Matthew 24 - The Kingdom of Heaven/God

[tfcrew]

All the side issues placed aside...there is a belief here that the 24th and 25th chapters of Matthew were not written to the Christian Church or to the 'world at large' but instead was written to the Jews?

[I saw this much stated also on the David Reagan site.]

[Any Minute]

All the side issues placed aside...there is a belief here that the 24th and 25th chapters of Matthew were not written to the Christian Church or to the 'world at large' but instead was written to the Jews?

[I saw this much stated also on the David Reagan site.]

I'm not sure what Dr. David Reagan's position is, haven't read there in awhile. I don't know if these will be of any interest to you but here are a couple of articles that address the topic.

The articles are long but well worth the read imo. I'm not sure if they have been posted before so I only copied a few excerpts from each.


http://www.pre-trib.org/data/pdf/Vla...PrograminM.pdf

Summary of the kingdom in Matthew’s Gospel
The following is a summary of the kingdom program in Matthew:
1. The kingdom in Matthew’s gospel as proclaimed by John the Baptist and Jesus is an
earthly kingdom that has continuity with the kingdom predicted in the Old Testament
prophets.
2. The kingdom was “at hand” in that it was near and imminent, conditioned on Israel
repentance and belief in Jesus. The kingdom itself was not established.
3. Part of this nearness of the kingdom was the personal presence of the King, the words of
the King, and the miracles of the King.
4. The leaders and people of Israel hindered the coming of the kingdom by not repenting
and believing in the King.
5. When it became clear that the leaders and people of Israel would not believe in the King
the kingdom was no longer presented as being “at hand.”
6. Jesus then began to reveal new truths or “mysteries” concerning the kingdom of heaven.
These mysteries describe the relationship of the kingdom between the two comings of
Jesus.
7. In between the two comings of Jesus the message of the kingdom would spread as would
the number of those who believe in the King. Those who believe are called “sons of the
kingdom.”
8. After Jesus announced His death, He gave His disciples a preview and glimpse of His
coming and kingdom with the Transfiguration experience. This would show that the cross
did not mean there would not also be a kingdom someday.
9. Jesus still presents His kingdom reign as future in connection with the regeneration of the
planet and national Israel’s restoration.
10. Jesus will assume His throne at the time of the second coming. It is at this time that
judgment will take place to see who will enter the kingdom



http://www.pre-trib.org/articles/vie...nd-the-rapture


Matthew's Argument and the Olivet Discourse
Matthew's Jewish-Christian Audience
Understanding the role of the Olivet Discourse in Matthew's overall argument weakens the notion of attaching a rapture significance to Matt 24:40-41. Although no specific target audience is mentioned, various clues make it apparent that Matthew had a believing Jewish audience in mind.[2] The Jewish nature of the book is apparent by noting several factors. First, the book contains a disproportionate number of Old Testament citations and allusions. Of the book's 129 Old Testament references, 53 are direct citations and 76 are allusions. On thirteen occasions, Christ�s actions are said to be a fulfillment of the Old Testament. Second, the book follows a fivefold division. The five major sermons of the book are delineated through the repetition of the concluding formula �when He had finished saying these things� (7:28; 11:1; 13:53; 19:1; 26:1). This fivefold structure would have immediately been recognizable to the Jewish mind since Jews had a tendency to categorize items, such as the Book of Psalms and the Pentateuch, according to a fivefold division. Third, although originally written in Greek, the book evidences a Hebraistic style, parallelism, and elaboration.

Fourth, tote (�then� or �at that time�) reflects a Jewish style. While this term is employed ninety times in Matthew, it is only used six times in Mark, fourteen times in Luke, and ten times in John. Fifth, the vocabulary of the book is distinctly Jewish. The following Jewish terms are found in the book: David, Jerusalem as the Holy City (4:5; 27:53), city of the great king (5:35), lost sheep of the house of Israel (10:6; 15:24), kingdom of God, and kingdom of heaven.[3] Sixth, the subject matter of the topics covered is distinctly Jewish. Among the topics covered are the Law, ceremonial defilements, Sabbath, kingdom, Jerusalem, temple, Messiah, prophecy, prophets, David, Abram, Moses, scribes, Sadducees, and Pharisees.

[$teve]

Matthew 24:33

"So likewise you, when you shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors"

With everything going on in the world today, notably Syria currently as many prophecy watchers are looking toward, do you think that "when we see all these things" that we will not only know "that it is near" but when it is "even at the doors"?

I've never read the verse like that before and it suddenly jumped at me yesterday while reading on the forum and I made a post on it but is has been tucked away together with the topic into the TFS section.

So what do you think? Seems to be a growing urgency not only from watchers, but bible prophecy teachers of late who are also sounding the Maranatha alarm more loudly and prominently in their commentaries and blogs.

[SoundingtheAlarm]

Very "timely question" as one who feels compelled to write and share! "Lord I sound like a broken record?" Would Noah or John the baptist or even Paul Revere not sound the same?" Why because the British were coming and so am I"

Be encouraged if the alarms are sounding it's because their is a real reason!!!

[LightOfMyLife]

Matthew 24:33

"So likew ise you, when you shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors"

With everything going on in the world today, notably Syria currently as many prophecy watchers are looking toward, do you think that "when we see all these things" that we will not only know "that it is near" but when it is "even at the doors"?

I've never read the verse like that before and it suddenly jumped at me yesterday while reading on the forum and I made a post on it but is has been tucked away together with the topic into the TFS section.

So what do you think? Seems to be a growing urgency not only from watchers, but bible prophecy teachers of late who are also sounding the Maranatha alarm more loudly and prominently in their commentaries and blogs.

Yes, I believe that Jesus gives us signs to look for to let us know the season is near. It is just like when we see Christmas decorations in the store we know the season is near. We are to look up our redemption is drawing near. I am getting so excited to go home, and I can't wait to meet my RR family!

[Sydney Spider]

I believe that when there is a collective discernment about end-times indicators from prophecy watchers, and especially from notable and respected bible prophecy teachers, it is something to sit up and take notice of. It seems that the Holy Spirit opens the eyes of those who are eagerly watching for Jesus' return and clouds the vision of Christians who can take it or leave it. I know which camp I would rather be in - I would rather be one of those who are looking up and seeing the nearness of our precious Saviour as He reveals it to us.

I do believe collective discernment is the key here....the same Holy Spirit will reveal the same things to those who are seeking with the right heart and an attitude of humility.

"even at the doors"....oh, I do like the sound of that! Jesus, let it be so!

[OnlyHIM!]

I know this has been discussed at length here, but I cannot find what I am looking for in a search of past threads.

Where can I find biblical evidence that the generation alive when Israel became a nation again in 1948 that this is the generation referenced in Matt. 24:34? Is this even correct? Israel becomming a nation again was a fulfillment of Ezekiel 37 correct?

Thanks!

[Steve53]

I know this has been discussed at length here, but I cannot find what I am looking for in a search of past threads.

Where can I find biblical evidence that the generation alive when Israel became a nation again in 1948 that this is the generation referenced in Matt. 24:34? Is this even correct? Israel becomming a nation again was a fulfillment of Ezekiel 37 correct?

Thanks!

Merged question with the Matt 24 thread covering all aspects of the end times implications of the chapter.

Also see Jack Kelley's site GraceThruFaith.com - Inspired Bible Studies by Jack Kelley for more information.

[OnlyHIM!]

Merged question with the Matt 24 thread covering all aspects of the end times implications of the chapter.

Also see Jack Kelley's site GraceThruFaith.com - Inspired Bible Studies by Jack Kelley for more information.

Ahh! Thanks Steve!

[dittohead conservative]

who is Jesus talking to or warning to watch? Christians are in Heaven during the trib.

[Blood Bought]

Tribulation saints concerning the second coming.

Paul speaks of taking the church, the body of Christ home in 1 Thessalonians 5, ending the chapter by saying we are to comfort one another with these words. Then he immediately says in 1 Thessalonians 5, But of the times and of the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.

We are to be comforted in waiting for that glorious shout.

[acceptedintheBeloved]

matthew 24 verse 42-44

Tribulation saints concerning the second coming.

Paul speaks of taking the church, the body of Christ home in 1 Thessalonians 5, ending the chapter by saying we are to comfort one another with these words. Then he immediately says in 1 Thessalonians 5, But of the times and of the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.

We are to be comforted in waiting for that glorious shout.

Agreed! Matthew 24 is referring to those in the trib awaiting the promised/prophesied earthly Millennial Kingdom, at His Second Coming (to the earth).

[Arkycharlie]

Mat:24:30
30 And then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory.

Mat. 24:42-44
42 “Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming.
43 But be sure of this, that if the head of the house had known at what time of the night the thief was coming, he would have been on the alert and would not have allowed his house to be broken into.
44 For this reason you also must be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will.

Am I the only one who sees somewhat of a disconnect between the answers given by the two posters and the actual wording of the Olivet Discourse? I mean which is it? Is He coming "in power and great glory" or "as a thief"? He is coming twice, so maybe He's coming "as a thief" at His first coming and "in power and great glory" at His second coming. Just a thought....

Charlie

[acceptedintheBeloved]

In the context of the events leading up to His Second Coming (to the earth), it also says in Revelation 16:15-16,

"Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed [is] he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame. And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon."

He comes as a thief to unbelievers, those who disregard His Word... even at His Second Coming (which is the coming being talked about in Matthew 24 [see context Matt 23:39, Matt 24:3, etc... and Matt 24:50-51--again, context Second Coming]).

[micael]

Jesus was born under the law (Gal. 4:4) and taught the law. So we must be careful and not take all the teachings of Christ as doctrine, for this will surely place us back under the law.

If we make void the teachings of Christ, do we also make void the teachings of Paul? I am absolutely floored to see this comment.
Romans 3:31
Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.

or Matthew ?
15:8 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.
9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

or John? (actually Christ through John)
Revelation 12:17 And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

[acceptedintheBeloved]

Who was "this people" in Matthew?

____________________________

Romans 7:1-4 :

1 Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth?

2 For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband.

3 So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man.

4 Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.

[Steve53]

If we...

Welcome to the boards!

Just FYI -

You replied to a post over 5 years old to a poster long since shown the door and the posts subsequent to hers addressed her points.

Why don't you visit the New Members forum and introduce yourself and share your testimony? We love to hear testimonies!

[Buzzardhut]

You replied to a post over 5 years old to a poster long since shown the door and the posts subsequent to hers addressed her points.

I was wondering where that post came from.

[Jamar643]

Its time for me to Sound the Alarm!

As many of you know by now we are living in perilous but exciting times. Not a day goes by where we see something in the news that makes us look up to Jesus and longing for His return. Let me say up front that in no way am I pointing at a specific time or date that we will be taken home in the Rapture of the Church. The Bible states very clearly in Matthew 24: 36 "But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." Only God knows when we will be taken home.

But Jesus did give us warning signs to know that the end was near and the Tribulation was upon us. Matthew 24:3-5 "As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately. "Tell us," they said, "when will this happen and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?" Jesus answered: "Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name claiming, 'I am the Messiah,' and will deceive you."

We see in the news of people claiming to be the Son of God on a normal bases these days. Jesus said to watch out for false prophets and to not let them lead you astray. There are a lot of false teachings going on in the church today. They like to preach the "feel good" message or do what makes you feel good instead of preaching the Word of God and of the wickedness that has come into the world today. This was the number one sign Jesus gave to his disciples so that we wouldn't be mislead. It's no wonder Jesus warned us about this. We see a false prophet here or there nowadays. It's so easy to be mislead today. No wonder Jesus said for the way is straight but very narrow.

Matthew 24:6-8 says "You will hear of wars, and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is yet to come. Nation will rise against nation, Kingdom against Kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes and various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains.

Wow that sounds like a lot going on. Just do the research. War is happening all over the place. Iran continues to threaten to wipe Israel off the face of the earth daily. War could break out in the Middle East any second now. The crisis is Syria continues to escalate daily. A report claimed that Assad used chemical weapons a month ago on his own people to eliminate the rebel threat. Even right now here in the US there is civil unrest because of our government and their decisions. This past summer the MidWest suffered its worst drought ever. Earthquakes continue to happen all over the place and they aren't letting up. 11,000 earthquakes have happened across the globe since the beginning of 2010 and that's just the beginning folks! Strap yourselves in I'm just getting started.

Matthew 24:9-14 says "Then you will be handed over and be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold but the one who stands firm to the end shall be saved. And the gospel of the Kingdom will be preached to the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come."

Missionaries put their lives on the line daily for Jesus. They are thrown into prison and sentenced to death just for sharing the truth about Jesus. Wickedness has indeed increased in the world and the hearts of many have grown cold. We turn the news on to hear of someone shooting people down in a movie theater to someone terrorizing a public mall to even someone opening fire to take the lives of numerous children and teachers at Sandy Hightown Elementary School. People are persecuted daily for believing in Jesus. He also mentions for the second time to watch out for false prophets and to not be deceived. Just sayin.

Matthew 24:15-31 talks about what will happen during the Great Tribulation. He warns us that wickedness will be so rampant and severe that if those days weren't shortened not a single person would survive. He warns again not to be deceived by false prophets. Don't believe them if they say the Messiah has returned. Jesus says we will know we he returns! Matthew 24:29-31 says "Immediately after the distress of those days, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give out its light; the stars shall fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies shall be shaken. Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in Heaven. And then all the people's of the Earth will mourn when they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of Heaven, with power and great glory. And He will send His angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the Heavens to the other." There is your proof that we will know when Jesus, the Son of God, the Messiah, our Savior and King has returned! So I will say it again, don't be deceived by false prophets.

Now to the heart of the matter. Here is the key to the whole thing. You want to know when the end is near? This is the answer in my opinion. Matthew 24:32-35 says "Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door. Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. Heaven and Earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away."

So what I take from this is when we see false prophets on the rise, famines and earthquakes increasing with frequency and intensity, wars and rumors of wars, wickedness spreading and the hearts of many growing cold, that tells me we are the generation to see Chris Return and that his Return is very near!

Now anybody who knows anything about Bible Prophecy knows Israel is the key to understanding Eschatology. There are numerous signs concerning the Nation of Israel. Israel would return to the land. Israel would become a nation again. Israel would be brought forth in one day and become a united nation again. Israel's currency would become the shekel and would blossom as a rose in the desert. Israel would have a powerful military and become a center of conflict for the entire world. Ezekiel 38 and 39 talks about Gog and Magog. All the countries surrounding Israel including Russia will attack Israel and try to destroy her but God will intervene and will destroy her enemies.

Wow that's a lot to digest there. The falling away of the church, the apostasy, must happen before the end comes. Jesus also states there would be scoffers around the world saying where is this promise of his coming to save us? Does this sound familiar?

Folks to be honest all of these signs have always been around but there is a major difference between then and now. Before May of 1948 you would see a sign here or there individually. Key word is individually! Once Israel became a nation again everything changed. If you look around you see all these signs happening every single day at the exact same time! There has never been a period of history where the signs have appeared at the same time just like they do now.

Volcanoes are waking up. Earthquakes are unbelievably on the rise and climbing. There have been strange solar flares in the sun. Animals all around the globe from the sky to the sea have mysteriously died in great numbers. there have been strange noises being heard all around the world. Pestilence is spreading at an alarming rate. Apostasy continues to spread in the church. War in the Middle East is about to break out at any moment. Wickedness is at an all time high. False Prophets are spreading throughout the world. The world economies are on the brink of collapsing at any moment now. Our world leaders are crying for a one world government and a man to rule this government; the anti-christ. And finally people are crying out for peace and security in this fallen world.

1st Thessalonians 5:1-3 "Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of The Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying "Peace and Safety," destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.

Regarding the USA. No where in the Bible does it say that our country will be a world power when we enter the Tribulation. God warns us that whoever blesses Israel shall be blessed and those who curse Israel shall be cursed.

Genesis 12:1-3 "The Lord has said to Abram, "Go from your country, your people and your father's household to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all people's on earth will be blessed through you."

It's all right there in black and white. Every nation that has blessed Israel has been blessed. Every country that has cursed Israel has been cursed. With our current President, we as a country have turned our back on Israel. We are in for some rough times ahead.

Let me share with you one more warning from Jesus. Matthew 24:37-39 "As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man." That sounds a lot like the times we live in today doesn't it? You try telling or warning someone about the coming Tribulation and they laugh at you or just don't care. People live for themselves today. They go about their business as usual without a care in the world.

What I'm about to say is what i truly believe with all my heart and is the point of what I am sharing with you today. I believe the end is near. I believe Jesus is getting ready to take us home. All the signs point to the Tribulation being very near. Time is short. Our victory is at hand! Revelation 3:10 ensures us of this. "Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth."

Next time i will share with you exactly what will happen what will happen once the church has been raptured. Ive shared with you today all the signs and warnings leading up to the beginning of the tribulation. The Rapture is our blessed hope. If you pray to God and confess you are a sinner, that you believe in your heart that Jesus died on the cross for your sins, and rose again 3 days later and is still alive today and that he is the Son of God then you will forever be in the loving arms of God. You don't have to be scared in the times we live in. God is in control!

Romans 3: 23 "For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God."

Romans 6: 23 "For the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."

John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believes in him shall not perish but has everlasting life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him. Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God's one and only son."

So here it is. I am sound the alarm and sharing to the world and to anyone willing to listen that Jesus Christ is about to gather his Bride to be with him forever!

Luke 21: 28 "When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."

God Bless.

[Allan3]

I agree that the signs are happening 24-7 now a days. I also agree that the time is short. Only The Father knows when.

Good post! God Bless!!