I think most of us feel that the signs pointing to the rapture and the fulfillment of scripture are increasing rapidly. Just wanted to encourage any of you out there who haven't witnessed to loved ones or friends to put aside any anxious feelings and just do it. It is sooo important and at least you will know that you did all you could while here. If they don't listen or believe, at least the seed will be planted and they may have a foundation that will help them to avoid the mark of the beast and the strong delusion that God will send. Most of us have faced rejection for it, but that momentary discomfort is well-worth what you could be saving them from. For those who don't know exactly what to say, I'll at least share a brief version of what I've said to everyone I know.
 
First, the re-birth of Israel is a MAJOR sign. Jesus said that all scripture would be fulfilled by the generation that witnesses Israel's rebirth. That happened in 1948. The question then is how long is a generation in the Bible? The Bible says it is 70 or 80 years. Add that to 1948 and that comes to 2018-2028 and there is at least a 7 year period left known as the time of Jacob's trouble which should be subtracted. Additionally, there will be a 7 year period where the weapons from the apocalypse will burn. Bottom line is that it is very soon.
 
Second, no other religion can boast about fulfilled prophecy. Any person fulfilling just 8 prophecies about the Messiah has a billion-to-one odds. Jesus fulfilled approximately 300 prophecies regarding the Messiah--a number we can't even comprehend. One example I like to give is from Psalms where David says "they cast lots for my garments." Written before Jesus ever lived and then of course it happened at the crucifixion. For more examples of fulfilled prophecy, visit www.therapturesite.com/feasts.htm
 
Third, the feasts were ordained in the Old Testament and are a picture of God's plan for humanity. One example is Passover. A lamb was to be killed at exactly 3 pm and the blood of innocence was to be placed on the doors of the Israelites so the angel of death would "pass over" the houses that obeyed. Then Jesus who was called the "lamb of God" by John the Baptist was crucified and died and "gave up the ghost" at exactly 3 pm--Who can possibly foretell to the minute when he/she will die? Jesus can. More information can be found at www.therapturesite.com/feasts .
 
Fourth, Why would God tell Abraham to take Isaac up to the top of the mountain and sacrifice him--and then stop him? He wouldn't make another man do it, but tested his obedience. Instead, God sent His own son Jesus as a sacrifice for sin for the world. By the way, I don't think it's a coincidence that Jesus is the "son" of God--just as the "sun" is the light of the world. There's a verse in Malachi that mentions the "sun (not son) of righteousness arising with healing in his wings".
 
Fifth, I always thought it was important to establish through non-Christian historians what was said about Jesus at the time. Josephus is the most prominent non-biased historian and mentioned that Jesus was known as the Christ and that he was highly revered and performed many miracles in front of others. Other historians include Tacitus and Pliny the Younger.
 
I hope that gives at least a start to anyone who had questions about how to back your claims with scripture.
 
Steve Mullin