Dear all, Mark 13:28 paraphrase: When the fig tree's leaves begin to sprout. . . you can be sure that my return is very near, even at the door. It is usually agreed that Israel is the fig tree and most have thought that in 1967 when Jerusalem was won back, that was the leaves beginning to sprout. But, now there are talks about legal Jewish settlements in Judea and Sumeria (the West Bank) and the Jordan Valley. More leaves? Others say the fig tree began to sprout when Israel was declared a state in one day May 15, 1948. Others say it was the Balfour declaration in November 2, 1917. It depends on who you talk to. I think Jerusalem being declared Israel's capital, the Golan being declared part of Israel, and Judea and Samaria also being declared part of Israel (which hasn't officially happened yet) all add to the events of the end times, not necessarily the beginning of the fig tree sprouting. I agree. Israel is just now becoming whole and I think that is key. Israel is now flourishing (green, lush leaves), he is certainly “even at the door”. My guess is his hand is on the door knob, ready to fling it open as soon as the Father says “Son go get your Bride” ... Dispensation of the church age done, check, we are gone! :prayer-hands: Indeed Tammie. Jesus still submits himself to the Father's will! Before he was incarnated as a man he submitted, after he became the Son of Man he submitted, and after his ascension he is still submitted. There seems to be a valuable model in that. We must now submit to the Lord's times and seasons as we await our departure, as in all things! Truly the prophetic models and teaching we have been given and the knowledge they provided were sealed until the end. I submit that with every day that passes our knowledge and understanding shall also be increased. Even until the time that we hear that trumpet blast, we can only marvel as He unveils His plans! TR 
