Three Prophetic Time Frames in the End.doc

Three Prophetic Time Frames in the End-Times

Forerunner School of Ministry

Three Prophetic Time Frames in the End-Times

I.                   three distinct prophetic time frames

When comparing Mt. 24 (Mk. 13; Lk. 21) with 1 Thes. 5:2-3 we see 3 distinct prophetic time frames i.e., the beginning of birth pangs, the worldwide period of counterfeit peace and safety and the Great Tribulation (heavy birth pangs).

A.                 The beginning of birth pangs (Mt. 24:4-8; Mk. 13:5-8, Lk. 21:7-18)

All these are the beginning of sorrows (birth pangs). (Mt. 24:8)

B.                 Worldwide counterfeit peace and safety (1 Thes. 5:2-3; Dan. 9:27)

When they say, "Peace and safety!" sudden destruction comes (1 Thes. 5:3)

C.                 The fullness of birth pangs (Great Tribulation - Mt. 24:21; Jer. 30:5-7).

For then there will be Great Tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. (Mt. 24:21)

II.                worldwide counterfeit peace & safety (1 Thes. 5:2-3; Dan. 9:27)

For you yourselves know perfectly that THE DAY OF THE LORD so comes as a thief in the night. 3 For when they say, "Peace and safety!" then SUDDEN DESTRUCTION comes upon them, as labor pains (Great Tribulation) upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. (1 Thes. 5:2-3)

A.                 We must understand the period of counterfeit peace and safety before we can understand the relationship of the timing of the “beginning of birth pangs” to the “heavy birth pangs” (Great Tribulation).

B.                 A time of peace between nations (it is a time of peace and safety for unbelievers).

“Then he (Antichrist) shall CONFIRM A COVENANT (peace treaty) with many (Israel and Middle East Islamic nations) for one week (7 year period); but in the middle of the week (after 3½ years) he shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering (break the covenant with Israel)” (Dan. 9:27)

C.                 Why is there peace? The Antichrist shall establish a political peace treaty with many including Israel and Middle East Islamic nations because the Temple must be rebuilt. This peace treaty will be a promise for one week (7 year period); but in the middle of the week (after 3½ years) the Antichrist will break the treaty and bring an end to the religious activity in the Jerusalem Temple. (Dan. 9:27)

D.                 The Antichrist makes a covenant with Israel and various Middle East nations (Dan. 9:27).  Daniel’s 70th week or the last 7-year period of natural history that initiates the time of peace was prophesied by Gabriel to Daniel who recorded in the Bible – i.e., Antichrist with a 10-nation confederation based in Europe (area of Ancient Roman Empire) who works by deception to set up a new government with prosperity, peace and religious toleration (Dan. 7; Rev. 13).

E.                  This will be a time when non-Christians are living without the turmoil of the beginning of birth pangs or the Great Tribulation.

But as the days of Noah were, SO ALSO will the coming of the Son of Man be. 38 For as in the days before the flood, THEY WERE EATING AND DRINKING, MARRYING AND GIVING IN MARRIAGE, until the day that Noah entered the ark, 39 and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, SO ALSO will the coming of the Son of Man be. (Matt 24:37-39)

F.                  Life will begin to be business as usual after the chaotic period called the beginning of birth pangs. In Mt. 24:38, Jesus described the people as occupied with "eating, drinking and marrying." This expresses a sentiment (attitude, mindset) of peace and safety which will be common AFTER the beginning of birth pangs yet BEFORE the broad Day of the Lord judgments arrive in the Great Tribulation (final 3½ years). The people will feel safe and at peace. In other words, a temporary period of economic, social and military peace.  This is in great contrast to the years to follow when men faint because of fear and blaspheme God (Luke 21:26; Rev. 6:12-17; 16:9, 11, 21) during the Great Tribulation (3½ years).

III.             Twelve worldwide trends: The beginning of birth pangs
(Mt. 24:4-8; Mk. 13:5-8, Lk. 21:7-18). 

1. False christs – false leaders in the Church (Mt. 24:5; Mk. 13:6; Lk. 21:7)
2. War – military and political conflict (Mt. 24:6; Mk. 13:7; Lk. 21:9)
3. Ethnic conflict – civil disorder/racism. Nation (ethnos) (Mt. 24:7; Mk. 13:8)
4. Economic warfare – economic related conflict (Mt. 24:7; Mk. 13:8)
5. Famines – massive food shortages (Matt. 24:7; Mk. 13:8; Lk. 21:11)
6. Pestilences – fearful epidemic diseases (Matt. 24:7; Lk. 21:11)
7. Earthquakes – various places (Matt. 24:7; Mk. 13:8; Lk. 21:11)
8. Troubles – events that cause pressure (Mk. 13:8)
9. Commotions – chaotic events (Luke 21:9)
10. Fearful sights – unusual (Luke 21:11)
11. Great signs from heaven – atmospheric signs (Luke 21:11)
12. Persecution – (Luke 21:12-19).

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