persecution: good or bad?

Should we run to hide in the basement when we hear the warning sirens of a "coming persecution"?

Persecution is already part of our life, through our standing gracefully in persecution we convict the world for repentance. I heard the testimony of this person who angrily threw the tracts at this christian lady threatening and ridiculing her but she kept coming and kept loving him. Seeing her forgiving and loving attitude he finally become broken about his sins, and repented. Similar persecution is shown in recent christian movies such as God is not dead 1 and 2.

1 Peter 2:20-21
"20 For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. 21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps."

Acts 5:41King James Version (KJV)

41 And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.

Matthew 10:28King James Version (KJV)

"28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell."

Romans 8:35-39King James Version (KJV)

35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.

37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

Persecution does not kill the church but strengthens it.
I pray that God would give us grace when facing persecution so it could work for His glory whether it comes to us on personal or state level.

Dear brother,

You are right, we should be all the more willing during persecution to share the words of life and we will seek the Lord more desperately for His baptism of love for persecutors.

The challenge to us now is that why will we not witness and share the Lord with people when it is less persecution and easier, a time is coming when speaking for the Lord could end in a jail cell immediately!

Acts 4:23-31 New International Version (NIV)

The Believers Pray
23 On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. 24 When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. "Sovereign Lord,” they said, "you made the heavens and the earth and the sea, and everything in them. 25 You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David:

"‘Why do the nations rage
and the peoples plot in vain?
26 The kings of the earth rise up
and the rulers band together
against the Lord
and against his anointed one.[a]’[b]
27 Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. 28 They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. 29 Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. 30 Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”

31 After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

Susanna writes..........

"Should we run to hide in the basement when we hear the warning sirens of a "coming persecution"

Wow, way to mix up the analogy with the reality. I read what the brother wrote, He said that we should run deeper into the heart of God when we see the persecution coming. Do you know what happens when you run deeper into the heart of God sister? You love more, you read the word more, you witness more, you forgive more, you are more bold not less.

Maybe you simply misunderstand what an analogy is? It's the comparison between two things, typically on the basis of their structure and for the purpose of explanation or clarification. Blaine was explaining what the purpose of warning was, what the purpose of being a watchman on the wall was. The warning is intended to drive people deeper into the heart of God, not to go to an actual basement and hide, sheesh. Hopefully, at the least you are just being obtuse or we will have to abandon analogies because folks dont know what they mean............bro Frank

PS Here is what the brother actually wrote............

I offer this analogy of the tornado warnings as those who warn of upcoming persecution. Those who speak of upcoming persecution that is coming on the shores of America are doing so to encourage Christiane to go to shelter. I do not mean the shelter of a bunker. But I mean go to the bowels of the Father's Heart. This is the encouragement. The storm of persecution is coming. Our safe room is the father heart of God. Our safe room is to be in the hands of the Holy Spirit.

I apologize for misrepresenting the statement about the sirens.
I understand now that the basement was meant to be God's presence. However I maintain that the analogy is incorrect, because a tornado shelter keeps us uneffected by the tornado, while God would not keep us uneffected by persecution. When we are persecuted we are suffering, and God allows that, as he also allowed the suffering of His Son.

Picturing the persecution as a tornado is also incorrect. Tornadoes only do damage and destruction, while persecution strengthens and purifies the church, and can not destroy it.
I would picture deception as a tornado.

Sister,

There is wonderful truth there that deception is much more dangerous then outward persecution.

In the end the Scriptures are clear that persecution is not really good or bad (for it is both!) but will "happen".

2 Timothy 3:12 New International Version (NIV)

12 In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,

Dear sister I think you're trying to over analyze the analogy. An analogy only serves to illustrate something. Analogies are not perfect.

Granted the tornado analogy falls short. But I was trying to use it to address your earlier point you were bringing up on the other thread. You said that my post did not have encouragment. You implied that my post was creating fear. Thus the analogy of a tornado siren and tornado. It was meant to convey a warning and enxouragement.

My sister I'm very aware of how God uses persecution to perfect His people. I have had people from the front lines on my prayer call who have testified of the reality of Christ in the midst of their sufferings. Also the devotional thread I opened up, Of The Persecuted, reflects much of what I've heard and read. You may want to check it out sometime.

Tozsu I invite you to come and join our call as we pray for the persecuted church and the global harvest of souls. My email is in my profile. If you write me I will be glad to send you the call information.

Must go now dear sister. Have a bus to catch.

Bro B.

Speaking about his persecution Joseph said to his brothers:

Genesis 50:20King James Version (KJV)

20 But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.

2 Corinthians 4:15-18King James Version (KJV)

15 For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.

16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;

18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

Agreed my sister.:) We are on the same page ;) Come pray with us for our persecuted brothers and sisters.:)

Breaux B.

I'll open a new thread for discussion about being on the same page, and continue this thread about the OP.

Romans 8:28
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Good stuff Docs, thanks for sharing the link.
God Bless,
Jeff

3.To demonstrate the power of the resurrection to the heavenlies through testing and weakness.

... Behold I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves...Matthew 10:16

One must wonder about the strategy of Jesus. Sheep are pretty dumb animals and know nothing. And yet it would be the sheep that would bring down the wolves.

It might be that Jesus is demonstrating the power of His Resurrection in the heavenlies by living His resurrected life through dump sheet like us. But in the end the wolves don't win. That sheep will triumph over the wolves.

Simply my thoughts.

Breaux B.

by docs on 2016/6/18 1:28:57

If the church has a eschatological role to play up until the very last, what would that role be and what process would allow or employ to bring a last days church to a fulness that the world could no longer overlook? I'm just offering a somewhat short but in my opinion insightful article that addresses the subject of suffering and persecution. I'm not asking everyone to agree but we can ponder things together. Israel is mentioned and if that sets you off for good or bad and you want to be uncivil towards other brothers and sisters in Christ who are just as committed as you are even though you disagree with them then stay out of the comments please. But the article speaks to much more than that. The subject of this thread and the OP is growing more and more vital to grasp in my opinion.

Blessings.

http://the.mysteryofisrael.org/courses/apocalyptic-evangelism-2002/what-difference-does-it-make-how-christians-view-prophecy/

Hi David,

I was mildly arrested by the title. Just an observation that I don't see the phrase "Mystery of Israel" anywhere in the Bible (the name of his blog). For that matter and to be fair, I don't see the phrase "Mystery of the Church" (part of his title), either. Just a quick observation, don't really want to talk about eschatology, either.

So, who then makes the definition of the Mystery of Israel or the Mystery of the Church if they are not in the Bible?

Here is what I find:

Mystery of Iniquity
Mystery of Godliness
Mystery of Faith
Mystery of the Kingdom of God
Mystery of His will
Mystery of Christ
Mystery among the Gentiles
Mystery of God
Mystery of Godliness
Mystery of the seven stars
Mystery of the Woman

I think this would count for Mystery of the Church:
This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. (Eph 5:32)

It is possible that he is coining the phrase "Mystery of Israel" from the following verses:

Rom 11:24 For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert graffed contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be graffed into their own olive tree?
Rom 11:25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this MYSTERY, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.

With that quick study, I now amend my opening remarks and can see where he is getting the two phrases, "Mystery of Israel" and "Mystery of the Church".

Now, I will continue to read the article, even though Reggie is a well-known Hebrew Roots teacher, I will keep an open mind.

Have a good day,

I think you meant to say bro, Not baaad like a sheep.:)

... Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men...1 Cor. 1:25

It seems that God develops the above thought in the last half of 1st Corinthians chapter one. But like you said brother man's wisdom cannot touch what God is doing.

I think this dumb sheep better quit while he's ahead. :-)

Breaux B.

Matthew 10:16-20King James Version (KJV)

16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

17 But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues;

18 And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles.

19 But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak.

20 For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.

God never calls us so. We are precious in his sight he would not use a derogatory word when referring to us.

Matthew 9:36King James Version (KJV)

36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.

Matthew 25:32-33King James Version (KJV)

32 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:

33 And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.

John 10:11-15King James Version (KJV)

11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

12 But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.

13 The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.

14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.

15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.

Todd, the the verses following your quotes ones can make it clearer for you.
Ephesians 3:10-13King James Version (KJV)

10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,

11 According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:

12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.

13 Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.

Paul's tribulations are his weakness, but without those the message of God would not spread.

Brothers and sisters, as I was thinking about persecution and what we need to do I came to the following thoughts:
1. God allows us to be persecuted and uses it for good.
2. God gives us grace to endure persecution, or takes us out of it.
3. Through our persecution many will be saved
4. Jesus wants us to love our persecutors and pray for them.
5. Our real enemy is Satan.
6. God wants us to obey our govenrment, but do justly even if we are punished for it.
7. Persecution doesn't destroy the church, it strengthens it.
8. Persecution does not cause second death, deception does.
9. It is pleasing to God when we stand faithfully in persecution.

Funny,
I was actually thinking all of the almost exact things you wrote Doc. Equating Reggie Kelley with the "Hewbrew Roots movement" reminded me
Of like those who equate David Wilkerson, Art Katz, Henry Gruver, Dimitri Dudaman, john Paul Jackson & other truly prophetic warning watchmen on the wall & their prophetic words with the likes Of Harold Camping, David Koresh, the Millerites, etc. Like comparing apples & rotten bananas IMHO.
God Bless,
Jeff

two thirds of the world has been going through tribulation for a long time and it has been great tribulation for them.

So, how will persecution and tribulation mold the last day's church in the West?

Good question. The word says many will be offended because of Jesus and not endure to the end. This is the falling away. But, many also will endure persecution and tribulation and maintain the testimony of Jesus.

Our greatest enemy is unbelief.

Matthew 24:21
For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.

Jesus in Matthew 24:21 predicted a great tribulation that would come upon the people in Judea in the 70th week of Daniel which happened in the 1st century.

This is my understanding of the scriptures.
This was not intended to be an end time thread, and it is OK to disagree in non essentials such as the predictions about the future.

It is true, as Jesus said, "in this world you will have tribulation..." The church always has & always will. This constant ever increasing "tribulation" though is different than "the great tribulation" ("for then there will be tribulation such as has never been before nor ever again shall be" in one place & "the time of Jacob's trouble" in another, etc.). Among other reasons, I believe We know this was not completely fulfilled in 70 AD (although 70 AD was a foretaste picture of what would come later) as the Preterists claim because (among many other scriptural reasons) it has been worse since then at times in number, magnitude, etc. Especially in the Islamic controlled 10/40 window of the Middle East. Worse for Christians at the hands of Islam (last couple decades have seen more martyrs than any past ones & last century more than the other 19 centuries previous to it COMBINED). And, in addition to that, if you take these passages for the Jews, then the WW2 era (Stalin & Hitler combined in addition to the Pogroms, etc.) surpassed all other Jewish deaths historically combined. So either way you read that passage of "ever was or ever shall be" be it Jews, Christians or both combined, 70 AD doesn't fit the bill. But something much greater is coming in the prophetic days ahead. I think the full counsel of scripture & all the prophetic texts concerning the Day of the Lord reconciled together make this pretty clear IMHO. Also never seen the day where no one on all the earth can could buy, sell, or eat save the mark of the beast (whatever you think that is be it spiritual, actual/physical, etc., it still means "something" & it's not yet happened).

First off, you didn't tell me when the "mark of the beast" was enacted upon the earth so that no one was able to eat, buy or sell without the mark? When did that happen? And second, as far as the verses you cited, Well let's answer them one by one (taking into consideration their full context):

1.) exodus 11 - there never has again been such a great cry IN EGYPT, since all of Egypt's firstborn were killed. Do you know of a time when there was?

2.) Ezekiel 5 - if you look at the context (not just verse 9 plucked out in isolation) it is IMMEDIATELY followed by "THEREFORE father's shall eat their sons in your midst, and sons shall eat their fathers." I am not sure any other time when this cannibalism was true in Jerusalem, so it seems this is specifically what manner of judgement verse 9 is referring to.

3.) 2 Kings 18 - I think it means exactly what it says (seems people try to say often the Bible doesn't mean anything or doesn't mean what it says, Hebraic word phrases aside, sometimes to me to support their ism). ESV Study Bible commentary on that verse = " hezekiah's trust was unparalleled in Judean history, & was evidenced in the way he HELD FAST to God throughout his life, in contrast to Solomon, who in his old age "HELD FAST" to foreign wives and broke the Law of Moses."

4.) Joel 2:2 - I believe Joel 1 speaks of the current situation they were in at the time in Judah, but I, & many commentators & scholars alike, believe in chapter 2 Joel is speaking of a future judgement that will come - a mighty army set against Judah. This is made clearer in its full prophetic context by looking at the fact that in 2:1 just before that Joel says "for the day of the Lord is coming; it is near..." The Day of the Lord should be clear to us as to when it is referring, when Christ returns to judge the quick and the dead. So this judgement of this people the world never has or ever will see again, is in the context of (just prior to) the "Day of the Lord". 70 AD was a little "type" of this, but the actual & full/final fulfillment is still yet to come. And in classic prophetic, God-Style, the Assyrians are the ancient ancestors of the radical Islamicists of the 10/40 window. Those countries which now surround Israel & hate her (& the Christians) with an unnatural, satanicly inspired rage. The language the Assyrians spoke disappeared, but it's closest remaining language from its roots is Arabic. And who is more feared than the likes of ISIS & these types? None since the Asdyrians in all the earth. "TERRORism". There are a hundred other clear connections, including the Antichrist clear parallel fulfillment a of all the NT passages, etc.

5.) 2 Kings 23 - I think it means just what it says (why my 5th child's middle name is Josiah, which means "The Lord burns" or "Our God is an everlasting Fire"). ESV Commentary on verse 25 says, "In spite of several generations of idolatry and rebellion against the Lord, somehow Josiah arose as a righteous king who not only appeared outwardly to be righteous but turned to the Lord with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his might, according to all the Law of Moses. Me = Pretty self explanatory. I think God meant what is written there. Don't "absolutize" the phrase "never was not ever will be again" to equate exactly what qualities in Josiah the Lord was speaking to as EXACTLY the same as what the Lord spoke of Hezekiah's on in the other passage (though related, not exactly identical). Hezekiah's TRUST in God shines through & Josiah's ZEAL & OBEDENCE shine through (though both shared in all these traits for sure for the Lord to single them out & speak in such ways in holy writ).

6.) Daniel 9:12 - that's pretty simple. This is Daniel speaking and what was done at that time never had been done before in Israel? Not sure what is so mysterious to you at all on that one?

Again, although some of these texts require a closer look and study, some want to just pluck texts out of their context (which creates a "pretext" & eisegesis rather than exegesis) to support their own thinking/isms. Not saying at all you're doing this Todd, but I see it ALL the time. Especially since the Bible originally had not only no chapter numbers but no verse numbers. The addition of chapters, & verses, & the quick Google search has all in my opinion caused us to evaluate & compare scripture with scripture in an often isolated, eisegesis, incomprehensive, and wrong way.

FYI - ALL CAPS are not yelling but are for emphasis since Bold & italics are not possible in this format.

Anyways, good questions TMK.
God Bless,
Jeff

But context matters, not just "what type of language" is used. Otherwise, we could over-allegorize everything to the point where nothing means anything (except what we want to impose on the text). And the Great Tribulation references mainly Israel & the saints in that time period. Of course there are and will be some saints in Egypt, but when EVERY single Egyptian firstborn son was slain, I believe the scripture means what it says specifically concerning there never before or after being so great a cry in Egypt.

On your second point, yeah, I can see that one, but actually would want to study it more in the original Hebrew & comparatively used Hebrew idioms, but that's the only one at all with any basis of questioning when the simple context is considered. I'll give you that for now. 😊

Still don't see all of the other ones you mentioned explained away in their full context & don't see the mark of the beast ever yet having been enacted where the whole world couldn't eat, drink, but or sell save the mark.

God Bless,
Jeff

Banks are leaving passwords behind and going with fingerprint or eye scans for mobile devices.

In Richard Wurmbrand's Romania, Christians could not buy or sell or get a job during the communist rule. Probably very similar in other times. During WWII, German occupied countries for sure. Could not buy or sell unless you had the "mark" of approval from the Germans and then you were rationed.

Goodbye Password, Banks Opt to Scan Fingers and Faces, Instead.

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/22/business/dealbook/goodbye-password-banks-opt-to-scan-fingers-and-faces-instead.html

Because of increasing identity theft, everyone will be eventually required to submit to biometrics to buy or sell. They will use it to know where anyone in the population is at any given moment. It is basically a tracking device.

I get it, but I'm sorry to those who believe stuff like chips in credit cards, national ID cards, etc. are "The mark of the beast". They may be "precursor preludes", but those things are "amoral". I'm not rejecting Christ by having them. Scripture is clear the mark is damnable & a moral & spiritual rejecting of Christ & an "allegiance" to the beast. So while small segments of believers for small periods have seen things that sound kinda like the prophetic texts' description in bits & pieces, nothing on a massive scale coinciding timeline wise with the son of perdition, the time of Jacob's trouble, etc.

by jeffmar1130 on 2016/6/21 17:45:31

I get it, but I'm sorry to those who believe stuff like chips in credit cards, national ID cards, etc. are "The mark of the beast". They may be "precursor preludes", but those things are "amoral". I'm not rejecting Christ by having them. Scripture is clear the mark is damnable & a moral & spiritual rejecting of Christ & an "allegiance" to the beast. So while small segments of believers for small periods have seen things that sound kinda like the prophetic texts' description in bits & pieces, nothing on a massive scale coinciding timeline wise with the son of perdition, the time of Jacob's trouble, etc.

People are thinking through all of these things but I think you have hit on it, Jeff. All of these things are "amoral".

Which brings me back to something I have been saying for a long time. People are already marked as the "Children of God" or the "children of the Devil".

People will be ostracized because of who they stand for and because they will not bow down to Baal. Just like the religious Beast through the centuries has ostracized Christians many, many times before.

And even if one thinks that the right hand and or the forehead is symbolic for the work of their hands and the thoughts of their mind, it's still not "amoral", but A conscious and spiritually significant rejecting of Christ for this world

by jeffmar1130 on 2016/6/21 17:54:30

And even if one thinks that the right hand and or the forehead is symbolic for the work of their hands and the thoughts of their mind, it's still not "amoral", but A conscious and spiritually significant rejecting of Christ for this world

Amen. We agree on that. It is Who one gives their heart, to.

"He who is not with me, is against me."

Sure,
But the scriptures speak of "can not eat, but or sell, save the mark." So that's not just the "spiritually marking" (which brings to mind Ezekiel and revelation as well and the marking buy Angels of those who weep for the sins around them) but also something that without which there is NO FOOD given to you nor ability to "trade" or merchandise.

What kind of scenario would bring that about? Once you study Islamic doctrine, the Jizya tax, the time when Jizya is no longer accepting and all must reject Christ and say the sahaad which is "Allah is God, He HAS NO Son (which is totally reminiscent of 1 John and how the spirit of the antichrist manifests), & Mohammed is his prophet" or BE BEHEADED ( which is actually the form of martyrdom that is mentioned in Revelation by which those underneath the throne of God cry out day and night how long until Jesus avenges them.

There is so much more I can say, but just like the discussion on the kingdom of God in the parallel I see there, one should not assume because there is the foreshadowing vision of a mystery in allegorized spiritual fulfillment that there was then not be a literal final fulfillment. But just like the discussion on the kingdom of God in the parallel I see there, one should not assume because there is the foreshadowing vision of a mystery in allegorized spiritual fulfillment that there was then not be a literal & actual precise final fulfillment. Already & not yet. Pattern throughout scripture and ESPECIALLY prophecy.

Romans 16:17
Now I beseech you, brethren, MARK them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

Philippians 3:17
Brethren, be followers together of me, and MARK them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.

Jeff, what kind of MARK do you think Paul had in mind for these two types of people?

Obviously, no physical mark. Do I know for sure if there is going to be a physical mark? No! I am just providing food for thought.

If you read Richard Wurmbrand's books you will see where he refers to the Christians as being metaphorically "marked", by the communists and he testifies that they were unable to get jobs to buy food, because they were regarded (marked) as people who should not receive any help. In fact, if you were caught helping those who were marked (ostracized), then you would also be treated the same way.

Society "marks" people all the time to ostracize them. In WW II, they actually did put a yellow star of David on the clothing of those who were Jewish and beyond that, they tattooed numbers on their forearms.

So, I understand the societal mark which ostracized many through the centuries as well as the physical mark that not only made it impossible to buy and sell in WW II, but marked millions for death.

Again, what will happen in the future, no one knows but the important thing is to have the mark of Christ on you, now.

by docs on 2016/6/22 1:49:26

21 for then there will be a great tribulation, such as has not occurred since the beginning of the world until now, nor ever shall. (Matt 24:15)

Sounds pretty definitive to me. I wonder if "great" is qualitative or quantitative or both?

I tend to think it is quantitative because you can't get much worse than the torture that the Inquisition thought up. Plus, a beheading in the Dark Ages is the same as a beheading today.

Since there are more people on earth today, it follows that the tribulation that encompasses the whole earth will be quantitatively, greater.

GREAT
μέγας
megas
meg'-as
Including the prolonged forms, femine μεγάλη megalē, plural μέγάλοι megaloi, etc.; compare also G3176, G3187], big (literally or figuratively, IN A VERY WIDE APPLICATION): - (+ fear) EXCEEDINGLY, great (-est), high, LARGE, LOUD, MIGHTY, + (be) sore (afraid), strong, X to years.

Of course, in order to reinterpret or allegorize that as the quantitative whole of all of the last days together which is all of church history (2,000+ years) as "the great tribulation" or "time of Jacob's trouble", there are many problems. The time denoted use of "a time, times, & half a time", "for 42 months", 3 & 1/2 years, Daniel's 70th week (of years), etc. There are other problems with this (I believe convincingly) over-allegorization to explain it away also. It's in the context of "The Day of the Lord" (just prior to it) & saying the last 2,000 years is "the great tribulation" or "the time of Jacob's trouble" of unequaled & unparalleled tribulation doesn't make sense & you can't really reconcile all of scripture with that interpretation, I am quite convinced.
God Bless,
Jeff

EDIT:

I don't have a difficult time reconciling the last 2,000 years being the Great Tribulation. No allegory needed.

You can start with Rome's persecution of the Early Church and Rome's Inquisition spanning 7 centuries, slaughtering 50 million+.

Quite easy, in fact.

It spans a GREAT amount of time, affects a GREAT number of people (millions and millions) and has been GREATLY horrendous. It is not over with, yet.

The Great Tribulation of the last 2,000 years fits the qualitatively horrible aspect as well as the quantitatively incredible aspect of countless numbers persecuted for the testimony of Jesus Christ.

Remember, Paul and Peter realized they were in the "Last Days" and wrote about it extensively. The "Last Days" have also covered the last 2,000 years.

We will just have to agree to disagree, docs. I don't want to debate your view. I just wanted to tell you what I believe. It is a non-essential in my book and should not break our unity in Christ.

Yes, I agree it is essential in some respect, but not for unity and love. Many in my house church believe as you, yet we are very close to one another, in Jesus. We never argue about it and trust the Lord to give us one mind on it. He will do that, as the days go by.

The phrase "Last Days" is defined in scripture by the apostles as the time between Christ's 2 advents. This is a different term in the original than when the angel told Daniel that the meaning of the vision was sealed "until the time of the End". So the last 2,000 years is called "the Last days", sure, but it's a sweeping semantics ignoring of ALL the relevant texts to not acknowledge there's an "end times" or "last of the last days" or whatever you're comfortable calling it. A child's senior year is his "last days" of school, but the last week before graduation is "the end" or the last of his last days, etc. Daniel, Jesus & the apostles gave us signs to watch for to know the season in which we live (something Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for being ignorant of in their day).and there are specific times given. Not only that, but some are referred to in various ways (3.5 years described in several different ways like I said) showing its not some Hebraic idiom wordplay only, but an actual time period ("a time, times & 1/2 a time", "42 months", "3.5 years"). Anyways, God Bless!
Jeff