10 Steps to the End of this Age & Ushering in His Kingdom

[Vine Abider]

Below is something I've been playing with (and mentioned it in another thread).  I see an opportunity to share with unsaved about things occurring toward the end of this age, so that there might be an opening for the Good News.  For believers, the end of the age is about His Kingdom being manifested, but to unsaved, this is "the end of the world."  To us the apocalypse means the wonderful, full unveiling of Christ and the sons of God; but to unbelievers it is something full of dreadful fear.  The Lord can use that fear for the entrance of His Word!

So the 10 steps below are a very basic conveying of my thoughts on what is, and will soon occur, concerning Jerusalem and the middle east.  It is, of course, according to my own theology and my understanding of prophesy.  For nonbelievers I would want to keep it real simple, and might just share points #1 and #2, and perhaps #4, 6-7.  For instance, I probably wouldn't get much into matters concerning the raptures (I believe in multiple, partial raptures). 

And I know that believers might have varying views and opinions about some of these events (especially the raptures & manchild), but my purpose in conveying these is in hope that we may see a clear way to present simple, end of the age prophesies to the unsaved, as a means for the gospel.

My basic Understanding of Prophetic Last Week (7 years) of this Age as an Abbreviated Outline:

 1.    The background - Israel returned in 1948 to become a nation again, after 2,000 years of dispersal throughout the world. This is unprecedented in history. 

2.    Soon, serious conflict in the middle east/Israel will have the whole world greatly disturbed. A charismatic leader arises to power who makes a grand 7 year treaty with Israel and her enemies – great peace and prosperity takes place in the world (but also many disturbing/destructive natural calamities occur). This is the beginning of the final 7 years.

3.    First-fruits (early rapture) are taken directly to God’s throne somewhere in first 3.5 years of the treaty.

Next items happen in rapid succession mid-way through the final week (3.5 years from treaty enactment):

4.    Charismatic leader dealt death blow

5.    Manchild taken to heaven - Satan is cast down to earth

6.    Dead leader comes back to life supernaturally

7.    Leader breaks treaty 3.5 years after signing it & desecrates the Jerusalem temple, setting himself up as God there

8.    Final 3.5 years start – supernatural calamities upon the whole earth - two witnesses appear

Toward the end of last 3.5 years (end of 7 year week):

9.    Large armies gather to middle east – battle of Armageddon

10.   Christ returns to defeat armies and antichrist, and to set up His kingdom on the earth

[Marathoner]

I don't take issue with your presentation nor your heart, brother. Here's the issue at hand:

This isn't the first time that narrative has been broadcasted to the public. Portions of it (or even the entire ball of wax) have been dramatized in books and movies at times when the end seemed to be upon us all, not to mention radio broadcasts and the like. When that narrative outline did not come to pass, great scorn was heaped upon the proponents of false prognostication by the lost... and rightfully so. Indeed, waves of false prophets preaching this peculiar style of interpretation have come and then vanished from the scene, but it appears that many who were inclined to believe their error never learned from the experience. They were poised to eagerly trumpet the next "Hal Lindsey" to come along, once again earning the scorn of the lost and providing militant atheists with greater stores of ammunition with which to blaspheme the name of the Lord.

"Preaching prophecy" avails us nothing, my friend. Consider the recently referenced examples of New Testament sermons to witness what we ought to preach: Christ, and Him crucified. Appealing to fear and terror --- or seeking to whip both up in your audience --- has been the time-honored stock and trade of charlatans over the past 200 years or so. That's what they do best.

If one's example and those words which the Lord promises to furnish us when the hour of our testimony arrives are somehow insufficient, then what does that say? It says that our hands are required to steady the ark. 

[Vine Abider]

1 hour ago, Marathoner said:

I don't take issue with your presentation nor your heart, brother. Here's the issue at hand:

This isn't the first time that narrative has been broadcasted to the public. Portions of it (or even the entire ball of wax) have been dramatized in books and movies at times when the end seemed to be upon us all, not to mention radio broadcasts and the like. When that narrative outline did not come to pass, great scorn was heaped upon the proponents of false prognostication by the lost... and rightfully so. Indeed, waves of false prophets preaching this peculiar style of interpretation have come and then vanished from the scene, but it appears that many who were inclined to believe their error never learned from the experience. They were poised to eagerly trumpet the next "Hal Lindsey" to come along, once again earning the scorn of the lost and providing militant atheists with greater stores of ammunition with which to blaspheme the name of the Lord.

"Preaching prophecy" avails us nothing, my friend. Consider the recently referenced examples of New Testament sermons to witness what we ought to preach: Christ, and Him crucified. Appealing to fear and terror --- or seeking to whip both up in your audience --- has been the time-honored stock and trade of charlatans over the past 200 years or so. That's what they do best.

If one's example and those words which the Lord promises to furnish us when the hour of our testimony arrives are somehow insufficient, then what does that say? It says that our hands are required to steady the ark. 

Agreed.  However, I'm not talking about setting specific timeframes.  Rather just pointing to the fact that the Israel/Jerusalem/middle east is predominate in end-of-the-age prophecy, and giving just a few particulars --> also saying that this is how I personally take scripture to mean.  People should know that it's not by chance that the world is focusing on - and being drawn into - the middle eastern situation . . . it is in The Book.  Therefore, knowing this can be an opportunity for Good News.

And that's also why I think it good to be more general.  That is, avoid being more specific than scripture is in these matters, because if something doesn't go down exactly the way we specifically state, that can become a stumbling.

As it says in a couple places (Dan 12 for one), these things should be unveiled the more closely we get to them, and to those who are watching.

[Marilyn C]

4 hours ago, Vine Abider said:

Below is something I've been playing with (and mentioned it in another thread).  I see an opportunity to share with unsaved about things occurring toward the end of this age, so that there might be an opening for the Good News.  For believers, the end of the age is about His Kingdom being manifested, but to unsaved, this is "the end of the world."  To us the apocalypse means the wonderful, full unveiling of Christ and the sons of God; but to unbelievers it is something full of dreadful fear.  The Lord can use that fear for the entrance of His Word!

So the 10 steps below are a very basic conveying of my thoughts on what is, and will soon occur, concerning Jerusalem and the middle east.  It is, of course, according to my own theology and my understanding of prophesy.  For nonbelievers I would want to keep it real simple, and might just share points #1 and #2, and perhaps #4, 6-7.  For instance, I probably wouldn't get much into matters concerning the raptures (I believe in multiple, partial raptures). 

 

Hi VA,

I agree with your thought about sharing some events to come to prepare people. I especially like the part where you said `to keep it real simple.`  That is because people generally can only remember 2 or 3 points at a time and to try and remember a long list is nigh on impossible for many people. And it seems you might shortened your list.

So....here is my suggestion.

1. A great army of Russia and Iran (& others) will come down to destroy Israel.

2. They will get annihilated by a great earthquake that sets off a volcano that wipes them out.

I am doing this with viole, an atheist on the special forum. I have just asked her would she like to know what the Bible says will happen next in the Middle East. She responded with `oh the Ethiopians are going to the Golan Heights.` Now I told her that over a year ago and then I haven`t talked to her since. But she remembered that strange fact. I haven`t told her yet how God will deal with the great army but as it is not long now and it will be a real wake up call for her, especially as she is so sarcastic about it all. 

Now, if anyone then asks you what happens after 1 & 2 (above) you can say -

1. There will be Peace in the Middle East but then great calamities will affect the food and water, so much so that it will need to be rationed.

2. Finally, you will become controlled having had a chip in your hand, (or forehead). This will have your ID, Banking, Medical etc details. You will not be able to buy or sell, or travel, etc without it. 

 

If you are asked `what will we do?` Then you can say, `Don`t take the chip, but cry out to God. 

 

 

[AdHoc]

15 hours ago, Vine Abider said:

Below is something I've been playing with (and mentioned it in another thread).  I see an opportunity to share with unsaved about things occurring toward the end of this age, so that there might be an opening for the Good News.  For believers, the end of the age is about His Kingdom being manifested, but to unsaved, this is "the end of the world."  To us the apocalypse means the wonderful, full unveiling of Christ and the sons of God; but to unbelievers it is something full of dreadful fear.  The Lord can use that fear for the entrance of His Word!

So the 10 steps below are a very basic conveying of my thoughts on what is, and will soon occur, concerning Jerusalem and the middle east.  It is, of course, according to my own theology and my understanding of prophesy.  For nonbelievers I would want to keep it real simple, and might just share points #1 and #2, and perhaps #4, 6-7.  For instance, I probably wouldn't get much into matters concerning the raptures (I believe in multiple, partial raptures). 

And I know that believers might have varying views and opinions about some of these events (especially the raptures & manchild), but my purpose in conveying these is in hope that we may see a clear way to present simple, end of the age prophesies to the unsaved, as a means for the gospel.

My basic Understanding of Prophetic Last Week (7 years) of this Age as an Abbreviated Outline:

 1.    The background - Israel returned in 1948 to become a nation again, after 2,000 years of dispersal throughout the world. This is unprecedented in history. 

2.    Soon, serious conflict in the middle east/Israel will have the whole world greatly disturbed. A charismatic leader arises to power who makes a grand 7 year treaty with Israel and her enemies – great peace and prosperity takes place in the world (but also many disturbing/destructive natural calamities occur). This is the beginning of the final 7 years.

3.    First-fruits (early rapture) are taken directly to God’s throne somewhere in first 3.5 years of the treaty.

Next items happen in rapid succession mid-way through the final week (3.5 years from treaty enactment):

4.    Charismatic leader dealt death blow

5.    Manchild taken to heaven - Satan is cast down to earth

6.    Dead leader comes back to life supernaturally

7.    Leader breaks treaty 3.5 years after signing it & desecrates the Jerusalem temple, setting himself up as God there

8.    Final 3.5 years start – supernatural calamities upon the whole earth - two witnesses appear

Toward the end of last 3.5 years (end of 7 year week):

9.    Large armies gather to middle east – battle of Armageddon

10.   Christ returns to defeat armies and antichrist, and to set up His kingdom on the earth

I am not gifted with evangelism although I am aware of each and every Christian's duty to preach both the gospel of grace and the gospel of the Kingdom. So my experience is not comprehensive. My understanding is that a man must first be born again and then he will have a chance of understanding God's Word, especially prophecy. I would like to quote Romans 1 on the general condition of unregenerate man.

18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; 19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: 21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. 24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: 25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. 26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:

My question is, what chance does any man have of understanding the things of God - especially the complexities of prophecy, if God has darkened the mind AND the man acts foolishly?

What the Holy Spirit was given for was convicting of sin and judgment. So John 16:7-9 ...

Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. 8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 9 Of sin, because they believe not on me; (Jn 16:7–9)

Your feedback and experiences with the "last days" scenario would be very interesting.

[Dennis1209]

As Vine mentioned, May 14, 1948, was a miraculous, unprecedented day never seen in history, as was the 1967 Six Days War prophetic. As Paul Harvey says, and now, the rest of the story. I would encourage reading the attached short article for additional prophetic insight:

MIRACLE OF 1967: 50th Anniversary Of Israel's Victory In Six Day War And Reunification Of JERUSALEM – BIBLICALSIGNS.COM

I believe God's end-time hourglass was turned over on May 14, 1948. The generation born then until now will see all these things come to pass (Matthew 24:32-35).

Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled. (Matthew 24:34) [emphasis added]

A logical question to ask is, how long is a Biblical generation? It drastically changed over millennia. I do not know, but the latest human average longevity is in Palm 90:10, seventy to eighty years.

The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away. (Psalm 90:10)

Everything Biblically appliable for the terminal generation has manifested in a short historical time. Reading 2 Timothy chapter three in today's context is mind-boggling compared to the first thirty years of my life, not to mention tens of millions of aborted babies, convenient child sacrifice, and to what alter.

In 1978, I was offered a job in Iran, making four times the money doing the same thing here in the US. Iran was friends with Israel and helped Israel out in their 1973 War. Turkey was friends with Israel, and Israelis took vacations in Turkey.

Everything has changed geopolitically, as the Bible foretells. We see the alignments, treaties, mutual defense pacts, and trade between the three significant belligerents of the Eze. 38 invasion of Israel. The reason for Damascus, Syria's destruction overnight, Elam's destruction, everything.

Israel's October 7, 2023 declared war has significant prophetic implications and firsts. To name two, Israel has vowed to destroy terrorism, beginning with HAMAS (h. Violence). For the first time, Iran struck Israel from Iran's soil, a biggie. They now have no choice but to cut the head off the snake.

Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Behold, I will break the bow of Elam, the chief of their might. (Jeremiah 49:35) [Launchers, delivery systems, missiles, rockets, and drones]

No one can predict the timing or sequence of unfulfilled near-future events, but we do see the stage set and the reasons behind them from a human perspective. We also see this developing daily on the news:

Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about, when they shall be in the siege both against Judah and against Jerusalem. (Zechariah 12:2)

An excellent opportunity of presenting historical facts, the present situation, the future, and presenting the Good News and our blessed hope.

 

[Vine Abider]

2 hours ago, Dennis1209 said:

As Vine mentioned, May 14, 1948, was a miraculous, unprecedented day never seen in history, as was the 1967 Six Days War prophetic. As Paul Harvey says, and now, the rest of the story. I would encourage reading the attached short article for additional prophetic insight:

MIRACLE OF 1967: 50th Anniversary Of Israel's Victory In Six Day War And Reunification Of JERUSALEM – BIBLICALSIGNS.COM

I believe God's end-time hourglass was turned over on May 14, 1948. The generation born then until now will see all these things come to pass (Matthew 24:32-35).

Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled. (Matthew 24:34) [emphasis added]

A logical question to ask is, how long is a Biblical generation? It drastically changed over millennia. I do not know, but the latest human average longevity is in Palm 90:10, seventy to eighty years.

The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away. (Psalm 90:10)

Everything Biblically appliable for the terminal generation has manifested in a short historical time. Reading 2 Timothy chapter three in today's context is mind-boggling compared to the first thirty years of my life, not to mention tens of millions of aborted babies, convenient child sacrifice, and to what alter.

In 1978, I was offered a job in Iran, making four times the money doing the same thing here in the US. Iran was friends with Israel and helped Israel out in their 1973 War. Turkey was friends with Israel, and Israelis took vacations in Turkey.

Everything has changed geopolitically, as the Bible foretells. We see the alignments, treaties, mutual defense pacts, and trade between the three significant belligerents of the Eze. 38 invasion of Israel. The reason for Damascus, Syria's destruction overnight, Elam's destruction, everything.

Israel's October 7, 2023 declared war has significant prophetic implications and firsts. To name two, Israel has vowed to destroy terrorism, beginning with HAMAS (h. Violence). For the first time, Iran struck Israel from Iran's soil, a biggie. They now have no choice but to cut the head off the snake.

Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Behold, I will break the bow of Elam, the chief of their might. (Jeremiah 49:35) [Launchers, delivery systems, missiles, rockets, and drones]

No one can predict the timing or sequence of unfulfilled near-future events, but we do see the stage set and the reasons behind them from a human perspective. We also see this developing daily on the news:

Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about, when they shall be in the siege both against Judah and against Jerusalem. (Zechariah 12:2)

An excellent opportunity of presenting historical facts, the present situation, the future, and presenting the Good News and our blessed hope.

 

Wow - now that was a good post . . . and exactly what I'm talking about here!  @AdHoc & @Marilyn C - I think this post conveys it, that is, to inform (as lead) the unsaved regarding what we believers are seeing unfold regarding prophetic events in the middle east.  I mean people may know generally that the Bible foretells something about the events there, but usually their understanding is extremely distorted at best.

And I think telling them things like computer chips will be implanted may be a very popular notion among us Christians (indeed, it could be that the mark is a chip), but I think we need to be very careful in conveying anything that is not specifically stated in the bible.  My thinking is be very simple with them: give a little background on Israel becoming a nation again, and that things there will reach a potentially very catastrophic level, but a charismatic leader will arise to make a 7 year treaty.  And even though peace and good times appear to rule the day after the treaty, the lid will seriously come off in 3.5 years, and then before too long, the Lord will return to subdue the dire situation and set up His kingdom --> therefore, sinner, turn to Him and be saved! 

So do we at least generally agree on these simple points?

[AdHoc]

5 hours ago, Vine Abider said:

Wow - now that was a good post . . . and exactly what I'm talking about here!  @AdHoc & @Marilyn C - I think this post conveys it, that is, to inform (as lead) the unsaved regarding what we believers are seeing unfold regarding prophetic events in the middle east.  I mean people may know generally that the Bible foretells something about the events there, but usually their understanding is extremely distorted at best.

And I think telling them things like computer chips will be implanted may be a very popular notion among us Christians (indeed, it could be that the mark is a chip), but I think we need to be very careful in conveying anything that is not specifically stated in the bible.  My thinking is be very simple with them: give a little background on Israel becoming a nation again, and that things there will reach a potentially very catastrophic level, but a charismatic leader will arise to make a 7 year treaty.  And even though peace and good times appear to rule the day after the treaty, the lid will seriously come off in 3.5 years, and then before too long, the Lord will return to subdue the dire situation and set up His kingdom --> therefore, sinner, turn to Him and be saved! 

So do we at least generally agree on these simple points?

I'll play the "Devil's Advocate" for the sake of debte, especially with my old contender @Marilyn C (smiley)

For those living in the "Bible belt" of the USA, I assume they've heard something about rapture and "the end of the world". But the millions in the Amazonas and Siberia have hardly heard of Jesus. I think that in Arizona you might have a chance, but the Mongolian shepherd boy is not going to be moved by what happens in Jerusalem. His life is just to hard to scare him.

But this does not mean I'm against the plan. Paul, under inspiration, said that even those who, out of jealousy against him, who told the authorities tat he was preaching another king, were preaching Christ. I say, all avenues are open, but that we must not forget that for a man to turn, he must be convicted that he s a sinner. He has to confess Jesus as Lord. Gehenna must be more frightening than siding with the Beast and getting his mark. "Fear not them which can kill the body .... (Matt.10:28).

What say you all?

[Vine Abider]

8 minutes ago, AdHoc said:

I'll play the "Devil's Advocate" for the sake of debte, especially with my old contender @Marilyn C (smiley)

For those living in the "Bible belt" of the USA, I assume they've heard something about rapture and "the end of the world". But the millions in the Amazonas and Siberia have hardly heard of Jesus. I think that in Arizona you might have a chance, but the Mongolian shepherd boy is not going to be moved by what happens in Jerusalem. His life is just to hard to scare him.

But this does not mean I'm against the plan. Paul, under inspiration, said that even those who, out of jealousy against him, who told the authorities tat he was preaching another king, were preaching Christ. I say, all avenues are open, but that we must not forget that for a man to turn, he must be convicted that he s a sinner. He has to confess Jesus as Lord. Gehenna must be more frightening than siding with the Beast and getting his mark. "Fear not them which can kill the body .... (Matt.10:28).

What say you all?

Agree!  I am not advocating a method, which will supplant the inner leading of the Spirit.  I just know that in the USA there are a lot of people who are anxious about the situation of things they see happening, both domestically and abroad. (Even though many Americans pay far more attention to domestic things, if the middle east gets ready to blow and they see we might potentially be dragged into a war with much larger implications, that will certainly get our attention!)

And as Paul says, the Spirit guides us to be aware of our audience - "I have become all things to all people, that I might by all means save some."  1 Cor 9:22  Therefore, I'm just thinking we might prepare a little to be ready with a simple answer and to plant a seed if and when the opportunity arises.

[AdHoc]

33 minutes ago, Vine Abider said:

Agree!  I am not advocating a method, which will supplant the inner leading of the Spirit.  I just know that in the USA there are a lot of people who are anxious about the situation of things they see happening, both domestically and abroad. (Even though many Americans pay far more attention to domestic things, if the middle east gets ready to blow and they see we might potentially be dragged into a war with much larger implications, that will certainly get our attention!)

And as Paul says, the Spirit guides us to be aware of our audience - "I have become all things to all people, that I might by all means save some."  1 Cor 9:22  Therefore, I'm just thinking we might prepare a little to be ready with a simple answer and to plant a seed if and when the opportunity arises.

Agreed. Can't argue with that!

Have you ever considered that prophecy is supposed to get our attention. I makes us "strive" for the PRIZE of the "UPward Call" (lit. Gk.- Phil.3:9-14)