http://ichthys.com/ 
Eschatology Issues CLXVI

Question #1:
Dr. Luginbill,

I have been reading the teaching on your website for about four years now. I found Ichthys while I was looking for information regarding the translation and interpretation of Daniel 11:37. I've since read through the SR and CT series a couple of times, as well as the other series, and read the emails each week. I cannot tell you how grateful I am that you have done all that you have with this ministry. God obviously gifts each of us with abilities and you have put your gifts of languages, analysis, writing, and teaching to good use. It is obviously a life's work and one that has undoubtedly been a blessing to numerous believers over the years. I wish I'd found it sooner, but then again I probably wouldn't have been spiritually mature enough to benefit from it if I had.

In addition to saying thank you for what you do with Ichthys, I also had two questions and a comment. The comment first.

Comment: Recently, instead of re-reading, I decided to listen to the audio files of the SR and CT series', since I have had a lot of traveling to do over the past few weeks. The quality is superb by the way.

Question 1: I have largely avoided much speculation regarding specificities of real world happenings as they might apply to setting the table for future prophecy fulfilment. But, I have been trying to keep my eyes open more as we enter into the 2026 ceremonial calendar. For years, I have told my wife that I didn't understand how the events described could take place with such rapidity given the current state of the world at whatever point in time I was thinking about it. It just seemed like so many things would have to take place before any of those prophesied things could start happening and that there wasn't enough time for those type of big "table setting" events to occur. This was obviously very naive and presumptuous of me. Well, my mindset started to change regarding "table setting" in late 2023 with the Gaza/Hamas invasion. Since then, there has been a near constant string of events that will continue to have repercussions at a large scale for years. Anyway, that was a long-winded way to ask if you have any thoughts on the new conflict between Israel/US and Iran as it relates to the geopolitics described in Revelation?

Question 2: I have seen you mention a message board a few times in your Q&A's. Is there a way to apply for membership to the board?

Once again, high quality bible-based bible teaching is nearly impossible to find, so thank you for all you do.
Response #1:
Great to make your acquaintance, and thanks for all the encouragement!

On the audio files, our friend Chris B. is the one who has done ALL of the hard work putting these things together at his own expense (and some help with the latter from some other backers of this ministry).

On questions #1, re: "so many things would have to take place before any of those prophesied things could start happening and that there wasn't enough time for those type of big 'table setting' events to occur", believe me, I've felt the same way so I don't think it's naive or presumptuous view – just a reasonable observation. 

The truth is, we don't know how much of what is necessary will happen before and how much directly after the Tribulation begins, but it is a good bet that more will happen afterwards than before. 2nd Thessalonians 2:3 tells us that antichrist himself – who is obviously key to the developments of those seven years – will not be "revealed" until the Tribulation is underway. Whether or not the person who will turn out to be the beast will even be on the "celebrity radar" before it begins is unknown. Possibly (that would be a big "plate" on the table-setting). But possibly not. Because of the removal of the Holy Spirit's restraining ministry (link in SR2 and link in CT 2B), whatever is impossible (or seemingly so) before hand will be eminently possible after the commencement, whether that happens very soon or whether the timeline is pushed back seven years or whatever happens. 

In any case, it's salutary for believers to be prepared for whatever comes, meaning, continuing spiritual growth on a broad front (Basics, Peter, Hebrews, etc., are all also good to get under one's belt – it's a lot, I know, I know).
"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."
Matthew 24:32 NIV
Things may not be summer-hot, but they certainly do seem to be getting warmer by the day.

I will send an email to our forum moderator, Steven T., and ask him to send you an invite. Let me know if you don't hear back after a week or so please.
[n.b., there is now a "Community options for online fellowship" page at Ichthys for more information about all this (at the link)].
And please feel free to write me any time.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #2:
Thank you for the quick response and the comments. I have to keep in mind that everything works on God’s timetable (i.e. the perfect timetable). So whether I’m lamenting how evil everything seems or wondering how things could possibly kick off so soon…it’s all under perfect control.

Thank you for forwarding me to the forum moderator. I will keep an eye out for the email regarding the forum. 

Thanks again I will keep in touch. 

Thank you,
Response #2:
My pleasure.

Re: "everything works on God’s timetable". That is something we all always need to keep in mind. Nothing that happens ever happens without the foreknowledge of God. Everything has been decreed by Him before anything was created, otherwise it could not happen. There is free will, indeed, and God's perfect plan has incorporated every single human and angelic choice, every deed, word and thought, into it. Decreeing the movements of every single molecule, atom and subatomic particle in the universe from the beginning to the end was easy compared to that, namely, coordinating what goes on unseen in the spiritual realm. And the most difficult thing, of course, was paying for this creation of His the price that endowing creatures with free will would inevitably cost: the spiritual death of God's only Son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

So, yes, everything will happen just as it has been ordained to happen. We are blessed to have been given so much information about what will happen ahead of time. But there is plenty, in terms of texture and specifics, that we cannot know before the time. All the more reason to make learning to trust God absolutely in all things a top priority.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #3:
Hello Professor,

How are you doing? I hope all is well with you! Sounds like we both may have some shoveling to do shortly! Anyway, I have a question about the Olivet discourse. In Matthew 24:3, the boys ask Jesus "Tell us when will these things be (I am assuming they mean that Jesus had just told them the temple would be destroyed?), and what would be the sign of your coming (parousia?) and of the end of the age?

My question is what did they mean by the "end of the age?"

Did they mean:
1) the end of the "Jewish" age (the priesthood and temple worship being officially discontinued with the destruction of the temple) (or did the Jewish age end when Jesus was born?)
2) the end of the "church age" (including the 7-year tribulation)
3) the end of the "millennial reign of Christ" (when the Father brings the New Heavens and the New Earth)

The reason I ask is, the ESV and NIV have the "end of the age" and the KJV has "the end of the world" 

Also, do you think that the disciples knew at that point, or for that matter even Paul, that the church age would last for two-thousand years?

Thanks for any help! No hurries on this!

Keeping you in my prayers!

Your brother in Christ Jesus!
Response #3:
Good to hear from you!

On your question, here's what the last part of Matthew says:
(17) And when they saw Him, they worshiped [Him], but some [of them still] had doubts. (18)Then Jesus came over and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me, (19) so go and make all nations my followers by baptizing them into the Person (lit., “Name”) of the Father and [into the Person] of the Son and [into the Person] of the Holy Spirit, (20) [and] by teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you all the days until the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:17-20
The Greek here is identical to what you find in Matthew 24:3. What did the disciples think they meant by this when they used the phrase? I think the very fact that they were asking Jesus questions about it means that they weren't exactly sure. At least they understood that Jesus was the Messiah in spite of the fact that He had not appeared in conquering glory, and that put them miles ahead of their contemporaries. Most people at that time wanted the Messiah without the Suffering Servant, the "Hosanna!" without the "Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani!" In other words, the contemporary opinion was that the Messiah would return at some unknown time and that would be that, the second advent without the first – even though as James in Acts 15 and Paul in Romans 10 demonstrate clearly enough that the salvation of the gentiles was always predicted in scripture to occur first. 

What Jesus says in Matthew 28:20, however, makes it clear that "the end of the age" is the end of the entire period of time until after He returns and then to the end of time. In other words, the true "end" is the end of human history, whereas the disciples were only looking forward to and asking about what was next. So our Lord tells them everything but it seems that as with many things (at that moment they had no idea about the cross and the need for Him to die for all of our sins, after all), before the coming of the Spirit their understanding of what He told them was minimal and the benefit more for us now than for them then.

We find this identical phrase, "end of the age", also at the conclusion of both the parables of the wheat and tares and of the dragnet:
“The enemy who sowed them is the devil, the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are the angels."
Matthew 13:39 NKJV

“So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come forth, separate the wicked from among the just."
Matthew 13:49 NKJV
In each case above, our Lord is speaking of the end of the Millennium.

In terms of who knew what when, scripture does not tell us directly about the length of the Church Age; that is something that has to be derived by way of interpretation (i.e., from the seven day millennia and from the Jewish calendar). So it's fair to say that while Paul and co. were looking forward to the return of Christ, they also knew that the Tribulation would come first, and that the "blessed hope" on the other side of it could be a fair time in the future. Did anyone posit 2,000 years? It's not in scripture, and there would be good reason for the Spirit not to reveal that information in that way. It's not for no reason, after all, that Revelation insists on the rapid return of the Lord (e.g., Rev.3:11; 16:15), namely, to help us stay on our toes. Cf.:
"But if that servant says in his heart, ‘My master is delaying his coming,’ and begins to beat the male and female servants, and to eat and drink and be drunk, the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the unbelievers."
Luke 12:45-46 NKJV
Notice also that in Matthew 24 our Lord doesn't answer the question about "the end of the age" directly (no doubt because they didn't yet understand about the two advents and the Church Age in between), but instead tells them about the events that will take place before His second advent return instead, giving them and, more to the point, us information that will be helpful in staying faithful so as not to be surprised by the troubles ahead, and so as to be able to endure until He returns and that we may rule with Him . . . until "the end of the age".
“And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations—‘He shall rule them with a rod of iron; They shall be dashed to pieces like the potter’s vessels’—as I also have received from My Father;
Revelation 2:26-27 NKJV
Re: "shoveling", yes. We've got up to about two feet of snow predicted and they're not equipped to handle that. Looks like we're going to be off on Monday here in Louisville.

Thanks for the prayers! Keeping you and yours in mine as well, my friend.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #4:
Thanks for this doc! Much appreciated. Hope you’re staying warm and all was well through the storm. We only lost power for five hours and only received about eight inches of snow, so no big deal here, just stupid cold ever since. Thankful God didn’t create me to be an Eskimo! Stay safe! You’re in my prayers!
Response #4:
Amen to that! I try never to complain about the heat here in KY . . . because I can take the heat no matter how hot, but this cold! Everyone seems to be getting sick up here now we're finally getting out and about at single digits in the daytime. First day back at U of L tomorrow. That ought to be interesting (haven't seen my students for a week!).

Glad you got your power back so quick! Up here if it goes out for more than a few minutes, it's usually a LONG time before it comes back.

Thanks for those prayers! Keeping you in mine as well, my friend.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #5:
Re: "Maybe not yet" this fall - just wondering what your thoughts are on that at the moment?

Hope you made good progress on your to do list today.

Flak is dispelling - the Lord helped me loads today. Thanks for your prayers!

In Jesus
Response #5:
Good news about the flak letting up a bit over there – some of it seems to have migrated over here at the moment.

But it was a good day. I did finish everything on the list. I still have a few things to do with the talk (like rehearse it), but I did get the power point done. I also completed the "track" presentation for the major, got to all my class prep, grading and also produced the last batch of exams. A good thing too. There's not much time remaining. On top of all that I got the front yard mowed. It really needed it what with the warm weather and lots of prior moisture. Still get a little tired out with physical activity more so than before surgery but it's coming around. Not bad for about a month later.  God is good!  He is the One who has gotten me through it all (Ps.115:1).

We'll have to see about the "maybe not yet". If we have a nuclear war starting in about an hour our time, that would certainly color my perspective. Wish I was joking about that. A lot has been happening that might lend itself to a "quick start" next fall. Personally, I'm conflicted about it. On the one hand, not having it happen would be very nice, obviously. On the other hand, it has to start if we're going to get to the resurrection and the Lord's return. God's will will be done either way. Our job is to be ready for whatever comes. If we do get a seven year respite, I'm definitely going to have to start taking better care of myself if I expect to make it that long!

Thanks for your prayers too, my friend!

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #6:
Hi Bob,

I'm happy to hear you finished everything on the list. I think you're doing so well considering it's only about a month since your surgery. I think you'll really feel the benefit from the summer break too.

No nuclear war - not yet anyway. But a lot has been happening and I remind myself to remain alert and continue to prepare spiritually for what's ahead - whenever that may be.

Wishing you all the best for your talk tomorrow, Bob. Then that's another one you can tick off the list!

Keeping you in my prayers and thanks for yours too.

In Jesus
Response #6:
We never know what we're going to find these days when we pick up our newspaper every morning (modern version: open our news app). All the present trouble really does illustrate how quickly things can change, however. I think the speed of change is markedly more rapid than was the case even in recent memory. That will no doubt accelerate even much more once it actually begins (link). Staying alert and continuing to prepare spiritually is absolutely the best course of action – and I commend you for seeing things with such clarity, my friend!

I think I'm "good to go" for tomorrow. It will be an interesting experience, that's for sure. Did I mention this is my least favorite thing to do in the whole academic career deal?

Thanks for those prayers. You are in mine every day as well. 

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #7:
Hi Bob,

I think you're right about the speed at which things can change. And I truly believe that once things really begin, we'll see changes happen at a speed unlike anything we've ever experienced before. It would be easy to think that we've got a certain amount of time before the Tribulation begins and get a bit complacent about our spiritual growth and preparation. We need to make the most of the time we have now and not waste it. We want to be wise virgins and not foolish ones (Matt.25:1-13).
How did your talk go?
Hope you have a great weekend!

In Jesus
Response #7:
This is so right-on, spiritually level-headed, my friend! Hope you don't mind me posting it.

Things are so busy and so rattled at the moment, it would be really easy to lose focus. I'm very glad for your reminders!

The talk on "Spartan Humor" went very well! I used Winston Churchill as an example of being good at "one upping" others with humor (a Spartan characteristic). The three examples I used:

1) Upbraided for ending his sentences with prepositions: "That is a rule 'up with which' I will not put".
2) Lady Astor: “If you were my husband, I’d poison your tea.” “Madam, if I were your husband, I’d drink it.”
3) George Bernard Shaw To Churchill: “I am enclosing two tickets to the first night of my new play; bring a friend—if you have one.” Churchill replied: “Cannot possibly attend first night; will attend second—if there is one.”

But I am glad that's over with and now it's downhill for two weeks and then . . . summer break (research and gardening)!

I appreciate your prayers, my friend. I felt the support today.

Prayers for you and the job and all other things for you and your family.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #8:
Hi Bob,

We reached the weekend!

It was a busy week for me but I got through okay. Quite a busy weekend ahead too. 

How did your week go?  Just one more week to go for you.

Some interesting events out there in the world again this week. Seems to get crazier by the minute. I'm observing it all.

Keeping you in my prayers and thanks so much for yours too.

In Jesus
Response #8:
It was a tough one! On Wednesday, the temperature in my classroom hit high 80's by the end of the day and very humid. Today was better in terms of temp (high 70's) and they had responded to my plaintive cries and fixed the in room computer. 
Also had a nasty incident on Thursday coming back from the store. A utility truck bounced a large piece of metal right in front of the car without any opportunity to completely avoid it and it tore a large rip in the under-cover. It will be expensive but doable to get it fixed. It could have been a lot worse! If it had bounced up to windshield level . . . 

God looks out for us.

Re: "Seems to get crazier by the minute." As we say over here, "You can't make this stuff up". Of course, nothing that is happening guarantees that "this is the year", but I also think that you are right to be "observing" – as we all should be. I've noticed that there is a major asteroid on track to pass close to earth in April 2029 (Apophis), and another one in June of the preceding year (153814: 2001 WN5). Those would line up pretty closely with the suggested timelines for the second and third trumpet judgments of warning, but, again, they might mean nothing. We just have to stay ready. But the "craziness", as you correctly term it, does tell us clearly that 1) things can happen quickly, and 2) we sure can't count on people not to react in crazy ways, ways that would precipitate the conditions necessary for the Tribulation and for carrying out everything prophesied about it – especially after the Holy Spirit releases His restraint (link).

Keeping you in my prayers, my friend. Thanks much for your!

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #9:
Hi Bob,

I'm so sorry to hear about the nasty incident with the utility truck but so thankful to the Lord for looking out for you. 
What you said about the asteroids is very interesting. I've just recently been reading over the trumpet judgments again. We'll keep watching and stay ready and see what happens. Once the Holy Spirit releases his restraint, it'll be craziness like we've never seen before!

I'm glad to hear that you're putting up some limits on the "small things" because otherwise they can amass into one pretty big thing. Keeping you and yours in pray (prayer) for all things.

Keeping you in my prayers and thanks for yours too!

In Jesus
Response #9:
Thanks – yes, God got me through. 
I'm also very curious, if that is the right word, to see what happens in the fall. If it weren't for Revelation 8:5, it would be conceivable that we wouldn't even know for certain that the seven years had started. As it is, people will no doubt go into denial five minutes after the "thunderous voices, flashes of lightning and [worldwide] earthquake". Even many believers, I'm guessing.

Have a good week! 

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #10:
Hi Bob,

I know you've written about this but for the life of me, I can't find it. What Jewish festival is the likely beginning of the Trib?

Things seem to be degenerating at an accelerating rate and insanity doesn't seem to be directly addressed in scripture. (I'm currently in Ezekiel and the picture he paints is grim.) I assume the insanity is lumped under the term "evil."

Thanks

In our Lord Jesus,
P.S. My neighbor is beginning to look into what you've written; I recommended BB to start but she has the link to your web site. That she's beginning to question and look, I see as a positive sign. My experience with conventional churches had little to do with the bible. I don't know anything about the church she attends, but I do believe she's a believer.
Response #10:
That's great news about your neighbor!

Here's the link to where I talk about the festivals and their eschatological meaning: The Jewish Ceremonial Calendar. In a nutshell, it's Rosh Hashanna, the Feast of Trumpets. From SR 5: "the feast of Trumpets represents and marks the beginning of the tribulational period of seven years, and the blasts sounded thereon represent God's warning to the world of impending judgment."

Thanks for those prayers!

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #11:
Hi Bob,

Does the current Jewish calendar reflect the calendar used in 65 AD? Specifically, does this year's Rosh Hashanah accurately reflect the date as used in ancient Israel?

In our Lord,
Response #11:
The current Jewish calendar wasn't set up until at least the 2nd century A.D. by Jewish scholars and scribes of that era (link). So we can't have any confidence that, as you ask, this fall's Rosh Hashana as it is celebrated is the actual new year in terms of God's calendar. It does take place in the fall, however, "on the first day of the seventh month" (Lev.23:23: Rosh Hashana = Feast of Trumpets), so while we can't count on a particular day, we can be pretty confident that if anything happens it will happen well before November.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #12:
Thanks Bob,

I suspected the dates were bogus. This year, it's to be 9/11-9/13.

I pray all is well up there and you're staying warm.

In Jesus,
Response #12:
August, September and October are possibilities (since the calculation for the seventh month is based on the lunar cycle). 

So I don't think we will be able stop holding our breath just yet at that point. But if we make it to November, we've no doubt been given a respite.

Bundling up for sure!

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #13:
Good evening, my dear Professor,

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to provide an update regarding my __’s health issues which we are pleased to report have been resolved. It is with gratitude that we can now remove this matter from the prayer list, and we are thankful for the prayers extended by so many.

I was having a chat with Gemini to get it to find this answer for me, but it could not. I hope you don't mind. It has done pretty well in helping me at other times. Anyway, it says that you did not specify as to the specific date or festival that starts the tribulation. I thought it was the Feast of Trumpets, but Gemini says you did not specify this beyond saying "the fall" of 2026. Perhaps I have deduced this myself, but I want you to verify.

According to the calendar on my wall, this year Rosh Hashanah falls on 9/11. Does this date line up with the biblical calendar? Or should we stay flexible here?

As always, we pray "Thy kingdom come," and are eagerly anticipating our Lord’s arrival.

Yours in our Lord,
[omitted]
Response #13:
That's terrific news! I've put an update on the request. How is your health?

No worries using AI. If anyone out there isn't taking advantage of this tool it's analogous in my book to resisting getting a smartphone (which admittedly I did for many years). It's just tech. We do have to recognize AI for what it is and also understand its very significant limitations, but if I have to take out a tree and have a chain saw, why should I struggle with an axe?

As to your question, here is what I do say in SR 5:
"Thus the feast of Trumpets represents and marks the beginning of the tribulational period of seven years, and the blasts sounded thereon represent God's warning to the world of impending judgment."
Trumpets is also Rosh Hashanah, or Jewish New Year. This year, you are correct, according to the Anno Mundi calendar, the traditional Jewish one (see the link), that will occur at sunset on September 11. But before we get too excited about specific days, this calendar only dates back to the 2nd century A.D. at the earliest, so there is no guarantee that it is actually "God's calendar". When God's "New Year" will begin could be a different day. 
"Speak to the children of Israel, saying: ‘In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you shall have a sabbath-rest, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, a holy convocation."
Leviticus 23:24 NKJV
August 12, September 10 (not the 11th), and October 10 are the new moons "in the window" this year, but again, we've talked before about the fact that 2026 is an interpretation. I'm as curious about what will happen this fall as anyone else! We need to be prepared for both possibilities. "Staying flexible" on things that are not absolutely spelled out in scripture (interpretations and applications) is always the best policy. 

Plenty of good Christians have health issues. It's part of the testing we receive here in cosmos diabolicus. 

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #14:
Wow that says a lot... the busiest year after 35 years! Yikes! And you still give time to correspond like this. 

Yeah I'm trying to decide the top 2 or 3 to print from that series to go over with my kids 5 to 11... to read it/summarize it for them. Any suggestions? Thinking christology, soterioloy... to begin at least. 

Do you think there's a good chance the trio, if things begin in the fall, (thunder, lightning, earthquake) would happen on the feast of trumpets itself? Was thinking about that. 
Response #14:
I think it's all too dense for a five year old. The Peter series might be a bit more suitable in the early going, but it gets denser as the installments go on (see the link). 

Have you ever checked out Pastor Omo's "Bible Academy" (at the link)? A large number of his studies are specifically designed for children (CS is his designation for "children's studies").
[p.s., special appeal to any and all who have felt the need to contribute to this ministry over the years but have been unable to do so (because it doesn't accept them): please consider blessing Bible Academy with your godly generosity.]
In terms of the exact dating of the Tribulation, even if we were to decide on precisely which day of the fall festival cluster the Tribulation should begin (Trumpets does that in terms of symbolism; link), that wouldn't really help us pin things down because we can't say for certain when, e.g., the Day of Atonement is in God's reckoning. The calendar currently in use by modern day Judaism does not date back even to our Lord's day (and there were already some discrepancies at the time). Here's a link on that. But as you note in paraphrasing Revelation 8:5, we will know it when it happens without any doubt.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #15:
Yes...I was imagining using some of the Bible Basics to go thru with all my kids, however you have reminded me how indeed dense they are. A lot for me to "paraphrase" and read for even my older kids. I like the Peter series idea and need to look further into those children's studies from Pastor Omo. 

I'm feeling like with the little time left, we as a family really need to do as much reading and study and growth as possible.

Interesting point that God's timeframe of festivals and ours may not be exactly the same! Didn't realize that about the calendar. 

I know you are busy, don't feel like you need to respond to this! Thanks for the reminder to give the children's studies a look from Pastor Omo's site.

In our dear Lord,
Response #15:
It's my pleasure!

Do feel free to write me any time.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #16:
Robert

Hello! It's been a while since I last emailed you! 

I have a question or two. Have you updated your writings regarding Tribulation and the anti Christ in regards to the timeline you felt was correct? That the Tribulation would begin Fall of this year -- 2026 – Do you still believe that to be accurate?

In connection with this ( Fall 2026 ) do you believe that an event ( or events ) of some severity will occur to kind of announce and begin the serious difficulties that the Tribulation will bring?

Do you believe that the antichrist will come upon the world stage this Fall? Or. Early Spring 2027 ?

Very much looking forward to hearing from you!! And your thoughts regarding these questions.

From South New Jersey. USA
Response #16:
Good to hear from you!

Short answer: no, I haven't updated anything substantial; if November rolls around and nothing has happened, I will be posting some clarifications. 

What I have done, in response to many such questions, is to reiterate that the date suggested is an interpretation rather than a direct biblical teaching, explaining when I do so the variables that go into that interpretation and how any change in any of them might precipitate a change of date.

So if I'm asked, "Do you believe the Tribulation will start this fall", my answer is, "I cannot say for certain because the Bible does not put things that way definitively; however, every time I have re-evaluated the interpretation and 'crunched the numbers', I have come up with the same date". 

I will give you some links on all this below. Suffice it to say here that the most likely "miss" (if there turns out to be one) on the interpretive points would be if there is no overlap between the end of the Church Age and the Tribulation (which is the end of the Jewish Age). I find it very unlikely that there would be no overlap inasmuch for one thing, "the Church" includes all of Israel and the prior believers as well as those saved during our age, so on the one hand it makes a good deal of sense that the ages would coalesce at the end just as all of us believers will; and on the other hand, if the Church Age ends – without a "rapture – and we gentile Christians are still here, what are we doing in what would then be exclusively the [end of] the Jewish Age? 

If the overlap is not correct, then it seems that the Tribulation would be seven year farther off.

Do present events suggest it's likely this fall? On the one hand, I see many things happening in the world and in society and technology which, it seems to me, can't go on much longer, and that argues for sooner rather than later. On the other hand, there are clearly a number of major elements not present at this moment which will need to pop up or transpire almost out of nowhere as soon as the Tribulation does begin if it's to happen so soon (e.g., antichrist, the southern alliance, the world religion of the beast; etc.). 

The former is not definitive because things have been terrible and problematic in the world before, so that, indeed, things could continue on the decline for a good long time without necessitating the Tribulation. And the latter is not definitive either since in the absence of the Holy Spirit's restraint, things can – and will – happen with unprecedented speed once it does begin (link).

Regarding the beast's appearance specifically (since you ask), 2nd Thessalonians 2:3 indicates to me that antichrist will not be "revealed" until after the Tribulation begins. Paul also puts the Great Apostasy (at the link) in front of that event, and this could easily mean that antichrist will not become obvious as such immediately even after those seven years begin.

Here are those links (which will lead to more):
Interpretation of the date
Qualifications of the interpretation
And do also see all of "Eschatology Issues" set of email postings. Latest one: Eschatology Issues CLXV

Do feel free to write me back about any of this.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #17:
Robert

Thank you very much for getting back to me so quickly! I want to say. I believe you are correct in what you have written and felt with where your research has led you. For other reasons. I believe that THIS Fall IS the time of the beginning of the 7 years -- with this fall (August----October) being the starting time of the 3. 1/2 years of the arrival of the antichrist being Mr Nice Guy with lots of answers for the world and his repeated call for humanity to come together. 

It would seem very very likely that he will come upon the world stage by November/December.

The elite have plans to cause major chaos soon -- so that they can begin implementing the digital id and digital money beginning late Winter/Spring/Summer of next year - 2027.

I will click on the extras you sent for me to delve into in the other email. If you have any thoughts etc on this email, please let me know!! 
United in prayer 
Response #17:
Thanks for the vote of confidence and also for your insights!

We're going to find out very soon indeed.

Meantime, it behooves us all to do everything we can reasonably do to prepare – spiritually (the only sort of preparation we can rely on in those difficult days ahead, whenever they begin).

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #18:
Thank you so much for such a positive update and outcome—and praise the Lord! Please take care this week—and full advantage of the break.

Quick question—sparked from reading last weekend's posting: Based on your interpretation, we know 2026 has legs, but if not 2026, when would you next interpret the date to be? I agree; COVID showed us how much can change quickly—though we are currently only six months out from fall '26.

Thoughts? Thank you - and take care!
Response #18:
It's my pleasure, my friend. Thanks so much for keeping up with me! I know you two have plenty of your own struggles to cope with.

In terms of the date of the Tribulation, to be honest, as I look at the international political landscape, as mentioned before, I'm not seeing the Mahdi or the movement nor the beast nor his movement at present, but that can change in a hurry. It may well be that the Tribulation has to begin before any of those things materialize and present themselves to our view. After all, as also mentioned, 2nd Thessalonians 2:3 suggests that the Great Apostasy and the revealing of the beast are both events that take place during the Tribulation, i.e., "before" the "day" of Christ's return.

So just because it seems unlikely from a broad perspective doesn't mean that this coming fall will not be the time of commencement. That said, as I've always tried to make clear, "2026" is an interpretation (as opposed to a direct biblical teaching), one that is based upon on a number of assumptions which are likewise interpretive, any one of which would alter the date if incorrect (here's one link to where they are listed). 

But if the cross and our Lord's resurrection took place in the spring of 33 A.D., then it takes no great leap of logic to assume that 2,000 years later would be the time of His return (based upon the seven millennial day interpretation which matches with the seven days of recreation, the Millennium being parallel to the seventh day Sabbath of rest). 

What could alter this calculation? For one thing, if the date of 33 A.D. were off a year or two, that would of necessity push up or back the date of the Tribulation. Others have sought to document the exact dates of those key events which preceded the beginning of the Church Age. And its fair to say that most who have carefully considered the biblical and secular information about them have come up with dates earlier than 33 A.D., not later. It's obviously too late now to push the date back before 2026 (for those positing a 2K Church Age and subtracting the seven years of the Tribulation). Inclusive counting, an ancient world phenomenon (i.e., 10 divided by 2 is 5 but I still need 6 posts for a 10 foot fence if I'm putting one every 2 feet), could account for a year, possibly two (with the necessity of shift from spring to fall since the Jewish festivals that represent the return of Christ are in the fall; Passover et al. representing the cross being in the spring). So it is possible, though I feel it pretty unlikely, that one or even two years might be added or subtracted on that basis. Either way, it's no longer possible for the overlap interpretation to be correct IF the cross and resurrection occurred earlier than 33 A.D. 

That is the most likely reason for the Tribulation not to begin this coming fall, namely, if the supposition of the overlap between the Jewish and Church Ages prior to the second advent is incorrect. We know from Daniel 9:24-27 and the interpretation thereof that there is "one seven", or one seven year period remaining for the Jewish Age and that this period is the Tribulation. If it is the case that the Church Age and the Jewish Age do NOT overlap but that the seven last years of the Age of Israel are to be added on after the commencement of the Church Age, then that would push the Tribulation out seven more years (to 2033 or thereabouts – again, not necessarily seven years if 33 A.D. is wrong and/or there is inclusive counting involved). 

For reasons I have explained elsewhere (here's one of the best links on that), I think that there is indeed an overlap so that this fall always comes out the back side of whatever calculation I do. But if we don't experience worldwide "peals of thunder, rumblings, flashes of lightning and an earthquake" (Rev.8:5) some time this August/September/October, then I'll have to eat a healthy portion of crow. Happy to do so if it means we get some respite! But it would be prudent to get ready in any case. Many of us WILL be around when it happens, even if attempts to pin down the exact date prove problematic.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #19:
Hi Bob,

I guess we are all 'dull axes' compared to the Lord (Moses certainly thought he was dull), it is only God's power that makes any of us sharp. God could knock down all the sequoias on earth without any effort, so it is an honour when He chooses us dull axes to chip away in His service. Amen!

Today I am tackling something I have for a long while avoided because it was too painful. I am writing down exactly what has been happening whilst the enemy has been showing and playing his hand. I have been very close to the table now for sometime to see the hand he is currently playing against me and my family, so now I am taking notes.

The Lord is graciously helping me to see the 'bigger picture' of all this and to see it from the spiritual vantage point.

Matthew Chapter 10 is such an important chapter for me with this. I know it relates directly to our Lord sending out the twelve Apostles but I also know there is so much here for us now and especially applicable to the Tribulation.

There are also chapters in Mark (4:11& 6:4) that are a great help to me. I realise the spiritual blindness in my family. That they probably will never accept the Gospel from me which is the reason why they also seemed to have blinded themselves to the witness of the life I have tried to give them for almost a decade now!

I was also reading in Matthew about how all the Lord's servants at some point will be called Beelzebub. My own family have intimated that they think I am a liar and mentally ill. My sister and my dad are certainly convinced my deeds are evil and that they themselves are without sin.

I really am getting better at weathering through this and trusting the Lord with it. I won't understand all that is happening, all the parts big and small of what His plan will accomplish and when.

I am now learning to be patient and trust Him and have my joy back that I will get through this and it is for my good that I am going through this.

He can refine me through this if I only trust Him and surrender myself to His purging out all that is unfruitful in me. It certainly does hurt but I find I am understanding the necessity of it and knowing it is for my good.

If I didn't go through such suffering or test of such magnitude, how could I really be ready for ministry?

I realise that neophytes are too arrogant and haven't been refined. It's true that the Lord uses prepared people but also those who have suffered much. Refinement/purging comes through suffering/tribulation. It is painful to go through mainly because we realise how little we can do without God.

How we are completely reliant on Him for everything so that no flesh can glory in His sight.

There is a lot of personal sinfulness that is being purged out of me when I look at that rather than only at the means of my purging.

The Lord has pointed out my arrogance, my impatience, my judgemental attitude towards others, my self righteousness, my seeking personal vengeance and my struggle to forgive others and love those who despitefully use others...and I complain a lot too.

I have been SO focused on the 'bad thing that happened to me' and I have to admit being outraged at this bad thing that has happened to me...I have been completely overlooking that this is God's will for me for my good!!

It's understandable and permitted that we pray for deliverance from our fiery trials but in our haste to be rid of the pain of it, we could be missing out on the good of it and what the Lord is doing for us for our own spiritual good.

I am learning a lot through this..about the Lord, about life, about people, about the enemy but I am only just now seeing I am learning a lot about ME, about MY sin nature.
I have been so focused on the sins of others and not looking at what the Lord sees in me, my own sins that are scarlet.

So I am not as eager to be free of this trial now, I want to be refined by it and embrace it so that all the branches that are unfruitful are purged out of me. I can see my sins now very clearly and I want to be the servant the Lord wants me to be.

I have always as a child been obsessed with the 'sins of others' and never on my own. I want to be refined through this and humbled by it as I know it will make me a better Christian and more fruitful for the Lord.

Sometimes it feels impossible to have mastery over these deeply entrenched sins of the tongue/mind. I am better at taming the tongue than I was but it still feels impossible but I realise it is the sins of the heart/mind that is the hardest to fight.

You know, I have been feeling and seeing all of this from a very different place more recently. I am willing to go the distance and keep going. There were times I really did despair but the more I keep going and looking at the Lord, the easier and easier it gets.

There is joy to be had in the very midst of suffering because we can learn so much from it and be refined if we allow it to happen.

The verses I really felt 'called out' by recently are in the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector (Luke 18:9-14). I really understand that I really am the Pharisee in this parable and need to be more like the Tax Collector.

I really do see how I have a long way to go to be refined and to be conformed to His image. I realise that being more focused on my own sinfulness and not the sins of others would be a good strategy going forward (as long as it is accompanied by continuing on in spiritual growth and progress).

You can share this one Bob.

Your friend in Jesus,
Response #19:
It has really done my heart good to read this message, my friend – and thanks so much for being willing to share it, because I think it will bless others as well.

Re: "It is painful to go through mainly because we realise how little we can do without God." That is an excellent observation and a very important point to remember whenever we are facing insurmountable obstacles. In truth, all the obstacles we face are insurmountable without the Lord; we only get over or through because of Him. Without Him, it's impossible, but with Him, even mountains can be moved.

Re: "in our haste to be rid of the pain of it, we could be missing out on the good of it and what the Lord is doing for us for our own spiritual good". Another excellent point that is easy to lose track of when we are under the gun and hurting. Even Job lost sight of this one, but in addition to making good, spiritual common sense, it is also well documented in scripture:
Not only this, but let us also boast in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation develops endurance, and endurance results in proven reliability, and that such reliability brings with it hope [of eternal reward].
Romans 5:3-4

For it is in this hope [of the resurrection of our bodies] that we have been saved. Now a hope that is visible is not [really] a hope. For why should someone wait expectantly for what his eyes can see? But we have set our hope on what cannot be seen, and so are patiently awaiting its fulfillment.
Romans 8:24-25

(2) Brothers, when you are being beset with all manner of trials, take pains to be joyful. (3) For you should keep in mind that this testing of your faith develops perseverance. (4) So let your perseverance develop fully, that you may become fully mature and entitled to a full reward, having been found lacking in no respect.
James 1:2-4

(6) In anticipation of this ultimate deliverance, your joy overflows, though at present it may be your lot to suffer for a time through various trials (7) to the end that your faith may be shown to be genuine. This validation of your faith is far more valuable than gold, for gold, though it too is assayed by fire, ultimately perishes. But your faith, when proven genuine in the crucible of life, will result in praise, glory and honor for you at the glorious return of Jesus Christ. 
1st Peter 1:6-7
After all, if we really do believe that God is good, if we really do believe that He has planned absolutely everything, if we really do believe that He is "working all things together for good for those who love Him" (Rom.8:28), then how could it possibly be otherwise?

Re: "the more I keep going and looking at the Lord, the easier and easier it gets." It takes faith, spiritual growth, and some experience "in the trenches" to get to this point, but everyone who has does indeed experience that blessing. And it makes the words of our Lord ring in our ears with the sound of the absolute truth they embody:
"Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
Matthew 11:29-30 NIV
These are very important lessons for us all to learn, and how much more is that not the case as we get ever closer to the end? Given all the suffering the Tribulation will bring our way collectively in addition to whatever we are going through individually, we believers really will need to trust the Lord absolutely to get us through, confident in the fact that even in the worst of times, He is on our side – so that anything we suffer will be only for His glory.
(31) So what shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? (32) He who did not spare His own Son, but handed Him over for our sake, how will He not also graciously give us everything [we need] along with [that gift of] Him? (33) Who will [dare to] bring charges against God's elect? God is the One who is pronouncing [us] justified. (34) Who is he that condemns [us]? Christ Jesus is the One who died [condemned in our place], and the One, moreover, who was raised from the dead [for us], who is [seated] at the right hand of God, who is also making petitions on our behalf. (35) What will separate us from Christ's love? Tribulation? Or privation? Or persecution? Or hunger? Or destitution? Or danger? Or violence? (36) As it is written, "For your sake we are being put to death all day long. We were accounted as sheep for slaughter". (37) But in all such things we are decisively victorious through Him who loved us [enough to do what He did for us]. (38) For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, neither angelic nor human authorities, neither things present nor things to come, neither heavenly powers, (39) be they the highest [of the elect] or the lowest [of the fallen], nor any other created thing [on this earth] will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:31-39
Keeping you in my daily prayers, my friend! Keep fighting this good fight for Jesus Christ and His Bride.

In Jesus,

Bob L. 
Question #20:
Hi Bob,

Re: tree. LOL! Did they Re: appear today to finish the job for you?

Thanks for your prayers for me. It's been a tough few months to be honest. Testing times in different ways. With the Lord's help I'll get through it.

Have a great weekend!

In Jesus
Response #20:
YES! They showed up around noon and got the rest of it done in about two hours. Then my neighbor button-holed them and they spent the rest of the afternoon over there trimming one of their trees. It's been all month I've been dealing with this so I'm glad to finally get it over with. 
The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride.
Ecclesiastes 7:8 NIV
Or as my dad used to say (and I'm fond of quoting), "Everything is always over".   That will be a very important perspective for us all to hold fast to if things "heat up" this fall. We'll find out pretty soon if we're going to get a collective reprieve or not. As I've been saying, on the one hand, who wouldn't jump for joy if the Tribulation were NOT starting soon? On the other hand, the Lord won't return until seven years after it does.
. . . looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.
Titus 2:13 NKJV
Praying for some respite for you as well, my friend, along with all other things.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
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