Month: December 2020

Blog for Podcast #32 (The Daniel Dilemma 1/3)

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Intro

Welcome again to another broadcast. This is once again Dreamwalker1960. As a reminder you can read the transcripts of all my podcasts at dreamwalker1960.com. Also, you do not need to download podbean if you wish to listen. You can use Listen Notes, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music or Audible, Google Podcasts or Apple Podcasts.

Today we begin a look into the book of Daniel. This was originally published on my blog site in 2016, and once again contains references to the John Walvoord Prophecy Commentaries, which I once again recommend.

Discussion

The main challenge that the book of Daniel encountered. Came from those that believed the book was not first written by Daniel and in turn was not written in 540 to 530 B.C. Many imply the book was written in the 200 B.C. time frame.

Why is this so important? Why must we accept and understand that the Book of Daniel was written by Daniel and was complete before his death which is stated to have occurred in 530 B.C.?

This is the dilemma.

First off you need to understand that this book was not just written for the Jewish people as all the other book of the Old Testament (OT) were originally written for. This book was also written for the Gentiles and signaled the beginning of the rule of the Gentile nations over the world. This is seen in the way Daniel wrote this book. The beginning and the end of the book is written in Hebrew. As all other books of the OT were written, with the exception of Ezra. The middle of the book though is written in Aramaic (2:4 – 7:28). This is the common tongue at the time throughout the Middle East. It also stayed this way well into the time of the Roman Empire. It is still used in some form by many Middle Eastern Christian Churches. This also foreshadows the fact that the entire book, we now call the Bible, would come to be, and designed for all of humanity. That were and are willing to learn and listen to what is within it.

These parts of the Book of Daniel that were written in Aramaic deal specifically with Gentile nations within the Middle East. For the focal point is the nation of Israel, so it deals only with those nations that will have an effect upon it, which included Greece and the Roman Empire. This is something that really needs to be understood. Many in today’s Christian culture reject in some part the Judaism of the OT. They feel that only Christianity is the focal point of the Bible. This is the furthest thing from the truth.

Abraham is the father of the Jewish and as well as the Islamic nations. Jesus, the Son of God, was born to a descendant of David. Both Joseph and Mary have a direct lineage to David, the first king of the united tribes of Israel. Christianity came from Jesus Christ who was raised upon the books of the OT. At the age of twelve His knowledge of these books, which included Daniel. Far exceeded the understanding of the Tanakh by the Pharisees and Sadducees at that time and was noted as such in Luke 2:46-47. So Christianity is the “grandchild” of Abraham. And the Bible teaches that we must honor our fathers and mothers, even to the point of the source of our faith. So any that deny Israel, and the Jewish people, deny God.

This non-focus on Israel as the focal-point has led to many misinterpretations of this book by those that have not taken the time to truly study the Bible and history itself. This is why it is extremely important to study the Bible. Not just read it. As is the case of the book of Daniel, knowing history is extremely important as well. For within the book of Daniel is facts related to not only Israel, but Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and the Roman Empire. Without knowledge of this history of these nations, misunderstanding the book of Daniel comes into play and so causes the rise of false teachings and teachers, which is predicted by Jesus Christ in the Olivet discourse.

First we need to understand the four Gentile world dominant kingdoms. As mentioned before these are Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece and Rome. The last of these is the most complicated to understand, but when taken in context with the statute of four layers you come to a better understanding, and once again see that Israel is the focal point as well.

Babylon is the first major Empire of any true note that affected the Middle Eastern area. Many times this empire changed hands, but the one that dealt with Israel was the Assyrian rule which began in 911 B.C. and ended during the book of Daniel in 619 B.C. This version of the empire at its apex, which is approximately 671 B.C. reached from the Persian Gulf to the Mediterranean and down into Egypt itself. The boarder cities were Susa, Ecbatana, Musasir, Tushpa, Kanish, Tarsus, and Dumah and reached down to Jeb in Egypt. To give you a more up to date imagery, the eastern boarder would conform, for the most part, to the border between Iraq and Iran. Its northern border went from Van, Turkey to the Lake Tuz just south, southeast of Ankara. The western border starts at the north at this lake down to between Silifke and Adana, along the entire eastern coast of the Mediterranean. It then extended into Egypt just west of Al Hammam down south to Mut and then met the Red Sea near Halaib. Its southern border extended from the Gulf of Aqaba in a near straight line to the Persian Gulf.

Why have I went into so much detail describing this area? Is due to the fact that this area is all the land mass that the book of Daniel deals with. Even though Greece and Rome are not in this area today. At one point during their conquests they held domain over this area, which is why they are a part of the prophecies within the book of Daniel. The land mass within these prophecies never changes. However the effects to each of these empires especially the last does constitute the overall lands, and cultures they have affected, due to their existence within the Gentile world. So to make this clear. The prophecies within the book of Daniel deal exclusively within the lands of the Middle East, that deal with the original boarders of the Babylonian/Assyrian Empire. In today’s terms that means Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Kuwait and parts of Saudi Arabia and Turkey. So when a direction is mentioned within the prophecies it conforms to an area within these boundaries. In the book of Revelation this area also conforms to the boundaries of the city of New Jerusalem.

In the prophecy of the statue. Four nations are given reference to, but not truly identified. The head however, is shown to be Babylon. Yet the others, even though described, are not given identity. This changes in chapter seven. Here the nations are given identification for those that have the eyes to see and the ears to hear.

So let us start to explore this part of the book of Daniel and see if we can start to work our way through the dilemma this book has caused throughout the centuries. So we shall look at the four kingdoms that are first shown in the Statue dream of Daniel chapter two.

Daniel 7:4 – The first beast was like a lion with eagles’ wings. As I watched, its wings were pulled off, and it was left standing with its two hind feet on the ground, like a human being. And it was given a human mind.

At the time of this prophecy the royal palace had statues of winded lions at its gate, which was one of the factors in agreement that this is a representation of at the least Nebuchadnezzar and the most an imagery of Babylon itself. To quote the commentary by John F. Walvoord:

“In spite of the power indicated in this symbolism, Daniel saw the beast become man-like. This is most commonly interpreted as the symbolic representation of Nebuchadnezzar’s experience in chapter 4 when he was humbled before God and made to realize that, even though he was a great ruler, he was only a man. His lion-like character, or royal power, was his only at God’s pleasure. The symbolism is accurate and corresponds to the historical facts.”

So in all scholarly studies of this verse. It is agreed that this is an image of Babylon and the first empire of the Gentiles. Then the next verse should describe the next empire in the chain.

Daniel 7:5 – Then I saw a second beast, and it looked like a bear. It was rearing up on one side, and it had three ribs in its mouth between its teeth. And I heard a voice saying to it, “Get up! Devour the flesh of many people!”

The imagery suggested by this verse shows a strong yet less refined empire that has one side stronger than the other. The Persian side being stronger than the Median part which the former had taken over from the latter before its move against other kingdoms. This is shown in the imagery of defeating and devouring three kingdoms, thus the three ribs. That being Lydia, Babylon and Egypt. The bear is also known to be a more ferocious animal than other animals in the animal kingdom as seen within biblical times.

Daniel 7:6 – Then the third of these strange beasts appeared, and it looked like a leopard. It had four bird’s wings on its back, and it had four heads. Great authority was given to this beast.

Starting with the image of a leopard. It is an imagery within the Bible of something not as grand as the lion, but is known for its swiftness. This is amplified by the four wings upon its back. The four heads indicate a division into four parts but of equal power and control. The conquest of Alexander was extremely swift. Upon his death at thirty-two the Greek Empire was given to his four top generals and their power was divided equally.

Daniel 7:7-8 – Then in my vision that night, I saw a fourth beast—terrifying, dreadful, and very strong. It devoured and crushed its victims with huge iron teeth and trampled their remains beneath its feet. It was different from any of the other beasts, and it had ten horns. 8 As I was looking at the horns, suddenly another small horn appeared among them. Three of the first horns were torn out by the roots to make room for it. This little horn had eyes like human eyes and a mouth that was boasting arrogantly.

One of the main tendencies of the Roman Empire was to remove the cultural from those it dominate. This was accomplished through death, destruction and an insistence of following Roman law. In some areas they tried different tactics, but in the end it resulted in their mainstay as mentioned above. This is clearly seen in 70 A.D. when the last temple was destroyed and the Israeli nation scattered throughout the Roman Empire and then the world.

A great debate still continues into the description as to who or what the little horn is that replaces three of the ten horns. Has it happened or will it happen? At this time it is still open for debate. What is made clear is that it is not the little horn of chapter eight.

That little horn has been identified as Antiochus Epiphanes. He is called this due to his representation of the little horn still to come, that being the antichrist. What is known for sure is that Antiochus IV Epiphanes did abolish the worship of God by the Jewish people and he did defile the temple in the 160s B.C. by establishing the worship of Zeus within the Temple and the sacrifice of pigs upon the alter. Antiochus Epiphanes is described by many to be an image of the antichrist that is yet to come during the time of the Tribulation.

In recent times another foreshadowing of the coming antichrist appeared. That being the Obama presidency of the United States. This image of the little horn came to power and brought devastation to this Christian nation, by making it possible to fulfill these words of Jesus Christ:

Matthew 24:10-12 – And many will turn away from me and betray and hate each other. 11 And many false prophets will appear and will deceive many people. 12 Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold.

Again a fore image of the true antichrist yet to appear.

As you ponder what you just heard. We will end this week’s study of the Daniel dilemma.

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #31 (How should a Christian respond to how the government acts)

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How should a Christian respond to how the government acts

Intro

Welcome again to another study of the Bible and I am Dreamwalker1960 As a reminder you can read the transcripts of all my podcasts at dreamwalker1960.com. Also you do not need to download podbean if you wish to listen. You can use Listen Notes, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music or Audible, Google Podcasts or Apple Podcasts.

This lesson has three parts to it.

The first is how we as Christians are to know why certain rulers come into being, and what we as Christians are to do when it comes to those in power. The Second part is what the Bible says about how we as Christians will be treated when Christ is soon to return. And lastly what has been said in recent weeks by those in places of power.

Discussion

Daniel 4:17 – For this has been decreed by the messengers; it is commanded by the holy ones, so that everyone may know that the Most High rules over the kingdoms of the world. He gives them to anyone he chooses— even to the lowliest of people.”

God give power to those He chooses. “Even to the lowliest of people.” Prime examples of the lowliest were Hitler and Stalin. Each of these men cause millions to die in concentration and re-education camps. For His goal is ultimately to bring all of humanity to recognize that He is in charge of all events.

This is made clear in Psalms 22:28:

“For royal power belongs to the Lord. He rules all the nations.”

So God places people in power and controls them. Even those that deny Him.

But why?

Let’s look at the most popular of the recent lowly leaders in history. That being Adolf Hitler. His actions not only resulted in the Second World War. It also resulted in 13 million people being killed in concentration camps. Within this 13 million were 6 million Jews. Those that are the promised children of God. This mass slaughter of the Jewish people made them to distrust all the people in all the nations they were living in throughout the world. They decided then and there to reform their nation. The only nation in the history of the world to cease to exist and then be reformed in 1948, which fulfills Ezekiel 36:24.

“For I will gather you up from all the nations and bring you home again to your land.”

In a large part, it was the actions of Hitler that broke the proverbial camel’s back and caused them to return to their promised lands and reform the nation of Israel once again.

This makes it clear that God places those in power He wishes to be in power, and none that calls themselves a Christian should question these events or who is placed into power. So those that opposed Donald Trump were in fact denying the will of God. As is made clear in the verses, which began this lesson, which I have placed as examples. This goes for Biden and Harris as well, if that is what happens. It is not for humans to judge them but for God to do so. How they wish to live their eternity is their problems not ours.

So were these that opposed these people justified to do so? Is now the question we need to address, and so moves us into the second part of this study.

Tutus 3:1 – Remind the believers to submit to the government and its officers. They should be obedient, always ready to do what is good.

Romans 13:1 – Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God.

So Christians are to obey those that are placed into power. And follow all the laws of the land. Like for example following the speed limit. To not rising up in rebellion against a corrupt power that wishes to subjugate and dominate, by imposing laws which takes away our freedoms. We work within the laws if they do not maintain the goodness that comes from the Bible.

Now admittedly this was not done in the late 1700 in the American colonies, but those in government were not maintaining goodness either. However, at that time not all the pieces were falling into place to fulfill certain prophecies. That is not the case at this time, which leads us into the third part of this study. Now as was covered in the series, which we finished last week about the Olivet Discourse, this is what Jesus Christ stated to look out for when His time of return would be near.

Wars and rumor of wars, false prophets, Races will fight other races and as a result nations will go to war with nations. Famine will take place, which is being caused by the COVID issue, and earthquakes will become more numerous. But this is only the first part. (Matthew 24:4-8)

The next part is something that needs to be noted, in particular verse 9

“Then you will be arrested, persecuted, and killed. You will be hated all over the world because you are my followers.”

Within the last few weeks things have been said. Actions have been taken. Now there is evidence that ground work has been laid out in the past to address issues like this. But I have nothing solid to offer here to support that so I will not continue in this line of commentary. However, what has been established I will.

Since the election a theme has started to be seen. The making of a list to separate those that did not fall in line with the dictates of those that see themselves as your betters. If you are a follower of Christ this should not come as a surprise to you. I have been making this clear if you have been listening to my podcasts or reading my blog posts. However, you shouldn’t need to hear or read it from me. As I stated before, you would already be aware of this if you truly are a believer of Jesus Christ as our Savior.

The second division has occurred between the sheep and the goats.

The next division is being made by those that wish to dominate and control. This practice has been done before. It was done during the French Revolution, which I see as the very first Socialist revolution. Which resulted in Napoleon coming to power as the dictator of France and the wars that followed, in which he sought to have world domination.

These lists were made in the 1910s as the communist came to power in what would become the U.S.S.R. due to their revolution. Where again the ultimate goal was global domination.

These lists were also made in the 1930s by National Socialist Workers Party as they came to dominance in Germany. Where once again the goal was to have the world under the thumb of the Third Riche. This list also ended up with the other 7 million of the 13 million mentioned before. This other seven included those that the people in power did not see as worthy. They included Gypsies, actors, scholars, scientist, musicians and Christians.

Again these lists were made in the 1950s and 60s as the followers of Mao purged those that disagreed with them from China. Where their goal is still that of global domination, for the followers of Mao still have the reigns of that nation. At this time they have lists which are used to removed Muslims and Christians and those seeking freedom to live as they chose.

Do not think the threat of a list is just idle talk that will amount to nothing. What is different between those times and today is that this is not just happening in one nation. It is something that is spreading out globally. The last place to truly experience this, is what use to be the last stronghold of God. The United States. Now the list has arrived, so it is time for this to be fulfilled:

Matthew 24:9 – “Then you will be arrested, persecuted, and killed. You will be hated all over the world because you are my followers.”

You will see the great apostasy come to fulfillment. Many that call themselves followers of God will turn upon their fellows and betray them. They will still go to the buildings called “churches,” and they will continue to live the religious lifestyle. Believing they are one with God. However, they have in reality turned their backs upon Him. Wishing to live in their comfort and luxuries they have gathered to themselves here on earth instead of the treasures they should have sought after in Heaven.

Deuteronomy 8:11-20 – “But that is the time to be careful! Beware that in your plenty you do not forget the Lord your God and disobey his commands, regulations, and decrees that I am giving you today. 12 For when you have become full and prosperous and have built fine homes to live in, 13 and when your flocks and herds have become very large and your silver and gold have multiplied along with everything else, be careful! 14 Do not become proud at that time and forget the Lord your God, who rescued you from slavery in the land of Egypt. 15 Do not forget that he led you through the great and terrifying wilderness with its poisonous snakes and scorpions, where it was so hot and dry. He gave you water from the rock! 16 He fed you with manna in the wilderness, a food unknown to your ancestors. He did this to humble you and test you for your own good. 17 He did all this so you would never say to yourself, ‘I have achieved this wealth with my own strength and energy.’ 18 Remember the Lord your God. He is the one who gives you power to be successful, in order to fulfill the covenant he confirmed to your ancestors with an oath.

19“But I assure you of this: If you ever forget the Lord your God and follow other gods, worshiping and bowing down to them, you will certainly be destroyed. 20 Just as the Lord has destroyed other nations in your path, you also will be destroyed if you refuse to obey the Lord your God.”

God also made a covenant with Christianity when He made the United States, remember that.

God will destroy nations that turn their backs upon Him. He did it to Israel, but as mentioned before He also promised to reform their nation and it is here today. So, God’s word is true and faithful. So we need to listen and learn, and be ready for the lists that are coming, or already are here.

Remember when it comes not to fight it, but embrace it.

Romans 12:14 – Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them.

For we are blessed as is shown in Matthew 5:11

“God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers.”

Embrace the pain. Embrace the torture. Embrace the beatings, and embrace the death.

For we will be blessed and called martyrs for our Savior Jesus Christ.

John 14:1-4 – “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. 2 There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? 3 When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. 4 And you know the way to where I am going.”

God Bless

Blog of Podcast #30 (Olivet Discourse 6/6)

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Intro

Welcome to another podcast. I am Dreamwalker1960

Today we come to the conclusion of our study of the Olivet Discourse

Discussion

The judgement of the nations

Matthew 25:31-40 – “But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit upon his glorious throne. 32 All the nations will be gathered in his presence, and he will separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will place the sheep at his right hand and the goats at his left. 34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. 36 I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’ 37 “Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? 39 When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ 40 “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’

Now once again I wish to remind those that have been following this series about the word “nations.”

Nations is ethnos in the Greek and in actuality refers to races not an actual country.

So basically it is stating that all the people of the earth are gathered before Jesus as He sets upon His Throne. The fact that he is separating them points to the Great White Throne Judgment at which time we will have the books of our life opened and reviewed as well to see if our name is listed in the Book of Life.

By how the verses play out about separating the sheep from the goats and that those on the right, the sheep, “inherit the Kingdom.” Shows that there is a judgment here.

Matthew 25:41-46 – “Then the King will turn to those on the left and say, ‘Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons. 42 For I was hungry, and you didn’t feed me. I was thirsty, and you didn’t give me a drink. 43 I was a stranger, and you didn’t invite me into your home. I was naked, and you didn’t give me clothing. I was sick and in prison, and you didn’t visit me.’ 44 “Then they will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and not help you?’ 45 “And he will answer, ‘I tell you the truth, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.’ 46 “And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous will go into eternal life.”

Those that deny God and His Son’s teachings will have to join their true master Satan in the pit of fire that has been reserved for them for all eternity.

However if you are found to be righteous and true to God and the teachings of the Bible you will go into the next phase of existence and partake of the tree of life to live for all eternity in the service of God.

Final announcement of his coming death

At the end of the Olivet discourse Jesus finishes His teaching unto the apostles with this final warning of his coming death.

Matthew 26:1-2 – When Jesus had finished saying all these things, he said to his disciples, 2 “As you know, Passover begins in two days, and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified.”

The Bible makes no mention of the reaction to these words by the apostles. Instead it goes right to where the elders of the religious order in Jerusalem are plotting with Caiaphas to do just what Jesus had just stated would occur.

The fact that there is no mention of a response from the apostles shows their blindness to most of what they had just heard.

To summarize

What we learn from the Olivet discourse is a snapshot into the future. We learn that Jesus will not have His second return as soon as many expect. In fact He states in the parables that He will appear to be delayed. We learn that His return will be like a thief in the night, and shows that there are different rapture events. One will occur without any warning while a separate one will occur with the sky itself darkening. We learn that if things do not go quickly the human race will become extinct.

We are warned to stay alert and stay true to the Bible and the teachings of Jesus Christ. We are shown that there will be those that are like the people that were before the great flood and their sins will be seen as the same. They will be living their lives as if nothing is going to happen and yet in the blink of an eye all will change in an instance and will be signaled by the first rapture. This will then cause those that realize the truth to accept Jesus Christ as the Messiah and in turn these will be persecuted.

He tells those of the Jewish faith to watch for the desecration of the Holy of Holies which speaks of a third temple and when it occurs to flee quickly.

Out of all of it though is the warning to stay prepared. To stay alert. To watch for the signs of His return. These signs are now present as never before. They are global. They are affecting everyone and everywhere. There can be no doubt that we are in the end times of the world as we know it now.

So get right with God. Learn the Bible and follow the teachings within it. For we are told to obey and follow the Bible and to do what is right and righteous. For if we don’t we will be left behind and must face the horror that that entails.

In the first three parts of this series we discussed the warning signs that we are to look for. That being the rise of false prophets and teachers which has been happening since the very beginnings of the Christian church. That there would be wars and rumors of wars, which since the beginning of the 20th century there has been no peace on earth at any time up to the present. We can also say that since this same time frame there has been an increase in famines throughout the world. As to earthquakes we also discussed that there has been a dramatic up shift in these just in the last few years. Becoming more and prevalent and numerous.

We have also seen an increase in the persecution of those that profess to be Christian throughout the world and there has been an increase of this in the United States since the onset of the pandemic. We have also seen an increase in those become more apostate as well as betrayals of not only their fellow humans, but of family members just because of their believes.

We have also noted that within the last century there has been an increase in the number of false prophets and teachers and those willing to listen to them all due to the removal of God from the general society at large. As shown, this was due to people not knowing or truly understanding the Bible since they have never read it. As a result they believe these false teachings as fact when that is the furthest thing from the truth. This has resulted in sinners being openly and increasingly unafraid to hide in the darkness and so has become more prevalent throughout all of the world.

Yet, at the same time. Those willing to hear and listen, seek out the Bible and the knowledge within it throughout the world.

In the next part of the series we discussed the short mention of the tribulation and then we looked in the return of Christ as the end of these desperate times that are still ahead of the world.

However, in this part of the series and continued into the next part of the series we showed through the teaching of Jesus Christ Himself that there would be what has been described as the partial rapture. We showed through His words that the Jewish people are the elect and it is for them to be a terrible time for they will have to be present throughout most of the tribulation. We also showed that those faithful to God in Christendom would be removed from the earth before the tribulation. However those that had become foolish would have to suffer through the first half of the tribulation to the point of martyrdom.

So it is here that we end this study of the Olivet Discourse. Again this is not me spouting out my own personal theories. But the Word of God from the mouth of Jesus Christ Himself. With insights not from me alone, but from thousands of scholar. Condensed and filtered through the John F. Walvoord Prophecy Commentaries.

God Bless.

Blog for Podcast #29 (Olivet Discourse 5/6)

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Intro

Welcome again to another podcast. I am once again Dreamwalker1960

Today we will continue to look into the Olivet Discourse, which continued into the 25th chapter of Matthew.

SPECIAL NOTE: Now as I have established before. These studies of the end times have an influence from the John F Walvoord Prophecy Commentaries. In these four books Dr. Walvoord, who taught at a Baptist Seminary, covered all the angles at which we humans approach the return of Jesus Christ and the Tribulation.

I have taken this honey comb of knowledge as well as reading the Bible itself and studying it as is required of all who calls themselves “Christian” to do. Then squeezed out the honey of all the sources through prayer and supplication and am presenting to you the listeners and readers a condensed version of all this knowledge. To help you in your own pursuit of coming to know God more personally in your own lives.

This is not just me spouting out my own personal theories, but the condensed knowledge of thousands of scholars over nearly two thousand years of study and speculation.

Now on with today’s study.

Discussion

A change of topics

Now that Jesus has answered the two questions posed to Him by the apostles. Jesus continues the discourse into a deeper teaching that He wanted the disciples to hear before He could not teach them. Here again He starts this teaching with a parable.

The parable of the ten virgins

Matthew 25:1-13 – “Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten bridesmaids who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. 3 The five who were foolish didn’t take enough olive oil for their lamps, 4 but the other five were wise enough to take along extra oil. 5 When the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. 6 “At midnight they were roused by the shout, ‘Look, the bridegroom is coming! Come out and meet him!’ 7 “All the bridesmaids got up and prepared their lamps. 8 Then the five foolish ones asked the others, ‘Please give us some of your oil because our lamps are going out.’ 9 “But the others replied, ‘We don’t have enough for all of us. Go to a shop and buy some for yourselves.’ 10 “But while they were gone to buy oil, the bridegroom came. Then those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was locked. 11 Later, when the other five bridesmaids returned, they stood outside, calling, ‘Lord! Lord! Open the door for us!’ 12 “But he called back, ‘Believe me, I don’t know you!’ 13 “So you, too, must keep watch! For you do not know the day or hour of my return.

This parable deals with the Rapture. Within it is a very complex imagery of belief and preparedness, as well as Christ stating He may be delayed. Let’s try and look at imagery presented here.

First off we have the bridesmaids. The word “bridesmaids” is in itself extremely important to understand for within it is referring to salvation itself. In other books within the Bible Jesus Christ is referred to as the “bridegroom” and the Christian peoples are the “bridesmaids.” Just as the Jewish people are called the bride to God Himself.

Now note how wording is done in the first verse of this chapter. In the KJV it is this way:

“Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.”

“Went forth to meet.” This is humanity using their free-will to accept Jesus Christ as their Savior and journeying forth to learn more about Him through pray and reading of the Bible. This is signified with the statement “which took their lamps.” The lamps are lit, which again points to acceptance of Christ and salvation and the filling of the Holy Spirit.

“And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.”

NOTE: It must be said that throughout the Bible. Oil is used for anointing those chosen by God. It is seen as a symbol of the Holy Spirit. So all are filled with the Holy Ghost for their lamps are lit and have oil. Thus this is talking exclusively of only those who can truly call of themselves as “Christians,” in the literal sense.

Now if the lamps are to stay lit it shows we must be prepared. This is accomplished through reading the Bible and seeking to understand it. Since we do not know when the groom will appear we must stay within the Word of God and live our lives accordingly. We must live our lives in agreement with the Bible every day for we do not know when Jesus will come. Thus having an active part in our relationship with God though Jesus Christ with the aid of the Holy Spirit.

However, as is shown in the parable there are those that do not. They live their lives in and of the world and so are not prepared for His return. These are the foolish. These are the lukewarm. However note this next verse:

“While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.”

Jesus makes it clear that in our eyes, the bridegroom, Jesus, will tarry, will delay.

We also see that in those words that all that accepted Christ will fall asleep. We all wonder and become distracted. This has been the case for well over one hundred years. For all of Christendom has fallen into a sleep in which most do not live a righteous life. But a life which is more associated with the world than with God and the teachings of the Bible.

“And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.”

The “cry” is the warning signs that we are taught to look for, which at this very time are being seen and heard throughout the entire world. So the virgins, the bridesmaids are instructed to go to meet the bridegroom. We are instructed to fix our lives and get back on track and to return to our path of faith and obedience to the Word of God, and a rejection of all that is of the world, even down to our possessions.

“Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.”

Those that did not see the signs and did not prepare or “trimmed their lamps” soon enough find they are not prepared. Also note that their lamps were no longer lit. Meaning they were no longer filled with the Holy Ghost. They had foolishly ignored it. So they turn to those that are prepare for the return of Christ. So they tell those not ready to go and read the Bible and learn the truth and get their lives in order. Now remember this parable is speaking only of the “Kingdom of Heaven.” This is only talking about those that say they are “Christian,” and were saved.

Then Christ returns and the rapture occurs and those not prepared are left on the earth. Those on earth scream up to the heavens and say “Here we are Lord we are ready for you!” and per the Bible Christ’s reply will be:

“Verily I say unto you, I know you not.”

Which I have established in a past podcast (Who are the “lukewarm?” part 3) is a Jewish legalist response, which does not mean those He is talking to were never saved. It means they are not worthy of being welcomed into the wedding feast.

They are left here to suffer the torments that are to follow for the next three and a half years. They must now accept Christ’s decision to leave them and refill their oil, then preach His Word. They must suffer insult and injury as well as persecution. They will be offered the mark of the beast and many will accept the mark. While those that do not will accept their fate and suffer pain and agony as they are beheaded. They will become the martyrs of the Tribulation and will number in the billions. Many can not accept this view. However, it is not me they are having issue with. These are not my words. This is the way the Bible was written, with all the verses taken into consideration. They are taken in context and do not add too  or take away. As we are instructed to learn and follow per Galatians 1.

So let us look at Revelation chapter seven

Revelation 7:9-17 – After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; 10 And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb. 11 And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God, 12 Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen. 13 And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? 14 And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15 Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. 16 They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. 17 For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.

God through Jesus Christ never abandons us.  It is always humanity that falls short. And so due to this billions will finally see the light and come to know Christ and allow themselves to become martyrs.

Parable of the three servants and the talents or silver

Matthew 25:14-30 – “Again, the Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. He called together his servants and entrusted his money to them while he was gone. 15 He gave five bags of silver to one, two bags of silver to another, and one bag of silver to the last—dividing it in proportion to their abilities. He then left on his trip. 16 “The servant who received the five bags of silver began to invest the money and earned five more. 17 The servant with two bags of silver also went to work and earned two more. 18 But the servant who received the one bag of silver dug a hole in the ground and hid the master’s money. 19 “After a long time their master returned from his trip and called them to give an account of how they had used his money. 20 The servant to whom he had entrusted the five bags of silver came forward with five more and said, ‘Master, you gave me five bags of silver to invest, and I have earned five more.’ 21 “The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’ 22 “The servant who had received the two bags of silver came forward and said, ‘Master, you gave me two bags of silver to invest, and I have earned two more.’ 23 “The master said, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’ 24 “Then the servant with the one bag of silver came and said, ‘Master, I knew you were a harsh man, harvesting crops you didn’t plant and gathering crops you didn’t cultivate. 25 I was afraid I would lose your money, so I hid it in the earth. Look, here is your money back.’ 26 “But the master replied, ‘You wicked and lazy servant! If you knew I harvested crops I didn’t plant and gathered crops I didn’t cultivate, 27 why didn’t you deposit my money in the bank? At least I could have gotten some interest on it.’ 28 “Then he ordered, ‘Take the money from this servant, and give it to the one with the ten bags of silver. 29 To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away. 30 Now throw this useless servant into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

This parable deals within not just salvation but of spreading the Word of God to others. So that they too can partake of the wonders and glory that are to be given unto all that are faithful in the eternal life to come. Those that are faithful to the Word of God and spread it faithfully and accurately are blessed and given more responsibilities. While those that receive their salvation and hide it and do not share unto the world the teachings of Jesus Christ are not welcome in the house of the Lord and are cast into the pit “where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

Do not hide your faith and belief in God and His Son Jesus Christ. Do not defame the Word and the teachings that are within the Bible. Most importantly share your faith to the world. Do not hide away the fact that you are Christian.

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #28 (Olivet Discourse 4/6)

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SPECIAL NOTE: I miss counted the episodes it is not 5 it is 6 of them.. sorry for the confusion .

Intro

This is Dreamwalker1960, and welcome to another podcast.

Today we will continue our look into the Olivet Discourse. Fair warning this particular broadcast will be a bit long due to all the information I am going to present.

Discussion

Signs of the Great Tribulation

As Jesus spoke to His apostles on the Mount of Olives. To answer the two questions, they had posed to Him. He began by describing the signs of the world and human behavior before the coming judgment. These signs were addressed in the previous parts of this series. Now Jesus tells His disciples of the tribulation itself.

Now it must be noted that he mentions the defilement of the holy area in a temple. At this present time there is no Jewish temple in Jerusalem. The fact that there will be is another sign that the coming tribulation is near or in effect. It must also be noted who the audience of the discourse is. They are all Jewish. At this time there is no one that is truly “Christian” in existence at this time.

Matthew 24:15-25 – “The day is coming when you will see what Daniel the prophet spoke about—the sacrilegious object that causes desecration standing in the Holy Place.” (Reader, pay attention!) 16 “Then those in Judea must flee to the hills. 17 A person out on the deck of a roof must not go down into the house to pack. 18 A person out in the field must not return even to get a coat. 19 How terrible it will be for pregnant women and for nursing mothers in those days. 20 And pray that your flight will not be in winter or on the Sabbath. 21 For there will be greater anguish than at any time since the world began. And it will never be so great again. 22 In fact, unless that time of calamity is shortened, not a single person will survive. But it will be shortened for the sake of God’s chosen ones. 23 “Then if anyone tells you, ‘Look, here is the Messiah,’ or ‘There he is,’ don’t believe it. 24 For false messiahs and false prophets will rise up and perform great signs and wonders so as to deceive, if possible, even God’s chosen ones. 25 See, I have warned you about this ahead of time.

When this third temple is defiled those within Israel are told to flee from there immediately not even bothering to gather anything. For that moment to hesitate will be enough to mean their death. He says that this time will be far more arduous than at any other time in recorded history, and the only thing that will save the human race itself will be that God puts an end to it.

Then he shows that the anti-christ, the false messiah well have powers and abilities, as well as his prophet that will cause even those true to God to have cause to wonder and ponder. However, they will see the truth and overcome, for they will know the teachings of the Bible or the Tanakh and know that these humans are liars and are of the devil. Now as noted before this is directed to the Jewish people. There is evidence that at this time there will be no “Christians” presents during this time.

It is also important to note that at this point this is all He says about the tribulation period. He instead goes right to the point of answering the question probed by the twelve. His return.

The Second coming of Christ

Matthew 24:26-31 – “So if someone tells you, ‘Look, the Messiah is out in the desert,’ don’t bother to go and look. Or, ‘Look, he is hiding here,’ don’t believe it! 27 For as the lightning flashes in the east and shines to the west, so it will be when the Son of Man comes. 28 Just as the gathering of vultures shows there is a carcass nearby, so these signs indicate that the end is near.

29 “Immediately after the anguish of those days, the sun will be darkened, the moon will give no light, the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.

30 And then at last, the sign that the Son of Man is coming will appear in the heavens, and there will be deep mourning among all the peoples of the earth. And they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 31 And he will send out his angels with the mighty blast of a trumpet, and they will gather his chosen ones from all over the world—from the farthest ends of the earth and heaven.

Now there are those that see the events in verse 31 as the Rapture. However, this is not the case.

Revelation 3:10-12 – “Because you have obeyed my command to persevere, I will protect you from the great time of testing that will come upon the whole world to test those who belong to this world. 11 I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take away your crown. 12 All who are victorious will become pillars in the Temple of my God, and they will never have to leave it. And I will write on them the name of my God, and they will be citizens in the city of my God—the new Jerusalem that comes down from heaven from my God. And I will also write on them my new name.

It is this promise that shows that the rapture, or as I refer to it as the first rapture, and the events that occur at the return of Christ at the end of the Tribulation are two separate events.

As we look at verse 31 from Matthew in the KJV:

“And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.”

We see that the term chosen ones goes to elect

Elect – G1588 – eklektos – chosen out, elect, choice, select: of those chosen out by God for the rendering of special service to Him (of the Hebrew race, particular Hebrews, the Messiah, and the Christians)

In this case though since the Christians are removed before the Tribulation, and finally at the midpoint of the Tribulation as is promised in Revelation 3:10, and completed in Revelation chapter 7. This must mean the Hebrews or Jewish people.

So, this is the third Rapture and is of the Jewish people. The First Rapture takes place before the Tribulation begins and is as shown above for those Christians that have been loyal unto to God through His Son Jesus Christ. The Second Rapture occurs at the midpoint of the Tribulation at which time the third temple is desecrated. It is here that those that are martyred in the name of Christ will be called up before the Throne of God. It is also at this time that 144,000 will receive the mark of God and will bear witness through the last half of the tribulation. Since it is clearly shown that the 144,000 are all Jewish adds more evidence that the third Rapture which happens as Christ returns is solely for the Jewish people. The chosen are the promised nation of God unto Abraham.

The Second coming will be an event that will be witnessed by the entire globe and will take at least a full day to accomplish as Christ appears at a fixed point in the sky above and the earth which rotates below Him and all will see that Christ is real and He has returned. None will be able to question this.

The parable

Now it is important that we understand the import of the parable. Jesus when He started His ministry to the Jewish people He would talk plainly and openly. However they rejected Him. His sole purpose was to be the true Messiah, the true King to Israel. Yet they turned their backs upon Him. When this rejection became all too clear to all involved Jesus stopped speaking plainly. Instead He started to speak in parables.

Now he is talking exclusively to his apostles, yet he gives them a parable. This is twofold. The main reason is due to the fact that even though they are His chosen twelve they too are blind to the full truth. The other is that when it is time that the gospels be written that this parable be included so that those with the eyes will see and the ears hear.

Matthew 24:32-33 – “Now learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branches bud and its leaves begin to sprout, you know that summer is near. 33 In the same way, when you see all these things, you can know his return is very near, right at the door.

When these signs that He has mentioned, especially those spoken by Him in verse 4 through 14 then we will know that the return of Jesus Christ to this planet is near.

The sign of Noah

Matthew 24:34-39 – I tell you the truth, this generation will not pass from the scene until all these things take place. 35 Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear. 36 “However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows. 37 “When the Son of Man returns, it will be like it was in Noah’s day. 38 In those days before the flood, the people were enjoying banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat. 39 People didn’t realize what was going to happen until the flood came and swept them all away. That is the way it will be when the Son of Man comes.

He makes it very clear that life will be going on as usual, just as it was before the flood which destroyed the civilization in which Noah lived in before the deluge. Christ has given us signs to look for and they are now being fulfilled worldwide. Time is running out and too many don’t know nor care, for all that is important to them is themselves. It must also be noted that Christ is also speaking in a more direct matter as to how the people of the time of Noah and how the people at Christ return will be acting. The people in Noah’s time lived in an extremely sinful and selfish manner. Caring only for their own pleasures and desires having forgotten about God and His wants for humanity.

You must be ready and alert

Matthew 24:40-51 – “Two men will be working together in the field; one will be taken, the other left. 41 Two women will be grinding flour at the mill; one will be taken, the other left. 42 “So you, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know what day your Lord is coming. 43 Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would keep watch and not permit his house to be broken into. 44 You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected. 45 “A faithful, sensible servant is one to whom the master can give the responsibility of managing his other household servants and feeding them. 46 If the master returns and finds that the servant has done a good job, there will be a reward. 47 I tell you the truth, the master will put that servant in charge of all he owns. 48 But what if the servant is evil and thinks, ‘My master won’t be back for a while,’ 49 and he begins beating the other servants, partying, and getting drunk? 50 The master will return unannounced and unexpected, 51 and he will cut the servant to pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Now I wish to show you this from 1 Thessalonians then we will discuss these passages:

5:1-11 – Now concerning how and when all this will happen, dear brothers and sisters, we don’t really need to write you. 2 For you know quite well that the day of the Lord’s return will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night. 3 When people are saying, “Everything is peaceful and secure,” then disaster will fall on them as suddenly as a pregnant woman’s labor pains begin. And there will be no escape. 4 But you aren’t in the dark about these things, dear brothers and sisters, and you won’t be surprised when the day of the Lord comes like a thief. 5 For you are all children of the light and of the day; we don’t belong to darkness and night. 6 So be on your guard, not asleep like the others. Stay alert and be clearheaded. 7 Night is the time when people sleep and drinkers get drunk. 8 But let us who live in the light be clearheaded, protected by the armor of faith and love, and wearing as our helmet the confidence of our salvation. 9 For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us. 10 Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can live with him forever. 11 So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.

Just so you understand once again. There were two questions asked by the apostles to Jesus. There are two answers given, but in a way that gives details that has left many confused and mislead. From verse 4 through 31 of Matthew 24, Jesus described the end of the known world at this time. Verses 32 through 51 describe His return.

Now note that in the first part there is mentioning of signs and wonders. The darkening of the sun no light from the moon. The stars hidden. Those of evil perform signs and wonders. These are all things that none can deny for all will see them. So how can the return of Christ be like a thief in the night? A surprise. It cannot.

So even though the return is spoken of by Christ. It actually occurs before the events he has just spoken of in the previous section. Yet there is mention of a type of rapture in the first part which people will say and question at this point. Yes that is true, but the wording is very clear here as was shown earlier.

There will be three raptures. The first is what is being referred to by Jesus at this time. The second will occurs at the midpoint of the Tribulation period when the third temple is desecrated by the anti-christ. The third will occur as described in verse 31 and will deal only with the Jewish people.

How else can Jesus come as a thief in the night?

It must be at a time when no one is looking or expecting him. It is as like the times before the great flood. People will be living their lives as if nothing has changed. Nothing has occurred to give them pause or wonder.

Jesus Himself promised that those that are alert will not partake of the Tribulation (Revelation 3:10), but those of the tribes of Israel that have not accepted Jesus as the Messiah will. Why? Because they denied Him when He walked amongst them nearly two thousand years ago. It is those of the tribes of Israel that are called the elect that He will gather them unto Him upon His return. For further confirmation of this, read the following:

Revelation 7:1-7 – Then I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds so they did not blow on the earth or the sea, or even on any tree. 2 And I saw another angel coming up from the east, carrying the seal of the living God. And he shouted to those four angels, who had been given power to harm land and sea, 3 “Wait! Don’t harm the land or the sea or the trees until we have placed the seal of God on the foreheads of his servants.” 4 And I heard how many were marked with the seal of God—144,000 were sealed from all the tribes of Israel: 5 from Judah 12,000 from Reuben            12,000 from Gad 12,000 6 from Asher 12,000 from Naphtali 12,000 from Manasseh 12,000 7 from Simeon 12,000 from Levi 12,000 from Issachar 12,000 8 from Zebulun 12,000 from Joseph 12,000 from Benjamin 12,000

These are the select, the elect, and the chosen. All from the tribes of Israel. These are those that verse 31 is referring to and no others. For those that left when Christ returned as a thief in the night are already gone. So how can they leave a second time? Then this is prove there will be multiple raptures. One for those that stayed alert. One for those that were martyred during the first half of the Tribulation and the third will be as mentioned earlier.

This is referred to as the Partial Rapture Theory, which I happen to feel is actually true to the teachings of the Bible.

SPECIAL NOTE: There is a need to address those that form the second rapture. First, they are uncountable. (Revelation 7:9). Second, they are from the tribulation itself. (Revelation 7:14) The reason for this is the fault of those that are now here upon this earth as we near the soon return of Jesus Christ for the first rapture. It is the fault of those that removed God from the schools. It is the fault of those that call themselves “Christian” and make no effort to teach those they encounter of God and His Son and what Christ sacrificed for all of humanity. Many though will get their chance to redeem themselves for these errors when they find themselves left behind after the first rapture. That is why there are so many that finally awaken to the truth and turn to the Creator of all things. The Lord God Almighty. The only true down side will be the suffering they must endure in the first half of the tribulation.

In the next part of this series we will look into chapter 25 of Matthew.

God Bless