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Jerusalem's Fall and Christ's Return

'Prophecy Watch' by Charles Whitaker

In Luke 21:20, Christ speaks of armies surrounding Jerusalem, using the plural to indicate multiple forces. Similarly, in Matthew 22:7, within the Parable of the Wedding Feast, He refers to armies in the context of the city's destruction. While in AD 70, only the Roman army under Titus besieged Jerusalem, prophetically, Christ points to a future time when many nations will send their armies against the city in the end-time. This distinction between the singular army of historical events and the plural armies of prophecy underscores that Christ is addressing a final, greater attack on Jerusalem, separate from past occurrences.

The Fall of Jerusalem and the Coming of the Son of Man

Sermonette by Charles Whitaker

The formula 'the coming of the Son of Man' is code for 'the Day of the Lord.' The formula does not refer to the fall of Jerusalem in 70 AD, but the days ahead.

The Appointed Time of the Resurrection

Sermonette by Clyde Finklea

The time of Christ's return appears to be soon in the light of recent events. Watch for the gathering of armies around the future capital of the world.

What Do the 1,290 and 1,335 Days Represent (Daniel 12:11-12)?

Bible Questions & Answers

The armies of the Beast, as described in Revelation 17, will surround Jerusalem, marking a significant prophetic event. This siege is anticipated to occur 1,290 days before the return of Jesus Christ, following a period of 1,335 days that holds a blessing for God's people who endure until its conclusion. Upon the arrival of these armies in Jerusalem, it is likely they will ban the daily sacrifice, disrupting the rituals of God's people. Those who are worthy will have been warned and will have 30 days to flee to a place of refuge provided by God, as noted in Revelation 12:14-16.

The Olivet Prophecy Paradox

Sermon by David C. Grabbe

In the Olivet Prophecy, Jesus Christ speaks of a time of great tribulation, marked by intense pressure and peril. Among the signs of His coming and the end of the age, He describes a specific event involving armies surrounding Jerusalem. This is noted in Luke's account, where the presence of such armies is linked to the concept of an abomination, though it must involve more than mere military encirclement to be considered an abomination of desolation. This event signifies a profound desecration, honoring a foreign god in a place dedicated to the true God, echoing past fulfillments like the actions of Antiochus IV and the Roman army under Titus, who defiled the holy place with idolatrous symbols and sacrifices. This time of armies surrounding Jerusalem ties directly to the greatest tribulation, a period so severe that unless God had limited the days, no flesh would be saved. It is connected to the days of vengeance, a fulfillment of divine warnings, where Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles, and worship will be halted. The epicenter of this turmoil will be Jerusalem and its environs, with Gentiles as the troublers, leading to warfare, death, and captivity for the people. This period, described as Jacob's Trouble, culminates in God's vengeance against all flesh, both Israelite and Gentile, as He gathers nations to battle against Jerusalem before ultimately fighting against those same nations.

A Place of Safety? (Part 1)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

In the midst of unprecedented distress, as foretold in prophecies concerning the end times, Jerusalem will face a dire situation where armies surround it, posing a grave threat to all within. This scenario, marked by unrelenting terror, underscores a time so devastating that without divine intervention, no flesh would be saved alive. The urgency to flee from this encirclement is paramount, as God, through His servant Jesus Christ, advises not to remain in the midst of trouble but to get out, to escape the danger that engulfs the city. This flight, described as a physical escape, is not merely a suggestion but a critical response to the worldwide calamity that focuses intensely on Jerusalem, where the survival of even the elect hangs in the balance unless God intervenes. Historical echoes, such as the protection of Hezekiah and the Jews when an entire Assyrian army was struck down overnight, illustrate that God's hand is not short; He can save anywhere, anytime, according to His purpose. Yet, in this unique time of tribulation, the directive remains clear: flee from the surrounding peril, trusting that He will open a way of escape for His people, just as He has done in the past.

The Book of Daniel (Part Eight)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

In the prophecy of Daniel 11:40-45 and Daniel 12:1-3, a time of great tribulation is foretold, marked by armies surrounding Jerusalem as a significant sign of the end times. This event heralds the beginning of intense persecution and trouble, unlike any other, immediately preceding the return of Jesus Christ. A short time before His return, these armies will encircle the city, and an abomination will be committed within it, signaling the start of the Great Tribulation. The saints in Jerusalem are urged to flee to the mountains for safety during this period. The form of this end-time abomination remains unspecified, but it may resemble past desecrations, possibly involving a blasphemous act or the erection of an idol in the temple precincts by the invading forces. Additionally, the prophecy indicates that at the 1,290 days before Christ's return, the armies of the beast will surround Jerusalem, and those saints deemed worthy will have 30 days to escape to a place of refuge for final training and protection while still human. This precise timing, predetermined by God, underscores the urgency and gravity of the events as the world moves toward the culmination of these prophetic fulfillments.

To What Do the 'Woes' of Matthew 24:19-20 Refer?

Bible Questions & Answers

The time is coming again when Jerusalem will be surrounded by armies. Any Christians there at the time will have to flee to avoid the prophesied bloodshed.

Death, or Not A Hair of Your Head?

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Our challenge in the wake of the terrible things we witness now is to retain confidence that God is in control, even though our faith will be sorely tested.

A Place of Safety? (Part 5)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Obsessing about the Place of Safety is a sure way to disqualify oneself from it. God calls some faithful, zealous ones for martyrdom during the Tribulation.

The Two Witnesses (Part Seven)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Christ's Two Witnesses will accomplished their work before the Beast kills them. Humanity will feel relief at their death, but stark terror at their resurrection.

Concerning Edom

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The prophet Obadiah sorrowfully dramatizes God's judgment upon Edom (Esau) for his hatred, haughtiness, and pride, and how and why Edom will be annihilated.

The Works of the Devil Destroyed

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Satan and his demons know that their time is short and are determined to destroy as many people as possible, especially the Israel of God.

Whoever Loves and Practices a Lie

Sermon by Charles Whitaker

In Revelation 21:8, Christ lists three spiritual conditions and four behaviors, all of which He links to deceit and which will lead to the Lake of Fire.

The Continuous Testing of Our Faith

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

The constant tests to which God submits His people enable them to build character by responding in faith. God perfected Abraham's faith through difficult trials.