I too, Yohanan, have been watching for just over 4 decades, since I attended a Jack Van Impe crusade in Miami, Fl in 1977 (could be off a year). I started reading everything on prophecy (not much then and a bit off base most). I have followed dates only to be terribly disappointed as well. About 15 yrs ago, in a study on Revelation, God did some serious talking to me. More of prophecy began to make sense, specifically the 10 virgin parable, in how we are to stay alert, be ready in season and out, stay busy about the Fathers business and keep watch, not falling asleep. Since that time, I enjoy the study on dates and believe God would not have us ignorant of the things going on and be very aware of the signs now all around us. Just like any earthly father, our Heavenly Father has planned a great event to finish the age of grace, a wedding. Brides and Bridegrooms typically know the date of the wedding, plans are made, all is put in order for the big day. It is a bit different in Jewish custom, as we are saved through a Jewish Savior and therefore have a Jewish groom, the church (made up of both Jew and Gentile) will follow a Jewish pattern in our snatching away to our wedding. I believe we will know the season, even close to an actual timeframe but it doesn’t weight on me anymore, I watch, pray, stay busy about my Father’s business, watching always and keeping my lamp wick trimmed (confessing sin), keeping oil filled (walking in the spirit). Some moments can come and go, I seek my Bridegroom and pray to see what else needs to be done. I don’t hold to the theory, that last person will get saved before we are raptured, as there will be people saved during the tribulation, God is very long suffering and would that no one should parish. My theory is simple, will what I do or say make a difference for someone’s eternity? See, I learned a long time age, it’s not about me, it is ALL about Jesus Christ and what He did for mankind. As John said, I must decrease and He (Jesus) must increase. So keep the focus always on Jesus, watching for Him, praying to Him, remaining a living sacrifice. We will know, as the trumpet will sound, and we who are alive and remain will hear it and be caught up.....that time is way closer than ever before, maybe even today. :prayer-hands: Yes, that's it, Tammie. It's about keeping everything in perspective and a proper balance. I believe it makes our Father happy to see us eagerly awaiting His Son's coming for us and it is our natural curiosity and reasoning that causes us to try to see when that will happen. He has given us many clues but just like the Jewish wedding ceremony, we don't know exactly when. He tells us we will know the season, however and it appears obvious to all of us that we are unquestionably well within that season. News events as so plainly pointing it out. We started our watching around the same time. Mine began with a book my mother had bought called The Vision by David Wilkerson. That was roughly 1977ish. Might have been a little earlier but I don't recall anymore. I remember when I read it being in total disbelief that some of the things describe could actually happen. I reread the same book a few years ago and it was like reading newspaper archives. Two things in particular stood out as difficult to believe. One was children killing their parents. When the Menendez brothers murdered their parents in 1989 I remember chills running down my spine and what the book had prophesied. The other was an unstoppable flood of pornography in the home. Of course, there was no such notion of the internet back then. My, have times changed! I thought you were going to say your first prophetic book was the “Late Great Planet Earth” because it seems like everyone under the sun read that in the late 1970’s early 1980’s. As far as “no one knows the day or the hour” I lean towards its in reference to “2nd Coming” vs. the rapture because .... Joel 3:15 says “The sun and moon will grow dark, and the stars will no longer shine.” So those living in tribulation time will not be able to calculate the rest of the 3 1/2 years remaining and will be surprised at the brightness of Jesus’ Glory when He comes down from the sky on His white horse. The way I see it the faithful Jews hiding in Petra won’t be packing any bags when they flee to the hills. So how will they have 3 years worth of paper calendars to mark off the passing days? Or iPads with access to electronic calendars? Or will the Angels supply them? :unsure: I did see a snack bar with vending machines and a flat screen tv right near the Ancient City of Rock entrance. Perhaps the angels will keep the electric power going and refilling the vending machines and food supply in their kitchen refrigerators and will keep the tv service active so they get world news and can keep tabs on what the AC is up to? :unsure: If I’m not mistaken, I think Thomas Maples believes the same about “no one knows the day or hour” applies to the 2nd Coming but I can’t recall the exact eloquent words he used on the RITA facebook side. 😉 There are a myriad of verses which addresses the second coming with great detail. But sadly those that speak of the Rapture are open ended and vague! So we know that 7 yrs after the Rapture the Second Coming is due, so if you want to hide the Rapture your in essence hiding both events. To be quite frank, I concern myself with the Rapture only! In depth studies and details of the second coming have not captured my imagination or attention. That's just the way I roll. I'm glad for the studies for those that might be able to find them in those days. And I am looking for a more clear vision of the Rapture as time goes on! Again, it seems that time is on our side, for we have far fewer days before us than behind us! TR :amen: T.R time is on our side and time is literally running out for the Church Age. :good: I still expect that we all will have a heads up notice as thee Blessed Hope Day nears. Even if its with some catastrophic event (like Elam’s destruction) or if the changing of leadership occurs in Iran ... and the Shah of Iran’s son is placed back in power once more. I then expect the people in that region to have a false sense of security and perhaps say “we now have peace and safety” ... I think all of us who are watching will say AHA ... won’t be long now! :whistle:
My two cents for what it’s worth and I agree, it’s all about how we are focusing on the process of our waiting....
