DANIEL’S SEVENTY WEEKS PROPHECY

Posted on by

The Seventieth Week of Daniel – Overview

The “seventieth week” comes from Daniel 9:24–27, one of the most important prophecies in the Old Testament. It is often called Daniel’s Seventy Weeks prophecy.

The Big Picture (Daniel 9:24)

God reveals to Daniel that 70 “weeks” (literally “seventy sevens”) are determined for the Jewish people and Jerusalem to finish six great purposes:

  1. To finish the transgression
  2. To make an end of sins
  3. To make reconciliation for iniquity
  4. To bring in everlasting righteousness
  5. To seal up vision and prophecy
  6. To anoint the Most Holy (or Most Holy Place)

Almost all scholars agree that these “weeks” are weeks of years = 70 × 7 = 490 years.

How the 70 Weeks Are Divided

Daniel 9:25–27 divides the 490 years into three parts:

PeriodLengthWhat Happens
7 weeks (7 × 7)49 yearsRebuilding of Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile (walls, streets, in “troublesome times”)
62 weeks (62 × 7)434 yearsFrom the rebuilt city until “Messiah the Prince” appears
1 final week7 yearsThe 70th week – still future in most prophetic interpretations

Total so far: 7 + 62 = 69 weeks (483 years) are historically fulfilled.

The 69 Weeks (483 years) – Already Fulfilled

  • Starts with the decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem (most scholars use the decree of Artaxerxes in 445/444 BC – Nehemiah 2:1–8, or sometimes 457 BC).
  • After exactly 483 prophetic years (360-day biblical years), the Messiah is “cut off” (killed).
  • This lands precisely on the time Jesus rode into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday and was later crucified (circa AD 30–33).

So the first 69 weeks are fulfilled in the First Coming of Christ.

The 70th Week – The Missing Seven Years

After the 69th week, two huge things happen before the 70th week begins:

  1. Messiah is cut off (crucified) and has nothing (rejected as king).
  2. The city and temple are destroyed (fulfilled in AD 70 by the Romans).

Then there is a giant gap (the Church Age we are in now), and the prophetic clock for Israel stops.

The 70th week (the final 7 years) is still future. It begins when a coming prince (the Antichrist) makes/confirms a covenant with “many” (Israel) for one “week” (7 years).

What Happens During the 70th Week (Daniel 9:27 + other passages)

This final 7-year period is described elsewhere as:

  • The Tribulation (Matthew 24)
  • The Great Tribulation (Matthew 24:21).
  • The Rapture and the Wrath of God poured out with the Trumpet and Bowl judgements at the trumpet blast of the opening of the seventh seal at the start of the seventh year. The wrath of God is poured out for a period of one year and ten days, the same time as God poured out His wrath the first time with Noah’s flood. Why one year and ten days? The year before a Jubilee year is always one year and ten days (Revelation 6:16).

How the 70th Week Ends

At the very end of the 7 years:

  • Jesus returns visibly to earth (Second Coming)
  • The Antichrist and his armies are destroyed (Revelation 19:11–21; Zechariah 14)
  • Israel nationally repents and recognizes Jesus as Messiah (Zechariah 12:10; Romans 11:25–29)
  • The six purposes of Daniel 9:24 are finally and completely fulfilled in the Millennium

Summary Table of the 70 Weeks

WeeksYearsEventFulfilled?
749Jerusalem rebuiltYes
62434Until Messiah the PrinceYes
Gap~2,000+Church Age (present)Now
70th7Tribulation – Antichrist -Rapture/Wrath of God – Second ComingFuture

In short, the seventieth week of Daniel is a coming seven-year period, dominated by the Antichrist, cantered on Israel and a rebuilt temple, the Rapture and Wrath of God and ends with the return of Christ and the establishment of His Millennial Kingdom. To prepare for Jesus coming Millennial Kingdom go to http://www.millennialkingdom.net where you find information on all aspects of ruling and reigning with Jesus, mind you Jesus and the Saints rule with a rod of iron.

BE STRONG, BE COURAGEOUS, REJECT FEAR

Posted on by

“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:8-9

These words remind us that strength and courage do not come from within ourselves but from God’s abiding presence and his word. For the Church to walk in its inheritance today, we too must hear this call: Be strong. Be courageous. Reject fear.

Strength is found in leaning on God when our own resources run dry. It is strength of faith that holds fast to His promises, strength of conviction that keeps us anchored to His truth, and strength of unity that binds us together as His people.

Courage is not the absence of fear. Rather, it is the willingness to move forward in love and obedience despite it. The human heart naturally longs to protect itself, yet Christ calls us to a higher way: to lay down self-interest, to serve others, and to love even when it costs something. Courage steps out when the path is unclear, trusting the Spirit’s gentle leading.

Fear, however, lingers at the door of our hearts. It whispers the what ifs: What if I fail? What if I’m misunderstood? What if it costs too much? Fear keeps us tied to yesterday and hesitant about tomorrow. Fear would have prevented Joshua and the Israelites from entering their inheritance. It will work the same negative result in us. We will fail to embrace the opportunities before us and miss out on the good works that God has prepared for us to do.

Article “His Presence and Word Makes Us Strong and Courageous” by Pastor John Hunt, Director of Australian Christian Churches. October 5th, 2025

This word is especially relevant to the time we are in, where we are warned by God, persecution of Christians will increase. In fact, great tribulation is ahead as we approach the time of Jesus return.

“Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake. And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” Matthew 24:9-14

SATAN’S RULE IS COMING TO AN END

Posted on by

As the deceiver of humanity, Satan has been active in deceiving the church since its inception. He deceives mankind by counterfeiting and corrupting the teachings of God. The apostles encountered it in many ways. Note Paul’s response.

“I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ.” Galatians 1:6-7

“But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed” Galatians 1:8-9

“But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ. For if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or if you accept a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it readily enough… And what I am doing I will continue to do, to undermine the claim of those who would like to claim that in their boasted mission they work on the same terms as we do. For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.” 2 Corinthians 11:3-4, 12-15

“I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.” Romans 16:17-18

“I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish everyone with tears. And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.” Acts 20:29-32

In 2 Peter, Peter describes some twisted versions of Christian truth being taught. Peter explains the “more fully confirmed” truth of the gospel as an antidote to heresy. The gospel is like “a lamp shining in a dark place” (1:19). In chapter 3, Peter focuses on those who scoff at the idea of Christ’s triumphant return and the final judgment. Just as God once destroyed the world with water, he will one day bring his fire to it. In light of this, we should live in “holiness and godliness” as we await his return.

“But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction.” 2 Peter 2:1-2

Jesus told us that this deception will only intensify as we approach the end of Satan’s rule over the Earth. When he is cast out of heaven He knows his time is short and the angel warns the earth, “woe to you O earth and sea for the devil has come down to you in great wrath“. We have been told beforehand to expect to see the Antichrist and experience the great tribulation that will be the fate of believers and Jews so be prepared.

“For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be. And if those days had not been cut short, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, those days will be cut short.” Matthew 24:21-22

Living Eternal Now Ready for Jesus’ Return is available on Amazon as an ebook and trade paperback. If you would like a signed copy then email me ron.careshare@gmail.com and make a donation of $20 on this website and I will post it to you.

“And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him... Therefore, rejoice, O heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to you, O earth and sea, for the devil has come down to you in great wrath, because he knows that his time is short!” Revelation 12:9,12

GOD WILL BE WITH YOU IN THE COMING TRIBULATION

Posted on by

In a society increasingly pushing liberal agendas, it’s no surprise to see an accompanying escalation in disdain for biblical truth. With the rise of LGBT ideology alone, basic biology is under attack, marriage is mocked, and those who proclaim what Scripture says about homosexuality are labeled as hateful bigots.

 A survey conducted by the Survey Center on American Life released last week found that fifty-four percent of Gen Z adults who left their formative religion are women; forty-six percent are men.”

According to the results, the primary factors that tied into this increase of women leaving the church were a rise in self-proclaimed feminists and self-identified liberals. Participants (65%) in a previous poll by the same group felt “churches do not treat men and women equally,” the authors of the survey results noted. They added that many women in this current climate find “professional ambition and concern with personal success and growth” outweighs their desire to grow in areas of religion or familial concerns, describing the latter categories as “lower priorities.”

What we see unfolding is exactly what the Bible predicted would happen before Jesus returns to restore righteousness. Jesus told us that tribulation will be intense so we should not be surprised. God is in control and He wants us to play our role whatever that might be. Christians can be sure by the Holy Spirit indwelling our spirit that He will be with us in the situation just as Jesus was in the furnace with Shadrach, Meshak, and Abednego. He did not take them out of the furnace, He was in there with them.

“Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake. And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” Matthew 24:9-14

We need to get ready to rule and reign with Jesus in His coming Millennial Kingdom.

“The one who conquers and who keeps my works until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron…” Revelation 2:26-27

“And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron.” Revelation 19:14-15

RELIGIOUS PERSECUTION OF CHRISTIANS IS INCREASING

Posted on by

God has warned us that before Jesus returns to put things right the world will be like it was during the days of Noah, Godlessness, violence, and lawlessness will abound. He has given us 2000 prophecies that tell us about the events that precede Jesus’ second coming.

Religious persecution against Christians in the Western world is rising at an alarming rate, according to a new report from Family Research Council’s Center for Religious Liberty. The report states, “As the mainstream culture moves further and further away from a Christian worldview, Christian beliefs that contradict progressive secular values are increasingly denounced by the culture and wrongly portrayed as being hateful or bigoted.”

“This report is a warning call,” wrote FRC President Tony Perkins in a letter attached to the report. “It is shocking to see Western countries — the same ones we think of as free and open societies — take authoritarian measures against Christians simply trying to live out their faith. Hostility toward Bible-believing Christians is clearly and steadily rising in the West.” Perkins, former commissioner of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, added, “Religious freedom is the foundation for the human rights that Western democracies seek to promote abroad. Yet, the ability to promote this fundamental human right will be lost if we do not protect it within our borders.”

In the United Kingdom, two town councilors were penalized (one was even arrested) for speaking out against a local Pride parade, a school chaplain was fired for telling students they don’t “have to accept the ideas of LGBT activists,” and at least six people were arrested or fined for praying outside abortion facilities or holding pro-life signs.

In Canada, a pastor was arrested twice for praying outside a library drag queen story hour, a church was fined for hosting in-person services in 2020, and a teen at a Catholic school was arrested for organizing a protest against biological men using women’s bathrooms. A Christian hybrid school was shut down in Germany, a Maltese health care worker was charged with a crime for sharing in an interview how he left the homosexual lifestyle, a Norwegian city denied Christian organizations community grant funding due to their biblical views on sex and gender, a woman was arrested in Spain for praying the rosary, and a Swedish bakery was investigated for refusing to bake a same-sex wedding cake.

Perkins noted, “This report is merely a sampling of the rise of actions by Western governmental officials that target Christians’ ability to practice and express their faith, especially in the public square.” He explained that the report “is a call to individuals to vigorously exercise their religious freedom while at the same time calling upon government officials to recognize and prioritize the protection of this fundamental human right so that religious freedom can continue to be promoted around the world.”

Fortunately, Jesus told us that the world would persecute Christians and even put us to death in the last days before He returns; first to rescue the Saints and then to pour out His wrath upon an unrepentant world. Sadly, Jesus tells us that many will fall away from faith, betray one another, and hate one another at this time. Patient endurance will be needed, and total trust in God regardless of the outcome knowing He is sovereign.

“Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake. And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” Matthew 24:9-14

WE ARE IN AN ANTI-CHRISTIAN AGE NOT A POST-CHRISTIAN AGE

Posted on by

REVIEW of Rosaria Butterfield’s ‘Five Lies of Our Anti-Christian Age’

Butterfield’s offering comes in the form of fresh, unadulterated truth — the kind that’s not afraid to step on the toes of those caught in deception. Hurt toes are a small price to pay for walking in the truth, even if you do end up with a limp. Limping or not, staying on the path beats falling into the abyss any day.

Lies that lead us astray have only multiplied since the serpent in the garden suggested, “Did God really say?” There are plenty to go around, but Butterfield narrows her focus to five. The lies she sees as particularly plaguing today are:

  1. Homosexuality is normal.
  2. Being a spiritual person is kinder than being a biblical Christian.
  3. Feminism is good for the world and the church.
  4. Transgenderism is normal.
  5. Modesty is an outdated burden that serves male dominance and holds women back.

Butterfield’s five lies may not be top-of-mind for everyone, but nearly every North American Christian is affected by them. Take the lie that homosexuality is normal, for example. The ubiquity of homosexuality portrayed in media and advertising lends credence to the notion that it’s just another part of everyday life — even to the point of infiltrating the church. Sure, progressive churches have long accepted and celebrated homosexuality, but its normalization has affected more conservative churches as well. Butterfield speaks specifically against the ideas of homosexual identity and the so-called gay Christian movement. She doesn’t mince words: it is sin, and those involved with it are in need of repentance.

Butterfield’s biography plays heavily into her narrative. She once identified as “a women-centered, pacifist, lesbian vegetarian” who “hated everything to do with the Bible.” After meeting Christians who patiently, thoroughly, and lovingly explained the gospel to her, she was converted. She walked away from that identity at great personal cost. But her biography is most certainly not her rationale — it’s merely supporting evidence.

Butterfield’s solutions aren’t novel — in fact, they’re demonstrably old. The solution to these lies, of course, is truth. But it’s not truth found only in experience, rather it’s the revealed truth given to us in Scripture. For Butterfield, these lies aren’t prickly cultural nuances. They are sin. The solution to being shaped by lies is to be transformed by Christ, to repent from sin, and believe the truth.

Particularly helpful is the characterization of our current age as “anti-Christian” versus the oft-used “post-Christian.” After all, we Christians are still here, and Christ’s church still stands. But our age is increasingly negative toward Christianity. Where faith may have once held prominence, it’s now an object of derision. Derision leaves no room for complex nuance, hence Butterfield’s simple, repent-and-believe-the-truth approach to dealing with lies.

Butterfield’s motivation is found in the latter part of the book as she sums up a quote by church reformer John Calvin. She writes, “To a Christian, the rage of the whole world is nothing — nothing, that is, compared to the grace and power of God.”

And maybe that’s the simplicity in Rosaria Butterfield’s approach to our anti-Christian age. The world can rage all it wants against Christ and his truth, but all its rage is no match for his grace. Make no mistake: this book is ultimately not about lies. Sure, the reader will walk away with a sharp assessment of these lies (perhaps with some sore toes). But it’s the truth of God’s grace that Butterfield gives that will keep the reader free from the enemy’s web of lies.

Review by Jared Bridges. He is editor-in-chief of The Washington Stand.

The good news is that Jesus told us beforehand that prior to His second coming the world will reject God and His Word, the Bible, and hence hate Christians who uphold Jesus and the Bible.

“Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake. And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” Matthew 24:9-13

HOW DO WE RESPOND TO INCREASING PERSECUTION?

Posted on by

As we see the final days approaching, how do we respond? Do we get overwhelmed by the looming threats to our daily lives? Are we overcome with fear when thinking of the things that are soon to come upon this Earth? Do we look inward and despair or do we look upward to Christ with hope?

“The steps of a man are established by the LORD when he delights in his way; though he falls, he shall not be cast headlong, for the LORD upholds his hand.” Psalms 37:23-24

As believers, we have confidence knowing that our steps are guided by the one who purchased us at Calvary. We have the certainty that our good Shepherd will lead us through the most difficult of times. Why? Because He said He would.

“And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20

We have the assurance that Christ will be with us until the very end. Though many will fall away and betray one another, we can always rely on Christ to remain with us – His sons and daughters.

“Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake. And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” Matthew 24:9-14

If you doubt the Lord’s provision, let me remind you of the one who led His people out of Egypt and fed them with manna for 40 years in the wilderness. How about the one who fed the 5,000 with just five loaves and two fish?

The one who did these things is also the one who says, “I am with YOU always.” We have no reason to fear the coming days. For if we delight in the Lord and His ways…He will guide our steps.

Pray that we may serve Him well until the very end Maranatha!

TIMING OF THE RAPTURE

Posted on by

Sadly, the Left Behind books by Tim Le Haye and Jerry Jenkins and now this film adopt a Pretribulation rapture position which was not what the early church fathers taught nor is it what the Bible teaches.

The foundational text in the New Testament related to the specific timing of the Rapture can be found in Matthew 24:29-31. In this passage, Jesus tells us in no uncertain terms the general timeframe during which believers will be supernaturally gathered to meet Him in the air. It is “immediately after the tribulation of those days and supernatural celestial signs in the sky“.

“Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he will send out his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.” Matthew 24:29-31

Paul tells us that the rapture does not take place until after the Antichrist is on the scene and claims to be God. This occurs halfway through the tribulation period so the Saints are still on earth at that time.

“Now concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to Him: We ask you, brothers, not to be easily upset in mind or troubled, either by a spirit or by a message or by a letter as if from us, alleging that the Day of the Lord has come. Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way. For that day will not come unless the apostasy comes first and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction. He opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he sits in God’s sanctuary, publicizing that he himself is God.”  2 Thessalonians 2:1-4

John tells us that at the fifth seal, he sees the souls of the martyrs under the altar crying out to God when will you judge and avenge our blood? At the fifth seal, the rapture has not occurred. This is at the fifth year of the last seven years of Daniel’s 70th week.

“When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the witness they had borne. They cried out with a loud voice, “O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” Revelation 6:9-10

At the sixth seal, the supernatural celestial signs that Jesus spoke of appear in the sky and as well as “the great day of His wrath has come”.

“When he opened the sixth seal, I looked, and behold, there was a great earthquake, and the sun became black as sackcloth, the full moon became like blood, and the stars of the sky fell to the earth... Then the kings of the earth and the great ones and the generals and the rich and the powerful, and everyone…calling to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who is seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb, for the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?” Revelation 6:12, 15, 16-17

It is at the trumpet blast at the opening of the seventh seal that the rapture occurs and John sees the resurrected Saints clothed in white robes with palm branches in their hands praising God the Father and Jesus.

“After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” Revelation 7:9-10

God promises to protect us from the wrath of God, not the tribulation which He uses to purify His church prior to the Rapture.

Each of the seven churches in Revelation represents the church in each of the seven years. It is the church in the sixth year, the church of Philadelphia that is raptured

“Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name… Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth. I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown.” Revelation 3:8, 10-11

The people in the church in the seventh year, the church of Laodicea thought they were saved but were not. Note, Jesus still stands at the door and knocks so they had not taken the Mark of the Beast and still have the opportunity to repent and be saved.

“Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me” Revelation 3:15-18

“Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake. And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.

ISRAEL AND THE END TIMES

Posted on by

Worldview expert Jason Jimenez, host of the “Challenging Conversations Podcast,” explains what the Bible says about Israel, whether modern-day Israel is a fulfillment of prophecy — and more. Listen to Jimenez break down why he believes Christians today should care about Israel.

He also covers why we need to know about all the prophecies God provides on “end times” events, particularly concerning the last seven years.

Jesus tells us: “Do not be in dismay because your redemption draws nigh”. Jesus gives us HOPE: we know from end times prophecies that despite the prophesied persecution coming for Christians it is for a prescribed time. Scripture gives us a great deal of information on the last seven years before Jesus returns. It is a time of tribulation even great tribulation when God will refine His church before He takes it to heaven. At the trumpet blast and opening of the seventh seal the Rapture of the Saints takes place and John sees the Saints in heaven before the throne of God (Rev. 7:9-17) so we do not experience the wrath of God that is poured out an unrepentant world with the Trumpet (Rev. 8) and Bowl (Rev. 16) judgements. At the close of the Bowl judgements Jesus returns to earth with the resurrected Saints to defeat the Antichrist at the Battle of Armageddon and to establish His Millennial Kingdom.

MANY CHURCH GOERS WILL CHOOSE APOSTASY

Posted on by

Jesus tells us that faced with the choice of persecution unto death or apostasy, many churchgoers will, unfortunately, choose apostasy. They will deny Jesus is the son of God and live for a short period of time longer than their faithful brothers. In both Luke and Matthew, we learn they will even betray their brothers and sisters who remain faithful. This is a horrible and almost unthinkable situation. Jesus says the love of “many” will become cold. I believe the parable of the ten virgins reveals that as many as 50% of people in our churches are not born again and they will choose apostasy rather than martyrdom. At greatest risk may be those people who were expecting to be “snatched away” in a Pre-Tribulation Rapture.

“Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake. And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold.“

Do you trust God enough to be with you through whatever He calls you to do even martyrdom? Do you remember what happened when Stephen was stoned to death?

But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God… And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.” Acts 7:55-56, 59-60

In the following passage in Philippians, Paul builds on Jesus’s instructions to be fearless in the face of persecution. First, he admonishes Christians to stand firmly together. It is this unity in faith that accomplishes God’s goal. Standing firm in persecution, a unified Church is living in a manner worthy of the gospel. Earlier Paul states that “to live is Christ, to die is gain” (Phil. 1:21). If we truly believe that Gospel message, what will we fear? When persecutors see Christians standing in absolute faith that a better life and reward is coming, it is a witness to the persecutors of both their coming judgment and the sure salvation of God. This is God’s battle plan. How many millions of our opponents will see this and be converted by this faithful act of witness?

“Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.” Philippians 1:27-30