There are five On That Day sequential events to keep this study of End Time distinct:

1. The appointed 7-year time of tribulation for Israel i.e., Jerusalem.
   1. 3 ½ years of a false peace.
   1. 3 ½ years of trials for Israel sometimes identified as Jacob’s Troubles    
2. The time between the end of the 7-years, 3 1/5 of Jacob’s Trouble and Jesus setting up his Millennial Kingdom. He judges the nations between the end of the Tribulation and his Millennial Reign.
3. The 1,000-year Millennial Kingdom
4. Satan is released, his final run at overthrowing Jesus on earth begins for a short time.
5. Eternity: one of two places. Both are permanent destinations, but neither is a grave.

2 Timothy 3:1-5

Verse 1: But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. To know, ginōskō, means “to know absolutely” [ginōskō; G1097, Strong’s]. Have NO doubt or question of its actuality. It will be evident to all. None can or will then deny it. Some, if not many, will think it circumstances as supported in verse 2. Mankind will try to ignore or refute anything when s/he does not know or understand, or it is self-serving to deny the truth. Check out verses 2 – 5.

This is the last half of the 7-year tribulation. This phase of “that day” explains what is going on in the world and specifically Israel. Times of difficulty is not singular. It is a continuum of difficult days. It is no joking matter but could be like one saying…” If it wasn’t for one’s bad luck, s/he wouldn’t have any luck at all”. This is not, however, an issue of luck, good or bad. It is inescapable. A fierce, perilous time [Strong’s G5467] like never before and never will be again. Matthew 24:21.

Verse 2: ^“For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy…” Look around society today. Is there evidence of this today? Is it getting worse? This time period today is the hem of the garment of what is yet to come. People will be totally sold out to being:

1. Lovers of self
2. Lovers of money
3. Proud
4. Arrogant
5. Abusive
6. Disobedient to parents (authorities)
7. Ungrateful
8. Unholy (wicked by choice; denying God even exists)

Verse 3: …”unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despising of good…”

Consider today’s society. Do we see today as in verse three that people willingly call good evil and evil good? Even more concerning is, there will be people who know better but willingly accept these deceptions of truth; probably his or her attempt to be politically correct. Some will try hard to eliminate any history s/he feels is contrary to their personal or group agendas (kingdom against kingdom – Lord’s Prayer). This includes personal or group agendas against some other or other’s agendas. We do not need scripture to point this out. Just look at and follow the secular news. Smash & grab, BLM trumpeting points, KKK, district attorney’s refusing to call crime for what it is, cop killers, destruction of properties just to destroy, gender cancellation, the fight over a baby’s right to birth, political greed, etc. This splitting of sides is exactly what Matthew 24:7 means when it says, “Kingdom against kingdom.” Agendas today are colliding in open warfare.

Verse 4: …”treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God…,” and the list continues. Does one see even one of these items listed as not currently true in society? To say “yes” would in and of itself be slanderous, arrogant, a despiser of truth. Although these societal and cultural differences have existed for thousands of years, they are accelerating; no longer subtle issues within a divided global society.

 JIV NOTE: We often hear the passage found in 11 Thessalonians to let no man deceive us. Less often do we hear the passage in 1 Corinthians that says, “Let no man deceive himself.”

Verse 5: …” having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power.” Keeping this discussion simple, if there is one God, (capital “G”) why are there so many denominations, religions, multiple definitions of right and wrong, pew dwellers, people making a laughing joke out of Christianity? Answer: Mankind’s free will to make God what HE wants it or him to be.

Is it church-goers that best define worship or is it the dedicated believer? Can one worship with unbelievers, those who attend church more out of habit than true worship? Sadly, there is even a division between doing church-like things instead of true worship and recognition of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. Is it an appearance of godliness but no recognition or experience of the power of God? God’s power is being denied beyond salvation in some of the most conservative churches and denominations. Might it be that worshipers only find time for the symbolism of the workings of the Holy Spirit if it is a line-item in the church bulletin? Perhaps some prefer the Holy Spirit to not even be in attendance in the weekly worship service. The real question is “what do people (Christians and pew dwellers) define as worship?” Can true worship be so if unequally yoked with unbelievers IN CHURCH?

We find all of this as a lead up to the actuality of end time. These are the warning signs of which true believers must be aware and take notice. Without this knowledge one will not even see it coming; even when it has begun. We already know that Christ will return in a cloud like a thief in the night [1 Thessalonians 5:2] , at the twinkling of an eye. There is no room or time left, when this happens, to find the time to reference the Bible truths to see if something is Bible-based, or an aberration. Blink once and one will understand the time it will take for this to be fulfilled.

Have you ever wondered during the past few months if the seven-year tribulation has already begun? I know that it hasn’t yet started because Scripture says that we will be with the Lord before the antichrist establishes a covenant with Israel that starts the clock ticking for this time of God’s wrath (Daniel 9:27; 2 Thessalonians 2:3-8). [Jonathan Brentner]

*Here is the real question for personal preparedness and study leading up to not only knowledge but understanding. Do the events discussed up to this point come during or prior to the beginning of End Time Tribulation? Go back to verse 3:1…

What we see in this world today is a prelude, the seed soon to blossom. This is the setting of the stage for the beginning of the Tribulation in that day.  We call it End Time. Just as these seeds are taking root, as found in 2 Timothy 3:1-5, these casualties on earth will grow in intensity.

Rev. Dr. Jstark
2022

At the twinkling of an eye between understanding and choice leaves NO TIME for a choice. It will then be too late. Many are not even actively seeking knowledge [I Corinthians 15:52] but only desire religious activities.

*Action

Choice

Understanding

Knowledge

Awareness