A Spring Harvest?

“'And you shall count for yourselves from the day after the Sabbath, from the day that you brought the sheaf of the wave offering: seven Sabbaths shall be completed. Count fifty days to the day after the seventh Sabbath; then you shall offer a new grain offering to the LORD. You shall bring from your dwellings two wave [loaves] of two-tenths [of an ephah]. They shall be of fine flour; they shall be baked with leaven. [They are] the firstfruits to the LORD.”    Leviticus 23:15-17 NKJV

Forty-nine days after the Feast of Firstfruits comes Shavuot, or the Feast of Weeks.  We know it as Pentecost,  but it is also known by other names such as the Festival of Weeks, and the Festival of Reaping or Ingathering.  It occurs at the end of the wheat harvest in Israel, which is why it is associated with the theme of harvesting and the bringing of a sacrifice of grain to the Lord.  Yet it is also a time of celebrating the harvest of the land, which includes all seven of the fruits of the land listed by God in the book of Deuteronomy.

“For the LORD your God is bringing you into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and springs, that flow out of valleys and hills; “a land of wheat and barley, of vines and fig trees and pomegranates, a land of olive oil and honey;”     Deuteronomy 8:7-8  NKJV

There are a couple of things I have found particularly interesting about this feast day.  The first is, while all the other Levitical feasts call for unleavened bread, Pentecost is the only one in which leavened bread is used.  Traditionally leaven is considered a model of sin, and it would be fair to say that the Church is populated exclusively by forgiven sinners. Something else I personally found interesting is the tradition in Israel of reading the book of Ruth during this time.  

Considered to be one of the greatest love stories to be found in the Bible, it is a story of how a Gentile, (non-Jew), was "redeemed", or bought with a price, by a "kinsman" or relative (who was a Jew) according to Jewish law, and then becomes the bride of her redeemer. This story is situated in Bethlehem with the events transpiring during the fifty days between the barley and wheat harvest. The redeemer (Boaz) takes his bride at the end of that time or at the Feast of Pentecost.

Because this story demonstrates how a Gentile could become a Jew, we can also see a perfect example of how Jesus Christ can redeem all who choose to accept His sacrifice, thus becoming His bride, the body of Christ.  We find this was illustrated by the events which occurred on the Feast of Pentecost that followed after the resurrection of Jesus.

“When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven. And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language. Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, “Look, are not all these who speak Galileans? “And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born? “Parthians and Medes and Elamites, those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, “Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, “Cretans and Arabs—we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God.”    Acts 2:1-11  NKJV

Because the Feast of Pentecost was one of the three feasts in Israel that were compulsory to attend, Jerusalem was full of Jews from different lands.  It was for this reason that the Holy Spirit gave the apostles the ability to speak in different languages, allowing the Gospel to be shared with everyone who was there.  This is the day that many consider to be the birthday of the Church as not only did God send the Holy Spirit to indwell all who believe, but also arranged for the good news to be spread to other countries by virtue of these Jewish pilgrims returning home with the message of Jesus Christ.

The sixth of Sivan is a day which certainly has many different events associated with it.  While Christians celebrate it as the birth of the Church, Jews celebrate it as the birth of the nation of Israel and the giving of the Law at Mt. Sinai.  Yet curiously,  one central theme can be found in all of these events and that is redemption.  The Old Testament Law was given, Enoch was raptured, Ruth who was a Gentile was redeemed, and the Church was born and given the gift of the Holy Spirit to indwell.  One overriding question is, though, as the firstfruits of the Holy Spirit, is this a day that the Church might look to as a possible day of redemption, or even possibly a wedding?

“For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body.”     Romans 8:22-23  NKJV

As we have seen, there are more than a few references to a "rapture" type event associated with the Feast of Pentecost. Will the Church be raptured on its birthday? Of course, no one knows and I certainly can't say for sure but I hope I'm not the only one who finds it more than curious that there seem to be so many events common to this particular day of the year. Jesus commanded us to watch for His return, and I for one think it very important to take Him at His word. I'm watching every day, and I hope the words I share with you in these pages encourage you to watch as well.

While many, myself included, have looked at this day as a possible time for our rapture, I can’t help but think of something we find in Jesus’ own words which might argue against it.  The following passage is familiar to many and I believe there is something often overlooked in it which could be a clue of when the rapture does not occur, rather than when it might.

“Two women will be grinding together: the one will be taken and the other left. “Two men will be in the field: the one will be taken and the other left.”  Luke 17:35,36  NKJV

The Feast of Pentecost is one of the feasts of Israel which is compulsory for all males of age to attend in Jerusalem.  If you notice in this passage Jesus says that two men will be in the fields working.  In this case, it seems logical that for this to happen it could not be on the Feast day because men would be attending the holiday and not working.  We can take notice as well that two women are grinding, which would suggest that this day is not the sabbath as no work is allowed on that day.

While I wouldn’t rule out anything, I also strongly believe it could happen at any time so I will leave it for you to decide.  I do, however, have one takeaway from this passage that I find particularly encouraging around this time of year.  Returning to the picture of two women grinding, it is my understanding that wheat is the only grain grown in Israel which is ground to make flour, and if this is the case then this picture points to the time of the wheat harvest which occurs, you guessed it, right now in the spring.

Wouldn’t we all love to hear the trumpet sound and the call to come home in light of what we see the world becoming all around us right now?  Will it be in the spring?  I have no idea, but I do know we are called to share the same Gospel that the disciples did on that Pentecost so many years ago.  Make it a point to tell others of the gift of redemption which is available to all who choose to believe in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for our sins.

The feast of Pentecost is coming up shortly, and with the events we have been witnessing lately, it would not surprise me at all if we were to hear the trumpet and call at any time.  If you have never accepted the gift of eternal life offered to us by the sacrifice of Jesus, simply pray a prayer like this; 

Jesus I know that I am a sinner, and have sinned against you.  I believe you loved me enough to send your Son Jesus to die for my sins, and that He rose from the dead so that I can live.  Forgive me of my sins and come into my life and help me to live for you.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Keep watching.

The Times and the Seasons

“But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober.”     1 Thessalonians 5:1-6  NKJV

Watch for what?  Good question.  Today I want to share a lesson I learned long ago which concerns looking at the context of a passage so we can better understand exactly what we are being told. In the passage above, we find the apostle Paul answering questions from the believers of the church located at Thessalonica.  Those questions are specifically about the end times and the future of the Church, which coincidentaly, many in the church are asking today.

When Paul had first visited the city, his time there, by most accounts, was very short.  Some commentaries speculate it was as little as three weeks or so, and if that is the case, it doesn’t seem at all surprising that questions would arise that Paul would need to address.  While the church there was apparently in good health and spreading the gospel to other cities, it was also beginning to suffer some persecution.  In this letter Paul reminds them that this was to be expected, and encourages them to stand fast and endure. Yet some believers had already passed away and there were concerns within the church that those individuals would somehow miss out on spending eternity with Christ. 

In the passage above, Paul makes the point that believers should, and can, know” the times and the seasons”.  Times and seasons of what?  Paul calls it the “day of the Lord”, and goes on to say that we are to watch for it.  Now I have often tried to make the point when I teach on this passage an other like it, we as believers would not be told to “watch” if we weren’t going to be given something to see.  Paul here uses the example of a thief coming to steal, and makes it perfectly clear that if we watch, we will see the thief coming.  So too, if we watch for the “day of the Lord”, we will see it coming. If, however, you are wondering just what Paul means when speaking of this “day”, he explains what he is talking about in the previous chapter. 

“But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.”  1 Thessalonians 4:13-18  NKJV

This passage describes exactly what all believers are looking forward to with so much anticipation and that is the rapture of the Church when Jesus will appear in the clouds and call us home to be with Him for all of eternity.  This event is what Paul goes on to call the “day of the Lord” in chapter 5.  It is also, I might add, what he tells us we must watch for and will recognize when the “times and seasons” arrive. As believers, Paul makes it perfectly clear that not only are we supposed to be watching for the rapture, if we do watch we will know when the time is near.

The year 2020 will most likely be looked back as the year when it all began to change. Consider if you will what your life was like just one year before 2020 and compare it with the present situation we all find ourselves in.  Although it often seems difficult to get people to agree on much of anything, it would appear that many, if not most, now believe our lives will never be the same.  There will never be a return to the old “normal” we were so comfortable and used to living in, and to be completely honest, many truly believe things are only going to get worse.  The only positive I personally can take away from the past four years are the sheer number of believers who have come to believe that what we are seeing are the signs we have been told to watch for.

The truth is, nobody knows scripture better than Satan. After all, who has been around to study it as long as he has? He quoted it when he tempted Jesus in the wilderness, and he most assuredly uses it against us. So do you think with what he knows about the end of the age, he wouldn't have a clue as to when God was preparing to take us home?  Satan knows what God has in store for him, and when he believes the end times are approaching it would make sense that he would do anything in his power to release all the evil on this earth at his control in order to take as many down with him as he could.

I believe much of what we will see happen before the rapture is a direct result of Satan increasing his efforts as he sees the day approaching. I truly believe this is exactly what we can see right now in the world around us. So many events are occurring on a daily basis that it simply seems unbelievable that we could not be close to the time Jesus commanded us to watch for.

“Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season? “Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing.”  Matthew 24:45-46  NKJV

What is the “food” wise and faithful servants are supposed to be serving?  There is no doubt in my mind we are to be encouraging others with the knowledge of just how close we are to the rapture of the Church.  The phrase “due season” in the Greek is the word “kairos” which is translated to mean; “a fixed and definite time, the time when things are brought to crisis, the decisive epoch waited for”.  Now is it just me or does that not sound like the perfect description of the times we find ourselves in today? By all accounts, many are of the opinion the world has arrived at a tipping point where the stage seems set for someone to come on the scene and seek to establish himself as the savior of the world.

While I have never claimed to “know” when the rapture will occur, there are definitely times of the year when I believe we should especially be watching.  My personal favorite is the spring and I will share my thoughts on that subject with you next week. Never forget, the passage above tells us if we watch, we will know the times and seasons.

The most important decision we need to make, however, is to accept the gift of God to us which is salvation through the blood of His Son, Jesus Christ.  If you have never made the decision to accept that free gift I encourage you to do so today.  Simply ask God to forgive you of your sin based on your belief that Jesus died to pay the price for your sin, and turn over control of your life to Him.  You can do that right now by praying a prayer just like this one;

 

"Dear Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner. I believe You died for my sins. Right now, I turn from my sins and open the door of my heart and life. I confess You as my personal Lord and Savior. Thank You for saving me. Amen."

Keep watching.

Willfully Ignorant

“Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as [they were] from the beginning of the creation. For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day [is] with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”  2 Peter 3:3-9 KJV

What exactly does the word “ignorant” mean to you?  I confess there are times when I am surprised by some of the words I read in the scriptures simply because it is obvious to me that God is more than willing to call it like He sees it.  I am sure most of us would agree that the word ignorant is not to be considered a compliment, so when I first read this passage I was more than a little curious to see exactly why it was being used, and the context in which it occurred.  I would also have to confess my curiosity was more than likely aroused because of the fact that many would look around and feel the words, “willfully ignorant”, were written about the conditions which exist at the present time.

Obviously the world is full of people that choose not to believe, but if we notice that in this passage Peter is talking to believers, and refers to people scoffing about the prophecies of the return of Jesus, it seems logical to assume he is including some believers as being part of those doing the scoffing! If you wonder why I was reminded of this passage, I heard these exact words from someone who professes to believe. When I raised the subject of all the signs of the end being fulfilled before our eyes I was told these things have been going on for years, and would in all likelihood continue. My first thought was to ask if he knew he was fulfilling prophecy by saying that, but I chose not to pour gas on a fire. Later however, I thought about this encounter, and wondered if there was anything different I could have done? As I considered these things the Spirit led me to some words I'm sure most of us are familiar with.

“Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, “because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead.”   Acts 17:30-31  NKJV

The Greek word used here for ignorance is agnoia which means a lack of knowledge, or a moral blindness, especially as it relates to the divine.  Paul takes this opportunity to explain to them that the times of ignorance are now over because God has revealed Himself to man in the person of Jesus Christ.  As such, mankind is now placed in the position of either choosing to repent of their sin and accept the salvation offered by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, or rejecting the gift of eternal life in heaven with the Father.

Paul goes on to say that although the choice is ours to make, He has already fixed a day in which He will judge the world according to its choice, and we can be sure of that because God showed us His power by raising Jesus from the dead.  As a result of this revelation through the person of God’s Son, should the world choose to reject what God has revealed it could accurately be said that it is not from ignorance, but from arrogance.  Why arrogance?  If you take the time to think about those you might have considered to be arrogant in the past, what would be the one trait you would think they all have in common?

“And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked, while others said, “We will hear you again on this matter.”   Acts 17:32  NKJV

Did you notice that the reaction of those who chose not to believe was not simply a rejection but an attitude of mocking?  Arrogant people are people who choose not only to reject what you have to say, but mock your choice as if you are a fool for believing.  Yet God has made it clear who the fools really are, and He has also made it clear what their destiny is, and what the future holds for them.

“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools,”            Romans 1:18-22  NKJV

Throughout the Bible, there are many words used to describe those who refuse to accept the wisdom of the revealed Word of God.  Just to name a few, badness, stupidity, emptiness, thick headedness, insipid, senselessness, and heedlessness.  Just as these words used define a common rejection of God’s wisdom, they also are used to describe a common rejection or disregard for spiritual and moral values.  Paul tells us in his letter to the Ephesians that this is what we see in those who choose to reject God’s revelation, and it is these behaviors we must seek to avoid if we have truly “learned Christ”.

“This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart; who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. But you have not so learned Christ, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus:”            Ephesians 4:17-21  NKJV

“For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men—as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God.”    1Peter 2:15-16  NKJV

Paul goes on to reveal what the destiny is of those who choose the arrogance of rejecting God’s revelation.  Yet he also makes it clear what the reward for our acceptance of His sacrifice on our behalf is as well.  While the world will be judged for their rejection, we will be elsewhere rejoicing in our salvation.

“Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.”   Phil 3:19-20

“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.”               Romans 5:8-9  NKJV

“For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him. Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.”                 1 Thessalonians 5:9-11  NKJV

Every day we can look at the world in which we now live and see the arrogance of those who have chosen to reject God's message to mankind. When we encounter these people it is important to realize they have made a choice not to believe what they have heard, and by making that choice they will suffer the wrath of God. The definition of willfull ignorance is displayed in the fact they are aware of what God has said, but choose not to believe. As such, it follows that arguing with them might just prove to be counterproductive. Yet, there is a comeback we can use and it is revealed in these verses from Peter..

“But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day [is] with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”

2 Peter 3:8-9 KJV

What is the answer? God is longsuffering and waiting as long as He can in the hope that more people choose to follow Him. It's easy to look at the world as it is today and wonder just what it is that God is waiting for, but the answer is given here. More believers. That is not to say that God will wait forever, because He has made it clear that He won't. As these verses say, God judged the world once, and He will again. He is not "cutting us some slack" and changing His mind. It is going to happen.

God loves the scoffers and so should we. As easy as it would be to get upset at believers who choose to ignore what the rest of us see as signs of God's imminent return, we need to have God's longsuffering attitude towards them. We should simply point out to them that there is a reason God is waiting, but He won't wait forever. Yes, much of what we see has happened before, but explain the increase in frequency and severity. After all, we are told that the end of this age will be like a woman in childbirth. Those of us who have experienced or witnessed the birth of a child know one thing; it's not quiet and sneaky, it's loud and obvious. Hopefully there will come a point in time when many of these "skeptics" will change their minds as the signs get even more frequent and pronounced.

If you have chosen to believe that you are a sinner, and have accepted the gift of salvation offered by God through the sacrifice of His Son Jesus Christ, you can rest easy with the knowledge that you will not face the judgment which is to come for those who have chosen to reject God’s revelation.  If, however, you haven’t yet made that choice, I encourage you to do it today.  You can do that by simply praying this prayer and accepting the gift of eternal life God has offered all of us by the death and resurrection of His Son Jesus Christ.

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner and I believe You died for my sins. Right now, I turn from my sins and open the door of my heart and life to you. I confess You as my personal Lord and Savior. Thank you for saving me. Amen.

Keep watching.

Standing on the Promises of God

“For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.”  1 Thessalonians 4:16. NKJV

If you are a watcher like I am, I am sure you are more than aware of all of the failed dreams, visions, and predictions that claimed we would be gone by now.  Something I learned as a small child and something I am equally sure most of you have learned is that the greater your expectations are, the more disappointed you are when it doesn’t come to pass.  As believers, our hope and expectation is in the Lord and the rapture of the Church to be with Him forever in our heavenly home.  Yet although the signs are all around us, we are still waiting for the sound of the trumpet and the call to come home, which for many causes us to struggle with our feelings. 

As I thought about this, it occurred to me that there are three steps leading downward we need to avoid at all costs, and by understanding what they are we can begin to maintain our perspective and better cope with the situation we find ourselves in as we wait patiently for our Lord.  It would appear to me that Paul might have been dealing with this in his letter to the church at Philippi, and his advice to them certainly seems to me to provide us some help while struggling with our feelings as we watch and wait.

Disappointment

“For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.”    Philippians 3:20-21  NKJV

Paul’s first reminder to the church is that we have a promise from God that Jesus will return to take us to heaven, the place prepared for us to live for eternity with Him.  When we accepted His gift of eternal life, we became citizens of heaven and although we may be living on this earth right now, it is but temporary and we have a promise from God Himself that we need to remind ourselves of daily in order to avoid the disappointment which can come from our having to wait.  This earth is not our home, and we need to focus on His promise rather than the disappointment of still being here.

Discouragement

“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”    Philippians 4:4-7  NKJV

Have you found yourself becoming discouraged by having to wait so long for our deliverance from this world?  Have you considered that discouragement is one of Satan’s best weapons against believers who choose to watch for Christ’s return?  Disappointment, if left unchecked, leads directly to discouragement.  Have you ever noticed that inside of the word discouragement is the word courage? One of the first things that can happen to a discouraged believer is losing the courage to speak of what he or she believes in.  Paul says to rejoice always!  Have you talked with God about your struggles?  Have you told Him you are disappointed and discouraged?  Paul says if we do, His peace will surround us and help us guard against this downward spiral.

Despair

“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.”    Philippians 4:8-9  NKJV

To me, despair is the bottom of the emotional hole Satan wants all of us to fall into.  Despair is a total lack of hope, and it is a result of focusing solely on the negative, and ignoring all of the positive promises of God that are available to us as believers.  Paul says here to meditate, the Greek word for number, all the things God has done and promised to do for us.  To combat despair, believers need to number the many blessings we do have, and the future blessings we have been promised which will help us regain the trust that we will receive that which has yet to be given.  

I began this article by mentioning there have been failed predictions in the past.  To be truthful, I think I can safely say that this year will also give rise to many more failed predictions.  As believers, we need to be especially careful to focus solely on what the Word of God says, rather than what man might say based on his own calculations and observations.  Many predictions for this coming year are already making news, and many of them relating to astrological signs.  I thought I would leave you with an excerpt from an article by Jack Kelley written back in 2011 which contains some advice many of us should take to heart as we watch for the rapture of the Church.

So how could an idea like this one become so easily accepted by so many? It’s because as a Church we are a people of zeal without knowledge. For several generations now our leaders have consistently misinformed and misled us and we’ve been too lazy to search the Scriptures on our own to see if the things they’re teaching us about the End Times are true. As a result some who should know better can be fooled into believing that applying astrology to the interpretation of Scripture is a legitimate approach, even though its practice was a sin in Old Testament times (Lev. 19:26 KJV).

Some of us want the rapture to come so badly that we’ll believe anything we’re told that points to an early fulfillment even though it’s certain to result in disappointment. Sure the Bible says there’ll be signs in the sun, moon, and stars, but there have always been such things, and history has shown that seeing them is no excuse for ignoring sound doctrine. These signs are meant to support what the Bible says, not replace what it says.

This is an application of Paul’s warning that in the last days people would not put up with sound doctrine but would gather around themselves teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. (2 Tim. 4:3-4)

So when someone comes out with a new idea based on eclipses, or comets, or even Scripture, don’t assume he’s done his homework. And that includes articles you find on this site. Do what Paul told you to do and search the scriptures daily to prove whether these things be true (Acts 17:11).

As the time grows shorter there will be all kinds of false information bombarding us. Some will be out of ignorance and some will be out of malevolence. Either way you could easily become confused or discouraged. Do your homework. Make sure you understand why no part of Daniel’s 70th Week, which begins in Rev.6, can take place until the Church is gone.

https://gracethrufaith.com/end-times-prophecy/why-sept-29-will-not-fulfill-rev-12/#more-27926

While I am not trying to discount the possibility of prophetic events being tied to celestial events, I can’t help but remember the words of an old hymn I learned in church as a young believer which says simply,  “I’m standing on the promises of God.”   If by chance you are reading this and never made the decision to accept the salvation God has offered, I pray you do that today. The way you do that is to simply pray a prayer like this; 

Jesus I know I am a sinner. I have sinned against you, but I know you loved me enough to send your Son, Jesus Christ to die for my sins and then rise from the dead so that I may live forever with You. Lord forgive me of my sins and come into my life and help me to begin to live for You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

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