The rapture! It’s big news this week. Thanks to the publicity of Harold Camping and his followers, everybody’s talking! But, will it really happen? I have to admit, I know very little about Harold Camping other than the bits and pieces I’ve gotten from various news sources, but, from what I’ve read, I’d say his reasoning is more than a bit skewed. But, does that mean he’s wrong?
Those of us who have been watching for the rapture know the time is very close. The signs are all there. Everything is in place. So, by virtue of this fact alone, Camping could be right.
Yesterday John Tng published an article on Five Doves which has caused a great deal of excitement. After reading it, I got excited too! I really think John has made some amazing discoveries regarding the possible timing of the rapture. May 24 to be exact. If you have not read his post yet, please take the time to do so, I think he makes some compelling arguments for the strong possibility of an imminent event. http://www.fivedoves.com/rapture/2011/raptureday.html
Last year I wrote a post regarding the month of Iyar. The second month on the Jewish calendar and the month we are currently in. Iyar is known as the month for blossoming and a month for shining. Very appropriate when you consider Israel blossomed in to a new nation on Iyar 5 1948 in direct fulfillment of the words of Jesus in Matthew 24. And, Jerusalem came under Jewish control once again on the 4th day of Iyar 1967. https://cindybythesea.wordpress.com/2010/04/17/iyar-a-month-of-blossoming-a-month-of-shining/
So, as you can see – the month of Iyar is very significant in Jewish history and in Bible prophecy. John Tng points out in his post, that it was on Iyar 20 (which corresponds to our May 24 of this year) that the pillar of cloud rose for the first time from over the tabernacle, when the Israelites left Sinai to begin their journey towards the promised land.
I was pondering these things tonight and after praying, ask God to give me some kind of confirmation or insight on the subject. Randomly opening my Bible, I turned to Joel chapter 2. As I read, these verses really caught my attention.
“Blow the trumpet in Zion, declare a holy fast, call a sacred assembly. Gather the people, consecrate the assembly; bring together the elders, gather the children, those nursing at the breast. Let the bridegroom leave his room and the bride her chamber.” Joel 2:15,16.
Here in chapter 2, verses 15 and 16, we find a reference to the blowing of the shofar, the bridegroom and the bride and the gathering together of the people. Obviously, terminology, we all associate with the rapture of the church. (Thess. 4:16)
Iyar is the second month on the Jewish calendar, a month for blossoming (Israel) and a month for shining (the bride dressed in white linen, bright, shining and clean – Revelation 19:8). Can it really be coincidence that Joel 2: 15,16 -when translated in to dates – comes out to be Iyar 15,16 which is May 19 and May 20th on our calendar this year. Wow!
I have the distinct feeling that by tomorrow night (May 19) some kind of count down will have begun. Tomorrow night, President Obama will address the muslim nations. In this speech, he will congratulate them on the recent changes that have swept the region and will promise to support those changes.
On June 4, 2009, President Obama in his speech in Cairo called for new beginnings in the middle -East. Tomorrow, he will work very hard to convince the world that this is becoming a reality. And, with one hand extended to the Arab world and one foot placed firmly on the neck of the Jewish state, he will have little trouble doing so.
Have we entered a rapture window? A period of time, when the likely hood for the rapture is strikingly high? In just a few days we’ll know. I think the evidence speaks for its self.
“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem, they shall prosper who love thee” Psalm 122:6 Watching and waiting with YOU for the soon return of Jesus! Cindy
Heaven Bound 
Thanks Cindy,
Like Dan 5 and Esther I think it will be after the Party.
May-19th
Obama to offer financial aid to Arab world
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4070901,00.html
US president slated to unveil plan for financial and democratic support for Arab states as part of his Middle East speech Thursday. Egypt and Tunisia to be first to enjoy initiative in exchange for reforms, war on corruption
Obama’s draft speech to urge ’67 borders, negate PA’s state bid
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4069775,00.html
WASHINGTON – US President Barack Obama is set to give his next political speech at 6pm Thursday, the coming speech about Washington’s Mideast policy is to demand PA recognize Israel, drop unilateral UN bid for statehood, while urging Israel to return to ’67 lines, and cease settlement expansion.
May-20th
New pro-Palestinian group on social media site urges Arabs to march on Israel’s borders following coming Friday’s prayers
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4070748,00.html
May-21st
Doonsbury mocks Harold Camping’s Rapture
http://www.doonesbury.com/strip/archive/2011/05/17
http://www.doonesbury.com/strip/archive/2011/05/18
After Rapture Partys planned : Post Rapture Looting
http://www.google.com/search?q=facebook+rapture+party&rls=com.microsoft:en-us&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&startIndex=&startPage=1
— Pentecost “After the Party”
Past dates for Pentecost
Pentecost: Acts 2: Birthday of the Church, http://www.abdicate.net/cal.aspx
Gregorian: May 22, 33
Jewish: Sivan 6, 3793
Weekday: Sunday
Pentecost: Reformation: Edict of Worms, http://www.abdicate.net/cal.aspx
Gregorian: May 22, 1521
Jewish: Sivan 6, 5281
Weekday: Sunday
http://www.cresourcei.org/creededictworms.html
“We ask you and command that “with the sounding of the trumpet” you call the people from the four corners of the villages and cities where this edict will be published and gather them where it is customary to publish our edicts and mandates.”
Pentecost: Birth of Israel, http://www.torahcalendar.com
Gregorian: May 15, 1948
Jewish: Sivan 6, 5708
Weekday: Friday
–Future dates for Pentecost.
Pentecost:
•490th (70*7) Protestant Reformation 1521+490=2011
•63rd Israel 1948 + 63 =2011
Gregorian: June 12th, 2011
Jewish: Sivan 11, 5771
Weekday: Sunday
–Signs in the Heavens
Jacobs Trouble? http://www.scribd.com/doc/47989669/Jacobs-Trouble
The church used to celebrate Pentecost all week, right through to the next Sunday worship services called “Trinity Sunday”.
•Sunday, June 12, 2011 Pentecost
•+7 — June 15, 2011 (Central Eclipse)
•Sunday, June 19, 2011 Fathers Day, “Trinity Sunday”
•http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trinity_Sunday
•+2520
•Sunday, May 13, 2018 (70th) Yom Yerushalayim
•+30
•Tuesday, June 12, 2018, 29 Sivan
•+45
•Friday, July 27, 2018 Tu B’Av (Central Eclipse)
http://www.scribd.com/doc/47989669/Jacobs-Trouble
Pentecost: 70th Year of Israel, http://www.abdicate.net/cal.aspx
Gregorian: May 20, 2018
Jewish: Sivan 6, 5778
Weekday: Sunday
By: Michael on May 19, 2011
at 10:07 am
Wouldn’t it be fabulous! 🙂
By: Ma on May 19, 2011
at 11:45 am
Dear Cindy
As usual your post is spot on!! Following end time prophecy for some years now, I was also immediately impresses by John Tangs post. I also believe that something will happen in the next week. Whether it is the rapture, I m not sure, but something significant is on the cards, so to speak. We will know soon.
Blessings
Sandra
By: sandra peijper on May 19, 2011
at 12:53 pm
Yes, Camping is wrong. His whole schema for the length of time since the Flood is incorrect.
Not to mention Scripture itself, which clearly states that no man will know the day or the hour. Some can try to weasel around that, but that’s plainly what it says.
Some helpful references about Camping’s timeline:
http://www.aomin.org/aoblog/index.php?itemid=4631
http://www.aomin.org/aoblog/index.php?itemid=4632
While it may be true that the earth is nearing 6,000 years and the last thousand is the Millennial reign of Christ, thus his return is near, we cannot actually prove that from Scripture. It is just a guess. Do reasonable Christians believe He will return soon? Absolutely. Especially given all that is going on in the world today.
But false prophets like Camping only slander the name of God by their actions and claims and we should not give any attention or heed to them. We can be nearly certain God won’t be holding a rapture on the 21st specifically because He has shown us throughout history that He will not allow a false phophet to steal his glory.
We are truly better off when we stop reading all those silly rapture-rabid hype sites that are too focused on trying to predict a date (and for what benefit if it were even possible? none, really) and get back into focusing on what the Bible calls us to focus on. 🙂
That said, I do love the analysis of Jewish feasts and agree it is likely they are very significant dates in Israel’s coming history, the “peace” process, and possibly also for the church.
God bless.
By: Jay on May 19, 2011
at 1:10 pm
Hi Cindy,
Do we disregard the rest of the scriptures just because we want to be rescued from a dying evil world?
Scripture is clear that the rapture is to occur at the “last” trump. Are we there yet?
What of the great falling away and the persecution of the saints?
I see Mr. Camping as a catalyst to the great falling away we are to observe amongst the brethren as they realize there is no airlift rescue and they must take up the cross and bear it.
But I guess we shall all see how futile it is to try to figure out the MOST HIGH and investigate the thoughts of the HOLY ONE.
On May 22nd and on May 24th both men will be proven false prophets and come up with some excuse as to the miscalculation.
How about that little scripture in Matthew 24:36: But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.
I personally would love to be airlifted out of this mess and go to be with the LORD, but as in the time of Noah; no righteous were removed from the earth, only the wicked were removed.
As in the parable of the weeds in Matthew 13:24 where it is explained clearly to anyone that pays attention.
Mat 13:41 The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity;
Mat 13:42 And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
Mat 13:43 Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.
So it appears as in the time of Noah; GOD is planning to remove the wicked not the righteous. Hm??? Maybe we should rethink this air lift rescue coming for all us prior to any of the bad stuff coming to fruition.
Many new believers think it is all play and no work. The work is “Trusting” and we must do this through the fire.
Remember John the baptist said that JESUS would come and baptize us with the HOLY SPIRIT and with fire.
So this is how I see it and if I am wrong; yipee!
If I am right; we better prepare ourselves and especially our hearts. ….. Steve Hollander
By: Steve Hollander on May 19, 2011
at 1:14 pm
“For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words” (1 Thess. 4:16-18). The verb “caught up” means to be “suddenly snatched away”. In this case the bride will be caught up from the earth to meet the Lord in the air. It is a wonderful promise to look forward to being united with the heavenly Bridegroom, and for this reason Paul describes it as our “blessed hope” (Titus 2:13).
In His Olivet Discourse the Lord Jesus also clearly indicated that informed Christians who understand biblical prophecies and devote themselves to watching and praying will definitely escape the coming tribulation in its entirety: “Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man” (Luke 21:36). Escaping the tribulation means to be outside of it. Christians will be removed by the Lord Himself from the disaster area of divine judgements. In view of this fact Paul says that we should wait for the Son of God from heaven “who delivers us from the wrath to come” (1 Thess. 1:10).
By: Michael on May 19, 2011
at 2:19 pm
Yes brother I agree and eagerly await the protections of my KING.
Might this protection that is afforded HIS people be divine intervention into our lives and protection provided here on earth?
This is how I see a relation to fleeing to the mountains as written in Mark 13:14
Mar 13:14 But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains:
Although many of us believers do not live in Judea as we understand it to be, yet I believe HE intends to protect those that are HIS supernaturally and it will be evident to the unbelievers that it is so as a testimony.
But it is still all speculation. This is all an extension of Mr. Camping claiming to know the day or the hour as that is unscriptural.
Like Cindy says; we should all be watching and waiting. The thief will not come when we expect him. ….. Steve Hollander
By: Steve Hollander on May 19, 2011
at 2:31 pm
Steve
I agree that Camping is in error, May 21st is just the tip of that Iceberg.
I might also agree Mr. Camping is a catalyst to the great falling away.
But my hope is Pre-Trib, though I stand ready if I am wrong.
Blessings
Michael
By: Michael on May 19, 2011
at 2:46 pm
I am not at all sure that we are expected to understand all of Revelation. I believe the Lord God “keeps things for Himself” that we are not to know. I have gone through so much of Revelation studying every word in Strongs (as some of my friends are well aware – because they have received endless E-Mails from me on this subject!! I’m smiling now). I no longer believe we will be taken out (or a greater understanding I believe is “changed to immortal bodies”) before the first 6 seals – but I also believe we are well into the 6 seals. But we could argue about this for days.
I used to post articles on Five Doves. What I now believe to be truth (I will be hung and crucified by the mob for this – but I understand this to be truth).
John = Beast in Antichrist Gematria
Tng = “T”he “N”ext “G”eneration
or “THE beast of the Next Generation”
Many of their “characters” are Star War Characters.
Computer generated – computer driver – from Singapore directly tied in to the UK – the “Queen.” They are computer experts. I copied a letter once in their daily “letter” file into my Word documents and the next time I turned on my computer I had “refuge” sites coming up in the background of my computer (which I no longer believe is truth).
Another time (once only) they directly sent me an E-Mail (and later actually confirmed that it came from them!) of something I had already seen. I thought perhaps that there was a change in it so I copied it into my Word documents and immediately it started erasing critical files.
I have received E-Mails from someone well known from the “Dove” (who states he has been interacting with this web site and knows them personally) that always writes articles on the Rapture. When his E-Mails come, I cannot “delete” them into a delete basket. They just “disappear.”
The “Dove” refused to post things on Kundalini/Shiva/Yoga – the foreign god that our leaders are using to destroy America. They refused to post articles on “orbs” – the demon lights that are showing up in our homes and pictures.
Many of their characters are computer originated and computer driver. They do not exist. Anything you get from anyone dealing with that site should be highly questionable. Anyone “real” has either awoken from their sleep or been driven away by the truth they are trying to present.
The Dove DID post an E-book on the Millenium. I read it cover to cover and the end result was New Jerusalem in London! I contested it highly – but they kept reposting stuff that would try to state it was truth!!@!@!@
They are brilliant when it comes to mixing truth with false.
I believe they have direct ties to the “Queen” and have ties to what I believe to be a master computer – Maitreya.
Getting back to this week-end’s date – I believe we have AT LEAST 5 months of watching the unsaved wretch in pain just like the pain of a “scorpion.” If you count 5 months from this week-end we hit the time that the comet – Elenin – is due to arrive.
I once had a dream where I was looking up through the trees out a window in my bathroom (near the ceiling) – and a great light appears. I yelled at a friend in another room – Hey ___, it’s the Lord! At that moment I was zapped! (The dream ended there unfortunately.) I believe we will be “changed in an instant as the Word says.” I believe Comet Elenin MAY have some significance in this dream – time will tell.
Thanks – Cindy. You post some really great thinking stuff. Read them if you must – but NEVER NEVER copy anything into your own personal computer. And DO NOT accept their E-Mails – you may not have a computer tomorrow!
By: Jeane on May 19, 2011
at 4:02 pm
Cindy – your mentioned Joel 2 –
Do Rev 9:10 and Joel 2 relate to each other?
Rev 9:10 And they had tails like unto scorpions, and there were stings in their tails: and their power [was] to hurt men five months.
Joel 2:8 Neither shall one thrust another; they shall walk every one in his path: and [when] they fall upon the sword, they shall NOT BE WOUNDED. [They are not human.]
Joel 2:9 They shall run to and fro in the city; they shall run upon the wall, they shall climb up upon the houses; they shall enter in at the windows LIKE A THIEF [Reference Relevation – this is JESUS that has come back as the Conquering King].
Joel 2:11 And the LORD shall utter his voice BEFORE HIS [H-I-S] ARMY: for his camp [is] very great: for [he is] strong that executeth his word: for the day of the LORD [is] great and very terrible; and who can abide it?
[This is a message to all sinners – but PRIMARILY HIS CHURCH: REPENT!]
Joel 2:14 Who knoweth [if] he [the sinner] will return and REPENT, and leave a blessing behind him; [even] a meat offering and a drink offering unto the LORD your God?
Gather the PEOPLE, sanctify the CONGREGATION, assemble the ELDERS, gather the children, and those that suck the breasts: let the BRIDEGROOM go forth of his CHAMBER [one meaning is neptual bed – THE WEDDING], and the BRIDE out of her closet. [Has Christians walking in truth been in hiding – it may appear that we have been at the wedding feast while this is going on – ??]
Joel 2:17 Let the PRIESTS, the MINISTERS of the Lord, weep …
—- I’ve been doing a study on Serphim (angels in heaven) and they appear to be strange looking creatures (at least to us). I have wondered if it is Seraphim that will be crawling up every wall and into every window? Whatever it is – plague – locusts – Seraphim – if you do not have the “Seal” of God in your forehead, you will be subjected to this. It may be that this is the week-end. I noticed on another blog that the UFO stuff is coming thick and heavy right now also.
For those that love the Lord – watching for His coming – those that are walking away from sin as fast as He is showing it to us and walking in obedience, we will be protected from this.
By: Jeane on May 19, 2011
at 4:35 pm
I have read on Jewish Calendars that TRUE Pentecost for 2011 is June 11, 2011.
On another Jewish Calendar it states: Shavuot – Pentecost – June 8-9, 2011
Wed-Thurs
Israel: June 8, 2011
Wed
By: Jeane on May 19, 2011
at 6:30 pm
Hey Cindy;
That would be wonderful if it happens on the 24th or whenever. I have been waiting for the rapture for over 30 yrs and now would be an awesome time. I have to admit that I have never seen so many things pointing to this tremendous event. I know we all want to know the date, but I don’t believe we will ever know the exact time. I do know how important it is for us to be a continual light in the midst of this darkness, lead as many as possible in repentance from sin and into the marvelous Kingdom of our Lord and Savior. If we pick a day from here to eternity we are bound to hit it one of these days. I always enjoy your blog, thanks.
[ Hi Frank, Thanks so much for writing! Your first time in the comments section, I believe. I really appreciate your attitude and I agree with you completely. As most of us recognize, the Lord has given us important clues regarding the timing of his coming. We watch and speculate and then watch some more. What Harold Camping has done is irresponsible in my opinion – Im not altogether sure what his theology consists of – may be totally off the wall in other areas as well. I cringe to think of the field day the media and other scoffers will have with this on the day following Campings prediction, but, on the other hand, it has opened the door for me to talk to some co-workers who are very curious. So, the Lord is faithful and works in any and very situation and we can find comfort and assurance in that. Grace and blessings to you and your family! Cindy
By: Frank4Truth on May 20, 2011
at 12:14 am
Isaiah 28:15
Because you have said, “We have made a covenant with death, And with Sheol we are in agreement. When the overflowing scourge passes through, It will not come to us, For we have made lies our refuge, And under falsehood we have hidden ourselves.”
Jeremiah 23:17
They continually say to those who despise Me, ‘The LORD has said, “You shall have peace” ‘; And [to] everyone who walks according to the dictates of his own heart, they say, ‘No evil shall come upon you.’ ”
v.20 …In the latter days you will understand it perfectly.
Ezekiel 13:6
“They have envisioned futility and false divination, saying, ‘Thus says the LORD!’ But the LORD has not sent them; yet they hope that the word may be confirmed.
[Thanks Drew for writing and sharing these verses, may the God of peace and hope bless you and your family! C]
By: Drew on June 2, 2011
at 5:24 pm