About every ten years someone has confidently predicted the coming of Christ. n About ten years ago...

About every ten years someone has About every ten years someone has confidently predicted the coming of Christ.confidently predicted the coming of Christ.

About ten years ago while I was preaching About ten years ago while I was preaching in Bessemer, I received several mailings to in Bessemer, I received several mailings to the church building of a book entitled: the church building of a book entitled: "88 "88 Reasons Why The Rapture Could Be In Reasons Why The Rapture Could Be In 1988.”1988.”



About ten years ago while I was preaching About ten years ago while I was preaching in Bessemer, I received several mailings to in Bessemer, I received several mailings to the church building of a book entitled: the church building of a book entitled: "88 "88 Reasons Why The Rapture Could Be In Reasons Why The Rapture Could Be In 1988.”1988.”

Sadly the book received enormous attention Sadly the book received enormous attention by the press and the talk shows.by the press and the talk shows.


About ten years ago while I was preaching in About ten years ago while I was preaching in Bessemer, I received several mailings to the Bessemer, I received several mailings to the church building of a book entitled: church building of a book entitled: "88 Reasons "88 Reasons Why The Rapture Could Be In 1988.”Why The Rapture Could Be In 1988.”

Sadly the book received enormous attention by Sadly the book received enormous attention by the press and the talk shows.the press and the talk shows.

We should not scoff at men like but rather learn We should not scoff at men like but rather learn from their mistakes.from their mistakes.


We just witnessed the failure of another We just witnessed the failure of another prediction. “prediction. “This web site serves as an This web site serves as an introduction and portal to four faithful introduction and portal to four faithful ministries which are teaching that WE ministries which are teaching that WE CAN KNOW from the Bible alone that the CAN KNOW from the Bible alone that the date of the rapture of believers will take place date of the rapture of believers will take place on May 21, 2011 and that God will destroy this on May 21, 2011 and that God will destroy this world on October 21, 2011.” world on October 21, 2011.” www.wecanknow.comwww.wecanknow.com



The Drudge report carried this headline last The Drudge report carried this headline last night: “World Ends, Film at 11:00.”night: “World Ends, Film at 11:00.”



The Drudge report carried this headline last The Drudge report carried this headline last night: “World Ends, Film at 11:00.”night: “World Ends, Film at 11:00.”

What do you know from the Bible about the What do you know from the Bible about the second coming?second coming?

Why do men try to predict the Second Why do men try to predict the Second Coming?Coming?

Because people are prone to accept and Because people are prone to accept and follow such men. follow such men. (Acts 20:30)(Acts 20:30)


(Acts 20:30 NKJV)(Acts 20:30 NKJV) “”Also from among “”Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves.”after themselves.”



William Miller, J.B. Rutherford and others William Miller, J.B. Rutherford and others have boldly proclaimed they knew and had have boldly proclaimed they knew and had a large following.a large following.


Miller made the same mistake twice where Miller made the same mistake twice where people sold everything they had and gave it people sold everything they had and gave it away because they away because they knewknew the end was here. the end was here.


Miller made the same mistake twice where Miller made the same mistake twice where people sold everything they had and gave it people sold everything they had and gave it away because they away because they knewknew the end was here. the end was here.

In Rutherford's case he refused to admit that In Rutherford's case he refused to admit that Jesus did not came back in 1914, rather he Jesus did not came back in 1914, rather he said that Jesus returned but was invisible! said that Jesus returned but was invisible!


The modern day "Jehovah's Witnesses" The modern day "Jehovah's Witnesses" came from his efforts. Recently the came from his efforts. Recently the Witnesses" have abandoned even more of Witnesses" have abandoned even more of Rutherford's predictions.Rutherford's predictions.


In 1974 there was a preacher who came to In 1974 there was a preacher who came to town predicting Christ would come on Sept town predicting Christ would come on Sept 21, 1974. I had some friends who believed 21, 1974. I had some friends who believed it!it!


In 1974 there was a preacher who came to In 1974 there was a preacher who came to town predicting Christ would come on Sept town predicting Christ would come on Sept 21, 1974. I had some friends who believed 21, 1974. I had some friends who believed it!it!

Because a doctrinal system called Because a doctrinal system called "Premillennialism" has been widely "Premillennialism" has been widely accepted. accepted.


This approach to scripture has at its root the This approach to scripture has at its root the ideal that we can know certain end ideal that we can know certain end time events that tell us the second coming time events that tell us the second coming in imminent.in imminent.


This approach to scripture has at its root the ideal This approach to scripture has at its root the ideal that we can know certain end that we can know certain end time events that tell us the second coming in time events that tell us the second coming in imminent.imminent.

When someone speaks of "the rapture" or talks When someone speaks of "the rapture" or talks about the present day events in about the present day events in Israel as being fulfillment of Bible prophecy, Israel as being fulfillment of Bible prophecy, they have accepted at least part of they have accepted at least part of this system. this system.


The term rapture is not found in the Bible. The term rapture is not found in the Bible. However the word can be used to describe However the word can be used to describe what happens to faithful Christians when what happens to faithful Christians when Christ returns. They will be “caught up” to Christ returns. They will be “caught up” to meet the Lord in the air. meet the Lord in the air. (1 Thess 4:17)(1 Thess 4:17)


NKJ NKJ 1 Thessalonians 4:171 Thessalonians 4:17 - Then we who - Then we who are alive are alive and and remain shall be caught up remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.with the Lord.


The modern day theories has the world The modern day theories has the world continuing to exist after the 2nd coming continuing to exist after the 2nd coming of Christ. of Christ.


The modern day theories has the world The modern day theories has the world continuing to exist after the 2nd coming continuing to exist after the 2nd coming of Christ. of Christ.

Because such predictions cause great Because such predictions cause great excitement and greater interest in religion.excitement and greater interest in religion.


"One cannot deny the complacency of so "One cannot deny the complacency of so many, and nothing brings about the many, and nothing brings about the purification of His people more than the purification of His people more than the expectation of His eminent return." - expectation of His eminent return." - Letter from World Bible Society, June 22, Letter from World Bible Society, June 22, 19881988


Should we not be concerned as long as Should we not be concerned as long as "good" comes? "good" comes? (Rom 3:8)(Rom 3:8)


(Romans 3:8 NKJV)(Romans 3:8 NKJV) “And “And why why not not say, say, “Let us do evil that good may come”?; as “Let us do evil that good may come”?; as we are slanderously reported and as some we are slanderously reported and as some affirm that we say. Their condemnation is affirm that we say. Their condemnation is just.”just.”


In truth these predictions give much In truth these predictions give much occasion for scoffing. occasion for scoffing.


What verses do men claim What verses do men claim predict the Second Coming?predict the Second Coming?

The majority of misapplied scriptures are The majority of misapplied scriptures are found in Matthew 24, where Jesus gave found in Matthew 24, where Jesus gave signs of the destruction of Jerusalem. signs of the destruction of Jerusalem.


The majority of misapplied scriptures are The majority of misapplied scriptures are found in Matthew 24, where Jesus gave found in Matthew 24, where Jesus gave signs of the destruction of Jerusalem. signs of the destruction of Jerusalem.

"Did Jesus say that the generation who saw "Did Jesus say that the generation who saw Israel return as a nation would be the same Israel return as a nation would be the same generation that saw Him return with great generation that saw Him return with great power and glory? power and glory? (Mt 24:32; Mk 13:38; Ezk (Mt 24:32; Mk 13:38; Ezk 36:8)"36:8)" - Inside Page, 88 Reasons .. In 1988. - Inside Page, 88 Reasons .. In 1988.


The other signs improperly applied to the The other signs improperly applied to the Second Coming are "earthquakes", Second Coming are "earthquakes", persecution", "the gospel preached to the persecution", "the gospel preached to the whole world", "wars and rumors of wars", whole world", "wars and rumors of wars", and others.and others.



How are the signs of Matthew 24 to be How are the signs of Matthew 24 to be understood?understood?


How are the signs of Matthew 24 to be How are the signs of Matthew 24 to be understood?understood?

There are at least two questions considered There are at least two questions considered here. here. (Mt 24:2-3)(Mt 24:2-3)


(Matthew 24:2-3 NKJV)(Matthew 24:2-3 NKJV) - “And Jesus said to - “And Jesus said to them, “Do you not see all these things? them, “Do you not see all these things? Assuredly, I say to you, not Assuredly, I say to you, not one one stone shall be stone shall be left here upon another, that shall not be thrown left here upon another, that shall not be thrown down.”down.” {3} {3} Now as He sat on the Mount of Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, saying, “Tell us, when will these things bewhen will these things be? ? And And what what will be will be the sign of Your coming, and the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the ageof the end of the age?””?””


These are signs that can be understood and These are signs that can be understood and Christians were expected to act upon them. Christians were expected to act upon them. (Mt 24:32-33)(Mt 24:32-33)


(Matthew 24:32-33 NKJV)(Matthew 24:32-33 NKJV) - “”Now learn - “”Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer forth leaves, you know that summer is is near.near. {33} {33} “So you also, when you see all these “So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near; at the doors!”things, know that it is near; at the doors!”


Jesus said it would be fulfilled by that Jesus said it would be fulfilled by that generation! generation! (Mt 24:34)(Mt 24:34) (Note: There is (Note: There is no mention of "the restoration of Israel no mention of "the restoration of Israel anywhere in this text!)anywhere in this text!)


(Matthew 24:34 NKJV)(Matthew 24:34 NKJV) - “”Assuredly, I - “”Assuredly, I say to you, say to you, this generationthis generation will by no means will by no means pass away pass away till all these things take placetill all these things take place.”.”



The abomination of desolation involves The abomination of desolation involves armies, a temple and animal sacrifices. armies, a temple and animal sacrifices. All of these were done away in Christ and All of these were done away in Christ and then destroyed by Rome! then destroyed by Rome! (Mt 24:15; Lk (Mt 24:15; Lk 21:20-22; Dan 9:27; 11:31; 12:11)21:20-22; Dan 9:27; 11:31; 12:11)


(Matthew 24:15 NKJV)(Matthew 24:15 NKJV) - ”Therefore - ”Therefore when you see the ‘when you see the ‘abomination of abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophetprophet, standing in the holy place” , standing in the holy place” (whoever reads, let him understand),”(whoever reads, let him understand),”


(Luke 21:20-22 NKJV)(Luke 21:20-22 NKJV) - ”But when you - ”But when you see see Jerusalem surrounded by armiesJerusalem surrounded by armies, then know , then know that its desolation is near.that its desolation is near. {21} {21} “Then let those “Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those who are in the midst of her depart, and those who are in the midst of her depart, and let not those who are in the country enter her.let not those who are in the country enter her. {22} {22} “For these are the days of vengeance, “For these are the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be that all things which are written may be fulfilled.”fulfilled.”


(Daniel 9:27 NKJV)(Daniel 9:27 NKJV) “Then he shall “Then he shall confirm a covenant with many for one confirm a covenant with many for one week; But in the middle of the week week; But in the middle of the week He He shall bring an end to sacrifice and offeringshall bring an end to sacrifice and offering. . And on And on the wing of abominations shall be the wing of abominations shall be one who makes desolateone who makes desolate, Even until the , Even until the consummation, which is determined, Is consummation, which is determined, Is poured out on the desolate.””poured out on the desolate.””


(Daniel 11:31 NKJV)(Daniel 11:31 NKJV) - ”And forces shall - ”And forces shall be mustered by him, and be mustered by him, and they shall defile they shall defile the sanctuary fortressthe sanctuary fortress; then they shall take ; then they shall take away the daily away the daily sacrifices, sacrifices, and place and place there there the abomination of desolation.”the abomination of desolation.”


(Daniel 12:11 NKJV)(Daniel 12:11 NKJV) -“”And from the -“”And from the time time that that the daily the daily sacrifice sacrifice is taken awayis taken away, , and the abomination of desolation is set up, and the abomination of desolation is set up, there shall be there shall be one thousand two hundred one thousand two hundred and ninety days.”and ninety days.”


If these sign are of the second coming, why If these sign are of the second coming, why flee Jerusalem at all? flee Jerusalem at all? (Mt 24:16-20)(Mt 24:16-20)


(Matthew 24:16-20 NKJV)(Matthew 24:16-20 NKJV) - “”then let those - “”then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.who are in Judea flee to the mountains. {17} {17} “Let him who is on the housetop not go down “Let him who is on the housetop not go down to take anything out of his house.to take anything out of his house. {18} {18} “And “And let him who is in the field not go back to get let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes.his clothes. {19} {19} “But woe to those who are “But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days!in those days! {20} {20} “And pray that your flight “And pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath.”may not be in winter or on the Sabbath.”


What will happen to Christians when Jesus What will happen to Christians when Jesus returns? returns? (1 Thess 4:16-18)(1 Thess 4:16-18)


(1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 NKJV)(1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 NKJV) - “For the - “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.rise first. {17} {17} Then we who are alive Then we who are alive and and remain remain shall be caught up together with them in the shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.shall always be with the Lord. {18} {18} Therefore Therefore comfort one another with these words.”comfort one another with these words.”


Some may say that the "gospel has not been Some may say that the "gospel has not been preached to the whole world" so this could preached to the whole world" so this could not refer to an event of the past! Are you not refer to an event of the past! Are you sure? sure? (Col 1:23)(Col 1:23)


(Colossians 1:23 NKJV)(Colossians 1:23 NKJV) - “if indeed you - “if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under was preached to every creature under heavenheaven, of which I, Paul, became a , of which I, Paul, became a minister.”minister.”


What is the place of modern day Israel in What is the place of modern day Israel in God's plan? God's plan? (Rom 1:16-17; Gal 3:26-29)(Rom 1:16-17; Gal 3:26-29)


(Romans 1:16-17 NKJV)(Romans 1:16-17 NKJV) - “For I am not - “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, believes, for the Jew first and also for the for the Jew first and also for the GreekGreek.. {17} {17} For in it the righteousness of For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.””written, “The just shall live by faith.””


(Galatians 3:26-29 NKJV)(Galatians 3:26-29 NKJV) - “For you are all - “For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. {27} {27} For as many of you as were baptized into For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.Christ have put on Christ. {28} {28} There is neither There is neither Jew nor GreekJew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, , there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.one in Christ Jesus. {29} {29} And And if you if you are are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seedChrist’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and , and heirs according to the promise.”heirs according to the promise.”

What lessons should we learn from What lessons should we learn from these examples?these examples?

Always interpret the difficult to understand Always interpret the difficult to understand scriptures in light of the easy to understand scriptures in light of the easy to understand scriptures. scriptures. (2 Pt 3:15-16)(2 Pt 3:15-16)


(2 Peter 3:15-16 NKJV)(2 Peter 3:15-16 NKJV) “and consider “and consider that that the longsuffering of our Lord the longsuffering of our Lord is is salvation; as salvation; as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you,wisdom given to him, has written to you, {16} {16} as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are these things, in which are some things hard to some things hard to understandunderstand, which untaught and unstable , which untaught and unstable people people twist to their own destruction, twist to their own destruction, as as they they do do also the rest of the Scripturesalso the rest of the Scriptures.”.”



Mr. Whisenant and others would have been Mr. Whisenant and others would have been better off if they accepted better off if they accepted Mt 24:36Mt 24:36!!


(Matthew 24:36 NKJV)(Matthew 24:36 NKJV) “”But of that day “”But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.”of heaven, but My Father only.”


What did he say about this verse? “These What did he say about this verse? “These events were never restricted from our events were never restricted from our knowledge, but only the day and hour of knowledge, but only the day and hour of our Lord's return for the Church, and that our Lord's return for the Church, and that event was limited only to the day and hour, event was limited only to the day and hour, and not the week, month or year." - 88 and not the week, month or year." - 88 Reasons Why The Rapture Could Be In Reasons Why The Rapture Could Be In 1988. 1988.


What about the other plain statements in the What about the other plain statements in the Bible? Bible? (1 Pt 3:10; 1 Thess 5:4; Mt 24:43; 25:13)(1 Pt 3:10; 1 Thess 5:4; Mt 24:43; 25:13)


(Matthew 24:43 NKJV)(Matthew 24:43 NKJV) “”But know this, “”But know this, that if the master of the house had that if the master of the house had known known what hour the thief would comewhat hour the thief would come, he would , he would have watched and not allowed his house to have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into.”be broken into.”


(Matthew 25:13 NKJV)(Matthew 25:13 NKJV) “”Watch “”Watch therefore, therefore, for you know neither the day nor for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is the hour in which the Son of Man is comingcoming.”.”


(1 Thessalonians 5:4 NKJV)(1 Thessalonians 5:4 NKJV) “But you, “But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so brethren, are not in darkness, so that this that this Day should overtake you as a thiefDay should overtake you as a thief.”.”


NKJ NKJ 2 Peter 3:102 Peter 3:10 - But the day of the Lord - But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.that are in it will be burned up.


Almost every major religious error has its Almost every major religious error has its roots here.roots here.



We need to be ready and stay ready for His We need to be ready and stay ready for His return!return!



We need to be ready and stay ready for His We need to be ready and stay ready for His return!return!

Some will hear of His coming with disbelief Some will hear of His coming with disbelief and scoffing. and scoffing. (2 Pt 3:3-4, 5-7)(2 Pt 3:3-4, 5-7)


(2 Peter 3:3-7 NKJV)(2 Peter 3:3-7 NKJV) “knowing this first: “knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last daysthat scoffers will come in the last days, , walking according to their own lusts,walking according to their own lusts, {4} {4} and saying, “Where is the promise of His and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as things continue as they were they were from the from the beginning of creation.”beginning of creation.”


{5} {5} For this they willfully forget: that by the For this they willfully forget: that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of water and in the water,earth standing out of water and in the water, {6} {6} by which the world by which the world that that then existed then existed perished, being flooded with water.perished, being flooded with water. {7} {7} But But the heavens and the earth the heavens and the earth which which are now are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for preserved by the same word, are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and perdition of fire until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.”ungodly men.”


Others will respond with dread. Others will respond with dread. (1 Thess 5:1-3)(1 Thess 5:1-3)


(1 Thess 5:1-3 NKJV)(1 Thess 5:1-3 NKJV) “But concerning the “But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you.need that I should write to you. {2} {2} For you For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night.Lord so comes as a thief in the night. {3} {3} For For when they say, “Peace and safety!” when they say, “Peace and safety!” then then sudden destruction comes upon themsudden destruction comes upon them, as labor , as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape.”not escape.”


Christians should respond with fond Christians should respond with fond anticipation. anticipation. (2 Tim 4:8; 2 Pt 3:12)(2 Tim 4:8; 2 Pt 3:12)


(2 Timothy 4:8 NKJV)(2 Timothy 4:8 NKJV) “Finally, there is “Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also but also to all who have loved His to all who have loved His appearingappearing.”.”


(2 Peter 3:12 NKJV)(2 Peter 3:12 NKJV) “ “looking for and looking for and hastening the coming of the day of Godhastening the coming of the day of God, , because of which the heavens will be because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat?”will melt with fervent heat?”


Are you ready for His return? Are you ready for His return? (1 Thess 1:7-10)(1 Thess 1:7-10)


(1 Thessalonians 1:7-10 NKJV)(1 Thessalonians 1:7-10 NKJV) “so that “so that you became examples to all in Macedonia you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe.and Achaia who believe. {8} {8} For from you For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say gone out, so that we do not need to say anything.anything.


{9} {9} For they themselves declare concerning For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God,the living and true God, {10} {10} and to wait for and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, the dead, even even Jesus who delivers us from Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.”the wrath to come.”

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