STUDY, ARGUMENT AND COMPREHENSION OF FAITH The history is about to open the door to a bigger, tremendous and unspeakable event of humanity, especially with relation to the Gentiles: THE RAPTURE. It's time for you to make efforts to check the Scriptures and then looking at what was written, maybe you can hear the call that comes from God, as is happening to many in recent times. Access to the Bible was never as easy as it is now. There are many sites; the subjects of study are the Word of God, even in different languages. Who could imagine that such mean of communication would be so useful to preach the Word of God throughout the world? Luke 19:37 And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen; 38 saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest. 39 And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto him, Master, rebuke thy disciples. 40 And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.
This is just a matter of knowledge, consequently, a choice to make, because since the beginning God has given us the chance to take our own decision. First of all, it is good for us to put in mind that we are, no doubt, eternal: either to live eternally with Christ or to stay forever with Satan into the lake of fire and brimstone, properly speaking, the second death. Revelation 20:15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. Revelation 21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
After the plentiful consideration of these biblical affirmations, it would be tremendously important to you analyze yourself in order to realize how you have behaved before those who preaches the Word of God. Many peoples often imagine that those who follow Christ, whom they call evangelicals or believers, are outdated and scrappy people. Such conclusion seems to be more favorable to an attempt to please those who surround them. This behavior (which is especially seen among the younger) makes more difficult the entrance into the God’s elected team, because fun, distraction and every kind of pleasure which has been offered by the world are everything that they think that they need to get happiness; so, they throw the possibility to approaching God away, rejecting the evidence of the end. It’s because the end is unimaginable, while they live in exciting adventure, however the end is imminent from any point of view. Matthew 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
But, in fact, the believers have behaved in a so religious way that they obfuscate the light of our Lord which should shine out from them. Acting in this way they do like the scribes and Pharisees did during the time of Jesus. Matthew 23:13 But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.
How many truths we can see inside these words spoken by Jesus 2,000 years ago. Those ones were religious men who took control of all the promises of God, and made himself as owner of the blessings. Today, many Christian denominations have acted in this way, which was reprimanded by Jesus Himself. They are exclusive and dogmatic. Typically, they are full of repetition and religious tradition. Their worship is focused only on the interior of the temple. It is as if they took for themselves the promise and the blessing of God, preventing others to reach Him, as did those in the time of Jesus. Thus, they convey the idea that there is no room for who are outside, maintaining a closed group, contradicting the Word of God 1 Timothy 2:3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; 4 who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
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Although there are many obstacles, primarily behavioral, to know the plans of God and the signs that develops around us, despite the easy way to get to the truth, as above; there is no doubt that this is the time to get power by faith. Even if you are full of philosophical concept, selfish behavior, desire for high social position, etc. Still, there is no need to change the lifestyle to be closer to Jesus, nor attend a church because the true freedom can only come from Jesus, our Lord. Matthew 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Mark 2:17 When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. John 8:32 and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. John 8:36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.
It is also important to understand what can save us, and what can lead us to eternal condemnation. The Word of God, an abundant source of knowledge is available to many today. The computer, finally, may cooperate to complete the number of written in the Lamb's book of life. Revelation 21:27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.
UNDERSTANDING THE CURRENT EVENTS It is clear that humanity is undergoing a time of instability. The world leaders have tried to change the clumsy scene in which they are, which was developed by them over the years. In this generation, the more the technology develops to the detriment of workers in each productive sector, the more politicians have doubts about the next initiative to be taken. As we know by reading the biblical principles, God does not act in the political world. John 18:36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. 1 John 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. James 4:4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. Matthew 22:20 And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? 21 They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's. 1 John 5:19 And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.
So if the whole world lies in wickedness, it is appropriate to conclude that all policy plans are contrary to the plans of God for the salvation of humanity, although many of these policy plans seem beneficial at first sight, it is clear that in future these plans will make it difficult for humanity to choose between God and Satan, and between the salvation or damnation. The wrong decision, of course, will lead to unprecedented agony. Matthew 25:30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
By nature, humanity tends to praise a god who imagine as a superior. This justifies the existence of so many rites of demonic offering through the centuries. God, our Lord warned His people to keep away from such behavior. Deuteronomy 18:10 There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, 11 or a charmer, or a
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consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. 12 For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee. Deuteronomy 29:18 lest there should be among you man, or woman, or family, or tribe, whose heart turneth away this day from the LORD our God, to go and serve the gods of these nations; lest there should be among you a root that beareth gall and wormwood;
This practice was never different among the governors and leaders worldwide. Each governor has always been (and still are) influenced by spiritual forces during his administration. When man comes to power, he is taken by forces of evil, as the Kingdom of God is not of this world, but this world lies in wickedness. So, it is clear that whatever the decision taken by any government will always result in a strategy to condemn the world. There is no difficulty in realizing that. The devil has controlled all the political world, and is reaching the time when the political world will be delivered to the beast. Revelation 13:7 And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.
Obviously, the new governors will not make any interview or meeting with the devil or with their representatives, to receive guidelines to follow - far from it. Indeed, those who worship the devil, because the real power and wealth of the world belong to them, keep them down. Therefore, it is conceivable that the devil has influence over them and through them gets free access to the command. As is well known "who has money has power," or at least have ordered those who come to power. I Timothy 6:10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
Analyzing the politician effects on humanity, mainly on those who deeply depend on God, and the effects of intervention from the riches upon the politician, it is possible to make connection with the point of view developed from the scripture readings, especially from the prophecies, and the recent happenings. Then it is enough to considering, for instance, what has been published in any means of communication. A simple check of the news is enough to realize that this is the height of the crime. Sanctions created by the law of politicians are nothing more than excuses for the continuity of the system. In short, what would be easy to be modified, in this case, the Criminal Code to reduce the feeling of insecurity people, instead, if modified, it only employs more terror and insecurity. Why? Aren’t we sharing the fortunes and misfortunes within the same generation? This question can not be answered satisfactorily, considering only the physical and material world. Questions like this and others, get answers plausible if it can be obtained only in the spiritual means. John 3:20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. 2 Timothy 3:13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.
In order to worsen this generation scenery, there is something like a publicity of the evil in the air generated by television programmes, and by others means of communication. The more it has been published, the less we can keep away from it There is nothing to supposing, but a broadcasting advertisement for an evil behavior. The extension of violence has reached the unbearable points, and nothing has been done. Others broadcast programmes, in the same way, are useful tools spiritually used by evil purpose to spread out new doctrines in order to draw the people away from sound doctrine which comes from God. Romans 16:17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. Ephesians 4:14 that we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
By the way, who can affirm that an evil force is not acting on behalf of world political leaders? 3
If it is spiritual evil forces, it must to have combated by spiritual means. Ephesians 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
To overcoming the ruler of this darkness world and so spiritual forces doesn’t change the events, but, if it is in accordance with God wish, He’ll keep apart from any evilness that ones who put their faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Then, the world will go on in its constancy of perversities, and for now none can to escape from bad precepts of the world. John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
Only those with the purpose of to delineating the destiny of the world belong to the world. Those of us who believe in Christ Jesus do not take part in any revolutionary decision that changes the political world; however, we ought to be watchful in order that it may deliver us from the evil. John 17:11 And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are. 12 While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the Scripture might be fulfilled. 13 And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves. 14 I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.
It is also important to know that the deliverance of our home is, in accordance with God wish, of immense value and worthy of eternal gratitude. Joshua 24:15 but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.
All manifestation against the world-composed authorities is disobedience in God Commandment. It reinforces the idea that is enough for humanity to get protection and abides under the shadow of the Almighty. Romans 13:2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. Romans 13:13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying: 2 Thessalonians 3:3 But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.
Bible-reading practices shall lead each one to reaches the plenty knowledge of truth and the wisdom relating to the Creator plans, which does not belong to political world system. James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. Ephesians 1:17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:
Therefore, the disposition whereby someone cans search the truth of the Word of God, then turning towards the calling that comes from Christ, shall makes them a new elected of God, and, finally, a new name will be written at the Lamb’s book of life, which none is allowed to erase at all. THE RAPTURE 1 Thessalonians 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
For those who have faith in Jesus, this is the most expected moment. Summit of life in Christ. Achievement. The reward. All that was promised to the Gentiles and Israelites that allowed their sins were washed in the blood of the Lamb. 4
The rapture is the equivalence of Gentiles and Jews before the holiness of Christ, the Savior. People, once antagonistic, are now co-heirs in Christ Jesus through the gospel. Ephesians 3:6 that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel.
What is lacking for that Day dawns? 2 Thessalonians 2:3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
Therefore, our Lord guarantees us that apostasy will come first, that is diversion from Word of God, and then the man of iniquity, the son of perdition, will be revealed. Nothing may be done against that, as it has been well argued before. This is conclusive. We have to press firmly towards the target. Philippians 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
A clearly comprehension that this day is at hand is enough, but the very day and hour are unknown. Only the Father knows. Matthew 24:36 But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.
THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE PEOPLE OF GOD After LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, so sin entered into the world by man, and then, by sin everything evil that leads to death. Romans 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
By the advent of sin, the humanity turned into hostages held by the Devil. Undoubtedly, God knew that even before the beginning. It was also the knowledge of God that the life of His Son should be given a ransom for many. Mark 10:45 For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
God, as Son by the Holy Trinity, would make Himself flesh and inhabit the world, because the price could only be paid in the world. That is because, obviously, the death does not prevail in heaven. Firstly, the Lord formed a nation to receive Him. As it is well known, this nation was resulted from a group of peoples who made any effort to rule over the nature of sin. They behaved well before all world temptations, which always have working unfavorable in humanity. Gênesis 4:7 If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door: and unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.
From then on, the story shows the struggle between good and evil at heavenly regions. Clearly, God the creator, by His omnipotence, could win at any time or let the whole world in the hands of the devil. Nevertheless, for the nature of His justice, for creation’s sake, everything has happened the way that He Himself established. The devil, for this battle and for its long quest to become like God, turns many of men into enough tools to execute his plans against the sovereign Father. For this reason, the God Almighty often acts in order to prevent that men influenced by the devil frustrate His plans. Genesis 11:5 And the LORD came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of men builded. 6 And the LORD said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do. 7 Go to, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another's speech. 8 So the LORD scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth: and they left off to build the city.
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In the verse 6 of this passage, perceiving the influence of the devil in that work, the Lord Himself declares that the sons of men could do everything without limits. Clearly, the scope of such technology, which had not been permitted by Him in those times, would be detrimental to His plan. This episode describes the construction of the tower of Babel. Long after this event, among the inhabitants of the land, finally, there was a man who believed in God and this was accounted to him for righteousness: ABRAHAM. Galatians 3:6 Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.
From this man, the Lord formed a lineage that would become nation, from where would birth a Man who would be able to pay for the yoke of sin established from the beginning. Genesis 12:1 Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will show thee: 2 and I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: 3 and I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.
To Abraham, already with one hundred years old, was born a child. ISAAC. Genesis 21:12c for in Isaac shall thy seed be called.
Isaac was father of Jacob. Later God Himself gave a new name to Jacob, which is Israel until this very day. This name means POWER WITH GOD and has many meanings useful to understand the work of God until our generation. Genesis 32:28 And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.
By descendants of his twelve children: Ruben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Zebulun, Issachar, Dan, Gade, Asher, Naphtali, Joseph and Benjamin, Israel became a nation. Exodus 1:7 And the children of Israel were fruitful, and increased abundantly, and multiplied, and waxed exceeding mighty; and the land was filled with them.
THE CAPTIVITY Jeremiah 25:11 And this whole land shall be a desolation, and an astonishment; and these nations shall serve the king of Babylon seventy years. 12 And it shall come to pass, when seventy years are accomplished, that I will punish the king of Babylon, and that nation, saith the LORD, for their iniquity, and the land of the Chalde'ans, and will make it perpetual desolations.
The nation of Israel lasted many, many years, until the king of Babylon Nebuchadnezzar took Jerusalem and carried captive the people from Israel. During the seventy years of captivity, and then return to Palestine, the Israelites have mainly been called Jews; this name was used also for those who were scattered around the world. Over the years, even the Israelites themselves have called themselves Jews. 2 Kings 25:1 And it came to pass in the ninth year of his reign, in the tenth month, in the tenth day of the month, that Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came, he, and all his host, against Jerusalem, and pitched against it; and they built forts against it round about. 2 And the city was besieged unto the eleventh year of king Zedekiah. 3 And on the ninth day of the fourth month the famine prevailed in the city, and there was no bread for the people of the land. 4 And the city was broken up, and all the men of war fled by night by the way of the gate between two walls, which is by the king's garden: (now the Chaldees were against the city round about:) and the king went the way toward the plain. 5 And the army of the Chaldees pursued after the king, and overtook him in the plains of Jericho: and all his army were scattered from him. 6 So they took the king, and brought him up to the king of Babylon to Riblah; and they gave judgment upon him. 7 And they slew the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes, and put out the eyes of Zedeki'ah, and bound him with fetters of brass, and carried him to Babylon. 8 And in the fifth month, on the seventh day of the month, which is the nineteenth year of king Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, came Nebuzaradan, captain of the guard, a servant of the king of Babylon, unto Jerusalem: 9 and he burnt the house of the LORD, and the king's house, and all the houses of Jerusalem, and every great man's house burnt he with fire. 10 And all the army of the Chaldees, that were with the captain of the guard, brake down the walls of Jerusalem round about. 11 Now the rest of the people that were left in the city, and the fugitives that fell away to the king of Babylon, with the remnant of the multitude, did Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard carry away. 12 But the captain of the guard left of the poor of the land to be vinedressers and husbandmen. 13 And the pillars of brass that were in the house of the LORD, and the bases, and the brazen sea that was in the house of the LORD, did the Chaldees break in pieces, and carried the brass of them to Babylon.
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14 And the pots, and the shovels, and the snuffers, and the spoons, and all the vessels of brass wherewith they ministered, took they away. 15 And the firepans, and the bowls, and such things as were of gold, in gold, and of silver, in silver, the captain of the guard took away. 16 The two pillars, one sea, and the bases which Solomon had made for the house of the LORD; the brass of all these vessels was without weight.
As pronounced by the prophet Jeremiah, the people of the promise of God lose the status of nation to become imprisoned in foreign nation, the Babylon. However, by bringing itself the responsibility to receive the Son of God, the Jewish people, the children of Israel from the beginning, have had special attention from God, the Creator, so that were prepared for the coming of Jesus, the Messiah. As the plans of the Creator can not be frustrated, then the nation of Israel, the Jewish people, would be restored. Job 42:1 Then Job answered the LORD, and said, 2 I know that thou canst do every thing, and that no thought can be withholden from thee.
Since the exile, many hundreds of years would pass before the coming of Christ. Matthew 1:17 So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations.
Long before the coming of Christ, many prophets were raised by God Almighty to proclaim the message to Jews. Among them: HAGGAI Haggai 1:1; AMOS Amos 1:1; DANIEL Matthew 24:15; ELIJAH 1 Kings 17:1; ELISHA 1 Kings 19:16; EZEKIEL Ezekiel 1:1-3; HABAKKUK Habakkuk 1:1; JOEL Joel 1:1; JONAH 2 kings 14:25; MALACHI Malachi 1:1; MICAH Micah 1:1; MOSES Deuteronomy 34:10; NAHUM Nahum 1:1; OBADIAH Obadiah 1:1; HOSEA Hosea 1:1; SAMUEL 1 Samuel 3:20; ZEPHANIAH Zephaniah 1:1; ZECHARIAH Zechariah 1:1. The reading of God's pronouncement through these prophets is extremely relevant to understanding the Divine plan for salvation of this generation. SOME FULFILLED PROPHECIES ABOUT THE MESSIAH DESCENDANT FROM DAVID Jeremiah 23:5 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth. Acts 13:23 Of this man's seed hath God, according to his promise, raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus:
SON OF VIRGIN NAMED IMMANUEL Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel Matthew 1:18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
PLACE OF BIRTH Micah 5:2 But thou, Bethlehem Eph'ratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting. Matthew 2:1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Luke 2:4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, (because he was of the house and lineage of David,) 5 to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. 6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
MURDER OF THE LITTLE ONES IN BETHLEHEM Jeremiah 31:15 Thus saith the LORD; A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation, and bitter weeping; Rachel weeping for her children refused to be comforted for her children, because they were not. Luke 2: And they came with haste, and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. 17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them
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concerning this child. 18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
CALLED FROM EGYPT Hosea 11:1 When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt. Matthew 2:15: and was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.
PRECEDED BY JOHN THE BAPTIST Isaiah 40:3 Voz The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Malachi 3:1 Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts. Matthew 3:1 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judea,2 and saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven 3 For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying, the voice of one crying in the wilderness, prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Luke 1:17 E And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.
ANOINTING BY THE SPIRIT Isaiah 11:2 and the Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD; Isaiah 61:1 The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; Matthew 3:16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: John 3:34 For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him. Acts 10:38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
A PROPHET LIKE MOSES Deuteronomy 18:15 The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken; 16 according to all that thou desiredst of the LORD thy God in Horeb in the day of the assembly, saying, Let me not hear again the voice of the LORD my God, neither let me see this great fire any more, that I die not. 17 And the LORD said unto me, They have well spoken that which they have spoken. 18 I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him Acts 3:22 For Moses truly said unto the fathers, a Prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you.
MINISTRY TURNED TO THE PEOPLE Isaiah 61:1 The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; 2 to proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; Luke 4:16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read. 17 And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Isaiah. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written, 18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, 19 to preach the acceptable year of the Lord. 20 And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him. 21 And he began to say unto them, This day is this Scripture fulfilled in your ears. Luke 4:43 And he said unto them, I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent.
GALILEE - THE LAND OF THE GENTILES Isaiah 9:1 Nevertheless the dimness shall not be such as was in her vexation, when at the first he lightly afflicted the land of Zebulun, and the land of Naphtali, and afterward did more grievously afflict her by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, in Galilee of the nations 2 The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.
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Matthew 4:12 Now when Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison, departed into Galilee; 13 and leaving Nazareth, he came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is upon the seacoast, in the borders of Zebulun and Naphtali:
DESCRIPTION OF ENTRY INTO JERUSALEM Zechariah 9:9 Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass. Matthew 21:1 And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples, : 2 saying unto them, Go into the village over against you, and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose them, and bring them unto me. 3 And if any man say aught unto you, ye shall say, The Lord hath need of them; and straightway he will send them.
HATED BY JEWS Isaiah 49:7 Thus saith the LORD, the Redeemer of Israel, and his Holy One, to him whom man despiseth, to him whom the nation abhorreth, to a servant of rulers, Kings shall see and arise, princes also shall worship, because of the LORD that is faithful, and the Holy One of Israel, and he shall choose thee. John 15:24 If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father. 25 But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause.
THE REBUILDING OF THE TEMPLE After seventy years of captivity, the nation of Jews begins to be rebuilt. The books of Ezra and of Nehemiah, who was butler at royal palace, illustrate how difficult was the rebuilding of Jerusalem, which was initiated by decree of King Artaxerxes. Nehemiah 2:1 And it came to pass in the month Nisan, in the twentieth year of Artaxerx'es the king, that wine was before him: and I took up the wine, and gave it unto the king. Now I had not been beforetime sad in his presence. 2 Wherefore the king said unto me, Why is thy countenance sad, seeing thou art not sick? this is nothing else but sorrow of heart. Then I was very sore afraid, 3 and said unto the king, Let the king live for ever: why should not my countenance be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers' sepulchres, lieth waste, and the gates thereof are consumed with fire 4 Then the king said unto me, For what dost thou make request? So I prayed to the God of heaven. 5 And I said unto the king, If it please the king, and if thy servant have found favor in thy sight, that thou wouldest send me unto Judah, unto the city of my fathers' sepulchres, that I may build it. 6 And the king said unto me, (the queen also sitting by him,) For how long shall thy journey be? and when wilt thou return? So it pleased the king to send me; and I set him a time.
Despite the release from Babylonian captivity, the Jewish people would not get lasting peace, as it was been said by the Almighty God through the prophet Daniel. In the book of Daniel, there are prophecies of chronological events that have been of great importance today. THE SEVENTY WEEKS OF DANIEL Daniel 9:24 Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the Most Holy. 25 Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem, unto the Messiah the Prince, shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times. 26 And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined. 27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.
These seventy weeks as the time given by God so that the people of Israel could carry out a set of attitudes, as announced by the prophet Daniel, is object of study of various eschatological scholars of our generation. Even though what determines the salvation is not the real interpretation of the period in which this 9
prophecy will be fulfilled, we must here record the effectiveness of the God's plan for salvation, both for Jews and Gentiles. First, it should be emphasized that the week prophesied by Daniel must to be interpreted in accordance with the time length of the week described in the Word of God, being weeks of years and not of days. Leviticus 25:8 And thou shalt number seven sabbaths of years unto thee, seven times seven years; and the space of the seven sabbaths of years shall be unto thee forty and nine years. Genesis 29:27 Fulfil her week, and we will give thee this also for the service which thou shalt serve with me yet seven other years. Ezekiel 4:6 And when thou hast accomplished them, lie again on thy right side, and thou shalt bear the iniquity of the house of Judah forty days: I have appointed thee each day for a year.
Thus, 70 weeks or 490 years was the time given by God in this prophecy. It is important to note that in verse 25, the prophet splits 69 weeks into two distinct periods of 7 weeks plus 62 weeks. It is historical fact that the reconstruction of the Temple lasted exactly 49 years or 7 weeks of years. 434 years, or 62 weeks of years, after this episode, Jesus Christ was crucified. Finally, the remaining week must be considered, or seven years, to complete the fixed period of 70 weeks. In verse 27, the prophet mentions this week, but referring to a distant future or, properly, to seven years of tribulation which will occur before the return of the Messiah to estabilish the Millennial Kingdom. Thus, it is evident that the last part of 70 weeks of years is not sequential. Daniel 9:27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.
It is appropriate to taking this conclusion, because the reading of Chapter 24 of the Gospel of Matthew, especially verse 15. Matthew 24:15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand,)
The precious collection of this prophecy is sufficient to explain the irreversible plan of God for salvation of humanity and to establish the greatness of His majesty. Daniel 9:26 And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people
of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.
Through the words of this prophecy, we understand that, after the crucifixion of Jesus, the city and the sanctuary would be destroyed again. The history reports that in the year 70 AD, some years after the resurrection, the Roman army, led by General Tito defeated the Judea, destroying the city of Jerusalem and its Temple. For the second time the Jews were without their own nation. Another important factor in this verse 26 is the pronouncement that there will be war until the end. We know the Middle East, a region where Israel is located geographically, is the scene of ongoing conflict. Certainly, subsequent conflicts that occurred in this region, after the defeat of the Jews imposed by General Titus of Rome, were not known by all ancient contemporary civilizations. However, in these final generations, the advanced means of communication via satellite broadcasts real-time news to the whole world about the events in that region, revealing a culture that, undoubtedly, has become hostile, and due to the tradition developed by conflicts without truce. Today, we must be attentive to the establishment of the alliance, which will be signed soon, as Daniel, the prophet, in verse 27, has announced. Initially, for a week, time that is actually seven years, as studied previously. It also has been said that this alliance will be broken after three and a half years. It is very common today, transmission of reportage about the efforts of politicians and religious leaders in an attempt to establish a plan for peace between Arabs and Jews, the inhabitants of the Middle East. Clearly, although aware that political leaders around the world have made the proposals for peace in recent years, the prophecy revealed to Daniel about 2,500 years ago is at the hand. 10
STUDY AND CONCLUSION ABOUT RAPTURE Of events relating to the plan of salvation pre-established by the Creator since the foundation of the world, the rapture is that it is for the Gentiles, even Jews who truly believes in Jesus and received the baptism for the forgiveness of sins. Mark 1:4 John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. Mark 16:16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
Thus, all have now access to the Father through the Son. John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. Matthew 12:21 And in his name shall the Gentiles trust Acts 11:18 When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life. Romans 3:29 Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also: Galatians 3:8 And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed. Galatians 3:14 that the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. Ephesians 3:6 that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel.
Remember that the Bible tells us that Israel will seal a peace agreement with many for a period of seven years, moreover, that this agreement will be broken in half that time (Daniel 9.27). Therefore, it is reasonable to consider that, after three years and six months of harmony, an outbreak of lawlessness and disagreement between the nations will be restarted. The more accustomed to reading and revelation, the more obvious is the distinction of the final events that will soon have to come on earth. The Bible also states that two witnesses shall prophesy twelve hundred and sixty days in the holy city, or three years and six months (Revelation 11.3). This will occur within the first three and a half years, because there will be harmony. Certainly, the cessation of hostilities from different religious beliefs, very common in that region, and therefore, the tolerance towards freedom to worship different gods are key proposals for the outcome of the peace agreement, especially in a region marked by conflicts arising due to such opposition. Admittedly, there will be a big religious opening, as we see in America, without restriction or persecution. However, in a region with ancient traditions of pagan worship, inhabited by people, largely, contrary to the divinity of Jesus Christ or are still awaiting the arrival of the Messiah, the Son of the Most High God, this agreement would not be lasting. Thus, it is understood that this is the last step towards the conversion of the Gentiles by preaching. If in times of disagreement, rivalry, financial crisis that generates unemployment and crime that, in turn, generates insecurity and discontentment, large contingent of people are averse to those who preach the Gospel, it is not difficult to assume the acceptance of them in relation to the disclosure of God's Word when the world solve these social issues. Acting so, many do not realize that they still might find the Lord. Isaiah 55:6 Seek ye the LORD while He may be found, call ye upon Him while He is near: To better understand this study, let's see: 2 Thessalonians 2:3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; 4 who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. 2 Thessalonians 2:6 And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. 7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. 11
2 Thessalonians 2:9 even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 10 and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 12 that they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. The word of God teaches that the body of true Christians is sanctuary of the Holy Spirit. 1 Corinthians 6:19 What! Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? By this definition, we believe that the church of God will be present at the initial period of three years. Aware of the prophecies, the followers of Jesus will make their ultimate effort to convert their friends, relatives and even unknown people to the truth, based on the fulfillment of prophecy through the events, but many will not listen. The word also ensures that, first the apostasy will come, departure from the faith 1 Timothy 4:1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Therefore, we get clarification that, besides the difficulty of preaching, due to social harmony in those days, there are also those who will depart from the faith, then listen to the seducing spirits, preparing the ground to reveal the man of iniquity, the son of perdition, which works to hoodwink the unwary. A prepared environment will cause many believe that God is no longer necessary. The churches of today are full of people, whose belief in Jesus is conditioned to the fulfillment of their material desires. John 14:14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. One should not forget what was said in the preceding verse: so that the Father may be glorified in the Son through what is given. John 14:13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. Finally, as to our needs, we must trust in God that we lack nothing. Matthew 6:25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. The true interpretation was given to the apostles of Jesus, which, admittedly, did not go in search of goods. Acts 3:2 And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple; 3 who, seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked an alms. Acts 3:6 Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. Acts 3:9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God: 10 and they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him. At the end of times, the joy of the world will lead many to mistake, and will cause pain to those who want to see them converted. John 16:20 Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice; and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy. 12
However, by approaching the Rapture, an event will occur that will seal the fate of those who were opposed to the truth. 2 Thessalonians 2: 11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 12 that they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. This passage says that something new will be brought to the world in those days, which will influence the decision of the unwary, leading them to the conviction. As it has been known, from the beginning, the Devil has tried to deceive humanity to divert from the path to salvation; thus, when some men follow at the wrong direction, they become tools used by the devil to deploy a lie. John 8:44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do: he was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. In order to give a classic example, well-known action of the devil on unsuspecting people to divert the direction of many who are looking for salvation, can be considered the life and work of Charles Darwin. Charles Robert Darwin, born on 12 February 1809, was an English naturalist who lived in light of trying to show the evolution of species by means of natural selection. Darwin produced from various experiments and observations that were made while traveling around the world, many studies about this concept. These works are spread around the world for several generations, until the present day. However, the evolutionary theory of Charles Darwin is losing credibility, because the more it moves toward what existed before the origin of the universe, the more it becomes inevitable to design something eternal. Still, Darwin's work influenced many men and women, inducing them to deviate from the gospel. This work continues, therefore, being used by the devil in an attempt to push the lie that leads the humanity to God’s disapprobation. According to the biography, Darwin himself was a man of Christian faith, which was decreasing, as the scientist is embroiled in its research. The faith of Darwin ended when his daughter Annie died in 1851. Annie was the eldest of the girls and the second from 10 children, Darwin had with his cousin Emma Wedgwood, whom Darwin was married. Charles Darwin died in the village of Downe, situated in the county of Kent, England, on 19 April 1882. Some time before his death, Darwin, regarding to religion, defined himself as agnostic. Isaiah 45:9 Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker! Let the potsherd strive with the potsherds of the earth. Shall the clay say to him that fashioneth it, What makest thou? or thy work, He hath no hands? Isaiah 5:21 Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight! Revelation 22:15 For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie. Others ways to induce to error were performed by humankind with the evil intention to contend against God. One way of our own generation is space exploration. In recent decades, scientists have spent very high values in an attempt to unlock the outer space to find any trace that would be the confirmation of their principle established on the origin of universe. In the unlikely process of conquest of space, they also try, at any cost, to find life, even microscopic, or signs of its existence. "We are alone in the universe?" is a subject much discussed and established by the scientific society. What is the basis of that argument? What would happen if the TV channels stop their daily schedules to transmit the images captured by cameras installed in a spacecraft that display simulated signals from extraterrestrial beings? What should be the effect of such information upon those whose faith is lukewarm? 13
In spite of all that is coming, it is important to say that nothing can take away the Blessed hope of those who truly love Jesus as Lord and Savior or separate us from the love of Christ. Titus 2:13 looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Romans 8:35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? However, regarding to the undecided, those who do not want to hear the Word, God Himself will make them accept the proposal of the devil. The prophecy of John tells us about the measurement of the temple of God, the altar and its worshipers; however reveals that God will not allow the measurement of the outside of the sanctuary, so that the Gentiles can walk on the holy city during the performance of two witnesses. Revelation 11.1 And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein. 2 But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months. Therefore, it is easy to imagine the face of radical Orthodox leaders, who reject Jesus, full of hatred, envy, resentment and anger, when they have to accept that two people preaching with great efficiency and testified about Jesus, because of the peace agreement. How long will they bear it? According to the Word of God 42 months, this is three and a half years. Afterwards this time, they shall say, “It’s enough!” Then, the beast will confront them and kill them. Revelation 11.7 And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them. Once finished their testimony, they will be killed. Their corpses shall remain in a street of the city for three and a half days, and no one should allow them to be put in graves. Many nations and peoples of different languages shall watch that scene. Revelation 11.8 And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified. 9 And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and a half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves. The passage of this verse 9 is essentially linked to the current world scenario. Revelation 11.9 And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and a half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves. Our generation has the essential tools to understanding this prophecy. How many funerals of famous personalities have been transmitted via satellite to the whole world in recent times? In addition, these two witnesses will not be lesser known; then, because of them, rumors about the disruption of peace shall spread out. That peace will bring harmony and security for humanity for three years and six months. Even if God’s Word has announced everything in detail, many will not believe it, so they will imagine that such an events are common, as all the news from over there have been published in recent years, and then they will despise the truth. Likewise, the Pharisees did at the first coming of the Messiah, which was revealed by God, including with chronological information as mentioned in the book of the prophet Daniel. This neglect with respect to the coming of the Messiah was even expressed by the prophet Isaiah. John 12:37 But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him: 38 that the saying of Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed? (Is. 53.1) 14
They will not change their trajectory. They will remain blinded by the love the world and their achievements. Especially at times when the continents are infected by the peace and security advent. Luke 17:26 Assim And as it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man 27 They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all. 28 Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; 29 but the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. 30 Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed. 1 Thessalonians 5:3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. During the first three and a half years, certainly, our preaching will not have much effect, since the unbelievers will go in peace, no need to join us because we have followed peace with all, and having not to deny the worldly pleasures as we denied. How many of these will not ridicule us with contempt and with great clamor of laughter? Hebrews 12:14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Mark 4:19 and the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful. James 4:4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. Proverbs 29:8 Scornful men bring a city into a snare: but wise men turn away wrath. Isaiah 28:14 Wherefore hear the word of the LORD, ye scornful men, that rule this people which is in Jerusalem.. 2 Pet 3:3 knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, THE JOYOUS DAY OF THE GENTILES At the end of the last day of that period, as revealed by the Word of God, a terrible event will occur. Wherever is the faithful and prudent servant, this will happen simultaneously. Undoubtedly, this event will spread terror among those who remain, since this event is unacceptable to the vision of the unbelievers and unlikely in their design. However, until that moment everything seemed to be following, as usual. Matthew 24:27 For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. 1 Corinthians 15:52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. Matthew 24:40 Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. 41 Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left Please note the reference to the world time zone. The Word says that this event will occur at a glance. Obviously, this will occur in some places during the night, while in others there will be sunshine. Luke 17:34 I tell you, in that night there shall be two men in one bed; the one shall be taken, and the other shall be left. 35 Two women shall be grinding together; the one shall 15
be taken, and the other left. 36 Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. 1 Thessalonians 4:15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words. In the following moments, all the media will disseminate this mysterious event. Certainly, a misleading interpretation of the media will disagree on the clarification of the facts. However, many will remember the preaching, and those who will understand the connection between the events will make the ultimate sacrifice in order to be part of the kingdom of Christ. At this very moment, will terminate the exposure of the witnesses corpses in the streets of holy city; on the other hand, they will receive the Spirit of life and will revive in the presence of his enemies, which, of course, will endeavor to make this miracle did not come to public knowledge. Revelation 11:11 And after three days and a half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them. 12 And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them. THE GREAT TRIBULATION After these witnesses rise to heaven, an earthquake will shake the city, starting the Great Tribulation. Many will die in this tragedy, while others will remember the words of the witnesses and, even terrified, they will give glory to God. Revelation 11:13 And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven. From that moment, the Holy Spirit will be removed from the world, as the elected of God, whose body is the dwelling of the Spirit of God (1 Corinthians 6:19), will also be removed from the earth. Romans 8:11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. The Bible describes a Great Tribulation, during the last three years and a half, as never was since the beginning of the world, and never will be. Matthew 24:21 for then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. After this period of 42 months, in which world leaders will achieve considerable progress particularly in the context of peace and security, according to human vision, and then the man of iniquity, the son of perdition, will be manifested to the world, because the Holy Spirit, which until then withheld him, will be taken from the world. 2 Thessalonians 2:6 And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. 7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. Daniel 9:27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate. 16
With the onset of chaos, this man is going to oppose anything that should be worshipped and will oppose even to our God; repealing, finally, the cause that will establish a covenant of peace. Not satisfied, he will take the sanctuary to declare himself as God. 2 Thessalonians 2:4 who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. The world will be given to the beast, which will have power over all in the last three years and a half. Knowing that the Jews are still waiting for the Messiah, the beast will use such behavior in order to persuade them, causing them to receive him as the Messiah. It is no mystery. John 5:43 I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive. Finally, with the winning of confidence of the people of God and without any objection from other nations, the beast will begin his reign of terror. The core of his speech will consist of words to attack the name of God and contempt to those ones who will be raptured before his arrival to power. Revelation 13:5 And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months. 6 And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven. During this short term, this deceptive leader shall adopt several legal measures that will change all areas of international policy known until then. Many ways of living and thinking that have existed for a long time in our society will come to an end. The world trade will experience new ways to commercialize their goods, because the physical money that has prevailed for thousands of years will disappear. Daniel 7:25 And he shall speak great words against the Most High, and shall wear out the saints of the Most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time. Full of divine instruction and attentive to the imminent implementation of the projects prepared by the mentors of the new world order, we concluded that the assets, revenues and income of each citizen will be sent to international devices capable of storing and processing data, and then use them to perform calculations of increase or decrease of the operation, simultaneously; whose outcome will be sent to all who wish to be part of the economic system of the beast. Thus, they will must accept a tiny electronic circuit, or microchip, which will be put on the right hand or forehead. Revelation 13:16 And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: 17 and that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. During this period, a large number of the Gentiles, recalling the preaching of raptured, categorically, will refuse to cede to the demands of the new system. These people will join, forming groups of prayer and Bible study, as the Word of God will be available yet. Matthew 24:35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. Of course, those who will oppose the authorities in those days, not because they will want to participate in riots demanding rights, will be deprived of tradeable goods. They will look for sources of food directly in nature, but these resources are scarce, because the earth will be full of the wrath of God. In face of such suffering, the fear of God will prevail, and this noble sentiment will make them resistant. Psalms 111:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever. Proverbs 9:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the Holy is understanding. 17
Certainly, they will understand the analogy between the beast and the government. Revelation 13:18 Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six Over the days, they will get more comfort by reading the Word and survive the scarcity of food. Matthew 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Because of disobedience to the rules of those days, they will be suspected of committing all the crimes that affect the society. For this reason, will be pursued and arrested. Matthew 5:10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Mark 13:13 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. Thus, they despise the worldly life in order to find the path that leads to eternal life. John 12:25 He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. Due to the strong refusal to accept the mark of the beast and the confession of fear of God, they will be sentenced to death by beheading. John 11:25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: Revelation 20:4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. Thus, one by one will be taken to the Heavenly Father. To those, God will provide them a place that is just below the altar, from which they can claim for revenge for the blood directly from the sovereign God. Meanwhile, the Almighty himself, offering them new clothes, tells them to rest a little more time until the rest of those who resist can achieve, like them, the victory through death. Revelation 6:9 And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: 10 and they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? This is the kind of salvation planned by God from the beginning for all of the Gentiles, who inhabit the earth. The Lord must be sought while He may be found. It must also be understood that the gentiles will not receive signals that indicate the beginning of these events, because the Gentiles to be saved from condemnation, should not walk by sight, but live by faith. 2 Corinthians 5:7 for we walk by faith, not by sight:) Galatians 3:8 And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed. Galatians 3:11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 18
Hebrews 10:38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. Hebrews 11:3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. 4 By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. 5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. 6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. 7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. 8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. 9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: 10 for he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. 11 Through faith also Sarah herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised. Hebrews 11:17 By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, Hebrews 11:20 By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come. 21 By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff. 22 By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones. 23 By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment. 24 By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; Hebrews 11:27 By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible. 28 Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them. 29 By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned. 30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days. 31 By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace. In this twilight time, many of the unbelievers, who, for one reason or another, accept the impositions of government of the beast, will begin to understand the spiritual characteristics of those events, and, perceiving the condemnation that awaits them, will resort to suicide; but none will dare to do so, rather will seek other solutions in their own ignorance. Revelation 9:6 And in those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it; and shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them. When the second part of the week prophesied by Daniel has finished, then they will die. These will be deprived of the Beatitudes of the millennial kingdom of Christ. They will remain dead for a thousand years, and then will be raised from death to be eternally in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur. Revelation 20:5 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. 19
EXHORTATION THE REBIRTH OF THE FIG TREE From the beginning, the fig tree, typical tree of the Mediterranean region, has been mentioned in the Word of God. Adam and Eve after the sin, realizing they were naked, used a fig leaf to hide their nakedness. Genesis 3:7 And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons. Although we know that is not the custom of the Gentiles ask God for signs, the God’s Word gives us clear evidence that the end of times is at hand. The parable of the fig is a very blessed and appreciated example. Here, our Lord Jesus mentions this tree to illustrate Israel. Luke 13:6 He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none. 7 Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground? 8 And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it: 9 and if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down. Mark 11:11 And Jesus entered into Jerusalem, and into the temple: and when he had looked round about upon all things, and now the eventide was come, he went out unto Bethany with the twelve. 12 And on the morrow, when they were come from Bethany, he was hungry: 13 and seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet. 14 And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. And his disciples heard it. Mark 11:20 And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots Matthew 24:32 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: 33 so likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. 34 Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled. We also stress the Lord guarantees us that the renewal of the branches and leaves of fig tree is evidence of His coming. Knowing that the fig tree is biblically representation of Israel, we believe that the generation that will witness the events, as mentioned by the Master, is the generation of 1948, the rebirth year of the nation of Israel (fig tree). CONCLUSION Knowing that the time belongs to God, we cannot be sure that the coming of Jesus will happen in our generation. However, we must always be vigilant, persevering in good work and always walk by faith. Well aware, through the fullness of the Holy Spirit, that there will not be another opportunity to change our relationship with God if we die in sin. Ecclesiastes 11:3 If the clouds be full of rain, they empty themselves upon the earth: and if the tree fall toward the south, or toward the north, in the place where the tree falleth, there it shall be. If our generation will pass, as did the previous ones, it is better for us to be in full harmony with our Lord Jesus Christ, and, by revelation, He confirms that we did our best regarding to the sound doctrine that comes from God, in order to present ourselves standing up in front of the Lord of lords in the day of our resurrection; even though many prefer to discredit, this day will dawn, and there is no any chance to skip this event. 20
Lucas 21:36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.
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