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I recently heard a new “take” on the fig tree mentioned in the olivet discourse and to me this looks like the most scripturally grounded, the author keys points were these:

“What does the fig tree represent? Does it represent the nation Israel? What does the putting forth leaves represent? Does it speak of Israel’s becoming a nation in 1948? Does the budding of the fig tree mean that we can approximate the time of the rapture? How can we know the correct interpretation?”

I know that while you do not believe Israel is the fig tree in mentioned here, you do believe that the generation that sees the “nationhood” of Israel will be likely to witness the 2nd coming, but where is the scriptural proof that Israel becoming a nation was the starting point of “the signs” based on Matthew 24? So far, you have been the best at explaining your position, but are this author’s points valid? As always, your insight into this interpretation will be greatly appreciated.

Can you explain Luke 21:36 to me? Maybe it is for Israel in the Tribulation, but I always wonder when I read it if we are supposed to pray about this. It makes it sound as if we may not go in the rapture before the Tribulation if we don’t pray about it. I’ve never heard anyone explain this verse that I can remember.

Are the Times of the Gentiles now complete since Israel has possession of Jerusalem?

I am reading a book on prophecy by Tim LaHaye. He states that there is no substantiation that the fig tree in Matt 24, Mark 13 and Luke 21 represents Israel. He further points out that Luke 21:29 refers to “the fig tree and all the trees.” And thus, the fig tree cannot be Israel. What are your thoughts?

I am a believer in the pre-trib rapture, however I currently hear the rumblings of false birth pains in the circles of end-time discussions. Does this have legs in your mind and if so how far does it set us back with regards to the rapture? I read a posting where an individual believes that we are a decade or so away from any prophecy that alters our current state of affairs concerning the middle east. I find it hard to believe that it would take that long for events to arise in a way that shifts the balance of nations. Are we experiencing false birth pains at this very moment?

Would you please comment on LK 21:23/MT 24:19? It is a common belief that children under the age of accountability will be raptured. The same for the pre-born. Are the children and pre-born referred to in these passages conceived after the rapture? Or is this something specific concerning the nation Israel?

Thanks again for the time you put into this ministry. I know it is a huge benefit to so many. My question is regarding the “last generation” mentioned in Matthew and Luke, at Olivet. You have said that 1948 and the re-birth of Israel ‘start the clock’ – meaning the generation alive/being born during that time will be around to see the return of messiah.

After several readings of the Matthew and Luke Passages, It seems to me that the generation referred to is the generation that sees the beginning of the tribulation – THAT generation will live to see the return of messiah. Would you mind explaining why my reasoning might be incorrect?

Matthew 24:15 to the chapter’s end seems pretty straightforward. It covers a period from the middle of Daniel’s 70th week until the LORD’s return. But I’m wondering about the specific time period indicated by Matthew 24:4-12. Could it be that Matthew 24:4-12 covers the first half of the 70th week? After all, verse 13 says that “he who endures to the end, the same shall be saved.” That doesn’t sound like a statement that would characterize the “church age” in general, but a period characterized by a return to the Mosaic Law.

Matthew 7:21-23 reads” Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” Does this scenario take place at the great white throne judgement?

Matthew 24:31 says, “And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.” This verse states that the “elect” will be gathered from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other – heaven, not earth. Is this proof we are already in heaven before the tribulation? That we have been raptured?