101 Reasons we are in the End Times!

[$teve]

But should it be the rebuilding of a new city that we are waiting for, then it is not only building the infrastructure, but also has developed strong trade relations with other countries and is well known as a trading partner, which surely will take a lot longer. I have wondered about this as well and consider that Babylon may be an existing city. Otherwise it looks like we could be here much longer. :scratch :gaah :sob

[Gilligan]

Is it possible for me to believe that Jesus might not return for thousands of years and still be considered a Bible Believer? Or would this make me heretical?

I believe Jesus could return in our lifetime, but I also believe it is possible it may be thousands of years away. I honestly don't know. I have came to this conclusion based partly on so much failed datesetting in the 1970's and 80's that I really have no idea when Jesus will return. I well remember when many thought it would happen by 1988 because of using a forty year generation in Matthew 24:32-34 by adding 40 to 1948. Some subtracted seven years for the Rapture and came up with 1981. It wasn't just a couple prophecy teachers who came up with it.

This question has nothing to do with the failed date of two months ago, as I already knew it would not happen.

[Wishing4]

I eel it's ok to doubt--It can help deepen our faith as we turn to God to find the answers to our doubt. I've wavered much on the question "Is this the last days or will it be another 100 or more years"

I've come to believe He could return in my lifetime. My DH says if not ours then in our children's lifetime (they are 8, 5, and 3). God may choose to wait. Seeing the things going on today I don't see how he'd wait even a hundred more years. Economies all over are failing (things are ripe for one world currency), countries have the weapons to try and wipe out Israel, Israel has the power to defend herself (although God can do it alone), we (the US) have had the worst tornado, worst draught, worst flooding, worst fires, worst heatwave in years, other countries are experiencing the same, and then there is the ever quickening moral decay. God could turn things around and slow the process down, but if it's truely like labor and birth pains then it will only get stronger and more frequent. I choose to watch and hope that it is soon (meaning my life time). I'm hoping that I'll see the Psalm 83 war. Then I feel that I'll know for sure that we are in the last of the last days.

[HeIsEnough]

I have came to this conclusion based partly on so much failed datesetting

On what basis do you believe Christ may return in your lifetime?

[acceptedintheBeloved]

Is it possible for me to believe that Jesus might not return for thousands of years and still be considered a Bible Believer? Or would this make me heretical?

I believe Jesus could return in our lifetime, but I also believe it is possible it may be thousands of years away. I honestly don't know. I have came to this conclusion based partly on so much failed datesetting in the 1970's and 80's that I really have no idea when Jesus will return. I well remember when many thought it would happen by 1988 because of using a forty year generation in Matthew 24:32-34 by adding 40 to 1948. Some subtracted seven years for the Rapture and came up with 1981. It wasn't just a couple prophecy teachers who came up with it.

This question has nothing to do with the failed date of two months ago, as I already knew it would not happen.

It sounds as though you are already aware that Israel became a nation again in 1948, precisely 2520 biblical/prophetic years from 537BC, just as the Word of God had prophesied. (537BC = the return of Jews from Babylonian Captivity)

Jerusalem (also) was recaptured in 1967, precisely 2520 biblical/prophetic years from 518BC, just as prophesied. (518BC = rebuilding of temple, Jerusalem and temple regained)

The existence of Israel itself is an indication that our Lord is preparing to turn His attention back to the nation of Israel in order to fulfill His prophecies concerning the earthly (Millennial) Kingdom promised to them. The "dry bones" prophecy of Ezekiel 37:1-11, 11 (and further) shows that these purposes indeed are fulfilled in stages (they have yet to have "the spirit of life" breathed into them, which will occur during their prophesied future final "week" of Daniel's "prophecy of the seventy weeks" [69 of which were fulfilled on Palm Sunday, when Jesus rode into Jerusalem to officially announce Himself as the Messiah/King, whom they were promised, for that very earthly Millennial Kingdom] - Luke 19:41-42; Matthew 23:37-39; Romans 11:25-26, 15; see also Isaiah 11:11, Jeremiah 30:3, 7, 11 "the time of Jacob's trouble").


His plans for His Church are separate and distinct from His (earthly) plans for Israel. This is key when reading/studying the Bible, in order to gain proper understanding.


Here are a few related links:

"The Bible: Proofs Of Its Supernatural Origin" (scroll down about 1/3 of the page to "Ezekiel's Prophecy of Israel's Rebirth in 1948" and below)

http://www.gospeloutreach.net/bibsuper.html


"Prophecy Fulfilled: Israel Becomes A Nation In 1948" - Britt Gillette

http://www.end-times-bible-prophecy.com/prophecy-fulfilled-israel-becomes-a-nation-in-1948.html


"Timely Speculation? Ezekiel's 430 Days"

http://www.khouse.org/articles/2000/276/




I would not consider a person "heretical" but I would question their understanding of exactly what they "believe" about the Bible, if they claim to be a "Bible believer." :)

For instance, many people take a "spiritual/allegorical" view of the scriptures (rather than "consistent, literal, historical, grammatical" interpretation) and can pretty much make it say whatever they want it to. But it wouldn't be accurate.

Hope that helps. :hat

[Gilligan]

On what basis do you believe Christ may return in your lifetime?

I'm not certain it will be in my lifetime. I think either one is possible.


acceptedinthebeloved: I printed the material you linked so I can read it when I get home. I use a public library computer, so my time is limited to two one-hour sessions a day.

[acceptedintheBeloved]

acceptedinthebeloved: I printed the material you linked so I can read it when I get home. I use a public library computer, so my time is limited to two one-hour sessions a day.

I understand that... been there myself, many a time. :D

Here is more related information (if you so desire), posted recently by Mikie33 (see post #7 for article at link):

http://rr-bb.com/showthread.php?163063-Grant-Jeffery




ETA: I hope you will also take note of the various scriptures I added in my post above, esp:

Jeremiah 30:3 - "For, lo, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will bring again the captivity of my people Israel and Judah, saith the LORD: and I will cause them to return to the land that I gave to their fathers, and they shall possess it."

Isaiah 11:11 - "And it shall come to pass in that day, that the Lord shall set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people [Israel], which shall be left, from Assyria, and from Egypt, and from Pathros, and from Cush, and from Elam, and from Shinar, and from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea."

[Gilligan]

Thank You for the links.

[acceptedintheBeloved]

:hat My pleasure.

[ChristSoldier]

I have always been in understanding that a generation is 70-80 years.