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Hi Alan.... The problem with those who hold to a "pre-tribulation" rapture is that they have to TWIST scriptures to make it fit. Of the 195 countries in the world, there is Christian persecution in 53 of them. That's more than 1/4 th. Of the 7.4 billion people on the earth, just over 2 billion are Christians. Of the 2 billion Christians, there is persecution/tribulation for 250 million of them. That's 1 in 8! Where is the promise of pre-trib rapture for them? They are beaten, raped, put in prison, tortured, beheaded, their homes are taken, their churches destroyed. They have no food, no jobs. They have no safety. They are on the run! Is it only the "saints" in North America who will be raptured before the "great" tribulation? Is it not a "great" tribulation for our brothers and sisters who face persecution/tribulation today? What do you say to those 250 million?.............Oh don't worry, it's not "great" yet. How much "greater" will it get? When tribulation comes "knocking" on our doors, and it will, what will we do then?

@John_LeungThank you so much for the encouragement. I guess I need to keep my mind on the bigger picture.

@joshhmusic Brother, if it makes you feel any better, I'm 36 and I've only been in one serious relationship with a Christian lady. I have had crushes before and after that, but most of my crushes would have boyfriends soon after I liked them. I had an average of one major crush (yes, I classified my crushes) in each of the 5 years of high school (grade 8-12), although I was an unbeliever until early 20s. You're 16, and I understand the urge to have a girlfriend at that age and afterwards. Even now I'm still waiting for "the one" from God and doing my best to resist my urge to date anyone I like. You're still young (you may be tired of hearing this, but it's true) and you have a long and bright future. Be patient and trust in His guidance. Meanwhile, enjoy your eternal Beloved in Christ Jesus, who used His life and blood to betroth you to be forever His bride. Seek for the heavenly things but not the things on Earth, such as Earthly relationships that only last a lifetime. He will give to you if it's in His will and for your good. Faith on, bro! This is for us both!

Don't know don't think so- My mother passed away this last year at age 94. She was still in charge of her own home. She had been sick on to dying, last thing she said before closing her eyes was, When am I ever going to get well again? Seems to me she did with her last breath. She lived a full long life, knew many many people to her last days. We celebrated her life not with a funeral but with a clambake at Maine. It was her favorite place to stay, on the beaches there and have family come to stay too. We traveled from California, Texas, Florida, and had a grand time on the beach. We even discovered a "lost Cousin". No one knew of until an uncle gave his daughter a letter just before his own demise explaining she had a half sibling. All good stuff of real life, enrichment that goes on, and on to yet another generation. My mother was part of the lineage and heritage that kept family in touch. So does God replace her? No, don't think so, why would He do so? The memories are full already!

Hi Joshhmusic Dear brother. You are 16. I agree with Debp. She is absolutely right. Between the ages of, say, 12 or 13 and about 18-21 young people are going through huge changes in their lives. They do not need the added complication of trying to have a relationship. You may feel you are missing out, but believe me, God is simply caring for you. The reason that young people should not indulge in close relationships with the opposite sex is that it brings about a lot of things that you are simply not able to deal with. Young people are not mature enough to be able to handle relationships like that rationally. Have a look around and see the results of emotional attachment too soon, and with the wrong people, simply because of momentary attraction. God's ways are wiser than ours, His thoughts higher. He is looking out for you. We all make mistakes. A lot of mine were when I was quite young. Put your trust and faith in the Lord Who is able to bring you to maturity in His time. Do you have a youth group at your church, Josh? Does the youth group do things together, like enjoy outings and other things in a group setting? Sometimes we learn quite a bit by being "part of the crowd".... like social interaction, and becoming socially mature. I suggest you put your trust in the Lord; that He will bring things to pass in your life in HIS timing, when He knows you are ready. I hope you understand our counsel is given with absolute love from sisters in the Lord; some of us having brought up children of our own and faced these things before. God bless you Joshhmusic.

Genesis 12:8 8 From there he went on toward the hills east of Bethel and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east. There he built an altar to the Lord and called on the name of the Lord.

Ever notice in the Bible, that it seems God uses man and nature and His creation much more to accomplish His will, rather than divine miracle intervention? What's my point? Daniel 12:4 (KJV) But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased. I read a lot of commentaries and expositional teachings from respected scholars and teachers to gain perspective of biblical and prophetic interpretation of scripture. Mostly from scholars of the previous generation(s) and have since past. These were very wise and intelligent men whom loved the Lord dearly and knew their Bibles inside and out. Naturally in their writings on future prophecy yet to be fulfilled, many times they were wrong or didn't understand how a lot of this prophecy would be implemented with the use of our modern technology. I don't believe they understood how rapidly the world would decline and to what degree, much less technological advancements. Daniel 12:4, and knowledge shall be increased. This can be interpreted in a number of ways, one being our technological and scientific advancements, etc., which is also true. But, I believe the primary meaning of this verse is that 'biblical knowledge' of prophetic events of Daniel and Revelation would become understandable, and the means of which clear. Just one example of many: Damascus, Syria becoming an heap over night and never occupied again (which is close). Most likely a nuclear strike by IDF. My point is; we are privileged and blessed living in this generation, our eyes have been opened, the Book has been unsealed, to see all these things come about, and see the role of our technologies having a part in the fulfillment of end-time prophecy. There will be supernatural events occurring from the hand of God, but it appears many may be the result of 'man' and the misuse of that technology for evil and war. That's in addition to Satan and evil supernatural forces being cast to and unleashed upon earth.

Hi. This might sound really immature from your perspective but I'm sick of it. Please hear me out. I'm 16, a junior in high school. I go to a Christian private school. I have not had a legitimate girlfriend yet. A few flames that quickly flickered out, but nothing "normal". I've not even kissed a girl yet. Every one of my peers has had at least one relationship already. Every day I see their sappy social media posts and pictures with each other and it's a constant numb pain in my torso. Don't get me wrong, I'm not seeking attention. Humbly I know I am somewhat attractive. I know I've got game (did I just say that, wow). For real though. I'm just another normal kid and thankfully there's nothing wrong with me, socially or any other way. But every single time I've tried to spark a relationship with someone that I know is in my league, some ridiculous thing just so happens to come up out of nowhere and the spark fizzles out. When I look back, every attempt I've made got messed up in some stupid way that you would think would be extremely rare but happens every time with me. At least 7+ times. It doesn't matter whether they like me or not. It doesn't matter who it is. Nothing ever comes of it no matter what I try. Why can't I just have fun and enjoy puppy love while I'm still a teenager? Is that just forbidden for me? Why am I being prevented from doing normal teenage stuff? At first I didn't care, but it's built up so much over time. I'm literally sick for that feeling of humanly intimate love (not sex). I want what every other teenager has, but I can't have it. I see absolutely no reason why. I've taken this to God many, many times through prayer, but either nothing happens, or the feeling subsides for a small while. I'm sick of just those two results. I'm doing good in school and other things, there's literally no reason I see why I can't enjoy teenager puppy love. I can't have fun like that once I'm an adult. Laugh it up all you want but I'm so sick of it. It is taking a mental toll on me. I've asked my parents for advice on this, but they're like "Oh honey, that's not real love, wait until you're older." Well it seems like every other teenager's doing fine and enjoying their sappy relationships. I've felt sickly strong love a few times before, but it was never reciprocated. For literally the dumbest reasons. I just want to feel humanly love and have it reciprocated for once. I am pining for something that every other teenager has had at least once, but I've never got it and probably not soon at all. I know that God loves me and that is supposed to fill every void in my heart. I have a great relationship with the Lord but apparently that's not enough? Okay??? I'm pretty sure God's love should be more than enough love in my life! I'm stupidly confused. Thank you for your time. Any insight is appreciated. God bless.

The desire of every heart that is after God; To live before Him in sinlessness. 1 Corinthians 4:4 (NKJV) For I know of nothing against myself, yet I am not justified by this; but He who judges me is the Lord. Paul so speaks of himself that “he knew of nothing against himself.” Than he goes on to say that just because this is so, doesn’t mean he's justified before God. Or in other words just because he knew of no sin in his life. Didn’t mean he didn’t have any. Just he wasn’t aware of any till the Lord touched this or that part of his life that still needed to be perfected. But to be able to say as Paul said of himself “I know nothing against myself”. Does seem to be a bar that Paul raised as a standard for all Christians. For we are all called to walk in newness of life. What can newness of life mean, except something new, that we were incapable of walking in before. Was Paul bragging when he stated this truth, or was he stating a simple truth that was available for all Christians? That we, as His people, might walk, and know what it means to walk in newness of life. Blessings to all that call on His name, in Spirit and truth. Much love in Christ, Not me

there is this saying, when your mother dies, the wind blows so much harder. for those of you who have lost your mother, have you found that God is able to replace your mom in one way or another, or not really and why?

First off what I am about to say is not directed towards anyone here. So with that out of the way I will get on to it. I came across John 5 which tells about a man that had been sick for 38 years. He was laying by the pool called Bethesda ( Bethzatha) when an angle would go down and stir the waters up. The first one into the water would be heal. But this man did not have anyone to help put him in the water. Then Jesus came along and when Jesus asked him if he wanted to get well, the man explain his story to Jesus. Jesus then told him to get up ,pick up your bed roll and walk. Instantly the man was healed. Now comes the part I want to talk about. John 5:10 and so the Jewish leaders said to the man who had been healed, “It is the Sabbath; the law forbids you to carry your mat.” The Jewish leaders were so concern about following the rules, they missed God's message sent to them through his son Jesus. Their reactions reminds me of what some Christians do sometimes. They criticize the pastor for preaching in blue jeans instead of a suite and tie. They criticize women for coming to church wearing pants instead of a dress. They criticize people who don't dress up for church. They criticize the type of music being played in church. Argue if people should be allowed to clap in church. So on and so on it goes. They are so caught up in following the rules that they miss what God is trying to show them. Just like the Jewish leaders did. I wasn't going to post this but it had been floating around in my mind since I read this verse. I kind of think that maybe God wanted me to share this for some reason. I don't know. Maybe we all need to stop being so critical to our fellow Christians about all these little difference we have. Sit that a side and listen to what the pastor is saying, rather then be stuck on the fact that he wore blue jeans in church instead of a suite and tie. I guess that is all I have to say. Take care and God bless.

It does sound like you are pursuing God with your whole heart. I see some good solid wisdom in your writings. So I wish and encourage you to continue pressing into Christ. Blessings and may God increase our knowledge of His will that we may please Him in all things. For the only thing of any importance to any believer is that we get our abundant welcome(s). Much love in Christ, Not me

God still must have allowed it for a reason. maybe He wanted me to be careful with things out in the world and to show how real some of this stuff is. i did pray last night and fell asleep in time.

He is already there, knowing all things, knowing your need of a mothers comfort. His ways are not man's ways. “Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” (Matthew 6:8) “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor [or Comforter] to be with you forever – the Spirit of Truth.” (John 14:16) “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” (Matthew 6:26) “If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” (Matthew 7:11) Deuteronomy 32:11 "Like an eagle that stirs up its nest, That hovers over its young, He spread His wings and caught them, He carried them on His pinions. “I will be a Father to you and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” (2 Corinthians 6:18 & 2 Samuel 7:14) Luke 13:34 "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, just as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you would not have it! “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us that we should be called children of God!” (1 John 3:1)

Thanks! To have a heart that longs to live sinlessly before God. Such a treasured heart to have, that will settle for nothing less. Blessings Sorry to hear that Jesus put the bar to high for you. But glad to hear your doing it God’s way though. Keep pressing in to Christ, Blessings We are told in scripture to; ”work out our own salvation with fear and trembling” also “be prefect as your Father is prefect” Blessing to all that will settle for nothing less! There are many authors and writers that have many different interpretations of scriptures. So how is one to know which one to listen to? Scripture says; “let each man be fully convinced in his heart” If you are convinced in your heart that what Mr Gill wrote is accurate and correct I wish you all the blessings of Christ. I’m not convinced, but than I don’t matter, just what the Spirit of Christ is speaking to your heart. That is what you need and have to listen to. Much love in Christ to all, Not me

Fall foliage foods eh? Well let me dig into my heritage a bit, Oh yes It goes by the day and the holiday- Sundays very early, on the caste iron wood stove oven, in glass cups, were baked the finest popovers ever, by my grandfather. I can come close and so could my wife, but lacking that cast iron oven they just never got as crispy on the bottoms nor so tall as his did. Then there are parsnips cooked in brown sugar syrup and butter, in a caste iron fry pan. Simple fare kind of like dessert right in the main course. Cabbage in the double boiler plain cabbage with steamed white onion. Lamb shoulder roast and green mint jelly. Turkey with oyster stuffing ( Family had a turkey farm at one time.) Suet pudding with rum sauce- (We were a bunch of Englishmen. ) and or Brown bread pudding with dark chocolate sauce. I'd sample both, generous samplings. All still from the English side of the family. Best breakfast of all, Grandma's baked beans-Yellow eye beans cooked all night long while we were out trout fishing, and sometimes settling for fifty or so honed pout ( a small New Hampshire pink meat catfish ). We would come in off Big Squam Lake, skin the fish start frying in good old Cisco with corn meal batter, and have a breakfast of yellow eyed beans and catfish (or trout). Corn bread, always corn bread, again in caste iron loaf pans or even as cupcakes. -we all had strong wrists from those heavy pots and pans. Saturdays were baked beans (yellow eyed) and boiled hot dogs. My own favorite was eye of the round roast, with Maine baked potato, and carrots - mostly so I could put the left over eye of the round roast through the hand operated meat grinder along with some onion mix in a little Miracle Whip and make the best sandwiches of all for Moday's lunches. Again strong wrists from cranking the grinder. Never liked cleaning that thing though. Mince meat pie, no not that raison pie, mince meat (deer). And a choice of either squash pie, or pumpkin pie, back when real pumpkin was used to make hoosier style pumpkin pie with lots of molasses in the mix. But the week would start with those popovers at five am, with the firing up the wood stove with some kindling, and a shot of Crown Royal for. Grandpa "Bar" had me put in the kindling and he would get down that magical looking blue velvet sack, measure one shot of Crown Royal swallow and proceed to make the popover mix just right in that cold linoleum floored back kitchen. It was a Sunday tradition for him and a treat for me when I was there, having popovers, and then I think I remember a Bible reading and off to church too, Methodist of that time, Congregational if we were visiting up at Plymouth N.H. I was pretty young. All I know for sure is how cold the kitchen was come fall into winter and how hot were the popovers, - filled them up with butter and jam, usually a home made berry jam, often raspberry. Bck then I was a skinny wiry kid, never had anything but bone, muscle, and sinew, to me. Now with all the more correct food and dieting and attempts at exercise that fail, I could make nearly two full sized adults of me, one out of the excess. Well not quite- Maybe the American chop suey got me eh?- Made mostly from elbow noodles, tomato sauce, tomato paste, brown sugar, worcestershire sauce, ground beef, salt and chopped onion. Or it might have been all those years of Congo Bars with the bitter chocolate bits. I just gained a couple ounces typing that one, made for great hard tack latter. At New England all was served with a generous helping of fluids, mostly of the Bourbon family. It was cold damp country that would go to freezing cold and deep snow come winter which could last from mid September to late April up in the mountains.

Perhaps God is protecting you from something that could lead to eventually sinning? I hear of so many very young people having relationships which end up badly for them, and it sometimes destroys their young lives or at least breaks their hearts. You are still so young.... relationships are really more for when you are dating in order to find a mate. I know a wonderful young lady who will be 20 and she has never had a relationship....she plans to become a doctor and is concentrating on school. Anyhow, if I were you I wouldn't compare myself to what the others are doing. Just be yourself and eventually some nice Christian young lady will take notice of you. Believe me, a Christian gal walking with Jesus will appreciate someone like you. She is probably waiting till later for a relationship. Just some thoughts....

Although I still have my elderly mom with me, I always remember the verse "When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take care of me." Psalm 27:10. I pray that verse will help to comfort me if my mom passes on before me.

If we come to the Lord in repentance when we are aware of any sin He cleanses us every time. The problem is with those who maintain that because Christ died for their sins nothing they do from the time they begin to have faith in Him for salvation counts as a sin. This false notion contradicts Scripture. 1Jn 1:5-10 (5) This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. (6) If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: (7) But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanses us from all sin. (8) If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. (9) If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (10) If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

Jesus set that bar way to high for me......if only there were another way....I just don’t have enough eyes to pluck out every time I lust.....I think I’ll have to resort to doing it God’s way-faith in His Son

I'll say this from my own experience, and what was passed on to me by others inside and outside the recovery groups. There were times when I didn't wanna hear it but I needed to. 1. The only time most folks will seek help is when it hurts too bad to keep avoiding it. 2. Jesus will help you, but you have to show up for the battle. Plenty of examples of that in the OT. God fought the battle, but He still expected the Israelites to show up. (Think about the Jericho story.) A person has to step out in faith and trust the Lord, in other words. 3. If you don't feel at home in one (recovery) group (or church in this case) then ask the Lord's direction and try another! 4. It took me a year and a half to find the church I go to now. 1.5 years of wasted Sundays during a time when I had little money, little to no fellowship, no car, and a mountain bike and a bus card. God provided, but I had to go look just like the Israelites had to show up for the battle. 5. It's very likely positive change will not happen until a person steps out in faith and starts trying to do the next right thing while trusting that the Lord will provide what's needed.

The devil hates my preaching . cause I give myself no credit and by grace expose the evil and point to JESUS . its folks who get fearful that hate what I say as well . Plus we don't judge those outside the church . but we sure do judge those within . And if things I say cause folks fear , THEN I ask WHY the fear . cause I can read every dire warning Christ said , or the apostles said , as well as every promise and its just honey to the taste . IF one truly has CHRIST , why fear man or what they say . Someone can come along and try and scare the day light out of me with all the dire warnings of hell fire , and all the severity of GOD . and yet truth just brings me peace . SO WHY does certain things about the TRUTH cause some to fear to the point they have no peace , UNLESS a man gives them false assurance . I DONT NEED false assurance of a image of GOD that is contrary to GOD to give me peace . I HAVE IT ALREADY IN CHRIST . NOW , lets behold both the goodness and severity of God . and save some with FEAR and others with compassion .

I'm making chili tomorrow. Dose anyone eles like to eat peanutbutter sandwich with their chili? Not sure how i got started on that. Been eating chili with peanutbutter for as long as i can remember.

That's the kind of sermon I seek to hear. He preaches truth.

That’s a great Marty Goetz song!

She has recognized that I have changed and she is appreciative of all that I do. I'm probably being too hard on myself. Not to justify, but the negative behavior I had was a result of her behavior. I believe her issues started long before I started acting demanding. Basically we rushed to have our first kid, and a few months after that pregnancy, she decided she lost feelings for me. At that time I don't recall being a jerk, I was just working and helping raise a baby. I do recall her having crazy mood swings. I think it was all the chemical changes in her body and it was a tough pregnancy. So after she secretly started disliking me, the sex got really crappy. Slowly we disengaged. It was a constant cycle of pursuer - distancer. The rejection angered me and she continued to act out instead of voicing her issues. 5 months ago she started really acting out, and when I caught her in a potentially adulterous situation (I'm not 100% certain she has been faithful), I revealed it somewhat publicly. She used that as the launching off point to justify her anger and resentment, and here we are 5 months later, no intimacy at all. Even her own father says I'm treating her better than she deserves. In my defense 5 months was long enough to demonstrate my changes and put good will back into the relationship. She should at least be going to counseling with me and address the situation directly, instead of ignoring it. She is taking what she wants from the marriage and hurting everyone around her with the lies. It is abusive and bible or no bible I will put an end to this eventually.

I know it stands your chronology on its head but the evidence is right there. The chronology of Jesus matches the chronology of John: The gospel will be preached around the world. (Seven letters to seven churches) Then the end will come. (The seven seals) No worries though since we can't affect it. Ours is to be ready and alert.

When tribulation comes "knocking" on our doors, and it will, what will we do then? WE WILL DIE FOR OUR LORD . And we will do all by HIS grace to expound , exhort and remind and contend for the true faith . NO MATTER WHAT THE COST . to die is only gain , to LIVE IS ONLY IN AND FOR CHRIST no matter what the cost . GREAT PERSECUTION IS COMING FOR US ALL . ANY who are spiritual, KNOW what I say is true . ITS COMING FOR US ALL . And we better be prepared to lose everything including our life for CHRIST .

Take heed and examine what is next said . I noticed the title of this thread is an entitlement for the privledged few . HERE is what we are entitled too in this world . EXACTLY WHAT OUR KING Was given . a crown of thorns , rejection and death . FOR we are not above OUR MASTER , we are to be AS our master . AND if the world hated HIM , IT WILL HATE US . IF it called him beezelabub , OH how it will us too . HERE is what we are entitled too , A WORLD THAT WILL HATE , PERSECUTE and KILL US . Go on , pick that CROWN UP . PICK IT UP AND REJIOCE IN THE LORD . For it we be without chastisement , we are bastards and not sons . EXAMINE what I say next as well. I hear from some that BEFORE persecution gets bad , WE WILL BE RAPTURED . WELL, tell that to the few overseas who are DYING already . TELL that to those who are being beaten and put in prison and killed and tortured to the extreme FOR THEIR FAITH . NO my friends , A WORLD WIDE PERSECUTION that will result if many of our deaths , IS COMING and ITS COMING FORTHE HOUSE OF GOD . ITS COMING and already the ideals that lead to this have long been preached . WORLD PEACE , UNTIY and INCLUSVINESS. MANY will die in the times and days ahead . WHETHER WE REMAIN FAITHFUL UNTO DEATH , IS THE QUESTION . WE aint got them crowns yet . Paul knew it THAT CROWN WAS GIVEN ON THE DAY OF THE LORD AND ONLY TO THOSE WHO HAD REMAINED FAITHFUL TO THE LAST BREATH . OUR CROWNS ARE THIS , A CROWN OF THORNS . NOW PICK THAT UP AND BE READY TO LOSE ALL FOR JESUS SAKE . FOR ITS COMING AND ITS COMING FOR US ALL WHO LOVE JESUS.

Yum, you got my mouth watering! I do carry my own fork, just do you know! Much love in Christ (and an empty tum-tum), Not me

It will never cease to me the variety Of people. There are the encouragers. There are the your doing it Wrongers. Also encouragement Often turns into advice that takes all the Goodness of that encouragement Away. Church needs to act like the New testament church. They really Need to love each other and not Let culture drown own God's love. Culture dictates that Christians have 2 to 4 kids a job And no time for outsiders. It would be fine if it where s few But it's the vast majority of The church and really what are People to do? The church in its Current state is sink or swim On your own. If your 100 percent, autonomous then you are fine. For now the culture war has won. It made a bunch of single people And gave them no hope or Reason to go to church. Looks are valued to highly. Abilities are valued to highly. Money is valued too highly. Singles are ignored. A lot of churches look healthy, but They are a dumpster fire. How could love be absent? How can they just redefine what Love is. People have redefined Family as well. Now they don't have to love Or be a family to outsiders. Just some random thoughts. This reminds me of when the Pharisees changed the rules so they didn't have to help their parents in their old age.

Alan. Really ponder and pray about this . Men have had to invent things like Two comings of Christ and made claim that the Saints the beast persecutes are ones left behind . WHY not read it for what it says . And it says the anti Christ , beast , goes after the saints . It also shows very clearly WHO the wrath of GOD comes against . those who worshipped the beast and His kingdom . I mean if we really read second thess, its very clear . JESUS told us men would kill us and persecute us and HE says BLESSED are you when they DO . He is the one who said YOU WILL HAVE tribulation in this world . He never once gave the impression we would escape MANS tribulation against us . WE escape GODS wrath , which comes NOT against the saints , BUT AGAINST the beast and those of his kingdom . It is so easy to see this . But men have made many changes to the scrips through time , to teach from THIER OWN point of view . INSTEAD of just reading the scrips . Instead of just reading the scrips and letting the Spirit reveal the simple childlike truth , they have sat under men who have long ago made a teaching which feeds the flesh . FOR the flesh does not desire to suffer for Christ . EVEN PETER got rebuked for this one . OH LORD , be that far from you . And the LORD rebuked peter for his mind was on the things of men , NOT GOD . WE SUPPOSED to suffer tribulation from man and satan . Read second thess, ITS actually the RIGHTEOUS JUDGMENT of GOD that we SUFFER for the KINGDOM . Yet these men of long ago desired the easy life , the things that be of men , NOT GOD . I know if you start over and re read for yourself and really pray , this will become clearer to you in time .

'And the LORD appeared unto Abram, and said, "Unto thy seed will I give this land:" and there builded he an altar unto the LORD, Who appeared unto him.' (Gen 12:7) Praise God! For His plan and purpose, and for His promises, which are 'yea' and 'amen'.

'And Abram passed through the land .. unto the place of Sichem, .... unto the plain of Moreh. And the Canaanite was then in the land. ' (Gen 12:6) Praise God!

'So Abram departed, as the LORD had spoken unto him; .. and Lot went with him: .... and Abram was seventy and five years old ...... when he departed out of Haran. And Abram took Sarai his wife, .. and Lot his brother's son, .... and all their substance that they had gathered, ...... and the souls that they had gotten in Haran; and they went forth to go into the land of Canaan; and into the land of Canaan they came.' (Gen 12:4-5) Praise God! - Praise His Holy Name!

Shalom, again, to anyone who might still be interested. First, let's talk about the Redemption of our bodies us: It's important that we use the right speech: We don't HAVE bodies; we ARE bodies! A "soul" is a "nefesh," an "air-breathing creature." It's Therefore, the Redemption of us or our Redemption is KEY! It is our RESURRECTION! The Day of the Messiah or the Messiah's Day is when the Messiah returns to reign here on this earth, which begins the Millennium; that is, the 1,000 Years spoken about in Revelation 20:1-7. I find it interesting that everybody spends so much time on the "7 years of tribulation" and hardly any time at all on a THOUSAND YEARS while haSatan is locked away in the bottomless pit. Why is that, I wonder? It won't be a "hunky-dory time" where "everything is at peace and there's no trouble anywhere!" WHY will the Millennium last for a THOUSAND YEARS? What will happen during that LONG time period? What will WE be doing? (And, don't say we'll be off in "heaven"; why would we be THERE when the Messiah Yeshua` [who will be Israel's Melekh or King] will be HERE ON EARTH?! Didn't Paul say in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, "16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord?") After Yeshua` has purged His country, Israel, from His enemies, He will form a war tribunal with the survivors of the war. He has gathered all the nations together to the war at Har-Megiddown, according to Revelation 16:16. Some will be there as allies to Israel and some will be enemies. Matthew 25 is a picture of that war tribunal: Matthew 25:31-46 (KJV) 31 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: 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. 34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: 36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. 37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? 38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? 39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? 40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. 41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil (slanderer) and his angels (messengers): 42 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: 43 I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. 44 Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? 45 Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. 46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal. Note that Yeshua` the King shall NOT actually have His messengers throw them into the fire at this point in time. He simply sends them away to experience the everlasting punishment in fire in due time. Second, note that Yeshua` the King is sentencing NATIONS, not individuals. Third, note that Yeshua` the King is comparing the sentence of each group to how they collectively treated "one of the least of these His brethren." His brethren or brothers (and sisters) are not just "believers" or "Christians"; they are also His LITERAL brothers and sisters through His family, the Jews, that is, the children of Yhudah (Judah), one of the twelve tribes of Israel. I believe His words also extend to the rest of the children of Israel. The nations that treated the children of Israel and the believers well, they become a part of His Kingdom. While they still retain their own nationality and cultures and languages, they become subordinate nations and tributary nations, willingly paying a tribute to Yeshua`s Israel. The nations that treated the children of Israel and the believers poorly, they remain independent countries that shall be conquered and subdued throughout the Millennium until not one of them remains apart. They will either submit to the rulership of the King of kings (the World Emperor) Yeshua` or they will be detroyed as a nation. Fourth, one should note that Yeshua`, "the Son of man, shall come in his glory (brightness), and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory (brightness)." By this time, He has already become Israel's King. One of the jobs of an Israeli King is to be a "Supreme Court Judge." In fact, He shall be THE "Supreme Court Judge" of His realm. Thus, the "Judgment Seat of the Messiah" isn't restricted to a mere 7 years prior to the Millennium, as I've heard pre-tribulational rapturists teach. Rather, He shall be a Judge THROUGHOUT the Millennium! And, like His predecessor Moses, He shall delegate much of the judgments to His subordinates: Exodus 18:13-27 (KJV) 13 And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses sat to judge the people: and the people stood by Moses from the morning unto the evening. 14 And when Moses' father in law saw all that he did to the people, he said, What is this thing that thou doest to the people? why sittest thou thyself alone, and all the people stand by thee from morning unto even? 15 And Moses said unto his father in law, Because the people come unto me to inquire of God: 16 When they have a matter, they come unto me; and I judge between one and another, and I do make them know the statutes of God, and his laws. 17 And Moses' father in law said unto him, The thing that thou doest is not good. 18 Thou wilt surely wear away, both thou, and this people that is with thee: for this thing is too heavy for thee; thou art not able to perform it thyself alone. 19 Hearken now unto my voice, I will give thee counsel, and God shall be with thee: Be thou for the people to God-ward, that thou mayest bring the causes unto God: 20 And thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws, and shalt shew them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do. 21 Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens: 22 And let them judge the people at all seasons: and it shall be, that every great matter they shall bring unto thee, but every small matter they shall judge: so shall it be easier for thyself, and they shall bear the burden with thee. 23 If thou shalt do this thing, and God command thee so, then thou shalt be able to endure, and all this people shall also go to their place in peace. 24 So Moses hearkened to the voice of his father in law, and did all that he had said. 25 And Moses chose able men out of all Israel, and made them heads over the people, rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens. 26 And they judged the people at all seasons: the hard causes they brought unto Moses, but every small matter they judged themselves. 27 And Moses let his father in law depart; and he went his way into his own land. We have the same thing seen in the Messiah's Kingdom: Luke 19:11-27 (KJV) 11 And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear. 12 He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. 13 And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come. 14 But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us. 15 And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading. 16 Then came the first, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds. 17 And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities. 18 And the second came, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained five pounds. 19 And he said likewise to him, Be thou also over five cities. 20 And another came, saying, Lord, behold, here is thy pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin: 21 For I feared thee, because thou art an austere man: thou takest up that thou layedst not down, and reapest that thou didst not sow. 22 And he saith unto him, Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant. Thou knewest that I was an austere man, taking up that I laid not down, and reaping that I did not sow: 23 Wherefore then gavest not thou my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have required mine own with usury? 24 And he said unto them that stood by, Take from him the pound, and give it to him that hath ten pounds. 25 (And they said unto him, Lord, he hath ten pounds.) 26 For I say unto you, That unto every one which hath shall be given; and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him. 27 But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me. Note also the outside story (which I have underlined) surrounding the inside story: Those who didn't want to be ruled by the King (Yeshua`) would not prevent His rulership. Instead, all it does is gets them into serious trouble!

'Now the LORD had said unto Abram, "Get thee out - .. of thy country, .... and from thy kindred, ...... and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee: .. and I will make of thee a great nation, .... and I will bless thee, ...... and make thy name great; ........ and thou shalt be a blessing: .......... and I will bless them that bless thee, ............ and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.' (Gen.12:1-3) Praise God! (The Holy Spirit by Stephen in Acts 7, tells us the reason why they started from Ur (Gen. 11:31-32, Acts 7:4), and shows us how earthly relationships may hinder a perfect obedience to God's call. Until Abram's father Terah, an idolater, died, the obedience was not complete. The first call was simply 'get thee out of thy country and from thy kindred' (Acts 7:3), Now it is added, 'from thy father's house' - Gen. 12:1 - see also Gen.12:5 & Gen. 15:7)

I'm sorry brother but I must have taken the heart transplant statement the wrong way. I thought you were suggesting the Holy spirit has directed you & i if others don't understand as you they are wrong & the holy spirit didn't guid them. I have heard a lot of people suggest just that, how pompous can one get. That they are guided by the spirit & you are not if you disagree. WE may disagree on a lot of points, but we both agree we are saved by grace through faith. WE will always fail but it should be less & less thought the sanctification process. God say he won't tempt you more than you can deal with, some people seem to think that God can't keep that promise, the other misnomer, that you may not agree with is most think that a bad thought is a sin. If so tell me what is the difference between temptation & sin? because temptation is when a thought has entered the mine, James 1:12-18 goes into it. At that stage it hasn't given birth to sin, Christ was tempted beyond our belief, but it never bore fruit. Mathew 5:27-28 whoever looks at a woman lustfully Has committed adultery in his heart. Lets say I see a very rich man or woman drop there wallet & the money is bulging, I am in great need because of a debt, he think that will overcome all his problems I'm going to take it home for my family, but then he feels that is not right, so he picks it up & returns it to the owner. Most in Christendom will say he has sinned because of the thought? did he over come the temptation or not? Hmmm I got off track, I guess thats what happens to old blokes. I wish you well brother , Richard

We can never be worthy , that is certain.The good news is that we are MADE worthy by the Blood Of the Lamb.Christ got my sin—-I got his righteousness.All I had to do was accept a free gift.Faith plus nothing.

Hi Wailingwall... The throne in heaven is described in Rev 4:1-5. It is the throne of God. Rev 7:15 says....." therefore, they are before the throne of God" Same throne, Rev 4 places it in heaven

Praise The Lord, be blessed!

I think this is where I get confused. Is accepting Jesus something that we can rightly do on our own or does Jesus first call to us, thus preparing our way to accept Him? Another way of asking this is do individuals first chose Jesus and thus receive the Grace of God, or does Jesus first chose individuals who then feel called to Jesus to receive the Grace of God?

It is a bit of a conundrum. I recall a catholic at confession. He had gotten drunk and was confessing. The priest told him to say a few hail Mary's and put five pounds in the poor box. The guy said he only had a ten pound note - did the priest have change? The priest said no but - OK, I absolve you of two drunken episodes then - and put the tenner in the box. ---------------------- It is this apparent flippancy that the Muslims object to I think. Saul confessed that the things he did not want to do (sins) were at war in his body and the the things that he did want to do, he did not seem able to do. "Oh wretched man that I am, who will deliver me from this body of flesh..." We know we are sinners and are ever reminded of it. The fact that we are saved means that the condemnation is not there as Yeshua took that condemnation on His shoulders. We all fall far short of the Glory of God without Yeshua to be our Propitiation and Redeemer. Our deserved death is swallowed up in His Victory. So when God looks at us He sees on that Mercy Seat the Blood of the Lamb that was sufficient for all the sin of the world. Thus the veil is rent and we can now boldly approach the Throne of Grace thru our Advocate, the Lord Yeshua.