Friday, May 6, 2011

Rapture Reminder

Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.
Matthew 24:32-34

In my last post I ended with this statement, "Jesus is coming soon!  I just don't know when and neither does anyone else.  Yet, with the clear authority of the prophetic word behind me, I can tell you that it is soon, very soon!"  "What is it that makes you so sure," you might ask?  In Jesus' same sermons where He stated that you would not know the exact date He outlined the broader season of His return.  In other words, while no one can know the exact day, month, or year, it is possible to discern that His coming is near without setting a specific time.  There are several key indicators that let all believers know to be ever vigilant.  The bridegroom is coming so keep oil in your lamp.

 The anniversary of the chief beacon illuminating Christ's nearing return is just a few days away.  Israel will be celebrating its 63 birthday.  The reformation of the nation of Israel after being dispersed for over two millennia is the greatest evidence that we are in the latter days.  What a miracle!  No other nation has ever been crushed like Israel was and later returned to their historic homeland just as the scriptures said would happen.  Most Bible teachers will concur that this sign is the starting of the countdown to Christ's inevitable return. This extraordinary event took place on May 14, 1948.  America, a Christian nation, was the very first to recognize the fledgling country that was immediately attacked by its Arab neighbors.  The overwhelming odds at which they have won every war since then is a sign of divine care and another warning that God is bringing His end time scenario to fruition.  

Consider that 10 tribes were first carried away by the Assyrian Kings Tigath-Pilesar and Shalmaneser V in 732 BC and 722 BC respectively.  Yet, remnants of those "lost tribes" are now returning just as scripture predicted.  They are coming form China, India, Ethiopia and a host of other nations, but they are coming back.  Judah, or the Southern Kingdom, was carried away by the Babylonians and their capital, Jerusalem, was sacked in 597 BC.  Some seventy years later, Judah returned to its homeland only to be dispersed again by Roman Legions in 70 AD.  There has been no Israel nor Judah for nearly 2000 years.  More importantly, Israel became a nation again on the exact day as foretold in Bible prophecy.



There are so many signs showing the coming of Christ that it would be impossible to list them all, so here are just a few dealing specifically with Israel itself.  Not only would the nation of Israel be restored, but also the lost language of Hebrew would be restored as well according to Zephaniah 3:9.  Ezekiel discussed in chapter 36 that the land that had been barren without the people of the promise would bloom, prosper, and thrive.  Look at the green in the Negev in the photo below and you can clearly make out the green borders of Israel from the surrounding nations.  Isaiah also mentioned that the desert, the Negev, would blossom like a rose.  Israel, is one of the chief exporters of roses in the world--want to guess where they grow?  Here is a quote from flowers-israel.net, "During the past, when people think of Israel, they usually see the image of Christ and a hot desert. However, recently, this is not what the country is perceived by other people. When they hear the country being mentioned in conversations, the image that comes to their minds are flowers. The reason for this is that the country is a known flower exporter."  



If I tell you every sign of Christ's return now, there would not be a need to have a blog showing the nearness of His coming, so I guess we will look at the huge number of signs that reveal Jesus is Soon2Come in other posts.  One of them is definitely false prophets who try to predict actual dates for His return.  Don't be deceived either way.  He is coming so be ever watching.  Just don't join with those who are in error as to a specific time. 

For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.    
Matthew 24:24

1 comment:

  1. It's so exciting to see the Father's plan all coming together, and actually seeing prophecy being fulfilled in our lifetime. These are exciting times as well as perilous times. It just depends on when you get up in the morning what you want to focus on.A good tip is turn the news off and the Bible on, to keep focusing on the excitement without being distracted by the perilous.

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