Dear friends:
 
On January 19, 2007, I forwarded an article from the Christian Post, which quoted a poll that said one in four Americans anticipates the second coming of Christ in 2007.  That's an incredible 25 percent!
 
That is exciting!  However, there's one big problem.  The more I think about it the more I have doubts about it.  It just doesn't seem possible that so many in our spiritually complacent nation and lukewarm church would have such a messianic expectation.  I have not even seen a group of turned-on evangelical Christians that would agree on 2007 or any such near-term date, much less the general public.  Christians have too many personal agendas and sadly, many seem to give no thought to the Lord's return.
 
Consequently, to be honest, I have been seriously doubting that poll.
 
That led me to research the Christian Post, and it seems to be a reputable Christian news source (http://www.christianpost.com ).  Then I researched the polling company, Ipsos, and it seems to be a reputable secular, international marketing and polling organization (http://www.ipsos.com).
 
But I still have doubts about the poll.  I have studied polling and know that poll results are usually determined by how the questions are phrased, and interpreted.
 
UNLESS....  UNLESS....
 
Here is a provocative thought and possibility for you. 
 
In his 1958 book, Life of Christ (page 13), the late Fulton J. Sheen documented that before Jesus came the first time, there was an expectation of Him throughout the world.  He mentions writings by Tacitus, Seutonius, Cicero, Virgil, and evidence even in Chinese history.  And, of course, we know the Magi from the East expected Him.
 
Could all this expectation be merely from circulated copies of the ancient Hebrew prophecies, or did the Holy Spirit put it on peoples hearts, to prepare them for His coming?
 
I suspect both. 

If true, the Holy Spirit may be doing the same thing today.  Transcending their rational thought, He may be impressing upon the hearts of many that Messiah's return is at the door.  If the poll is valid (and I am not sure), 25 percent are even saying 2007!
 
If the Holy Spirit is, indeed, making such a general communication to the world, it should not surprise us if He speaks specifically to some of His servants, either directly or through some of His servants, confirming the general sensing.  This makes me think of:

1. Michael Hile's five 490-year time historical cycles that end in 2007 (Michael does not try to interpret what it may mean) ( http://www.fivedoves.com/letters/jan2007/jim111-1.htm)

 

2. The late New Zealander George T. Curle's historical time charts that also end in 2007 ( http://www.fivedoves.com/letters/jan2007/jim111-2.htm)

 

3.  The possible recent angel encounter at Wal-Mart about Christmas 2006 being our last Christmas ( http://www.fivedoves.com/letters/jan2007/jim115-1.htm)

 

4.  The 1986 dream/vision of Florida mother Shelby Corbitt and her revelation of 2007 as the year of the rapture (which she says God has commanded her to proclaim), and similar revelations of others ( http://www.fivedoves.com/letters/jan2007/jim16-1.htm

 

5.  Kenneth Copeland has said that 2007 is The Year of the Open Door," making us think of the open door references to the rapture in Revelation 3:8,10 and 4:1.

 

All five of the above have come to me just in the first few days of 2007!
 
Just this morning I was told that the nationally respected pastor of one of the largest churches in my large metropolitan area said last night at a prayer meeting that he believes "we are on an hour by hour schedule of the Lords return."  The words "hour by hour" speak of immediacy. 
 
Keep oil in your lamps.  The midnight cry may be near (Matthew 25:1-13).
 
Remember, not just 25 percent but a full 50 percent of the ten virgins expected the Bridegroom, but...  

At midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.  But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh (vs. 6-13).

Jim