BIBLE PROPHECY

KNOWING THE TIMES—WATCH Part-2

12-Mt 24:42-51
13-Lk 21:34-36
14-WHO CAN KNOW THE TIME?  WHO CANNOT KNOW THE TIME?  THE CONCLUSION:
      UNDERSTANDING IS HIDDEN FROM SOME
15-GOD'S PEOPLE ARE TO SEE CERTAIN THINGS, HEAR CERTAIN THINGS, AND DO
      CERTAIN THINGS
16-SEE CERTAIN THINGS
17-LISTEN FOR CERTAIN THINGS
18-DO CERTAIN THINGS
19-COMMANDS TO WATCH
20-THE WATCHMAN
21-WE CANNOT KNOW THE DAY AND HOUR OF THE RAPTURE: IS THIS TRUE?
22- WHERE IN THE BIBLE DOES IT SAY THAT NO MAN CAN KNOW THE DAY AND HOUR
       OF THE RAPTURE?
23- SUMMARY OF THE DAY AND HOUR VERSES
24-THE SEVEN FEASTS OF ISRAEL: IS THIS GOD'S TIMETABLE?

    It has been said, "Beware of the intoxicating influence of popularity."
    Popular interpretation is not necessarily the correct one. Neither is popular interpretation a guarantee of accuracy.
    There are many popular sayings and traditions in today’s churches that are not based upon rightly dividing God’s Word. It was the same in the days that Jesus was upon the earth. The Pharisees and other religious orders held to unbiblical traditions, which they believed were correct. When Jesus corrected them, they would often become very angry.                                          
    Many people, today, refuse to be corrected on popular unbiblical traditions. Many, in this church age, despise correction; they hate to admit that they could be wrong on anything. A person who takes a stand against popular traditions, which are wrong, can often expect to have unloving people get angry with him.

    Mt 24:42-51-WATCH THEREFORE: FOR YE KNOW NOT WHAT HOUR (or day) YOUR LORD DOTH COME.
    Mt 24:43-BUT KNOW THIS (or understand), THAT IF THE GOODMAN OF THE HOUSE HAD KNOWN IN WHAT WATCH THE THIEF WOULD COME, HE WOULD HAVE WATCHED, AND WOULD NOT HAVE SUFFERED HIS HOUSE TO BE BROKEN UP.
    Mt 24:44-THEREFORE BE YE ALSO READY: FOR IN SUCH AN HOUR AS YE THINK NOT THE SON OF MAN COMETH (will come at an hour when you do not expect Him-NIV).
    Mt 24:45-WHO THEN IS A FAITHFUL AND WISE SERVANT, WHOM HIS LORD HATH MADE RULER (or put in charge) OVER HIS HOUSEHOLD (the servants in his household-NIV), TO GIVE THEM MEAT (or food) IN DUE SEASON?
    Mt 24:46-BLESSED IS THAT SERVANT, WHOM HIS LORD WHEN HE COMETH SHALL FIND SO DOING.
    Mt 24:47-VERILY I SAY UNTO YOU, THAT HE SHALL MAKE HIM RULER OVER ALL HIS GOODS (or He will put him in charge of all his possessions-NIV.)
    Mt 24:48-BUT AND IF THAT EVIL (or wicked) SERVANT SHALL SAY IN HIS HEART, MY LORD DELAYETH HIS COMING (or my master is staying away a long time-NIV.)                            
    Mt 24:49-AND SHALL BEGIN TO SMITE HIS FELLOWSERVANTS, AND TO EAT AND DRINK WITH THE DRUNKEN;
    Mt 24:50-THE LORD OF THAT SERVANT SHALL COME IN A DAY WHEN HE LOOKETH NOT FOR HIM, AND IN AN HOUR THAT HE IS NOT AWARE OF,
    Mt 24:51-AND SHALL CUT HIM ASUNDER (or cut him to pieces, or cut him off), AND APPOINT (or assign) HIM HIS PORTION WITH THE HYPOCRITES: THERE SHALL BE WEEPING AND GNASHING OF TEETH.
    Note the following words, Verse 42-YE KNOW NOT WHAT HOUR YOUR LORD DOTH COME. Verse 44-FOR IN SUCH AN HOUR AS YE THINK NOT THE SON OF MAN COMETH. Verse 50-THE LORD...SHALL COME IN A DAY WHEN HE LOOKETH NOT FOR HIM, AND IN AN HOUR THAT HE IS NOT AWARE OF.

    Mt 24:42-WATCH THEREFORE: FOR YE KNOW NOT WHAT HOUR (or day) YOUR LORD DOTH COME. The command to WATCH is given. Then we see the words, YE KNOW NOT. The question then arises, who does not know? Is it the unbelievers? Is it the unfaithful, unwise believers? Is it everyone? The following verses answer these questions. The Scripture concludes with, WHAT HOUR YOUR LORD DOTH COME. Some might say this is talking about the Rapture. Others may say it is the physical return of Jesus Christ. This topic has already been dealt with in previous verses. It could cover both.
    Mt 24:43-BUT KNOW THIS (or understand), God’s Word is telling us to know something. THAT IF THE GOODMAN OF THE HOUSE HAD KNOWN IN WHAT WATCH THE THIEF WOULD COME, HE WOULD HAVE WATCHED, AND WOULD NOT HAVE SUFFERED HIS HOUSE TO BE BROKEN UP. Note the words, IF THE GOODMAN...HAD KNOWN...HE WOULD HAVE WATCHED. We are commanded to watch. We are to be in a constant state of anticipation. If then watching can also be dependent upon knowing when the thief would come, then it is obvious we can know. Next the question arises, "Who can know?" We see a progression, which is first based upon understanding, then knowing when, then watching, and then making sure the house is not broken up. The scriptural context is based upon knowing when Jesus would return and making sure that the goodman’s house is also ready for the return of Jesus.
    Mt 24:44-THEREFORE BE YE ALSO READY: FOR IN SUCH AN HOUR AS YE THINK NOT THE SON OF MAN COMETH (or will come at an hour when you do not expect Him-NIV). Now we see the command, BE YE…READY. Then the wording comes forth, denoting that Jesus returns at an hour that people do not expect. Again the question, "Is this talking to everyone or a certain group of people?"
    Mt 24:45-WHO THEN IS A FAITHFUL AND WISE SERVANT, WHOM HIS LORD HATH MADE RULER OVER HIS HOUSEHOLD (or has put in charge of His servants), TO GIVE THEM MEAT (or food) IN DUE SEASON? A question is asked, which is twofold. WHO...IS A FAITHFUL...SERVANT? WHO...IS A...WISE SERVANT? Three key words here, FAITHFUL, WISE, SERVANT. Following the twofold question, the comment comes forth, WHOM HIS LORD HATH MADE RULER OVER HIS HOUSEHOLD. Many are called by the Lord to be a ruler over His household, but they are not faithful. They are not wise, neither are they willing to be a servant and serve God faithfully. That servant (some may say a teacher of the Bible in some capacity) is to GIVE MEAT (or food) IN DUE SEASON. Since these verses are talking in the context of the return of Jesus Christ, it would seem very clear that the meat (or food) would not only be talking about giving the bread of life (the Word of God) but would also include giving the food of the Word dealing with the coming of the Lord. This is so those under him (in the Lord’s household) would not be unprepared when the Lord returns, and miss the Rapture, and perish to the lake of fire. The words, DUE SEASON, are talking about the proper season or proper time. When certain prophecies have come to pass, we then KNOW that the coming of the Lord is at hand. Those called of God are to bring forth this Word of the Lord in its season. That season is NOW.
    To put it plainly, woe to the head of a household or preacher who does not get his people ready in the generation, time or season that will actually see the return of Jesus Christ. During the generation that the Rapture will come, woe to those that say, "I will teach on everything, except the coming of Jesus and the signs that go with it." Woe to the unfaithful who does not give a warning that the time is at hand in the season (the due season) that Jesus will return.
    There are some that might not like to agree with these evaluations and warnings.
    Mt 24:46-BLESSED IS THAT SERVANT, WHOM HIS LORD WHEN HE COMETH SHALL FIND SO DOING. Note, that servant shall be blessed. What servant? The servant that is faithful and wise. When the Lord returns, he shall be DOING, that is, bringing forth God’s Word about the coming of the Lord. He shall be doing all possible to prepare himself and those under him.
    In order to do this, he certainly needs to know and understand the times we are in. To this faithful and wise servant, these things are not hid from him. He is not in darkness that that day should overtake him as a thief.
    Mt 24:47-VERILY I SAY UNTO YOU, THAT HE SHALL MAKE HIM RULER OVER ALL HIS GOODS (or He will put him in charge of all his possessions-NIV). When the Lord comes, that faithful and wise servant will be put in charge of all that he has.                                                        
    Mt 24:48-BUT AND IF THAT EVIL (or wicked) SERVANT SHALL SAY IN HIS HEART, MY LORD DELAYETH HIS COMING (or my master is staying away a long time-NIV). In this verse, we have a picture of a professing Christian that calls Jesus MY LORD. He appears to begin following Jesus and serving Him faithfully for a period of time. Nevertheless, this SERVANT is wicked. He notes that the Lord has not returned, and then says IN HIS HEART, MY LORD DELAYETH HIS COMING. He has at least some knowledge that the Lord will return, but he is certainly not walking in the fear of the Lord. Note, however, the word "IF." If he does this and the following, then certain things are promised that shall come upon him.
    Mt 24:49-AND SHALL BEGIN TO SMITE HIS FELLOWSERVANTS, AND TO EAT AND DRINK WITH THE DRUNKEN. This evil servant also begins to smite his fellow servants or fellow Christians. This indicates that he is, indeed, a servant of Jesus, but a wicked one that begins having evil thoughts and then turns against his brethren in Jesus. Smiting can denote both physical abuse and verbal. If he begins to eat with the drunken, if he begins to drink with the drunken (that is, with the unbelievers), if he does these things, then the Lord promises the following to this servant that was evil and turned.
    Mt 24:50-THE LORD OF THAT SERVANT SHALL COME IN A DAY WHEN HE LOOKETH NOT FOR HIM, AND IN AN HOUR THAT HE IS NOT AWARE OF. The verse clearly tells us that Jesus is THE LORD OF THAT SERVANT. It tells us that Jesus will come when this evil servant does not look for Him to come. We may say that this evil servant becomes blinded and deceived. He was expecting Jesus to return, but then, when Jesus did not return, he turned from the light to the darkness. This servant will not understand when Jesus will return. Jesus will return IN AN HOUR that this EVIL SERVANT...IS NOT AWARE OF.
    Mt 24:51-AND SHALL CUT HIM ASUNDER (or cut him to pieces, or cut him off), AND APPOINT (or assign) HIM HIS PORTION WITH THE HYPOCRITES: THERE SHALL BE WEEPING AND GNASHING OF TEETH. Jesus returns, but the evil servant is not ready. He is cut to pieces and will perish WITH THE HYPOCRITES for eternity. It is this servant that will not know when the Lord will return; this servant will not know the hour.
    The faithful and wise servant that obeyed God will understand and know; he will not be caught off guard. Jesus comes as a thief in the night to those not ready and watching. Jesus does not come as a thief in the night to those that are watching and ready.

    Group one
    He is a servant of Jesus Christ
    He is evil
    He is not ready
    He does not know or understand when Jesus will come
    He does not know what hour His Lord comes
    He is not faithful
    He is not wise
    He is not feeding those under him with God’s Word, including prophecy
    He is not blessed
    When Jesus comes, he is not doing
    He says in his heart, "My Lord delayeth His coming"
    He begins to smite his fellow Christians
    He begins to eat and drink with the drunken
    Jesus comes in a day that he is not looking for Him
    Jesus comes in an hour that he is not aware of
    He shall perish

    Group two
    He is a servant of Jesus Christ
    The goodman (head) of the house
    He can know when (or what watch) the thief will come
    He watches
    He does not allow his house to be broken up
    He is ready
    He is faithful
    He is wise
    He feeds those under him with God’s Word, including prophecy
    He is blessed
    When Jesus comes, he is found doing
    He does not say in his heart, "My Lord delayeth His coming," and turn away
    He is made ruler over all that he has
    Jesus comes in a day when he is looking for Him
    Jesus comes in an hour that he is aware of
    He does not perish

    Lk 21:34-36-AND TAKE HEED TO YOURSELVES (be careful), LEST AT ANY TIME YOUR HEARTS BE OVERCHARGED (or weighted down, or dulled) WITH SURFEITING (or dissipation, or carousing, or overindulgence), AND DRUNKENNESS, AND CARES OF THIS LIFE (or the worries of everyday living), AND SO THAT DAY COME UPON YOU UNAWARES (or that day will close on you unexpectedly-NIV, or suddenly like a trap).
    Lk 21:35-FOR AS A SNARE SHALL IT COME (or close) ON ALL THEM THAT DWELL ON THE FACE OF THE WHOLE EARTH (no matter where they live throughout the whole world-JNT⁵).
    Lk 21:36-WATCH YE THEREFORE (be always on the watch) (stay alert), AND PRAY ALWAYS, THAT YE MAY BE ACCOUNTED WORTHY TO ESCAPE ALL THESE THINGS THAT SHALL COME TO PASS (or that will happen), AND (that you may be able-NIV) TO STAND BEFORE THE SON OF MAN.
    There appear to be two groups here. The one group is not careful. They become weighted down with doing things, the desires or lusts of the flesh, and the worries of everyday living. The Rapture comes, and they do not expect it. They do not escape all those things that shall come to pass—the Tribulation.
    The second group heeds God’s warning. They are raptured. They do escape the Tribulation and are found standing before Jesus.

    Group one
    Their hearts become weighted down with carousing
    Their hearts become weighted down with drunkenness
    Their hearts become weighted down with the cares or worries of everyday living
    They are not watching
    The Rapture comes on them unexpectedly
    They do not escape the Tribulation
    Group two
    Their hearts are not weighted down with carousing
    Their hearts are not weighted down with drunkenness
    Their hearts are not weighted down with the cares or worries of everyday living
    They are watching
    The Rapture does not come on them unexpectedly
    They escape the Tribulation
    They stand before Jesus

14-WHO CAN KNOW THE TIME?  WHO CANNOT KNOW THE TIME?
THE CONCLUSION: UNDERSTANDING IS HIDDEN FROM SOME

    In conclusion of this topic, "WHO CAN KNOW THE TIME? WHO CANNOT KNOW THE TIME?" Many verses have answered these questions clearly. As was said in the beginning, in Dan 12:10-NONE OF THE WICKED SHALL UNDERSTAND; BUT THE WISE SHALL UNDERSTAND.
    The Scriptures have shown that the Rapture will come as a surprise to many professing Christians, who were not wise, not faithful, and not watching. They will be left behind. Those of the darkness—that day shall overtake them as a thief-ref 1 Thes 5:4.                                                   
    However, the Rapture will not come as a surprise to the true Christians that stood firm, that were wise, that were faithful, and that were watching. When Jesus comes to take His church, these faithful few will be taken.
    The following verses may also be noted. Jesus said, I THANK THEE, O FATHER, LORD OF HEAVEN AND EARTH, THAT THOU HAST HID THESE THINGS FROM THE WISE AND PRUDENT, AND HAST REVEALED THEM UNTO BABES: EVEN SO, FATHER; FOR SO IT SEEMED GOOD IN THY SIGHT-Lk 10:21. They shall be EVER LEARNING, AND NEVER ABLE TO COME TO THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE TRUTH-2 Tim 3:7. Those that are wise in their own eyes—the prideful, the unrepentant, those that are not humbled and childlike before God’s Word—will not understand. Though they study and study, they shall not come to the knowledge of the truth.                                                       
    In addition, Jesus tells us, UNTO YOU IT IS GIVEN TO KNOW THE MYSTERIES OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD: BUT TO OTHERS IN PARABLES; THAT SEEING THEY MIGHT NOT SEE, AND HEARING THEY MIGHT NOT UNDERSTAND-Lk 8:10.                                             
    Misunderstanding of Scripture can often cause wrong traditions, which take hold and mislead people. Satan, who is the author of confusion, misuses Scripture to deceive people into thinking we cannot know the time.
    The people that do not want to know that Jesus will soon return to take His people, are those living in sin and do not want to repent. The fact that Jesus will soon return scares people that are not ready, and they often fight against the knowledge of the truth.                                      
    In addition, God’s Word tells us, it would be as the days of Noah. It is written, BEFORE THE FLOOD THEY WERE EATING AND DRINKING, MARRYING AND GIVING IN MARRIAGE, UNTIL THE DAY THAT NOAH (Noah) ENTERED INTO THE ARK, AND KNEW NOT UNTIL THE FLOOD CAME, AND TOOK THEM ALL AWAY; SO SHALL ALSO THE COMING OF THE SON OF MAN BE-Mt 24:38,39. God’s people knew that the flood was coming. The people that lived in sin did not believe it.
    Noah was a preacher of righteousness, but the evil people of his day chose not to believe him; they perished.                                                       

    The Scriptures command the saints to watch and be ready. There are many verses dealing with these days that we are living in; they show us what to look for. There are specific verses in the Bible that clearly indicate we are to look for certain things and even listen for certain things to be said. When we see certain things or hear certain things, then we should know that other events are about to happen.                            

    Lk 21:28-WHEN THESE THINGS BEGIN TO COME TO PASS. Then God’s Word tells us to look up, and then tells us what we are to do, and what is about to happen. We are to see and observe certain things happening, which are beginning to come to pass.                                    
    Mt 24:33-WHEN YE SHALL SEE ALL THESE THINGS, then the Bible tells us to know certain things.                                                                 
    Mk 13:29-WHEN YE SHALL SEE THESE THINGS COME TO PASS, then the Bible tells us to know certain things.                                          
    Lk 21:31-WHEN YE SEE THESE THINGS COME TO PASS, then the Bible commands us to know that a certain event is near.                        
    Mt 24:15,16-WHEN YE...SHALL SEE THE ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION...FLEE INTO THE MOUNTAINS. Other instructions are also given. When a person shall see the abomination, the Bible commands them to do a specific thing. Failure to understand this and obey God’s command, could cost the person his life.
    Mt 24:30-THEN SHALL APPEAR THE SIGN OF THE SON OF MAN IN HEAVEN. When we see this event, then the verse tells us what shall happen next.
    Mt 24:30-THEY SHALL SEE THE SON OF MAN COMING IN THE CLOUDS OF HEAVEN. Then certain events are given that would follow.
    Mk 13:26-THEN SHALL THEY SEE THE SON OF MAN COMING. Then certain events are given that would follow.                                          
    Lk 21:25-THERE SHALL BE SIGNS IN THE SUN, AND IN THE MOON, AND IN THE STARS. Again, God’s Word gives certain events to see or look for.
    Lk 21:27-THEN SHALL THEY SEE THE SON OF MAN COMING IN A CLOUD. Again, God’s Word gives a specific sign to see or look for.

    1 Thes 5:3-FOR WHEN THEY SHALL SAY, PEACE AND SAFETY, then the verse tells us what will happen next.                                               
    Mt 25:6-AT MIDNIGHT THERE WAS A CRY MADE, BEHOLD, THE BRIDEGROOM COMETH. When a person hears this cry, he is given very exact instructions regarding what to do.

    Mt 24:20-BUT PRAY YE THAT YOUR FLIGHT BE NOT IN THE WINTER, NEITHER ON THE SABBATH DAY. When the abomination of desolation occurs, God’s elect are to flee. But before this ever happens, they are to PRAY as God commands them.                                                  

    In Lk 21:20-Jesus told His disciples, WHEN YE SHALL SEE JERUSALEM COMPASSED WITH ARMIES, THEN KNOW THAT THE DESOLATION THEREOF IS NIGH. Verse 21-THEN...FLEE TO THE MOUNTAINS. Additional instructions are also given. This came to pass, it appears, within a generation of the crucifixion of Jesus. If a person did not know this message, it might have cost him his life, because when Jerusalem was compassed with armies, they would not have known what to do.
    God forbid, most of God’s people are not looking to see any event that is coming as they should be. Why? Their ministers are not teaching them these things. They are often totally in the dark as to the Lord returning soon.
    How can we see and listen for these things, when ministers of the Gospel are not teaching them? The answer is clear, YOU are to study.
    It is unmistakably plain. People are to see certain things, listen for certain things, and are under commandment to watch. Is this message being taught today, as was given by God’s Word?
    People that are ignorant of these things, today, clearly may have a very difficult time ahead of them, for the coming of the Lord is very near.
    This list is not intended to be complete. It is intended to convey, through God’s Word, the message that the people are to see certain things. They are to hear certain things. They are to do certain things. And that knowing the time, they need to study and search God’s Word, so they can do as God commands, lest they be caught unaware by what will happen and perish.

    The watchman is to warn the people. Teachers of the Bible are watchmen. Ministers are watchmen. The saints are watchmen. A person watches for things they believe will happen. They believe it will happen, because there is evidence of some kind. We watch because the Bible tells us of certain events that will come to pass. It gives us certain things to watch for. We watch, because God commands us to do so. When we see certain events come to pass, we are to warn the people of what is yet to come. We warn the people to prepare themselves. We warn the people, so they may not perish. If they choose not to heed the warning and not to believe, then their blood is upon themselves. But if we are unfaithful and do not warn the people, then their blood is upon us as watchmen.
    Ezek 3:17-I HAVE MADE THEE A WATCHMAN.
    Ezek 33:7-I HAVE SET THEE A WATCHMAN…WARN THEM.
    Mt 24:42-WATCH THEREFORE.
    Mt 25:13-WATCH THEREFORE.
    Mt 26:41-WATCH AND PRAY THAT YE ENTER NOT INTO TEMPTATION.
    Mk 13:33-WATCH AND PRAY.
    Mk 13:34-A MAN...COMMANDED THE PORTER TO WATCH.
    Mk 13:35-WATCH YE THEREFORE.
    Mk 13:37-AND WHAT I SAY UNTO YOU I SAY UNTO ALL, WATCH.
    Mk 14:38-WATCH YE AND PRAY, LEST YE ENTER INTO TEMPTATION.
    Lk 21:36-WATCH YE THEREFORE, AND PRAY ALWAYS, THAT YE MAY BE ACCOUNTED WORTHY TO ESCAPE ALL THESE THINGS.
    1 Thes 5:6-LET US NOT SLEEP, AS DO OTHERS; BUT LET US WATCH.
    Rev 3:3-IF...THOU SHALT NOT WATCH, I WILL COME ON THEE AS A THIEF, AND THOU SHALT NOT KNOW WHAT HOUR I WILL COME UPON THEE.
    Mt 24:43-IF THE GOODMAN...HAD KNOWN...HE WOULD HAVE WATCHED.
    Lk 12:39-IF THE GOODMAN...HAD KNOWN...HE WOULD HAVE WATCHED.
    Lk 12:37-BLESSED ARE THOSE SERVANTS, WHOM THE LORD WHEN HE COMETH SHALL FIND WATCHING.                                        
    Lk 12:40-BE YE THEREFORE READY.
    Heb 9:28-SO CHRIST WAS ONCE OFFERED TO BEAR THE SINS OF MANY; AND UNTO THEM THAT LOOK FOR HIM SHALL HE APPEAR THE SECOND TIME.
    1 Thes 4:18-Regarding the Rapture, it is written, WHEREFORE COMFORT ONE ANOTHER WITH THESE WORDS.                                          
    How can a person watch, if they cannot read, and their minister does not tell them these things?

    WHEN I BRING THE SWORD UPON A LAND, IF THE PEOPLE OF THE LAND TAKE A MAN OF THEIR COASTS, AND SET HIM FOR THEIR WATCHMAN: IF WHEN HE SEETH THE SWORD COME UPON THE LAND, HE BLOW THE TRUMPET, AND WARN THE PEOPLE; THEN WHOSOEVER HEARETH THE SOUND OF THE TRUMPET, AND TAKETH NOT WARNING; IF THE SWORD COME, AND TAKE HIM AWAY, HIS BLOOD SHALL BE UPON HIS OWN HEAD. HE HEARD THE SOUND OF THE TRUMPET, AND TOOK NOT WARNING; HIS BLOOD SHALL BE UPON HIM. BUT HE THAT TAKETH WARNING SHALL DELIVER HIS SOUL.
    BUT IF THE WATCHMAN SEE THE SWORD COME, AND BLOW NOT THE TRUMPET, AND THE PEOPLE BE NOT WARNED; IF THE SWORD COME, AND TAKE ANY PERSON FROM AMONG THEM, HE IS TAKEN AWAY IN HIS INIQUITY; BUT HIS BLOOD WILL I REQUIRE AT THE WATCHMAN’S HAND-Ezek 33:2-6.
    We are in the latter day generation (or period of time) that will see the Rapture, the Tribulation, and Jesus returning to this earth in glory.
    The sword shall come during the Tribulation. Nevertheless, God has made a way for His people to escape. It is called the Rapture. The people God has called to be watchmen, are being warned by God to warn the people of what is coming. They are being admonished to tell the people to watch and be ready. They need to tell the people what to watch for. They are being exhorted to not let their house be broken up. If they are faithful and obey God, they have delivered their own soul.
    However, if the Rapture occurs, and the Tribulation comes, and Jesus returns, but the watchman does not warn the people, their blood will God require at the watchman’s hand.
    To that teacher of the Bible or saint that God has called to be a watchman, woe to him, if he does not warn the people.                                        
    Some will not warn people, because they fear what others will say about them. They fear certain people in their church, denomination, or others. They do not want to be ridiculed and persecuted, or even fired from their position. Woe to the fearful and unbelieving. They do not believe they will perish, even though it is written, BUT THE FEARFUL, AND UNBELIEVING...SHALL HAVE THEIR PART IN THE LAKE WHICH BURNETH WITH FIRE AND BRIMSTONE-Rev 21:8.
    Few people in this latter day generation are watching. Many know nothing about such an event as the Rapture, the Tribulation, and the second coming of Jesus. Many others deny there will be a Rapture. Many deny there will be a Tribulation. Many deny Jesus Christ will physically return to this earth. Others believe in these events, but make excuse, such as, "No man knows." They make light of it and convince themselves that it is a long way off. Only a very few believe these things will come to pass shortly. Only a few are watching and ready.

    As we have already noted, God commands us to learn, know, and understand the times that we are now in. We have already noted that there are two groups throughout the Scriptures.
    In group one, some can know or understand that the Lord is about to return, and some cannot. Some might be looking for the Lord to return at this time, but most are not; neither are they really ready. Others may understand the day and hour—but only when it is too late.

    Group one
    Those that are not wise
    Those that believed in Jesus…but
    Those that were foolish
    Those that went forth to meet the bridegroom
    Those that are wicked
    Those that are evil
    Those that were not God’s servants
    Those that were God’s servants…but
    Those of the night
    Those of the darkness
    Those that are in darkness
    Those that are asleep
    Those that are not watching
    Those that are not ready
    Those that do not think the Lord will come when He really does
    Those that let their house be broken into
    Those that say, "My Lord is taking a long time to come; my Lord delayeth His coming"
    Those that begin to beat the menservants or fellow Christians
    Those that begin to beat the maidens
    Those that begin to eat and drink with the drunken
    Those that begin to be drunken
    Those that begin to drink with the drunken
    Those that are not faithful
    Those that had lamps that were burning, but they went out
    Those that did not take oil in their jars
    Those that did believe in the Rapture
    Those that were caught by surprise
    Those that thought they got saved but did not
    Those that thought Jesus would still take them
    Those that do not know or understand when Jesus will come
    Those that do not know what hour his Lord will come
    Those that are not feeding the people under them with God’s Word, including prophecy
    Those that are not "doing" when Jesus returns

    Group two can learn, know, and understand. They can know the generation. They can understand what day of the year the Rapture will come. They can understand the hour of the day that the cry will be heard. This group will be watching and ready.

    Group two
    Those that are wise
    Those that believed in Jesus
    Those that went forth to meet the bridegroom
    Those that are His servants; the servants of the Lord
    The brethren
    Those that are the children of the light
    Those that are of the day
    Those not in darkness
    Those not of the night.
    Those not of the darkness
    Those that are not asleep
    Those that are watching
    Those that are ready
    Those that expect the Lord’s return
    Those that are not caught by surprise
    Those that know that Jesus is about to return
    Those that do not let their house be broken into, or be broken up
    Those who feed God’s flock with the Word (including prophecy), they are giving them their portion of meat in due season                               
    Those that do not say in their heart, "My Lord delayeth His coming," and turn away
    Those that do not beat the menservants or turn against them
    Those that do not beat the maidens or turn against them
    Those that do not begin to eat, and drink, and get drunk
    Those that are faithful
    Those that are found "doing," when the Lord returns
    Those that had lamps that were burning and did not go out
    Those that believed in the Rapture
    Those that had oil also in their jars
    Those that can know in what watch the thief will come

    Mt 24:35,36-HEAVEN AND EARTH SHALL PASS AWAY, BUT MY WORDS SHALL NOT PASS AWAY. BUT OF THAT DAY AND HOUR KNOWETH NO MAN, NO NOT THE ANGELS OF HEAVEN, BUT MY FATHER ONLY.
    Some try to use this verse to say this tells us no one can know the day and hour of the Rapture. This is not the case. This verse is the answer to the third question that was asked of Jesus by His disciples, in Mt 24:3-which was, TELL US...WHAT SHALL BE THE SIGN...OF THE END OF THE WORLD? The answer Jesus gave was that the HEAVEN AND EARTH SHALL PASS AWAY. Then Jesus continued, BUT OF THAT DAY AND HOUR KNOWETH NO MAN. The Word of God gives us hundreds of verses to help us know and understand the times we are currently in. Nevertheless, regarding the time that the heaven and earth shall pass away, there are no clues to exactly when it will happen other than, perhaps, a little season after the Millennium has expired.
    No other verses in the Scriptures indicate that "only the Father knows," except those that deal with the heaven and earth passing away.
    As should be noted shortly in the text, when God gave us the seven feasts of Israel, He gave us a timetable, including the day of the Rapture.
    Some try to separate these two verses. In doing this, they do not see these verses as being an answer to one of the original questions that was asked. Also in doing this, they perceive that no man can know the day and hour of the Rapture. Others apply it to no man knowing the day and hour of the second coming of Jesus Christ.
    Mt 24:42,44-*(Mt 24:42-51 is covered in detail under the section, "Who Can Know the Time? Who Cannot Know the Time?") Verse 42-WATCH THEREFORE: FOR YE KNOW NOT WHAT HOUR YOUR LORD DOTH COME. Verse 44-THEREFORE BE YE ALSO READY: FOR IN SUCH AN HOUR AS YE THINK NOT THE SON OF MAN COMETH. In verse 49, it refers to the evil servant, then continues in verse 50-THE LORD OF THAT SERVANT (the evil servant) SHALL COME IN A DAY WHEN HE LOOKETH NOT FOR HIM, AND IN AN HOUR THAT HE IS NOT AWARE OF. These verses are showing us that the evil servant shall not know the day and hour of the Rapture.
    Mt 25:13-*(Mt 25:1-13 is covered in detail under the section, "Who Can Know the Time? Who Cannot Know the Time?") The foolish virgins, whose lamps went out, are illustrated. They came and said, in verse 11-LORD, LORD, OPEN TO US. Verse 12-BUT HE ANSWERED AND SAID, VERILY I SAY UNTO YOU, I KNOW YOU NOT. Verse 13-Jesus continues addressing the foolish virgins, WATCH THEREFORE, FOR YE KNOW NEITHER THE DAY NOR THE HOUR WHEREIN THE SON OF MAN COMETH. Here, the foolish virgins, which let their lamps go out, do not know the day or hour of the Rapture.
    Mk 13:31-33-HEAVEN AND EARTH SHALL PASS AWAY: BUT MY WORDS SHALL NOT PASS AWAY. BUT OF THAT DAY AND THAT HOUR KNOWETH NO MAN, NO, NOT THE ANGELS WHICH ARE IN HEAVEN, NEITHER THE SON, BUT THE FATHER. TAKE YE HEED, WATCH AND PRAY: FOR YE KNOW NOT WHEN THE TIME IS.
    As was previously stated, regarding Mt 24:35,36, the same applies to Mk 13:31-33. Some try to use these verses to say that no one can know the day and hour of the Rapture. This is not the case. These verses are the answer to the third question that was asked of Jesus by His disciples in Mt 24:3, which was, TELL US...WHAT SHALL BE THE SIGN...OF THE END OF THE WORLD? The answer that Jesus gave was, the HEAVEN AND EARTH SHALL PASS AWAY. Then Jesus continued, BUT OF THAT DAY AND THAT HOUR KNOWETH NO MAN. God’s Word gives us hundreds of verses to help us know and understand the times we are currently in. Nevertheless, regarding the time that the heaven and earth shall pass away, there are no clues to exactly when it will happen other than, perhaps, a little season after the Millennium has expired.
    No other verses in the Scriptures indicate that "only the Father knows" other than those that deal with the heaven and earth passing away.
    As should be noted shortly in the text, when God gave us the seven feasts of Israel, He gave us a timetable, including the day of the Rapture.
    Some try to separate these three verses. In doing this, they do not see these verses as being an answer to one of the original questions that was asked. Also in doing this, they perceive that no man can know the day and hour of the Rapture. Others apply it to no man knowing the day and hour of the second coming of Jesus Christ. (This paragraph was used regarding Mt 24:35,36, also.)
    Mk 13:34-36-FOR THE SON OF MAN IS AS A MAN TAKING A FAR JOURNEY, WHO LEFT HIS HOUSE, AND GAVE AUTHORITY TO HIS SERVANTS, AND TO EVERY MAN HIS WORK, AND COMMANDED THE PORTER TO WATCH. WATCH YE THEREFORE: FOR YE KNOW NOT WHEN THE MASTER OF THE HOUSE COMETH, AT EVEN, OR AT MIDNIGHT, OR AT THE COCKCROWING, OR IN THE MORNING: LEST COMING SUDDENLY HE FIND YOU SLEEPING. Some may say these verses are denoting the Rapture. Others may say they are talking about the second coming of Jesus to the earth. Jesus is the Master of the house. It is not clear which event is covered here. It could well be both events. Not knowing the day is not mentioned here but rather the time of day or the watch. This could be, because (when the Lord comes) there is a time difference in various parts of the world. Who can know and who cannot know is also omitted from these verses.
    Jesus left His Father. He came to the earth and then returned to His Father. He gave His servants authority, and to each person was given work to do. The porter was commanded to watch.
    The emphasis is on watching as well as not being caught sleeping or unprepared. The emphasis is on always being in a state of readiness for the return of Jesus. 
    Lk 12:40-*(Lk 12:35-40 is covered in detail under the section, "Who Can Know the Time? Who Cannot Know the Time?") Verse 40-BE YE THEREFORE READY ALSO: FOR THE SON OF MAN COMETH AT AN HOUR WHEN YE THINK NOT.
    These verses need to be included with Lk 12:41-46. They reveal that the Son of Man will come at an hour when the unfaithful and unwise servant, which strays from God’s ways, will not expect Him.
    Lk 12:46-*(Lk 12:41-46 is covered in detail under the section, "Who Can Know the Time? Who Cannot Know the Time?") IF THAT SERVANT SAY IN HIS HEART, MY LORD DELAYETH HIS COMING; AND SHALL BEGIN TO BEAT THE MENSERVANTS AND MAIDENS, AND TO EAT AND DRINK, AND TO BE DRUNKEN; THE LORD OF THAT SERVANT WILL COME IN A DAY WHEN HE LOOKETH NOT FOR HIM, AND AT AN HOUR WHEN HE IS NOT AWARE, AND WILL CUT HIM IN SUNDER, AND WILL APPOINT HIM HIS PORTION WITH THE UNBELIEVERS.
    These verses need to be included with Lk 12:35-40. They reveal that the Son of Man will come at a day and hour when the unfaithful and unwise servant, which strays from God’s ways, will not expect Him.
    1 Thes 5:1-6-*(These verses are covered in detail under the section, "Who Can Know the Time? Who Cannot Know the Time?") Verse 2-THE DAY OF THE LORD SO COMETH AS A THIEF IN THE NIGHT. Verse 4-BUT YE, BRETHREN, ARE NOT IN DARKNESS, THAT THAT DAY SHOULD OVERTAKE YOU AS A THIEF. Verse 5-WE ARE NOT OF THE NIGHT, NOR OF DARKNESS. In the preceding verses, in chapter 4, the Rapture of the church is covered. Then, in chapter 5, it is clearly stated that the day of the Lord (the Rapture in this case) will come as a thief in the night to those that are of the night or darkness. But for those that are not in darkness, the day of the Rapture will not come as a thief in the night. They will not be caught by surprise.
    Rev 3:3-REMEMBER THEREFORE HOW THOU HAST RECEIVED AND HEARD, AND HOLD FAST, AND REPENT. IF THEREFORE THOU SHALT NOT WATCH, I WILL COME ON THEE AS A THIEF, AND THOU SHALT NOT KNOW WHAT HOUR I WILL COME UPON THEE. Again, we have the word "watch." This is used, in some cases, in conjunction with watching and being ready in regards to the Rapture. Also the words, I WILL COME ON THEE AS A THIEF. These words bear a resemblance to 1 Thes 5:1-6, which denotes the Rapture. Also used are the words, THOU SHALT NOT KNOW WHAT HOUR I WILL COME.
    Although this verse does not clearly state it is denoting the Rapture, the implication is there. Thus, again, we note it is the church (or brethren)—who are not watching—that will be caught by surprise. Immediately preceding the words, IF THEREFORE THOU SHALT NOT WATCH, the word REPENT appears. We can therefore say, the brethren need to repent and watch, or they SHALT NOT KNOW what hour (Jesus) WILL COME.

    Throughout church history, many of these verses were simply interpreted to mean, watch and be ready for the physical return of Jesus Christ. The church was to be in expectation that Jesus could return at any time. Even in the days of the apostles, they expected Jesus to return. As it is written, JESUS SAITH UNTO HIM (unto Peter), IF I WILL THAT HE TARRY TILL I COME, WHAT IS THAT TO THEE? FOLLOW THOU ME. THEN WENT THIS SAYING ABROAD AMONG THE BRETHREN, THAT THAT DISCIPLE SHOULD NOT DIE: YET JESUS SAID NOT UNTO HIM, HE SHALL NOT DIE; BUT, IF I WILL THAT HE TARRY TILL I COME, WHAT IS THAT TO THEE?-Jn 21:22,23.
    However, since 1917, and especially since the rebirth of Israel in 1948, more light has been shed on Bible prophecy. Knowledge has increased, as certain technological discoveries have come forth, and certain world events have come to pass. Many of these events were foretold thousands of years ago in the Scriptures. As world events continue to happen and we get closer and closer to the Rapture and Tribulation, even more things will be understood as God’s prophecies continue to unfold.
    The following was foretold by Daniel: BUT THOU O DANIEL, SHUT UP THE WORDS, AND SEAL THE BOOK, EVEN TO THE TIME OF THE END: MANY SHALL RUN TO AND FRO, AND KNOWLEDGE SHALL BE INCREASED-Dan 12:4. AND HE SAID, GO THY WAY, DANIEL: FOR THE WORDS ARE CLOSED UP AND SEALED TILL THE TIME OF THE END-Dan 12:9.
    As we continue to get closer and closer to the Rapture, the Holy Spirit continues to open up more and more understanding of Bible prophecy to those that humbly search and study God’s Word. God has raised up certain people in this generation that are comparing world events with Bible prophecy. These watchmen are sounding the alarm, "Watch and be ready. The coming of Jesus, to take His church, is even at the doors."
    Ref Mt 24:35,36-Heaven and earth shall pass away. No one knows the day and hour of the heavens and earth passing away.                            
    Ref Mt 24:42-51-The Rapture. The evil servant cannot know the day and hour of the Rapture.
    Ref Mt 25:13-The Rapture. The Christians whose lamps went out cannot know the day and hour of the Rapture—until it is too late.                 
    Ref Mk 13:31-33-The heavens and earth passing away. No one knows the day and hour of the heavens and earth passing away.                     
    Ref Mk 13:34-36-The Lord returns. Those sleeping or others may not know the watch (or time of day) that the Lord returns.                              
    Ref Lk 12:40-The Rapture. The unfaithful and unwise, who stray from God’s ways, will not know the hour of the Rapture. This goes with Lk 12:41-46.
    Ref Lk 12:41-46-The Rapture. The unfaithful and unwise, who stray from God’s ways, will not know the day and hour of the Rapture.             
    Ref 1 Thes 5:1-6-The Rapture. The Lord will come as a thief in the night to those in darkness. The Lord will not come as a thief in the night to those of the light.
    Ref Rev 3:3-The Rapture. The Lord will come as a thief in the night to those not watching.
    As we have seen, no Scripture tells us that the wise and faithful servant of Jesus Christ, who is of the day and is watching and ready, cannot know the day and hour of the Rapture. It is quite the contrary. The Scriptures indicate that he can know the day and hour.                       
    As we should see a bit further in the text, God does give us a timetable regarding the day of the Rapture. God does give us the hour that the cry is made. God does give us the generation that will see this all happen. However, the year that the Rapture will happen is not given within that generation. As the time draws closer and we see world events unfolding in light of God’s Word, the day should come when God’s faithful servants will know that the year is at hand.

    All glory, and honor, and praise be unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord, for the wisdom and knowledge presented in the following.
    It is written, DECLARING THE END FROM THE BEGINNING, AND FROM ANCIENT TIMES THE THINGS THAT ARE NOT YET DONE-Isa 46:10. BEFORE THEY SPRING FORTH I TELL YOU OF THEM-Isa 42:9.
    The Lord God gave seven feasts to the children of Israel, after He brought them out of bondage in Egypt. Leviticus chapter 23, refers to these as the feasts of the Lord. In verse two of the same chapter, the Lord says, these are My feasts. The word "feast" translates from the Hebrew word mowadah, meaning "an appointed or set time or season." Indeed, these seven feasts are God’s appointed times, containing His redemptive plan for mankind, first alluded to in the Garden of Eden-ref Gen 3:15. These feasts contain not only God’s appointed timetable but also a glorious revelation of the Lord Jesus, the Messiah, and His marvellous work—to make a way for sinful man to be reconciled to a Holy God. It is written of Jesus, LO, I COME (IN THE VOLUME OF THE BOOK IT IS WRITTEN OF ME) TO DO THY WILL, O GOD-Heb 10:7. THESE ARE THE WORDS WHICH I SPAKE UNTO YOU, WHILE I WAS YET WITH YOU, THAT ALL THINGS MUST BE FULFILLED, WHICH WERE WRITTEN IN THE LAW OF MOSES, AND IN THE PROPHETS, AND IN THE PSALMS, CONCERNING ME-Lk 24:44. Most Gentile believers are not aware of the significance of these feasts and how they relate, not only to past events, but also to events yet to unfold.
    It is important to understand that the Bible is a Jewish book. Our Lord Jesus Christ (the Word) is of Jewish descent. On earth He was MADE OF THE SEED OF DAVID ACCORDING TO THE FLESH-Ro 1:3; in heaven He is called THE LION OF THE TRIBE OF JUDAH, THE ROOT OF DAVID-Rev 5:5.
    The question is asked in Scripture, WHAT ADVANTAGE, THEN, IS THERE IN BEING A JEW(?) MUCH IN EVERY WAY! FIRST OF ALL, THEY HAVE BEEN ENTRUSTED WITH THE VERY WORDS OF GOD-Ro 3:1,2 NIV. THEIRS IS THE ADOPTION AS SONS; THEIRS THE DIVINE GLORY, THE COVENANTS, THE RECEIVING OF THE LAW, THE TEMPLE WORSHIP, AND THE PROMISES. THEIRS ARE THE PATRIACHS, AND FROM THEM IS TRACED THE HUMAN ANCESTRY OF CHRIST, WHO IS GOD OVER ALL-Ro 9:4,5 NIV. HE HAS REVEALED HIS WORD TO JACOB, HIS LAWS AND DECREES TO ISRAEL. HE HAS DONE THIS FOR NO OTHER NATION-Ps 147:19,20 NIV.
    Many details of the feasts are not in the Bible. Because the job of taking the Gospel worldwide was first commissioned to the Jews, details about the feasts, for example, did not need to be included in the Scriptures. The important details that nearly every Gentile believer overlooks today are common knowledge to the Jews.
    Most Jews understand the meanings and purposes of the feasts, but do not recognize Jesus as the Messiah and His fulfillment of these feasts. Gentile believers do recognize Jesus as Lord and Messiah, but, for the most part, have little realization that these feasts represent the very essence of Jesus’ mission on earth and are vital to God’s ongoing plan, which shall reach fulfillment during the millennial kingdom. These even appear in the "Lord’s Prayer," the model prayer given by Jesus to teach us how to pray. To understand the seven feasts is to realize not only the scope of God’s master plan, but also, to gain precious insight of the Messiah: to begin to grasp the breadth, and length, and height, and depth of His love. For it is written, He HATH GIVEN US AN UNDERSTANDING, THAT WE MAY KNOW HIM-1 Jn 5:20. God, in His mercy, provided a way for the Gentiles to be included, as He said, AND IN THY SEED (Israel) SHALL ALL THE NATIONS OF THE EARTH BE BLESSED-Gen 22:18.
    Before going into the feasts of Israel, we need to understand that Israel uses a calendar much different from the Gregorian calendar commonly used today. There are two calendars used by the Jewish people, a sacred and a civil. The sacred calendar was given by the Lord in Egypt at the time of Passover. Ex 12:1,2-AND THE LORD SPAKE UNTO MOSES AND AARON IN THE LAND OF EGYPT, SAYING, THIS MONTH SHALL BE UNTO YOU THE BEGINNING OF MONTHS: IT SHALL BE THE FIRST MONTH OF THE YEAR TO YOU. The civil calendar was evidently in use before the sacred calendar.
    Jewish months are lunar, meaning they are determined by the phases of the moon. A new moon would mark the beginning of the month. Since Passover occurs on the 14^th day of the first month, it would always occur on a full moon—the first full moon of spring. There are twelve months of app. 29 days or 30 days each, which comes out to about 354 days a year. To compensate for the difference of 365 days, an additional month is added seven times during a 19 year cycle; it is added in the 3^rd, 6^th, 8^th, 11^th, 14^th, 17^th, and 19^th year, between the months of Adar (Feb-Mar) and Nisan (Mar-Apr). Because seasons are determined by the earth’s relationship to the sun, these adjustments are necessary in order to keep the feasts occurring in their proper season; as it is written, in Num 9:3, YE SHALL KEEP IT IN HIS APPOINTED SEASON. The Lord’s feasts are always reckoned according to the Jewish sacred calendar. The first month of the Jewish sacred calendar is called Nisan (or Abib in the Old Testament)-ref Ex 34:18; 23:15. This corresponds with March or April.
    The Lord delivered to Moses, on Mount Sinai, instructions for seven special dates, which were to be held each year by the children of Israel. AND THE LORD SPAKE UNTO MOSES, SAYING, SPEAK UNTO THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL, AND SAY UNTO THEM, CONCERNING THE FEASTS OF THE LORD, WHICH YE SHALL PROCLAIM TO BE HOLY CONVOCATIONS, EVEN THESE ARE MY FEASTS. THESE ARE THE FEASTS OF THE LORD, EVEN HOLY CONVOCATIONS, WHICH YE SHALL PROCLAIM IN THEIR SEASONS-Lev 23:1,2,4. As mentioned, these feasts are covered in many other places in the Bible, but Lev 23 conveys in one chapter the key requirements of all seven.
    Proper and faithful observance of these feasts was vital to the Jewish people, particularly the Day of Atonement. As it is written, FOR WHATSOEVER SOUL IT BE THAT SHALL NOT BE AFFLICTED IN THAT SAME DAY, HE SHALL BE CUT OFF FROM AMONG HIS PEOPLE. AND WHATSOEVER SOUL IT BE THAT DOETH ANY WORK IN THAT SAME DAY, THE SAME SOUL WILL I DESTROY FROM AMONG HIS PEOPLE-Lev 23:29,30.
    In the Bible, the number seven is used to mean "total" or "completeness." It seems evident that all Bible doctrine and prophecy are founded in these feasts. They reveal the time for the fulfillment of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion, to His coming again, and the millennial kingdom.
    The following chart gives a brief example of what is being said. These events occurred on the exact dates that God had set, over 1400 years, before Jesus was born. Keep in mind that the Jewish day begins in the evening (near dusk), of the previous day. Feasts appear in the order that God gave them (Lev 23).

    It should be noted that these seven feasts were observed on specific days. When Jesus came the first time, He fulfilled the first three feasts on the precise days and in the same order that God had given them. The fourth feast was also fulfilled ten days after Jesus ascended into heaven, when He sent the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. The last three feasts are awaiting fulfillment and are associated with events surrounding His second coming. Please note that when Jesus returns the second time, there are actually two phases to His coming: 1) before the Tribulation, He comes in the clouds to rapture the saints-ref 1 Thes 4:16,17; and 2) after the Tribulation, He physically returns to the earth, and every eye shall see Him-ref Mt 24:29,30; Zech 12:10. The next feast to be fulfilled is Trumpets; the next event to be fulfilled on God’s prophetic timetable is the Rapture. In the wilderness account, there were two trumpets blown, the first one and the last one. The first trumpet was for the gathering or calling of the people; the second (or last) was for the people to move out.
    AND THE LORD SPAKE UNTO MOSES, SAYING, MAKE THEE TWO TRUMPETS OF SILVER; OF A WHOLE PIECE SHALT THOU MAKE THEM: THAT THOU MAYEST USE THEM FOR THE CALLING OF THE ASSEMBLY, AND FOR THE JOURNEYING OF THE CAMPS-Num 10:1,2. Note, there are two.
    There are two events in the Rapture. It is written, FOR THE LORD HIMSELF SHALL DESCEND FROM HEAVEN WITH A SHOUT, WITH THE VOICE OF THE ARCHANGEL, AND WITH THE TRUMP OF GOD. The first event is, AND THE DEAD IN CHRIST SHALL RISE FIRST. The second event is, THEN WE WHICH ARE ALIVE AND REMAIN SHALL BE CAUGHT UP TOGETHER WITH THEM IN THE CLOUDS TO MEET THE LORD IN THE AIR: AND SO SHALL WE EVER BE WITH THE LORD-1 Thes 4:16,17.
    It should also be noted that there is a cry made (a notification or to call aloud), alerting the virgins that the bridegroom is coming; afterward, they "move out" or are taken-ref Mt 25:6.
    Did God give us the day of the year when the Rapture will happen, as He did for Jesus to be crucified, to be buried, to rise from the dead, and the coming of the fullness of the Holy Spirit?
    In the Scriptures, the words feasts, solemn, solemnities, and appointed, in many instances, come from the same Hebrew word mowadah, meaning—"appointment; a fixed time or season, specifically a festival; the place of meeting; also a signal."
    It is written, THREE TIMES A YEAR SHALL ALL THY MALES APPEAR BEFORE THE LORD THY GOD IN THE PLACE WHICH HE SHALL CHOOSE; IN THE FEAST OF UNLEAVENED BREAD, AND IN THE FEAST OF WEEKS, AND IN THE FEAST OF TABERNACLES-Deut 16:16. All Jewish males were required to make three trips a year to Jerusalem to keep these feasts, which became known as the pilgrim feasts. Why Jerusalem? Note the words, IN THE PLACE WHICH HE SHALL CHOOSE. It was to be in the place that the Lord chose. In Deut 12:11-14, the Lord told the people of Israel that one day in the future, after they took possession of their land, THEN THERE SHALL BE A PLACE WHICH THE LORD YOUR GOD SHALL CHOOSE TO CAUSE HIS NAME TO DWELL THERE; THITHER SHALL YE BRING ALL THAT I COMMAND YOU...TAKE HEED TO THYSELF THAT THOU OFFER...IN THE PLACE WHICH THE LORD SHALL CHOOSE. It was the temple that Solomon built in Jerusalem, which the Lord chose; as it is written, I HAVE HALLOWED THIS HOUSE...TO PUT MY NAME THERE FOREVER; AND MINE EYES AND MINE HEART SHALL BE THERE PERPETUALLY. JERUSALEM, THE CITY WHICH THE LORD DID CHOOSE...TO PUT HIS NAME THERE-1 Ki 14:21. It is interesting to note that Jerusalem is referred to as THE CITY OF OUR SOLEMNITIES (or the place of meeting)-Isa 33:20.
    The first trip to keep the Feast of Unleavened Bread took place in the spring around March or April. The second was Pentecost or Feast of Weeks, occurring fifty days later; this was also in the spring around the beginning of June. The last of the three required trips occurred in the fall around September or early October, which was the Feast of Tabernacles, a seven-day celebration. Though Tabernacles was expressly named in Scripture, the trip might also include Trumpets and Atonement, which occur just prior to Tabernacles. If combined into one trip, these three fall feasts would take place over a twenty-two day period. As we look into these Jewish feasts and their celebrations, we should see God’s wonderful plan unfolding. Though Gentiles are not required to keep the feasts, it is important that we learn and apply the principles that they teach. By doing this, we should have a more profound understanding of God’s plan for the ages, which He has revealed through His Son—Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.