Prophecy - The End Times

[Nell]

Originally Posted by OBW

...And no matter what the answers rightly are, is it more important to seek to be certain about the actual timing of the return of Christ, or to live the kingdom life that was commanded of us? Which will better set us up for that time?

1. is it more important to seek to be certain about the actual timing of the return of Christ, ... ?
We're not "seeking certainty". We're having a discussion. We get to do that. We are not seeking the "certainty" of what "no man knows".

or
2. to live the kingdom life that was commanded of us?
3. Which will better set us up for that time?

Can we not do both? Can we not have a discussion? Lets start with Matthew 24 to hear what Jesus commands us to do.

Matthew 24: 3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?

The disciples were curious too! Jesus didn't tell them: Don't ask questions, just "live the kingdom life." Jesus gave them very practical answers:

4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. 5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. 6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows. 9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake.
...
11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. 12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. 13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. 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.
...
23 Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. 24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
...
42 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.


43 But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.

44 Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.
...
50 The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of,

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It's interesting that the commands in Matthew 24 also include serious warnings about what it will be like if you're not "ready" or if you're not looking for Him...in an hour that he is not aware...

Another interesting thing...36 But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.

What does this mean: ...of that day and hour knoweth no man...? "Day and hour", but it doesn't say "year". I wonder why...? Maybe we are charged to have a more immediate vigil over what's going on in our world...daily and hourly. IMHO Don't wait for the years to pass by before you start to pay attention to the end times, but it's your call. Do what you think the Lord is telling you to do.

Nell