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When the Lord commanded His disciples to watch and pray for " the spirit is willing but the flesh was weak "
He was well aware of all that was coming and about to happen . For the disciples the sorrow of the Lords soon departure and the stress of events caused them to sleep . The Lord had to tried the wine press alone but then He always " went a little further" .
And so prayed that death wouod pass and he wouid live till the appointed time . It was not a forgone conclusion.He sweated great drops of blood he cried and wept and struggled not to avoid the cross but that the flesh wouod not dominate and the Fathers will wouid be donec. " In that he feared He was heard and won the victory.
The disciples fell asleep and when faced with the challenge , fled or responded in the flesh .(Peter).
Jonah trying to get away from the presence of God because he did not want to do the will of zGod was found asleep in the bosom of the boat while the heathen crew were all calling upon their 'gods' in the storm.
Elijah had to be prodded awake by an angel and told to eat ALL of Gods provision " for the journey was long".
Is it not written " that while men slept his enemy came and sowed tares"?
It is reasonable to tnink thst Adam was asleep physically and or spiritualy when the serpent was sowin* his seed of doubt and rebellion in the mind of Eve .
The watchword s " watch and pray.."
Not only of the battle that is going on now but the one looming on the other side of the wall .So to speak.
Recent events the screaming and the shouting the betrayals and the wickedness should not distract us from the progressive purposes of God and our part in them .
But I would point to another reason.
The Lord who is the bridegroom was foretold wouid not see the corruption . Hence the three days in the grave . For corruption sets into the body after three days ( see Lazerus) .
The Bride will not see corruption either in that not so much of the grave but of the total corruption of the world .
Some will not even see the corruption of the grave for " them that are alive shall be caught up to meet Him in the air"
And these redeemed bodies shall put on immortality and corruption shall put on incorruption .
The 'rapture' is not an escape but a fulfilment of that longing to see the Lord .
Matthew 18:3
"And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven."
Blessings
Revelation 21:1
"And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea."
Matthew 5:3
"Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
Matthew 5:5
"Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth."
Blessing's
The wedding will be revealed by the Father soon where our eyes will be on Him only.
God bless our conversation in Christ Jesus.
Conclusion and Practical Application
Therefore, the teaching of the "three voices" is a useful tool for discernment based on biblical truth as a whole. The challenge for the believer is to learn to:
Recognize where each thought or impulse may be originating from.
Test everything by the Word of God (the Bible), which is the absolute standard of truth.
Reject the voices that align with sin, fear, accusation, and lies.
Accept and obey the voice that aligns with God's character-which is holy, loving, true, and invites us to faith and righteousness.
A final verse to guide discernment:
1 John 4:1: "Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world."
continuation - part 3
3. The Voice of the Enemy (Satan, Demons, The World)
The Bible clearly identifies a voice of temptation, accusation, and deceit that opposes God.
Genesis 3:1-5: The serpent (Satan) is the first voice of temptation and deceit, questioning God's word: "Did God really say?... You will not certainly die."
John 8:44: Jesus said about the Devil: "He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies."
1 Peter 5:8: "Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." The "roaring" represents the voice of intimidation, fear, and accusation.
1 John 2:15-16: The voice of the "world" (value systems contrary to God) is also an influence: "Do not love the world or anything in the world... For everything in the world-the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life-comes not from the Father but from the world."
continuation - part 2
2. Our Own Voice (The Flesh, The Soul, The Heart)
Our own thoughts, desires, and reasoning are a constant source of an internal "voice." The Bible exhorts us to examine our hearts, for they can be deceptive.
Romans 7:15-23: Paul vividly describes the internal battle between the desire to do good and the flesh that leads him to do evil. This is the "voice" of our human nature in conflict with the Spirit.
Jeremiah 17:9: "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?" This verse is the basis for caution regarding our own feelings and impulses.
Proverbs 14:12: "There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death." Our own logic, without God's direction, can lead us astray.
you commented about hearing/listening. I'm not sure if I understood your post correctly, but it's important to approach this concept carefully, because it is very common in Christian teachings, but it is not found as a specific verse in the Bible.
I am studying and have faith in only one that is based on the Bible and its instructions. In other words, there is no single verse that explicitly lists these three voices. Rather, it is a theological synthesis or a principle derived from various passages that, together, describe the sources of influence and thought in our lives.
Let's break down this concept and look at the verses that foundation each part:
1. The Voice of God (The Holy Spirit)
The Bible often describes God speaking to His people, guiding them, and granting discernment.
John 10:27: "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me." This is a key verse that supports the idea that believers can discern Jesus' voice.
1 Kings 19:11-13: God did not speak to Elijah in the powerful wind, the earthquake, or the fire, but in a "gentle whisper." This illustrates that God's voice is often discerned in quietness and intimacy.
John 14:26: "But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you." The Holy Spirit is presented as the internal voice that guides and teaches.
We are considering the generation of Jesus Christ from different POV. The word become flesh presented the woman clothed with the sun; while the Law, the Word which was with God Melchizedek and the seven candlesticks. The Word which God supplies us the symbols of his office the iron rod. In his 'another angel' we have the last act of the Salvation saga: judgment of satan.
Law of the Spirit sets the kingdom where God is all in all,(1 Cor.15.27) The singles measurement would therefore include angels (Rev.21.17) In v.1 we see the Angel of the Lord given the authority: cloud of witnesses and the rainbow present us one face of heaven. The other also a face of the earth. "And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow was upon his head, and his face was as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire:"
The pillars of fire refers to the heart of the earth. To quote Job,"As for the earth, out of it cometh bread: and under it is turned up as it were fire." From the heart of it, there is a furnace,"Iron is taken out of the earth, and brass is molten out of the stone."(28.2,5) The iron forged from this fire smashes the nations.(2.9) and the Word of God does," and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God." This rod of iron is symbol for the fierceness of the wrath of Almighty God, not God or of the Lamb but of the Lord Amighty. Thus we have references to judgment of God, with smoke out of a furnnace. It was at mount Sinai and at the bottomless pit,"And he opened the bottomless pit; and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit." and "And mount Sinai was altogether on a smoke, because the LORD descended upon it in fire: and the smoke thereof ascended as the smoke of a furnace."(Rev.9.2;Exod.19.18; Gen.15.17)
He might well have done for " no man knows the HOUR " we can indeed know the season but not the month! Or worse the hour .
He will come when all the saints " least exoect it" ALL,10 virgins were asleep" when the cry came " The bridegroom cometh"!
So while He may still come in September no man can say he will .
The standing order so to speak is to be always ready and working in the kingdom .
Not to be looking skyward perpetually .
Though I find myself looking up every so often " for our redemption draweth near".
The father of John the Baptist Was in his place fulfilling his function in the temple even his allotted time and his job that by lot was assigned to him.
It was as he was so working that the angel of God came .
The shepherds were doing their jobs when heaven burst its banks at His first coming .
Some will be in the field some asleep etc etc .
ANY body who claim a date are at best gravely mistaken no matter how they calculated it .
It also gives the church trouble by such 'predictions' by the world and many a unrepentant sinner will simply laugh and continue on their way .
I once lived at the bottom of a hill. The bus stop was on the other side of the brow of it and the bus unseen would come from the left and turn left . Often it so happened that I saw people running to the bus stop and so I began to run as well for they were the "evidence of things as yet unseen "
I often caught the bus because of their witness .
I do believe the Lord has left the building so to speak and is on His way . But I have no idea of the time of His arrival .
He delayed his arrival when he heard of Lazarus Ill health because " he loved him"
The time is in " The Fathers hands" not man's not even the Lords .
As in the days of Noah there was Enoch who was " translated " in a moment in a twinkling of an eye and was before the outpouring of Gods wrath upon the earth . Noah on the other hand was saved through it .
As in the days of Lot there was also Abraham . Lot walked by sight .Abraham walked by faith . Thus God couid tell him what " He was about to do" and thus gave Abraham the oopertunity to intercede for Lot .
How is it that while the promise was given to the church thst Holy Spirit wouod lead us into all truth yet so many oroffession g christians do not know it?
Unbelief is not just not believing God but it is believing another and the wrong message .
We can get things wrong but the scriptures are there for correction reproof and ." Etc .
The Word of God is a discerner Alf the thoughts and intents of the heart " Often it's a persons wrong attitude that gives an indication of something wrong .
But how do we know that we know the truth?
If we know the truth out makes us free . It gives us a greater love for the people of God and the work of God and the word of God .When we know the truth wcom effective in the kingdom of God .and our spiritual vision increases .
The opposite is true when we fall into error .
I liken it to a football match . If you observe inexperienced and " little children" they simply chase the ball and leave the goal open to attack . Experienced or professional plates keep their positions moving back and forwards in that position regardless of where the ball is . But theur eyes never leave the ball and are watching the play ,knowing that sooner or later it's going to come into their 'square' . And they will be ready for it Wether to oppose or tackle the other team or receive a pass etc .
" Lo here is Christ " lo there is Christ " etc does not mean lo there or here is Jesus but Christ means anointing . Many make boasts of ' the anointing' is here or will be etc and too often people ho chasing to ' where it's at' .
But the eternal resting place of the Holy Spirit is the Word of God . " I will never leave you or forsake you says the Lord " Lo I am with you always" and in another place " He will abide in you forever "
As long as we honour the Word of God holding it if needs must above our own present experience rather than bring it down to ours then we will not miss the boat .
Indeed as we watch and pray at events we will be ready for not only do we learn to pray about those things but find ourselves by prayer being conformed to Gods will not ours or the worlds or " blown about by every wind of doctrine ".
GB
"I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty."
Now we shall see the generation of Jesus Christ from the POV of the Law of the Spirit. What we looked at in Rev.ch.12 was with regards to the body' thou hast me prepared.'(Heb.105)"The Law gives us the creation of the worlds (Gen.1.1) and In the beginning is for setting the Covenant in terms of the generations in terms of the day decreed for the Son. So after presenting the Covenant in seven days the Spirit inserts this verse,"These are the generations of the heavens and of the earth when they were created, in the day that the LORD God made the earth and the heavens" (2.4) This day refers to the Father Son relationship so so earth serves the characteristics of the son in obedience to the Father in all things. But there shall be a point of time when God may be all in all and through all. "then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all."(1 Cor.15.27) That is the Omega aspoect of Jesus Christ.
IRev.1.12-20 n the inaugural vision of John we have the same vision in ch.12 from the POV of the Law of the Spirit so the number Seven as the whole number we keep focus on.
Instead of the woman clothed with the sun we have seven golden candlestands. In the midst it is Melchizedek the priest-king. The golden girdle girt about his paps connect visually with seven angels, and the altar. And 'clothed in pure and white linen, and having their breasts girded with golden girdles.(15.8)' Seven stars in his right hand and his visage in v.14 presents a face as his feel of the other face. "And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters." In Job 28 we have reference to both."The flood breaketh out from the inhabitant; even the waters forgotten of the foot: they are dried up." (28.15) Compare with Rev.12.16
"One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh: but the earth abideth for ever."
Genealogy given in the entire Bible refers to the generaton of Jesus Christ against every other. It is how the Father has presented his his first begotten to the world. Let all angels worship him sets life of the Father relation agains ever other life. "For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself;"( Jn 5.26) God divided light from darkness and we have one against the other in Gen.1.2 Two columns under light and the ther under darkness would determine the form of the earth. "and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters."
This is well illustrated by the vision of the Woman clothed with the Sun. Two lights the greater light gives the generation of Jesus christ righteousness as brilliant as the sun, no fuller as Mark's gospel puts it,'And his raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them.'( Mk 9,.3) The sun thus presents a face to the woman while the moon the lesser light gives her another face which tells that she stands as the Mother of all living by grace of God. Upon her head this crown of life is the divine promise in his Son, the gospel that overcomes the crown of life. How much did the gospel work with her? When the man child is caught up to the throne, so did her position slip. Boh imposter churches and Jews who were rather busy with their own righteousness and tradtion of their father would need find sanctuary from the onslaught of the devil. One group chooses their own place, the outer darkness while the other, "And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days."(Rev.12.6). The Spirit presents generation and then sets before them the Covenant: how to enter the God's rest.
God sanctified this day so I shall be glad and rejoice in it. No matter what, His promises are yea and Amen in his Son. God set me as a sign even as He set the heaven as a sign in his Son. His handiwork declares the glory of the world of the Spit. It is my upper limit."That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world."(Phi.2.15)
My life was kickstarted when God set man a living soul. This life was restored to me when I became a new creation. "Thy word is truth and it sanctifies me to think my body is the lower limit and the Spirit has let lit a lamp as to my walk this day. Abiding in Christ fully conscious of his own life, it is not I but Christ who lives in me. He is my peace so my anxieties I let him handle. His grace is what the sky of heaven tells my naked eye.
God made my mouth so I shall guard my speech lest it sets a little fire; before it gets a wild fire and rob me of my peace let sto before letting the spark leave my hand. It saves the bother of running for a bucket of water. My life shared with my wife of longstanding, her happiness is the pillow I shall sleep most soundly. God gave me my soulmate whom God had picked continents away before I was born. Looking back nothing in it was an accident. So I have place from where it all began. My rest is at the knowledge that I am under the shadow of his wings and he never sleeps. "Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us./For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,/Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."(Rom.8.37-39) Now I know where he is I shall be; as he was so shall I be perfected in him. Only obedience to this hour is all I need hold. I am at rest
I am not bothered at all with you talking about your view of end times. We can differ on this matter. Time will prove all things, won't it? The way we differ should not affect our friendly relationship here.
As to the Kirk memorial, I was just impressed with the testimonies given by so many speakers that witnessed of Jesus and the gospel, sin and everyone's need for redemption in Jesus. The connection believers have with one another does transcend not only our differences on some topics, but also transcends our position in life, whether a political leader, a believer with a wide audience to witness, or those of us that are relatively unknown in the circles of government, local or national, or ministry that encompass wide berths in society. We of humble estate in this world have our personal calling from the Lord which we are to be faithful in performing unto the Lord.
Believers are connected in Christ, His body, which is being built up to be the dwelling of our Lord and our dwelling in Him, He in us, we in Him, He in the Father, the Father in Him and in us, the Spirit in the Father, and the Son, and in us. God's eternal purpose in creation was to redeem a people for our Lord and by the Spirit to bring these people into fellowship and union with the Godhead. It is a very blessed thing to be a child of God, isn't it?
Richard, I am glad we are friends here. And I am helped by the discussion we have on this forum and also by what individuals present as Jesse did with the Greek language information on the New Testament. We learn from one another and we face differing viewpoints that drive us to Scripture to know what God has revealed as truth.
It is late her in the PNW, so I need to head off to bed. Hopefully, this day long sinus headache will go away. The change in weather and season into fall tends to get to me and there are many wildfires that are affecting air quality as factors in how my body is responding to such stressors.
Goodnight for now
However, in verse 7b, "only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way". If you read it like this: 'only he who now letteth (or, restrains), will continue to restrain, until he (i.e. the one who is doing the restraining) is taken out of the way (i.e. the restraining barrier is now removed)'. Only after this barrier is removed then will the Wicked one be revealed (v8), who will be consumed/destroyed by the Lord Jesus at His Coming. Can you see the difference in our understanding of this passage?
You read it as the 'anti Christ is taken away' and I read it as the 'restrainer is taken away'. In my understanding, it is the restraining force that has to be removed by God before the anti-Christ is revealed, or else, what would be the need of a restrainer (as also in verse 6, "withholdeth)? But I can see how you read this, if the word "letteth" is not 'restrain' but to 'allow'. So, you might read it as, 'God is allowing the anti-Christ to rule until he is then removed later by God'. But the Greek word for "letteth" is 'katecho' and that means 'to hold fast, to restrain, to keep'. So, I believe that the word 'restrain' is the right word to use in this instance and not 'allow', which then means that God restrains the anti-Christ from appearing, but once God removes His Restrainer, then anti-Christ appears and all that follows from that. And after the anti-Christ's course on Earth is finished, Jesus at His appearing, will destroy him. GBU.
Even though these Fellowships were established by the apostles & those who traveled with them, after the ransacking of Jerusalem in AD70 by Gen Titus of Rome, many more Christians and Jews dispersed all over the Roman world. So when we get to these two chapters of the Book of the Revelation, we read of these Churches and their trials and spiritual condition in not only a pagan society, but also being affected by the Jews who also established themselves there and set up synagogues. You can read an instance where the Apostle Paul ministered to the Jews in one of their synagogues in Ephesus ( Acts 18:18,19).
So, when Jesus speaks to the Apostle John from Heaven in Revelation 2 & 3, we can understand that at least those two Church groups (Smyrna & Philadelphia) were being harrassed by the Jews living there. We are not told what they actually did to the Church, but it seems the Jews there were particularly antagonistic towards the Gospel & the believers, blaspheming the God Whom they were supposed to be worshiping by rejecting His Son Jesus Christ. Jesus calls them "the synagogue of Satan", for the true God is not, and cannot be, worshiped if He is being blasphemed. As Satan filled the hearts of Ananias and Sapphira to lie to the Holy Spirit ( Acts 5:1-11) and they suffered for it, so too, Satan had filled the hearts of these erring Jews who did Satan's bidding & no doubt they too would not be spared, unless they repent; and some would ( Revelation 3:9). Blessings.
It isn't that important as to our eschatological differences; but it scares me to think of being lukewarm in any capacity and again feeling I have to defend what I know the Lord actually has shown me.
All the stuff going on with the recent events has led me to warn as some others online are as to deception. In my church and probably where you are people see nothing wrong with the concept as it was put forth as one example for people to be "crowded" into heaven; along with the political merging with various denominations; some of which are sound and others not (including Mormons) with the whole Kirk thing (have to watch what I say). I will state that apparently his wife was wearing a Masonic ring-people should know these things and the dangers of AI supposed statements he would have said beyond the grave.
In my church I am the only voice with concerns it seems; I made it clear in tonights online prayer that if anything is untoward as to my opinions God would forgive me; and that indeed some will seek the Lord after this event; but to not see the warnings is foolish and I have been sensing lately that by this time next year I may not be able to continue in organized church.
We are having someone who is attempting to do a recovery group; although Monday the one guy couldn't be there because his sister was in the hospital; and the one other person had a different issue; so I talked with the guy leading it and the Pastor's wife and one other person; and we all had "skeletons in our closet" that were worth discussing. I am still wary somewhat if the guy leading it truly is saved; however.
Anyway in regard to eschatology I always seem to bring it up with the opposing view to respond to someone else after we talk; as far as I know it isn't intentional to bug you. Not even sure if you believe in the Millennium but I also mentioned it today.
Hope we can always be friends.
RP
Let's consider something here. Our heavenly reunion should involve a rejoicing over all of our company; including those who we have led to the faith; or those we have watered that others have; as it were planted the seed. We already have the hosts of heaven as witnesses (see Heb. 11).
I would say also that the concept of escape from this earth isn't necessarily something not to look forward to; but that in heaven we will only see the destruction of the wicked from afar. ( Psalm 91:8 loosely translated). There is no doubt that we will be actively involved and I would say in prayer ( Rev. 8:4 and I believe one other place). We will see through spiritual eyes clearly in that realm and be prepared to rule and reign with Him. Once we are there the multitude under the throne will soon join us; and rule and reign with us during the Millennial rule of Christ. This brings us to the concept of glorified saints and those left physically to populate the earth during that time.
Trying to understand what is going on is hard because even I sensed the Lord may come for His church in September (albeit a few days still left). Maybe not this September. But a large part of why we're still here IF He is indeed coming soon is to warn others to flee the wrath to come ( Matt. 3:7 but apparently the concept in about 100 scriptures). No doubt Satan is mad we are still here; and as I've stated numerous times he acts as the equal opportunity destroyer; or I could word it as he hates everyone. Every day and all day we see evil; but for any moment of peace and tranquility no doubt God is constantly restraining things from getting worse; and in the Trib if He hadn't cut it short no flesh would survive ( Matt. 24:22).
Okay it is getting even later; time for me to get ready to crash.
Stay hungry for the Word; and may you draw people through His Spirit within you to Christ.
Agape.
"Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled."
Blessings
As stated in the last post there are what I would call "hidden" nuggets referring to the Rapture. Psalm 40 in the beginning is one I have mentioned; another is Zephaniah 2:3. Then there are the precedents of Enoch being translated because He had a close walk with God and Elijah. Jesus of course was the "first of the firstfruits" and the many who came out of their graves after His resurrection was an early gleaning type firstfruits as well ( Matt. 27:52-53).
We are; symbolically the "kings and priests" shown in Revelation 5 and other scriptures. Again it seems at times confusing but verses there discuss being redeemed to allow us to differentiate between angelic beings and people.
One strong point which we probably all agree upon is to focus on the Word; especially in light of heaven. This is how we gain spiritual insight; and it keeps us from myths such as the 3 days of darkness which come from some sort of pagan mysticism that is supposed to occur before the Rapture. Indeed there IS darkness coming during various judgments.
The other point is that the time of Jacob's trouble ( Jeremiah 30:7) needs to help provoke God's people ( Zech 13:8) who endure until the end through saving faith of that time of trial which the whole WORLD goes through which Revelation 3:10 promises we can as the overcomers in the Godly remnant type church can experience.
Again I have cited verses in Daniel which discuss saints being overcome ( Daniel 7:25 also seen in Revelation 13:7); yet now in the "church age" or dispensation the gates of hell will not prevail against the church ( Matt. 16:18). This means absolute apostasy in Mystery Babylon can't come until we are gone.
2 Thessalonians 2 states 2 Thessalonians
1Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,
2That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.
3Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
4Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
5Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?
6And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.
7For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.
8And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:
The wording here is confusing; admittedly but the Day of Christ may be defined when He has begun His rule and reign on earth; and that has to begin with the process of judgments; the first of which is the man of sin in Revelation 6:1-2 being revealed; which the restrainer in verse 6 (that as I see it being the Spirit as it works in the churches today) is removed. That can be seen in the verses describing what MUST occur immediately after the description of the churches in Revelation 4:1 as symbolized by John the Apostle who likely literally saw into the future.
The idea of the bridegroom and bride going into the chamber may be seen as hinted in other verses in scripture such as Psalm 27:5 For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.
I could elaborate further later.
My thoughts about His delay. I don't think there is a delay. There are elect that need to be born again and those elect that are yet to be born to their mothers and fathers here. God foreknows all of the elect and is not bound by our seeming desire for His coming, which we should surely anticipate and look for gladly. He knows the specific number and time in history when the last of the elect will come to be regenerated and brought to faith in Jesus by the work of the Holy Spirit, the Father, and Jesus Christ. The Godhead is in one accord on this. When Jesus was on earth, the limits of mortal humanness prevented Him from knowing the time He will return. But because His humanity is now perfected, glorified, and operating in all fullness with His divine nature, I do think that He knows the date and time of His own return. But this has not been revealed to any human. We just need to be ready and about our Father's business as we live out all the days He has appointed for each person.
I think we need to stay in the Word and not listen to people who claim to know or predict when our Lord will return. It is not for us to know, but we can certainly know from the Word what things must happen before He does come. 2 Thess. 2 comes to mind.
It seems on this site no one has gotten into being caught up (no pun intended) with the rapture frenzy this Feast of Trumpets as to believing a "thus saith the Lord" declaration online; or even having much interest in the viral internet frenzy.
I did want to say that lest we throw out the preverbal "baby" from the bathwater; so to speak the enthusiasm and conviction of His soon appearing and being ready; our lives in order; and witnessing with a sense of urgency are themes I cannot find at fault; if it can be extracted from a prediction made that is clearly non scriptural as to some hidden knowledge of things Christ Himself didn't know when on earth at least. As with the Jewish wedding feast; I have brought up the point that perhaps He still doesn't know the time the Father tells Him to come for His bride; as He only does what the Father tells Him to do; and that would of course extend to the time He rules and reigns VISIBLY on the earth; He certainly wouldn't have waited this long if it wasn't something that was part of the mystery of the council of God in the eternal Godhead.
There is no logical reason to expect that anything is going to change; in fact it is likely to contine to accelerate and spiral further into what we are being forced to endure; murders; immorality; wars and all the other insanity of this world. If those prognosticators of a date for the Rapture indeed end up themselves being foolish virgins and beating their fellowservants it just fits into prophecy. A true servant is concerned about continuing to be a productive servant until He comes.
Ultimately of course anyone using the delay of His coming to abandon their faith isn't firmly rooted; but nonetheless we need to continue to pray for those who are weak and suffering for various reasons in this world. We need to work while it is yet day (I'll let someone look that up so this page isn't wiped out one of my favorite (NOT) things of sleight of hand.