Mike,

It seems to me you are too quick to discount the possibility of the woman being the church. There has been MUCH written in this thread from the first post onward to strongly argue that it is. Furthermore, you have presented no basis for drawing your conclusion.

I’m not trying to discourage you but this is the thing about prophecy that can be very upsetting: There’s a tendency for the unlearned student to think prophecy cannot be known until it is fulfilled so it gives license to anyone who has an opinion to think their notions are just as valid as someone elses. Nothing could be further from the truth. There are RULES for interpreting prophecy. Not some willy-nilly subjective feelings that someone just happened to make up; but rather, rules that are established according to the very word of God himself. The novice generally doesn’t quite understand this, but the seasoned disciple understands it perfectly.

My advice is to learn the rules, ask a lot of questions and don’t talk about what you THINK; rather, talk about what you KNOW. In otherwords, study until you believe God himself bears witness to what you know. As a general guideline, if you find yourself forming convictions a little too quickly or too easily, or based on someone elses ideas, you probably haven’t heard from God and your convictions are premature. Tuck it away in your back pocket and be patient. If your interpretation is correct, it will become evident in time. If it’s not, that too will become evident.

If you truly have a HEART for these things, I commend you and encourage you to press on because it is God’s desire to make his prophetic word known for it’s time. In fact, if you don’t press on you will be disobeying the prompting of God and many will suffer. But if you only have a HEAD for these things, I suggest you lay it all down right now because Satan will soon get your eyes off of Jesus and great pride can enter your heart and it’s very hard to escape.

Which one are you? I have no desire to debate these matters with someone who only has a Head for them. But if you DO have a heart for the prophetic word you will see amazing things and God will use you to bless and prepare the Body for the grim days ahead.

Commentary by Scott
Posted on: 8/20/2009 02:02 am

and ladies…

Commentary by Mike
Posted on: 8/19/2009 22:24 pm

Well I am not sure on my view yet. I am still reading all of these comments posted on this site, but there are some things I can safely say about this chapter that gives me parameters.

1. It is futuristic only
2. We will understand during the unfolding of the said event
3. The figure here is righteous
4. It will affect the course of WWIII
5. It was important enough for God to veil in secrecy.

The only thing I can say for sure at this point about this chapter is that its very intriging. It opens with what appears to be a visible cosmic sign and mystery that calls for the beginning of the events to occur. Also, that the crown on her head refers to the Jews.

That being said it right away hint to the church not being an option for her identity. Just the Jews and how they affect the church in the long run. It also seems to discount the Mother Mary figure. She has no husband that we know of. She is persecuted. And she is not alive in the last days.

The only other options I saw here on this site and others were as follows:

1. Israel
2. Just a constellation in the sky marking the times
3. A real woman martyr
4. All or none of the above

Since the earlier debates, do any of you disagree with this. Seeing all the ferver from this site tells me this should be interesting to say the least. Fire away, Gentlemen.

Commentary by Mike
Posted on: 8/19/2009 22:18 pm

“Do any of you feel that you have a sharper view after the combat?”

Absolutely. Always. Combat has a unique way of revealing the truth or error of a postion as nothing else can. But the combat must be against falsehood and error, and not against the Spirit and Truth. That said, it always behooves us to remember that Truth does not belong to us. However, we are bearers of Truth and the things which are revealed, we should cling to and zealously defend. Those who cling to error and foolishness should expect to be scrupulously judged.

The downside of forums like this one is that the Spirit cannot easily be tested and confirmed. I personally believe some people too easily take offense by a particular post. Not because offense was intended, but rather, as a result of the offended indivduals’ own insecurity playing on their emotions. Granted, many DO intend offense; but even then the individual who is secure in Christ will not be easily shaken. If they are, perhaps they’re putting a little too much confidence in the flesh.

Commentary by Scott
Posted on: 8/19/2009 20:28 pm

Well said. I agree. I must ask. Do any of you feel that you have a sharper view after the combat?

Commentary by Mike
Posted on: 8/19/2009 18:09 pm

Well, you’ll agree with me in the rapture. “Love’s lips do not always drop honey.” C.H. Spurgeon

Commentary by Jay
Posted on: 8/19/2009 01:18 am

“Just be nice.”

What a “nice” sounding sentiment. But unless a few sparks fly, iron remains dull!

Commentary by Scott
Posted on: 8/18/2009 23:42 pm

Wow is right! All should remember that when it concerns prophecy interpretation, it should be by suggestion only. Until all is revealed, no one and no theory or suggestion should be disregarded. Christina has a point. I am new to this site. All of you have good thoughts on was these “signs” mean. Just be nice.

Commentary by Mike
Posted on: 8/18/2009 18:07 pm

WoW, and I got booted!

Commentary by Jay
Posted on: 8/18/2009 09:59 am

For anyone out there still reading this…Suggesting that this woman is real does not mean false prophesying. It is a possibility. Why does she have to be a conartist if she is real? She clearly wouldn’t be.

If she could see events b4 they happen it would prove she has a strong connection with God and should have the holy spirit according to the bible. You know a good tree by its fruit, and according to this chapter, she is not a conartist or a false Christ.Just bc there is no mention of the father of the baby doesnt mean there wasn’t one. It just means he isn’t worth mentioning. Like I said, single mothers are common now a days. She would be a single mom if her son is born a manchild. The father could have died already knowing her luck.

My suggestion that this chapter is regarding a person we will possibly see with our own eyes is I believe a very intelligent possibility.

People like the ones who posted on this website were very rude. Had anyone asked me for proof politely I could have provided a wealth of it. But “don’t give pearls to swine lest they trample you with their feet.”

The information regarding the truth on this chapter would not be found on the internet. It would not be found anywhere because God has willed it a closed issue right now. That is why it would be better to investigate properly (not the internet)because we should be trying to look for the one thing we haven’t considered yet. Its the only possibility that hasn’t been given the proper attention in accordance with a chapter that is “key” to understanding the rest.

Many already believe we are in the last days. I am one of them. In the end, regardless of my theories or ideas proving correct or incorrect does not excuse the behavior of these vicious hypocrites. I am not leading anyone. If they are, their congregation should read their postings so they can see for themselves their ridiculous behavior. There is no excuse for it.

I have a right to my ideas and freedom of speech. No one has to take abuse for that. And as far as what God thinks about all of this.. that’s his business..not your responsibility.

Making a mockery of all the time people invested in studying prophecy is inevitable bc you do not KNOW the truth. It is worst to make a mockery of God’s word and preach it every Sunday like you really know what you are talking about.

God might have been the one who showed me all the things I tried to tell you, but you never know.. You might look at the news one day and see I was right. Wouldn’t you look like a jerk? Oh wait! You already do. Until then..bite me.

Commentary by Christina
Posted on: 8/18/2009 06:31 am