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The Cautious Watcher



The Prophecy Watchers have been on heightened alert for the last 20 years but history did not start when we came to conscientiousness!

In 1998, I had a conversation with my then 78-year-old grandmother about the pending global catastrophe of Y2K.  We were at my father's (a fellow Watcher) kitchen table and we were going over our preparations.  My grandmother was a spirit-filled, godly woman, but she had about her the pragmatism and practicality that had carried her through near-starvation during the Great Depression and the long years of waiting for her husband to return home from World War II.  As my dad and I enthused over all the biblical signs and prophecies, we laid out the case for her about why we believed the turn of the millennium was going to kick off the long-awaited chain of events that were going to see us going home soon.  She listened graciously.  She then said in an off hand manner, "During and after World War II, when Israel became a nation we were certain the Rapture was imminent.  Just be cautious."

I remember being initially irritated with her.  I was excited!  I wanted to GO!

For generations, we have read the Scriptures, we have watched the heavens, we have deduced the times.  We have correctly identified thousands of significant prophetic events, compelling numerical distances between dates, extrapolated Hebraic meanings from those numeric dates, and concluded that we are indeed living in the last days, but it is worth noting that at least a dozen times in the last 2000 years the Church has had compelling reasons to believe THEY were also in the last days.  Doug Woodward does an amazing job of outlining the 1666 Rapture Frenzy.  These were not Middle Age superstitious imbeciles, Isaac Newton wrote about the subject.

With the publication of The Harbinger, the discovery of the blood moons and their historical significance, and the availability of free Stellarium software the Watcher community has been on heightened alert since 2008.  As the book of Daniel has been opened, our understanding of the Scriptures of the End Times has multiplied at a breakneck speed, the Holy Spirit has poured out the anointing on His Servants far and wide.

An example of this is the knowledge of the fulfilled Spring Feasts at the first coming of the Lord Jesus.  Those of us who have been at it for awhile take that revelation for granted these days but I have to stress that a mere seven years ago even the most ardent and learned of Watchers was unaware of this amazing fact.  I was blown away in 2013 by the Rosh Hashanah Rapture Theory.

Feasts of God
Just prior to this Fall Feast in 2013, most of Watcher Community went into overdrive.  I was absolutely part of that movement, albeit on my little blog (which is also how I came to be a contributor on Unsealed!).  I could effectively compile a list in 2013 of why the Rapture could occur on the Feast of Trumpets that year.  The same held true for 2014.  In 2015, the comprehensive list was so long that it became one of the most visited blog posts in the history of Abigail and Dolley.  We so eagerly awaited Rosh Hashanah 2015, I had a countdown on my computer.  I did a great 30 Days of Birth Pangs series.  My Rapture Box was full, my unbelieving neighbor had a letter and a key to the house (in case the animals didn't get raptured) and we were ready to go!

Incidentally, my favorite Bible teacher, Jack Kelley, was sounding the Caution Alarm in 2011-15 about the significance of the Blood Moons.  I was as irritated with him as I was with my Grandmother in 1998.

As we watched that September 2015, the Lord sent the largest dust storm in modern Israeli history and totally screwed up everyone's "countdown" clocks.  We waited, we watched, we moved the countdowns... we kept looking up and then we got through the whole Fall Feast Season of 2015 and we were still here.  I do not know of a single, reliable teacher that actually "set the date" but boy oh boy we all sure did hope and pray.  It was hard and disappointing.  Many of us were in a funk for quite awhile!

Looking Up
The events have continued to unfold, prophecies are still being fulfilled.  Even the 2016 Fall Feasts presented a glimmer of hope and good reasons behind a rapture that year.  The 2017 Fall Feasts have as many "proof" texts and signs in the Heavens behind them as the 2015 Season did, maybe more.  I love the excitement, I love reading about the Blessed Hope, but I am very cautious these days. The Revelation 12 and Birth of the Child being the Church is an interesting and compelling interpretation of Scripture and is perhaps a unique revelation for such a time as this.  Perhaps, it is not.

It is worth noting that this particular season is marked with a vitriol and division I have never seen within the body of Christ and the Watcher community. One side seems to be "All In" and the other side seems hell bent on discrediting not only the theory but the personal destruction of anyone who might be entertaining or discussing the possibility.  The Pharisaical approaches on both sides have one author and one power behind them and it is NOT Christ.  Previously dynamic and diverse discussion communities have become war zones!  THIS blog was recently removed from a Facebook group that rejects the Revelation 12 Sign because it dared to mention that the theory is in play this Fall.  Sadly, I left that group and removed the administrators from my circle of friends.

This is where we must be very cautious!  No mystery interpretation should divide believers.  We must not be dogmatic about anything other than the core of the Gospel as expressed in the Apostle's and Nicene Creeds.

The thing is, the lists we've put together in all these years are STILL valid, they still mean something, just like the current signs, interpretations, writings, theories, and hopes do for a final fulfillment in 2017 do.  Friends, I have to encourage you, if we are celebrating Thanksgiving 2017 on this Earth and not hanging out at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb, that will be okay, too.


Addendum from Gary: Check out the most recent post from Greg over at A Little Strength.  He fervently believes that the alignment on 9/23 is indeed the Great Sign of Revelation 12:1-2, but may not occur simultaneously with the rapture.  We need to keep watching and looking up no matter what, but I find compelling reasons for a Feast of Trumpets rapture, so never, ever give up.  Keep watching, expecting, hoping, and praying.

Post A Comment

43 comments:

  1. I preached a sermon on this topic on 8/23. I laid out the case for the Rev 12 sign appearing on 9/23, but then I explained that there is just no way to tell exactly when the Rapture will happen. It would be nice if there was, but there just isn't. A friend of mine likened it to a pregnancy: you know the time of birth is near, but you don't know the exact date. The birth may happen sooner or later than you planned.

    I do think the Rev 12 sign will appear in the sky on 9/23. I've seen no evidence that it has appeared before or will appear again. But the rapture could occur before that date, on that date, or after that date. (I think I have seen all three of those positions argued very convincingly in the past few months.) We really have no way of knowing.

    What God has called us to do is to watch and wait. I have told people that if we live faithfully for the Lord, then if He does return soon we are in good shape, but if He tarries then we will not have lost anything. We are not going to look back and regret our faithful service.

    I don't know what this month or next month will bring. I do know that it is in God's hands, and He does not make mistakes and He does everything on time.

    If He returns soon then that is awesome. If He tarries then I'll continue to watch and wait. But I would rather take this seriously and be wrong and have nothing happen, than ignore this and be wrong and be unprepared when the Lord returns.

    Jonathan

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    1. Body resurrection occurs at the 7th Trumpet; the mystery of God finished by the 7th Angel Rev 10:7; this is described in 1 Thess 4:16 and 1 Cor 15:52 using the same terminology. The 7th Trumpet is the 3rd Woe!; the final Woe and last ! in Scripture.

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    2. Anonymous. I offer this in love and humility. It has been posted by several people on this site - other threads. The second statement regarding 1 Thes 4:16-17 and 1 Cor 15:50-52 using the same terminology is spot on. ;-) Both of these are the two most widely known and used passages that refer to the rapture, dead in Christ rise first. This is very very different event, different place and different trumpets from Rev. The first two are God's trumpet, and we meet Christ in the air - Harpazo/ rapturo. The Rev passage are seven angels blowing seven different trumpets, and it's judgement and horrible wrath on the earth. Paul says "at the Last Trumpet" in the passage about resurrection/rapture - this is the last blast of Feast of Trumpets. It can't be referring to judgement of the angels' trumpets because Revelation wasn't written until 35 years later. Paul can't be describing something that hasn't been revealed by God. Blessings. Maranatha.

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  2. Thank you for writing this article. When the rapture occurs remains a mystery to everyone but God, scripture is very clear of this. As believers, understandably, we are VERY excited about leaving this earth to be with our Heaveny Father. In the meantime our focus should remain on spreading the gospel. There is still a harvest...on this earth. There is nothing wrong with looking up to the heavens....but lets focus on the unsaved before their time runs out.

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  3. Thank you for this. Trust me. I'm going to be listening for a trumpet while I have my eyes looking up on the 23rd. The things this community has brought to light are compelling, and yes, they have ignited my heart. The reactions amoung believers to this, however, has been truly disheartening. The vitriolic division I have witnessed in the world at large has, sadly, found a reflection of behavior where it ought not be. One can disregard every ounce of research, compelling or otherwise, and still hold to a genuine unity and love for each other. Cautious hope should be the binding garment among all of us, should it not? Isn't it "this precious hope" something we all have as christians. We are saved through faith in Christ's work alone. We will be brought home together through this alone. We all have this hope-a reunion with Christ. We all long for it. Let's join hands together-all those who are seeking Christ daily-and look up. He is coming. Whether this year or in ten years or imminently. Do we want Him to find His bride, not sleeping, but brawling in the dust? Put on Love. Not the little "l" of the fallible, flawed human love. But the capital "L" of the the perfect Love that is the definition of God. This is how the world will know we are christians...and thus shine the light on the only path to salvation. Isn't this our goal?

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  4. James 5:7-11 Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned.[c] Behold, the Judge is standing at the door! My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience. Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.

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  5. I have been watching these things since at least Y2k... Even as an unbeliever, I had some interest in end of the world scenarios. (Probably from all the science fiction I've watched.) I have never seen things like this before, and can't imagine that things can go on much longer without some kind of miracle to keep the nations from ripping each other apart.

    My faith in Lord Jesus Christ has put things in perspective. Even if peace suddenly broke out now, I would know it was temporary, that sudden destruction was about to happen. I believe He is coming very soon. All the evidence seems to point to now, this year, this month even... maybe even today...

    He told us when we begin to see all these things coming to pass, lift up our heads for our redemption is drawing near... He also told us that there would be a sign of the Son of Man in the heavens... and there it possibly is on Sept 23/24... Will He come sooner? Will He come exactly then? Will He come shortly after? This we do not know... but surely... He comes quickly. Maranatha!

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    1. Yes I agree. Never seen things at this level before. Not just politics, but the wickedness everywhere. Just look at the numbers for cases of domestic violence, child abuse, animal abuse, sexual predators, child porn, human sex trafficking, murders, and violent crimes. There has been such a moral decay even in just the last decade it is absolutely heart breaking.
      Mothers finding their toddlers and young children being horribly abused or raped and killed by boyfriends/partners or mothers themselves doing this, politicians being found one after another being involved in severe sexual child abuse or just utter moral wickedness. Anyone who wants to see how bad it is, look into this, look at the statistics of cases and how much they have gone up over the last 10 years. You will cry. I did. Social workers half the time do not or cannot do anything and the children end up dead in horrible torturous ways. In some cases not because the workers do not care, but there are is enough social workers and child protective service employees to take on all the cases. They are completely overwhelmed. It's bad, so bad. I cannot imagine this evil going on for much longer. I really hope and pray it does not.

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    2. Amen Kris and Cassie! Please Father, send Jesus to put an end to all the evil in this world. Bring down all of the wickedness in high places. Do not allow them to continue in the destruction of Your creation and man. Do not allow them to continually blaspheme Your Holy Name while torturing Your little ones! Have mercy on us Lord, bring justice, righteousness and peace to the earth again. Only You are worthy to rule. We cry out to you, Maranatha! Come Lord Jesus!

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  6. The Rapture will occur before Oct 5th 6:40 UTC.not trumpets.the great multitude in white robes with palms are the ones who come out of the GT.Then The 6xth seal will be opened.

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    1. Hello Nazarene, I love this forum and hearing different perspectives. You don't explain why you seem very sure about the day, hour, minute. and also very sure it's not Feast of Trumpets. You must have some theory? What's the significance of Oct 5? Sukkot? Feast of Booths? The other two fall Feasts - Feasts of Trumpets and Day of Atonement have not been fulfilled. Blessings, Disciple4life

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  7. Thank you for this very good article. The most dangerous thing we can do as believers is to mock, laugh, and dismiss this sign. I don't want to be categorized as one of those in Noah's day when he was building the ark and preaching sudden destruction. They all laughed. The natural response is to feel excitement upon the news that your lover may be arriving very soon. My thoughts are on His return. A result is that I am watching my life much more closely. Like the wise virgins in Matthew 25, oil is in my lamp and I'm ready. If Jesus does not come on or near September 23, I am the better for the possibility.

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  8. IDK when the rapture will be for sure but with so much CONVERGENCE of events it sure feels close. The air here in California has been so bad it is hard to breathe the sun is throwing CME's that our atmosphere can't filter. Our military is stretched thin with wars and rumors of war, and with so many signs pointing to 9/23/17 I can't see how anybody can dismiss the signs. [url]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsDJ4DUQW1M[/url] For those who are stuck on "No man knows the day or the hour" watch this link. We are told to watch, that verse is not the rapture it seems to be after the thousand year reign.

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    1. Robert Breaker on YouTube has brought out a recent, (end of Aug 17) very detailed recording on @No one knows the date or the hour'. He is a true, KJV Bible believer.

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  9. That link is from Barry Scarbrough the title is We WILL Know the Season of Rapture! Bible Tells Us So! Sorry the link didn't post as clickable if admin can fix it that would be great

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  10. Folks, you're all much longer on board of waiting for rapture now as I am (according to this article and your comments). But if I read sth like "there has NEVER BEFORE been such a division among believers about thd rapture issue like THIS year" it makes me really listen and read closely. Because I surely know who the father and master of division is: and trust me, Satan KNOWS scriptures, he knows Gods Festival dates and he certainly knows the time too when he shall be cast out of Heaven... Anyway, if 9/23 comes and goes we don't lose eternal salvation, but yet I think it's highly unlikely we're still here by then when looking at this time of convergence. MARANATHA! :)

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    1. Yes that is a big flag to me as well. Before when this is the time of the rapture statements were made there was never divisions like this and another big big clue is they were all over the main media outlets. Not this time, barely a whisper of it. Who is the prince of the air? Just my opinion, but seems to be more of just a coincidence.

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  11. Hello folks, I (fellow) watchman sent a letter providing what I thought were the 5 Keys to to very, very soon of the Lord's return (for his church, His bride). I knew I would not hear back from anyone (approx 30-40 people) and those close to me in person are asking? So what am I going to do if I am here in the 23, 24, 25...

    Here were my 5 Keys:
    #1: God's Appointed Times (Moed from Gen 1:14).
    Jesus fulfilled the 4 Spring Feasts on their very day so one would expect Him to fulfill the Fall Feasts the very same way. FoT is the only Feast of the Lord on a New Moon, so there is no exact date for the Feast to begin (maybe "somewhere" between the evening of the 21st and the 23). I am leaning toward our exit at the twinkling of an eye on the evening of the 21st (3 7s) which is prior to the Rev 12 sign (for the Jews over Israel).

    #2 The Fig Tree (nation of Israel) is mature.
    #3 As in the Days of Noah
    #4 Signs in the Heavens
    #5 Convergence of all these in 2017

    Like so many here, I'd rather be excited and waiting rather than being caught off guard. All we can do is tell people. Total Eclipse (real or fake, TBD), Harvey, Irma TBD, TBD TBD...

    Lastly, my wife and I are having a celebration on Saturday the 16th to celebrate the Lord's New Year. Amazing how many of our (church going) friends are asking us about the "Lord's New Year" (aka Rosh Hashana). I see this as a last education attempt to describe the "Jewish" wedding and how the bride ought to be dressed and earnestly waiting for the groom's arrival. Especially as we are children of the light, not of the dark as Paul writes. Funny how we New Testament believers (aka Gentiles) have, for the most part, forgotten what the Bible says or have ignored Leviticus because it is the "law" book. Yet, it has become very important and a key to some of the mystery, the mystery no one seems eager to research themselves. It is there, looking at us in plain black and white!

    Great stuff everyone, onward with the "Final Countdown." 5777 just smells perfect.

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  12. Great article Dolley, your caution is wise counsel born of experience..Your recounting of past disappointments regarding the rapture is why I have focused on the events described in the Word regarding the 70th week of Daniel...these are given as a roadmap of the final 7 years with earthly events that we should all be able to recognize if we are still here.....

    Shalom,
    Sam

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    1. Is that you Sam??! I hadn't seen anything from you for a while, and so was worried for a moment there that all your pre-trib colleagues had sent you off to get pizza as punishment:)

      Kidding.

      Ryan

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    2. Ha ha ha ha! I am still here.....have been work busy, thanks! I expect to have something new in the next month or so, depending on how things are going...Blessings!

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  13. Matthew 24:14 so comes to my mind lately. Jesus himself said " And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto ALL NATIONS; and then shall the end come."

    I am NOT a prophet in any way, shape, or form...but do study my Bible and how it correlates to world events. North Korea last I checked is still a nation. The gospel must be preached as a witness into all the world. North Korea has had Christianity clamped down upon like no other nation on earth. This current crisis with North Korea is just the situation needed. Our military might will soon squash Kims regime and cause a flood of the gospel of Jesus Christ to fulfill Matthew 24:14...even if but for a short time.

    However, I sincerely believe Kim will set off an EMP from a nuclear weapon that's either already aboard one of his satellites that come up over us from the south...or he launches one and it gets through to detonate at a high altitude.

    Our country is the only road block to a one world government and an EMP would bring us down, and then Russia or China could take the reins and bring on the one world government and the antichrist.

    As a Christian I prepare everyday to be at my peak for a rapture coming on God's timing. I would LOVE it to be before tribulation.

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    1. I actually think that bible verse HAS been fullfilled because of technology today. 'Throughout the whole world' via television and internet--- the gospel is being preached. And television and internet is a witness to ALL NATIONS. The whole world. All they need to do is plug in.

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    2. Jazzy, you nailed it. Fully agreed! And think of the fact that many nations (NKorea as well) already HAD their "peak" period of spiritual awakening into Christianity in church history e.g. China with Hudson Taylor in the 19th century or the American natives with David Brainerd in the 1750s as well as India, Arabia, Africa, Russia, Indonesia etc. God has a plan for EVERY nation, tongue and tribe on earth and the gospel of grace has EFFECTIVELY reached EVERY corner of the earth today. EVERYTHING HAS ITS SEASON and there was altogether 2,000 years of time for preaching now. Time's up now, great commission fulfilled.

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  14. Heads up to all: Read Pete Garcia's most recent article.

    http://www.omegaletter.com/articles/articles.asp?ArticleID=8500

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  15. As Pastor Paul Begley would say: "Are you serious?". NOt to mean to be offensive to some who want to be a "cautious watchman", but I don't think that the wise men who followed the sign of the Star which led them to the birth of Messiah Jesus, were what could be considered to be "cautious watchmen". They bravely, not cautiously, left their country, with their expensive gifts to be given to the expected finding of the fulfillment the sign in the Heaven which led them to the right place at the right time. They knew the undeniable, indisputable, evidence in the sky would lead them to the Messiah. It was faith that led them, not "cautiousness". After all, "faith is the substance of things hoped for, the EVIDENCE of things not seen", So, with our like-minded faith of the former wise men, we have substance and evidence. Let us have faith. I believe our Heavenly Father is requiring us at this moment in this generation of believers who have like-wise seen the sign in the sky, just as the wise men did and moved in faith, to exhibit our faith as they did and go all out in believing the signs God has so cleverly and brilliantly spread out before us. After ,"faith without works, is dead", meaning, faith is acting on what you believe (as Abraham did in offering Isaac, trusting completely in God to raise him up). That's what faith is. Faith has nothing to do with being "cautious", but has everything to do with "action". Period.

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    1. @Carol dear sister: ((applause! applause!)) well started, fully agreed. Let's be FAITHFUL watchmen, not 'cautious' (I don't find that word in the bible...). MARANATHA!

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    2. The problem with being dogmatic is that the Bible doesnt say this "sign" is THE sign of the rapture. It is through interpretation of some that say that. It is ok to be cautious about mans interpretation. If God said this is the sign, then every bible teacher would be dogmatic about it but He doesnt. And, even Pastor Paul is not saying this is the date of the rapture. In fact he is talking about this period being the 40 days of repentance like Jonah, which ends after September 23.

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    3. I' m it being dogmatic about the sign in that regard. You have totally disregarded my point- Faith has nothing to do with dogmatism. It simply means believing God in a way that pleases Him. Sometimes we stand all alone in certain areas of faith - against the thoughts of men that oppose the very thing we know God has revealed to us personally. My faith in the sign in the sky isn't dogmatic, just as the wise men who followed the Star of Bethlehem departed on their journey, probably against much mocking, purely by immovable, determined faith alone. Courage isn't cautious. Courage acts.

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  17. I am prayerful. I am repentant. I am following. I am searching. I am hopeful. I am expectant. I am thinking. I am sharing. I am telling. I am listening. I am leading. I am watching. I am waiting. I am planning. I am reading. I am writing. I am praying. I am trusting God to do what only He can do.

    My family is preparing for and openly talking about the potential of going Home in a couple of weeks. We are excited and nervous at the same time. But when it comes right down to it, I believe, that the moments leading up to our being taken will be the most beautiful and marvellous experience unlike anything we have seen before. The twinkling of an eye will have us there before we know it has even happened.

    If it is the LORD's will that He tarry longer, that is fine with us. We hope to establish a new church plant hub and, LORD willing, would be most blessed to be able to do so!

    Glory to God in the Highest!

    Grace and peace to you,

    PR

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  18. Everyone, YHWH is in control and it is at HIS command we go home and HIS command Jesus returns. Jesus tells us several times in Revelation in the letters to the churches to repent and be ready for we do not know the exact moment but HE told us to watch always. Like the virgins...keep our lamps full with oil..and like the wise men ..have Faith in what GOD is showing us. I personally am excited to be with the Lord, but it is also humbleing and terrifying to truly, actually see HIM face to face
    I mean to actually see for the first time the creator of everything..MY Savior..To see YHWH as HE is ..The Great I AM...there is no division amongst us in that.

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  19. Thank you for this! Jack Kelley was one of my favorite bible teachers too. I was so sad when he passed away. I am very cautious about this sign because I fell hook line and sinker about Jack's 2011 rapture based on the 70 year generation. I actually talked about it to others, and made preparations and here it is 6 years later. Since then, I just can't commit to anyone's date teachings. It is too disappointing. Nonetheless. I hope Jesus comes soon!

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  20. Dolley - grateful and awed as usual at your wisdom and grace. God is using this time to expose hearts. The hate and division is palpable. Forever it's been hard to talk to unbelieving friends about the stone that makes men stumble, now we can't talk about any bit of God's truth without hearing discord from within the family.

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    1. Why do so many refer to the Great Sign as men setting a date? God set this date, which has never happened before. God set theate and time long ago. When mén set dates in the past it was never based on anything celestial like this sign. What did Y2K have to do with the Rapture, or any other event on the earth as being reasons to set dates in the past? They were all based on the thoughts of man and were being presumptuous towards God. This sign of Rev. 12, however, comes out of the Mind of God. He set the date.

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    2. Yeeees!!! Totally agree with you Carol!!! Thank u sister. This is so so different than all the other "date proclamations" PS: i've been getting a few clues from the Lord that this is different than any other time. Please visit my youtube (bibleprophecygirl). Im about to post a video of an awesome sign I got based on Scottie Clarke's last video posted today about an artwork.

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    3. Thanks Jazzy. God has also given me my own "personal" signs as well when I have felt the same way. He truly hears the prayer of the humble nod always, I find, answers us in ways that only we understand, just for us personally, especially to encourage us.

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    4. Carol, here's a perspective -for what it's worth. God set the date for the Sept alignment - whatever that means in itself. God didn't say it is the Rev 12 sign. There are still a lot of unanswered questions and speculation. It's based on man's interpretation of a chapter of Rev. It's based on someone's reasoning that chapter 12 is the beginning, and it's based on the reasoning that 2 verses line up, but the very next 2 verses don't apply. It's also based on secular men's understanding of years. It also doesn't fall on a Feast Day. Christ fulfilled all the Spring feasts in perfect order and in perfect precision. That's why we need to be cautious and gracious. For me, the biggest red flag of all, is the notion that it can't be debunked. I believe deeply and firmly in the convergence of signs and dates, and blood moon tetrads and jubilee years, and earthquakes in diverse places, and the increased immorality, and Israel as the fig tree, and that the feasts are given to point to Christ and they are inseparably linked to the rapture, second coming and millennium. I know that we all see through a glass dimly. Many blessings. Maranatha.

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  21. A good, cautionary article, Dolley. Many thanks. Your grandmother was a very wise person.

    Re one thing you said:

    "An example of this is the knowledge of the fulfilled Spring Feasts at the first coming of the Lord Jesus. Those of us who have been at it for awhile take that revelation for granted these days but I have to stress that a mere seven years ago even the most ardent and learned of Watchers was unaware of this amazing fact."

    Seven years ago? Actually, Chuck Missler was teaching about that very issue in the late 1970s when he was doing Monday night Bible studies at Calvary Chapel of Costa Mesa. I began attending his study in Isaiah 'round about '76 or '77. At that time, Missler also believed that by the same token, the Fall feasts pertain to Christ's 2nd coming--not for His Church--but again to the earth to ISRAEL to set up His kingdom. That seems to me to be more consistent with the symbolism vis-a-vis the Spring feasts and His 1st coming to Israel.

    The Rapture of the Body of Christ can happen at ANY time. It's a sign-less event. That's what "imminent" means. (By way of disclosure, I'm a staunch pre-tribulationist.) As for being "excited" about the Lord's catching up of His Church, I don't see in Scripture where being "ready" and "watchful" has anything to do with one's emotional state. Aren't we told to be "alert and SOBER"? (1st Th. 5:6,8)

    Speaking of CCCM (and in keeping with your word of caution) one of Pastor Chuck SMITH'S worst miscalculations teaching-wise was his apparent near certainty about the Lord's return in 1988. Afaikt, he never *said* in so many words that Jesus would surely rapture the Church by 1981 (or '88 at the latest), but he came so close to it that to this day many anti-pre-trib authors and bloggers still insist that he did, and use it as "proof" of Post-tribism, post-millennialism or worse; that "there is no Rapture". As a result of the "failed return", the teaching of Bible prophecy at CCCM dwindled seriously after 1988. Today there's hardly a trickle, if any, and Rick Warren has so schmoozed his way with the leadership at CCCM that there isn't likely to be any until... well, after the Rapture. RW is--of course--very anti-prophecy study since encouraging anyone to believe in the Rapture would adversely affect his recruitment of people into his P.E.A.C.E. plan. One of my biggest fears about the... um, "excitement" surrounding this Rev. 12 issue is that if it doesn't happen as some expect it to happen, or as some think they HEARD that it would happen, the valuable truth of Rev. 12--that it points to a pre-trib Rapture--will be lost and the study of Bible prophecy will be disparaged even more than it now is.

    Another word of caution: About "the publication of The Harbinger, the discovery of the blood moons" etc: With the publication of that book, Jonathan Cahn was instrumental in stirring up the hysteria that only served to OBSCURE any biblical significance of the Blood Moons. He's another example of someone who sold a lot of books by exploiting error. Jack Kelly reviewed The Harbinger at least three times, and his reviews were not favorable. Again, alert and SOBER!

    ReplyDelete
  22. I only have one thing to write to you.
    FAITH.
    Facts Anchored In The Heavens I hope you see it. GO REV 12!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Holy Moly - I popped in to view the comments and was shocked at the number. I appreciate the feedback and love the engagement. (Note - I never said I wasn't watching, I said I wasn't dogmatic about a particular date.) Interesting to note that the venerated, Chuck Missler has been teaching on the subject of the Feast days for decades. That does not surprise me. Whenever I begin to think myself smart, I listen to Chuck speak about quantum physics.... :) I guess my point was, the ground breaking revelation was not released to the Watcher community as a whole by the power of the Holy Spirit until recently.

    The Lord is amazing in that regard, don't you all agree?

    The greatest privilege of my life has been to study His word, to receive glimmers of revelation, and to be blessed with the ability to articulate those small items to my friends.

    Faith, hope, and love but the greatest of these is love.

    ReplyDelete


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