Featured Articles

[Featured][twocolumns]

2018: The Year In Review



Greetings,

To the churches of God that are in the United States, Israel, the severed province of Judea and Samaria, and the uttermost parts of the earth; to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

For the commandments, 'You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,' and any other commandment, are summed up in this word: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.
- Romans 13:9–11


2018 is past and 2019 lies ahead. In light of the fact that it has been given to us by God to see the next year here on earth and to further testify to the world of the grace we have received, I wanted to write to you all to remind you of what we've already seen and I also wanted to write to you straight from the heart on several topics that have burdened me deeply. The days are very, very few.

- - -

2018 in Review

We lived this past year with heightened expectation given all that happened in 2017—especially the literal, astronomical fulfillment of Revelation 12:1–2 on September 23rd—and the fact that Israel celebrated its 70th anniversary in May. In retrospect, many significant prophetic events occurred showing that even more was destined to happen in the lead up to the Church's departure. Here is a brief rundown from 2018:


January:

Other countries follow suit to move their embassies to Jerusalem

42 Jews prayed and worshipped openly on the Temple Mount

Turkish forces finally enter Syria (now three of the five modern countries in Ezekiel 38 that come against Israel are in Syria) and this happened on a day of particular prophetic significance

The "Humanity Star" was launched

The Super-Blue-Blood Moon


February:

Dow crashes 666 points and then three days later U.S. markets suffer their worst single day crash in U.S. history

Israel launches largest airstrikes in Syria since 1982

Billy Graham passes away at the age of 99 (many people have had dreams of the rapture happening not long after his passing)

The Sanhedrin begins minting Third Temple coins, which bear the image of Trump as a modern-day Cyrus


March:

The Jewish State Bill finally passed a key Knesset committee vote

Aaronic priests carry out a Passover sacrifice at the foot of the Temple Mount


April:

U.S. launches mass air strikes on Damascus following a chemical attack that left 78 dead

The Israeli flag flies on the Temple Mount for the first time in 50 years, and it was raised by Chinese Christians, signaling that the gospel has now gone around the world

Israel hosts a 70-hour long celebration of its 70th anniversary (on the Hebrew calendar) along a 70-mile long stretch of Israel's coast, in what was likely the largest celebration in the country's history


May:

Iran launches missile attacks against Israel leading to two massive waves of airstrikes in retaliation

The U.S. embassy opens in Jerusalem on the 70th anniversary of Israel's reestablishment as thousands storm the Gaza border


June:

President Erdogan of Turkey becomes dictator

Anthony Kennedy retires from SCOTUS (the deciding vote on social issues)


July:

The Jewish State Bill becomes permanent law, signaling the restoration of Israel's covenanted identity

The world witnesses the longest blood moon of the 21st century


August:

A plausible explanation for the next piece of the Revelation 12 Sign revealed


September:

Russia announces move of S-300 batteries to Damascus


October:

A very literal astronomical fulfillment of Revelation 12:3–4 occurs

Conservative evangelical Bolsonaro wins election in Brazil promising to move the Brazilian embassy to Jerusalem


November:

Prosperity "prophets" proven wrong as Democrats sweep to power in Congress in historic U.S. midterms

Emmanuel Macron's 10-nation military alliance in Europe goes online


December:

The Yellow-Vest Movement explodes in Europe as Macron goes into hiding

Aaronic priests, in conjunction with the Sanhedrin, dedicate the main Third Temple altar and offer the daily oblation upon it (per Exodus 29), but the altar and menorah fires kept mysteriously going out!

Finally, Trump announces a sudden and unexpected removal of all U.S. forces from Syria, leaving Russia, Turkey, and Iran; not only does this leave three of the five bad actors in Ezekiel 38 to their own devices, but can you see any prophetic hint in this news? You know, like a "trump" signaling a sudden and unexpected removal of the good guys from the battlefield, leaving Israel's enemies free to attack?

- - -

Theoretical Timelines in Light of the Revelation 12 Sign

With 2018 behind us it feels like we're entering the red zone, a period of roughly 2.5 years within which our Blessed Hope may come if all things are to be fulfilled (including Christ's second coming) by Israel's 80th birthday (2028; see Ps. 90:10). That may be far more than speculative conjecture if a solid biblical case can be made that the fig tree, is, in fact, a symbol of national Israel as I argue here. We should also keep in mind that there is scant biblical evidence one way or the other if a gap in time occurs between the rapture and the onset of Daniel's 70th Week. We should always live with the expectation and understanding that the Tribulation is "Christmas" and the rapture is "Thanksgiving". Since we're already seeing so many Christmas decorations pointing to the nearness of the Tribulation, how much closer must we be to Thanksgiving?

There are now only six Tribulation timelines that make any sense to me in light of dispensationalism, the Revelation 12 Sign, the reestablishment of Israel, and all the myriad of signs we've seen in the past several years. And since I know God's word is literal truth, there's little doubt in my mind that all this longing and expectation and all these God-given signs are proof-positive that we will see Christ with our own eyes very soon. These are the last several years. You will see it. Your children will see it. The apostles and earliest Christians longed to see these days and we are the ones to see it. As we wait these final days, weeks, and months, I'm reminded that Peter, Paul, Priscilla and Aquila, Timothy and Titus, James and John, Lydia, Mary, Martha, and many others have waited a far longer time.

And in terms of prophetic years of 360-days each (a counting of time used in Genesis, Daniel, and Revelation) all of these timelines occur more than 2,000 years after the beginning of the Church Age circa 33 AD.

Here are what I consider to be the final timelines with a few reasons given for each. These are separated into "red zone" and "terminal zone". We are now in the red zone and I believe the rapture will happen in this zone. That being said, if my understanding of "all these things fulfilled" or the length of a generation is off, then I would fully expect the rapture to occur in the terminal zone and no later.


RED ZONE

2019–2026

  • The Revelation 12 Sign was a two-year warning (about the length of time of the Bethlehem Star events in 3–2 BC).
  • There is little or no gap between the rapture and the 70th Week.
  • The Trump-Kushner peace plan is intricately connected with the final confirmation of the covenant in Daniel 9:27 (which must be strengthened for seven years after we're gone).
  • Revelation 12:1–2 in 2017; Revelation 12:3–4 in 2018; Revelation 12:5 in 2019? One year between each?
  • The culmination of the Revelation 12:3–4 Sign in 2018 marked the roughly one-year warning rather than the Sign of the Woman.


2020–2027

  • A very nice and even range on the Gregorian calendar used by virtually all Gentiles.
  • Christ's return would be in the 80th year of the Mandate on Palestine.


2021–2028

  • A possible seven years of plenty and seven years of famine template with 2014 marking the beginning phase (the first Blood Moon and global reemergence from the Great Recession).
  • The Revelation 12 Sign thus occurs in the middle of the seven years of plenty and the heavenly signs occur roughly 3.5 years before their actual fulfillment.
  • Christ returns in Israel's 80th year, which might also be exactly 2,000 years from Christ's declaration of Jubilee at the beginning of His ministry circa 28 AD.
  • 2028 is the last possible year for "all things" to be fulfilled within one biblically-defined generation of the fig tree branch becoming tender (the reemergence of national Israel).


TERMINAL ZONE

2023–2030

  • All of the events in Revelation 12 and the labor pains described in the Olivet Discourse would be fulfilled within 80 years of Israel's reestablishment, but not the second coming.
  • The Tribulation would begin around Israel's 75th anniversary, an "average" generation between 70 and 80 years, and the age at which Abraham was when he departed from Haran to Canaan.
  • While I don't personally find the evidence compelling, some have argued that 30 AD was a plausible year for the crucifixion, thus 2030 would be exactly 2,000 solar years later.


2024–2031

  • The second seven years of plenty and seven years of famine template. 2017 and the Revelation 12 Sign would have then demarcated the beginning of the seven years of plenty and served as a seven year warning.
  • The Great American Eclipse: Part II, which traverses the entire country again from the opposite angle. The two historic eclipses across the head Gentile nation highlight both the seven years of plenty, but also the subsequent judgment on all nations.
  • Trump/Pence ("Trumpets") was inaugurated in January 2017, who brings God-given reprieve to the Church and world economy for a time (thus another reason 2017 could have been the beginning of seven years of plenty).
  • 31 AD is seen by some as the date of the crucifixion.


2025/26–2032/33 "The Terminal Timeline"

  • The last possible range in my view (now only six or seven years away!)
  • 32 and 33 AD were the likeliest years of the crucifixion (33 if you favor a Friday crucifixion or 32 a Wednesday or Thursday). Thus one of those years will likely be the true 2,000 year delineator of the Church Age.
  • It will begin when Israel is 77 or 78 years old (within a biblical generation) and conclude when Israel is 84 or 85.
  • The Revelation 12 Sign may have been a seven-year warning of the rapture if there is a one or two year gap between the rapture and the Tribulation; or perhaps a more general mega-sign that the Day of the LORD is at hand and we're truly living in the final few years.

- - -

Rightly Dividing (Again)

I wanted to do a full follow-up on Stephanie's excellent article on "Rightly Dividing," but as the time came to write it I instead felt a different conviction: not just to argue a side, but to discuss the Christian community's need to exemplify brotherly love and faithful devotion.

Is this topic important? Yes, if the gospel itself is called into question, but No, if all sides can properly define the gospel. For the most part (outside of the Hebrew Roots Movement within the prophecy community) both sides seem to be in agreement:

1. Christ died for our sins.

2. He rose again.

3. If we have genuine faith in Him, even without works, we will be saved.

We need, above all else, to love one another and extend fellowship even when views don't perfectly align.  If we can't do that then what good is our faith?  How will the world know who we are?

By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.
- John 13:35


No one is converted by wise words, perfect doctrine, or persuasive speech.  People are moved to faith when they see Christians living lovingly and authentically, testifying openly of their brokenness, and pursuing the lost with humility.

But on the topic at hand, I do want to express a few thoughts and concerns I have with some of those who have sided with Mid- or Post-Acts dispensationalism with militancy against their brothers and sisters in Christ who disagree:


1. Both sides desire to "rightly divide," which is why labels can do more harm than good. It isn't that those who disagree with E.W. Bullinger's unique views on dispensationalism want to muddy the waters and not rightly divide. Rather, we believe he wrongly divided in some particular ways, so we believe "rightly dividing" necessarily leads to traditional or classical dispensationalism. And a key division we make that differs from ultra-dispensationalism is that the Church began on Pentecost, not Mid- or Post-Acts.


2. Works were never the basis for salvation in a previous dispensation nor will they be the basis in the future. This is a major point I want to raise. You can argue both ways until you are blue in the face, but sola fide is a central theme found in Genesis all the way through Revelation. From Abraham whose faith was counted as righteousness, to David who broke the Law and did not pay its due penalty (death)—the multiple death-deserving lawbreaker whom God established an everlasting covenant with!; from righteous Abel who brought an acceptable blood sacrifice, to the High Priest Joshua whom God clothed in His own righteousness in Zechariah 3; and from the prostitute Rahab and the Gentile Namaan to the Prophet Habakkuk whose declaration "the just shall live by his faith" formed the very basis of Paul's explanation of salvation through faith alone in Romans.

Why was the Law given and why the focus on works in the Old Testament and the gospels? Here is the answer:

Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin.
- Romans 3:19–20


  • The Law only speaks to those under it.  It is holy and good and true, but we are not under it (Rom. 3:31; 6:14).
  • It makes the whole world accountable to God, because its stringent requirements are such that not even one person will be declared righteous by obeying it.
  • The Law makes us conscious of our sin.


To say that works are the basis of salvation in a previous dispensation or in a future dispensation is in effect to state that only Church Age Christians will be saved, because the Bible is repeatedly and emphatically clear that no one has or ever will be justified by works.  All are fallen.  None are good.  No one does right.  No one seeks God.

To say that those in the Old Testament (or those in the Tribulation or in the Millennial Kingdom) will be saved by works is to say that their situation is entirely, completely, unalterably hopeless.  It's shutting the door of salvation in their face.  No!  Salvation has only ever been on the basis of grace via the atoning sacrifice of God's Son.  See the gospel in Genesis 3–4 and Isaiah 53 in particular.



The gospel was declared to Adam and Eve beforehand in Genesis 3:15–16.  A blood sacrificethe first death in creationprovided a sufficient covering for our first parents (Gen. 3:21).  This was the declaration of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world:

And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
- Revelation 13:8


Why does Christ appear as a Lamb-as-if-slain in Revelation?  Because He was the Lamb slain in Genesis.  And in Genesis Adam and Eve lost their access to the Tree of Life, but in Revelation 22 we regain it.  And right in the middle of this Genesis to Revelation story is the incarnate Christ on the cross, who bore all of our sins in His body on the tree (1 Pt. 2:24; there's a little Peter for you, fyi!).

I'm saved because Christ died and rose again.

You're saved because Christ died and rose again.

And Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; Rahab and Namaan; King Darius and King Nebuchadnezzar; all of these, if any, will be saved only because Christ died and rose again.

Again, why was the Law given?

We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
- Isaiah 53:6


After the Fall in the Garden, no one would seek God.  No one would listen.  Everyone turned to his own way and in the end, our ways can only ever lead to death.  So the Law was given to condemn us.  Yes, you heard that correctly.  It finally made us realize that we are each accountable to God for our thoughts and behaviors and if we approach Him with labor He will accept nothing less than perfection.  It finally made us see that we need Him and this life and what our eyes see are not all there is.  We must turn back, repent (metanoia; which means to change your mind, convert), and place our faith in Him.  And only then can imperfect creatures such as we are become acceptable to a perfect God.

So regarding the Law: believe it, obey it, teach it.  It's true.  But do not, under any circumstances, look to it as the path to salvation.  That's not what it is and that's not why it was given.

Side note: I've touched on this many times before, but for those who argue that Acts 2 was not the initiation of the Church because of Peter's call to repentance, I would say that you misunderstand what repentance is.  The biblical word behind "repent" is contextual-based and has nothing to do with turning from sin or stopping sin.  God can repent (as the LXX Old Testament repeatedly shows us!).  Repentance and faith are two sides of the same coin.  To repent is simply to change your mind.  In other words, convert from unbelief to belief.  And when you repent unto Christ your sins are forgiven.  See here.


3. One of the consequences of Bullingerism for some is that it closes their eyes to the fact that the Old Testament is Messianic in nature (i.e. Christ-centric) and even prophetic of Christ's body, the Church, in places.  It also closes us off from many of the key points Christ made in the gospels and the lessons of grace in the synoptics and John.

Part of the problem is in how some ultra-dispensationalists understand musterion, that is, the mysteries of God.  For Paul declares both the gospel and the rapture to be newly-revealed mysteries, but that does not mean they were absent from God's word only until Paul wrote his epistles.  To the contrary, a musterion is a secret, mystic, or hidden thing, akin to something from a vision that is fleshed out or fully revealed later—to first century ears, "secret knowledge" that those with special spiritual insight could grasp.  Paul shows that mysteries first described in the Scriptures he used (i.e. the Old Testament) were now fully revealed in Christ.

For instance, you may have heard that because 1 Corinthians 15 reveals the rapture as a mystery, that it must necessarily have never been written about before.  That means no rapture in Isaiah 26 or 66 or Zephaniah 2.  No rapture anywhere in the gospels, etc.  But that couldn't be further from the truth.

Paul used the word musterion 21 times in his epistles and many of these usages refer to Christ, the gospel, salvation for the Gentiles, etc.  Each of these things were clearly referred to in the Old Testament.  The prophecies were clear.  Yet without the Holy Spirit to illuminate hearts and minds, men and women could never see the forest for the trees.

The Ethiopian eunuch was a perfect example.  He was reading Isaiah 53 for crying out loud, but it was a total mystery to him.  That is until Holy Spirit-indwelt Philip shows up to tell him what just went down in Jerusalem: "The Man you're reading about there in Isaiah, yeah, well, He just died and rose again not too long ago and I know a bunch of His buddies.  That's what Isaiah was talking about."

Yes, Christ and the gospel and the Church and the rapture were all mysteries at the onset of the Church Age, but they were mysteries previously described.  The prophets spoke of them.  But now that Christ has sent the Holy Spirit, these mysteries are fully revealed and we can understand them and more readily see in the Old Testament (and the gospels) where God was speaking about them.

I highly recommend this article on the topic of Jesus' message of sola fide found in the gospels, especially under the subsection "The Gospel According To Jesus."


4. Another major issue with Bullingerism is that it inevitably leads to a two-gospel view, in which the gospel to the Jews ("the gospel of the Kingdom") was a different path to salvation than the gospel of salvation or "the gospel of grace" that we know today.  I could write a whole article on this issue alone, but Stephanie addressed it well.  I simply want to point out that sometimes we attach meaning to a word that isn't there.  "Gospel," which comes from the Greek euangélion, is derived from Old English, and a more accurate modern translation would be akin to "good message" or "good news."  It is a generic term that can apply to many things, so there is no basis to assume that every "gospel" in Scripture is a different path to salvation.  Far be it from God.  Our gracious God never changes.

If I told you I had good news to share with you, would you automatically assume I was about to tell you how to make it to Heaven?  If not, why do many people assume a first century Greek-speaking audience would be any different?  The Bible mentions many "gospels" and only one of those gospels pertains to salvation: the gospel.  The good news of Christ's atoning sacrifice and resurrection.

It was gospel when Moses delivered a message to the Israelites that God had heard their cry.  It was gospel when King Hezekiah heard that God would deliver Jerusalem from the hand of Sennacherib.  It was gospel when the sick were told the Son of David was healing their countrymen in Galilee.  And it is gospel that God's Kingdom is to be imminently established on earth.  Glory to God!  But none of those gospels are the gospel—the good news of eternal salvation for sinners made possible by Christ's atoning death and resurrection.

The good news of the Kingdom isn't a different path to salvation.  It's simply the good news that God's Kingdom is coming to earth.  But the good news of salvation is that God is saving sinners from their sins through faith in Yeshua.  And this gospel of salvation that Paul preached, though it was prophesied in the Old Testament, was concealed for ages.  Yet though it was concealed, God's saving power through it applies to every believer in every age.  The good news is for us Gentiles, but also for the Jews.  There is no distinction.


5. Dispensationalism is true in the sense that God has operated in different administrative capacities in different eons and His focuses have changed (from our perspective) from age to age.  It is also true in the sense that the Church—which is composed of Jews and Gentiles (even today), not just Gentiles—has not and will not replace ethnic and national Israel.  But dispensationalism goes too far (and becomes what some call ultra- or hyper-dispensationalism) when it begins to teach that the underlying basis of salvation (Christ's atoning sacrifice and resurrection) changes with each age or that the Church is an exclusively Gentile entity.  Scripture is properly divided/handled in terms of dispensationalism when we recognize it is a theory that helps us understand God's seemingly different motives and administrative focuses from one age to the next; but Scripture is wrongly divided when dispensationalism teaches that God Himself changes from one age to the next.  God never changes.  And that's great news for everyone from Adam on.  Yahweh Himself is salvation!  Trust in Him and you can be saved!

Furthermore, dispensationalism is also true in that it teaches that the Church is a unique entity that will serve a unique eternal purpose.  It will be the first group of those who partake of the first resurrection to experience total redemption.  Jeff has an excellent series on this called Church of the Firstborn (read Part I, Part II, and Part III).


6. We all (myself included) need to be weary of intellectual legalism.  For all of my writing on the gospel and opposition to works-righteousness (behavior legalism, if you will), God has humbled me in regard to the gospel.

We all know exactly what the gospel is according to 1 Corinthians 15:

Christ died
For our sins
Was buried
Rose again
Appeared to many 

The gospel is the gospel.  It happened.  And it's the actual means through which God saves (regardless of the dispensation).  But there can be a sense in which, because of the full revelation of the gospel to the Church, we pride ourselves in our knowledge and ability to perfectly recite it.  And then we demand of others the same.  Sometimes we even add demands to it: A formal declaration of allegiance to sola fide, OSAS, TULIP, etc.  Each of those teachings are true (though I might differ slightly with the 'L' in TULIP), but to demand of others a perfect belief in everything pertaining to the gospel is to miss the point—the gospel is about what God has already done, not what we need to do.  God has been saving men and women through faith via Christ's atoning sacrifice and resurrection long before Luther and Calvin and will continue long after their works are forgotten.

Biblical faith is something of substance and conviction.  It's in the heart as much as the mind.  It isn't just something recited or memorized, but is rather something deeply believed that changes your outlook and values.  If you have that convicting faith, then even without any works you will be saved.  And there will be some like that (1 Cor. 3; Rom. 4:5).  But a convicting faith normatively shows some form of evidence, however paltry or hidden, thus James 2.

Let's never forget the simplicity of the gospel.  It's so simple a toddler can understand and believe it (my three year old son does!), yet so profound that it confounds the wisdom of those who are wise in their own eyes.  And this most simple of truths, that God loves us and has saved us, is a saving message to all who truly believe.

And this then is a segway into my final point...


7. While salvation has always been and will always be because of what our Lord Jesus did on the cross, we need to realize that some of the dispensational mechanics do change:

  • The Church is uniquely gifted with the permanent indwelling of the Holy Spirit via the invisible spiritual baptism we undergo when we believe.
  • This gift was not given before Pentecost in the previous eons and doesn't appear to be given during the Tribulation.
  • For this reason, Tribulation Saints will only be saved by the blood of the Lamb (Rev. 7:14), but their faith in His blood cannot be maintained by the indwelling Spirit.  Their faith must endure.  This is why two apparent works are added to faith in Revelation for those living through the Tribulation: 1. you must not worship the beast or its image, or 2. take its mark.  Will the mark of the beast be a form of mind control or DNA alteration that prevents faith?  Who knows, but one thing is clear, no one who takes the mark will repent (Rev. 9:20; 16:9, 11), which is why the principle of sola fide is not broken here.  Those who take the mark or worship the beast will not have faith (and if they think they do it certainly will not be the kind of convictional faith that saves).
  • In previous dispensations when the gospel wasn't yet fully revealed, God demanded genuine faith in Him, but not a perfect articulation of what the Church now understands.  What saves was still very much what Christ did on the cross, but faith in that cross could not yet be realized.  So circumstances changed (Abraham believed in God's promise of offspring - Gen. 15:6; Job believed God would send a redeemer for him - Job 19:25–27; Rahab believed in the God of Israel - Josh. 2:8–11; David believed in God's forgiveness of sins - Ps. 32).  Thus those in the Old Testament with genuine faith were ultimately saved regardless of their trespasses of the Law, but all of those with unbelief were cut off and their sins were counted.

What then of those judged by deeds in Revelation 21?  This is the whole point.  Don't be judged by deeds because your ways only lead to death.  If it were even possible, you could only pass that final judgment without faith if you kept all of God's laws perfectly and perpetually.  Aside from our Lord Jesus Christ, exactly zero people qualify.  The first resurrection is good and the second, bad.  The first is unto life and the second unto death.  The first occurs before the second, obviously, but happens in stages (Christ, then the Church, then Old Testament and Tribulation Saints, and then, presumably Millennial Saints at some point during the Millennial Kingdom; see here).

- - -

Imminence

This topic continues to come up and I'm sure it will until the very end.  Can we know the day of the rapture or is it completely unknowable?  More importantly, is Christ's appearing truly imminent?

I don't have much to say on this that hasn't already been said, but I will say this: I've seen extensive, systematic studies on this topic and the truth is that Scripture seems to support both sides.  There is a tension for a reason.  Why?  Perhaps because God, in His foreknowledge, knew that for 1,900+ years of the Church Age, generations of Christians would not live to see the rapture.  Yet the rapture is always imminent in a certain sense to every Christian, because even those who died in the first century were gathered to the LORD immediately—that is, their souls (perhaps in a similar fashion to the souls of the 5th Seal Martyrs who are gathered under the heavenly altar).  Thus the rapture is imminent to all of us.  The distance between us and Christ is only ever as long as our life in these fleshly bodies.  Scripture routinely speaks about the nearness of Christ's parousia and our being gathered to Him.  We are to eagerly anticipate this quickly approaching, but mysterious day.

But there is another theme in Scripture that is equally present: we are to watch and know the times.  How much can we know?  Well, we can see the Day approaching (Heb. 10:25); we will not be caught by surprise, because it will not be like a thief in the night to us (1 Thess. 5:14); and we are advised not to be like the one who does not know the day or hour (Mt. 24:48–51; Rev. 3:3).

Three things are clear: 1. No one has yet been able to pinpoint the dates of the rapture or second coming (as far as I know), 2. Those dates are fast approaching in our generation, even within the next several years, and 3. Those who hold to the doctrine of imminency as if it means Christ will literally come at a completely random/unknown time are mistaken.

Let me explain that third point a bit more.  I do not have a problem with the doctrine of imminency if it is properly reconciled with other Scriptures.  Certainly Christ's coming is imminent for all Christians in every generation from a human and earthly perspective.  But that's as far as the doctrine can go in terms of biblical support.

Some proponents take the doctrine further saying Jesus still doesn't know and that literally nothing else needs to happen between now and the rapture.  Both of those beliefs are plainly false.  Our glorified Savior most certainly knows now and He also knows exactly what events will transpire on earth between now and our being gathered to Him.  Here are two sorts of things that must happen between now and the rapture:

1. Anyone who was predestined to be part of the Body of Christ must come to a saving knowledge of the truth.

2. Any geopolitical, economic, religious, or societal changes necessary to bring about post-rapture conditions on earth as described in biblical prophecy must happen.  In other words, the stage must be set.  And this has been a big focus of Unsealed, to trumpet these things as they happen.  100 years ago, who would have foreseen the Revelation 12 Sign, RFID, the war in Syria, the Jewish State Law, or the dedication of the Third Temple altar?  Yet all of these things were destined to happen before Christ takes us home.

Further reading on this topic: 

The LORD is Punctual

No One Knows the Day or Hour

The Day of the LORD

- - -

Mt. Sinai

This is something that I was already distantly aware of, but a documentary was recently shared with me that seals the deal and I would strongly encourage you to watch it and share it with your friends.  This discovery is to me as exciting as Rick Larson's Bethlehem Star in 2007 or the Revelation 12 Sign's discovery in 2008–2011.  Jabal Maqla in Saudi Arabia seems undoubtedly to be the true Mt. Sinai.  After all, Paul himself said it was in Arabia (Gal. 4:25).  You can learn more here or watch the video below:


- - -

Concluding Thoughts

You are all dearly loved and in my thoughts and prayers. Please be in constant prayer with me for the building up of the Church into perfect maturity.  2019 is going to be an even more wild ride—hopefully a ride up to Heaven in a chariot of fire!  We're only getting closer day by day and God is working His works marvelously.

Post A Comment

66 comments:

  1. There a is also a possibility that His birth was 6 BC and crucification in AD27, that shortens the time we have left to 12 to 18 months to the trib!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Come Lord Jesus! Come! Rescue Your Bride! Oh Father in Heaven, let the trumpet blow!!!

      Delete
  2. Hosea 6:2:

    "After two days will He revive us: in the third day He will raise us up, and we shall live in His sight".

    That would point to the year 2033 as the year of the Second Advent of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. But there are errors in the actual years counting from Christ's birth and His resurrection due to different calendars, Julian and Gregorian.

    Where does the Bible tell about the seven years of plenty before the 7 years of famine during the Tribulation Period?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dear @Moin, IMO the 2x7 years from Joseph cannot be compared 1:1 to the tribulation as this was not an "antichrist" reign back then but rather to show Gods provision and mercy onto the whole world (depicted in Egypt) like Jesus expressed in Matthew 5:45. It also was clearly announced in advance when it would happen and how long it would last and how even unbelieving Egyptians (Pharao) would profit from listening to the words of a foreign Hebrew (Joseph) and being blessed because of him = Genesis 39:5

      If you read the book of Jasher you even get more details on the whole story: https://www.sacred-texts.com/chr/apo/jasher/50.htm

      God would still provide enough food for the Egyptians even when they failed to store the grain for themselves in the proper way = "also bring with it some of the soil of the field, that it should not spoil" (verse 9). I take that as an illustration of Gods abundant provision of grace (John 3:16) but not referring to a global brutal fascist / communist reign.

      Delete
    2. There isn't direct biblical support that I am aware of for 7 years of plenty immediately prior to the Tribulation, but some have speculated it might play out like that because of how God has operated in the past with patterns and repeating prophetic cycles.

      Delete
  3. Thank you Gary!

    You know when you have studied something forever and still did not understand something, and then you read something and it becomes crystal clear and you wonder why you never thought of that before? That happened to me today in reading your article. This quote helped me to really understand the saving grace of God for those that were born prior to Jesus. “Yahweh Himself is salvation! Trust in Him and you can be saved!”

    Awesome stuff!

    Aimee

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm grateful God revealed that to you! Amen (:

      Delete
  4. Gary, thank you so much for this overview and reminder of HOW near we are to be delivered indeed! MARANATHA!

    Just in case you or someone else might be interested, I stumbled onto a terrific presentation by Dr Stephen Pidgeon on the HISTORY OF TEN TRIBES MIGRATION today this will blow your mind please watch:

    https://youtu.be/Cneys7spELI

    Have a blessed day and here's 2018 in ONE picture (it won't get any better though) = https://www.zerohedge.com/news/2018-12-19/2018-summed-one-picture

    :-D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Annabel, just watched the video by Dr. Pidgeon (from your post on Rev12) - WOW! Strongly encourage others to watch! Thanks for posting!

      Delete
  5. Very nice Gary. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Love that greeting Gary... :) <3

    🚫 🍇

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gary I also wanted to mention in conjunction with Brazil at the moment that Bibi just visited them and are on a new friendly relation with Brazil.

      Delete
    2. One other thing about "Watching"... :)

      Many times we are to watch the signs of the times, but more importantly the watching is in the context of our hearts. So that we do not fall back into the world or it's concerns.

      So yes. We know the time is near, but but the focus is on watching ourselves...

      Holding fast to that which we have, so that no one takes our crown. ;)

      Delete
    3. On the Saudi Arabia Mount Sinai (Mt Horeb)... I have been following this since about 2015 with Jim and Penny Caldwell's work.

      They have some greater in depth stuff to show than in that video you linked. ;)

      Delete
    4. "Many times we are to watch the signs of the times, but more importantly the watching is in the context of our hearts. So that we do not fall back into the world or it's concerns.

      So yes. We know the time is near, but but the focus is on watching ourselves..."

      Yes, true dat! 🚫 🍇

      Delete
  7. God bless you, Gary. This is an important article and I know took time and a lot of heart and humility. Thank you for being a godly example to the body. I was brought to tears in several places reading this and look forward to all the ways your seeds bear fruit. God bless you. With love in Christ, Hillary

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you dear Sister! I'm considering that conference in March, btw (:

      Delete
  8. Gary, such a great article and a wonderful way to end 2018! Thanks for all you do for this family.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Thanks Gary. I really needed that this morning. Blessings to you.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Gary, thank you. It's been a bit quiet in the gallery, since we celebrated Our Lord's Birth, and your hearty article, so well done, balanced and 'of the moment' is an excellent chorus for us to join in with, Maranatha!

    ReplyDelete
  11. It is astonishing to understand how much has happened this year. God is good.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Gary, very timely to set pegs in the ground of our own understanding of all the amazing prophetic things occurring in our recent past. You addendum to Hillary's article is spot on and succinct and clear as always. Blessings to You and Yours - Sherry

    ReplyDelete
  13. Awesome. Right on. Thank you for staying the course, and sharing the everlasting good news of Jesus Christ. May God continue to direct and lead you in this. My three year old believes as well, just as I did at that age. Praise God for His incredible grace and love toward us. Your posts continue to be an encouragement. Thanks again! Charissa

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Charissa! When my son recited the gospel to me the other night and told me that he's going to heaven I was blown away. How great is our God! I bet you feel the same about your little one.

      Delete
  14. Regarding the discovery of Mt. Sinai in Saudi Arabia, yes, God led His humble servant Ron Wyatt to discover it and the site of the Red Sea crossing decades ago: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0YSrkQExLWydEhtoOTAZaQ
    https://www.ronwyatt.com/
    Disheartening that the maker of the video you posted here did not explain that as he should have, but only showed newspaper clippings about his arrest by the Saudis (they apparently thought he and his sons were Israeli spies).
    The Lord also led his humble servant Ron to discover the ruins of Noah’s ark AND the ark of the covenant (see second link above, especially).

    ReplyDelete
  15. Thanks Gary for the articles this year and for faithfully carrying out what God has called you to do. Always remember Heb 6:10. Thanks also for including the vid about Mt Sinai in this update. It's awesome.

    I have the old VHS videos of Ron Wyatt's discoveries from the 1990's but these look fantastic with the drone footage and high res. Plus I've found that VHS videos aren't much use without a player anymore! That split rock that Moses hit is something else! : )

    God is gracious and provides more evidence in an age where men's hearts are hard. I've already sent it to several unbelievers so thanks for including it... and you never know do ya when a seed sown will suddenly, through the unseen mysterious work of God's Spirit, come to life. (Mark 4:27)

    Wishing you and the team at Unsealed a great new year and blessed 2019.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Gary, I appreciate seeing the summary of the year. What a year it’s been. I’m too old and tired to particularly appreciate the speculative timelines, but admire your diligence.

    How many times have I heard Psalm 14:1-3 quoted in isolation, but it really is only half of the story. The ‘all’ refers to those who, as fools, don’t believe in God—those born of the flesh, but not the spirit—'of Adam.’ The words in the first half are so vivid, it’s easy to stop right there. But if we keep reading, we see that Yahweh takes the side of the upright and gives them refuge—so there are those as well. That’s the rest of the story. (though there’s so much more)

    ReplyDelete
  17. Thank you for the thorough analysis here. I was praying for insight on understanding certain aspect of faith, and your post did clarify the issue for me. The whole picture is more clear for me now - praise God, his Word is beautiful and consistent :)

    Thanks to the whole team for your diligent work during this year, you helped me to hold on and keep running. It was a challenging and fascinating time for sure; I learned a lot about Jewish feasts, geology and history.

    Best wishes for 2019 for the Unsealed crew, commenters and lurkers. Hold on folks and let's pray for each other. May it happen that it will be the year of our reunion!!!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Gary-

    Thank you for the year-end (Biblical event) compilation as we 'watch' with amazement (the happenings but ourselves too) and the excitement of a child waiting for their daddy to come home (or in our view, grab us out of this fallen state/soon to be be really horrible place).

    Thank you also for ALL the many other 'tid bits' as well, certainly heart-felt and well received (and needed).

    Maranatha from DC
    (where things are quiet and for good reason..if anyone is following the crumbs and recent/prior events....)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Following the crumbs and you, as many, will understand the feeling of "The Calm Before the Storm". Be Safe in His Arms My Friend - Blessings - Sherry

      Delete
    2. 'Exactly' Sherry darling...great new post BTW! ;-)

      Delete
  19. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Hey Jimboni and Sheila-

    Here is an answer (perhaps) to your shares on R12 re: an event.

    Hey folks-

    Just getting back to this trail of postings... Indeed something happened and according to LVS, God is not happy.

    This might confirm what you were told?

    Prophecy - GOD SAYS I AM ANGRY - Mt. Vesuvius About To Blow 12-31-2018 Lois Vogel-Sharp
    5min - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5ZvatjMoHo

    ReplyDelete
  21. A NEW YEAR'S STORY

    Our family was with friends last night to ring in the New Year. Little did I know that the Lord had an appointment on the books for me. I was blessed to meet a family who shared their story and need for a new beginning in all aspects of their lives.

    In the time that they shared their story, one of them developed an uncontrollable deep, irritating, itchy throat and cough. They were trembling and literally turned red looking as though they were on the verge of choking!

    We dropped into prayer entreating the Father to bring newness and restoration into every facet their lives, personal, relational, physical, spiritual...everything.

    Afterwards we went out to watch the ball drop. The uncontrollable cough never left the dining room. It was gone.

    That was just one of many miracles I experienced yesterday.

    Glory to God in the highest!

    May the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ bless you and keep you and yours this New Year and through-out the days to come. May He strengthen you in faith to be an encouragement to those who need Him most as we see the coming of the Day.

    Blessings,


    Pastor Rich

    ReplyDelete
  22. AN OBSERVATION

    Friday, December 21, 2018 marked the passing of the Winter Solstice at 22:23 UTC. Friday 12/21 was Preparation Day for the Sabbath that began at sunset on the 21st according to the Jewish tradition. Friday was the 13th day of the 10th month of the Hebrew calendar while Saturday was the 14th day of the 10th month...thus according to the Hebrew calendar the Winter Solstice occurred on the Sabbath.

    If I am correct in this then the Winter Solstice passed on the 66th-Sabbath since the beginning of the Great Sign of Revelation 12.


    FAST-FORWARD TO THIS MONTH

    On the morning of Monday, January 21, 2019 (11th month, 14th day of the Hebrew calendar) is the much anticipated Super Blood Moon, in the west, which will peak at maximum eclipse at 05:12 UTC. (That is 12:12 EST on 1/21) The Penumbral Eclipse begins Monday, January 21 at 02:36 UTC and concludes 07:48 UTC (02:48 EST). Total duration of the event calculates to 5-hours, 11-minutes and 33-seconds.

    There are 30-days between the Winter Solstice and the Super Blood Moon this season. This yields some interesting counts. If to count the time in hours from solstice-to-eclipse it is 726-hours. Total duration of the Super Blood Moon is 5-hours.

    Looking to Strong's Concordance we see,


    Strong's Concordance (G726)

    harpazó: to seize, catch up, snatch away
    Original Word: ἁρπάζω
    Part of Speech: Verb
    Transliteration: harpazó
    Phonetic Spelling: (har-pad'-zo)
    Definition: to seize, catch up, snatch away
    Usage: I seize, snatch, obtain by robbery.

    HELPS Word-studies

    726 harpázō – properly, seize by force; snatch up, suddenly and decisively – like someone seizing bounty (spoil, a prize); to take by an open display of force (i.e. not covertly or secretly).


    Strong's Concordance (G5)

    Abba: Abba, father
    Original Word: Ἀββᾶ
    Part of Speech: Proper Noun, Indeclinable
    Transliteration: Abba
    Phonetic Spelling: (ab-bah')
    Definition: Abba, father
    Usage: Abba, Father.
    HELPS Word-studies

    5 Abbá – "Father," also used as the term of tender endearment by a beloved child – i.e. in an affectionate, dependent relationship with their father; "daddy," "papa."


    THE MANGER & BETHLEHEM STAR?

    The piece of sky the moon will be eclipsed is in the constellation Cancer very near the Beehive Cluster. A group of stars known as "the manger". Meanwhile at the feet of the constellation Ophiuchus (next to Scorpius) Venus (the bright morning star) will approach Jupiter (man-child/king planet) for a conjunction that will rise in the east on the morning of 1/21 (about 0500 EST).

    All of these clockwork signs line up in compelling ways when summed with the greater witness of world events. Projecting this forward are 1,184-days to the midpoint of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, 2022. 1,260-days later precedes the eve of Yom Kippur and 1,335-days from the same is Hanukkah I, 2025.

    Potential fits for a Super Moon Rapture? Perhaps. I find the timing between Solstice and Eclipse as very interesting as well as the day counts and possible alignments with scripture.

    WHY LOOK AT ALL OF THIS?

    All of the above provide pin-points for scriptural study and how the Revelation 12 sign is playing-out today. I for one believe that the heavenly sign has been fulfilled and we are now waiting on the actual (physical) fulfillment of the sign.

    Am I saying that the Rapture will be on the morning of 1/21/19? No. 1/21/19 is a compelling date but my purpose is not to put a day and hour on the Day. My hope is to provide real-world data points for triggers to Biblical studies and your personal time with God.

    I am at peace with whatever the LORD will bring. But should we continue to wait? So much more time it is to impact our community and the world for Christ and point hearts and lives toward our Heavenly Father.

    PR

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. FURTHER DETAIL - SABBATH (DAY) COUNTS

      In an earlier post I brought-up using the Sabbath Day as a day count. If to start a count with the beginning of the Great Sign of Revelation 12 on Saturday, September 23, 2017 there are,

      1. 55-Sabbaths to beginning Torah readings (Parashah #1)
      2. 66-Sabbaths to Winter Solstice, 2018
      3. 70-Sabbaths to Super Blood Moon, 2019
      4. 77-Sabbaths to Spiritual New Year (5779)
      5. 80-Sabbaths to Shemini/Red Sea Crossing (5779)
      6. 430-Sabbaths to Hanukkah I, 2025

      If to count Sabbath days around the coming Super Blood Moon the count is offset by 70 "days" of Sabbaths as compared to counting from the Great Sign of Revelation 12,

      1. 7-Sabbaths to Spiritual New Year (5779)
      2. 10-Sabbaths to Shemini/Red Sea Crossing
      3. 272-Sabbaths to the Great American Solar Eclipse 2.0
      4. 360-Sabbaths to Hanukkah I, 2025

      This data is not exhaustive but representative of my own findings according to the time-line that I am working with.

      Delete
    2. Very interesting. When you count Sabbaths you get some very interesting numbers.

      Delete
    3. Brother Richard Faulkner--I was led to go backwards on Rev12daily and saw your research there (https://rev12daily.blogspot.com/2018/12/we-are-not-in-darkness.html) Now I know why I was led there. Because you have been alerted to January 20-21, 2019, for quite a while:

      "This 70/360/430-Sabbath Day count and offset are major reasons why I am looking at 1/20-1/21 as high watch days."

      After posting my most recent article yesterday on the same subject, I learned of Robert Breaker's video where he goes through the math related to January 20-21 and God telling us the end from the beginning.

      Your wonderful engineer's mind reminds me of my favorite uncle who I am looking forward to meeting up with again in Eternity. I look forward to introducing the two of you<3

      Delete
    4. Hi Lyn!

      I could be wrong. I could be right. I do not have special revelation on this -- nothing but asking questions, digging and making observations on known days to come.

      The coming of our Lord Jesus at His second coming must be prefaced by specific events. The coming of our Lord Jesus on the clouds at the resurrection/rapture does not have to be prefaced by anything. His coming is imminent. Thus my time-line is built on the idea that Kingdom Day I is Hanukkah I, 2025. This is a model and a method of study.

      The model provides a framework for Biblical study and helps me in my daily devotion. I like the fact that it gives me structure for study as I hope to poke holes in the model by adding scriptural fact that proves it wrong.

      Thank you for your encouragement! It means a lot. Looking forward to you introducing your favourite uncle to me and my family in the Day to come. What a Day that will be!

      Until then, Blessings,

      PR

      Delete
    5. Your humble attitude of being willing to "poke holes in your own model" is one we should ALL have! Yes, dear brother, "The coming of our Lord Jesus on the clouds at the resurrection/rapture does not have to be prefaced by anything. His coming is imminent." Can't wait :D

      Delete
  23. Compelling Indeed PR! Blessings to You and Yours in the New Year and Thank you to our Miracle Working Abba! Sherry

    ReplyDelete
  24. Every potential timeline that takes place has two very critical pieces of information that affect the outcomes:
    1: When does God recognize Israel becoming a nation according to what Jesus said would happen.
    2: Based on that date, what is a generation.

    Often times in these studied, people talk about how one person in the old testament was "a type of" another person. Jonah being 3 days in the stomach of a whale, for example, being "a type of" or parallel to Jesus being in the grave 3days, etc.
    I know we all would like very much for a generation to be 70years, but one of the more important births that took place in the Bible was that of Isaac. Isaac was the fulfillment of a promise that God gave to Abraham and Sarah. Note however that Sarah was in her late 90's before this happened.
    *If* God considers 1948 to be when Israel became a nation once again, it could very well be another 18 years before everything is done.
    A lot of this depends on what God's view is on what constitutes a nation coming together. Yes, everything points towards 1948, but if you went back in time to around 29AD and could speak to the Pharisees, they'd probably give you an interesting perspective on what the coming of the Messiah would be like too. Clearly they were quite wrong (and so steadfast in their wrongness that they killed the Messiah who showed up as a baby in a manger).
    It's good to watch, but while we speculate on how things may play out, it would be wise to remember that while we hope it's soon, we could be completely wrong as to when certain things happened.
    Yes, *humans* recognized Israel becoming a nation in 1948, but does God? I certainly hope so!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dear Neural, with regards to your question there is indeed no way God would not recognize 1948 because men can ONLY do that when HE acknowledges the time to do it. It is all and everything under HIS control alone for the exact time appointed. The 120th Jubilee hasn't ended yet...

      Delete
  25. I came across a quote worthy of sharing this morning while watching Chuck Missler,

    "Anytime you find a doctrine that partitions portions of God's word as not applying to you, be careful. Be careful."


    Source, Koinonia House

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Amen to that true word of warning: Christ’s accountability teaching to His disciples that He’s had me sharing lately on this site clearly is being rejected by the flesh... “ ‘God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’ Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil [within], and he will flee from you. Come near to God, and he will come near to you. Grieve, mourn, and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up... (James 4:6-10)

      Delete
    2. Well said by our [living] brother Chuck!

      Delete
    3. "Anytime you find a doctrine that partitions portions of God's word as not applying to you, be careful. Be careful."

      Gary, so in Christ’s love I ask that you please humbly receive our brother’s words of warning and the blessing that comes in doing so. You are partitioning many portions of God’s words, and are (unintentionally, no doubt) teaching contrarily to His word on some utterly vital matters in these critical last days: Christ holds His disciples accountable for our deeds, and WILL repay us accordingly (positively OR negatively), before all believers enter into eternal life on the last day of the MIllennium at the great white throne (e.g. John 6:39-40, Rev. 2:23, 20:4-6,11-15, Luke 20:25, 1 Cor. 9:24-27 through 1 Cor. 10:1-12, etc.)

      For one simple case in point at the moment, you have written in the past month or so that James’ epistle does not apply to Christians, but to the twelve tribes (citing James 1:1); yet James clearly reveals his words are for believers in Jesus Christ: “My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory.” (James 2:1, ESV). Note the words “our Lord Jesus Christ” - clearly, members of the twelve tribes of Israel can be Christians ;)

      Please then go back and prayerfully reread my exhortations posted on “Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth.” The Lord blesses those who humble themselves and value Him enough to spend days on end re-study His actual words. “See that you do not refuse him who is speaking. For if they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape if we reject him who warns from heaven.” (Heb. 12:25)

      In Jesus’ Name and love,
      your sister deanna

      Delete
  26. I am excited to see what happens this year as I think it will be even more intense than last year as birth pangs do not grow weaker but stronger. God's work is thrilling and electrifying to watch and as He said in His Holy Word, Israel is His battle ax that will soon crush Damascus out of existence. Praying for God's Divine protection over President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu. I pray that God will put His hedge of protection around all of us as these are perilous times that we live in as His Holy Word says. I believe in locking doors, windows, etc but only God can truly protect because only He knows what's coming around the corner. God bless you.

    ReplyDelete
  27. My heart breaks for the two women so mercilessly slaughtered in Morocco. I watched the video. Normally, I can't but we need to remind ourselves that danger always lurks and going camping without doing your homework first and realizing evil does exist can cost you your life. Satan walks about as a roaring lion always seeking someone to devour, as God has warned us.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Thanks, Gary. Great article. God Bless You 😊

    ReplyDelete
  29. Thanks so much, Gary, for this article, this ministry, and your commitment to edify and encourage the body of Christ as we eagerly await the arrival of our Lord. Since becoming a “watcher,” I feel almost desperate for the kind of information and encouragement you provide here. And as the evil in this world intensifies, the need for ministries like yours, balanced and rooted in God’s Word, will increase. “Thank you” is inadequate for the help and encouragement you provide and the sacrifice of time you give, but I trust you will finally receive your reward in full when you hear our Lord say, “Well done,” as He surely will.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm grateful God is working in me to provide that encouragement you need. I find that there are many Christians desperate for real meat, but they are being spoon-fed milk and applesauce from the pulpits. Come, Lord Jesus.

      Delete
  30. Gary, I SO appreciate your work for the Lord! I believe it is also well pleasing to Him that you would write such unifying words such as:

    "We need, above all else, to love one another and extend fellowship even when views don't perfectly align. . . No one is converted by wise words, perfect doctrine, or persuasive speech. People are moved to faith when they see Christians living lovingly and authentically, testifying openly of their brokenness, and pursuing the lost with humility."

    Bless you, Brother<3

    ReplyDelete
  31. MASSIVE SHIFT?

    Ukraine Orthodox Church granted independence from Russian Church
    Ukraine Orthodox Church granted independence from Russian Church

    Quoting BBC,

    "The move has provoked a furious response in Russia, where the Church has broken off links, deepening a split in the worldwide Orthodox Church."

    "The Patriarch [Bartholomew - the head of the global Orthodox Church] has signed what is known as a 'tomos', a decree officially recognising an independent Ukrainian Orthodox Church, in the presence of Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, who travelled to Istanbul for the occasion.

    Istanbul remained the centre of the Orthodox Church after the Muslim Ottoman Turks occupied the city, then known as Constantinople, in the 15th Century.

    The event at St George's cathedral was broadcast live on Ukrainian television."


    On reading this news I was drawn to Revelation and the letters to the churches. The decree signed via live broadcast from St George's is as a letter to the angel of the church in Kiev. For the 'tomo' will be delivered to the Ukrainian Capitol on Sunday, January 6, 2019, Christmas Eve in the Christian Orthodox Church.

    Today, January 5, 2019 (Hebrew Month-10/Day-28 of the Spiritual Year 5779) marks Va-Era (And I Appeared), Parashah #14 and Scripture reading of (Exodus 6:2-9:35) and (Ezekiel 28:25-29:21) on the Hebrew calendar. This begins the head of the month (Rosh Chodesh) and the new moon.

    More than that there is a PARTIAL SOLAR ECLIPSE TODAY! Totality of which will occur exclusively over the Russian Federation.

    (You cannot make this stuff up!)

    Sunday, January 6, 2019 (this Sunday as of the writing of this post) is the new moon (Rosh Chodesh) of the 11th month and is followed by the Orthodox Church observance of Christmas on Monday, January 7, 2019.

    According to Torahcalendar.com the Death of Herod is remembered on Wednesday, January 9, 2019 (Month-11/Day-2 of 5779). If this is true and accurate, being subject to confirmation, then that may suggest and foreshadow the return of the LORD as His return from Egypt was preceded by the death of Herod. See (Matthew 2:19-21 ESV)


    LOOKING TO THE HEAVENS

    The waning crescent moon, soon to be new moon, is in conjunction with Saturn (6th planet in our solar system) which the sun has just occulted. Mercury follows being in the galactic plane with Jupiter and Venus in train. Venus will be in conjunction with Jupiter on the Super Blood Moon in 15-days time.

    All of this is occurring 15-days before the TLE of 1/21/19 and points for potential Biblical study, prayer and meditation.

    Study well,


    PR

    ReplyDelete
  32. Pastor Rich, Your above study caused me to have an "aah ha" moment. I've commented previously both here and on rev12daily about seeing 333 and 1111 on many occasions and it was shown as time(3:33,11:11) except for 2 times if I remember correctly. We all know about what took place on Nov 11th (seismic event) but is it possible the 11:11 is referring to the 11th month, 11th day of the Sacred calendar? I have searched Strongs and read through several chapters, verses regarding the numbers and as a rookie to Bible study this has been great for me. However the fact that these sets of numbers have always been reflected as time my spirit keeps telling me the message lies within time. At least it is food for thought which means more study into Gods word.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm glad you're finding triggers for Bible study Okie!

      Here's a link to an article on the global earthquake of 11/11,

      Strange waves rippled around the world, and nobody knows why

      These numbers you mention may be dates or even intervals (days, hours, years, etc...) concordance references or all of the above?! From a Hebrew perspective, it's function over form.

      More points for study!

      PR

      Delete
  33. FINE DETAIL: PARASHAH #14

    Today the Parashah (Scripture Reading) is Va-Era which means "And I Appeared." Today is Shabbat Mevarekhin which means "Sabbath of Blessing." It is the last Sabbath before the New Moon and 68th Sabbath since the beginning of the Great Sign of Revelation 12.

    TWO SABBATH DAYS BEFORE THE SUPER BLOOD MOON TOTAL LUNAR ECLIPSE OF JAN 21

    The Torah reading for this day begins with,

    2 God spoke to Moses and said to him,
    "I am the LORD."

    (Exodus 6:2 ESV)


    The Torah reading for this day continues through (Exodus 9:35) which ends with the rain and the hail and the thunder of the seventh plague upon Egypt. Again, the reading begins with the LORD declaring His name and ends with the seventh plague.

    Interesting.

    I believe the next heavenly sign to be revealed is that of Revelation 15,

    1 Then I saw another sign in heaven,
    great and amazing, seven angels with
    seven plagues, which are the last,
    for with them the wrath of God is
    finished.

    (Revelation 15:1 ESV)


    Might this be a pointer to the Church in Sardis?

    1 "And to the angel of the church in Sardis
    write: 'The words of him who has the seven
    spirits of God and the seven stars.

    I know your works. You have the reputation
    of being alive, but you are dead."


    ...knowing that stars are also references to angels, a word which in the Hebrew literally means "messenger"? Works? Many of the Church of Sardis are DEAD. Dead in their works.

    What then are the works of God? Look no further than John 6,

    29 Jesus answered them, "This is the work of God,
    that you believe in him whom he has sent."


    Believe. Period!

    Believe in the One whom God has sent, none other than Christ Himself.

    9 because, if you confess with your
    mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe
    in your heart that God raised him
    from the dead, you will be saved.

    10 For with the heart one believes
    and is justified, and with the
    mouth one confesses and is saved.

    (Romans 10:9-10 ESV)

    Christ's words continue through His Revelation to the church in Sardis,

    2 Wake up, and strengthen what remains and
    is about to die, for I have not found your
    works complete in the sight of my God.

    3 Remember, then, what you received and heard.
    Keep it, and repent. If you will not wake up,
    I will come like a thief, and you will not
    know at what hour I will come against you.

    (Revelation 3:2-3 ESV)


    Do we not see the Church of Sardis in our modern day? Hmmm...


    If we are on the eve of the resurrection/rapture then these Torah readings make good sense in light of current events. Even the heavens bear witness as the day after Parashah #14 is the celebration of the Orthodox Christmas, the Eve of which falls on the day that the angel (messenger) of the Church in Kiev will deliver the declaration blessing the split of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church form the Russian Orthodox Church -- all under the light of the eclipsed SUN over the Russian Federation.

    ReplyDelete
  34. A FINAL COMMENT

    I mentioned that Parashah #14 falls two (2) Sabbath days before the TLE of 1/21/19. Why? Something in me keeps going back to Jesus' visit to Samaria and the woman at the well. How many days did He stay with them in Samaria?

    Two.

    The Lord Jesus let His Peace rest upon the people of Samaria, near a field that Jacob had given his son Joseph and the town called Sychar...near the place of Jacob's well.

    These intervals are interesting as another one comes to mind. How many days was Jonah in the heart of the sea? Three. How many days was Jesus in the heart of the earth? Three. How many days was Saul blinded in darkness? Three.

    So literally, after three (3) days each were *born*, *raised* or *resurrected* into the light and new life.

    Following me so far?


    SOME BASIC MATH

    If to compare days to years we see three (3) days of Hebrew years being,

    3 X 360 = 1080

    Saturday, September 23, 2017 - 1080-days = Thursday, October 9, 2014

    **Note: Keep in mind the Hebrew day begins with sunset of the previous Gregorian calendar day. So the 23rd of September may be considered as begun on the evening of 9/22.


    October 8, 2014 — Total Lunar Eclipse


    This total lunar eclipse occurred on October 8, 2014. It was visible from North America, parts of Australia, China and Japan. Parts of South Asia, and Eastern Europe saw a partial eclipse. The penumbral phase of the eclipse began at 8:17 AM (08:17) UTC on October 8, 2014 and the eclipse ended at 1:32 PM (13:32) UTC the same day. The Moon was totally eclipsed (totality) for about 58 minutes.

    This was also a good time to see the Draconid meteor shower, which was expected to peak on October 8-9, 2014.


    What? This was during the PEAK OF THE DRACONID METEOR SHOWER?! (As in the one we JUST witnessed as the sign of the dragon?)

    This Oct 8 eclipse was the SECOND (2nd) in the latest tetrad, a series of four consecutive total lunar eclipses in 2014 – 2015...ALL OF WHICH FELL ON JEWISH FEAST DAYS. THIS BLOOD MOON / TOTAL LUNAR ECLIPSE OCCURRED ON THE EVE OF SUKKOT, 2014!!!

    Catch the number two?

    Three (3) *days* of years (1080-days) of darkness later and we were delivered to the birth of the Great Sign of Revelation 12!!!

    Second Blood Moon of the Tetrad AND it is tied DIRECTLY to the number three (3)!!

    Does your brain hurt yet? Mine sure does!


    Glory in the Highest to the LORD God Almighty.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Brain hurting - I ran out of fingers and toes to calculate so going to make some notes. Great work Pastor Richard, Thanks. Blessings all - Sherry

    ReplyDelete
  36. Great post Gary! ...and a nice summary of 2018. I would like to add a supporting reason (below) to your 2019-2026 timeline consideration. I don't know if it's fact, but I've heard it commonly taught that Daniel's 70th week must match the proper metonic lunar cycle, in order to line up with the remaining three Feasts.

    The 7 year period of 2019-2026 is one of "86 moons" which supports the Daniel 12:11 prophecy of day 1290 falling on Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement, 2026), exactly 2,550 (1,260+1,290) days from Feast of Trumpets (1 Tishrei, 2019), fulfilling the Fall feasts in order (Trumpets/Atonement/Tabernacles).

    Blessings,
    Humble Servant

    ReplyDelete
  37. “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

    I am the resurrection and the life.

    I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.

    For I did not speak on my own initiative, but the Father Himself who sent me has given me a commandment as to what to say and what to speak.

    For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, to testify to the truth.

    Everyone who is of the truth hears MY voice.

    But because I speak the truth, you do not believe me.

    I have come as Light into the world, so that everyone who believes in me will not remain in darkness.

    Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it.

    For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.

    When the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, that is the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify about me.

    He who believes in me, does not believe in me but in Him who sent me.

    Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”

    ReplyDelete


Recommended

[Top Post][grids]

World News

[Top World News][bleft]

Highlights

[Highlights][twocolumns]

Bible Study

[Bible Study][list]

Astronomy

[Astronomy][bleft]

Politics

[Political][twocolumns]

Wolf Watch

[Wolves][bsummary]

Birth Pangs

[Birth Pangs][bleft]

Archaeology

[Archaeology][twocolumns]

Science

[Top Science][list]

In-Depth Articles

[In-Depth][bleft]