Monday, September 24, 2007

Is Israel the Fig Tree? Did Christ Promise to Return to Our Generation?

I recently had a discussion with a woman on a debate forum. She has been claiming to her friends that it’s a 100% fact that the abomination of desolation will take place within a few years and that Christ will come back in less than seven years. While attempting to instill some reason within her, a discussion arose about the parable of the fig tree in Matthew 24. Sue claimed, as many do, that Jesus taught that the fig tree represented Israel, that the fig tree growing leaves was symbolic of Israel becoming a nation, and that Christ will return to the generation that sees this event.

Here's the verse:

Now learn the parable from the fig tree: when its branch has already become tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near; so, you too, when you see all these things, recognize that He is near, right at the door. Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. (Matthew 24:32-34)

While I would never say that Christ will not come back in our generation, I feel that it’s important to avoid getting sucked into pop culture prophetic interpretations. Below is a portion of my discussion with Sue in an attempt to scripturally and logically show her why the parable of the fig tree teaching that Jesus delivered on the Mount of Olives does not teach what she believes it to teach. I hope you will see why this Hal Lindsey fig tree teaching is absurd, and I think you will certainly find that Sue did not become a fan of yours truly!

Sue's comments are in bold lettering.

Look, Jesus told us that when Israel becomes a nation again, this generation will not pass away.


The fig tree in Matt. 24:32 is not a symbolic message speaking of the Jews obtaining Israel. It is simply a parable, just as Jesus said it was:

"Now learn the parable from the fig tree.."

It's a general statement about ALL trees, and the fact that when they put forth leaves, obviously summer is near. Similarly, when we see the things Jesus teaches of in Matt 24 we will know He is near.

Luke proves that He truly speaking of trees in general and not Israel.

"Behold the fig tree and ALL the trees..." Luke 21:29


Simply a parable! God help you. Why do you even bother to believe that Jesus died for our sins? Do you believe the parable of the seeds? Or maybe that is just a story about seeds? Maybe, Jesus was just telling us how to plant a garden?


Thanks for the sarcasm and rudeness, but you have a misunderstanding of parables. In the parable of the seeds Jesus actually teaches what the meaning of the parable is by explaining what the seeds are, what the soil represents and what the outcome is of each. And you would not, nor would anyone, ever say it meant anything else or that there was some hidden, secret meaning to the parable.

The parable of the fig tree in Matt 24 and Luke 21 is exactly the same. Jesus gives the short parable and then, just as He did with the parable of the seeds, He explains what it means. When the TREES (plural) grow leaves we know that summer is near. Explanation? Just like the trees indicate that summer is near, the end times signs, abomination, etc, indicate that He is near. You won't add to scripture in the parable of the seeds, so why would we add to scripture with this parable?

And you've ignored the Luke passage that speaks of "all the trees." Does that mean when all the lost nations become nations again Christ will come back in that generation? Of course not, but YOU would have to say that it does in order to be scripturally consistent.


In Mark 11:13 Jesus shook the fig tree and said that it would die. This symbolizes that Israel has been blinded. In fact, not only does this speak about Israel, but, specifically, the temple. Read the scripture. But, to you, it probably means that your God kills trees that He doesn't like.


Again, Jesus gives the answer to the parable, and tells us what He meant without mincing words or adding a Hal Lindsey type of deep meaning that is not indicated. Please don't poop out on me now! Please keep reading!

Mark 11:20-24
As they were passing by in the morning, they saw the fig tree withered from the roots up. Being reminded, Peter said to Him, "Rabbi, look, the fig tree which You cursed has withered."

And Jesus answered saying to them, "HAVE FAITH IN GOD. Truly I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be taken up and cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says is going to happen, it will be granted him. Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, BELIEVE that you have received them, AND THEY WILL BE GRANTED TO YOU.

Jesus had faith and his request was granted. It showed the disciples that faith can move mountains. That is the answer to the parable and Jesus PLAINLY explained it. Faith can move mountains! But this time you've completely ignored the answer to the parable that Jesus gave and created another Israel application. Is this because of your desire to prove that Christ HAS to come back in this generation?


In Jeremiah 24, God specifically tells us that figs are referring to Israel. Read this.


Sure. In THIS passage figs represent Israel. Does that automatically mean that all references to figs are references to Israel? If so, and to be consistent, you must also say that that all references to seeds are references to the word of God as it is in the Matthew 13 parable. This doesn't add up.


Now if you still wish to believe that it was just a story about trees, then you should read these scriptures. This is a very good scripture.

Luke 12:54-56
He said to the crowd: "When you see a cloud rising in the west, immediately you say, 'It's going to rain,' and it does. And when the south wind blows, you say, 'It's going to be hot,' and it is. Hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky. How is it that you don't know how to interpret this present time?


Now you're calling me a hypocrite. Nice. Sorry I've tried, with the utmost patience by the way, to help those that have been misled by teachers that attempt to add to and to create hidden, secret meaning to God's word. Sorry you don't like it when someone disagrees with you and plainly explains scripture in an attempt to help you understand. I feel as if I couldn't have been more gracious in my communication with you.
------

There's quite a bit more to this discussion, and you may view it in its entirety here, if you would like. So that you will know who is saying what on the forum, my screen name is "smackbucket."


59 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hey Smackbucket! Very nice job explaining the parable of the fig tree not being Israel. Praise God He has opened his Word to you with wisdom and understanding. I also see the same things you did, "all the trees" can't be other nations. Even references about fig trees in the Old Testement to me don't say they represent Israel. On the other hand, I see the Olive tree representing Israel more than the fig (not that I really want to make wierd prophetic interpretations). In Romans 11 Paul refers to the Jewish nation directly to (a fig tree?? nope) an Olive tree. Same in Revelation 11 with the 2 witnesses. So anyhow, God bless you. from James email me at GeeCu1@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

how are u so sure...
i cant say yes he will come in 7 yrs or no...there's no way she can say that...but i believe the fig tree is Israel and not only that..but the body of Christ is the fig tree as well...
i attended a meeting or DR Sherlock Bally and he illustrated it it perfectly..
he is a minister for 36 yrs and i will listen to his word against any other person who just want to make someone else look like the don't know what they're talking about, because it's not what they understood when they read...
he also said that the battle of Magog and Gog is Russia and its leaders planning war...and a whole lots of very revealing and interesting insights..u should listen to him..he was appointed by God therefore anointed.

Anonymous said...

very clear thinking and exegisis...wish I could be so clear in my reasoning....thank you,joe

Anonymous said...

Hey guys, Israel is the fig tree. look at Jeremiah 24. especially verse 10. what country did god give land to? ISRAEL. also look at Hosea 9:10.

PWTribune said...

Dear Fig Tree,

I don't think you even read the post. Read the post and THEN get back to me. :)

Anonymous said...

Pop prophetic culture on the Fig Tree? Are you kidding? That's like saying Jesus is a pop culture teaching that should be ignored! Try a verified date to AD 100 as the fig tree being taught among Christians as Israel!

People should be very cautious with what they teach and “insist” is true of FUTURE prophecy unless they are God and they have it all figured out.

The Gospel of Matthew (a fig tree) is very different from Luke (a fig tree and all the trees). If the Scriptures ARE inspired then Matthew is in error! He left out the other trees and his teaching is false. Or perhaps one should get out of their box and let God out of the box they have placed Him in. Who is to say that this is speaking of the same thing? Perhaps there is no error and they are BOTH inspired passages!

Also, what then is the identifying mark of Jesus coming? Earthquakes, famines, wars, rumors of wars? Gee, those are unique! Surly we won’t miss those signs! Why did Jesus even waste his breath in speaking Matthew 24? There is no identifying mark that sets it apart from any other time. Not one. That is unless the “fig tree” enters in. Then, and only then does an identifying marker enter into the picture and provide a purpose to what Jesus spoke. Remove the fig tree as an identifying marker and every word spoken in Matthew 24 is worthless and meaningless.

When the disciples asked Jesus about when He would return… why did He just save some space and say… it won’t any different from any other time. You won’t know. Hey, that sounds something like Pretrib! It could happen at any moment! Doesn’t it? I thought this was a pre-wrath site… which, and correct me if I’m wrong, states that we WILL see it coming.

That would seem to fit well with the idea of the fig tree representing Israel, wouldn’t it?

PWTribune said...

>>>There is no identifying mark that sets it apart from any other time. Not one. That is unless the “fig tree” enters in. Then, and only then does an identifying marker enter into the picture and provide a purpose to what Jesus spoke. Remove the fig tree as an identifying marker and every word spoken in Matthew 24 is worthless and meaningless.<<<

Huh? In your high emotion you're not recognizing the obvious.

v 33. so, you too, when you see ALL THESE THINGS, recognize that He is near, right at the door.

What are all these things? Israel becoming a nation? No. That's not "things." That's one thing. But Jesus mentioned no such thing in His teaching. He mentioned the birth pains, and the ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION, plus the signs in the sky.

"There is no identifying mark that sets it apart from any other time. Not one." ??? Really? The abomination of desolation is not a clear identifying mark to let us know He is near?

Anonymous said...

ologresNot so fast smackbucket... the Apocalypse of Peter dates to AD 100... it was commonly taught among Christians. The fig tree was seen as Israel... Mr. Lindsey didn't make that up nor is it a "pop" teaching. You are 100% wrong on this!

And you sir seem a presumptuous teacher!

You don't respond to my comment Matthew's "inspired" error, but rather choose “the abomination of desolation” as the identifying marker. If this was all that Jesus spoke of you might have some ground to stand upon. Based on the full context of the passage a general marker identifying the time for ALL the events is required OR the only thing that has any meaning is the abomination of desolation. Once more that which you speak of is in the middle of the passage, not as a conclusion to the passage as one would expect of such a marker. The fig tree holds this position.

You say this is what those living in the first century understood. It was just a tree. Really? I give you the Apocalypse of Peter as to what THEY understood... Jesus teaches Peter in this first century document that the fig tree is Israel. And your proof from the first century is? Because you say so! You have NOTHING more and I flat know it because unlike you I have researched this thoroughly and I know that what you are teaching is unsupported by anything other than the air passing through your lips. It is vapor. If not, bring forth your proof or apologize to people for making something seem to be true when it is based in nothing more than your words.

I believe that your basic problem is a failure to place this passage in the entirety of the context in which it occurs.

So, let’s frame this alittle better. Jesus' exact words in the Greek to the fig tree were "No more from you, may fruit be to the age (aion)"

This was a timed curse, it was to have a beginning and an end. And that end would be the "End of the Age."

And please don’t go down the road of saying that “aion” can translate as “forever.” There are 118 occurrences of this word and in EVERY instance where the Greek genuine article precedes the word “aion” (as in this case) it is for a fixed duration of time not an infinite duration of time, as it speaks to a specific “aion,” which by the way is where we get the English word “eon.” And yes, I individually looked at every single occurrence in its context. All of our translations do however imply the curse was “forever” due to the first century (and beyond) understanding that this curse of the fig tree WAS on Israel and the Church had replace Israel. Thus Israel was cursed “forever.” And 100 years ago Catholics pointed to this passage as proof that Israel would never be a nation again. A “pop” prophetic teaching? This aside…

Jesus is then in the temple and states "your house is left to you desolate" and He states that he is leaving. This shocks the disciples.

The next occurrence of the word "aion" is in the disciples questions: When will these things be, what will be the sign of your return and the end of the age (aion). Hummm… the very same word spoke in the curse is a part of the disciple’s question that is directly connected with Jesus return. This question occurs a day and a half after the curse and within 6 hours after they had seen the tree pass from a state of being "wilted" to being completely dried up from its root. It had the appearance of a tree in the middle of WINTER. These questions come just 6 hours later!

And just 6 hours later Jesus says; learn the lesson FROM the fig tree... and you think they didn't know exactly what tree he was talking about? But that it was to "trees" in general that He was referring?

Let's see if you can connect the dots...

They heard Him curse the "tree" to the age (aion) and the tree wilts. The disciples are shocked at what he did. It didn't make sense.

The next morning this same tree is dried up from its root. (The tree cursed to the age and having an appearance of being in the dead of winter).

He then states that Israel's house is left to them desolated (this is the past tense as something having already happened). And Jesus says He's leaving.

He then tells the disciples the temple will be destroyed with not one stone left upon another.

They then ask him when He will return AND when the Age (aion) will end? (both are connected together)

Connecting the dots is not difficult nor is it mystical. Answer this question: Where else exactly did the disciples come to make the connection between the end of the “aion” and Jesus’ return? Good luck.

Do you really believe that after years of waking with Jesus... the disciples needed a lesson on faith? They saw Jesus heal every disease and sickness, cast out demons, walk on water, heal the dead, feed thousands with the food for a few and raise the dead to life... and you think that Jesus now in his very last days needs to give them this final lesson on faith?

Jesus said he was hungry! (Did he lie?) Then He walks toward a fig tree (in April). I'll bet all the disciples that were following him expected to eat figs that morning! April or not! Hey, now wouldn’t that be faith builder too? What a great message on God’s ability to supply all our needs. Jesus could have called figs forth from the fig tree. He was hungry. And such a miracle would be about faith with a purpose!

The truth is there was a purpose to that miracle and it did involve faith, but it went well beyond a fig tree that wasn't supposed to have figs. Its season had not come. So also, Israel's season had not come. You won’t understand this, and I’m not going to go there, but THE LAW AND THE PROPHETS HAD TO BE FULFILLED… it’s why Jesus came. Read the Sermon on the Mount and Matthew 24… not one jot, not one tittle.

The plane truth is He didn't kill the fig tree. He sent it into its winter. Nowhere in Scripture does it say the fig tree was dead… that has been a presumption that the words of the curse will not support.

This parable (a veiled truth with a greater spiritual meaning NEVER a plain truth as you say) then speaks of spring as the tree buds to life, then following this, SUMMER in known to be near. He is known to be right at the door!

Here we find a tree in winter, spring and summer. Hummm… it seems to fit EVEN IN THE ORDER IT IS SPOKEN. At least the last time I checked this was how the seasons worked. Do you think Jesus knew that too?

Again, according to you, the veiled teaching if the parable is pointless. Why use it at all? Oh yes, and one other thing, the disciples did NOT ask Jesus to explain the PARABLE. Nor did Jesus EVER explain the PARABLE. You’re confused. They asked Jesus HOW the tree withered and HOW it lost all its leaves… faith was Jesus’ answer. This had NOTHING to do with explaining the PARABLE as you claimed. It only explained HOW, not WHY. You have assumed the HOW was the WHY. These are not automatically connected.

Jesus’ point in Matthew 24 was that there would be far more than the abomination of desolation to identify this time. The entire SEASON was to be known and identifiable.

A great Bible teacher once said; "narrowness of interpretation is that bane of Apocalyptic study.” No narrower interpretive THEORY can be found than the one you propose. It is a THEORY because you have nothing to support it, much like evolution.

Just for giggles... name one other miracle that was senseless. Because according to your interpretation it is senseless and truly served no purpose other than a gaudy display divine power. And, I know of no such thing ever occuring... divine power is never wasted... it always has a divine purpose that OFTEN goes well beyond our understanding. 'Your ways are not My ways, My ways are much higher than your ways.' Yet you seem to make your ways, His ways.

Had you not taken such a self presumed position that had NO biblical support, nor any historical support, and made statements of truth that are false, you would have received far more grace from me. If you were not teaching others... you would have received even more grace still... teachers shall receive a stricter judgment, so teach with care, caution (reverence) and humility above all else, especially when future prophetic passages are involved.

I disagree with Mr. Lindsey on much, but I do it from the literal teaching of the Bible in its context and from history. A any-moment return is vapor and has little more support than the air passing through his lips. However, in my estimation on this teaching of the fig tree, he has a 100% probability of being right to your 0% based on the objective evidence. And, by the way, this goes far beyond anything you have imagined it to be. But, that is something I can’t talk about just yet. But I will say this; it’s all connected together in the most “literally” miraculous way, all of it, and every last word of it. Would we truly want or expect anything else from God?


You don't respond to Matthew's "inspired" error.

You say this is what those living in the first century understood. Really? I give you the Apocalypse of Peter as to what THEY understood... and your proof is?

Because you say so! You have NOTHING more and I flat know it because unlike you I have researched this thoroughly and I know that what you are teaching is unsupported by anything other than the air passing through your lips.

Lets frame this. Jesus' exact words in the Greek "No more from you, may fruit be to the age (aion)"

This was a timed curse, it was to have a beginning and an end. And that end would be the "End of the Age."

He is then in the temple and states "your house is left to you desolate" and He states that he is leaving. This shocks the disciples.

The next occurance of the word "aion" is in the disciples questions: When will these things be, what will be the sign of your return and the end of the age (aion). This question occurs a day and a half after the curse and within 6 hours after they had seen the tree pass from a state of being "wilted" to being completely dried up from its root. These questions come just 6 hours later.

Jesus then 6 hours later says learn the lesson FROM the fig tree... and you think they didn't know exactly what tree he was talking about? But that it was "trees" in general.

Let's see if you can connect the dots...

They heard Him curse the "tree" to the age and the tree wilts. The disciples are shocked at what he did. It didn't make sense.

The next morning this same tree is dried up from its root. (The tree cursed to the age).

He then states that Israel's house is left to them desolated (past tense as having already happened). And Jesus says He's leaving.

He then tells them the temple will be destroyed with not one stone left upon another.

They then ask him when He will return AND when the Age will end?

Connecting the dots is not difficult nor is it mystical.

Do you raelly believe that after years of waking with Jesus... the disciples needed a lesson on faith? They saw Jesus heal every disease and sickness, cast out demons, walk on water, heal the dead, feed thousands with the food for a few and raise the dead to life... and you think that Jesus now in his last days needed to give them this final lesson on faith?

He said he was hungry! Then He walks toward a fig tree. I'll bet all the disciples that were following him expected to eat figs out of season! Hey, now wouldn'd that be faith too? And it would be faith with a purpose!

The truth is there was a purpose to that miracle and it did involve faith, but it went well beyond a fig tree that wasn't supposed to have figs. It's season had not come. So also, Israel's season had not come.

The plane truth is He didn't kill the fig tree. He sent it into its winter.

The parable (a veiled truth NOT a plain truth as you say)then speaks of spring as the tree buds. Following this SUMMER in known to be near. He is known to be right at the door!

Again, according to you the veiled teaching if the parable is pointless. Why use it at all?

Jesus point was that there would be far more than the abomination of desolation to identify this time. The entire SEASON was to be known.

A great Bible teacher once said; "narrowness of interpretation is that bane of Apocalyptic study. No narrower interpretation can be found that the one you propose.

Just for giggles... name one other miracle that was senseless. Because according to your interpretation it is senseless and truly served no purpose other than a gaudy display divine power. And, I know of now such thing... divine power is never wasted... it always has a divine purpose that OFTEN goes well beyond our understanding. 'Your ways are not My ways, My ways are much higher than your ways.' Yet you seem to make your ways His ways.

Had you not taken such a self presumed position that had NO biblical support... you would have recieved far more grace from me. If you were not teaching others... you would have received more grace still... teachers shall receive a stricter judgment, so teach with care, caution (reverence) and humility above all else. Especially when future prophetic passages are involved.

PWTribune said...

>>and humility above all else<<

Really? You mean that? I'm starting to think you're the woman that got this all started of FP, because you've got a lot of bitterness coupled with little maturity. Could that be why I didn't answer your other post...or this one. :)

Anonymous said...

Again you answer nothing...

You ignore the context of the passage... you ignore addressing your multiple false statements... you ignore the PLAIN words of the texts... why in the world should anyone listen to anything you have to say if you will not deal with the issues at hand?

Either you can answer ALL that I have laid before you or you can't. And if you can't, then have the decency to apologize for your errors and treating this as a "pop" teaching... saying that Jesus explained the parable when He didn't... etc. To error is human... to forgive divine.

You think me "bitter" because I have chosen to confront you? You fail to read into the Bible what is there so you can avoid the issue... and then you read into my post what is not there to avoid the issue.

I suppose you think Jesus was bitter when he said of the leaders. "Hypocrites!" When they refused to acknowledge the clear signs around them, or perhaps you think Jesus bitter when the leaders rejected His authority and He asked them 'How they would escape the sentence of hell that would come to them?'

Or perhaps you see bitterness in the apostle John (the one who loved above the others) when he confronted the false teaching that Jesus had ONLY come in the spirit and not in the flesh. He must have been bitter in his older age as he lacked modern Christian "grace" in saying that these teachers were of antichrist, and to have nothing to do with them... I could go on... I have Peter and Paul still to go... but I think I have made my point.

And no, I am not saying YOU are a hypocrite, going to hell, or of the antichrist, so don't try and now accuse me of this to elevate yourself as being nobler as you did with that poor woman. I believe you to be superficially misinformed.

Because I strongly oppose what you teach, does not make me bitter or justify your avoidance of the issues. I am no bitterer than Jesus, John, Peter or Paul. I would suggest that the only bitterness was the indigestion you felt at having your "authority" as a teacher called into question.

People typically avoid issues when they have no worthy reply and they are too filled with their own pride to admit error. A man, who is quick to see his error, admit it, and change his course, is someone I would follow. All men error, the test is what they do with it.

I am hardly the same woman, so you can't justify not answering based on that. Had you been having this conversation with me at the outset the misinformation would have been immediately stopped and exposed from the outset. My understanding of this passage goes well beyond hers; Mr. Lindsey's and I shall leave it for others to determine if it surpasses yours.

What say you "Smackbucket"? Care to answer my questions now?

Anonymous said...

Oh, and by the way, silence is not a sign of maturity, as you accuse me of being immature.

None of what I said was a personal attack upon you as your comments about my personally being bitter and immature were personal attacks on me that had nothing to do with the issues.

You accused me also of having a high "passion." For this I thank you. People should be on fire for God's truth and they should be as passionate for that truth as they are for God. I question were people are in their walk with God if they lack passion. Have they lost the fire they once had? Did they ever have it at all? God is not a mental exercise. God is very real and very passionate.

PWTribune said...

I agree that there clearly was a fig tree teaching mentioned in the middle of the second century. I didn't know that. But you couldn't be more wrong about me being unwilling to admit my mistakes. You will find more than one admission on this site. In fact, I have one in bold, red letters to show where I was wrong because I felt it was a great example.

I don't have a problem being proven wrong, BUT when it's done by an individual that acts like a typical internet prophecy jerk, I don't debate with them. They're everywhere, and it's proven fruitless.

If you walked up to a person and spoke like this in REAL life, rather than hiding behind an anonymous name, it wouldn't work. So why do you think it will work on a screen? I specifically have my real name associated with this blog in order to help keep myself in check, because I know others are reading. Here's just a tiny bit of your continual obnoxiousness to show you what I mean.
----
And you sir seem a presumptuous teacher!
the air passing through your lips. It is vapor.
Let's see if you can connect the dots...
You won’t understand this, and I’m not going to go there, but
Hummm…
At least the last time I checked
Again, according to you,
You’re confused.
Just for giggles...
No narrower interpretive THEORY can be found than the one you propose.
Yet you seem to make your ways, His ways.
---

Anyway, feel free to continue to be obnoxious, and to continue to think that you're like Paul, John, Peter, Jesus, etc by doing so. But I won't waste time trying to communicate with you.

Unknown said...

It's very obvious, and clear that the Fig Tree in Matthew 21 represents Israel, because he told the Jewish Leaders in Matthew 21:43 that the "kingdom would be taken from them and given to a nation bringing forth fruit"

Jesus cursed the fig tree in Matthew 21, and said "let no fruit grow henceforward FOR EVER". Notice he uses the word "fruit". Then he applies the same principle of "fruit" a few verses down when the Pharisees confront him the SAME DAY!

It's overwhelming evidence that the Fig Tree represents Israel.

Anyone who tries to dare disagree with this, is deceived. I feel really sorry for anyone who thinks God is going to save the nation of Israel.

NO my friends, Israel is doomed! they rejected Christ and had their last chance. There is no hope for the nation. For ever. Only Jews as individuals can repent, and join the new body of Israel for which Peter spoke of as being the Gentiles in 1 Peter 2:9.

Folks, I'm going to repeat it again. There is no pre-tribulation rapture. There is no allotted time of a 7 years of tribulation (if you dare, you are a Catholic Futurist infected by the Roman Jesuit Francisco Ribera who invented it), and the 1260 days is not the 2nd half of the 7 years...the 1260 days is years, and goes from 538 to 1798 of Papal Supremacy.

Also, the 70th week of Daniel 9:24-27 is not "disconnected" from the 69 weeks. The "one week" was from 27 A.D. to 24 A.D. Christ died in the "midst" of the week (31 A.D.), and the proper decree to start the 490 years is 457 A.D., the FIRST decree of Artaxerxes, not the second. The "prince" in verse 26 is Jesus Christ, and the "he" in verse 27 is ALSO Jesus Christ. It was the Jewish nation that "destroyed themselves" (Hosea 13:9), but the Roman Armies were just the "instrument" to inflict the desolation (39 years later) as a result of Israel's "abomination" in rejecting Christ.

The New Israel is are Jews and Gentiles alike. The nation of Israel has no chance. I repeat, no chance.

God bless,

Marcos

Lisa Engel said...

sorry, I just don't agree. I do think the fig tree represents Israel. Do you not agree that the whole time clock of Jesus' coming can be told by looking at Israel? The whole world revolves around God's chosen people. Who else would he be talking about in Matthew 24?

landscaping trees said...

Anyone who wants to grow healthy plants should know that location is one of the most important factors that governs successful growth of plants. Most people buy a plant, go out into the garden, dig a hole somewhere, and place the plant in the soil: and when the plant fails to grow, they blame the nursery or soil. Site selection is vital if you want your plants to grow and thrive. Choosing the best site can save a lot of frustration and headaches.
quick growing trees

Anonymous said...

whether Christ comes 70 years after the reformation of the fake "israel" on the map (as opposed to true Israel, the mystical body of believers); should not matter to us. As individuals we could die before 2019. Our souls are in danger every day of losing their earthly bodies. REPENT !!! Spend less time wondering "when" and a lot more using your time on this earth living as Christ told us, the rest is in God's hands.

Justin Shafer said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Justin Shafer said...

I think israel is the fig tree. Also, Joel 2:18-32.

The vine is the christ.

They are separate.

But I see what your saying, he just wants to show how you can tell the time of the season by looking at a fig tree..

What do you think of Ezkiel and the Green and Dry Trees.. and god bringing down a High Tree among the Low Trees?

Lastly.. you cant have a son of perdition in a temple without the nation of israel. And Jesus isnt coming back until that happens.

So israel might as well be the fig tree. As this will be an abomination and the great tribulation will be the desolation. And then he will come back at the last or 7th trumpet.. AFTER tribulation.



2 Thessalonians 2

1Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,

2That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.

3Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;

4Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.

5Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?

Justin Shafer said...

I would also like to add that the abomination that causes desolation could happen more then once. If its only going to happen once, and it was in 70 AD.... Then.........

It has to happen again... And where was the son of perdition that claimed to be god? He wasnt around in 70AD?! So it hasnt happened yet. Its just exciting to be around to see israel....

But Jesus doesnt say that "if you see israel, then I will come back in your generation".. he says when you see the son of perdition, know that I am coming back in your generation...

So we need

Israel
Temple
Increased Knowledge
People running to and fro
Earthquakes in various places
Communications network to even know about earthquakes in various places????
Wars and Rumors of wars.. see above?
Abomination that causes desolation spoken by daniel.
A great tribulation...
THEN AND ONLY THEN...
Will he come back.


stuff like that...

GreatKraw said...

So you have trouble dealing with the Pretrib Rapture Biblical point of view. Your strategy is to set up some sort of straw man and conn people into believing that the Biblical Perspective is not defensible.

Anonymous said...

Dunno Jews almost getting wiped out in WW2.Then the UN allows Israel to become a Nation.Now Israel holds more land after it's Wars with Egypt and Syria.Hebrew was a dead language now it's spoken again in Israel.Thats like a country bringing back Latin lol.Tech is rapidly expanding faster than the eye can see.More earth quakes are happening than ever before.Aids now is pretty much the number one killer and it was first discovered in homosexuals.Christ is spoken around the World thanks to tv.I don't know but their are many more signs that have already came to pass.I'm convinced the fig tree means Israel.Because didn't god promise he would return the Jews to Israel?Jews all over the World are returning to Israel lol.

Anonymous said...

Not to be critical, but can we as Christians, leave out sarcasm? You have a logical and valid argument, but isn't DOING right more important that BEING right? Yes, Sue was rude, but it seemed that your argument to her was also laced with sarcasm and cynicism. To say, "Thanks for the sarcasm" is actually sarcastic, unless you literally meant to thank her for some reason unbeknownst to me. Jesus said that we would be known for our love for each other. Why not let love be our motivation for correction instead of insecurity? Let's minister FROM love instead of FOR love. (: Love ya!

Anonymous said...

The Arthur doesn't know what he's talking about.It's best to let him rant and make a fool out of himself.People like this are hypocrites.

Look at the way he is insulting people and being sarcastic!!!

An interesting blog,but it's ruined now from sarcastic ignorance.I feel the Arthur is an Atheist because no real Christian would sway to ignorance in a way this fool did.

Anonymous said...

Israel


Jesus talks about a Fig-Tree.....

Matthew 24v32 .... http://bible.cc/matthew/24-32.htm
Now learn this lesson from the……*fig tree*…… As soon
as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out,
you know that summer is near.

Q....Do you know what this Fig-Tree relates to?
A....Israel.

Israel is symbolised by three different trees.....
THE VINE is a symbol of Israel's Spiritual privileges.
THE FIG-TREE is a symbol of Israel's National privileges.
THE OLIVE TREE is a symbol of Israel's Religious privileges.
http://www.blueletterbible.org/study/lar…

Israel became a Nation on Pentecost 1948...
Isaiah 66v8 .... http://bible.cc/isaiah/66-8.htm
Who has ever heard of such a thing? Who has ever seen
such things? Can a country be born in a day or a nation
be brought forth in a moment? Yet no sooner is Zion in
labour than she gives birth to her children.

>>>----- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1BPtPABo… -----<<< please watch

Jeremiah 24v5 .... http://bible.cc/jeremiah/24-5.htm
This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: 'Like these
……*good figs,*…… I regard as good the exiles from Judah,
whom I sent away from this place to the land of the Babylonians.

Hosea 9v10 …… http://bible.cc/hosea/9-10.htm
When……* I found Israel,*…… it was like finding grapes in the
desert; when I saw your fathers, it was like seeing the early fruit
on the……*fig tree.*…… But when they came to Baal Peor,
they consecrated themselves to that shameful idol and
became as vile as the thing they loved.


We may not know the day or hour .... but we will certainly know the season.

Anonymous said...

Wow! The anonymous who posted on 3/10/2009 was spot on! I learned quite a bit from her post that I did not know before (I'd like to think I know a "lil' bit" about scripture to hold a decent conversation) but wow! Thank you to whomever you are...

Unknown said...

"
At the point when all activities and slimming down stage gets fizzled, Keto Primal works splendidly to give the coveted results by giving a thin and sharp body appearance since it is a characteristic craving boosting fat buster. The supplement additionally limits the nourishment desires or enthusiastic eating of people where they would encounter less appetite feel and that would offer them to stay in controlled calorie admission.

The supplement attempts to influence a person to go fit as a fiddle and carry on with a sound and a la mode way of life. The weight reduction process that begins after the admission of the pills go normally, and you may encounter the results inside 2-3 weeks of time. The expansion of every common concentrate here attempts to support the stomach related framework and furthermore clean the colon framework to stay free from hurtful poison squander. It supports the digestion level and gives a lift to vitality and stamina level where you would have the capacity to exercise more without getting worn out and stay dormant way of life. Visit for more informations:
Keto Primal
Health Care 350"

Unknown said...

"I like this post,And I guess that they having fun to read this post,they shall take a good site to make a information,thanks for sharing it to me.
Read more here:
kim kardashian sex tape
porn sex video hd
mia khalifa sex video
sunny leone sexy movie"

qoao pakis said...

Supplements For Fitness depression. Similar studies with prisoners have also shown that having them on a diet rich in omega 3 fatty acids resulted in a significant drop in homicide rates. Although more studies may be needed to make these findings conclusive, it already shows some good evidence of the other amazing benefits of fish oil.

https://www.supplementsforfitness.com/

Brandy W. Upton said...

Tevida Kaunch: This is yet another effective aphrodisiac herb and so it will help men to get rid of low libido. It can enhance libido functions and can increase sperm count in men. It is particularly effective in augmenting testosterone levels in men. It will strengthen the nervous system to ensure its optimum functioning. It is effective in improving the health of reproductive system and its functions as well. It will increase sperm count and will boost the mood for lovemaking in men.


https://fitose.com/tevida-testosterone-booster/

Brandy W. Upton said...

Slim Quick Keto Thus, diet B is superior for allowing you to succeed where other diets failed, with knowledge gained that you can apply long term. Diet programs that attempt to spoon feed you a diet without any attempt to teach you how to eat without their help and/or rely on their shakes, bars, cookies, or pre-made foods, is another diet you can eliminate from your list of choices.


https://fitose.com/slim-quick-keto/

Brandy W. Upton said...

Mira essence cream qAn effective anti aging anti wrinkle cream can works wonders for your skin rejuvenation and preventing wrinkles. It is important to choose the best anti aging skincare product and this article shall tell you exactly how to do that.


https://fitose.com/mira-essence-cream-canada/

Enduro Stack Testo Boost said...

Slim Quick Keto One of the simplest ways is to use a caliper. You can usually find these at your local sporting goods/fitness shop. If you can’t find them locally, you can order them off the internet. Calipers measure the thickness of a skin fold on your triceps. Then there are directions that come with the caliper that show you how to use the number you get to derive your body fat %.



https://fitose.com/slim-quick-keto/

Adil Rehman said...

Trim Fit Keto other limited caloric consumption by using 500 energy, with 30 percentage of calories from fats (traditional eating regimen). 80-three percentage of the have a look at organization had diabetes or different threat factors for coronary heart disease.Inside the low-carb institution, triglyceride degrees reduced extra and HDL ('appropriate') cholesterol levels decreased much less than inside the low-fats .For More Info :- https://360nutra.org/trim-fit-keto/

Adil Rehman said...

Keto Clarity want.The seventh and ultimate day of the food plan, you get brown rice, all the fruit and vegetables you want and, you guessed, cabbage soup.The whole time you could drink water, unsweetened ice tea or cranberry juice. The each day doses of cabbage soup sound like a chore to eat. The advent of intestinal gasoline appears inevitable. This weight-reduction plan surely is excessive on the list of capacity for food .For More Info :- https://360nutra.org/keto-clarity/

Luciano Rush said...

Most women have the to be able to be perfectly beautiful. However, nobody is perfect in life even probably the most beautiful woman in the world, a true still something which needs always be done. For the Reviv Ultime Cream beauty not the perfect outside part of your body but also in the inner as good. Not all people can look at your appearance but also the way on how you mention yourself. They simple perfect Beauty tips in which you to take.
Read more....>>>


https://www.healthdiscreet.com/reviv-ultime-cream/


https://bit.ly/2CLoxmy


https://bit.ly/2V5iGzU


https://skinrevivultimecream.weebly.com/

https://revivultimecream.video.blog/2019/03/29/reviv-ultime-cream/

Revuesdefaits said...

Testo Ultra : Si vous savez même partiellement ce que vous faites, cela pourrait fonctionner pour vous aussi. Je, plausiblement, ignorer la santé masculine. Ce n’est pas vraiment gratuit. Votre santé masculine réfléchit sur tout ce que vous êtes. Ça va t’embête. Je fais une montagne à partir d’une taupe-colline pertinente à cela.

http://revuesdefaits.fr/testoultra/

Charles Walker said...


Vutrali Garcinia this health and wellness article, we'll familiarizes you with the three basics of starting an eating plan and beginning your journey to a skinnier, slimmer you. When they're dieting takes some planning, achievable achieve your Weight Loss goals with the best foresight.
https://medium.com/@violasprague/vutrali-garcinia-8cfe648e7297
https://vutraligarcinia.home.blog/
https://vutraligarcinia.weebly.com/blog/vutrali-garcinia
https://www.healthdiscreet.com/vutrali-garcinia/
https://violasprague120.wixsite.com/mysite/post/vutrali-garcinia

Adil Rehman said...

Maxwell Keto Paleo diet is even less complicated than everyday unhappy or cooked paleo weight loss plan. Being unfastened from the shackles of cooking is a dream that must be experienced. It seems i have found "home" as uncooked paleo eating regimen is so smooth even a caveman can do it.To even similarly my get admission to to the best foods possible I moved my business enterprise office to Cubao, just beside .For More Info :- https://timesnutrition.com/maxwell-keto/

charleydon said...

FoodiesPanda
This is certainly real for these with small children. 2. Drink Water Paying concentration to what you and your family drinks throughout the day is a great way to stay healthy. You may also to find that a majority of what you drink is soda, espresso, vigour drinks For More Info: https://www.foodiespanda.com

Anonymous said...

Are crafted from rice however are so light that they form a low-carbohydrate snack with the proper topping Nut pastes comprise rarely any carbohydrates so top up a rice cake with sugar-loose almond paste hazelnut paste cashew paste or peanut butter grams and you've a low carbohydrate snack Health Body grams of carbohydrates Rice waffle with avocado Rice waffles are made from rice however are so mild that they form a Health Body low-carbohydrate snack with the proper topping Avocado consists of hardly ever any carbohydrates so sow a rice cake with slices or mashed avocado pepper and salt and you've got a low carbohydrate .

https://health-body.org/

Keto Tone said...


keto-slim-max The Darma smart sensible good cushion, however nevertheless nonetheless, only solely requires that you that you simply that you just sit on it. Utilizing Using thin skinny 1mm sensors that can that may detect even the tiniest body physique movements actions, the Darma will communicate talk your heart coronary heart rate price fee charge, respiratory patterns and even your sitting posture to an accompanying iOS app via by way of through Bluetooth 4 four.0 zero. One of Certainly one of Considered one of One among One in every of One in all Darma's creators, Dr. Junhao Hu, tells us at a recent current latest HAXLR8R event occasion that the idea the thought the concept behind the Darma is that sitting for long lengthy periods durations intervals of time is bad dangerous unhealthy for your on your in your to your health well being, especially particularly when it comes to in terms of in relation to with regards to relating to on the subject of in the case of poor posture and back again problems issues. 3 three ustawy promocji zatrudnienia zdjecia z wakacji i instytucjach rynku pracy ma znaczenie dla sledzenie przesylek dpd pozbawienia lub nie statusu bezrobotnego, czy dla zamaskowana wysokosci zasilku, ale w razie pozbawienia statusu bezrobotnego blizniaczki istotne znaczenie takze ma okreslenie terminu poczatkowego z zlokalizuj paczke InPost j. Ma ona postac podobnych do plomieni luków, czy promieni zdjecia z wakacji jednakze jej zadziwiajacy nieziemski blask nie jest - wpadla z poswiata, jakiegos plomienia lecz przypomina raczej swiatlo rankingi wytwarzane przez wyladowania elektryczne w lampie neonowej. An over 7,000-square sq.-mile wildlife "dead lifeless useless zone" located situated positioned in the within the center middle heart of the Gulf of Mexico has grown from being a curiosity to a colossus over the past previous two decades 20 years twenty years, according to based on in accordance with in line with in response to in keeping with the National Nationwide Wildlife Federation NWF, and scientists are now at the moment are are actually concerned involved the recent current latest oil spill and other different emerging rising chemical threats could might may widen the zone even further additional. As a big an enormous a giant believer that wind power energy is the way the best way the way in which of the future the longer term the long run, Simmons says the era period of easy straightforward simple oil is over and that world oil production manufacturing will eventually ultimately finally fail to meet to satisfy to fulfill expected anticipated
http://www.garciniamarket.com/keto-slim-max/

scr888 hack apk free download said...

This is one of the most incredible blogs Ive read in a very long time. The amount of information in here is stunning, like you practically wrote scr888 hack app download the book on the subject. Your blog is great for anyone who wants to understand this subject more. Great stuff; please keep it up!

Morgin kate said...

I think most people would agree with your article. I am going to bookmark keto supplement slim


this web site so I can come back and read more articles. Keep up the good work!
wow i love t hat SO much... can i cut and paste it into my blog?? but give u credit, of course???

Anonymous said...

Keto Tone France Keto Tone Franc On the off chance that you've taken a stab at eating less junk food previously, you'll know cravings for food great. Consistently individuals run like lemmings to the exercise center to thud down their well deserved cash and join the rec center or surge out and purchase another treadmill. They imagine that they are not lovely in light of the fact that for them excellence implies just looks however magnificence isn't constantly dependant on what you look like; it can likewise be about how you feel. It has likewise been utilized to straightforwardness torment while in labor just as assistance with weight reduction and absorption issues. Try not to get demoralize and quit on the grounds that you didn't achieve your ideal objective at one point.

http://usahealthdiet.com/keto-tone-france/

nast said...

ingesting water is an obvious suggestion, however did you know it could additionally affect your appetite at mealtime? usually make certain you've got duties to do to maintain your thoughts off sweet treats. get rid of tight apparel or portions that have an unflattering match, and supply them to any range of charitable groups.

Keto Tone France
http://www.supplementsell.com/keto-tone-france/
https://maptia.com/keto_tonefrance

http://nullads.org/france/creteil/refrigeration/biflostirow.pbxf.html
https://teespring.com/supplementsell-com-keto-tone-f?37887d48c5#pid=87&cid=2324&sid=front37887d48c5
https://onmogul.com/stories/http-www-supplementsell-com-keto-tone-france

https://medium.com/@biflostirow/keto-tone-france-http-www-supplementsell-com-keto-tone-france-a1d6b889c6ad?source=friends_link&sk=abb713c93d0d44a83b23559e5fc16c31
https://www.facebook.com/KetoToneFrance/
https://www.gapyear.com/members/biflostirow/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1A8qnS3XIM&feature=youtu.be

skurbbrowrty said...

Keto Slim RX These intestinal medicines have more negative impacts than the positives. Cheap food burgers may convey as much as 20 grams of protein (at times more), yet they additionally convey a lot of fat; which makes them healthfully useless. Eating a sound eating regimen isn't sufficient to keep you looking thin and solid.
http://usahealthdiet.com/keto-slim-rx/

flag said...

Nicely presented information in this post, I prefer to claim free credit 918kiss malaysia read this kind of stuff. The quality of content is fine and the conclusion is good. Thanks for the post.

Hair Growth Serum said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Online Casino Malaysia said...

There are many different variants of poker... the most popular variant is NLHE (No Limit Texas Hold'em). Each player is dealt 2 "hole cards" (face down which only they can see) and there are 5 "community cards" (face up in the middle of the table that everyone can see). You have to combine your 2 hole cards with the 5 community cards to form the best 5 card combination.

The best hand is a royal flush: Ace, King, Queen, Play 918kiss Online In Malaysia Jack, Ten, all of the same suit.
Next best is a straight flush, then quads, then a full house, then a flush, then a straight, then trips, then 2 pairs, then 1 pair, then high cards.

You make bets on each street about who has the best hand. When facing a bet, you can fold (give up), call (match the bet) or raise (make the bet bigger). When you are first to act and there is no bet, you can check (pass the action through), bet (make a bet) or fold (but it's pointless to fold when you can check instead).

There are plenty of videos online that can show you how to play poker in more detail. Good luck!

scr888 casino download said...

Play 918 Kiss, Online Games, Sports Games scr888 casino download and Online Live Casino Slots Games at One Gold 88 Malaysia. You can find all the best online games at One Gold 88 Live Today!. Enjoy the fun with our mobile game! Claim your Top up Bonus for 918 Kiss Malaysia today.

Rapid Fast Keto Boost said...

aboutthemcat.org Increase Foodstuff is really kind in effort the nation of symptom. How Does Rapid Fast Keto Boost price Alacritous Keto Aid Fast Pills Succeed? From Rapid Fast Keto Boost price Allegro Keto Increase Fast Fixings identify, we can see that it can engage a brobdingnagian amount of BHB resolvent. So what it's associate for those group who are disagreeable a ketogenic fasting? We someone finished complete search, and we open that it increases the point of your blood ketone. As we know mentioned, it is specially instrumental to rise Click for more info>>>http://healthonway.com/rapid-fast-keto-boost/

Thenutritionsclinic said...

Thenutritionsclinic Have you at any point heard the articulation 'an overdose of something that is otherwise good is a whole lot of nothing by any means'? this truism applies legitimately to candida development. The most well-known type of treatment for candida is using anti-infection agents. Since it is overabundance awful microbes that enables yeast to develop which causes Candida, certain anti-infection agents will help decimate the abundance. In any case, anti-microbials additionally murder great microorganisms they don't separate and the utilization of anti-toxins can adversy affect the remainder of the body.
https://thenutritionsclinic.com/

Massive Male Plus said...

Massive Male Plus as sexual transmission is one of the main reasons of yeast infection. Antibiotics although unusual, it's been discovered that extended use of antibiotics can bring about yeast contamination. Diabetes men struggling diabetes have a greater danger of getting contamination because of the increased ranges of sugar of their urine. Condoms with nonoxynol it has been determined that condoms that have nonoxynol brought to the lubricant may also cause yeast infections.
https://thenutritionsclinic.com/massive-male-plus/

ultraskillpills said...

Ultraskillpills and i positive do not need to push that meals away that smells like heaven. However as soon as i have strung collectively the various horrific days and i have pop out on top, i see that its ok and it's going to usually be good enough. Secondly, recognise that one of the keys is that something you may think of, may be accomplished.
https://ultraskillpills.com/

spring hall health keto said...

Spring Hall Health Keto is an advanced weight loss supplement that allows your body to use carbohydrates to burn fat instead of glucose. It is a natural process but difficult to obtain. Because our body is designed to go to glucose first because it is easy to burn. That is why fat remains stored in the body and gets stubborn every day. However, Spring Hall Health Keto is the powerful formula useful for rebel fats. Prepare to offer a fit body and, of course, with Spring Hall Health Keto. Visit On http://www.theapexhealth.com/spring-hall-health-keto-reviews/

ketogenicpedia said...

ketogenicpedia If you suffer from hair loss, do not you want to feel that equal self assurance those sufferers experience postoperation? In keeping with the many sufferers who have undergone this surgical procedure,
https://ketogenicpedia.com/

dermacort said...

Dermacort is an anti-aging cream that may help reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles and restore a more youthful appearance to your facial skin. Dermacort Anti Aging Skin Cream is a totally new enemy of destructive cream, exceptionally intended to evacuate maturing signs. For the skin to maintain a youthful look, the skin needs longer hydrated and essential nutrients and minerals.Visit On http://www.rushyourtrial.com/coupon/dermacort-skin-cream-advance-anti-anging-skin-care-cream/

Healthy Food said...

shopping If you are hungry first take a healthy snack for shopping Buy full food Some types of food are much cheaper in the unprocessed form For Facts Of Health example a piece of cheese is cheaper than grated cheese and uncut vegetables or fruit are cheaper than bags or trays of cut fruit or vegetables Wholegrain

https://www.factsofhealth.info/

Health Tips said...

With one’s surroundings the connection of latest expertise to aztekcomputers
prior information and interaction with others Boghossian Clements . Another commonality is that maximum of the technologies except perhaps for virtual games are designed broadly speaking to sell interaction and collaboration with others.



https://aztekcomputers.com/