How Close Are We?

The following are just some of the prophecies of the last days, before Messiah comes again. These can be found in Chuck Smiths booklet "101 Last Days Prophecies" (Chuck Smith is the founder of Calvary Chapel, a non-denominational Church with locations throughout the world):.

[u][b][color=0033FF]How close are we to the rapture?[/color][/b][/u]

Some of the prophecies of the Last days

False Bible teachers would bring in heresies, have many followers, and cause others to reject God’s Word (2 Peter 2:1-2). It is very common to find people who REJECT THE BIBLE OUT OF HAND BECAUSE THEY HAVE HEARD IT MISREPESENTED BY A FALSE TEACHER.

Literal Babylon (formerly called Babel-Genesis 10:10) would reemerge in the land of Shinar-known today as Iraq (Zechariah 5:11; Isaiah 13). Saddam Hussein spent over 20 years rebuilding the city of Babylon. Today, with Saddam’s regime overthrown, the international community is rebuilding Iraq. Also, the United State is secretly building an “Embassy”, the largest in the world consisting of 21 buildings on 104 acres. This is a veritable city, with it’s own defense, and fully contained. It will be completed in 2007. See: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/12319798/

In the last days, the WICKED WOMAN would go out over the face of the whole earth. She would be associated with a global curse. Her final destination would be Babylon-in the land of Shinar (Zechariah 5). Interestingly, the APPARATION OF MARY claims she will soon travel through the entire world saving those who look to her.

Mankind would be capable of destroying all life (Matthew 24:21-22). Consider that when Jesus made this prophecy the armaments of His day were swords and spears. But today, with nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons, it is possible to wipe out all flesh on planet earth.

The use of nuclear weapons anticipated (Zechariah 14:12). The neutron bomb melts (dissolves) it’s victims-just as God warned 2,500 years ago—“Their flesh shall dissolve while they stand on their feet, Their eyes shall dissolves in their sockets, and their tongues shall dissolve in their mouths”. This was unimaginable in Zechariah’s day.

There would be a move toward global government (Daniel 2:40-44; 7:23; Revelation 13:7-8). The former Roman Empire- which encompassed present day Europe would revive and eventually dominate the world. The European Union has steadily moved forward in its attempt to unite Europe politically and economically. It has succeeded in creating a European parliament, a court, and a common currency, and contemplates creating its own military.

Marriage would be forbidden by many (1 Thes 4:3)
The Bible states that marriage is honorable among all and the bed undefiled (Hebrews 13:4). Despite this, the Roman Catholic Church forbids their 400,000 priests and 800,000 nuns and numerous bishops, cardinals, and monks from marrying. The Orthodox Church, as well as Hindus, Buddhists, and other religious groups also impose mandatory celibacy for certain orders.

Deceptive signs and wonders would abound (Matthew 7:22-23; 24:24; 2 Thess 2:9). The signs and wonders movement has swept the globe in recent years replacing the Word of God, the Bible. Experiences that feed the senses in the name of Christ are drawing away millions.

Men would be lovers of themselves (2 Timothy 3:1-2). This generation, like no other, regards self above all else. Self-love, self-esteem, self-gratification, are encouraged by the media, schools, psychologists, etc. In contrast, Jesus taught self-denial. Even many churches today preach a “feel good about yourself” message.

Youth would become increasingly rebellious (2 Timothy 3:2-3; Mark 13:12).

Humanity would become increasingly materialistic and lovers of pleasure (2 Timothy 3:1-5). No generation in history has had so many means t entertain and arouse the senses. Every imaginable hedonistic pleasure is available and has become big business.

Jesus said Christians would be hated for His name’s sake (Luke 2`:17; Revelation 6:9-11; 20-4). The banning of the Bible, prayer, the Ten Commandments, nativity scenes, Christian songs, etc., reflects this trend. Also consider that more Christians were martyred during the past century than during all of history.

Homosexuality would be flaunted at the end of the age. Jesus warned that the last days would be like the days of Lot- who lived in wicked Sodom (Luke 17:28-30). We know that the root of Sodom’s sin was pride and complacency (Ezekiel 16:49)- as it is today. However, Sodom’s lasting infamy stemmed from their aggressive homosexual sin (Genesis 19; Jude 1:7). Today, the homosexual agenda is flaunted and forced upon our entire society.

Substantial wealth and luxuries forseen (James 5:1-3); Revelation 3:17; Revelation 18). It is interesting that 40 years ago some authorities predicted that the growing mass of humanity was so quickly depleting the earth’s resources, that they would be exhausted in a few decades. Yet today, vast material wealth and luxuries are in abundant supply-just as the Bible anticipated 2000 years ago.

Apsotasy would occur just before the Antichrist is revealed (2 Thess 2:3). Increasingly, experience-based Christianity is replacing the Bible as the standard for saving faith. The ecumenical movement is striving for unity at the expense of truth. Christ’s exclusive claims are negated in the name of tolerance.

There would be a move towards a one-world religion (Revelation 13:8, 12; Revelation 17). Today, as never before, we are witnessing religions joining hands in the name of peace and tolerance.

Some would say that Christ is in the “secret chambers’ or “inner rooms” in the last days (Matthew 24:26). According to the ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, Christ is in the inner rooms of hundreds of thousand of ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCHES- either in Eucharistic tabernacles or Monstrances.

Jesus also warned that deception would be accompanied by great signs and wonders (Matthew 24:23-27). Currently Eucharistic miracles are reported around the globe.

A WOMAN, an imposter, would call herself “queen” and head the global counterfeit church in the last days (Revelation 17:9, 18). The QUEEN OF HEAVEN is considered the MOTHER OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH which has it’s headquarters in the Vatican, situated on seven hills. The Catholic Encyclopedia states: “It is within the city of Rome, called the city of seven hills, that the entire area of Vatican State proper is now confined.

In the last days, the WICKED WOMAN would go out over the face of the whole earth. She would be associated with a global curse. Her final destination would be Babylon-in the land of Shinar (Zechariah 5). Interestingly, the APPARATION OF MARY claims she will soon travel through the entire world saving those who look to her.

Epidemic drug use forseen (Revelation 9:21). The Greek word translated sorceries is pharmakeia which can also refer to drug use and mind altering drugs. The use of illegal drugs and the dispensing of mind altering drugs has risen sharply during our current generation.

Sorceries- referring to witchcraft, magic, or occult practices used to enchant and deceive- are also anticipated in the last days (Revelation 9:21; 18:23; 21:8; Isaiah 47:9-15; Micah 5:10-15). Today, interest in the occult is flourishing.

Preparations for a global war anticipated (Joel 3:9-14; Matthew 24:22; Revelation 16:14). Never in history have so many Nations stockpiled weapons of mass destruction.

Many would call themselves the Christ (Matthew 24:5). Jesus was an itinerate preacher who never traveled outside the tiny nation of Israel and He had the audacity to say that many would come in His name, claiming to be the Christ. Today, multitudes within the New Age Movement, Eastern Religions, and the cults call themselves the Christ. This is another incredible prophecy!

Despite the Bible’s numerous warnings and last days prophecies, many people would be taken off guard when these events culminate (Luke 21:34-36; 1 Thess 5:2-6)

[u][b][color=0033FF]Let us all take heed, because the time is near![/color][/b][/u]

God bless,

Stever

_________________
Bond Servant

Stever posts:

Christ spoke of the signs that would precede his 2nd coming to the earth. This prophecy was given to the Jews, to Israel and not the Christian Church. God in His foreknowledge knew that the Jews would reject Christ and crucify Him. This Prophecy is given to them because non-believing Jews, as well as all non-believing Gentiles will go though the Great Tribulation:

Luke 21:7-28

7. And they asked him, saying, Master, but when shall these things be? and what sign will there be when these things shall come to pass?
8. And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them.
9. But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by.
10. Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom:
11. And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.
12. But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake.
13. And it shall turn to you for a testimony.
14. Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer:
15. For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.
16. And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death.
17. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake.
18. But there shall not an hair of your head perish.
19. In your patience possess ye your souls.
20. And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh.
21. Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto.
22. For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.
23. But woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck, in those days! for there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people.
24. And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.
25. And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;
26. Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.
[b][color=0033FF]And then shall THEY see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. [/color][/b]

28.\tAnd when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.

[b][color=0000FF]The Saints will come with Him at this second coming. The Saints are all of the believers that have been raptured before the Tribulation, and went to heaven to be with Him during this 7 year period that is designed for a non-believing, Christ hating and Christ rejecting world: [/color][/b]

Zechariah 14:1-21 tells us of this day, the 2nd coming, when all of His Saints (that’s us) come with Him:

1. Behold, the day of the Lord cometh, and thy spoil shall be divided in the midst of thee.
2. For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle; and the city shall be taken, and the houses rifled, and the women ravished; and half of the city shall go forth into captivity, and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city.
3. Then shall the Lord go forth, and fight against those nations, as when he fought in the day of battle.
4. And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south.
5. And ye shall flee to the valley of the mountains; for the valley of the mountains shall reach unto Azal: yea, ye shall flee, like as ye fled from before the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah: [b][color=0033FF]AND THE LORD MY GOD SHALL COME, AND ALL THE SAINTS WITH THEE. [/color][/b]
6. And it shall come to pass in that day, that the light shall not be clear, nor dark:
7. But it shall be one day which shall be known to the Lord, not day, nor night: but it shall come to pass, that at evening time it shall be light.
8. And it shall be in that day, that living waters shall go out from Jerusalem; half of them toward the former sea, and half of them toward the hinder sea: in summer and in winter shall it be.
9. And the Lord shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one Lord, and his name one.
10. All the land shall be turned as a plain from Geba to Rimmon south of Jerusalem: and it shall be lifted up, and inhabited in her place, from Benjamin's gate unto the place of the first gate, unto the corner gate, and from the tower of Hananeel unto the king's winepresses.
11. And men shall dwell in it, and there shall be no more utter destruction; but Jerusalem shall be safely inhabited.
12. And this shall be the plague wherewith the Lord will smite all the people that have fought against Jerusalem; Their flesh shall consume away while they stand upon their feet, and their eyes shall consume away in their holes, and their tongue shall consume away in their mouth.
13. And it shall come to pass in that day, that a great tumult from the Lord shall be among them; and they shall lay hold every one on the hand of his neighbour, and his hand shall rise up against the hand of his neighbour.
14. And Judah also shall fight at Jerusalem; and the wealth of all the heathen round about shall be gathered together, gold, and silver, and apparel, in great abundance.
15. And so shall be the plague of the horse, of the mule, of the camel, and of the ass, and of all the beasts that shall be in these tents, as this plague.
16. And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles.
17. And it shall be, that whoso will not come up of all the families of the earth unto Jerusalem to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, even upon them shall be no rain.
18. And if the family of Egypt go not up, and come not, that have no rain; there shall be the plague, wherewith the Lord will smite the heathen that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles.
19. This shall be the punishment of Egypt, and the punishment of all nations that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles.
20. In that day shall there be upon the bells of the horses, Holiness Unto The Lord; and the pots in the Lord's house shall be like the bowls before the altar.
21. Yea, every pot in Jerusalem and in Judah shall be holiness unto the Lord of hosts: and all they that sacrifice shall come and take of them, and seethe therein: and in that day there shall be no more the Canaanite in the house of the Lord of hosts.

[b][color=0000FF]2 Thessalonians tells us that the Christian believers will be taken away first (fallen away), just before Anti-Christ is revealed and the great Tribulation commences:[/color][/b]

2 Thessalonians 2

[b][color=0033FF]1. Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,
2. That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.
3. Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first,[/color][/b] and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
4. Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
5. Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?
6. And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.
7. For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.
8. And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:
9. Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,
10. And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
11. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:
12. That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
13. But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:
14. Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
15. Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.
16. Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,
17. Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.

[b][color=00CC00]All of the signs that we see today are telling us that all is getting ready, all is in place. Our redemption can happen at ANY TIME.[/color][/b]

God bless,

Stever :-)

amen Christian. I heard a women of God simply come up to me 3 days ago and say to me: "there isn't much time left, just go step out for God."

truly brothers and sisters there is not much time left let us redeem the time, WATCH and PRAY.

and I won't deign to call this prophecy,anymore than I'll say I can predict the weather when I feel rain on my face.

1. Within 2 years (or much sooner) Israel will bolt out of the blue subject Iran to nuclear attack.

2. Within 2 years or less, the United States will invade Iran.

3. Within two years of less the United States will have a nuclear device denonated on its soil by islamist terrorists resulting in 50,000 plus casualties. This will lead to some very dire official consequences for Muslims who live in America, possibly mass detention in the name of national security.

4. I am certain that Iran is nuclear capable at this moment, and I am certain that islamist terrorists have nuclear material within the continental United States and they have an operational timeclock for their use. Ballparks, Disneyland, Nascar races, anywhere Americans gather in numbers.

In May 1998 US congressman Curt Weldon met with General Alexander Lebed,
former Secretary of the National Security Council in Russia (1). In that
meeting Lebed mentioned that the Soviet Union had manufactured 132 suitcase
nuclear explosive devices, and could locate only 48 of them. These devices
have an explosive charge of about 1 kiloton. They where allegedly created
for the KGB, to be used around the world in the event of a conflict with
Russia. A 1 kiloton nuclear device has a blast radius of about 500 meters,
and is capable of destroying part of a city center, or any landmark
building. Lebed said one person could detonate such a bomb by himself.

In an article in the Jerusalem Report(2) in 1999 Yossef Bodansky says that
Bin Laden has acquired portable nuclear devices. Bodansky reports that Bin
Laden’s associates acquired the devices through Chechnya, paying the
Chechens $30 million in cash and two tons of Afghan heroin. Bodanksy is
Director of the US House of Representatives Task Force on Terrorism and
Unconventional Warfare, Senior Editor of Defense & Foreign Affairs
publications and director of The International Strategic Studies Association
(3).

Israeli military intelligence sources reported that Bin Laden paid over 2
million pounds sterling to a middle-man in Kazakhstan, who promised to
deliver a “suitcase” nuclear bomb to Bin Laden within two years.

http://mailman.anu.edu.au/pipermail/link/2001-September/014026.html

Obviously faith in the Lord and prayer are the only antitodes for the comming hellstorm.

bartle

Letsgetbusy said:

"So OT saints were sleeping until Jesus rescued 'captivity captives' (OT saints) during His three days while his body was in the tomb."

Stever's response:

Christ was in the belly of the earth for the three days you refer to. He actually ascended to Heaven after he resurrected from the dead. Remember after his resurrection He met Mary in the Garden, and told her not to touch Him because he had not yet ascended to His Father? Then, later that day He met with His disciples, after His ascension? At this time, he allowed His Disciples to see his wounds, etc. to prove to them that he was not a spirit, but flesh and bone. Then, 8 days later, Thomas placed his hands on Christ wounds. Christ could not be touched until after the ascension, that took place immediately after her saw Mary in the Garden:

John 20:15-28
" 15. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.
16. Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.
17. Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.
18. Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her.
19. Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.
20. And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.
21. Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.
22. And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: 23. Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.
24. But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.
25. The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.
26. And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.
27. Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.
28. And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God."

God bless,

Stever :-D

letsgetbusy wrote:
Ciy,

There are some different views of this, but one of the major ones that I agree with, is that OT saints were to be brought to heaven by Christ, after He shed His blood on the cross, whereas we immediately go to heaven upon death. Their sins were COVERED by the blood of animals, but Jesus' blood CLEANSES from all sin. So OT saints were sleeping until Jesus rescued 'captivity captives' (OT saints) during His three days while his body was in the tomb.

We have done quite a few threads on this topic, and agreed and disagreed over the points, so this is just one view of many (as far as I know).

Both OT and NT saints are saved by grace through faith. OT saints to the future Christ, NT saints (us) by the person and completed work of Christ.

My advice:

1) Listen to this sermon - 'Hell, What Is It Like?' by David Wilkerson.

2) Pray over the fact that hearing what hell is like (the place where most friends and family members are heading) does not usually have the right effect. Does it bring weeping? Does it bring action? Sadly for me, it didn't.

3) Realise that whenever Jesus Christ does return, it doesn't matter. Because that will be a terrible day. No more chances for anybody. No more forgiveness or salvation. When Jesus comes, that's it. Everyone that has not believed thus far will be condemned to hell.

4) Conclude that it doesn't matter about speculating when Jesus does return, but instead realise that he is coming soon, as said at the very end of the Bible! This must prompt us into action to go out and spread the gospel.