Right now, the rapture appears to be on everyone’s mind. As we dive further into the end times madness, many are pointing to Sept. 23 as a potential date of when this could happen, citing prophetic visions, feasts and astrological events. Joseph Z addresses these predictions head-on, emphasizing that believers must remain grounded in Scripture and not get swept up in fear-based speculation.
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“You know, every cycle and season, people start trying to predict the rapture… The latest one is Sept. 23,” Z begins. He references Matthew 24:36, quoting Jesus: “No one knows, not even the angels in heaven, but my Father only.” Joseph Z reminds believers that while we can understand the season, the exact timing is always in God’s hands. “Even if somehow people managed to figure out a time frame… God would move the date just to keep His Word true,” he explains.
One recent source of speculation involves asteroid Apophis, which is expected to make a close flyby of Earth on Apr. 13, 2029. Some link this to the biblical Wormwood prophecy, predicting a flaming object striking the Earth during the tribulation. Z urges caution, stating, “If that were to strike the Earth, does that mean it’s Wormwood? No, it doesn’t.” He stresses that no scientific observation or prophetic vision can substitute for the authority of Scripture.
Z highlights the danger of obsession over sensational prophetic predictions. “Many times people get so fear-based about prophecy… they quit sticking to the fundamentals of why we’re here in the first place,” he says. Instead of focusing on trying to predict the rapture, he notes that believers should “push back the gates of hell, lead people to Jesus and continue pressing forward” in their assignments.
Z encourages a return to spiritual fundamentals: “Read the word of God till it starts talking back to you… Pray in the Spirit… Fill yourself up with the Word of God.” He warns that distractions and obsession with prophecy can drain faith, causing believers to “wander” and waste energy on things outside of their control, citing Matthew 24:24 on deception and wandering.
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In the midst of sensational predictions and viral hype, the focus for believers remains clear: faith and action take priority over speculation. Instead of obsessing over exact dates or fearing what might come, Christians are called to engage fully in their God-given assignments, sharing the Gospel, growing in maturity and standing firm in their faith.
Abby Trivett is content development editor for Charisma Media.
