not have expected.  For example,

Did Jesus really,,,

(Click on the above links for details)

Jesus’ response was always IN CONTEXT.  Jesus’ response was always RIGHTEOUS and sometimes indignant!  But, make no mistake, when called for, He was not always gentle, but He was always Right!

EPHESIANS 6 gives us the Perfect outline for CONTEXT:  (The red lettering tells you what it says and what to, the black lettering tells you what it means)

  • 6:10  Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.
  • 6:11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.
    • 6:12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly
  • 6:13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God,
    • so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.
  • 6:14 Stand firm therefore,
    • HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH,
    • and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS,
    • 6:15 and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE;
    • 6:16 in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil
    • 6:17 And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
  • 6:18 With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and
    • with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints,
    • 6:19 and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
  • 6:21 But that you also may know about my circumstances,

OUTLINED:

  1. Be Strong in the Lord
  2. Put on His Full Armor
  3. Stand firm against evil
  4. Pray at all times
  5. Know your circumstances (CONTEXT)

What about the END OF DAYS?

Jesus tells us in Mathew 24:31-50  “And He will send forth His angels with A GREAT TRUMPET and THEY WILL GATHER TOGETHER His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other.

“Now learn the parable from the fig tree: when its branch has already become tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near;

So, you too, when you see all these things, recognize that He is near, right at the door.

v 50 “For, the Master will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour which he does not know, and will cut him in pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

CONTEXT:  These are serious and terminal matters.  And, God is calling.  CONTEXT:  You are called and you must respond.  You have a role to fill.  CONTEXT:  You will engage and be engaged by the enemy which is evil.  CONTEXT:  Prepare.  Engage.  Endure.  Overcome!

  1. Some of you will be called on as Pastors by way of a “field promotion”
  2. Some of you will be called on as Evangelists by way of a “field promotion”
  3. Some of you will be called on to resist the devil and his armies by way of a “field promotion”
  4. Some of you will be called on as martyrs and will die for your testimony and because of His Word
  5. We all will be called to engage the enemy and to preach the Gospel

Finally, a word of encouragement.  Hebrew 10:35-38 tells us “Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised.

“FOR YET IN A VERY LITTLE WHILE, HE WHO IS COMING WILL COME, AND WILL NOT DELAY.  BUT MY RIGHTEOUS ONE SHALL LIVE BY FAITH; AND IF HE SHRINKS BACK, MY SOUL HAS NO PLEASURE IN HIM.

“But we are not of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the preserving of the soul.“


Consider what Jesus has taught us, shown us and commanded of us – and let’s not shrink back for He goes before us. 

CONTEXT:  The battle is ours!  Let’s get on with it!

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

 

 

 

 

 

https://whitestone2020.com/what-does-it-mean-to-get-ready/

THE ANTICHRIST and the MARK OF THE BEAST

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ 2 Comments

Who is the Antichrist?

No one knows who the Antichrist will be, but we do know that when he is revealed he will not be a frightening figure.  In fact, he will be just the opposite until he has gained power. 

There is a reference in Daniel 11:21 comparing Antiochus Epiphanes to a type of antichrist, who is one of the most brutal rulers known in history, easily eclipsing the horrors of Adolph Hitler and his Third Reich.

But, the horrors of Antiochus Epiphanes will pale in comparison to the brutality and horror of the coming Antichrist.

Traits of the Antichrist Described in the Bible

  • Intelligent: Revelation 13:18; Daniel 7:8.
  • Charismatic Speaker: Daniel 7:8 Revelation 13:5.
  • Crafty Politician: Daniel 9:27; Revelation 17:12, 13, 17.
  • Distinct Physical Appearance: Daniel 7:20.
  • Military Genius: Revelation 4; 17:14; 19:19.
  • Economic Genius: Daniel 11:38.
  • Blasphemer: Revelation 13:6.
  • Utterly Lawless: 2 Thessalonians 2:8.
  • Selfish, Ambitious Egomaniac: Daniel 11:36, 37; 2 Thessalonians 2:4.
  • Greedy Materialist: Daniel 11:38.
  • Controlling:  Daniel 7:25.
  • Proud and Self-exalting Above God and Everything: Daniel 11:36; 2 Thessalonians. 2:4.

What is the purpose of the Antichrist?

His purpose is to deceive.  The Antichrist is a person prophesied by the Bible to oppose Christ and substitute himself in Christ’s place before the Second Coming.

ANOTHER BEAST  –  The False Prophet

Revelation 13:11 says, “Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spoke as a dragon.

  • He exercises all the authority of the first beast in his presence.

  • And he makes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast, whose fatal wound was healed.

  • He performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down out of heaven to the earth in the presence of men.

  • And he deceives those who dwell on the earth because of the signs which it was given him to perform in the presence of the beast, telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast who *had the wound of the sword and has come to life.

  • And it was given to him to give breath to the image of the beast, so that the image of the beast would even speak and cause as many as do not worship the image of the beast to be killed.

  • And he causes all, the small and the great, and the rich and the poor, and the free men and the slaves, to be given a mark on their right hand or on their forehead,

  • and he provides that no one will be able to buy or to sell, except the one who has the mark, either the name of the beast or the number of his name.

“Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for the number is that of a man; and his number is six hundred and sixty-six.”  Revelation 13:11-18.

He will doom anyone who receives his “mark” and worships him to suffer God’s Wrath.  “So the first angel went and poured out his bowl on the earth; and it became a loathsome and malignant sore on the people who had the mark of the beast and who worshiped his image.”  Revelation 16:2 

Those which he deceived, those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image, are thrown alive into the lake of fire which burns with brimstone.  Revelation 19:20

WHAT IS THE MARK OF THE BEAST

No one knows what ‘the mark’ will actually look like.  There is speculation that it could be an image (icon) or a microchip or a tattooed type of barcode used in place of money or credit cards for tracking, commerce and trade.  But, from scriptures we do know…

  • And he causes all, the small and the great, and the rich and the poor, and the free men and the slaves, to be given a mark on their right hand or on their forehead,

  • and he provides that no one will be able to buy or to sell, except the one who has the mark, either the name of the beast or the number of his name.

  • Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for the number is that of a man; and his number is six hundred and sixty-six.  Revelation 13:11-18

WHEN WILL THIS BEAST GIVE HIS MARK?

The most popular idea is that the Antichrist will “cause all, the small and the great, and the rich and the poor, and the free men and the slaves, to be given a mark on their right hand or on their forehead, verse 17. and he provides that no one will be able to buy or to sell, except the one who has the mark, either the name of the beast or the number of his name.”  from, Revelation 13:16-17  sometime before the rapture of the Church.

HOWEVER, the Bible tells us that the Antichrist will be revealed before the rapture of the church.

2 Thessalonians2:3 tells us, “Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, verse 4. who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God” ), which is sometime during the 5th Tribulation Seal period, or just at the beginning of the 6th Tribulation Seal.

And according to the Bible, the Antichrist gives his ‘Mark’ after the Seal Judgments, after the Rapture, and just after the 6th Tribulation Trumpet Judgment or during the 7th Trumpet Judgment, which is the Mid-Point of the Great Tribulation, which is after three and one half years of the final 7 years of the Great Tribulation period.

Revelation 13:16-17 tells us when the Antichrist  “causes all, the small and the great, and the rich and the poor, and the free men and the slaves, to be given a mark on their right hand or on their forehead, Verse 17. and he provides that no one will be able to buy or to sell, except the one who has the mark, either the name of the beast or the number of his name.”  

As I have proposed on numerous occasions, the Tribulation Seal Judgments 1 through 4 (wars and rumors of war, famines, plagues, earthquakes, spread of new diseases) began in or around AD 1.  (click this link for “When Does Daniel’s 70th Week, also known as, the 7 Years of Great Tribulation, begin).

We have seen the 5th Tribulation Seal being opened in our lifetime, the great apostasy or falling away from the faith, false messiahs, great deceptions, a.k.a. the ‘deluding influence’ and alienation from one another, and it is become more pronounced as time passes.

The Apostle Paul informs us, in 2 Thessalonians 2

Verse 2. “you not be quickly shaken from your composure or be disturbed either by a spirit or a message or a letter as if from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come.

  1. Verse 3.  “Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and
  2. the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, Verse 4. who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God.”

What this means to you and to me is that some of us will have the opportunity to suffer awhile before God takes us away in the Rapture.  How do we know this?  The Bible says so:

1 Peter1:3  says, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

  • verse 4 to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,
  • verse 5.  who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
  • verse 6.  In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, 7so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

Revelation 6:9 tells us that, “When the Lamb broke the fifth seal,

  • I saw underneath the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God, and because of the testimony which they had maintained; verse 10. and they cried out with a loud voice, saying, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, will You refrain from judging and avenging our blood on those who dwell on the earth?”

  • Verse 11.  And there was given to each of them a white robe; and they were told that they should rest for a little while longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brethren who were to be killed even as they had been, would be completed also.

The ‘times of distress’ encompass Tribulation Seals 1 through 5.

The Great Tribulation also known as The Wrath of God, that is the Wrath of the Lamb, begins with the breaking or opening of the 6th Seal of the Tribulation.

NOTE: The final 7 years of Daniel’s 70 Weeks, also known as the 7 Years of the Great Tribulation will begin with the Breaking of the Sixth Tribulation Seal. It will reach the mid-point (3 1/2 years) at the Blowing of the 7th Trumpet Judgment and will conclude with the pouring out of the 7th Bowl Judgment.

Be comforted by this, that God has not appointed us to His Wrath but to obtain His salvation!

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

The Mark of the Beast

DANIEL’S SEVENTY WEEKS

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ 1 Comment

(You can listen to this audio as you read along, and, you can pause the audio to follow links, then resume audio when you are ready.)

QUESTION & ANSWERS ABOUT “DANIEL’S 70TH WEEK”

1.  When did Daniel have his vision about the End of Days?                  

660 BC

2.  What is Daniel’s Seventy Weeks?                     

The prophecy contains a statement concerning God’s six-fold purpose in bringing these events to pass. Verse 24 says this purpose is

1) “to finish transgression,”

2) “to put an end to sin,”

3) “to atone for wickedness,”

4) “to bring in everlasting righteousness,”

5) “to seal up vision and prophecy,” and

6) “to anoint the most holy.”

Notice that these results concern the total eradication of sin and the establishing of righteousness. The prophecy of the 70 weeks summarizes what happens before the End of the Age, and when Jesus sets up His millennial kingdom.  (From Gotquestions.org, seventy weeks)

3.  When did the 70 Weeks (490 years) begin?

Gabriel said the prophetic clock would start at the time that a decree was issued to rebuild Jerusalem. From the date of that decree, 445 BC, to the time of the Messiah (30 AD) would be 483 years. We know from history that the command to “restore and rebuild Jerusalem” was given by King Artaxerxes of Persia c. 445 B.C. (see Nehemiah 2:1-8).

The first unit of 49 years (seven “sevens”) covers the time that it took to rebuild Jerusalem, “with streets and a trench, but in times of trouble” (see Daniel 9:25). This rebuilding is chronicled in the book of Nehemiah.

Using the Jewish custom of a 360-day year, 483 years after 445 B.C. places us at A.D. 30, which would coincide with Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem (see Matthew 21:1-9). The prophecy in Daniel 9 specifies that after the completion of the 483 years, “the Anointed One will be cut off” (verse 26). This was fulfilled when Jesus was crucified.

Daniel 9:26 continues with a prediction that, after the Messiah is killed, “the people of the ruler who will come will destroy the city and the sanctuary.” This was fulfilled with the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70. The “ruler who will come” is a reference to the Antichrist, who, it seems, will have some connection with Rome, since it was the Romans who destroyed Jerusalem.  (From Gotquestions.org, seventy weeks)

4.  When does the final week, the 70th Week of Daniel, begin?

Read again, in Daniel 9:26, the prediction that, after the Messiah is killed, “the people of the ruler who will come will destroy the city and the sanctuary.” This was fulfilled with the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70.

This issue has been hotly debated for centuries.  Scriptures have been clear. A simple face-value reading of scriptures leads to the conclusion that the final 7 Weeks, the ‘BIRTH PAINS’ also known as a period of tribulation (not to be confused with the Great Tribulation Period or the “Wrath of the Lamb”), will END with the breaking of the breaking of the 6th Seal of Tribulation.

After that, Mid-Point of the Great Tribulation, (after 3 1/2 years) begins with the blowing of the 7th Tribulation Trumpet and will conclude after the pouring out of the 7th Tribulation Bowl Judgment.

5.  What will happen to the people on earth?

All of those who, by faith, have repented of their sins, and who have confessed Jesus as savior and followed Him in obedience, will be saved. 1 Thessalonians 4:16 says, “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Verse 17. Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord.”

6.  Is there anything I need to do to get ready for these events?

Yes.  Romans10:9, says, “that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; verse 10. For with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.”

Matthew24:42 also tells us, “Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming. Verse 43. “But be sure of this, that if the head of the house had known at what time of the night the thief was coming, he would have been on the alert and would not have allowed his house to be broken into. Verse 44. “For this reason, you also must be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will.

Verse 45.  “Who then is the faithful and sensible slave whom his master put in charge of his household to give them their food at the proper time? Verse 46.  “Blessed is that slave whom his master finds so doing when he comes.”

“Giving hem their food at the proper time” means you are to be teaching them about Jesus, His Gospel Message, and making them disciples of Jesus and teaching them to go and make other disciples.  (Click the link here for a timeline comparison chart:  Daniel’s 70 Weeks – A comparison of a  World History Timeline, Daniel’s 70 Weeks Timeline, and A Biblical Timeline.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

For more information on Daniel’s 70th week, click the following links:

There is a Flood in the Book of Daniel, Chapter 9.

Is there ANOTHER type of Flood Coming?

 

IS ANOTHER TYPE OF FLOOD COMING?

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ 1 Comment

YOU MUST BE READY

The word “flood” is used about 28 times in the Bible. It is used eleven times in the Book of Genesis and refers to God’s Judgment on the world for sin by the Great Flood.

It is used either in general terms or symbolically, twice in Job, five times in Psalms, once in Proverbs, Isaiah and Nahum, once in Luke.

It is used in reference to God’s Judgments, once in Daniel, twice in Matthew, once in Luke once in 2 Peter and once in Revelation. All of these references are related to the End of Days in some way, except for 2 Peter.

But I want to focus on the mention of a flood in conjunction with God’s Judgment and the “End of Days” as mentioned, in Daniel 9, Matthew 24 and Revelation 12.

These references link Past events of God’s Judgments with the Present Day and the Present Day with future Judgments.

Why does this matter? Jesus tells us it is important that we know and stay ready for what is coming and may already be upon us:

The FLOOD is a prophetic mystery, mentioned 4 times in scriptures.  Here are the 4 sections of Scripture and the “Mystery of The Flood” revealed!

I.   Genesis 6:5 –  Wickedness, Evil, Regret, Judgment

The-Great-Flood.jpg

Genesis 6:5.-7 ,  “Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great on the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.  The LORD was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart.  The LORD said, “I will blot out man whom I have created from the face of the land, from man to animals to creeping things and to birds of the sky; for I am sorry that I have made them.

Genesis 6:17 , “Behold, I, even I am bringing the flood of water upon the earth, to destroy all flesh in which is the breath of life, from under heaven; everything that is on the earth shall perish.

All mysteries have clues. So I present “clues”, which are also links for you to click on for answers.

(CLUES: Why a “flood of water upon the earth”?)

II.  Daniel 9:24 – The Flood, Times of Distress

70.jpg

“Seventy weeks have been decreed for your people and your holy city, to finish the transgression, to make an end of sin, to make atonement for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy and to anoint the most holy place.

Verse 25.  “So you are to know and discern that from the issuing of a decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until Messiah the Prince there will be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks; it will be built again, with plaza and moat, even in times of distress.

Verse 26.  “Then after the sixty-two weeks the Messiah will be cut off and have nothing, and the people of the prince who is to come will destroy the city and the sanctuary. And its end will come with a flood; even to the end there will be war; desolations are determined.

Verse 27.  “And he will make a firm covenant with the many for one week, but in the middle of the week he will put a stop to sacrifice and grain offering; and on the wing of abominations will come one who makes desolate, even until a complete destruction, one that is decreed, is poured out on the one who makes desolate.”

(CLUES: What is the seventy weeks? What does it mean “to make an end of sin, to make atonement for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness”?

(CLUES: What is the significance or meaning of “seven weeks, and sixty-two weeks”? What are “times of distress”?)

(CLUES: What is the “flood”? What does it mean “even to the end there will be war; desolations are determined”?)

(CLUES: What does it mean, “he will make a firm covenant with the many”. Who is ‘he’ and ‘the many’?)

(CLUES: What is the time period, “for one week”? What is “on the wing of abominations will come the one who makes desolate”?)

III.  Matthew 24:37 – The Flood, Getting Ready or Be Left Behind

two people working in a field.jpg

 

 

 

 

“For the coming of the Son of Man will be just like the days of Noah.”

Verse 38.  “For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark,

Verse 39.  and they did not understand until the flood came and took them all away; so will the coming of the Son of Man be.

Verse 40.  “Then there will be two men in the field; one will be taken and one will be left.

Verse 41.  “Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one will be left.

Verse 42.  “Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming.

Verse 43.  “But be sure of this, that if the head of the house had known at what time of the night the thief was coming, he would have been on the alert and would not have allowed his house to be broken into.

Verse 44.  “For this reason, you also must be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will.

Verse 45.  “Who then is the faithful and sensible slave whom his master put in charge of his household to give them their food at the proper time?

Verse 46.  “Blessed is that slave whom his master finds so doing when he comes.

(CLUES: What is this “flood” as found in Matthew 24?)

(CLUES: What does it mean “and took them all away”?)

(CLUES: What does it mean, “whom his master finds so doing when he comes.”?

IV.  Revelation 12:13 – The Flood, The Woman, The Dragon, The Child 

 

Verse 14.  “And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent.

Verse 15. ” And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood.

Verse 16. ” And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth.

Verse 17. ” And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.”

(CLUES: Who is “the woman” and why is she persecuted?)

(CLUES: Who is “the child”?)

(CLUES: What is the “time, and times and half a time”?)

(CLUES: What is the “flood”? as found in Revelation 12?)

All four sections of scriptures are speaking of the same thing. The key word “FLOOD”

When God repeats Himself it usually means He is communicating something very important to His people. Please study these messages as your instruction to GET READY & STAY READY and to be prepared for that day!

Hebrews 1:1 “God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, (v2)    in these last days  has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world.

God has spoken this message at least four times and in at least four different ways. 

This, therefore, is how we are to prepare and to conduct ourselves until “The Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore, comfort one another with these words.”   

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

IT HAS BEEN SPOKEN

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ 1 Comment

The first evidence that God has a plan for the course of cosmic history, referring to humans, planet earth and ultimately, the entire cosmos, is found in the Bible in the Book of Genesis.

The first evidence of the timing and sequence of events for the destruction and recreation of the earth is found in the Bible in the Book of Daniel.  There are other prophecies and clues, but, this is the clearest.

The first and clearest record of details of the coming Tribulation or End of Days is found in the Bible in the book of Matthew and the Book of The Revelation, although important and relevant clues are also found in the Books of Matthew, Acts and Hebrews.

DO YOU REALLY WANT TO KNOW?

Beware: Denominationalism has clouded the issues of

  • Creation, sin and the fall of man,
  • The judgment of wickedness and the destruction of humankind and the cleansing of the earth,
  • the prophesied Messiah and His arrival and redemptive work,
  • the Last Days, the tribulation and
  • the Great Tribulation,
  • the End of the Age and destruction of the planet and the cosmos,
  • the creation of new heavens and a new earth,

Considering that there are over there are over 200 different known denominations in America and over 33,000 denominations worldwide, you will find widely differing opinions, arguments and even some hostilities between denominations on the matters of the Bible, especially concerning the End Times.

So, to clear some denominational clutter, let’s take the Bible at face value where applicable. 

I want us to focus on God’s “eschatological clock”, and discuss ‘Where we are now”,  then ‘How we got here’, ‘What is coming next’, and what we are to do:

1.  WHERE WE ARE NOW. 

We have entered the breaking of the 5th Scroll Seal of the Tribulation, as described by Jesus.

Here is a detailed description of the seven identifiers of the 5th Seal in the book of Matthew and our what our response must be:

Matthew24:9, 10, 11, 12, 13

  1. Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and,
  2. They will kill you, and,
  3. You will be hated by all nations because of My name.
  4. At that time many will fall away and,
  5. Will betray one another and hate one another.
  6. Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many.
  7. Because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will grow cold.
  8. But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved.

Here is the corresponding description of the 5th Seal, from the book of The Revelation:

Revelation6:9-11.  “When the Lamb broke the fifth seal,

  1. I saw underneath the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God, and
  2. because of the testimony which they had maintained;
  3. and they cried out with a loud voice, saying, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, will You refrain from judging and avenging our blood on those who dwell on the earth?”
  4. Verse 11.  And there was given to each of them a white robe; and
  5. they were told that they should rest for a little while longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brethren who were to be killed even as they had been, would be completed also.

NOTE:  The description in Matthew is “AN EARTHLY PERSPECTIVE” and the description in The Revelation is “A HEAVENLY or SPIRITUAL PERSPECTIVE”.

This tells us that the Tribulation and death is not our end.  When our earthly life ends our heavenly life begins.  We live on.  God’s plan is eternal and so are we who belong to Him.

We are part of God’s plan. We are active players, and our enduring participation assures our place with Him in the Kingdom of God.

2.  HOW WE GOT HERE

I will only go back to the time of Jesus at this point.  (Later, in a follow-up article, I will go back to the Book of Genesis.)

The period of the breaking or opening of the first FIVE Tribulation Seals, which began between AD 1 and AD 69 is also referred to as THE BEGINNING OF SORROWS or the LAST DAYS.

This period became evident in or around A.D. 1

(1)  Jesus calls this period the LAST DAYS or the END OF THE AGE in Matthew 24:3-8

(2)  The Apostle Peter calls this period the LAST DAYS in Acts 2:16-17

(3)  The Apostle Paul calls this period THESE LAST DAYS in Hebrews 1:1-2

(4)  The Apostle Matthew records the advent of John the Baptist and through this reminds us THESE ARE THE LAST DAYS and illustrates this in Matthew 3:1-12

(5)  The Apostle Peter again reminds us THESE ARE THE LAST DAYS in 2 Peter

The Bible tells about the END OF DAYS and the Tribulation.  It is important to know that the Tribulation period actually is called by three prominent, although variant names: 

(1)  The Beginning of Sorrows, Birth Pangs, The End of The Age or the Last Days

(2)  The Tribulation also known as The End of Days 

(3) The GREAT Tribulation also known as the ‘Wrath of God’ or the ‘Wrath of the Lamb’.

When people read the Bible about eschatology, that is the matters about the End Times and the Tribulation period (the books of Matthew chapter 24 and the book of The Revelation), most tend to read it as one would read a ‘story’ or a novel.  Most assume it is written in chronological order, a sequence of events, one event beginning as the previous event is ending.  THIS IS NOT CORRECT.

When a Tribulation Seal is broken, an event or a series of events occur and will last for certain periods of time.  Most events will continue until the “Consummation of the Age”.

In other words, once a Tribulation event begins, it may continue for days, weeks, months,  years or decades.  Then, as a second or third event occurs, events may overlap and occur simultaneously.

We see that the first 5 Seals have been opened are overlapping and are in progress.  This began around AD 1.  Here is the progression of the breaking of Tribulation Seals until the current time:

Revelation Ch. 6 – as corresponding to – Matthew Chapter 24

the 1st Tribulation Seal  –  Global conquest and political intrigue. (This Seal was broken between A.D. 1 and A.D. 95, has been ongoing and has been overlapping the other Seals, and has been intensifying.)

the 2nd Tribulation Seal –  Wars and Rumors of War. (This Seal was broken between A.D. 1 and A.D. 95, has been ongoing and has been overlapping the other Seals, and has been intensifying.)

the 3rd Tribulation Seal  –  Famine. (This Seal was broken between A.D. 1 and A.D. 95, has been ongoing and has been overlapping the other Seals, and has been intensifying.)

the 4th Tribulation Seal  –  Death. (This Seal was broken between A.D. 1 and A.D. 95, has been ongoing and has been overlapping the other Seals, and has been intensifying.)

the 5th Tribulation Seal  –  Martyrs, persecution, Anti-Christ, falling away. (This Seal was broken between A.D. 1 and A.D. 95, has been ongoing and has been overlapping the other Seals, and has been intensifying.)

The 6th Tribulation Seal  –  Cosmic disturbances, blood moon, darkened sun. (The Opening of the 6th Tribulation Seal is yet to come. It is The BEGINNING OF the 7 years of “THE GREAT TRIBULATION” period, also known as The Great and Terrible Day of the Lord or the Wrath of the Lamb.)

  • Sealing of the 144,000
  • The Rapture
  • Multitude from the tribulation before the Throne of God

(Click here for a concise and short commentary on Seal 1 through Seal 5)

NOTE: The breaking of the 6th Tribulation Scroll Seal will be the start of the seven years of the GREAT TRIBULATION, also known as The Great and Terrible Day of the Lord, or The Wrath of the Lamb and as Daniel’s Seventieth Week.

We are now standing at the precipice of a cosmic cataclysm which will shake and reshape the planet, disrupt the stars in heaven and cause many to die from cosmic, meteorological, geological disturbances and from fright.  This event is known as Daniel’s Seventieth Week, which begins with the breaking (or opening) of the 6th Scroll Seal of the Tribulation.

THERE IS NO WAY OF KNOWING THE EXACT DAY NOR THE HOUR this will occur, but we know the season, and we are told that we must be ready according to scriptures or perish!

3.  WHAT IS OUR RESPONSE?

Our response is to BE READY, BE FOUND DOING WHAT JESUS COMMANDED, and ENDURE TO THE END.

Our response will reveal our position in Christ, or in other words, whether you and I are truly saved.

We are part of God’s plan. We are active players, and our enduring participation assures our place with Him in the Kingdom of God.

Tribulation and death is not our end.  When our earthly life ends our heavenly life begins.  We live on.  God’s plan is eternal and so are we who belong to Him.

If we are obedient, do what He has said and endure to the end, we will rule with Him. (2 Timothy 2:12)

1.  Die to self.  Surrender your life and purpose to Christ Jesus.

2.  Follow Him in complete obedience.

3.  Go and make disciples, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that He commanded you.

4.  Do what He says and you will overcome.

5.  Endure to the end and you will be saved.

Dearly Beloved:

If you attend church regularly, pray, do good deeds, tithe your income, live a good life, are a good person, there is no assurance you are saved or will spend eternity in heaven.

The Word of God says we are saved by God’s Grace through faith in Jesus and what He has done for us.  It is not of anything we have done ourselves.

However, Jesus also says that we are to do what He has commanded, or we are not His disciples.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

PS: Also see, “God’s Plan of Perfection”

THESE LAST DAYS? – Part 5

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

LOVE WILL GROW COLD

Another sign of THE LAST DAYS is found in Matthew24:12,13, “Because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will grow cold. “But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved.”

We, the Church, The Body of Christ, have been moved so far from the love of Christ, that we cannot even imagine what this verse is actually saying and what it means.

The love between the Saved and the Lost seems to be practically irreconcilable in this age. 

While the love between members of the Body of Christ can be cordial, it is often lukewarm at best, strained and competitive in many instances and openly hostile, abusive and predatory at it worst.

This can be seen in church business meetings, counseling sessions, pastor-congregant relationships and in hushed whispers in the hallways of churches.

We have no concept of how the early church, under great ridicule, humiliation and persecution could grow at such an astounding rate.  But, it was the love of the Church for one another and compassion for the world around them which drew people, from all walks of life, to Christ.

This ‘growing cold’ is what is spoken of during the breaking of the 5th Seal of the tribulation (the BIRTH PAINS). 

Jesus says, in Matthew 24:9-12

  • You will be killed
  • You will be hated because of Jesus
  • Many will fall away from the faith
  • Many will betray one another and hate one another
  • False prophets will arise and mislead many
  • People’s love will grow cold

“Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name.  At that time many will fall away and will betray one another and hate one another. Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many.  Because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will grow cold.”

We have seen the rise and fall of Christlike love within the Church, over the centuries.  But this occurrence, in concert with the great worldwide apostasy, the falling away from God and The Gospel of Jesus Christ with false teachings, we may be seeing the fulfillment of this 5th tribulation seal judgment.

WHAT ARE WE TO DO

These can be viewed a desperate times. But, in reality, the Bible has warned us ahead of time and provided us with the means to overcome the evil that is in the world and to endure, successfully, to the end!

OUR BATTLE CRY

Ephesians 8:10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.

Verse 11. “Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.

Verse 12.  “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.

Verse 13.  “Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.

STAND FIRM

Verse 14. “Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, verse 15, and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE; verse 16, in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Verse 17, And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Verse 18.  “With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints.”

These are historic times. A great shift in the history of the world in underway. One could even accurately say, this is a shift of cosmic proportions. It is time to prepare and to act.

It will no longer suffice to continue with “business as usual”. It is time to take up our cross and truly follow close to Him!

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

THESE LAST DAYS? – Part 4

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

EARTH SHAKING NEWS

First, it means that, over the last 2,000 plus years, the first five seals of the tribulation have been broken.  This is referred to as the TIMES OF SORROWS or the BIRTH PAINS.

There are clear signs and evidence that the fifth tribulation seal is now in the process of being opened, or broken!

Secondly, it means that, according to the signs given in scriptures, that the Great Tribulation begins with the breaking or opening of the 6th Tribulation Seal.  Which, incidentally, marks the beginning of Daniel’s Seventieth Week, a.k.a., the “7 Year Tribulation period” and the “Time, Times and a Half Time” (three and one half years).

Again, This period of time, which begins with the breaking of the 6th Tribulation Seal, will reach the mid-point at the 6th Trumpet of judgment and will conclude after the 7th Tribulation Bowl is poured out.

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT

It is important because, if you, as a Christian, think that you will be raptured off this planet and into heaven before the End of Days and before the “BIRTH PAINS” of the early tribulation period begins, you are holding on to a false hope.

You are now experiencing the breaking first five tribulation seals known as the “BIRTH PAINS”, and Jesus clearly says that you must “endure to the end” in the face of these disasters, calamities, famines, earthquakes and wars.

I believe our theologians, once again, have miscalculated the timing and urgency of this prophecy based on denominational bias and have left us pre-tribulation adherents vulnerable.

It is important because,  Jesus is very clear about what we are to be doing in preparation for these horrendous events. And, very few are even aware of this assignment and fewer yet are doing them.

It is important because the context with which we see the uses and meanings of these words and the timing of these events affect our attitudes and our motivation for GETTING and STAYING READY for His return.

It is important that we see and understand what Jesus is TEACHING corresponds with the unfolding of the Tribulation period as recorded in Revelation. It will give us clear instruction, not only of what is coming, but HOW TO PREPARE for these days.

WHY DOES IT MATTER

Why does it matter “when” the tribulation starts or “when” Christians are to be raptured into the heavens?

It matters because being ready for His Return is proof of True Christianity, and only a True Believer in Christ will be guaranteed to join Christ at the sound of His Great Trumpet call and escape the Great and Terrible Day of the Lord.

It matters because being ready requires believing and doing what He has instructed us to do in preparation for His return

It matters because He has warned that “Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles? And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.’

It matters because many Christians are sitting idly waiting for an event that has already begun, and they are not DOING what He told them to do and therefore are in grave danger

It matters because some of our family, friends and neighbors are completely unaware or just don’t believe that Christ will return and God’s final judgments will sentence them to outer darkness, and it is our job and calling, as Christians, to tell them.  It is our responsibility to “sound the Shofar“.

The Bible warns that in THESE LAST DAYS, “lawlessness is increased”. Never, in our history, have we seen such a striking call for the abolition of “Law and Order”, the permissiveness of anarchy and lawlessness. We are, indeed, in a time when “Good is called evil and evil is called good”.

Go here for the final part – “People’s Love will Grow Cold” – Part 5

THESE LAST DAYS? – Part 3

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

 

THEN THE END WILL COME

Matthew 24:14  “This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.

Verse 15.  “Therefore when you see the ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand),

Verse 16.  “Then those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains.

Verse 17.  “Whoever is on the housetop must not go down to get the things out that are in his house.

Verse 18.  “Whoever is in the field must not turn back to get his cloak.

Verse 19,  “But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days!

Verse 20.  “But pray that your flight will not be in the winter, or on a Sabbath.

FOR THEN, A GREAT TRIBULATION

Verse 21.  “For then there will be a great tribulation, such as has not occurred since the beginning of the world until now, nor ever will.

Verse 22  “Unless those days had been cut short, no life would have been saved; but for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short.

Verse 23.  “Then if anyone says to you, ‘Behold, here is the Christ,’ or ‘There He is,’ do not believe him.

Verse 24.  “For false Christs and false prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect.

Verse 25.  “Behold, I have told you in advance.

Verse 26.  “So if they say to you, ‘Behold, He is in the wilderness,’ do not go out, or, ‘Behold, He is in the inner rooms,’ do not believe them.

Verse 27.  “For just as the lightning comes from the east and flashes even to the west, so will the coming of the Son of Man be.

THESE LAST DAYS

Hebrews 1:1-2, says, “God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways,  in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world.”

THE LAST DAYS

Acts 2:17  ‘AND IT SHALL BE IN THE LAST DAYS,’ God says, ‘THAT I WILL POUR FORTH OF MY SPIRIT ON ALL MANKIND; AND YOUR SONS AND YOUR DAUGHTERS SHALL PROPHESY, AND YOUR YOUNG MEN SHALL SEE VISIONS, AND YOUR OLD MEN SHALL DREAM DREAMS;

THESE LAST TIMES

1 Peter 1:18  “…knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, (v19) but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ. (v20)  For He was foreknown before the foundation of the world, but has appeared in these last times for the sake of you (v21)  who through Him are believers in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.”

These words by Jesus, the Apostles Paul and Peter were spoken (and written) in the 1st century, AD.  So, it is easy to see, by these scriptural references, that The Last Days began in the 1st Century AD – and this is earth-shaking news.

Go here for EARTH-SHAKING NEWS – Part 4

THESE LAST DAYS? – Part 2

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ 1 Comment

IT IS TO KNOW

 

“THE LAST DAYS“ – Take a close look at these words of Jesus and the Apostles Paul and Peter as they spoke of THE LAST DAYS or the LAST TIMES.

The words, when referring to THE LAST DAYS, THE LAST TIMES, THE END, which were spoken by Jesus, Paul and Peter, in the Greek language they were written, literally mean

  • “an age” or
  • “last in a series of places” and
  • “last in a temporal succession of time”.

It is important to know that these LAST DAYS are not a sudden cessation of time.  Instead, they are an age or an era leading to and END OF TIME and ultimately to the end of the heavens and the earth.

  • It is important to know that once a tribulation seal is opened or broken, the effects of that seal can go on for an indeterminate time
  • It is important to know that once a tribulation seal is opened or broken, the effects of that seal can overlap with other tribulation seal judgments
  • It is important to know that the intensity of God’s judgments increase in intensity and ferocity. 
    • The initial tribulation seals 1 through 5 are referred to as “BIRTH PAINS” or the “tribulation”  (small “t’ with the absence of the adjective “great”) 
    • Seals 6 and following are referred to as the “GREAT Tribulation” and “A time of Great Tribulation such as the world has never seen and will never see again”.

What The New Testament Says About

THE END OF THE AGE

Matthew 24:3  As He (Jesus) was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things happen, and what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?”

NOT YET THE END

4  “And Jesus answered and said to them, “See to it that no one misleads you.

5  “For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will mislead many.

6  “You will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end.

MERELY THE BEGINNING OF BIRTH PANGS

7  “For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes.

8  “But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs.

ENDURE TO THE END

9  “Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name.

10  “At that time many will fall away and will betray one another and hate one another.

11  “Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many.

12  “Because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will grow cold.

13  “But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved.

THEN THE END WILL COME

14  “This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.

Therefore…

Go here for The Great Tribulation – Part 3

THESE LAST DAYS? – Part 1

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

 

2 Timothy 3:1  “But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. Verse 2, For men will be

  • lovers of self,
  • lovers of money,
  • boastful, arrogant, revilers,
  • disobedient to parents, ungrateful,
  • unholy, unloving, irreconcilable,
  • malicious gossips, without self-control,
  • brutal, haters of good,
  • treacherous, reckless,
  • conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,
  • holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; 

Avoid such men as these.”

You don’t have to look very hard or very far to see that these verses from 2 Timothy describe much of society today.  But, it is nothing new.  Since these verses were written in the first century AD, these problems of character and behavior existed then as well as now.

Sadly, many of the people “in church” can be described this very way.  But, again, this was written to the people in the church in the first century AD, so again, the problem has been ongoing.

People who hold these view and demonstrate these character qualities always have reasons for their behavior, and they truly don’t see a problem, so they rarely see the need to correct their thinking or behavior.  This is why we see Jesus and the Apostles teaching on these matters – to correct people’s thinking, attitudes and behaviors.

More to the point, however, this is a description of “THE LAST DAYS”, and it has been ongoing since around AD 1.  Jesus and His disciples taught that “THE LAST DAYS” were underway in as early as AD 1.

Now, disturbingly, in 2020, even some of our medical professionals are advocating for a more progressive or liberal and accepting view of these behaviors.

THE LAST DAYS

Take a close look at these words of Jesus and the Apostles Paul and Peter as they spoke of THE LAST DAYS or the LAST TIMES.

The words, when referring to THE LAST DAYS, THE LAST TIMES, THE END, which were spoken by Jesus, Paul and Peter, in the Greek language they were written, literally mean

  • “an age” or
  • “last in a series of places” and
  • “last in a temporal succession of time”.

It is important to know that these LAST DAYS are not a sudden cessation of time.  Instead, they are an age or an era leading to and END OF TIME and ultimately to the end of the heavens and the earth.

Go to “WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT TO ME?” here PART -2

AND IT SHALL BE IN THE LAST DAYS

~ Michael Young, Sr. ~ Leave a comment

But this is what was spoken of through the prophet Joel:

“AND IT SHALL BE IN THE LAST DAYS,”

THE NARRATIVE

 Acts 2:5-21 Now there were Jews living in Jerusalem, devout men from every nation under heaven.  And when this sound occurred, the crowd came together, and were bewildered because each one of them was hearing them speak in his own language. They were amazed and astonished, saying, “Why, are not all these who are speaking Galileans? “And how is it that we each hear them in our own language to which we were born? “ Parthians and Medes and Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the districts of Libya around Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs—we hear them in our own tongues speaking of the mighty deeds of God.” And they all continued in amazement and great perplexity, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” But others were mocking and saying, “They are full of sweet wine.”


      But Peter, taking his stand with the eleven, raised his voice and declared to them: “Men of Judea and all you who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you and give heed to my words. For these men are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only the third hour of the day; but this is what was spoken of through the prophet Joel:

       AND IT SHALL BE IN THE LAST DAYS,’ God says,
            ‘THAT I WILL POUR FORTH OF MY SPIRIT ON ALL MANKIND;
            AND YOUR SONS AND YOUR DAUGHTERS SHALL PROPHESY,
            AND YOUR YOUNG MEN SHALL SEE VISIONS,
            AND YOUR OLD MEN SHALL DREAM DREAMS;

EVEN ON MY BONDSLAVES, BOTH MEN AND WOMEN,
            I WILL IN THOSE DAYS POUR FORTH OF MY SPIRIT
            And they shall prophesy.

      ‘AND I WILL GRANT WONDERS IN THE SKY ABOVE
            AND SIGNS ON THE EARTH BELOW,
            BLOOD, AND FIRE, AND VAPOR OF SMOKE.

      ‘THE SUN WILL BE TURNED INTO DARKNESS
            AND THE MOON INTO BLOOD,
            BEFORE THE GREAT AND GLORIOUS DAY OF THE LORD SHALL COME.

      ‘AND IT SHALL BE THAT EVERYONE WHO CALLS ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED.’

THE CLUES

1.  When was the book of Act written? (click this link for The answer).

2.  What is the context of Peter’s assertions?  (click this link for The answer).

3.  What is meant by THE LAST DAYS?  (click this link for The answer).

4.  Who was Joel?  (click this link for The answer).

5.  Where else in the Bible can we find these images of  “BLOOD, AND FIRE, AND VAPOR OF SMOKE. THE SUN WILL BE TURNED INTO DARKNESS AND THE MOON INTO BLOOD” and what do they mean?  (click this link for The answer).

THE CLUES & THE CONCLUSION

(Click this link for the answers).

And It Shall Be in The Last DaysWe are living in those days, as testified to by scriptures. Our response is to pray, stay steady, be ready and fear not! The LORD our GOD is with us, wherever we go, and He will give us the words to speak at the right time!

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young