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Written by Bill Rudge for “Bill Rudge Ministries” @ https://billrudgeministries.wordpress.com/
Original post @ https://billrudgeministries.wordpress.com/2023/11/03/when-will-you-believe/
When Will You Believe?
NOVEMBER 3, 2023~ BRM7
by Bill Rudge
How could a generation be so undiscerning that they do not recognize the “signs of the times” foretold thousands of years ago – recorded in clear revelations throughout the Bible.
There are many factors that have “blinded” today’s generation from identifying these amazing prophecies. Some are unaware because they have never been taught the prophetic Scriptures. Some have been erroneously led to believe they are neither relevant nor true, but merely coincidental. Others are distracted and diverted by sports, movies, games or other forms of entertainment that consume their time and attention. Drugs and alcohol may numb their senses, sinful pleasures enslave them and new technological devices demand their time.
How about advancement of scientific research that creates the false hope of one day defying death? Addictions to exploring the unlimited availability of information and images on the internet or being spellbound with the possibilities of artificial intelligence and encounters with extraterrestrials are epidemic. These, along with undermining the Bible as not being divinely inspired or even banning it, have robbed a generation from anticipation of, and readiness for, the return of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Understanding Prophecy
Prophecies have at times been misunderstood by the Jews and the Church. The Jews didn’t see all of the Messianic prophecies attained (such as global peace) so they rejected Jesus Christ as the Messiah. They did not understand that unrealized prophecies in the Hebrew Bible would be fulfilled at His Second Coming. In similar fashion, when the return of Christ was delayed, many in the Church have concluded that remaining prophecies are merely to be spiritually applied or are already achieved. However, just as Jesus Christ fulfilled numerous precise Messianic prophecies during His first coming, those remaining will be completed at His Second Coming and during the Millennium.
Amazing prophecies, written thousands of years ago are coming about or will be accomplished in the near future. How many specific prophecies have to occur before the Jews will see that the New Testament is divinely inspired and Jesus of Nazareth is their Messiah? How many more prophecies will need to be fulfilled until the Church wakes up to the knowledge that Jesus Christ is returning soon, and Revelation is at hand?
When there is a global society with a one-world government, monetary system and religion, then will you believe? Or how about when the seven-year peace treaty is signed with Israel? Perhaps after the Temple is rebuilt in Jerusalem? Perhaps the inability to buy or sell without a mark on your hand or forehead will open your eyes? When the image of the Antichrist is worshiped by the inhabitants of the earth, then will you believe? Maybe when the Two Witnesses are seen lying in the street of Jerusalem for three-and-a-half days? Surely then, when Jerusalem is surrounded by hostile nations? What about when the actual battle of Armageddon occurs and Jesus Christ returns in all His glory, will you then finally believe?
I stayed at the house of a prominent scientist while ministering in the New York City area. During a discussion on Bible prophecy and the book of Revelation, he said to me, “Five years ago I thought anyone who believed the book of Revelation was crazy, but now I am convinced that in our lifetime Revelation will be fulfilled.” I concur with him wholeheartedly.
A correct view of Biblical prophecy and anticipation of Christ’s soon return will restore your hope, peace and joy, give you a zeal for evangelism and motivate you to live a godly life.
Lift Up Your Heads
Those of us who are ready for His appearing are saying, “Come, Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20). We do not have to be afraid or intimidated by what is coming on the world scene. As believers in Christ, we are more than conquerors; we are overcomers through Him. We will be empowered to occupy until He comes and be victorious – even in the face of death – by the blood of the Lamb and the Word of God.
I am not distressed or depressed – I am excited. I am not worried or discouraged – I am encouraged. I am not terrified or fearful – I am confident in the Lord. We are living during the most exciting time in the history of the world. All the prophets looked forward to the time when God would fulfill all of His promises. The Messianic Kingdom which believers throughout history have longed for, waited for, sacrificed for, endured for and prayed for is about to come to pass. God is almost ready to establish His millennial kingdom.
Following His overview of the signs of His coming again and the end of the age, Jesus gave the following encouraging words:
But when these things [all the things mentioned in the Olivet Discourse recorded in Matthew 24, Mark 13 and Luke 21] begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near. Then He told them a parable: Behold the fig tree and all the trees; as soon as they put forth leaves, you see it and know for yourselves that summer is now near. So you also, when you see these things happening, recognize that the kingdom of God is near. Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away” (Luke 21:28-33).
I would have loved to have been alive during Christ’s first coming and walked with Him along the shores of the Sea of Galilee and the streets of Jerusalem. To hear Him teach the Scripture and witness His many miracles would have been awesome. However, I am even more excited to be alive during the time when the prophecies of His Second Coming are unfolding before our very eyes. Prophetic Scripture is proving amazingly accurate, as it always has done.
We can have tremendous peace because not only do we know what His Word says is going to happen, we know the One who is in control and determines our eternal destiny.
POSTED IN BLOG, END TIMES AND PROPHECY, END TIMES PAGE,ARMAGEDDON,CHRIST’S RETURN,COME LORD JESUS,END TIMESJEWSPROPHECY,REVELATION,SECOND COMING
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To my brothers and sisters in Christ, please feel free to share this message of the cross with those in need…
You say you are a “born again” believer… BUT is your soul “ON FIRE” for the Lord ?? If not, open this link – https://godsmanforever.com/2020/08/01/are-you-a-christian-in-gods-eyes-and-on-fire-for-the-lord-or-not/
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