First time frame: Beginning of Birth Pangs (1948-?): Wars and rumors of wars (Mt. 24:4-8)
1. This is the time in which there is escalating turmoil in the nations.
2. Jesus gave twelve major trends that are to be discerned and received as prophetic signs to help the Church prepare for the coming years (Mt. 24:4-8; Mk. 13:5-8, Lk. 21:7-18). Matthew gives 7 major tends, Mark adds “trouble” and Luke describes four more which are “commotions, fearful sights, great signs from heaven and persecution.”
Second time frame: Increased Labor Pangs (First 3½ years): counterfeit world peace. This evil will occur during the first 3½ years of the seven years that leads up to Jesus’ Coming.
1. The Antichrist is first revealed as a man of peace (2 Thes. 2:3) who brings world peace by confirming a covenant with many nations (1 Thes. 5:3; Dan. 9:27).
2. The Harlot Babylon worldwide religion prospers and persecutes the saints (Rev. 17:1-6; Mt. 24:9-14) leading to the falling away of believers (2 Thes. 2:3; 1 Tim. 4:1).
Third time frame: Hard Labor Pangs (Final 3½ years): Great Tribulation (Rev. 6-19)
1. Chronological section #1 of the Book of Revelation in which the seal judgments are released (Rev. 6). At the first seal, the Antichrist is unveiled as a man of sin who begins to conquer (Rev. 6:1-2). It is the first fall of the Harlot Babylon religion as a voluntary worldwide religion of toleration (Rev. 17:16). Antichrist religion replaces the Babylon religion as a mandatory worldwide religion without toleration. All are forced by the threats of death to worship the Antichrist who sets his imagine in the Jerusalem Temple to begin the Abomination of Desolation (Rev. 13:4-18; 2 Thes. 2:4; Mt. 24:15).
2. Chronological section #2 of the Book of Revelation in which the trumpet judgments are released (Rev. 8-9)
3. Chronological section #3 of the Book of Revelation in which Jesus’ Second Coming Procession begins with the Rapture (Rev. 11:15; 1 Cor 15:52)
4. Chronological section #4 of the Book of Revelation in which the bowl judgments are released (Rev. 15-16) including the final fall of Babylon (an economic network Rev. 18)
5. Chronological section #5 of the Book of Revelation in which Jesus makes His triumphal entry into Jerusalem (Rev. 19:11-20:10). The Antichrist will be defeated at the Battle of Jerusalem to end the Armageddon campaign.
a. The salvation of all Israel is after the leaders of Israel receive Jesus (Rom. 11:26).
The Millennium follows immediately after Jesus is received in Jerusalem (Rev. 20:1-10). The New Heaven and New Earth follow after the Millennium (Rev. 21-22).
Monday, February 16, 2009
Monday, February 9, 2009
Counterfeit World Peace
The second prophetic time frame occurs in the first 3½ year period. Its main three activities are the counterfeit world peace (1 Thes. 5:3), the Harlot Babylon worldwide religion that persecutes the Church (Rev. 17:2-6) and the falling away from the faith (1 Tim. 4:1).
The final 7 years begins when the Antichrist establishes a covenant with many nations bringing world peace that lasts 3½ years. When he breaks this covenant the Great Tribulation starts.
3 When they say, "Peace and safety!" then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains (Great Tribulation) upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. (1 Thes. 5:2-3)
27 He (Antichrist) shall confirm a covenant with many (nations) for one week (7 years); but in the middle of the week he shall bring an end to sacrifice (in the Jerusalem Temple). On the wing (edge/extreme) of abominations shall be one (Antichrist) who makes desolate, even until the consummation (God’s judgments), which is determined, is poured out on the desolate. (Dan. 9:27)
There are two stages in Satan’s End-Time plan to be worshipped by all nations and to rule them.
8 All who dwell on the earth will worship him (Antichrist)... (Rev. 13:8)
First, he will establish the Harlot Babylon worldwide religion as a means to deceive the nations and cause Christians to fall away from the faith. Next, he will establish the Antichrist religion.
The final 7 years begins when the Antichrist establishes a covenant with many nations bringing world peace that lasts 3½ years. When he breaks this covenant the Great Tribulation starts.
3 When they say, "Peace and safety!" then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains (Great Tribulation) upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. (1 Thes. 5:2-3)
27 He (Antichrist) shall confirm a covenant with many (nations) for one week (7 years); but in the middle of the week he shall bring an end to sacrifice (in the Jerusalem Temple). On the wing (edge/extreme) of abominations shall be one (Antichrist) who makes desolate, even until the consummation (God’s judgments), which is determined, is poured out on the desolate. (Dan. 9:27)
There are two stages in Satan’s End-Time plan to be worshipped by all nations and to rule them.
8 All who dwell on the earth will worship him (Antichrist)... (Rev. 13:8)
First, he will establish the Harlot Babylon worldwide religion as a means to deceive the nations and cause Christians to fall away from the faith. Next, he will establish the Antichrist religion.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Prophetic Time Frames
SEEING THE BIG PICTURE
Scripture describes three prophetic time frames related to the last 7-years of this age (Dan. 9:27). The last 7 years is made up of 2 distinct periods each lasting 3½ years.
The first time frame is the beginning of birth pangs with wars and rumors of wars (Mt. 24:4-8).
The second time frame is the increased labor pangs in the first 3½ year period (of the last 7 years) which is characterized by counterfeit world peace (1 Thes. 5:3; Dan. 9:27).
The third time frame is the hard labor pangs in the final 3½ year period of the Great Tribulation.
Scripture describes three prophetic time frames related to the last 7-years of this age (Dan. 9:27). The last 7 years is made up of 2 distinct periods each lasting 3½ years.
The first time frame is the beginning of birth pangs with wars and rumors of wars (Mt. 24:4-8).
The second time frame is the increased labor pangs in the first 3½ year period (of the last 7 years) which is characterized by counterfeit world peace (1 Thes. 5:3; Dan. 9:27).
The third time frame is the hard labor pangs in the final 3½ year period of the Great Tribulation.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Common Lies About Knowing Signs of Times
Lie #1: we cannot understand End-Time Scriptures or the signs of the times. Scripture was written to be understood by all. The majority of people throughout history have been uneducated.
Lie #2: some think that understanding the End-Times will minimize the work of the Kingdom.
Lie #3: since we are not able to know the day or hour of Jesus’ return, we should not try to know the times and seasons or the signs of the generation in which Jesus returns. The truth is that the Scripture requires those in the generation the Lord returns to know it and prepare accordingly. Jesus and Paul emphasized the know-ability of the prophetic signs of the End-Times (Mt. 24:32-34; Lk. 21:25-29; 1 Thes. 5:1-6; 2 Thes. 2:1-11).
Lie #4: every generation believed they were the last one. It is probably true that a very small number (less than 1%) in each generation believed this. In only one generation has the majority of God’s people believed in a sustained way (for decades) that we will see Jesus’ return. Some in history spoke of the End-Times when a great crisis occurred (but the emphasis was temporary). There was Millennial fervor for a short time just before 1,000 AD but it was not sustained.
Lie #5: it will all pan out in the end. The question is how well will it pan out for you?
Lie #2: some think that understanding the End-Times will minimize the work of the Kingdom.
Lie #3: since we are not able to know the day or hour of Jesus’ return, we should not try to know the times and seasons or the signs of the generation in which Jesus returns. The truth is that the Scripture requires those in the generation the Lord returns to know it and prepare accordingly. Jesus and Paul emphasized the know-ability of the prophetic signs of the End-Times (Mt. 24:32-34; Lk. 21:25-29; 1 Thes. 5:1-6; 2 Thes. 2:1-11).
Lie #4: every generation believed they were the last one. It is probably true that a very small number (less than 1%) in each generation believed this. In only one generation has the majority of God’s people believed in a sustained way (for decades) that we will see Jesus’ return. Some in history spoke of the End-Times when a great crisis occurred (but the emphasis was temporary). There was Millennial fervor for a short time just before 1,000 AD but it was not sustained.
Lie #5: it will all pan out in the end. The question is how well will it pan out for you?
Monday, January 19, 2009
Prophetic Signs
FOUR TYPES OF PROPHETIC SIGNS
A. Sign Events – signs predicted in Scripture will alert the Church to the timing of His return.
B. Sign Trends – in society and creation will escalate and thus signal the final generation.
C. Cosmic Signs – highly unusual phenomena in the sky, this even includes weather
D. Personal Signs – subjective prophetic experiences that alert believers to the End-Times. We do not put undue focus on them because they are subjective and not infallible.
A. Sign Events – signs predicted in Scripture will alert the Church to the timing of His return.
B. Sign Trends – in society and creation will escalate and thus signal the final generation.
C. Cosmic Signs – highly unusual phenomena in the sky, this even includes weather
D. Personal Signs – subjective prophetic experiences that alert believers to the End-Times. We do not put undue focus on them because they are subjective and not infallible.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Knowing the Signs of the Times
THE COMMAND TO KNOW THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES
A. We are now living in the beginning stages of the generation the Lord will return.
B. Many Scriptures emphasize the importance of prophetic signs at the end-of-the-age. Jesus taught more than any one on our need to discern the times. He gave severe rebukes to those who did not pay attention to the prophetic signs that pointed to His first coming.
C. Paul taught that the Church should know the times and seasons related to the Lord’s coming. He said that we are not in darkness that the Day of the Lord should overtake us as a thief.
1 Concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. 2 For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night (the unprepared suffer unnecessary loss)…4 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief...6 Therefore…let us watch and be sober. (1 Thes. 5:1-6)
A. We are now living in the beginning stages of the generation the Lord will return.
B. Many Scriptures emphasize the importance of prophetic signs at the end-of-the-age. Jesus taught more than any one on our need to discern the times. He gave severe rebukes to those who did not pay attention to the prophetic signs that pointed to His first coming.
C. Paul taught that the Church should know the times and seasons related to the Lord’s coming. He said that we are not in darkness that the Day of the Lord should overtake us as a thief.
1 Concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. 2 For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night (the unprepared suffer unnecessary loss)…4 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief...6 Therefore…let us watch and be sober. (1 Thes. 5:1-6)
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Quick Recap of Book of Revelation
The 7 main symbols
1) Dragon: Satan
2) First Beast: Antichrist
3) Another Beast: False Prophet
4) Seven Heads: 7 empires from history that persecuted Israel
(Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Persia, Greece, Rome, revived Roman Empire)
5) Ten Horns: represents a 10-nation confederation that serves the Antichrist
6) Harlot Babylon: worldwide demonically religious and economic system
7) Woman with the Male-child (Jesus): faithful remnant of Israel throughout history
STRUCTURE OF REVELATION: 4 PARTS
Rev. 1 Pt. 1 John’s CALLING to prophesy about the End-Times
Rev. 2-3 Pt. 2 Jesus gave 7 LETTERS
Rev. 4-5 Pt. 3 Jesus takes the SCROLL
Rev. 6-22 Pt. 4 Jesus’ BATTLE PLAN
5 Chronological Sections: what happens to Antichrist’s followers(seals; trumpets; bowls)
5 Angelic Explanations: what happens to God’s people (Jesus helps; Antichrist persecutes)
Rev. 6 Chronological section #1: SEAL JUDGMENTS
Rev. 7 Angelic Explanation #1: PROTECTION from judgments and falling away
Rev. 8-9 Chronological section #2: TRUMPET JUDGMENTS against Antichrist
Rev. 10-11 Angelic Explanation #2: DIRECTION by increase of prophetic ministry
Rev. 11:15-19 Chronological section #3: SECOND COMING PROCESSION
Rev. 12-14 Angelic Explanation #3: CONFRONTATION against saints by Antichrist
Rev. 15-16 Chronological section #4: BOWL JUDGMENTS destroy infrastructures Rev. 17-18 Angelic Explanation #4: SEDUCTION of Babylon’s evil religion
Rev. 19-20 Chronological section #5: TRIUMPHAL ENTRY (Rev. 19:11-21:8)
Rev. 21-22 Angelic Explanation #5: RESTORATION of all things (Rev. 21:9-22:5)
1) Dragon: Satan
2) First Beast: Antichrist
3) Another Beast: False Prophet
4) Seven Heads: 7 empires from history that persecuted Israel
(Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Persia, Greece, Rome, revived Roman Empire)
5) Ten Horns: represents a 10-nation confederation that serves the Antichrist
6) Harlot Babylon: worldwide demonically religious and economic system
7) Woman with the Male-child (Jesus): faithful remnant of Israel throughout history
STRUCTURE OF REVELATION: 4 PARTS
Rev. 1 Pt. 1 John’s CALLING to prophesy about the End-Times
Rev. 2-3 Pt. 2 Jesus gave 7 LETTERS
Rev. 4-5 Pt. 3 Jesus takes the SCROLL
Rev. 6-22 Pt. 4 Jesus’ BATTLE PLAN
5 Chronological Sections: what happens to Antichrist’s followers(seals; trumpets; bowls)
5 Angelic Explanations: what happens to God’s people (Jesus helps; Antichrist persecutes)
Rev. 6 Chronological section #1: SEAL JUDGMENTS
Rev. 7 Angelic Explanation #1: PROTECTION from judgments and falling away
Rev. 8-9 Chronological section #2: TRUMPET JUDGMENTS against Antichrist
Rev. 10-11 Angelic Explanation #2: DIRECTION by increase of prophetic ministry
Rev. 11:15-19 Chronological section #3: SECOND COMING PROCESSION
Rev. 12-14 Angelic Explanation #3: CONFRONTATION against saints by Antichrist
Rev. 15-16 Chronological section #4: BOWL JUDGMENTS destroy infrastructures Rev. 17-18 Angelic Explanation #4: SEDUCTION of Babylon’s evil religion
Rev. 19-20 Chronological section #5: TRIUMPHAL ENTRY (Rev. 19:11-21:8)
Rev. 21-22 Angelic Explanation #5: RESTORATION of all things (Rev. 21:9-22:5)
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