EBible Fellowship News

Fourth Sundays Day in the Word

2013-04-27T03:00:00Z

Sunday, April 28, 2013 EBible Fellowship is hosting a Fourth Sundays Day in the Word There will be two or more Bible studies and one Q&A session.
The time is from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM ET with a break for lunch.

Fourth Sundays Day in the Word

2013-03-20T08:00:00Z

Sunday, March 24, 2013 EBible Fellowship is hosting a Fourth Sundays Day in the Word There will be two or more Bible studies and one Q&A session.
The time is from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM ET with a break for lunch.

New Devotionals Section on Web Site

2013-02-27T06:55:00Z

A new Devotionals section has been added to the web site. This area contains various text studies as well as a link to the http://www.ebible2.com devotionals web site.

Broadcasting Schedule is Published

2013-01-25T04:15:00Z

EBible Fellowship has recently implemented a radio automation system for broadcasting to the Bible Teaching web stream and EBible Fellowship Paltalk room. This new functionality allows us to schedule most all programming in advance and consequently, publish a schedule which is updated in real-time.
There is also a web based player on this page that can be used to listen to the broadcast without opening an external player or Paltalk.

Fourth Sundays Day in the Word

2013-01-13T11:00:00Z

Sunday, January 27, 2013 EBible Fellowship is hosting a Fourth Sundays Day in the Word There will be two Bible studies and one Q&A session.
The time is from 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM ET with a break for lunch.

Can 1600 Furlongs Represent 1600 Days?

2012-12-27T00:32:00Z

Revelation 14:19-20:

And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God. And the winepress was trodden without the city, and blood came out of the winepress, even unto the horse bridles, by the space of a thousandand six hundred furlongs.

Since we know from the Bible that we can pinpoint the starting point of the reaping mentioned in Revelation 14:19-20 to the exact day (May 21, 2011), we are therefore very interested in the possibility that the “1600 furlongs” mentioned above might be a time reference placed in the verse in order to give us the duration of the Day of Judgment. We are especially interested in this since 1600 days would work out to a time period of 40 days times 40 days. While at the same time, 1600 days fits very nicely with the 8400 day time span of the great tribulation. The 1600 days added to 8400 days would give a complete 10,000 days of total judgment upon unsaved mankind. The 10,000th day would be the last day (in this scenario) and would fill up the wrath of God upon mankind due to their sinfulness.

In addition to these very interesting time relationships—1600 days from May 21, 2011 would also take us to the last day of the feast of tabernacles in the year 2015. If you remember, we had previously thought that the world would end on the last day of the feast of tabernacles—in the year 2011. The fact that we have now in front of us a biblical passage that is undoubtably speaking of Judgment Day (which we know began on May 21, 2011) and that this passage gives us a number (1600) that fits so well in other ways (40 x 40 and 10,000 days of total judgment) while also falling on the last day of the feast of tabernacles itself—cannot be (and should not be) easily dismissed. This kind of, “falling into place” does not happen everyday with the Scriptures. Normally, when something fits so well—like a piece to a puzzle, the hand of God is in view.

Yes it is interesting alright; but can we look at 1600 furlongs as 1600 days?

Well, that is a good question. It does need to be pointed out that it does not speak of 1600 days in the text, but furlongs. Yet, we also know that this is the Bible; and in the Bible God often uses people, places, and things to teach various aspects of the gospel. For instance, let’s take a look at this passage in Genesis 40:6-13:

6) And Joseph came in unto them in the morning, and looked upon them, and, behold, they were sad.
7) And he asked Pharaoh’s officers thatwere with him in the ward of his lord’s house, saying, Wherefore look ye so sadly to day?
8) And they said unto him, We have dreamed a dream, and there is no interpreter of it. And Joseph said unto them, Do not interpretations belong to God? tell me them, I pray you.
9) And the chief butler told his dream to Joseph, and said to him, In my dream, behold, a vine was before me;
10) And in the vine were three branches: and it was as though it budded, and her blossoms shot forth; and the clusters thereof brought forth ripe grapes:
11) And Pharaoh’s cup was in my hand: and I took the grapes, and pressed them into Pharaoh’s cup, and I gave the cup into Pharaoh’s hand.
12) And Joseph said unto him, This is the interpretation of it: The three branches are three days:
13) Yet within three days shall Pharaoh lift up thine head, and restore thee unto thy place: and thou shalt deliver Pharaoh’s cup into his hand, after the former manner when thou wast his butler.

First of all, notice that there are some similarities between this passage and our passage in Revelation 14. The words, “vine,” “clusters,” and “ripe grapes” are used. And the idea of a winepress is also in view when it says that, “I took the grapes, and pressed them into Pharaoh’s cup.” So we do have some similarity of content.

But the question is—can 1600 furlongs be viewed as 1600 days? After all, furlongs aren’t days. They have nothing to do with time. Yes, but let’s ask the same question of our Genesis passage—what do branches have to do with time? How is it that the chief butler told Joseph his dream and mentioned that in the vine were three branches. And once Joseph reveals the interpreation of the dream he says, “The three branches ARE three days.” Branches have nothing to do with time, yet God uses them to each represent a day.

Now let’s think about furlongs a little bit more. The blood of the unsaved is being wringed out of them (in a spiritual way beginning on May 21, 2011); and the Bible tells us the life is in the blood. So at that point (May 21) their blood (life) begins to be crushed out of them and to flow forth for 1600 furlongs. Could the Lord be using the flow of the blood of the unsaved to express that their life will be squeezed out of them and continue to be so for a period of 1600 days? And after 1600 furlongs the blood stops it flowing. It ceases to travel any further from the winepress, thereby indicating that the life of men is extinguished forever at that point (1600 days after May 21 on the last day of the feast of tabernacles).

What are furlongs?

The Greek word for furlong is, “Stadion” from which it seems we get our English word, “stadium.” It is Strong’s #4712. This word is found six times in the New Testament. Here are five of those places:

Luke 24:13 And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs.

John 6:18 And the sea arose by reason of a great wind that blew. 19 So when they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty furlongs, they see Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing nigh unto the ship: and they were afraid.

John 11:18 Now Bethany was nigh unto Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off:

Revelation 14:20 And the winepress was trodden without the city, and blood came out of the winepress, even unto the horse bridles, by the space of a thousandand six hundred furlongs.

Revelation 21:16 And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal.

In these verses we find that furlongs are a measurement. They measure distance between places: as Emmaus is threescore (60) furlongs from Jerusalem; and Bethany about 15 furlongs from Jerusalem. The disciples rowed about 25 or 30 furlongs when a storm arose at sea. Furlongs are the distance from one point to another. Or, they could also be considered a measurement of length, breadth, or height (Rev. 21:16). Figuring out the duration of the Day of Judgment is a measure beginning at the point of its commencement (May 21, 2011) until its conclusion (possibly 1600 days later). A furlong would be a way of spiritually measuring this distance in time.

Furlong can also mean, “race”

The Greek word “stadion” is translated as “furlongs” five times as we noted above. But it is used a sixth time in the New Testament. Only in this instance it is not translated as furlong, but rather as “race.” In 1 Corinthians 9:24 we read:

Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.

Literally, this would be translated as “they which run in a furlong”; but the translators knew the idea of a race was in view so they translated it as race. Its significant that the word race as its being used in 1 Corinthians chapter 9, verse 24 and following, is focused upon living the Christian life. Let’s read the next verse together with verse 24. 1 Corinthians 9:24-25:

Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.

They which run in a furlong run all. That is everyone runs the race. But the prize is given to the winner of the race. Therefore we are to run that we might obtain that prize. What is the prize that comes to the winner of the race? It is an incorruptible crown. That can only be a reference to eternal life. In other words, this passage is telling us that we are to run the race to obtain the salvation of God and at the end of the race (furlong) lies an incorruptible crown for the one reaching that point.

How does this help us? It helps us to understand that these 1600 furlongs could be looked at as the final days of the Christian’s race; and at the end of these furlongs lies (finally) the incorruptible crown of eternal life for all God’s elect in the sense they enter into eternity future and leave this world behind.

Fourth Sundays Day in the Word

2012-12-23T15:30:00Z

This Sunday, December 23, 2012 EBible Fellowship is hosting a Fourth Sundays Day in the Word There will be two Bible studies and one Q&A session.
The time is from 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM ET with a break for lunch.

Here is the Patience of the Saints!

2012-11-04T22:14:00Z

Revelation 14:9-12 And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name. Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.

Here is the patience of the saints—why here? Why is God referring to, “the patience of the saints” in the context of Judgment Day?

Before we answer this question, let’s first look at some key Scriptures that will help us realize just how vitally important patience is at this time for the people of God.

Patience

Patience is supremely important at this time because of what we read in Luke 21, the parallel chapter to Matthew 24. In Luke 21:19:

In your patience possess ye your souls.

Of course the Lord identifies the possess (or keeping) of our souls in patience, we quickly understand its enormous significance to our own spiritual welfare.

The Bible also tells us that we have a need of patience as we read in Hebrews 10:35-36:

Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.

The above verse is very puzzling. Since the child of God does the will of God on a daily basis, how could it ever be said that we have, “done the will of God” in the past tense?

After reviewing the context we find that the time of the end and the return of Christ is in view in Hebrews 10:37:

For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.

Understanding the context greatly helps us in discovering what the Lord has in mind by saying that we have “need” of patience after having done the will of God. The answer is that the Lord’s people have done, or accomplished His will as far as the sending forth of the gospel into the world goes. We have completed the task of evangelizing the world in order that all the elect might hear and become saved. This was all done prior to the coming of May 21, 2011. Now, during these days after the tribulation all God’s people have, “need of patience.”

We can see how vital patience is at this time. But how are we to obtain the necessary patience in order to possess our souls? The Lord tells us how we may develop patience in James 1:3:

Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

At this time, the Bible is clear that we are all being tried in a fiery trial to see whether we are gold, silver, precious stones, or wood, hay, and stubble. Patience is key throughout this process. A lack of patience will mean a loss of our souls.

This is the reason Revelation 14:12 says in the context of Judgment Day itself, “Here is the patience of the saints.”

Perhaps you’ve read that statement (or something similar) before? There is one other verse in the Bible that is has very similar language. It is found in Revelation 13:8-10:

And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. If any man have an ear, let him hear. He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.

The context of Revelation chapter 13 is that of the beast coming up out of the sea and assuming authority over the churches and congregations of the world during the time of the great tribulation.

Some theologians have said that the believers will not be on the earth during the time of the great tribulation. They have developed theologies called, “Pre-trib” raptures which say that the Lord will take away His people from the earth prior to bringing about the great tribulation. Of course that’s totally wrong. We know this absolutely since we’ve just gone through the great tribulation period. All of the elect remained upon the earth and lived through this most difficult period of time. And just so we properly understand this, the Lord has made a point of inserting directly into the context of the beast’s (Satan’s) ascension during the time judgment begins at the house of God—the statement that says, “Here is the patience and the faith of the saints”.

Read the verses prior to Revelation 13:10 and they describe the great tribulation period. Read the verses after Revelation 13:10 and they also describe the time of the great tribulation. Right in the midst of all of this language describing the judgment upon the churches, we find the simple statement which tells us God’s people will remain upon the earth and live through the time of the great tribulation, “Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.” Yes, God’s people will show forth great patience as they live the Christian life during that most difficult time of the 23 year period of Great Tribulation. But now we can thank the Lord that we have come through it. Thankfully, the Lord gave His people the needed patience to endure the great affliction that came upon us.

Again, the only other place we read of a similar statement is the verse we’ve been looking at in Revelation 14:12. This verse also is set in a context in which theologians have told us that God’s people will no longer be upon the earth. It’s the time of the wrath of God being poured out upon the wicked of the world. The context of Revelation 14:8-11 describes Judgment Day. Then we find our verse in Revelation 14:12, “Here is the patience of the saints!” And then in verse 14 through the end of the chapter the focus returns to Judgment Day. The layout of the passage parallels very much what we saw in chapter 13.

“Here” is the patience of the saints. This means at this point—at this time—in the Day of Judgment. We all have great need of patience. For each of our souls is found in it.

Fourth Sundays Day in the Word

2012-10-27T05:56:00Z

This Sunday, October 28, 2012 EBible Fellowship is hosting a Fourth Sundays Day in the Word There will be two Bible studies and one Q&A session.
The time is from 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM ET with a break for lunch.

Fourth Sundays Day in the Word

2012-09-17T15:59:00Z

Starting this Sunday, September 23, 2012 EBible Fellowship is hosting a Fourth Sundays Day in the Word There will be two Bible studies and one Q&A session.
The time is from 10:30 AM to 3 PM ET with a break for lunch.

Day in the Word, Sunday, June 10th

2012-06-03T21:32:00Z

This Sunday, June 10, 2012 EBible Fellowship is hosting a “Day in the Word.” There will be a series of Bible studies and one Q&A session.

Time: 10 AM to 5 PM EST with a break for lunch

Location: The union hall where EBible Fellowship has met in the past. See these Directions.

Speakers: Chris McCann, Robert Daniels and Gunther von Harringa, Sr.

As we no longer have our own internet connection at the Union Hall, we are investigating on ways to broadcast the event via the internet and by phone/Skype but this has not been formalized yet. Assuming broadcasting can be arranged, it should be possible to listen in the following ways:

Paltalk and web streams Broadcasts, Live
Phone/Skype conference Broadcasts, Phone Information
During the Questions and Answers segment, questions will be taken live, or via text on Paltalk.

In any case, recordings will be made and posted on the web site.

Starting a New Bible Study in 1 Samuel

2012-05-05T00:20:00Z

A new Bible study in the book of 1 Samuel starts tonight at 9 PM EDT. This study will be held in addition to the ongoing study of 1 Peter and will take place Monday thru Friday at 9 PM EDT for about 30 minutes. In addition, every Friday night, there will be a live Q&A after the study.

Time: 9 PM EDT, Monday through Friday

Location: Online only.

Please join us by phone, Skype or through Paltalk:

Paltalk and web streams Broadcasts, Live
Phone conference Broadcasts, Phone and Skype Information
To ask a question during the Q&A, see the Questions and Answers page.

Fellowship Gatherings Resume each Sunday

2012-04-01T05:20:00Z

Starting today, April 1, 2012 EBible Fellowship is resuming Sunday fellowship gatherings. There will be Scripture reading, a few hymns, prayer, and a short Bible study.

Time: 12 to 2 PM EDT

Location: This gathering is online only—we will not be meeting at the Union Hall.

The event will only be available via the internet and by phone:

Paltalk and web streams Broadcasts, Live
Phone conference Broadcasts, Phone Information

The Passing of Purim

2012-03-10T18:56:00Z

The Blessing of Finding Faithful Friends

Before discussing this, I would like to say how thankful I am to the Lord for bringing into my life so many likeminded believers over the last few months. I’ve been impressed with the steadfastness of many people that have continued to trust and wait upon the Lord. It has also been very wonderful to see so many get involved with sharing information from the Bible (concerning Purim) once again with the world.

The information that we’ve seen in the book of Esther pointed to Purim (which just passed) as the return of Christ and the final end of all things. These things were not drawn out of a hat or forced in any way. The information we learned about Purim is similar to the information we learned concerning May 21, in that things locked in nicely and were derived directly from the Bible. I do not for a second think that God’s people followed this information for any reason except they saw it in the Bible. And yet, it has now become clear that we had some wrong conclusions in the study of the book of Esther.

One Obvious Advantage in Regards to “the setting of a date”

One advantage we have found when studying the Bible and seeing how conclusions focus in on a particular date, is that many of the results of our study can be viewed correctly, or incorrectly, as the date comes and goes. In other words, if our study indicated that Christ would come on Adar 15, the last day of the feast of Purim, and Christ did not come on that day, we can know that we had that incorrect. We were wrong about that particular date being the end of the world. The advantage is that our doctrine can be verified if it is correct or not. In this case it was not correct. On the other hand, this type of verification cannot be done with just about every other doctrine of the Bible. Why not? Well, we have one group of people that say the Bible teaches free will in reference to salvation; and then we have others that say, “no, God saves through predestination.” Of course the Bible, we know supports predestination (we know this through the internal means of comparing Scriptures). The other group holds a false teaching in this area. But there is no verifiable (external) proof that shows this while we are in this world. That is, it never becomes evident to all the world that the free will gospel is proven wrong and the gospel of election is proven right. This is why people continually hold onto free will and many other incorrect teachings, no matter how far out there ideas might be, because there is no danger while living in this world that there errors will be made manifest to all.

Let’s use another example: there are numerous eschatology’s (doctrine of end times) taught by seminaries and the churches. Each eschatological doctrine conflicts with the rest. Therefore it is obvious that these doctrines of the end times that many people hold to as truth have errors built into them. There can’t be more than one truth. But, the Premillenialist, and the Postmillenialist, and the Amillenialist (to name three) comfortably hold onto their end time theories as truth, even though they know that others disagree with them and think they are false. However, this does not trouble them too much as long as a certain number of people support them and think they are true. Churches have maintained their eschatological positions for centuries. Yet, these teachings face no ultimate danger of being exposed as error because it would take Christ’s actual coming to demonstrate to all exactly which one of these theories was closest to truth. This is not the case with the setting of a date. The setting of a date is quite risky because it means that the information which has been presented will be proven correct or incorrect as the date is reached.

We have studied the Bible and the passing of this date has shown us we were off in some areas. There are things that we have not understood correctly. This is the advantage we now have, which ultimately, should be a help in our ongoing study of the Bible.

A Cause for Thankfulness

Although the child of God longs to leave this sin cursed body, and the sin cursed earth, in order to be with the Lord; yet, we still have much cause to thank the Lord for allowing time to continue on earth. We can be thankful for our children’s sakes, and for our family members (as well as friends and neighbors) that God did not take them by bringing about the final destruction of this world. We love our families and the thought that they have been spared from death can only be a cause of joy and gratitude to the Lord.

Also, I would like to suggest, since we will be here for a while longer on this earth, that we continue to serve God in our families as much as possible.

The Difficulty

The problem we face is that we have followed the Bible’s guidelines as closely as possible in attempting to come to truth (with the May 21 proclamation and now Purim). We have compared Scripture with Scripture and tried to make sure all conclusions were in harmony with the entire Bible. Yet, we have made errors (such as no rapture or literal earthquake occurring on May 21, and no end of the world on October 21, or now during the feast of Purim). If, these dates were the result of having a dream, or some sort of methodology other than the Bible, we could pinpoint the problem and realize we must stick to the Bible only. Or, if we could point at something in particular as the cause of our errors we could correct them in order to arrive at the perfect conclusion. But, the difficulty for God’s people has been, as we have checked, and re-checked the biblical calendar of history, and many other things learned from the Bible, we cannot find the cause of the problem. And since we cannot find the cause of the problem in our methodology, we have not been able to correct the problem to avoid incorrect conclusions. Again, one benefit we have is that we know we have some incorrect conclusions: this is a mercy of God in that we do not have to continue maintaining a teaching that can never be ultimately verified.

Personal Difficulty as a Teacher of the Bible

Teaching truth is of supreme importance. Long ago, Family Radio and the teaching of Mr. Camping stood out to me because I could hear the sound of truth. I did not hear this distinct sound of truth anywhere else the way I heard it when I listened to Mr. Camping on Family Radio. Also, the way the truth was proclaimed was also very different than how teachings were proclaimed in just about every other ministry. The truth of the Bible was proclaimed with authority (years later I learned this is one of the characteristics of Christ, He spoke with authority the Bible says, unlike the teachings of the Pharisees). When listening to Mr. Camping, there was no doubt that a woman was not to teach men, and those that divorced were never to remarry; no doubt that elders should be married men with children (not single without children); no doubt that God did all the work in salvation; no doubt about many, many teachings of the Bible. I also received these things in the same manner as they were taught (that is, I knew without doubt this was so, and that was so, concerning various doctrines of the Bible). This clarity, in such a confused mass of religious teachings everywhere else, caused Family Radio to shine in a glorious way as a light in much darkness.

The same methodology which allowed Mr. Camping to develop such clear teachings of many biblical subjects was also applied to the end times teachings of the Bible. Soon, a crystal clear outline of end times events developed. Each step could be checked as to how it was arrived at, and for faithfulness to the Scriptures themselves. Eventually, a great deal of information was gathered together and zeroed in on the date of May 21, 2011 as Judgment Day!

As I review (and have reviewed) all the Bible’s information, concerning May 21, and now Purim. I see things that were wrong (again, no literal earthquake, no physical five months of torment on earth, no end of the world in October, and no end of the world and rapture of God’s people during the feast of Purim); but my problem is that I do not see why they were wrong. Based on the Bible’s evidence I do not see why the world did not end. Therefore I do not know where to make correction.

Years ago I have felt extremely sorrowful over the many false teachings of the churches. We first began as a ministry with the desire of being as faithful as possible to what the Bible says. I have never wanted to teach anything contrary to the Bible. There is enough error out there to last us all many lifetimes. EBible Fellowship existed to teach truth. And yet, without knowing how or where to make correction regarding a doctrine that impacts so much of the Bible itself I do not think it is possible to continue teaching at this time.

May the Lord’s Perfect Will be Done

Although we do not understand certain things, we do know that our presence here on the earth is not out of the will of God. It is most definitely the Lord’s will that the world continues on at this time. It is also most definitely the Lord’s will that His people remain in this world at this time. We may have many questions as to why these things are so, but the fact is they are so. May each one of us pray for wisdom concerning what the Lord would have us to do to continue to serve Him each day we our here. May we also accept His will wholeheartedly, thankfully, knowing that His will is always better and wiser, and more perfect than ours.

Chris McCann

Day in the Word, Sunday, March 4th

2012-03-04T02:58:00Z

This Sunday, March 4, 2012 EBible Fellowship is hosting a “Day in the Word.” There will be a series of Bible studies and one Q&A session.

Time: 10 AM to 5 PM EST with a break for lunch

Location: The union hall where EBible Fellowship meets. See these Directions.

Speakers: Chris McCann, Robert Daniels and Reuben Tubbs

For those who are not able to attend in person, the entire event will be available via the internet and by phone:

Paltalk and web streams Broadcasts, Live
Phone conference Broadcasts, Phone Information

POST IT!

2012-03-01T17:41:00Z

STRONG BIBLICAL EVIDENCE POINTS TO JESUS’ COMING DURING THE FEAST OF PURIM, MARCH 7, 8, 9!

Please share this message with your friends and encourage that it be re-posted!

Esther 8:17 And in every province, and in every city, whithersoever the king’s commandment and his decree came, the Jews had joy and gladness, a feast and a good day. And many of the people of the land became Jews; for the fear of the Jews fell upon them.

The publication of this news is entirely for the comfort and encouragement and blessing of the people of God.

For more information, visit: http://www.ebiblefellowship.com.

No Salvation? NO! Great Salvation!

2012-02-29T19:26:00Z

The Bible has taught us that the Lord brought Judgment Day to pass on the day that He told the world He would, May 21, 2011. The Bible has revealed that on that day a spiritual judgment began. An horrible judgment in which God shut the door to heaven. A day in which God ceased to actively save people in this world any longer. Some, after hearing these things deride this information as a, “no salvation gospel.” But is it? Let’s consider the events that took place which brought about this enormous occurrence:

First, God sent forth the gospel in a tremendous way during a period of time the Bible identifies as “the latter rain”. During this wonderful outpouring of God’s Word upon the world, the Word of God declares that a great multitude that no man can number became saved. We read about this in Revelation 7:9:

After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;

A little later in this chapter the question is asked in Revelation 7:13,

And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they?

Of course, God intentionally wanted this question to be asked in order to link this great multitude of people He intended to save with a particular point in time, and in His overall salvation plan. Below we see the response to the question in Revelation 7:14:

…These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

The great multitude that became saved and suddenly appeared in heaven, came out of, “great tribulation.” The same great tribulation that Jesus referred to when He was answering the disciples questions in Matthew 24 regarding, “what shall be the sign of Thy coming and the end of the world?” As part of a detailed response, we read in Matthew 24:21:

For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.

There is no question then, that the great multitude of saved people from every nation, tribe, and tongue, were saved during the time of great tribulation which would come right at the very end of the world.

By God’s provision, He has opened up to His people the biblical calendar of history. This calendar (based on the genealogies of Genesis) shows very precise time patterns between key events in biblical history. Once laid out the pattern revealed that God would begin the great tribulation simultaneously with bringing judgmetn upon the unfaithful churches and congregations of the world. This judgment began on May 21, 1988. The first 2300 evening mornings of this “great tribulation” were most grievous. Virtually no one was being saved anywhere in the world. But God had a plan to pour out His blessings upon the world during a period known as “the latter rain.” Therefore God shortened the days (for the world only) of this most awful first part of the great tribulation. We also read about this in Matthew 24:22:

And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.

After 2300 days God began a program to save a vast multitude of people from all around the world. The door to heaven was flung wide open, and all those outside of the churches were encouraged to seek the Lord for His Salvation. Sadly, during this time of glorious salvation out in the world, still no one was being saved in any church. The judgment upon them would continue unabated throughout the entire 23 year period. But for the elect’s sakes, those outside of the congregations in the various nations of the world, it was shortened after the first 2300 days.

The Bible indicates that God saved more during the little season of the great tribulation than He had saved throughout all previous history. The Bible shows that the great multitude numbered in the tens of millions of people from many lands. God’s people proclaimed this glorious news to the world in the days leading up to May 21. Now is the time to boldly approach the throne of grace, for now God is saving like He never has before. The proclamation of this great salvation disturbed some people. They didn’t see any great multitude with their eyes. Therefore they did not believe it. They would rather the information of God saving a great multitude during the great tribulation be tampered down (isn’t it amazing how when God instructs His doorkeepers to fling the door wide open, some do not like it; and once God instructs His doorkeepers to shut the door they also do not like this).

Who is it that really has a, “gospel of no,” or “little salvation?” Is it the people of God that believe the Lord has done a mighty work all around the globe? That He has set untold millions of captives free out of Satan’s dungeon? Is it the people of God who believe the Bible when it says God has saved a great multitude which came speak every tongue? Is it a “no salvation” gospel that proclaims that the Lord Jesus Christ has triumphed and has completed His salvation plan. That He has saved everyone whose name was writen in the Lamb’s book of life. That these people are presently alive upon the earth. And it may be anyone (outside of the churches) in all the world. We don’t know who these people are. We have no idea who the elect multitude might be. What great hope for billions of people exists in this so called “no salvation” gospel.

And yet, what are the critics of God’s program proclaiming? Where is the salvation in their gospel? Many would not acknowledge that God saved a great multitude over the 23 years of the great tribulation. Yes, they believe salvation is continuing today; but it is a pittance. One here, and one there they think.

Is the Bible’s teaching that God has saved ALL that He intended to save from before the foundation of the world a “no salvation gospel?” Or, is it the most glorious declaration of the gospel of salvation that mankind has ever had the priviledge to hear?

We read in Ezekiel 37:7-10:

7) So I prophesied as I was commanded: and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and behold a shaking, and the bones came together, bone to his bone.
8) And when I beheld, lo, the sinews and the flesh came up upon them, and the skin covered them above: but there was no breath in them.
9) Then said he unto me, Prophesy unto the wind, prophesy, son of man, and say to the wind, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live.
10) So I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood up upon their feet, an exceeding great army.

After 23 years the great tribulation ended on May 21, 2011. Therefore the great multitude which Revelation 7:9,14 assures us came out of great tribulation, has already been gathered.

The Spiritual Judgment God Brought Upon the Churches Parallels the Spiritual Judgment the Lord has Brought Upon the World

2012-02-29T18:36:00Z

God revealed that the churches were under judgment. The judgment God brought upon them was a “spiritual judgment.” The language of the Bible was horrible, “woe unto them that give suck in those days,” “not one stone left upon another,” “a famine in the land,” “a desolate wilderness,” were all ways God used to describe this judgment upon the churches and congregations of the world. Believers, understanding that Christ spoke in parables warned those in the churches to get out before it was too late. The people in the churches looked around and saw nothing had changed from the many years before. Their church wasn’t desolate. They were enjoying the ministry like always. Certainly their church building was not brought down to the ground. Not only were all the stones in place, but they had managed to add an extra building recently.

Those of us outside of the churches told them that they were under judgment, and, that that judgment was completely spiritual in nature. And they not given eyes to see thought it was ridiculous. They could not see the Holy Spirit depart. They could not see Satan enter in. They could not see that God was no longer saving in their midst for the 23 years of the great tribulation. They mocked. They scorned. They said we had a gospel of the devil. All because we said the Bible reveals a spiritual judgment, upon the churches during the time of the great tribulation, and all because they could not see it with their naked eye.

The judgment on the churches was the test for the congregations. We realized this. And if they did not depart out before the period of great tribulation ended, oh, how tragic it would be for them. We realized God was testing them before He would bring the judgment upon the world. Jeremiah 25 told us that God would first give the cup to Judah to drink, and then all the nations of the world would likewise drink. This is exactly what God has done.

Some of those outside of the churches recognize the fact that a spiritual judgment came upon the churches; but now are faced with the same idea of a spiritual judgment coming upon the world outside of the churches and mock.

The Lord has brought about a time of testing for all of us outside of the congregations (now numbering a great multitude). And what is the test? Why it is a spiritual judgment. On May 21 God brought judgment upon the world. The language of the Bible was horrible: a great earthquake. Desolation everywhere. Dead bodies coming out of the tombs and littering the earth. We made a mistake of thinking this would be literal. But it wasn’t. God has given us an identical test as He gave the churches. And an identical judgment. A spiritual judgment is upon us God’s people share with the world. What is the reaction? Right. Sure it is. Mocking. Scorning. And disbelief. The very same reaction of those in the churches when they were informed that the judgment of God was upon them.

Why such a reaction from people, who themselves were intimately involved with warning others (those in the churches) of a very real judgment upon the congregations? How could those that shook their head in sorrow at people in the churches, because they just couldn’t see the truths of the Bible concerning the judgment of God beginning at the house of God, how could they so easily, and so quickly dismiss the idea of a spiritual judgment day? Especially when there was much biblical evidence to prove it? And what is the nature of the judgment upon the world? God has shut the door. That was proclaimed to all the earth prior to May 21.

May 21’s underlying Hebrew date was the 17th day of the 2nd month. This was the equivalent date 7000 years earlier to when the flood began and God shut the door to the ark (note: God shut the door to the ark, not Noah. Just like God has shut the door to heaven, not His people). What is the significance of the shutting of the door? Christ said in John 10, “I Am the Door”. This and many other Scriptures show us that God shut the door of salvation on this world.

This is the horrible nature of Judgment Day. And, it is a judgment that cannot be seen with the human eye. But can only be seen with the eyes of faith. Exactly parallel to the judgment brought to pass on the churches that also had to be seen with eyes of faith. Eyes of understanding in the Word of God. The same judgment brought to bare upon the churches (the removal of salvation from their midst); is the identical judgment brought to pass now upon the world (no more salvation for mankind anywhere in this world).

We read in Jeremiah 25:15-18, 27-29:

15) For thus saith the LORD God of Israel unto me; Take the wine cup of this fury at my hand, and cause all the nations, to whom I send thee, to drink it.
16) And they shall drink, and be moved, and be mad, because of the sword that I will send among them.
17) Then took I the cup at the LORD’s hand, and made all the nations to drink, unto whom the LORD had sent me:
18) To wit, Jerusalem, and the cities of Judah, and the kings thereof, and the princes thereof, to make them a desolation, an astonishment, an hissing, and a curse; as it is this day;
27) Therefore thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Drink ye, and be drunken, and spue, and fall, and rise no more, because of the sword which I will send among you.
28) And it shall be, if they refuse to take the cup at thine hand to drink, then shalt thou say unto them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Ye shall certainly drink.
29) For, lo, I begin to bring evil on the city which is called by my name, and should ye be utterly unpunished? Ye shall not be unpunished: for I will call for a sword upon all the inhabitants of the earth, saith the LORD of hosts.

Is Date Setting a Sin?

2012-02-28T02:01:00Z

We read in Esther 3:13:

And the letters were sent by posts into all the king’s provinces, to destroy, to kill, and to cause to perish, all Jews, both young and old, little children and women, in one day, even upon the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar, and to take the spoil of them for a prey.

We read in Esther 8:11-13:

11) Wherein the king granted the Jews which were in every city to gather themselves together, and to stand for their life, to destroy, to slay, and to cause to perish, all the power of the people and province that would assault them, both little ones and women, and to take the spoil of them for a prey,
12) Upon one day in all the provinces of king Ahasuerus, namely, upon the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar.
13) The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province was published unto all people, and that the Jews should be ready against that day to avenge themselves on their enemies.

The book of Esther is a book that is dedicated to the setting of a date. From chapter 3, all the way through the end of the book in chapter 10, the focus is waveringly upon a date: the 13th day (#13 pointing to the end of the world) of the 12th month (#12 pointing to fullness of time).

Who is it that wrote the book of Esther? The man God used to write is is unknown. But we do know that all Scripture is given by inspiration of God; and is profitable for doctrine, etc. God is the author of the book of Esther. God, therefore is the One that has given us a book of the Bible (Esther is just as much a part of the Bible as Genesis or Matthew), in which the main and unceasing focus is on a date. A date that has been selected by lot, “the lot is cast into the lap, but the whole disposing thereof is of the Lord,” Proverbs 16:33). A date that has been set aside especially for destruction. And a date that turns out to be a date of deliverance for the Jews (God’s people) and a date of destruction for ALL the enemies of the Jews (those opposed to God’s people). This language, of course, matches up very well with Judgment Day and the end of the world. The end of the world is a time when God’s people are delivered (although apart from the grace of God we surely should have died); and a time when all of the enemies of God and His kingdom (i.e. all of the unsaved of the world) do perish.

Is date setting a sin? Then why has God given us a book like Esther that completely focuses upon a date?

Day in the Word, Sunday, February 12th

2012-02-12T15:00:00Z

This Sunday, February 12, 2012 EBible Fellowship is hosting a “Day in the Word.” There will be a series of Bible studies and one Q&A session.

Time: 10 AM to 5 PM EST with a break for lunch

Location: The union hall where EBible Fellowship meets. See these Directions.

For those who are not able to attend in person, the entire event will be available via the internet and by phone:

Paltalk and web streams Broadcasts, Live
Phone conference Broadcasts, Phone Information

Fill the Cup Double

2012-02-04T05:51:00Z

In Revelation 9:3-5 we read:

3) And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth: and unto them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power.
4) And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads.
5) And to them it was given that they should not kill them, but that they should be tormented five months: and their torment was as the torment of a scorpion, when he striketh a man.

In this study we are going to discuss some things related to the five months of torment that we had thought would take place between May 21 and October 21, 2011. As we do so, we will find that we were correct in our understanding that God intended to judge the world for a period of five months. But we will also learn that we were incorrect regarding one of our assumptions about the dating of the five months period of torment. In this study we will attempt to correct this misunderstanding, and afterwards also see how God’s timeline extends from:

May 21, 2011 (the beginning of Judgment Day) until the last day of Judgment Day.
Five months of torment from May 21 until a date in October 2011, during the feast of tabernacles.
From the end of the five months in October 2011 until the feast of Purim in March, 2012.

In other words, we will show from the Bible a tie in from the conclusion of the five months referred to in Revelation chapter 9 until the end of the feast of Purim. This will give us additional supporting evidence concerning God’s plan to spiritually fulfill the feast of Purim (as we have learned previously that the book of Esther joins the 17^th day of the 2^nd month to the date of May 21, 2011). As a result of this information we have a direct time path that goes from the date of 2/17 in Esther until the twelfth month feast of Purim. In this study, we will examine a second link with May 21^st and the five months of torment that also reaches the feast of Purim.

Overview for Arriving at the Date of October 21, 2011 as the End of the World

Back in the year 2005, Mr. Camping published the book entitled: “Time Has an End.” In this book it was pointed out that the year 2011 A.D. was the 7000^th year from the flood of Noah’s day. It also was explained that the feast of tabernacles was the one main feast yet to be spiritually fulfilled.
In addition, it was mentioned that the phrase, “last day” was found eight times in the Bible. This was significant because the phrase “last day” seemed to identify with the end of the world. And since the phrase “last day” was also used twice in connection with the feast of tabernacles, the conclusion was arrived at that the last day of the feast of tabernacles in the year 2011 would be the probable last day for the world to exist. Early on, the date selected as the last day for tabernacles was October 20^th in the year 2011. But then it was realized that the Bible speaks of an additional day of travel (a 9^th day related to tabernacles), as a result of this the date was moved one day to October 21^st, 2011. This date was selected as the probable date for the return of Christ and the end of the world primarily because it was the last day of the feast of tabernacles in the 7000^th year from the flood of Noah’s day.

Independent of the date for the last day of the feast of tabernacles was another important date: it was the date of May 21, 2011. May 21^st had to be significant because the 23 year great tribulation period (which had begun May 21, 1988) concluded on that day. It was also an exact 8400 day period for the great tribulation. For a little while the two dates of October 21^st and May 21^st could not be reconciled. The year 2011 seemed certain—but it was not known upon which of these two likely dates Christ would return.

Regarding May 21^st, it was soon noticed that the underlying Hebrew (biblical) calendar date for that day was the 17^th day of the 2^nd month. This was highly significant because that was the very date found in the Genesis account for the shutting of the ark’s door and the beginning of the flood. Let’s take a look at that verse once again in Genesis 7:11:

In the six hundredth year of Noah’s life, in the second month, the seventeenth day of the month, the same day were all the fountains of the great deep broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened.

This provided further assurance that May 21^st was indeed the day to focus upon for the Day of Judgment. But still the question lingered—what about the last day of the feast of tabernacles on October 21^st? How did October 21^st relate to this very important day of May 21^st? Eventually, it was noticed that there was a five month space of time between May 21 and October 21, 2011. This was promising because the Bible’s record of the flood also spoke of a 150 day period that the flood waters prevailed:

Genesis 7:24 And the waters prevailed upon the earth an hundred and fifty days.

This was five months of time mentioned immediately after the flood began on the 17^th day of the 2^nd month. Also, it was learned that verses found in Revelation 9 went into some detail concerning an awful period of five months. Revelation 9:5,10:

5) And to them it was given that they should not kill them, but that they should be tormented five months: and their torment was as the torment of a scorpion, when he striketh a man.
10) And they had tails like unto scorpions, and there were stings in their tails: and their power was to hurt men five months.

Soon it became apparent that the five months was a period of time God had established in which He intended to bring judgment upon mankind. May 21^st would be the beginning of the Day of Judgment; but “Judgment Day” (it was concluded) would be five months in duration.

May 21, 2011 Locked in as the Day of Judgment in Three Major Ways

God confirmed May 21^st was the beginning of the Day of Judgment in three major ways:

The underlying Hebrew/biblical calendar date was the 17^th day of the 2^nd month identifying it with the flood which occurred 7000 years earlier on the same date.
May 21, 2011 also happened to be exactly 23 years from the start of the great tribulation (May 21, 1988).
The date of May 21, 2011 was the 722,500 day since Jesus had gone to the cross in 33 A.D. (Family Radio produced a tract entitled, “Another Infallible Proof” showing how 722,500 broke down to: (5 x 10 x 17) x (5 x 10 x 17)).

We have since found additional biblical proof supporting the truth that May 21, 2011 was truly the Day of Judgment. However, no substantial evidence has developed to support the idea that October 21, 2011 was the end of the five months period. The main evidence supporting October 21^st was the assumption that the Lord would return during the last day of the feast of tabernacles. Yet, the feast of tabernacles has come and gone and Christ did not return on October 21^st as expected.

Time to Make a Correction

Since the main evidence pointing to October 21^st as the last day of the five months period was the assumption (based on biblical evidence) that it would be the last day of earth’s existence; and since the world did not end on that day thereby disproving that assumption, it is now necessary for us to make a correction regarding the actual duration of the five months period of time. Let’s turn to the flood account in the book of Genesis. In Genesis 7:11:

In the six hundredth year of Noah’s life, in the second month, the seventeenth day of the month, the same day were all the fountains of the great deep broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened.

Let’s ask the question: what was one of the major ways in which the Lord verified that May 21, 2011 would be Judgment Day? The answer is that God put His finger on that particular day once we realized that the underlying Hebrew (or biblical) calendar date was the 17^th day of the 2^nd month. This was an amazing thing! It was noticed that in the year 2011 (exactly 7000 years from the flood), on the exact day that the 23 year Great Tribulation period came to an end, on that very day, the Hebrew calendar was on the same date as recorded in the book of Genesis when the flood began and God shut the door to the ark.

We also knew from the start of the flood on the 17^th day of the 2^nd month until five months later the Bible emphasized a 150 day period in which the waters prevailed upon the earth. The Bible gave us a second date for this period of time in the very same flood account that had given us our first date for the beginning of the judgment. We read about this in Genesis 8:3-4:

3) And the waters returned from off the earth continually: and after the end of the hundred and fifty days the waters were abated.
4) And the ark rested in the seventh month, on the seventeenth day of the month, upon the mountains of Ararat.

We see from the flood account itself that 150 days are mentioned, and a date is given for the end of the 150 days (17^th day of the 7^th month). Due to the date given of the 17^th day of the 7^th month, we can see that the 150 days cover a period of exactly five months. Of course upon hearing “five months” our ears perk up. We’ve already seen how there was a five months period of time between May 21^st and October 21^st. And we’ve also seen that the Bible speaks of five months of torment in Revelation chapter 9.
At this point, we have to note that neither the 150 days nor the date of 7/17 (17^th day of the 7^th month) were factored into the date of October 21^st. October 21^st happened to be 153 days from May 21^st. But as we’ve discussed before, October 21^st was not the last day of the end of the world. So now the big question is: was October 21, 2011 the end of the five months period of torment?

The need for correction comes in once we see that the Lord utilized the date of 2/17 (17^th day of the 2^nd month) in a major way in confirming the date of May 21. He also gave us another date five months later in the very same flood account, of 7/17 (the 17^th day of the 7^th month). After receiving the confirmation that May 21 would be the Day of Judgment, due to the underlying Hebrew/Biblical calendar date aligning with the date in Genesis 7, we made the mistake of switching calendars to our Gregorian calendar and confirming the five months later on the basis of seeing May 21 align with October 21. Instead of this, once God confirmed the date of 2/17 through the use of the Hebrew calendar (thereby directing us back to the book of Genesis) we should have continued with the same calendar and dated the end of the five months also according to the date found in Genesis 8 of 7/17 (17^th day of the 7^th month in the Hebrew calendar).
Once we make this correction we find the following in the Hebrew calendar:

2/17 Judgment Day began on May 21, 2011.
7/17 Five months period of torment came to an end on October 14, 2011 (Tishri 16/17—Hebrew calendar days overlap two of our Gregorian calendar days).

May 21^st through October 14, 2011 (2/17 until the beginning of 7/17), was the space of the five months of torment as described in the book of Revelation. It was exactly 147 days in duration.

What Difference Does it Make?

Someone might wonder, since apparently nothing happened on October 14^th or October 21^st, what does it matter? What possible difference could it make where the five months of so called torment landed?
This is a good question. The answer can be found once we more closely follow the Bible’s own dating for the flood and the duration of the five months period of time. After making the correction that the five months of torment came to a conclusion on Tishri 16/17 (October 14^th), we will find a connection with the feast of Purim in the biblical 12^th month of Adar. But before we go to discuss this connection, we first need to consider what the Bible has to say about “double payment” for sins.

He Shall Pay Double

Did you know that in some cases God’s law requires a “double payment” for wrong doing? Let’s turn to the book of Exodus to see some examples of this in Exodus 22:4,7,9:

4) If the theft be certainly found in his hand alive, whether it be ox, or ass, or sheep; he shall restore double.
7) If a man shall deliver unto his neighbour money or stuff to keep, and it be stolen out of the man’s house; if the thief be found, let him pay double.
9) For all manner of trespass, whether it be for ox, for ass, for sheep, for raiment, or for any manner of lost thing, which another challengeth to be his, the cause of both parties shall come before the judges; and whom the judges shall condemn, he shall pay double unto his neighbour.

Clearly, here in the book of Exodus we find the Bible laying down laws requiring (in some instances) that the payment for wrong doing (sin) is to be doubled. This isn’t out of the ordinary, even today in our modern world we see road signs in a construction zone announcing the warning, “Fines doubled”. We recognize it is the right of the authorities to double the normal payment for wrong doing in certain areas or at certain times. They are perfectly within their rights to do so.

Likewise, God has placed laws within His law book (the Bible) stating that in some instances the penalty for sin can be doubled. Alright, some might concede, but what does the doubling of the penalty for sins have to do with the topic at hand, which was the “five months of torment?”

In order to answer this properly we have to keep in mind that the judgment of five months of torment was God’s penalty upon this world (the kingdom of Babylon) for their sins. God’s law stated that the world would be judged, and Revelation 9 went into detail describing the nature of that judgment, which would be carried out over a period of time five months in duration.

We find our answers to what God has done concerning the five months of torment, and also to what God has been doing the entire period of time since May 21^st in Revelation 18:2:

And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.

Notice the phrase, “Babylon…is fallen, is fallen” repeated twice. This repetition of the phrase, “Babylon is fallen” is found a few times in the Bible. Isn’t it interesting that we have learned about God doubling the payment for sin in some instances; and here we find when it is time to announce the judgment upon Babylon God doubles the pronouncement. It is not typical of the Bible to double a statement like this. For instance, we do not read of Egypt, “Egypt is fallen, is fallen.” Nor do we read this of Assyria. But of Babylon in particular, their fall is doubled.

Before proceeding, we need to remember two important things. First, the fall of Babylon came after a 70 year period of awful judgment upon the nation of Judah. It is fairly well documented that this 70 year period (from 609 BC, until Babylon’s fall in 539 BC) is an historical type and figure of the great tribulation period. God raised up the king of Babylon in order to use him as a weapon to destroy and bring judgment upon the rebellious nation of Judah. Spiritually, this typified God’s judgment upon the rebellious churches and congregations of the world during the actual period of great tribulation (23 years from May 21, 1988 until May 21, 2011). Therefore, the phrase “Babylon…is fallen, is fallen” identifies with the conclusion of the historical 70 year period Jeremiah wrote about; but it also identifies spiritually with the conclusion of the actual 23 year great tribulation period which ended on May 21, 2011.
Secondly, we also need to remember that “Babylon” is a synonym for the kingdom of Satan. In the context of Revelation 18 it encompasses the world as well as the churches under Satan’s rule.

Let’s continue on in Revelation chapter 18 to see what else God has to say concerning Babylon’s fall and judgment. Revelation 18:5-6:

5) For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.
6) Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double.

In the above verses we find it is Judgment Day! It is the time for God to exact payment for the sins of Babylon (i.e. all the unsaved in the world). Please notice the strong emphasis upon the payment being DOUBLED! Three times the Lord uses the word “double.” The cup is to be filled double.

The Cup of God’s Wrath—The Cup of Torment

The language found in Revelation 18:6 concerning Babylon drinking of a “cup” is not unusual in itself. The Bible often makes reference to the wrath of God in terms of the drinking of God’s anger from a cup. We can see this in the following verses:

Psalm 11:6 Upon the wicked he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest: this shall be the portion of their cup.

Jeremiah 25:15 For thus saith the LORD God of Israel unto me; Take the wine cup of this fury at my hand, and cause all the nations, to whom I send thee, to drink it.

Revelation 14:10 The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:

We can quickly see from the Scriptures given above that the “cup” of God’s wrath is without question the wrath of God that comes upon the sinner at the time of Judgment Day. It is significant to point out the context of the verse from Revelation, chapter 14. It is in that same chapter just a couple of verse earlier that we read the following statement in Revelation 14:8:

And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.

Once again we see the doubling of the phrase, “Babylon is fallen, is fallen.” This leads into verse 10 wherein the Lord refers to the wine being poured out into the cup of His indignation. But it is the next thing we read in that verse which we need to consider at this point: “…and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone…”

The cup of God’s wrath is described as something which “torments” the one given to drink it. This is the idea behind the “five months of torment” that we read about in Revelation chapter 9. The same Greek word translated as “torment” in Revelation 9 is also found in Revelation 18:6-7:

6) Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double.
7) How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her:

God is commanding that Babylon (those within the kingdom of darkness in this world) is to be given the cup of His wrath (the judgment upon them for their sins) double. And, then He further elaborates “so much torment and sorrow give her.” That is, God is measuring out the amount of torment that is to be filled in the cup of His indignation. It is to be doubled. God’s perfect justice requires and demands a double payment from Babylon because of all her sins. This payment normally would be five months in duration. In Revelation 9:5:

And to them it was given that they should not kill them, but that they should be tormented five months: and their torment was as the torment of a scorpion, when he striketh a man.

However, since it is to be doubled, it must be twice that of five months.

Doubling the Judgment Brings us to the Feast of Purim

Earlier in this study we saw that we had to make a correction regarding the actual time duration of the five months period of time. Basically, this correction enabled us to more closely follow the biblical dates given. Now instead of focusing on just the underlying date of 2/17 (17^th day of the 2^nd month) for May 21^st, we also continue to follow the next date given in the historical record of the flood, which was 7/17 (the 17^th day of the 7^th month). Since initially, our date for October 21^st did not follow 150 days or the date of 7/17 found in the Genesis account, we can be sure that the correction we have made is much more aligned with the biblical account itself. In other words, we did not pull the 17^th day of the 7^th month out of a hat to make it fit a scenario we have developed; but rather it is found right on the pages of the Bible (Genesis 8:3,4); just as the 17^th day of the 2^nd month, was also found on the pages of the Bible itself and could be pointed to as biblical evidence (Genesis 7:11). Also, the date of 7/17 has everything to do with the duration of the five months as God very carefully tells us that between 2/17 and 7/17 there was a space of 150 days in which the flood waters prevailed upon the earth. Therefore God is giving us the date of 7/17 as the end date of a five months period of time. As a result of this we have all the biblical warrant necessary to make our correction for the duration of the five months from October 21^st, to October 14^th (16^th and 17^th days of the Tishri, the 7^th Hebrew month). We now follow both key biblical dates for the beginning of Judgment Day (2/17) and for the end of the five month period (7/17).

Once we make this correction we find something very interesting. The number of days between May 21^st (2/17) and October 14^th (Tishri 16/17) is 147 (The number 147 breaks down into the significant numbers of 3 x 7 x 7). The number of days arrived at are due to the two dates the Bible has given us. We cannot change the number of days between the dates of 2/17 and 7/17. God has given us these dates and therefore the number of days in between them. Also, we are given an end date for the five months but we are not given another date for a second five months period of time. If we simply go to 12/17 (the 17^th day of the Hebrew 12^th month) the number of days would not be the same as the first five months of time. And if the number of days were not the same, it would not be a perfect doubling of the judgment. The only way we can get an exact double of the first five months of time is by doubling the number of days we found between the two key dates given to us. The number of days was 147. We then double this number of days and extend Judgment Day from five months of 147 days to Judgment Day of 10 months encompassing 294 days (2 x 147). The second period of five months goes from October 15^th (Tishri 17/18) through March 9^th (Adar 15^th).

In our study of the book of Esther we have seen how the feast of Purim has everything to do with the end of the world. It is a feast that extends over a three day period: Adar 13, 14, and 15. Let’s go to the book of Esther, chapter 9 to read about the events that took place during the biblical feast of Purim. Esther 9:1,17-18,20-22:

1) Now in the twelfth month, that is, the month Adar, on the thirteenth day of the same, when the king’s commandment and his decree drew near to be put in execution, in the day that the enemies of the Jews hoped to have power over them, (though it was turned to the contrary, that the Jews had rule over them that hated them;)
17) On the thirteenth day of the month Adar; and on the fourteenth day of the same rested they, and made it a day of feasting and gladness.
18) But the Jews that were at Shushan assembled together on the thirteenth day thereof, and on the fourteenth thereof; and on the fifteenth day of the same they rested, and made it a day of feasting and gladness.
20) And Mordecai wrote these things, and sent letters unto all the Jews that were in all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, both nigh and far,
21) To stablish this among them, that they should keep the fourteenth day of the month Adar, and the fifteenth day of the same, yearly,
22) As the days wherein the Jews rested from their enemies, and the month which was turned unto them from sorrow to joy, and from mourning into a good day: that they should make them days of feasting and joy, and of sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor.

The 15^th day of Adar (March 9, 2012) identifies with the last day of the feast of Purim. The 15^th day was to be a day of rest to celebrate the fact that all the enemies of the Jews had been killed. What a perfect landing point for the doubling of the five months of judgment upon this world! For it is after God has poured all the fullness of His wrath doubled that He will then bring His people into the eternal rest of the new heavens and the new earth.

The Timeline for Judgment Day

Given what we have learned, we can now lay out a timeline for the duration of Judgment Day:

The 17^th day of the 2^nd Hebrew month (May 21, 2011), Judgment Day begins.
The 16^th/17^th day of the 7^th Hebrew month (October 14^th, 2011) ends the first period of five months (147 days).
The 15^th day of the 12^th Hebrew month (March 9, 2012), concludes the second period of 147 days and a doubling of five months.

Revised 23-Feb-2012 with many minor edits

Day in the Word, Sunday, January 8th

2012-01-06T08:32:00Z

This Sunday, January 8, 2012 EBible Fellowship is hosting a “Day in the Word.” There will be a series of Bible studies and one Q&A session.

Time: 10 AM to 5 PM EST with a break for lunch

Location: The union hall where EBible Fellowship meets. See these Directions.

Speakers: Chris McCann and Gunther von Harringa, Sr.

For those who are not able to attend in person, the entire event will be available via the internet and by phone:

Paltalk and web streams Broadcasts, Live
Phone conference Broadcasts, Phone Information

New Phone Conference Number

2011-12-04T09:15:00Z

The dial-in number and access code for the EBible Fellowship Phone conference has changed.
For more information, see the Phone Information and Schedule page.

Fellowship Gathering Tomorrow

2011-10-30T00:00:21Z

There will be a fellowship gathering tomorrow beginning at 10:30 AM EDT with Scripture reading and a hymn sing only. Lunch will follow afterwards depending on availability of food.

The Fellowship Gathering will be broadcast over Paltalk, web stream and phone.

If you live locally or otherwise wish to attend in person, directions are available.

May 21, 1988 to October 21, 2011 Evening-Morning Correction

2011-10-22T10:03:00Z

The audio from the Question and Answer from yesterday evening along with notes has been posted making a correction to our understanding of May 21, 1988 to October 21, 2011 to use evening-mornings instead of morning to evening. Also, the delay of one day in the appearance of the new moon as an indicator of the start of the new month in both 1994 and now in 2011.

The audio and video are also available at http://fridaynightstudy.com/archives/1209.