The Soon Rapture Of True Believers- Is Anyone Interested Anymore? (With Important Bible Prophecy Video)

In the above photograph of mine, taken from Makapu'u Beach on Oahu, with Rabbit Island in the background, the two persons enjoying the beach and the beauty of Hawaii seem happy and totally oblivious to the fact that I was photographing them.

Many people today go about their everyday lives, consumed with their own problems and just everyday affairs of life, and never give a thought much about God or eternal issues.  They are wrapped up in themselves and stay so busy that spiritual things are the least of their concerns.

I have tried a few times to include a link here to an interesting article titled "Think Not Generation" at www.raptureready.com , but my computer is not cooperating.  I hope you go there and find this recent article by Todd Strandberg.

In the article, Mr. Strandberg writes that most believers today are totally apathetic about how close we get to the Tribulation hour.  Satan, the father of lies, used to use forecasts of the Lord's return to create confusion but, now that we are approaching the end of the age, he is trying to prevent people from being mindful that time is running out.....so says Mr. Strandberg.

By the way, raptureready.com is a good website to visit often and they update daily with many articles.   Another excellent site is raptureforums.com.   Check them out.

There are still many believers who want to know more and more about Bible Prophecy, especially as it is so evident how much the Bible prophesied is now coming true in these last moments of the end times. Bible Prophecy conferences still draw many hundreds and thousands of interested persons each year.   One such yearly conference is the one Jan Markell hosts each year.   The latest one was on September 21 of this year.  You can go to You Tube and find it by entering 2019 Understanding the times conference Olive Tree ministries.   Even just entering Jan Markell's name on You Tube you will find it.You may also find all of the speakers' sermons there, which include J.D. Farag, Amir Tsarfati, Jack Hibbs, Dr. Robert Jeffress, and Jan Markell gave a talk this year as well.

They talk frequently of the nation of Israel, as Israel is God's prophetic time clock, and His chosen people.  God did not abolish His ancient covenant with His chosen people, as many churches teach the false doctrine today of Replacement Theology.....  that the Christian Church has replaced Israel.   The heavenly Father has a plan; He is in control.   

I am giving you here a 55 minute video of Jan Markell's discourse at the conference this year.  Great information here !

Granted, the main issue for each of us is salvation by belief and faith in the Savior Jesus Christ.   We need to make sure we are putting the good Lord first in our lives.   Some professing Christians are not really saved; and many of them don't realize it.

One test to know if you are born again from above is whether you put God and Jesus FIRST in your life.  Do you spend time often in prayer and do you read the Bible daily?  Do you have a hunger to draw ever closer to God? Are you sharing the Gospel with other lost souls?

"For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit."   -  Romans 8:5

"For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God."  -  Romans 8:14

"The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God."  -  Romans 8:16

Time is short!

Jesus loves you!

If you have not been saved yet, Jesus is waiting for you with open arms full of love and forgiveness!

Romans 10:9,10,13 tells us: (9) "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. (10) For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.  (13) For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."

"Start Listening For The Trumpet Of God" (With Prophecy Update Video) - Inspirational Weekend

[Fishermen at Kailua Beach, Oahu, Hawaii]

When I think of fishermen, I am reminded of the apostles; some of which had been fishermen.  Jesus told them He would make them "Fishers of men." (Matthew 4:19).

All true born again believers should be on fire by sharing the Gospel with lost souls, especially since we are so far into the very last moments of the end times;  we are soon expecting Jesus to rapture His Bride (the Church) to be with Him forever; to be caught up with Him away from this wicked and perverse world.  

On a recent video I watched, a preacher said, to the effect, that he was no longer looking for "signs" of the end times...... he was instead listening for the trumpet to sound; the trump of God.  He believes Jesus' return and the Rapture is that close and I agree with him.

"For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:"   -   1 Thessalonians 4:16

"In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump:  for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.  "  -  1 Corinthians 15:52

As you know, the above verses are referring to the Rapture of the Church, true believers in Jesus Christ.  I should include 1 Thessalonians 4:17 which says:

"Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord."

What a glorious hope and promise!!  

"Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;"  -  Titus 2:13

This "trump of God" is not referring to the 7 trumpets of Revelation.  Both 1 Corinthians and 1 Thessalonians were written long before John wrote the book of Revelation, so the readers of Paul's Epistles would have no idea about the 7 trumpets of Revelation.  Paul's writings were in reference to the Church and the end of the Church age at the Rapture of true believers.  Those trumpets in the book of Revelation were angelic trumpets, while the trumpet that sounds at the Rapture is definitely called "The trump of God."

Following is a short 12 minute video by Chad, Watchman on the wall 88.  He is young but very thorough in his information on the end times and I believe he is definitely led by the Holy Spirit. Please watch

In Chad's video posted May 21, 2019, he talks about Isaiah 17 and Ezekiel 38 and 39, just like I did in my post a few days ago. (Scroll down one post right before this one.)   He also talks about a recent Yahoo news article about a possible Middle East war that could go nuclear.  

Don't panic and grow anxious about all this information and the current chaos in the world.   You have nothing to fear if you are a true born again believer in the Savior, Jesus Christ.

"Though I walk in the midst of trouble, Thou wilt revive me; Thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and Thy right hand shall save me."  -  Psalm 138:7

"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee."  -   Isaiah 26:3

"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you.  Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."   -  Jesus at John 14:27

I am moved to share another video about the Rapture of the Church that was just posted May 22, 2019, by prophecywatchers.com

In this video host Gary Stearman discusses with Pastor Jack Langford the possibility of the Rapture occuring on Pentecost, which is June 9 of this year.  They are quick to tell us that they are not saying it will happen for sure then, because the Bible tells us we do not know the day or the hour of Jesus' return for us. At any rate, there is a lot of interesting and pertinent information in this 29 minute video which follows:

Although I may not always agree with everything in some of these videos, (many of which I will never post here), many do have   valuable information that deserves to be shared, for everyone's benefit.  You can learn from them, like in this recent video above Pastor Langford discusses the various Jewish feasts and harvests that is quite interesting.

It is obvious that I have the Rapture on my mind a lot as of late.  I feel compelled to share any and all information I can find on this subject, this blessed hope that we have (Titus 2:13). It is important that we be alert and watchful, and share the gospel with everyone, as the time is short.  

"Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts; for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh."  -  James 5:8

Believers need to be in God's Holy Word daily, and to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17).  It is so true that to be able to truly know a person, you must communicate frequently with him.  The same is true  of Yahweh.  You need to  pray frequently and to pour your heart out to the good Lord.  By reading the Bible daily you learn of God's attributes, the love of Him and of the Savior.  And in return, by prayer and by spending much time in God's Word, you learn to love the Lord more and more, and you will draw ever closer to Him.   All of which means that you have a close, intimate, personal love relationship with God through His Son Jesus Christ.  Such a close relationship will give you peace and endurance and a great faith.

Be about the Lord's work while you wait for His soon return.  

If you are not a born again believer in Jesus as the Savior, you need to turn to Him in faith NOW before it is too late.  You do not want to be left behind for the horrors of the 7 year Tribulation.  It will be much more difficult to be saved during that time of God's wrath.  

Romans 10: 9,10,13 tells us:  (9) "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.  (10) For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.  (13) For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."  -  John 3:16

"Jesus saith unto him,  I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me."    -  John 14:6

Admit that you are a sinner and in need of a Savior.

Believe in Jesus and His redemptive power by His shed blood at Calvary..... that He can wash your sins away and that you will be white as snow.

Call on the Lord.  Confess your sins.  Commit your life to Him.

He will welcome you with arms wide open and full of love and forgiveness.

Jesus loves you! 

Have a blessed and Christ centered weekend ..... and life !!

Middle East Update, Bible Prophecy, And Jesus' Soon Return (Two Video's)

The first video I would like to share is from Christ In Prophecy you tube channel.  It is part 3 of a series on how Jesus is returning soon.  I highly recommend that you go there and also watch Part 1 and 2.  It is a 29 minute discourse on "cornerstone prophecies pointing to the soon return of Jesus Christ."  Please take the time to watch this;  it is full of soul-saving information.

I have written several articles concerning the Rapture of true believers.  Please go to the search box on the top right hand side of this page and type in "Rapture" and several posts will appear for you to read, many with other videos.

It won't be long now, friends.   Are you ready for the Lord's return?

The other video is a Middle East Update by Amir Tsarfati, a Messianic Jew who has a thriving ministry which takes him all over the world where he preaches the Gospel and current events as they relate to Bible prophecy.  He mentions that right now Russia is currently friends with Israel,  but that will soon change when the Russians turn on Israel in the coming Gog of Magog war as prophesied in Ezekiel 38.

Amir mentions that for some reason, America will not be able to help Israel during the Gog of Magog war.  Some theologians think that the reason might be because the Rapture occurs first, leaving America crippled with such a large disappearance of believers.  Others think it might be because of an economic collapse, or an EMP attack, or a new President that is against Israel, to mention a few.

We can clearly see all the chaos and turmoil in the world today.  Worldly people are afraid of what is coming, but true believers know that it all was prophesied to happen by Jesus and others during these end times we are now living in.   It is the "last hour"!

Read about the signs of the end times in Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21.  

Believers are excited to know that our Savior will return soon and we will "fly away" to our heavenly home with Him.

"And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh."    -  Jesus at Luke 21:28

At Matthew 24:6-7 Jesus tells us:  (6) And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars: see that ye be not troubled:  for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.  (7)  For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes in divers places."

"And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that shall endure to the end, the same shall be saved."    -  Jesus at Mark 13:13

Keep Watching !

Keep looking up !

Time Is Running Out - Israel, The Third Temple, And End Times (With Video)

Sometimes I wonder what I can do to be more effective in warning people that we are living in the end times, and that time is truly running out.  Many people - despite the desperate and chaotic and evil happenings prevalent in today's world -  still carry on their daily affairs as if nothing is about to happen; as if things are even "normal" and that they are immune to the events that are prophesied in the Bible that will soon occur.  Many people are so involved in their every day life and cares of this world, that they cannot see beyond their own immediate concerns.

The good Lord has given me a sense of urgency to share the Gospel and to warn people that we are now in the last hour of the last days. Much evidently falls on deaf ears.  Many scoff at the idea of Jesus returning soon for His Bride (the Church) and the fact that He will take them to heaven to be with Him when the Rapture occurs.  Even this scoffing is a fulfillment  of Bible prophecy.

"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."  -  2 Peter 3: 3-4

I have written many articles about Bible prophecy and the end times, the Rapture and the Tribulation.  To read more, go to the "Search Box" in the top right hand side of this post and type in a search request and several articles will pop up for you to view.

Following is an article from raptureready.com about how "Times are bad and getting worse".  Wake up !  Be ready for the Lord's return.  Go here to read that article.   The author quotes Scriptures about end times prophecies pertaining to us today.  

Below is a 29 minute video from prophecywatchers.com with host Gary Stearman  interviewing pastor and author Billy Crone about Trump, the Temple, and the antichrist and much more.

Israel believes that President Trump was put in power by the hand of God.  Many Americans believe the same.  The eternal covenants God made with Israel in ancient times indicate that He is not done with Israel and will intervene to bring about His plans for that chosen people.  Indeed, the good Lord is already at work for the Jewish people.   Look at the miracles from Him in the 1967 six day war!

Christians are to view these end time signs as proof of the Lord's soon return.  Please read about these signs in Matthew 24, Luke 21, and Mark 13.

"And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh."    -  Luke 21:28

"And take heed to yourselves lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.  For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.  Watch ye, therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man."   -   Luke 21: 34-36

Are you born again?  (John 3:3).  Have you surrendered your life to Jesus Christ, the Savior?

Have you repented of your sins?  

Do you believe that Jesus is the Savior and that He is the only way to the Father and to heaven?

"Jesus answered and said unto him,  Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."  -  John 3:3

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."   -  John 3:16

"Jesus saith unto him,  I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me."  -   John 14:6

Israel In Bible Prophecy, The 7 year Tribulation, End Times And You

This assortment of orchids brightens your spirits and assures you that despite all the evil and unrest and chaos in this old world,  God is still there, reminding us of His Presence with His beautiful creations.  It is better to focus on "things above"  ( Colossians 3:1-2) and to have faith that soon the good Lord will rectify all things.

Isn't it strange that we are so obviously living in the end times the Bible prophesied about (Matthew 24, Luke 21, Mark 13) and that the pastors and evangelist, for the most part, do not preach on Bible prophecy at all, and also dare not mention the soon return of Jesus to take true believers in the Rapture to be with Him in heaven.  Some reasons why are given in the following 8 minute video featuring Jan Markell:

Listen to her, because she is well thought of in the ministry circles; she has her own weekly radio show that goes out to over 800 channels, and she herself has been in ministry many, many years.  Every fall she organizes the largest prophecy conference in the USA and many thousands flock there to be informed on Bible prophecy and the hope the Bible gives us.  Find out more at olivetreeviews.org 

If you follow the news regularly, you are aware how extensive the coverage is on the Middle East and Israel in particular.  Many feel that we are on the brink of the war of Gog and Magog  (Ezekiel 38 and 39).   The good Lord has never forgotten His chosen people, Israel.  When Israel's enemies come against them for the battle of Gog and Magog, Yahweh will supernaturally come to their aid and destroy their foes.  

"And it shall come to pass at the same time, when Gog shall come against the land of Israel, saith the Lord God, that My fury shall come up in my face.  So that the fishes of the sea, and the fowls of the heaven, and the beasts of the field, and all creeping things that creep upon the earth,  shall shake at my presence, and the mountains shall be thrown down, and the steep places shall fall, and every wall shall fall to the ground......And I will plead against him with pestilence and with blood; and I will rain upon him, and upon his bands, and upon the many people that are with him, an overflowing rain, and great hailstones, fire, and brimstone."  -  Ezekiel 38: 18, 20,22

Also, the 7 year Tribulation period is for Israel's benefit in that it will bring Israel to an acknowledgement of Jesus as the Messiah, and it will restore all of the Land of Israel back to the Jews which was given to them by God back in ancient times.

Gary Stearman, of prophecywatchers.com, explains why there must be a Tribulation and discusses why it will be seven years long and not three and a half years as some are prone to believe.Here is a link to that article:

Please take the time to read this informative and scholarly article.  Mr. Stearman is an expert on Bible prophecy and you can trust his opinions because, of course, he bases everything he says upon what the Bible tells us.

In Mr. Stearman's article, he also gives us a little history lesson, as well as touching on the subject of the antichrist.  You will learn much from this article, and it is not difficult to understand.  But true believers in the Lord will not be here during the Tribulation period; we will have been taken up with the Lord into heaven at the Rapture.  We therefore need to focus on Jesus and not the antichrist.

In view of the fact that we are now living in the last hour of the last days, we need to endeavor to walk the narrow path with faith in Jesus; walk in His footsteps, and imitate Him as best we can.

Jesus admonishes us at Matthew 7:13,14 to (13) "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:(14) Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it."

We need to examine our thoughts and our hearts:  are they centered on Jesus and on obeying His commandments? Is He truly our Master and the love of our life? In other words, do we put Him first in our life?

If all of the above is not true of your life, then you need to repent and turn to the good Lord with all of your heart and your very being;  ask for forgiveness  and believe and have faith in Jesus as the Savior.  He died a cruel death so that you and I could have eternal life if we put our faith in Him.

Romans 10:9,10,13 tells us:  (9) "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.  (10) For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.  (13)  For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."

"Jesus saith unto him,  I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me."   -  John 14:6

Bible Prophecy - Is It Relevant Or Is It A Mere Distraction? (With Video)

Many people - even Christians - do not think Bible prophecy is that important and they are oblivious to the end times signs we see happening in the world today.   To me and many others, Bible prophecy is not only exciting (since we are now living in the prophesied last days), but it is also a reason for hope and rejoicing to know that Jesus Christ the Savior will soon return to take true believers to be with Him in heaven.  It makes you want to shout for joy !

Yet even some preachers do not study Bible prophecy.  One has said that "Bible prophecy is a distraction that no one should spend time studying."  Hard to believe he said that.  Many lost souls have been saved by prophecies, knowing that Jesus could return at any minute.  It has put a sense of urgency in them to not delay putting their faith in the Savior;  they do not want to be left behind to face the horrors of the 7 year Tribulation that follows the Rapture of the Church.... true believers.  Remember, however, to be saved takes faith and belief in Jesus Christ, not fear of the Tribulation time.

Following is a 29 minute video by Christinprophecy.com  with 3 notable scholars discussing various questions people have concerning the importance of Bible prophecy.

For those who do not watch the video (but you will be blessed if you do watch it)  below are some facts worth noting from the video:

1,239 Prophecies are in the Old Testament

578 Prophecies are in the New Testament

  

These make a total of 1,817 prophecies.

8,352 verses contain prophecy.

Amazing !  Many scholars say a third of the Bible is prophecy.  One, Gary Stearman of prophecywatchers.com, thinks that ALL of the Bible is prophetic, and in a way he is right, if you really think about it.

Yes, Bible prophecy is very relevant !!

The main thing is to read and study God's Holy Word and pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17).  If you do that, you will grow closer to the good Lord and you will develop a strong, close, personal love relationship with Him.  He wants to fellowship with you.  He loves you.

But to fellowship with the good Lord means that you need to be born again (John 3:3).  Believe with all your being that Jesus is the Savior and that His shed blood at Calvary can wash your sins away and thereby wipe the slate clean.   He took your place on the cross so that you could have eternal life if you but believe that He is the Savior, the Christ.  Have faith and turn to Him in repentance and in heartfelt prayer for forgiveness.   Repent means to forsake your sinful life and never go back to it.  You will learn to love the Lord with all of your heart and soul and you will not want to disobey Him.   Draw close to Him and He will draw close to you. (James 4:8).

"Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, and ye perish from the way, when His wrath is kindled but a little;  Blessed are all they that put their trust in Him."  -  Psalm 2:12

"Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is.  And every man that hath this hope in Him purifieth himself, even as He is pure."  -  1 John 3:2-3

"  ....... worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy."   -  Revelation 19:10b

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father but by Me."  -   John 14:6

"How Long, O Lord?" (Videos ; Current Events and Bible Prophecy)

Yesterday (Sunday) while checking the Internet, I saw information on how Damascus, Syria, was attacked by Israel.   Automatically I thought of Isaiah 17:1 which reads,

"The burden of Damascus, Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it shall be a ruinous heap. "

I immediately went to "Behold Israel" on You Tube which is current events in the Middle East explained by Amir Tsarfati, a Jew who is a believer in Jesus Christ as the Savior, and who has a thriving ministry out of Israel, where he lives.   He preaches all over the world and I have featured his videos on this blog several times prior to today.   It turns out that Israel made strikes on 6 different targets, one of which was the airport in Damascus.  Isaiah 17:1 has not as yet been fulfilled, but it will happen soon.  Following is Amir's 12 minute video on the Israeli strikes in Syria:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qe0YPh-ldw

Many scholars believe that the Tribulation period may not begin immediately after the Rapture of the Church occurs; perhaps it may be several weeks to several years after Jesus takes His Bride to heaven.....a gap, if you will.  Bill Salus, a prophecy expert, explains this and much more in the following video by prophecywatchers.com in which he and the host, Gary Stearman, have an interesting discussion on Bible Prophecy, focusing on primarily the book of Revelation.  Here is that 29 minute video:

I found something new to think about and to do research on in the above video.  Most believe that when the six seals of Revelation are opened, that that happens during the Tribulation period.  Bill Salus believes the seals happen before the trib.   Here is a portion of Revelation 6, verses 9-11 :

(9) "And when He had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held:  (10) And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost Thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?  (11) And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled."

Bill Salus' reasoning is that if this question had been asked during the Tribulation, then they would know that period would last for 7 years, according to prophecy and at the end of that time God would judge and avenge their blood.   Therefore, the seals happen before the Tribulation, (but after the Rapture of the Church), according to Mr. Salus, since these souls under the altar did not know how long it would be.   The souls spoken of here are evidently those who became believers after the Rapture and were martyred.

{Update:  September 8, 2018:   While watching Bill Salus on another interview today,  He clarified that the Seals of Revelation 6 ...specifically Seals one to five....happen during the time gap between after the Rapture occurs and the Tribulation period.  He believes that the sixth Seal and the rest of the judgments poured out on earth happen during the Tribulation.  It is a video which lasts over 2 hours so click below on the time minutes starting at 1 hour and 2 minutes to begin the Salus interview.  Here is a link to that recent video where Mr. Salus again discusses the Seals and so much more:}

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_NJz_ll8

Let me make it clear that I am not saying that I agree with Mr. Salus' conclusions.  It is just something to throw out there.  It will take research and much prayer on my part to determine whether he is right or not.

The main thing is, get right with the Lord and be ready for the Rapture of true believers.   We believers will not be here on earth when the Seals of Revelation occur.  Focus now on living a godly life and endeavor to always please the good Lord.  Be busy sharing the Gospel and winning souls to the Lord.

How long, O Lord?

We believers today ask that question also as to when the Rapture of true believers takes place as Gary Stearman points out in his interview with Bill Salus.   It is wonderful that we should be watching for the Lord's return but, again, do not neglect in the meantime to live a holy life and to be busy sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Time is short!

We are living in the last hour of the last days !

When Jesus returns for His Bride, the true believers, you do not want to be "left behind" to face the judgments and the horrors and the wrath of God which will be poured out during the Tribulation.  I urge you to please read the entire book of Revelation for more insight on future events.  Doing so will instill in you the desire to avoid going through the Tribulation period as it will be a terrible time filled with horrors and suffering and destruction.

Nor do you want to end up in hell, if you are an unbeliever, where all who reject Jesus as their Savior will go if they do not repent and turn to Him in faith and belief.

Jesus loves you and is waiting for you with arms wide open to embrace you with pardon; to give you hope; to give you a future with Him in heaven; to give you eternal life.

Pray and ask for forgiveness; truly and sincerely repent of all sin, which means to forsake your sinful ways and to not live in sin any more.  Have real faith and believe Jesus is the Savior who can wash all of your sins away by His shed blood at Calvary.  Believe also in His resurrection.

Romans 10:9,10,13 says it best:  (9)  "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.  (10) For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.  (13) For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."    -  John 3:16

What On Earth Is Going On ! (With Video)

Things are getting out of hand with all the violence and unrest and hatred and just down right evil we see everyday in the world we live in now in this last hour of the last days.  But the Bible prophesied about "perilous"  times in the end   (2 Timothy 3:1-7).  

So actually things are falling into place right now.   Look up!  It won't be much longer before we meet the Lord in the air, heaven bound.   

An excellent article is found at raptureready.com  which deals with end times happenings and the significance of current events in light of Bible prophecy.  You may read it here .  The author says, "We are watching every precursor to last days events falling right into place."

I have written extensively on the last days and Bible prophecy.  If you go to the "Search Box" on this page in the upper right side and type in "end times,  7 year Tribulation, The Rapture, Mark of the beast" and so on, it will link you to other articles on prophecy and end times events.  

Following is a video by prophecywatchers.com in which the host, Gary Stearman, discusses current events and the end times with Jan Markell.  They also mention their upcoming Bible prophecy conferences this fall.  Jan's conference will have free live streaming on September 29, 2018, on her website:  olivetreeviews.org .  It will also be archived on her website for future viewing.  Jan, in the 13 minute video, explains why so many pastors do not give sermons and teachings to their congregations on the subject of Bible prophecy.

The time is near for the Rapture of the Church, Christ's Bride.  

Are you ready? 

Turn to Jesus in faith and believe that He is the Savior, if you have not already done so.   Admit you are a sinner and confess your sins in prayer.  Repent, turn from sinning and let the shed blood of Jesus at Calvary wash your sins away.  

Jesus loves you !!

He will forgive and pardon you if you will repent and turn to Him in true faith and belief.

Romans 10: 9,10,13 tells us :  (9) That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.  (10)  For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the  mouth confession is made unto salvation.  (13) For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."

"Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; Though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool."    -  Isaiah 1:18

"Jesus saith unto him,  I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me."  -  John 14:6

"Words Of Encouragement And What Happens When You Die" (With Videos) - Inspirational Weekend

When I view beautiful flowers like the Hibiscus above, it reminds me of the Lord's tender mercies and His love for mankind by giving us such beauty to embrace while living in a chaotic world.  An evil world.  A cruel and selfish world, where godliness .... for the most part .... is not practiced and is mocked by unbelievers.  True and faithful believers need words of encouragement and hope.  We can find such hope and encouragement in God's Holy Word, the Bible.

Featured in this post, as in my last post, are two videos,  one by Amir Tsarfati and another by evangelist Dan Goodwin, only these are different and more recent videos than in the April 9, 2018, writing.  Following is a 24 minute video by Amir with words of clarification and encouragement, considering recent events.

Have you ever wondered where the dead go when they die?  Specifically, where the Old Testament righteous people went, since heaven was not open to them at that time?  Remember the parable given by Jesus in Luke 16:19-31, about the rich man and Lazarus the beggar, and where they went when they died?  The rich man went to hell (verse 23), and Lazarus went to Abraham's bosom, or paradise (also verse 23).  Many scholars believe this is a true story or history of two real individuals.  

The Talmud mentions both paradise and Abraham's bosom as the home of the righteous.  The main lesson here is that once death comes a person cannot change his eternal destiny.  

Abraham told the rich man who was in hell, "And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence."   -  Luke 16:26

In the following 28 minute video from prophecyinthenews.com ,  evangelist Dan Goodwin gives much information on this topic, as well as numerous Scriptures.  He also tells us that New Testament saints, you and I, can only enter heaven and be in God's presence  by being born again.  

Hebrews 11 tells us of the righteous men of old, who by faith obeyed God and it was accounted to them as righteousness.  For example,  Hebrews 11:7 says:

"By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith."    

The good Lord wants us to exhibit faith, and thereby be full of righteousness and pleasing to Him.  The way to develop faith is to read your Bible and by being often in prayer.  In other words, to develop a close, personal, intimate relationship with God through Jesus Christ His Son.   Our purpose is to do His will and to bring glory to the Lord.  

"But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him."   -  Hebrews 11:6

Now is the time to be busy for the Lord, bringing lost souls to come to a faith in Jesus as their Savior.  We are living in the end times, the last "hour" of the last days.  Be occupied in the Lord's work.

Be ready!!

Jesus could return at any moment !!

If you are an unbeliever, turn to the Lord before it is too late !  Pray and ask for forgiveness of your sins, repent and do not go back to a life of sin; have faith and believe in Jesus as your Savior; believe in His resurrection.  

Remember, God accepts U-turns !

Jesus loves you !

He is waiting with open arms of love and forgiveness!

Turn to Jesus with faith and belief!

He will pardon your sins and give you eternal life!

Romans 10:9,10,13 tells us:  (9)  That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. (10) For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.  (13) For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."

"Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:  and whosoever liveth and believeth in Me shall never die.  Believest thou this?"    -  John 11: 25-26

Signs Of The End Times With Billy Crone (Video)

The Lemur above looks as if he just heard some thoughtful news !  He is very intent and alert in his gaze.   

We Christians have some exciting news to tell :  Jesus will return soon to rapture His Bride (true believers) to be in heaven with Him.  We are definitely living in the last days; the last hours of the end times the Bible tells us about.  The Bible is almost 1/3 prophecy and we need to take heed and take action relating to what that means for us:  to live a godly life and to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ to others.  

So many people shy away from prophecy, thinking it is all doom and gloom.  The best news we could possibly hear is the fact that Jesus could come back at any moment!!   We know this because the Bible -  Jesus -  tells us the signs to look for to take heed that we are in the last days; to know the season of His return.  Not the day or the hour, for no one knows that except the heavenly Father.  (Matthew 24:36)

Following is a video from ChristinProphecy channel on YouTube.  It's website is christinprophecy.org

Many end time signs are covered in this video featuring pastor and author Billy Crone.  They even mention and show photographs of some false christs in these last days.  That was one of the things Jesus proclaimed as a sign of the end times.   (Matthew 24:4-5)

The main thing is to be ready for the Lord when He returns !  That entails much prayer and much Bible reading and studying.  That in turn will enable you to have a deep, intimate, and personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ.  That relationship will enable you live a life pleasing to the Lord.   You will know Him and He will know you.   You do not want to hear the Lord say in the Judgment,  

"And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from Me, ye that work iniquity."              -  Matthew 7:23

If you love the world; if you talk like, look like, and act like the world, then you probably are not a true Christian.  You are not born again; you are carnal still; you are not truly converted.

"Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God?  whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God."  -  James 4:4

Those are strong words !!  Examine yourself, test yourself to see whether you are in the faith or not.

"Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves.  Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?"   -  2 Corinthians 13:5

We live in exciting times!  Prophetic times.  We Christians have a blessed hope (Titus 2:13).  

God is good!

Jesus loves you.

He is waiting for you to come to Him in faith and belief in Him as your Savior.

Don't delay!  

Don't wait until it is too late.

"Jesus said unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me."  -  John 14:6

"But as He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy."  -  1 Peter 1:15-16

"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: "     1 Peter 5:8

"And now, little children, abide in Him; that, when He shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before Him at His coming."   -  1 John 2:28

   

The Rapture - It Won't Be Long Now In Light Of Current Events (With Video)

In light of current events, even those who are not Christians realize that "something has to give."  Many are fearful and without hope and in dread of what will happen next.   Many fear a World War Three which some say has already begun, just not in full force as of now.   Christians have a blessed hope, however, in all of this turmoil and wickedness and chaotic happenings across the globe:

"Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ."   -  Titus 2:13

It will not be long now, believers, before we are caught up to be in heaven with the Lord when the Rapture of the Church occurs.  Maranatha !!

I have written much about the Rapture and will not repeat myself in this post.   In the search box above and to the right on this page, type in "rapture" and several posts will appear and you can scroll down and chose the ones you wish to view.  Some have videos by prominent pastors and authors on the subject of the Rapture of the Church.

I would like to share a recent video by Amir Tsarfati, a Jewish believer in the Messiah who lives in Israel and has a thriving ministry.   In it he discusses current Middle East and world events and he discusses the Rapture as well.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTVmX7y30sE   

These current events should be watched always as they are fulfilling Bible prophecy and verify that we are in the last days now.  Someone has said that the present time is just as prophetic as the time when Jesus was on earth 2000 years ago.

"And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh."  -  Luke 21:28

The above verse applies to believers in Jesus Christ, who is The Savior.   If you are not saved by the blood of Jesus, by faith in Him, then I am afraid you do not have that heavenly hope.

You need to repent and call on the name of Jesus, confess your sins and ask for forgiveness,  turn away and cease from your sins, as repentance means a change of mind and heart: to not keep living in sin.   

"Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."  -  Acts 4:12

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life:  no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me."    -  John 14:6

To God, Jesus is not one way among many,  but The Way...... the only way. 

Do not harden your heart against the Lord.   Realize that time is short on this earth, and eternity is a long time to spend in the wrong place...... which is hell if you do not repent and turn to the Lord and believe in Him as The Savior.   

Believers have a hope, a blessed hope, of being with the Lord forever in eternity.   You can have that hope as well when you surrender your life to Jesus, in faith and complete belief in Him.

"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.  For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.   .....For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."   -  Romans 10:9,10,13

Current Events and Bible Prophecy - Paul's Rapture Or Near-death Experience ? (With videos)

Both topics in the title above seemed so important that I decided to include two recent videos in this post and to discuss them both briefly, while letting the videos and Scriptures be the main sources of information and not my comments.  

"It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory.  I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.  I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell:  God knoweth;) such a one caught up to the third heaven.  And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter."   -  2 Corinthians 12:1-4

A long time ago I ran across information on these verses above that what Paul probably experienced was a near-death experience. The fact that it happened 14 years previous to his recording it here made one commentator believe that that was when Paul was stoned and left for dead at Lystra (Acts 14:19).  What this commentator was ignoring is the Scripture found at Hebrews 9:27 which follows:

"And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment."

Following is a video by Gary Stearman of Prophecywatchers.com in which he believes Paul's experience was more like a rapture, as was also experienced by Enoch and Elijah.   This is compatible with Paul's statement in 2 Corinthians 12:2-3, where he uses the words "caught up" which in the Greek is harpazo which means a snatching away suddenly as in the rapture.   

Did you hear about how the Syrians fired a couple of rockets towards Israeli planes earlier this month?  Israel promptly destroyed those rocket launchers.  That was the first time that Israel was actually attacked by Syria.  In the following video on Middle East events in the light of Bible prophecy,  Amir Tsarfati tells us that everything happening in the Middle East right now is moving us fast toward the Rapture of the Church.   He touches on other subjects as well in this video.

Believers in Christ, lift up your heads and rejoice for your deliverance is near !!   (Luke 21:28)

Colossians 3:1-2 tells us:  "If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.  Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth."

"In My Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you.  I go to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself, that where I am, there ye may be also."   -  Jesus at John 14:2-3

"We Are At The Finish Line" (With Video On Bible Prophecy And Current Events) - Inspirational Weekend

As you can see in my photograph above, this Hawaiian Moorhen is standing in waters surrounded by tangled tree branches.   Sometimes we can feel knee deep in troubled waters and entangled in prison-like barriers that keep us from our full potential of being an effective witness for Jesus.   We may have many obstacles that keep us in a state of depression or of not knowing the way out.   

But a true believer will not stay in a depressed state for long if he will turn to the Lord in prayer and leave his burdens at the foot of the cross......in Jesus' capable hands of love and compassion.   

"Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you."  -  1 Peter 5:7

America has recently suffered two horrific hurricanes and another is making its way to the East Coast right now.   But keep in mind that many other disasters are happening across the Globe which have killed thousands of persons.   America is having wildfires raging in several states, and wildfires are occurring in other countries at the present time as well.  I say all this not to preach doom and gloom, but to emphasize that there is plenty we could be depressed about and we should care about the unfortunate victims of these disasters and help them in any way we can.  If you are poor and cannot financially help, you can certainly pray for them.

"For we know that the whole creation groaneth  and travaileth in pain together until now."                          -  Romans 8:22

Many things.... hundreds of signs... that are happening right now prove that we are "at the finish line"  -  the last hour of the last days.  Many Bible prophecies are converging at the present time.  

For true believers, this means Jesus will return soon to Rapture them to be with Him in heaven and later with Him on earth during the millennium reign.  This is something we eagerly look forward to... all eternity with the Lord.

Don't be depressed...Look up and watch for the Lord's soon return.  (Luke 21:28).  

Following is a video on current events and Bible prophecy in which Amir Tsarfati gives an excellent take on current world events.

"Why should I be concerned with Bible Prophecy?  I have so many problems to deal with as it is," you may ask.   The devil likes to keep us busy with all kinds of things that distract us from the Lord and His will.  We don't pray because we think we don't have time; and prayer is vital for a close relationship with God.  We don't read the Bible because, again, we don't believe we have the time.  The Bible is God's Holy Word, our Love Letter from Him, and our Instruction Manual for living a life that is pleasing to Him.  By the reading of His Word, we come to really really know the Lord and His attributes and His will, thereby helping us to have a dynamic and living relationship with Him.   

"And this is life eternal, that they might know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent."   -  Jesus speaking at John 17:3

This "knowing" is not just head knowledge;  it is a relationship, an understanding of His will, and a thirst to know Him more and more intimately and our wanting to please Him in all we do, and say, and in the way we live our lives......to be more like Christ.  This knowing Jesus involves the heart and the soul. It is your very life.   They say people know you by the company  you keep;   be best friends and company with the Lord Jesus Christ.  If you are always in prayer and pour over His Word diligently, you will  become more Christ-like, and thereby be pleasing to the Lord.

My photograph above of the Hawaiian Black-Crowned Night Heron with the small fish in its bill reminds me of how the devil fishes around to snatch as many people as he can in his evil grasp to deceive and destroy them.  

"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour."  -  1 Peter 5:8

Satan will NOT devour you if you are walking hand in hand with Jesus and if you have a close, personal, and intimate relationship with the Lord.  If you are deliberately sinning to indulge your lustful desires and sinful self-will, then beware.   The Lord wants only those who surrender to Him and who obey Him, and by that show that they love Him.

"He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth Me: and he that loveth Me shall be loved of My Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him."   -  Jesus at John 14:21

Now is not the time to be preoccupied with the things of the world.  We need to be spiritually minded and seek the Lord continually.  Someone once said, "Too often we are so preoccupied with the destination, we forget the journey."   Of course we should concern ourselves with heavenly things and look forward to being with the Lord (the destination), but we also need to live (the journey) in a way that pleases Him and leads many others to faith in Jesus.  Once saved, we should not become passive "couch-potato" Christians. We should be busy doing the Lord's work.

"God wants the whole person and He will not rest till He gets us in entirety.  No part of the man will do."  -  A.W. Tozer

Don't waste your life.  

Remember that we are at the finish line.

Do not be distracted away from the Lord.

Time on this earth is short.....

 Jesus will return soon.

Will you be ready?

"A man by his sin may waste himself, which is to waste that which on earth is most like God.  This is man's greatest tragedy and God's heaviest grief."  -  A.W. Tozer

"And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption."              -  Ephesians 4:30

It is all about love and obedience.

"Jesus answered and said unto him,  If a man love Me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and We will come unto him, and make our abode with him."    -  John 14:23