Even Jesus doesn't know when he is coming back: Matthew 24:36 "But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone."

But I thought Jesus was God and God knows everything(?)

PS: I'm back. - Erik

Erik, I believe that our Sovereign Lord brought you to this website to be loved by the believers who frequent the site. I was once an atheist believing in everything but Jesus Christ and Him crucified for my sins. Now I know how deceived I was and rejoice in His love for me. I have been watching the debate and praying for all of you to reach out and love those who are blinded to the truth. Jesus added humanity to His attributes and as God the Son 'does not know the hour' but at God the Father does. The truths of Scripture are spiritually discerned(1Corinthians 2:14) not intellectually rationalized. I love you in Christ, Erik and I believe He is leading you to all truth. Until then I will continue to pray for you - Gail

Does anyone need to write "I'm back" on a post that allows you to sign a name? - Austin

The Bible seems purposely vague about Jesus's return. The three things listed above have been happening 24/7 all over the world. What does "an increase" mean? An increase compared to when? It's like God is saying, "Look, don't worry about the end. It'll happen when it happens." And for that, I am thankful. - Austin

Erik, I have had a similar question about Jesus at Gethsemane: Why did He ask the Father to take away the cup if He knew it was not possible and it was part of the Father's plan? I know it is extremely important that Jesus gave us the example of praying through times of suffering and the example of going through something we would rather not do in order to follow the will of the Father. And I also know that some things about the Trinity remain a mystery for now. I pray Your questioning will remain sincere and will lead You to faith in Jesus and the triune God. - Janice

So true! Just think of the recent earthquakes in Illinois! - Kristin

Eric, I'm new to the site. Where have you been?
- "Sylvester"

Still praying. - Christ Follower

Bryant's message is right on! I remember praying sveral years ago about this subject asking, "Lord, how do we know when these birth pangs are true labor? Not false labor, as women have sometimes?"

The quiet answer was, "When do you know true labor has begun? When the mom's water has broken and flowed away. When the Holy Spirit leaves this world is when we will know for sure, it is imminent & happening."

It is getting closer for sure, but the Holy Spirit remains with us for now. For now, we have hope that our loved ones, friends, and all the world will turn to Jesus.

Glad you're back Erik, I keep praying for you and Olberman. - marti mastbrook

I'm not starting a debate with anyone, but my own humble feeling on the trinity there are 3 different Spirits. God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit. They are also referred to as one. In my mind it's like there are 4 people in my family, but we are 1 family. After Jesus was baptized Matthew 3 16 and 17 talks of Jesus coming from the water and the Spirit of God descending like a dove from heaven and lighting on Him and that a voice from heaven said "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." Also Christ prayed to the Father at Gethsesame and on the cross asked Him to-"forgive them for they know not what they do." In other words in my humble opinion that would be why even Jesus might not know the time of His return and only the Father in Heaven. I hope all this makes a little sense and doesn't ruffle any feathers. Like Janice pointed out there are just some things that our little minds can't quite wrap around and will probably stay somewhat of a mystery. - Becky

There have been many so called "End Time Prophets" who think they can predict the second coming of Christ, but they have been proven to be false over and over. We can read the scriptures and can see things pointing to that time but no one can pin point it. Any attempts are fruitless. But one thing for sure when it does happen, it will be a glorious time. No more sorrow, pain, tears and lonliness. I am looking for him to come tonight and if he don't then I will be looking for him tomorrow. - Jerry

What do you think about Jack Van Impe (if you've heard about him or watched him on TV)? (This question is for anyone) - Gracie Benz

Jerry, Your comment was so inspiring. It reminded me that I have a 90-day devotional book entitled, "Perhaps Today--Living Every Day in the Light of Christ's Return" which was written by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins. The thought really puts things into the proper perspective when you consider it could be today. God keeps working on me so in some ways I don't feel ready but then again I know He takes us as we are as long as we have put our faith and trust in Jesus. To quote some of the last words in the Bible, "Come, Lord Jesus". - Janice

Just one thought to ponder for everyone. There is not any prophecies that I know of that has to be fulfilled that would hinder the return of Christ. Everything is set and ready for the Father to send the Son for his Church. If anyone knows of anything that is yet to be fulfilled please let me know.
Gracie, Jack Van Impe does give scripture to back up his comments. However sometimes it seems that he does try to shed a little more light or attention on himself than I care for, but that is just for my taste or opinion. Remember everyone has opinions but usually most of them stink, mine sometimes more than others. - Jerry

Jerry, Consider Matthew 24:14 "And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations and then the end will come." Several years back I saw a presentation by Wycliffe (sp?) Bible Translators and there were a number of people groups that had not yet been reached with the gospel in their language. I think that could be an indicator according to the Bible verse. Does anyone else have any thoughts on this? - Janice

Janice, you are correct in the aspect that what Christ said has not been fulfilled yet, but is this a prophecy. When Christ said something will or will not happen there is no room for failure. This is not so with prophecies, that is why there were false prophets. I agree that he will not come untill the gospel is preached unto all people in the darkest regions of the world. Thank you for reminding me of this. - Jerry

Are you ready? That is the only question to ask here. Erik,Olberman, even us Christians. Are our hearts in the right place because when Jesus returns it will be to late to decide. Just something very important to ponder. I know myelf I am ready. - Julie

Doesn't it say in Revelation that the temple of Jerusalem will be rebuilt first? - Becky

Jerry, Good question, is it prophecy. In considering that it foretells the future it would be. Another test: is it divinely inspired? If it comes from the mouth of God Himself (Jesus) does that take away from it being divinely inspired because it is a truth from God rather than a foretelling from a person? In other words, does divinely inspired relate only to what humans might speak about the future and not to what God Himself speaks? I once met a Morman who asked me if Jesus was a prophet. I was at the time a bit confused by the question and do not remember how I answered. I know Jesus had the abilities of a prophet but He was and is so much more. I really have not studied much about prophecy but know there are false prophets because the Bible states that fact. Some people may be labeled false prophets by people but only God knows their heart and what He has planned for their future. This is an interesting subject and I am interested in hearing more if anyone else would like to share their viewpoint. - Janice

Becky, I could not find anything about what you were talking about in Revelation. The word "Temple" is mentioned 13 times in the book of Revelation and neither time does it say that. You are probably thinking of somewhere else. The word is mentioned 224 times in the Bible. Eighty three times in the OT. and one hundred and eight times in the NT. Tonight I do not have time to explore these different passages but I will later. Sometimes when something is put forward like this you can get like a bulldog with a bone, you just don't want to put it down. Tonight I am trying to prepare for in the morning so please forgive me for not looking for it tonight. I love looking for things like this, thanks for such a good challenge. Have a blessed evening. - Jerry

According to Paul, the Gospel has gone out to everyone already:
"10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
10:18 But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world."

But the Jesus also says it doesn't matter because he will come back before the apostles have gone everywhere:
10:23 "But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come."

So maybe Jesus is right, and he really DOESN'T know when he is coming back, hence all his bad guesses. - Erik

Erik, You would make a good Apologetic if you would just believe. The scripture that you quoted in Matthew 10:23 was really dealing with premature martyrdom. These scriptures was also telling the believers that our work is not complete until Christ does come back. Christ never made any bad guesses as you called it, he never pinned a time down, he spoke in general termns so the believers would not become complacent but would work and look for his return. When God sees that it is time he will send Christ back and then those who are looking for his return will go to be with him. - Jerry

Thanks Jerry for your answer. I didn't mean to give you extra homework :-) I sort of cheated and googled-rebuilding the temple of Jerusalem- and several sites came up. One that seemed pretty good was www.newgateministries.com/jerusalemchronicles/rebuilt-temple.html I haven't had time to really look up the bible verses it mentions to know if they really say what they are claiming, but hopefully I'll get to tomorrow. Anyway, I didn't mean to give you a lot of extra work when you have your hands full. I just remembered I had always heard people say that before the tribulation the temple had to be rebuilt. So anyway when you get a chance maybe you can check the website out and so will I. Thanks for all your helpful insights! - Becky