Are we actually getting real close to the end of the age?

[Orion]

13 hours ago, Marathoner said:

My answer to the OP most assuredly won't be a popular one, which is the overriding reason why I avoid topics such as this. Needless to say, I don't concern myself in the least with the nonsense of this world, focusing instead upon what the Lord has me doing today. I don't worry about tomorrow nor what it will bring, for I am only a man and I cannot see far at all. What is it I do?

I trust the Lord. The end of my time on this earth --- or His coming --- will not overtake me like a thief. I hear His voice, and I obey His word. He will not leave me confused nor stumbling about in the dark. I will know, for He will tell me when the time comes.

For many years I looked on while many men and women, fervent in their convictions, declared how they were living in exceptional times. This war, they said, would lead to this and that, which would herald events and scenarios that dispensationalists are fond of holding ( and arguing about). On those occasions when my agreement with those schemes was solicited --- and withheld --- I was accused of all manner of evils... of not "watching" properly... of being ignorant of scripture... and so on. I said nothing, because those accusations warranted no response on my part. Accusers come, and accusers go.

When their fervent convictions proved false, these men and women didn't seize the opportunity to examine themselves; instead, they picked up where they left off and came up with more "end time" declarations because, after all, they were living in exceptional times. They sounded just like the OP. Indeed, generations of dispensationalists have declared the same thing; so I must ask, what makes one correct where they were false? This cycle has repeated itself over and over again over the past 140 years or so, and I've had the opportunity to witness one cycle play out here on the forum. The predicted "final war" turned out to be simply another of man's endless wars.

I have never understood what I call "end times mania" and what drives some incessantly to pursue it. All that matters is this: walk in the Spirit, and walk in those works we were created in Christ to do. 

Amen. That was beautiful, brother.

I say "Here am I!" My appointed time is in God's hands.  So, while I am on this side of the sod, I say bring it on; today, tomorrow, the next day, or the one after, etc.  Has He not commanded us?  Be strong and courageous; be not afraid, neither be dismayed, for the Lord our God is with us wherever we go. (Joshua 1:9).  And we who wait upon the Lord shall renew our strength; we shall mount up with wings as eagles; we shall run and not grow weary; we shall walk, and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31).  

Let us all be watchmen on the wall, ready for what may come, being about our Father's business, occupying until He returns or until we enter His presence at our appointed time. Amen amen. 

[missmuffet]

18 hours ago, Vine Abider said:

Covid showed this generation that we can pretty much wake up one morning and everything seems to have changed.  However, this has happened a few times in the 20th and 21st centuries. The world changed rapidly during both world wars and in the US on 9/11.  But do you have the sense that these were just a precursor to what is apparently coming on the world now? 

From what I read in scripture, at the end of the age, previous historical calamities will pale in comparison.  With the final countdown comes rapid and strong delusion . . .

Man likes to think he has some effective control of the situation.  Effective control?  Not really. Here's something to consider - I watched a documentary last night about how the first thing the UN adopted after being formed, were measures to prevent another major genocide, as had happened with six million Jews in Germany.  But since the UN was formed there have been at least 10 instances of genocide where at least 100,000 were killed (with 4-5 instances possibly being over a half million)!  Needless to say, genocide demonstrates perhaps the very worst of Adam's race, yet the grandest international body of nations ever devised, has been hamstrung and basically unable to do much to address this most heinous activity that it was designed to prevent!

This shows how little control we humans (i.e., Adam's race) really have over our fallen world . . .

What is the situation we find ourselves in now?  Nations and whole continents are becoming increasingly paranoid and are doing their best to consolidate their power and resources to themselves.  Much fear is in the marketplace.  We personally hear of business leaders pulling back, uncertain of the future and unwilling - at least right now - to move forward with their plans.  Economic wars can quickly escalate and become something more than just fighting with economic barriers and money.  AI is beginning to say it could do a better job and is hinting it could take over when the time is right - oh boy!  Electronics and human brains are being integrated.  Many look to an answer (ET) coming from the stars. People are greatly divided philosophically, religiously, and in many places racially.  Faith in Christ has waned significantly. Society's morals have gone down the drain with few decent leaders and fewer having much of God's light in them.

The perfect "storm" is gathering.  The time appears ripe, if not now then it seems very soon, for a great leader to pull all this "ball of confusion" together and provide the apparent answer.  A strong delusion.

It seems we are on the border, close to the edge, and the levy can break about any time.  Again, yes, one might say we've been here before, but I suspect all those prior instances were just precursors for what will come upon the earth, when men's hearts will fail them for what they see coming.

But regardless of how close we are, we do not loose heart because WE HAVE A MIGHTY SAVIOR WE SERVE!!!

"So when you see all these things, look up, for your salvation draws near!"

Luke 21:28

Look around you. Observe. What do you think?

[Marathoner]

3 hours ago, tatwo said:

Man has continuously produced deceptive doctrines and belief structures that are based in the “fear of death” which fear...is inspired by the demonic...which most feel has no effect upon them. Rarely do they confess their error...and equally rare...do they repent of these false “predictions.”

Rather these “discussions” turn into debates which often end in irreconcilable differences which produce clear division in and among their circles...thus further scattering the already decimated flock.

“End time’s mania”...well there is an “end to this age” for one. There are specific “sons of God” in the Body of Christ that have been “called and invited” to “see behind the veil” and to tell us what is to come. And there are those who will unpack the living Word of God’s instruction (revelation) to His people in real time...as instruction for today, tomorrow and the age in which we live...and the age to come...for example?

Yes those of us who have been through the “tribulation” caused by the “religious institution” have endured patiently Bro. Though prophetically speaking...I must say we are deeper into the “contractions” of the birth pangs upon the “woman” than most...perhaps “maybe?” even you realize?

I understand your position in this entire end of the age talk over the years...I do. However another of the attributes of your eternal purpose in the Kingdom of God is that of the “Calf or Ox.” Steadfast, sure footed, you do not deviate from your “prophetic pathway” which the Lord Yahshua Himself has illuminated for you...for years! Thank you for doing what you do my good Brother...your light is visible to those with eyes to see and actually do “see.”

Tatwo...:)

There is so much I could say, brother. Ah, but that was the value of the silence which affliction imposed upon me. While the Lord taught me how to speak again, He demonstrated the value of every word I speak or write. Weigh them carefully... use them sparingly... and remember who it is I serve. 

This is a response to all of your posts to me, and it has been a long time since a brother came bearing words of the Lord. You have faithfully spoken forth something that I never told another living soul; it was what the Lord declared on that day when His work was finished, and I stood before Him. 

I gladly receive everything you give to me, my friend. It has been a long time since the Lord saw fit to honor me with waters of His Spirit flowing from the heart of my brother, and He knows my endless joy of receiving this water. The cup overflows, filling another vessel; there is nothing on this earth to compare to the Body of Christ. I am at a loss for words today. I am blessed by your gift!

[Vine Abider]

18 hours ago, Marathoner said:

My answer to the OP most assuredly won't be a popular one, which is the overriding reason why I avoid topics such as this. Needless to say, I don't concern myself in the least with the nonsense of this world, focusing instead upon what the Lord has me doing today. I don't worry about tomorrow nor what it will bring, for I am only a man and I cannot see far at all. What is it I do?

I trust the Lord. The end of my time on this earth --- or His coming --- will not overtake me like a thief. I hear His voice, and I obey His word. He will not leave me confused nor stumbling about in the dark. I will know, for He will tell me when the time comes.

For many years I looked on while many men and women, fervent in their convictions, declared how they were living in exceptional times. This war, they said, would lead to this and that, which would herald events and scenarios that dispensationalists are fond of holding ( and arguing about). On those occasions when my agreement with those schemes was solicited --- and withheld --- I was accused of all manner of evils... of not "watching" properly... of being ignorant of scripture... and so on. I said nothing, because those accusations warranted no response on my part. Accusers come, and accusers go.

When their fervent convictions proved false, these men and women didn't seize the opportunity to examine themselves; instead, they picked up where they left off and came up with more "end time" declarations because, after all, they were living in exceptional times. They sounded just like the OP. Indeed, generations of dispensationalists have declared the same thing; so I must ask, what makes one correct where they were false? This cycle has repeated itself over and over again over the past 140 years or so, and I've had the opportunity to witness one cycle play out here on the forum. The predicted "final war" turned out to be simply another of man's endless wars.

I have never understood what I call "end times mania" and what drives some incessantly to pursue it. All that matters is this: walk in the Spirit, and walk in those works we were created in Christ to do. 

There should be a balance I think.  No, it is not about being fearful or anxious, as we told by the Lord not to do that.  But there are also these things told us in scripture so we can have a basic awareness of what will unfold.  Of course, we are continually told to look away to Him and not be anxious, as it's in His most capable hands.  Watch & pray.

So no, we don't know for sure and just see these approaching events darkly and must wholly put our trust in Him . . . but, as He said, we can perceive the seasons changing and can prepare.

"encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching"  Heb 10:25

[Vine Abider]

3 hours ago, missmuffet said:

Look around you. Observe. What do you think?

Could be and it seems so . . . the season of this world does appear to be changing and the "heat" looks like it's being turned up.  Watch, pray, look away to Jesus, don't be anxious, encourage others and trust that HE'S GOT THIS!

[tatwo]

Greetings @Vine Abider...

Intriguing question and Op Vine Abider...thank you. The following posts of mine will be very interesting I am sure...it will require a bit of reading for those who chose to do so...but it won't be a waste of time.

On 4/15/2025 at 4:30 PM, Vine Abider said:

Covid showed this generation that we can pretty much wake up one morning and everything seems to have changed.  However, this has happened a few times in the 20th and 21st centuries. The world changed rapidly during both world wars and in the US on 9/11.  But do you have the sense that these were just a precursor to what is apparently coming on the world now? 

My answer to your question...“But do you have the sense that these were just a precursor to what is apparently coming on the world now?” is “yes.” I’ll give detail somewhere below.

The devils scheme for its “kosmos” or “its world” is always in the development and implementation stages long before their incarnation or manifestation on the earth. This is because the darkness still likely enjoys the anonymity if you will...of invisibility. Think of how a plant is busy putting down its roots long before it actually bursts through the surface of the soil...this is so the roots can support the above the surface growth of the plant.

I cannot understate the importance of the Holy Spirit’s prophetic revelation of the plans of the dragon prior to their manifestation upon the earth Brother. To try to understand what darkness is doing once it has sprouted into our temporal physical reality is to be well behind what is actually taking place in the darkness around us.

What is currently transpiring under the cloak of spiritual invisibility and the smoke of darkness is what will be experienced in the future...like the plant popping forth out of the ground. The Lord has given His Body “eyes to see and ears to hear and to understand” what His enemy is doing...well before it does it. Sadly most do not believe this and have other ideas based in complete spiritual ignorance wrapped in the arrogance of demonically inspired human pride.

This is all an established reality that existed prior to the roll out of creation itself...so...what is yet future in Satan’s planning for its “kosmos”...can be and is known...prior to its actual manifestation or incarnation in creation. This of course is in the mind of the Holy Spirit...and He is actively revealing this to the Body of Christ through called individuals...chosen by the Holy Spirit Himself to reveal such matters to the sons of God. Again this is another truth about the Kingdom of God that unsuspecting humans have fallen prey to.

The answer to your question “Are we actually getting real close to the end of the age?” is a valid question if only to those who do not know.  My answer is “yes”

Tatwo...:)

Edited April 16 by tatwo

[tatwo]

On 4/15/2025 at 4:30 PM, Vine Abider said:

From what I read in scripture, at the end of the age, previous historical calamities will pale in comparison.  With the final countdown comes rapid and strong delusion . . .

The “strong delusion” as you put it...is the primary and effectual element of “apostasy.”

On 4/15/2025 at 4:30 PM, Vine Abider said:

Man likes to think he has some effective control of the situation.  Effective control?  Not really. Here's something to consider - I watched a documentary last night about how the first thing the UN adopted after being formed, were measures to prevent another major genocide, as had happened with six million Jews in Germany.  But since the UN was formed there have been at least 10 instances of genocide where at least 100,000 were killed (with 4-5 instances possibly being over a half million)!  Needless to say, genocide demonstrates perhaps the very worst of Adam's race, yet the grandest international body of nations ever devised, has been hamstrung and basically unable to do much to address this most heinous activity that it was designed to prevent!

“Genocide” – Can this be accurately defined as...”the systematic and widespread extermination or attempted extermination of a national, racial, religious, or ethnic group?” Does the number of those that suffer in genocide have a cut off value? I am asking...is it only genocide if it is over and above a specified number? If so...has anyone heard what the number might be?

The picture you have painted Vine Abider is disturbing really. Allow me to explain...if the “grandest international body of nations” as you put it, is established “to prevent another major genocide”...and as a result...does not effectively perform one of the primary tenants of its original charter...but rather...continues in or possibly exacerbates that which in part...it was formed to prevent.

I am wondering at what point...in what you have written here...might it occur to you and others...if it has not already...that this “grandest international body of nations” is actually doing, allowing or facilitating “exactly as you have explained above”...as part of the intended purpose for which it was created and empowered to exist? It’s called deception and it flows from the wickedness of the heavenly places.

If that were the case...if...and while “Adam’s race” is definitely complicit in “this most heinous activity that it was designed to prevent.” I am suggesting that you look to the god of this world...the prince of the power of the air...the dragon and its beast as the mastermind of such atrocities. Once this reality lands in the mind of your soul...you will begin to see this old world very differently to put it mildly. Look again Abider...things are not as they appear.

Tatwo...:)

[tatwo]

On 4/15/2025 at 4:30 PM, Vine Abider said:

This shows how little control we humans (i.e., Adam's race) really have over our fallen world . . .

What is the situation we find ourselves in now?  Nations and whole continents are becoming increasingly paranoid and are doing their best to consolidate their power and resources to themselves.  Much fear is in the marketplace.  We personally hear of business leaders pulling back, uncertain of the future and unwilling - at least right now - to move forward with their plans.  Economic wars can quickly escalate and become something more than just fighting with economic barriers and money.  AI is beginning to say it could do a better job and is hinting it could take over when the time is right - oh boy!  Electronics and human brains are being integrated.  Many look to an answer (ET) coming from the stars. People are greatly divided philosophically, religiously, and in many places racially.  Faith in Christ has waned significantly. Society's morals have gone down the drain with few decent leaders and fewer having much of God's light in them.

The perfect "storm" is gathering.  The time appears ripe, if not now then it seems very soon, for a great leader to pull all this "ball of confusion" together and provide the apparent answer.  A strong delusion.

Let’s take an accounting of what Brother Vine Abider has listed in his OP entitled...“Are we actually getting real close to the end of the age?” in which he includes the entire world by extension.

His list reads...

Pandemic, a world that is changing rapidly, world wars, the United Nations failing and possibly increasing genocide, we live in a fallen world, Nations and whole continents are becoming increasingly paranoid, consolidating their power and resources to themselves, Much fear is in the marketplace, business leaders pulling back, uncertain of the future and unwilling, Economic wars can quickly escalate, become something more than just fighting with economic barriers and money, AI is beginning to say it could do a better job and is hinting it could take over when the time is right, Electronics and human brains are being integrated, Many look to an answer (ET) coming from the stars, People are greatly divided philosophically, religiously, and in many places racially, Faith in Christ has waned significantly, Society's morals have gone down the drain, fewer having much of God's light in them, The perfect "storm" is gathering, It seems we are on the border, close to the edge, and the levy can break about any time.

Listed above are roughly 22 signs and or effects of the times we are in today. I do not disagree Brother Abider...not at all. May I add something’s that you did not include?

We are in a global collapse of our nutritional food production system, potable water or water for irrigation is increasingly difficult to get in many areas, most western countries are in a medical crises of some type, the economic condition of the largest countries in the world are all flirting with disaster, inflation is increasing, stagflation is here, the move to “digital currency” CBDC or crypto currency all of which has been made programmable and is operational in several countries, globalization which has lead to astronomically increasing the wealth of the “1%’rs”, the increasing battle and movement from a constitutional republic or democracy to fascism bringing about a technocratic form of governance, and the greatest confiscation of wealth in the history of wealth transfers, an increase in both numbers and violence of natural disasters, and global climate change.

Now I have added 11 more plausible items to VA’s list...33 verifiable signs of the days in which we live with a slight look ahead. Yeh...do not be afraid just give that list another look...it’s not utterly comprehensive however, it produces a highly granular picture of life on earth today...and a brief hint of where it is headed from this point forward.

Seems noticeably different that just 5 years ago in my estimation...if we go back 10 years to 2015 again we see an obvious incremental change...change in what? I would suggest that the primary focus of all this change would be upon the human existence...plainly.

For the typical person...the accumulation of experiential effects of the 33 signs is not likely to be measured in terms of increased or improved health and wealth in general, or in a greater enabling of “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness”  style of human existence.

According to the Lord Yahshua Christ all that we have mentioned here and more is set to increase...meaning that it has not yet reached its summit or pinnacle...right? Yet it has a reached a point where we [humanity] in the world are feeling the effects of its steady encroachment as Vine Abider and I have listed here. This is global in scope...continually expanding day by day.

So...is the Greek word G2347 “thlipsis” meaning severe distress, persecution, being under pressure or in a state of affliction whether physical, emotional or spiritual, experiencing trials and hardships, marginalized, imprisoned, martyred...a word that can be used to define the present state of the earth today?

I think it is reasonable to use the word “tribulation” as defined in the Greek...to accurately explain or define the human condition for increasing numbers on the earth today...don’t you? And please remember that this is set to continually increase unto utter destruction.

Perhaps there are those who do not see that the entire world has been thrown into a violent and turbulent epoch that is gaining intensity? May I suggest that this...by definition may be a delusion in and of itself?

If I were correct...then for those who do not see the gravity of the current global situation...and the near term future...what does and does not happen next...will take them utterly by surprise. They will not have prepared for it...but it will be their reality.

Tatwo...:)

[tatwo]

On 4/15/2025 at 4:30 PM, Vine Abider said:

It seems we are on the border, close to the edge, and the levy can break about any time.  Again, yes, one might say we've been here before, but I suspect all those prior instances were just precursors for what will come upon the earth, when men's hearts will fail them for what they see coming.

I am not totally sure what you mean by “border, edge, and levy” Vine. From where I am seated...in the heavenlies upon the throne of God with the Living God in Christ and all my brothers and sisters...who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ...I can see the dragon’s incremental rollout of tribulation upon the earth is gaining momentum. The open judgment of creation is in process.

Perhaps we might be closer to the beginning of the tribulation than to the end...perhaps? Let me ask...have you experienced the anxious longing of the creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God?

Well I can attest...we are being prepared by our Lord as we speak....by Him to be like Him. We each have our own unique and divine purpose that God chose for us before creation was in existence. We are being built into One New Man...One in Spirit with God almighty...it’s a holy nation...a chosen race...a Royal Priesthood and a people for God’s own possession...a man in the image and likeness of God Himself...a spiritual man...His fully mature Spirit Son...the mature Christ...Head and Body.

This one new man will be seen as the radiance of his Father’s glory and the exact representation of his Father’s nature. In other words...all the “sons of God” come together in “Christ” Vine Abider. We will make the living and invisible God and Father of creation...available as incarnate human flesh as many of us that are alive on the earth...just like the First and only begotten Son of God did in His flesh.

God wants to be experienced by humanity...He loves them...which is why He clothed Himself in flesh to begin with. He’s doing this same thing again except this time it will be the entirety of His people from every tribe, tongue, and nation...under our glorious Head. He is being lovingly and skillfully assembled by the Holy Spirit exactly to the Lord Yahshua’s desires...and will soon quench the anxious longing of creation with His appearance.

He...who is eternal...does not have to leave earth to go to heaven...eternity exists outside of the created heavens. In the beginning God...existing prior to creation and after...and wherever He is...the Throne of God abides. There is nothing in creation that can ultimately threaten His rule...and after He has completed His testimony on this earth...He will in fact...without doubt...have established the Rule of the Lord Yahshua Christ as the King of kings and the Lord of lords.

Tatwo...:)

[TheBlade]

Hey VA. I truly do not know. Looking back just 50 years seems we were very close to Him coming many times praise God. They loved the lord just got it wrong we all do. Have to.. the song that's playing is by 33Miles "Where I Wanna Go". Haha prefect timing. "A place I believe in where the streets are made of gold let me tell you how to get there".

I wanna be like Paul and am getting there. By that I mean I am ready to meet Him now He will come any moment yet I am ready to live my life till I die..happy health haha. "for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances."

If I was to judge by what I see (thanks Sis) and then how I feel. I see something happening going on and then how I feel. I as of late cannot tell you how after all I see I have great peace. Come lord Yeshua/Jesus