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Felix, it is not complicated, there is no do this and that list that earns your way to heaven. It is much simpler than that. Do you believe that Jesus is Lord, the master, has the right to demand your devotion and obedience? That is what it means to be Lord. Do you believe that He died, and that God raised Him bodily back to life? If you can answer those in the affirmative, then you have been given the faith that marks a person who has been saved from Hell, and is Heaven bound. Then there are things, that are indicators, yardsticks to give us assurance that this is the camp we are in. These do not get us to heaven, but they are characteristics of those who are going to heaven . . . That we desire and have a measure of success, in obeying God. That we have love for our brothers and sisters in Christ. That we persevere in these thing to the end ofrout lives. It is a pass fail situation, there is not 50%, no shades of gray. We are saved by the grace of God, not by anything we do, or we are not saved at all. I deleted the link you provide to the "details", as it is not appropriate to this community, and could only serve to confuse people and cause doubts.

For me at a certain point of my life,I felt abandoned with nobody around and was so depressed. Having trusted God over some issues,I have prayed,I waited and yet it seems my prayers are not being answered.One day while walking around alone in the field,I heard the voice of God saying to me ,your waiting is not waste.This word became like fire in my bones,I was strengthened while waiting on God to receive my answer and indeed the answer came at God's own time. Irrespective of what you are passing through righnow,am assured that God is working things out for your favour.Be strengthened and be blessed for you will also testify to the goodness of God.Our Father in heaven is Faithful,He will fulfil all what He has promised.

2 Corinthians 5:6-8 NKJV So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. For we walk by faith, not by sight. We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. I guess it depends on what version of the bible you are reading ...

Hi Spock, Yes I have a comment. The 6th seal involves darkness over the earth, stars falling from heaven, the sky receding, and EVERY MOUNTAIN AND ISLAND was moved out of its place, and everyone HIDING. (Rev. 6: 12 - 17) So my question to you is, `Why then do people come out of their hiding places and go on with life as usual, buying and selling, marrying etc? ` Do they say, "Oh, that was a false alarm." The earth has just been devastated and you are thinking that life goes on as per usual for the next 3 1/2 years! Reality tells us......... Marilyn.

Jas 4:6 But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.”[fn] Jas 4:7 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Jas 4:8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Jas 4:9 Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Jas 4:10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up. There are all kinds of promises that God will be found by those who seek Him. If this is not happening I can only guess why this person does not yet have a relationship with God. Normally the Holy Spirit first comes and shows us our need for a Savior by showing us the ugliness of our sins. When we realize we are without hope we humble ourselves and ask for God's help. Then we ask Him to be Lord and Master, the Ruler of our lives. A person cannot continue serving sin and satan and serve God too. We must choose one or the other. We will not be born again and have a relationship with God until we choose to serve Him and start seeking the answers to our problems in His Holy word, the Bible. When people reject what they do clearly understand in the Bible, God often does not reveal more to them. I have a friend who has rejected all that Paul wrote in the Bible, having believed lies about his attitude toward women. Then she didn't believe Jesus's statement "I am the way, the truth and the life. No man comes to the Father but by Me." In addition she cannot utter the words "Jesus is Lord". So the bottom line is that she has rejected the truth and chosen to believe lies. Then she complains that she can't understand the Bible and that it is all poetry and allegory.

Daniel 9:27 Isaiah 28:18 Yes, it has to be the Antichrist. Who else would you think it would be?

May I suggest that you get familiar with what ever book you are studying. Read the whole book two or three time in large chunks to learn its layout and to get a feel for the theames in the book. Then read it together with a commentary. As you read record what youv'e read, anything that struck you and why. Also record what it made you pray about.

I didn't realize you were pointing toward a conjunction in your previous post. Yet, let's look at the placement of "and". I agree that "and" and "is" can bring different meanings to a statement, yet they can bring the same, joining ideas. In this case, joining the idea of being absent from the body with being present with the Lord. Like you, I hope this is true, but no scripture declares this without question.

I started the following topic last year which would be a good place to continue a discussion on the millennial - day theory, if you're so inclined. https://www.worthychristianforums.com/topic/210220-millennial-day-theory/

2 Corinthians 4:3-4 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. He spent many years in and out of rehab and detox facilities that were not working. Our family was becoming overwhelmed with the stress. We were working on a house constructing job site, and my portable radio had J Vernon McGee preaching the word. His topic was about "who is your father". McGee made the statement "If you're not born again, you're father is the devil". He jumped up asked is this true? Yes it is, according to God's bible. More questions ensued, day by day. Three months later, in my home, he accepted the truth he heard and believed the word, and was born again. With a new daddy. That was about thirty years ago. Drug free. He is my brother. Twice. I believe the key to removing the " blinded eyes" with the word is; You have to get them lost before you can get them saved. God is Light!

God's word assures us and promises us that he will never leave us or forsake us. God is not done with you and since Jesus himself was tempted, he knows what it is like for us and is wonderfully able to help us. God will NEVER tell us to sin or tempt us to sin. He will NEVER lie to us. 1 John 1:9, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from ALL unrighteousness." As you grow in Christ, you will learn to discern the difference between conviction from the Holy Spirit and condemnation from the accuser which is satan. When we sin, whether intentionally or unintentionally, the Holy Spirit will make us aware of that sin and God in his love for us, draws us to himself, causing us to confess our sin and experience repentance which leads us towards trusting Jesus and relying on him to save us. Condemnation however, causes us to turn away from God in fear, dread, shame and despair. Condemnation comes from satan who is our accuser. Always trying to convince us of what a loser we are. We can also experience self condemnation which is false guilt when you blame yourself, even though you haven't sinned or after you have confessed and turned from your sin.

This is a very interesting comparison here in both versions. It was the understanding, that Christ's sacrifice on the cross, decent, ascend, and final ascension, was a completed work. Therefore, no waiting period between death and appearing unto the Lord. Many theological differences of course, depending on which doctrine one adheres to. Anyway, whether right or wrong, I'd like to think upon passing from this life, my presence will be required before the Almighty. God bless! David/BeauJangles

Hmmm...Indeed its a season. The same God who took me through my own tough season of waiting will also take you through and make your testimony a blessing. This is what our Father said in Jeremiah 29:11... Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. 29:12 Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. 29:13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. 29:14 And I will be found of you, saith the LORD: and I will turn away your captivity, and I will gather you from all the nations, and from all the places whither I have driven you, saith the LORD; and I will bring you again into the place whence I caused you to be carried away captive.

Thank you 'Not me'Your contribution has blessed me so much. Am grateful

Amen, brother. By all means it's apparent, that you've got a strong grip on the faith. And in spite of periods of some spiritual uncertainty, your final statement is an encouragement to all. God bless! Shalom, David/BeauJangles

I was blessed by your relationship with Christ. It brought joy to my heart. Keep pressing in, we have such a great a awesome God who loves us with all His heart. Blessings, Much love in Christ, Not me

Thank you.'Not me' Even though the experience was so tough,with many sleepless night and tears,I have learnt to trust God unconditionally. Thank you for your wonderful contribution.

Thank you very much, @Omegaman 3.0. That helps.

Php 1:21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Php 1:22 If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. Php 1:23 I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. Php 1:24 But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. These verses also speak of immediately being with Christ upon death, otherwise remaining in a rotting corpse is definitely not far better than remaining alive. Adventists also believe in soul sleep. They have no real hope. It is so sad. I have friends who are Christian Advent, who also don't believe we go immediately to be with the Lord. When I told them that my husband is in the Presence of God, he said Well, we hope so. He couldn't even encourage me in my time of grief! How sad that is, that he had no comfort to offer those who were suffering. Maybe its a hangover from the Catholic teaching them about purgatory.

This is the phrase that stands out to me. After we have done all the things instructed in these verses, including praying at all times in the Spirit, having done all, to stand. We are told often in Old Testament battles to stand and see the salvation of God. I especially like 11 Chron. 20 2Ch 20:12 O our God, will You not exercise judgment upon them? For we have no might to stand against this great company that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon You. 2Ch 20:13 And all Judah stood before the Lord, with their children and their wives. 2Ch 20:14 Then the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite of the sons of Asaph, in the midst of the assembly. 2Ch 20:15 He said, Hearken, all Judah, you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and you King Jehoshaphat. The Lord says this to you: Be not afraid or dismayed at this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's. After we have done all we know how to do, we keep our eyes on God, and we stand firm to see the salvation of God. His angels fight on our behalf. We need open our eyes of faith as Elisha said to see His armies that fight on our behalf. We are never alone. He is with us and will never leave us or forsake us.

Personally, I do not believe in soul sleep. I don't believe that it's a biblical concept. If I'm not mistaken, it's Jehovah's Witness teaching, but don't quote me on that. As far as the words you cited, "to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord". That's not in the Bible - well, not written like that. Paul says in 2 Corinthians 5 that, "So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him." His point being that last line. But you are right. Soul sleep isn't Biblical.

Jesus lamented the fact that He wanted to gather His people like a mother hen and cover and protect them from all harm. “ Yet they would not come to me” .Come to Jesus as a broken, contrite sinner.....ask Him to save you, then watch what He does.Ive seen it happen. I’ve lived it. “ Turn to me, and I will turn to you”.Its really that simple.God bless

Let every man , woman and child leap up for JOY on this wonderful good news . But reject it and its a lake of harsh fire . The good news is , That GOD did send His only begotten Son to be the savoir , but if one rejects , They damned in the second death lake of firey fire . I got good news . RUN TO CHRIST peoples ,, RUN to CHRIST , cause in HIM is the free gift . hands up and praise the LORD . So instead of folks debating the exact temp of that lake , or etc , GET BUSY pointing to CHRIST who will ensure we never see that fire . HANDS UP and PRAISE THE LORD .

We go through the tribulation, we have always experienced troubles plagues and persecutions because this planet is full of those events. The one or two references to not experiencing wrath are specifically about the intense wrath on the day of the Lord. We miss that wrath because we are raptured earlier before the armies reach Jerusalem and the sulfur/hail and the great earthquake. The rapture is associated with the thief in the night and destruction: we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words. Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, 2 for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3 While people are saying, “Peace and safety,”destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. 5 You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 6 So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night.8 But since we belong to the day,let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. 9 For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath

All sins are forgiven......those that “ cash in” by their faith in Jesus Christ can claim this gift......failure to cash in with faith in Christ will deny one of that free gift......

Sorry, but I go with what is written only. It seems, in my mind, that your theories are not exactly what is written. Can you prove these 4 visions with scripture? Can you prove they overlap? Or is this just theory?

Oops sorry let me correct the link. Fixed it. It is an article on some victories for religious freedom. EDIT: It works for a second then quits not sure why. Just google the Blackwell Religious freedom article on the Daily Caller. Sorry guys!

I know my area,there no veteran ,va outreach that close .the closest is in ft.pierce and they do minimal things,we have bused vets long before obama,before Bush .vets helping vets ,many local ,national chapters working together . No insurance would pay for PTSD, outside of tricare. Unless they changed or have included the level needed to cover heavy mental health issues.my county has a mental health association, I forget to mention them ,they can help but with vets I'm unsure how they work. I know who to ask but as far as suicide prevention, its vets in.my group doing it not them ,local hotline ,calls by word of mouth. We had more but it fell through .

I live 2 hours depending upon traffic to the nearest va hospital,outreach for PTSD which few if any shrinks treat that here, will force me to the va. 3o minutes would mean within my county. I cant hit north county that fast .I have taken my wife there for her doctors. To the old outreach in my time was over 30 minutes to the va.thats why we had buses.most vets who can work, won't and don't use the va.those that must, simply won't be able in most cases drive, there are exceptions. I was just at the vet council here yesterday and got a call from them today.should have asked

Thank you. Honestly most of the anger is directed at myself for falling short as I do so often. I know we will never achieve perfection on earth, I am just furious that I still sin even with all God has done for me I suppose. So who knows maybe it just is conviction of the Holy Spirit. I am not taking it out on others btw I keep it soley to myself. Just talking about it here seems to have cleared things up a bit for me mentally. I might be putting too much of a burden on myself is all. I appreciate the replies guys thanks for listening! I'll just continue to pray, and in time this issue will be over and I'll move on to the next sin to be angry at. Joking of course.

Perhaps this might help... First, we need to remember not to base our faith on our feelings. If you have believed on Jesus as your Savior and it seems you have, then you are saved. About the sinning, it's good you are convicted about sinning....it shows the Holy Spirit is working in your heart. But once you have confessed your sins, please then realize they are gone, washed away through Jesus. 1 John 1:9 is a verse to remember..."If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Once you confess: Start to think of yourself as righteous through Christ.... it's called imputed righteousness. Christ took our sins and gave us His righteousness. When you have temptation to sin, try praying immediately to avoid the temptations. Also, learn to resist the devil and he will flee from you. (James 4:6-8). Read Ephesians chapter 6 alot. Finally, learn to be more accepting of yourself....the Lord loves you no matter what. Also, please don't think every little thing you do is sinful....the Lord wants you to live a peaceful life....this includes having fun and recreation. The Lord is with you in all these times.

His Peace is immeasurable, unshakeable, unchanging under any circumstance or challenge. Throughout Scripture, and throughout our lives, He accomplishes this . Btw, it IS ALIEN (unknown, unknowable) to most people ..... it is also a sure sign of our salvation in Jesus, to those who are enemies watching - they cannot understand such peace and contentment even under torture and loss of all things that they (enemies) consider of value and hold dear themselves (instead of honoring Jesus as Lord and Savior) . John 14:27 KJ21 “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give unto you, not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. ASV Peace I leave with you; my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be fearful. AMP Peace I leave with you; My [perfect] peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. [Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge.] AMPC Peace I leave with you; My [own] peace I now give and bequeath to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. [Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled.] CSB “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Don’t let your heart be troubled or fearful. CEB “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give you. I give to you not as the world gives. Don’t be troubled or afraid. CJB “What I am leaving with you is shalom — I am giving you my shalom. I don’t give the way the world gives. Don’t let yourselves be upset or frightened.

16:21 From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day. 16:22 Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee. Peter was rebuking Jesus for pronouncing his death and resurrection. It was by Christ's redemption, his complete work of salvation by his cross, that all can be saved freely. 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 Peter could not have been preaching the same gospel of salvation unto eternal life by the cross, as Paul would. Peter could not deny the death of Jesus if he had a full understanding of what it would accomplish. 1 Corinthians 1:18 16:23 But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men. 16:24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. Jesus was speaking to the Jewish disciples in regard to what was required of them to enter the kingdom on earth; the kingdom promised to Israel in the law and the prophets. Daniel 7:18 Exodus 19:6 16:25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. 16:26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? 16:27 For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works. Jesus was speaking of his coming, to establish his millennial kingdom on earth. Jesus was speaking of the reward, which will be given in the kingdom, to those Jews who will follow him; those who will take up their cross, and be willing to lose their life in the tribulation, for their gain in the kingdom. 16:28 Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.

I believe that , as written, there were others also who knew who Jesus was, including the disciples who remained with Jesus when many disciples left Him because(apparently) they would not drink blood knowing it was transgressing TORAH, and also some knew who Jesus is, who worshiped Jesus when Jesus was still a baby, as written in Scripture.... Peter's trying to change Jesus' mind may be considered very "rational", the same as multitudes think - many men who use reason , intellect, and tradition that is opposed entirely to Yahweh's Plan - they use intellect, educated "rational" means, to deceive multitudes. (and they very often succeed doing so historically and online and on all different media). It is quite common in fact.

Think about this now. Peter's irrational rebuke of Jesus here and the Bible does call it a rebuke - this comes right on the very HEELS of Peter being the only one who knew who Jesus was. The Great Confession as some people call it. His claiming that Jesus was the Son of God in front of the disciples. And Jesus calling him Peter, the rock, and saying that on that rock he will build his church. And Jesus telling them all that only God could have revealed that to Peter and that Peter was blessed. Boy, Peter just got a gold star from the Teacher that day! But I think he got a little puffed up about it. Then the Bible says that from that time Jesus taught them about his suffering, death, and resurrection. Immediately, the same Peter - Peter, the rock - Peter from mere verses away - interrupts Jesus and blurts out, "Awe, no Jesus, you are wrong. You don't have to die!" What a contrast in the same man in a matter of a very short time. It would behoove us to think before we speak aloud or type our words on a computer screen. It would behoove us to ask - is this God pressing me with a word of understanding or is this the devil trying to trap me into speaking a twisted message? The devil is very cunning at molding the words of truth into a believable lie. And like Eve, Peter, and more......we still can fall for it today.

Welcome to Vermont! This is a very "different" state indeed. Home of "Feel the Burn" Bernie Sanders ... need I say more?

Brothers douge, Your closest friendnt, and also simplejeff, I was able to glean a nice commentary from each of you, and backed up by scriptures as well. Everything remained on topic, and was found to be good. Really nice job, guys. Thanks for sharing. God bless! Shalom, David/BeauJangles

footnote: https://markbradfordsbibleblog.wordpress.com/2011/04/08/matthew-1621-28/ "... ... ... the Amplified Bible is revealing in the way it words Mark 8:33: 33But turning around [His back to Peter] and seeing His disciples, He rebuked Peter, saying, Get behind Me, Satan! For you do not have a mind [n]intent on promoting what God wills, but what pleases men [you are not on God’s side, but that of men]. (Mark 8:33, Amplified) I always had the mental picture that Jesus said this to Peter’s face, but apparently Jesus actually turned his back to Peter, and said, “Get behind me, Satan!”, with Peter behind him. Jesus explained why he said that in the next sentence. Peter had in mind the things of men rather than the things of God. How often are we guilty of that? How often do we have in mind what we want, rather than what God wants?.... "

I think you all are taking billy out of context here...pretty Sure he was saying no matter what background a believer is coming out of your still a child of God once accepting Christ...which is actually biblical.

I kinda like life, in fact love it. Praise God for the pleasure of it.

Luke 18:19 (NASB) And Jesus said to him, "Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone. “No one is good except God alone” This truth, is the eternal bedrock of God and all creation. The insight into this pillar and foundation of reality, that the establishment of this truth, is meant to bring to light and convey. The eternal absolute unchangeableness of this truth. The all encompassingness of this truth, nothing is to be left out. This truth puts everything in its proper place. This truth peered into, gives such a knowledge of God that puts the heart to rest, and a joy that grows that literally fills all the Heavens. This knowledge that God alone is good. It is through this lens that all scripture, and even life itself, needs to be seen and understood through. For it is only through this lens, can life and scripture be understood as they are in truth and reality meant to be understood. This is the foundation that all things need to be seen through. That creation itself was brought forth by God that He would have a place to manifest and bring forth the good, which only His Divine Nature can manifest, which is the revelation of Himself. Moreover this truth tells us exactly what God will and won’t do. Good, He will do, not good He won’t. Once seen, this truth causes the heart to explode with rejoicing, love and admiration for this God who is good, always. Heaven is Heaven because of this truth. All Heaven sees into, and eternally rejoices in this truth. We, as His redeemed out of our fallen state, have been given eyes that can see into this truth and are invited to look into the very depths and eternity of this truth, that God alone is good. Seeing into this truth, of that which is good, by God’s definition of what is good, which is that which is good from the eternal ground. This brings us to a very solid place of rest, trust and hope before God. This place where our eyes are not on us. But on this God who raises the dead. Our eyes look to Heaven for all good things. Our hope lies in God to manifest goodness and righteousness in and through us in every and all circumstances and situations. This faith and hope in a God who is outside ourselves, but yet, also has chosen with our consent, to live in us. Our faith and hope in a God who is interested in everyone of our actions, from the so-called smallest, to the so-called greatest. It is this God that says He alone is good. It is in this God that calls and beckons us to come to Him. For the reason and purpose that because He sees that He alone is good. He sees our only hope is in Him doing goodness and righteousness in and through us. He waits and works all things in us so that we too, could and would see this truth also. This truth that “God alone is good” is a truth that will free us from any and all hope of ever doing anything in and of ourselves that could possibly be pleasing to God. This truth brings us to our knees, or to put a sharper point on the sword, to the death of ourselves before Him. This knowledge that He alone is good. Stops all looking to ourselves for the answers. Causes our focus to be Heavnward, to God alone. This brings us to a place where seeing the reality of this simple truth; If it’s me it’s sin, if it’s Christ it’s not. This truth puts both God and the believer in their correct, righteous and glorious place, One the giver and one the receiver. He who is the Eternal all Good and we who are the eternal recipients of His Eternal all Goodness. Oh, to have our eyes opened to see into this truth, to hope in this truth, to know into this truth; “That God alone is good” All that follows this truth, and the ramifications this truth brings to light. The fellowship with one’s Creator that acceptance of this truth brings into the experience and life of the believer. Even more the absolute dependence that this truth establishes once this truth is accepted, believed and trusted in. That just how blessed we are to have a God that is all Goodness as goodness is in itself. And even still, willing to share that goodness with us. Not as our human reasoning understands good, but as goodness, as the essence it is in itself, as a stand alone quality, apart or separate from all things to the contrary. This is why the life of this world must be denied or given up and over and brought to death. For the life of this world is that life that elevates itself above the good or that which is right. For in eternity there are only two possibilities of creation or existence, the good, or, that which is contrary to the good. Which is as eternal as the good, for it is that which is eternally contrary to the good......which contrary, has the nature of hell in it. God alone is good. This wonder of wonders. To be given the opportunity to know and have fellowship with this God who is good. Moreover to be asked if we would be willing to be part of His family. The truth of this boggles the human reasoning. This truth causes the heart to be perplexed yet rejoice for the enormity of this truth. Yet this eternal truth remains; “That God alone is Good” Blessings, Much love in Christ, Not me

Can the pot argue with the potter . Nope it was simply created . The very creator , His word became flesh . Let God be true but every man a liar . This is all part of that great end time delusion that has fast been at work to unite all religions , all mindsets to be as one for unity . And hartono, sadly you would be amazed at how many christains are starting to believe God is okay with all religions and etc . What a lie . And what a mockery to Christ who came to save . Deny HIM as the ONLY way and its a double death sentence . Jesus was beaten down to a state where he was hardly even recognizeable . HE didn't do it , so popes and all could kiss korans , and buddas and say hey we all one big earth family . Its truly a good thing the early apostels KNEW by grace , Christ was the ONLY way . But then its why they turned the world upside down . Not like today where they do all to put down what divides and pick up the lie that unites them all under THE LIE . How is that for bartering . MY mind is fully made up that JESUS is the only way , all other mindsets , religions , are death and the second death . Ps. You can mail this to warren and all those men of belial and the pope . For they have long trod Jesus under foot . That's my Peace , and as for this big unity move , you can nail this on the door of ROME . Their will be no bargaining from frienduff the wild boar. NO pact with lies .

That is said about all scripture. The Bema Seat, or Judgment Seat of Christ is not the same as the lake of fire. Here the works is judged to see if they are worthy of reward. The lake of fire are for those who do not accept Christ. I am one who does not believe that the lake of fire gives the lost a second chance for salvation, which is a false teaching.

oooops..... red (fire) alert ! Beware the rcc teachings..... always be wary when anyone brings them !

It is like Romans 12:1+2, reprogramming ones mind to think correctly takes effort. Guirding ones loins with truth, means knowing what the truth is as intimately as ones underwear hugs ones body. How many Christians know the bible that well. Without going through the whole list I'll jump to my favouret part, the one that deals with all the angest of what does God want of me. Having done everything to Stand Firm. As Christians we are to live for Jesus where ever we are, unhappy at work, live for Jesus there, want to serve else where live for Jesus where you are, bored liven up your life by asking your colleuge 'Why are you a Christ? What reasons do you have for not believing?' We are to Stand Firm as we seek to serve Jesus.

Are you asking this on your view of human favoritism? Humans are not fair. God is fair.

No, learning from the past usually never occurs. Jesus says to the Ekklesia/disciples: COME TO ME, I know you don't know how to live. Come learn from Me, I will show you how to live right. And I am meek and lowly of heart. Ekklesia are in many places "sacked", blamed, arrested, tortured, slain, martyred, all through all the centuries including this one and the last one (millions slain OR lost their faith when threatened) (again perhaps part of why learning from history does not work - history is not recorded or not reported accurately, except when God oversees it for His Good Pleasure So To Do. (In Scripture, best example - good and bad, right and wrong, by God's Chosen is clearly revealed , not covered up for convenience and no "political correctness" is permitted nor practiced among God's Ekklesia.) We were already "sacked here in the U.S." , already "are falling" or "fallen" far , far from Yahweh's Standard. (believers and even pagans in other countries have known this for almost a century.) . There might be some revival, but not likely much, barring sheer grace and many miracles - Jesus and the Apostles freely healed many everywhere they went and cast demons out. Most churches in the usa do not even believe it is possible, nor do most permit healing and casting out demons. "Reaction?" Do not react. Period. "Fear" ? No, not in Ekklesia. "Anxiety"? again, no, not in Ekklesia. (see in NT). "condemnation" ? no, not for Ekklesia. "Exhilaration"? As written, IF the spirit that RAISED CHRIST FROM THE DEAD DWELLS IN YOU ... yes, you will then be excited, with full abiding peace, joy and righteousness continually, every day. Yahweh's Word , the BIBLE, clearly tells the focus to be: SEEK FIRST the Kingdom of Yahweh (God) , and His Righteousness. (and continually seek. KEEP ON SEEKING ALL THE TIME) No worries at all - roll them all off onto God's Shoulders, in His Care.

I don't think you should rely too much on anyone explaining the Bible to you. Find a version that looks good to you and read it, cover to cover. It's only about 1000 pages. Understanding the Lord isn't a matter of becoming an expert on what's in the Bible. Understanding the Lord is a matter of obeying the Lord's commandments. That is what leads us to wisdom.

Find the "THREADS" that link them all. You kind of have to understand the Old Testament to understand the book of Revelation, a lot of it's encoded with the Old Testament.

We are so very close now to the rapture of the ready saints of God, one can almost taste it. Whats been prophesied about for two thousand years now, is finally almost upon us. The second coming of Christ has to happen otherwise the bible can't be trusted at all. The fact is however hundreds of prohesies have already come true, so what we know is the bible can be trusted and there never been a book like the bible where predictions have come to pass with 100% accuracy. The rapture is simply the first phase of Jesus second coming. The following is a quick study of what is just upon us, there will be much more coming on this soon, even in book form. I pray this will change your outlook on what going on in the world right now, or better yet confirm it. This is about the return of our Lord and specifically the pre-tribulation rapture of the ready watching church which is almost upon us. This doctrine has been under attack lately and I want to show you why it is still a valid doctrine scripturally. We are getting deeper into Revelation and I am going to show you why I believe the 5th seal has already been broken and the rapture and the sixth seal is next on the agenda. Not that we are looking for any particular sign because his return is immanent, but we need to know where we are in the time line of scripture and events, so we don't get deceived by anyone regardless of their motives. You may have heard David Wilkerson's recent prophesy where he foresaw fires coming to the cites of the world. If you haven't I will include just a bit of it here, but it was very short anyway. It can be seen in full at www.worldchallenge.org. I don't think this is describing a nuclear or enemy attack and I will show you in scripture why. He isn't saying this either, but some will conclude this because much of the time we seem eager to credit things that man can do instead of what God himself is going to do directly. Of course David Wilkerson is not the only one who is being given visions and dreams about the end times. There are others, including someone from my own church, who have had dreams of fires coming to the earth. Another pastor friend of mine recently had a dream/vision of the sign of Jesus return as spoken of in Matt. 24:30. He said it seemed so real he thought he had returned. Dave Wilkerson gave another prophesy a few years back that was directly from the book of Revelation in where he said the cities of the world would fall and everything as we know it in the span of an hour would collapse. Part of Rev. 18:17 reads (and all my quoted scripture will be in the NCV unless otherwise noted) : “In one hour such great wealth has been brought to ruin.....”, speaking of the great city of Babylon and all the other cities of the world, that would fall in the last seven years of man as we know it. So this older prophesy now, is about the end of the seven year tribulation when America and most of the world falls as well. My point here is, his prophesies are always based on scripture so they can be trusted. Here is an excerpt from his recent letter and prophesy quoting: “I am compelled by the Holy Spirit to send out an urgent message to all on our mailing list, and to friends and to bishops we have met all over the world. AN EARTH-SHATTERING CALAMITY IS ABOUT TO HAPPEN. IT IS GOING TO BE SO FRIGHTENING, WE ARE ALL GOING TO TREMBLE — EVEN THE GODLIEST AMONG US. For ten years I have been warning about a thousand fires coming to New York City. It will engulf the whole megaplex, including areas of New Jersey and Connecticut. Major cities all across America will experience riots and blazing fires — such as we saw in Watts, Los Angeles, years ago. There will be riots and fires in cities worldwide. There will be looting — including Times Square, New York City. What we are experiencing now is not a recession, not even a depression. We are under God’s wrath. In Psalm 11 it is written, 'If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?' (v. 3). God is judging the raging sins of America and the nations. He is destroying the secular foundations". -End quote- Okay, this is fine, but can it be matched up with any prophesy in the bible like his others do? Answer: Yes, it can and I will show you where it does. Also what's to note here is not so much the fires in America, but the entire world. If it was just America, it would lead one to believe a nuclear or some other attack, but since it's worldwide, this is most likely supernatural. I believe this latest prophesy from Dave Wilkerson is not about the end of the seven year tribulation but the beginning. This brings me to discuss the beginning of the tribulation which is almost on us now. It is my belief that the 5th seal is already been broken and I believe we are living in between the 5th and the 6th seals and here is the evidence for this. At the breaking of the fifth seal in Rev. 6:9 we see the cry of the martyrs. They ask the Lord, how long will it be until he judges the earth for their murders. Jesus tells them to wait until their number to be killed as they are is complete and that does not complete until the antichrist kills all who won't accept his mark in Rev.13:15 which is approx. halfway through the last seven years. The glaring point here is, this question would have never been asked if the last seven year tribulation had already begun, because they would have known for themselves the answer to this question, for all true Christians know that once the great tribulation starts, there is just but seven short years left. So what we must conclude here is this seal is broken long before the last seven years starts. The only question is how long and certainly we know that there have been Martyrs since Jesus day, in fact there have been 70 million. The reason they asked the question is because just like Jesus, they don't know the day or the hour of the rapture of the church which starts the beginning of the last seven years. So for the many of us who have previously believed, or more accurately we have probably just assumed that the first seal has to start the beginning of the tribulation as did I, lets take a closer look at all of this again. First of all lets define what the word “rapture” means, because some say it does not appear in the bible. The word trinity does not appear either, but there is nothing wrong with us assigning todays language with past truths. Rapture is derived from the Latin word raptu, which means “caught away or caught up”. This is describing what happens to the pre-tribulation rapture ready church. In Revelation 6:12 & 7:14 at the breaking of the sixth seal and also in Matthew 24:29, Jesus and John are both talking about the same event, the pre-tribulation rapture of the church. The fact that most Christians have not recognized these two passages as containing a description of the pre-tribulation rapture don't negate it's importance. Because we have not identified it clearly in scripture, it has caused much confusion. If we can't see in scripture when this event happens, then much of the other prophesy surrounding it will also be misunderstood, misplaced and mis-interpreted. Because there are two separate “day of the Lord events” described in the bible, we need to find out which scriptures match with the first one (the rapture), and which ones match up with the second one (the actual physical 2nd coming of Jesus with the saints on white horseback in Rev.19:19). If we don't match them correctly or assign the wrong ones with the wrong event, it can skew the entire study. Part 2...... There has been a lot made of the 2nd coming of Jesus Christ in Christendom and with good reason, because it's a big deal. Just how big a deal seems to be a bone of contention among some who profess to believe in this doctrine. Jesus told us everything we would need to know about when he would return so we would not be caught off guard when he calls. The only thing he left out was the exact day and hour of the 1st phase of this occurrence. He did not do this because he is cruel, but simply because he himself does not know the exact hour or day as only his father does. However just because he does not know the day, does not mean he does not know the general time frame or season, as well as the happenings that would surround his return. He also knows when in the sequence of scriptural events that it occurs because he wrote it and we can see where it is, if we choose to open our eyes fully. Knowing when in the sequence of other events does not tell us the day or hour either, however it is extremely important, because it tells us where we are on the time line of all things. The reason he knows these things, is because he is the one who causes them to occur. Also just because we do not know the day or the hour, does not mean we were not told when in the sequence of other end time events that it would occur. We were also told about many other signs that would be occurring right before it happens so we would not be caught unaware. What I am going to submit to you here is, all of these signs are occurring now and have been for some time. We for the most part in Christendom have had our heads in the sand and have been fiddling while Rome is burning. Jesus and his many other messengers, the disciples and apostles, told us many things about his return including even when in events in scripture it occurs. 2000 years have past and we have come up with basically three explanations of when people think he may return. Problem is only one can be correct. If you don't think it's important to find out which one is the correct position, you may wish you had known if you are wrong and left holding a false teaching. Some think it's not that important to know exactly when he's coming, as long as when he does come you are ready. There is some truth to this, but only knowing some truth as opposed to all the truth can be dangerous. Some who choose to take sides attack others without the entire picture to back up their positions. A common mistake that some make is taking only one scripture or thought process and making that into the entire doctrine that they adhere to, whatever it might be. In the case of the 2nd coming, we find some scripture that talks about how some holy people have to persevere to the end of the tribulation period to gain their Salvation. So what has happened is, some believe that all Christians have to endure to the end of the tribulation to be saved. But what they have failed to recognize is, there are more than one group of people talked about in end times Revelation prophesy. So while it's true, some will in fact have to endure to the very end, what is very plain in other scripture, is some won't, because there are other scriptures that tell us at least some are leaving early. Since all scripture is true, it's not one or the other that's correct, but all. We also need to recognize two major groups in the bible who are given what seem to be two different messages about end times prophesy. The first group is the original Old Testament elect, the nation of Israel, who's people is the Jews. The second group is the church that was formed in the 1st century, some of whom were Jews as well, but they offered the invitation of God's good news of Salvation to all, both Jew and non-Jew who they called Gentiles. There are three basic camps or beliefs that are as follows and I will try and keep this simple instead of using theologian talk, but before we explore this in more detail we need to recognize why there are three groups or factions to start with. One of the reasons why there are so many beliefs is because some refuse to take the bible literally. This especially true with Revelation prophesy, because of it's occasional symbolism. What they fail to realize is, almost all Revelatory symbolism is explained almost immediately after the symbol is identified, right in the same passage. Another thing that some do is, they see in Revelation that there is a numerical, sequential and chronological order to things, but the refuse to follow the order. They do this because they do not want to be dogmatic(strict) about the order, as if they do, they would have to admit to some things that they would rather not do. IE: If you look at the 6th seal of Revelation which spans chapters six and seven, you would find a massive group of people from every part of the world that is seen in heaven. We are even told who they are and where they came from! But do you think theologians can read this and realize that it describes a giant catching away, Rapture like event? Even though the evidence is overwhelming and clear, they refuse to recognize this. But why do they fail? Here are some reasons with first an explanation of the three factions. 1. Some believe that Jesus is coming before the last great tribulation begins, these people are known as Pre-tribulation Rapture believers. 2. Some think that he is coming sometime in the middle of the tribulation period, perhaps after the 7th angel trumpet, these are called mid-tribbers. 3. Some think that he is coming sometime closer to the end of the tribulation period and they are known as post tribulationists. There are be some who believe in no rapture at all, possibly because they are tired of the bickering among the other groups, but they are a smaller number, so we are mainly looking at three main camps. We will look at the many scriptures that pertain to this doctrine so you can make up your own mind, but a few basics first. The reason there is three camps to start with, is because they are looking at certain scriptures to bolster their positions. It's not that they don't have scripture that they are standing on, the problem is, some refuse to acknowledge all scripture on the subject and you can take this to other church doctrine as well. This is also one reason why there are so many church denominations. But if they would all recognize that the the bible shows us a 6th seal Rapture, it would cause the following tumult. The pre-tribbers haven't recognized it, because they think a 6th seal Rapture means that Christians may have to live through a part of the last great tribulation, so they think this 6th seal Rapture, is occurring too late for their liking. What they fail to realize is, the tribulation does not start until after the 6th seal. The mid-tribbers won't recognize the 6th seal Rapture, because to them, it occurs too early still, and they want to adhere to the 'last trumpet' Rapture, which they think occurs after the 7th angel trumpet in chapter eight of Revelation. What they fail to realize is, the 7th angel trumpet is a judgment for those left on the earth and the Rapture is a reward. Also they miss that an angel does not blow 'the last trumpet', instead Jesus blows the Rapture trumpet himself. But he does this by not even blowing an actual trumpet, but just using his voice which sounds like a trumpet as described in the 1st and 2nd chapter of Revelation. He will do one call, in three manifestations, to call his ready followers to meet him in the air. The post-tribbers won't recognize a 6th seal Rapture, because they think all Christians must endure to the end to be saved and a 6th seal Rapture is just much too soon. What they fail to realize is, everyone's end is different. For some their end is today! 500 Christians are Martyred everyday to add to the already 70 million who went on before them. Now with another new study out telling people that some poll says most “Christians,” don't believe Jesus is coming until 2050, and it's no wonder few are ready for what is just about to happen. Jesus said he would come at a time when we least expect it. Well if most are expecting him for 40 more years, then his coming now would fulfill this scripture and truly this is exactly what is about to happen. All the signs of this coming are going on all around us. From the plans to rebuild the final tribulation temple in Jerusalem, to the earthquakes, volcanoes, riots, wars and rumors of wars, there has never been an intensity and multiplied number of all these signs together as there is now. Why? Because the 6th seal Pre-tribulation Rapture is about to occur and it will come as most of the American church said no not now Jesus, we don't believe that, we have lives to live. But it will happen none the less and many will wonder why their Pastors, Priests and Rabbis, who are all paid to do so, did not tell them the whole truth about something so simple to just read and believe. There are going to be many angry church going people who are going to wonder why someone did not tell them the whole truth. Now one of these three beliefs requires more faith to believe it than the other two. With two of the three all you have to do is wait for a few major signs, such as the 1st trumpet judgment where fire burns up 1/3 of the earth, or the 2nd trumpet where 1/3 of the water turn to blood and 1/3 of all the ships and sea life die, to realize that Jesus is on his way. This stance which is more of a mid tribulation stance, would simply require sight to notice the major signs. Problem is, it negates Jesus coming as a thief as he said he would and takes less faith to believe in, than those who believe Jesus is coming sooner with less of a notice. With the post tribulation stance you just wait for even more obvious major signs like the 5th trumpet where a demonic army wipes out 2 billion people, then the Mark of the beast is initiated, millions are beheaded for their faith, and all the water is turned to blood etc., as the punishments get progressively worse. This takes even less faith than the mid tribulation stance and you don't even have to look for Jesus return, you just wait for the Antichrist to come on to the scene as he wreaks havoc. The Pre-tribulation stance takes the most faith of all, but if you know your scripture well enough, you will think it's madness to believe anything but. So now I have compiled all the scriptures pertaining to the soon coming catching away of the ready watching saints, into one study here. This is an amazing thing to do and when you see it all put together like this it paints a much clearer picture. You might not have known that the Old Testament does have a few scriptures that pertain to this event. Whether or not the the prophets Isiah or Joel knew that they were talking about the Rapture event or not, does not really matter, they probably didn't. However they likely knew that they were at least talking about future events. They probably knew when they were talking out their own people, the Jews, who would be punished for their sins and turning their backs on God, but that God would some day call them back to himself again and they would repopulate the earth as was promised to them to Abraham in Genesis. But starting with Isiah lets look at the details of some of what happens during the Rapture event of Revelation's 6th and 7th chapters as we match up the wording with all like scripture and see how it all gets fulfilled in Revelation. Isiah.13:10 reads: “The stars will not show their light; the skies will be dark. The sun will grow dark as it rises, and the moon will not give its light”. Then Is.34:4 reads: “ The sun, moon, and stars will dissolve, and the sky will be rolled up like a scroll. The stars will fall like dead leaves from a vine or dried-up figs from a fig tree”. We see this same language at the breaking of the sixth seal of Revelation 6:13-14 because it it where it gets fulfilled. “And the stars in the sky fell to the earth like figs falling from a fig tree when the wind blows.” The sky disappeared as a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved from its place. Is 24:23 tells us about the sun and the moon: “The moon will be embarrassed and the sun will be ashamed. Because the Lord All-powerful will rule as king on Mount Zion in Jerusalem. Jerusalem's leaders will see his greatness”. Joel 2:31 reads: The sun will become dark, the moon red as blood, before the overwhelming and terrible day of the Lord comes”. There is more than one terrible or great day of the Lord in end times prophesy. The first one is the day after the Rapture at the breaking of the 6th seal. The second one is at the battle of Armageddon in Revelation chapter 19, but as we will see later, there will be far less people even alive at Revelation chapter 19, after most of the world has been killed by the various punishments. Here in Revelation 6:16-17, the people proclaim themselves what day this is, because as we will see later, they just saw Jesus collect his followers in the air. They proclaim as they call to the mountains and rocks: "Fall on us. Hide us from the face of the One who sits on the throne and from the anger of the Lamb! The great day for their anger has come, and who can stand against it?" Jesus with more similar wording in Matthew and speaking in veryclear words of what he will do when he collects the ready 24:28-30 said: "Soon after the trouble of those days, 'the sun will grow dark, and the moon will not give its light. The stars will fall from the sky. And the powers of the heavens will be shaken.” “At that time, the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky. Then all the peoples of the world will cry. They will see the Son of Man coming on clouds in the sky with great power and glory. He will use a loud trumpet to send his angels all around the earth, and they will gather his chosen people from every part of the world”. In Matthew 25:10, we see how Jesus told us that some in the church would be left behind if they were not ready spiritually: “So while the five foolish bridesmaids went to buy oil, the bridegroom came. The bridesmaids who were ready went with the bridegroom to the wedding feast, then the door was closed and locked.” Mark 13:24-26 is identical to Matthew 24:28-30. In Luke 12:39-40 Jesus talked again about being ready for his return: 39 "Remember this: If the owner of the house knew what time a thief was coming, he would not allow the thief to enter his house. 40 So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at a time when you don't expect him!" Jesus in describing what life will be like when he returns said in Luke :17:24-36: 24. "When the Son of Man comes again, he will shine like lightning, which flashes across the sky and lights it up from one side to the other. 25 But first he must suffer many things and be rejected by the people of this time.26 When the Son of Man comes again, it will be as it was when Noah lived.27 People were eating, drinking, marrying, and giving their children to be married until the day Noah entered the boat. Then the flood came and killed them all.28 It will be the same as during the time of Lot. People were eating, drinking, buying, selling, planting, and building.29 But the day Lot left Sodom, fire and sulfur rained down from the sky and killed them all. 30 This is how it will be when the Son of Man comes again. This is simply describing normal life and even the good life which will be absent after he takes his ready ones out of the world for the final great testing period. We can look at our current times and economy and realize that though it is down from it's high, we can still eat, drink, get married, buy, sell, plant and build. He continues in verse 31: 31 "On that day, a person who is on the roof and whose belongings are in the house should not go inside to get them. A person who is in the field should not go back home. 32 Remember Lot's wife. 33 Those who try to keep their lives will lose them. But those who give up their lives will save them.34 I tell you, on that night two people will be sleeping in one bed; one will be taken and the other will be left. 35 There will be two women grinding grain together; one will be taken, and the other will be left. 36 Two people will be in the field. One will be taken, and the other will be left." Jesus is speaking more to the attitude of the heart and general readiness of the people. If one is more concerned with the material things of this life than the spiritual, they will not be ready and therefore will be left behind as Lot's wife was. Lot's wife looked back on Sodom after being told not to and she was turned into a pillar of salt. Anyone with the same attitude as she had which was to love the sinful life, more than the holy life, will be left behind to see if they can get it right. We also see as in chapter 25 of Matthew, one will be taken and the other left. This could actually mean half the church will be taken and the other left. That remains to be seen of course, but for sure we know not all professing Christians are going, instead many will be left behind. It is possible that they will be saved later on however, because as many as one billion tribulation saints will be beheaded by the Antichrist and thereby purchase their Salvation, by becoming willing Martyrs. In Luke 21:25-28, Jesus tells us what will be going on all around us when he snatches away his ready followers. This is all happening now with the earthquakes, riots, volcanoes and other supernatural disasters : 25 "There will be signs in the sun, moon, and stars. On earth, nations will be afraid and confused because of the roar and fury of the sea. 26 People will be so afraid they will faint, wondering what is happening to the world, because the powers of the heavens will be shaken.27 Then people will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Then Jesus gives the timing on the when. He says when the begin to happen look up, not in the middle or near the end, but when they begin. 28 When these things begin to happen, look up and hold your heads high, because the time when God will free you is near!" Luke 21:34-36: 34 "Be careful not to spend your time feasting, drinking, or worrying about worldly things. If you do, that day might come on you suddenly, 35 like a trap on all people on earth. 36 So be ready all the time. Pray that you will be strong enough to escape all these things that will happen and that you will be able to stand before the Son of Man." More incredible proof that some are leaving early be escaping before the worst happens. Pray that you will be strong enough to escape, tells us that some are definitely leaving early, but we have to be strong enough by keeping our white robes of Salvation clean. 1 Corinthians 15:51-52: 51 “But look! I tell you this secret: We will not all sleep in death, but we will all be changed.52 It will take only a second—as quickly as an eye blinks—when the last trumpet sounds. The trumpet will sound, and those who have died will be raised to live forever, and we will all be changed.” Note: This is the last trump of God being blown here by Jesus himself, not by an angel. The seven angel trumpet blasts are incurring punishments during the tribulation period, the call to heaven by Jesus, is not a punishment, so must be separated out from the others. More on this in just a bit. Paul tells us in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18: “The Lord himself will come down from heaven with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. And those who have died believing in Christ will rise first.17 After that, we who are still alive will be gathered up with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And we will be with the Lord forever.18 So encourage each other with these words.” This is the trumpet that Jesus will be blowing himself to call his elect to himself, but notice how it is described as three separate things: He himself gives: 1. A loud command. 2. also in the voice of the archangel. 3. And with the trumpet call of God. A fair question to ask here is, how can he do all three simultaneously? Well what if his voice sounded like a trumpet? Is this a possibility? In Revelation 1:10 it reads: “On the Lord's day I was in the Spirit, and I heard a loud voice behind me that sounded like a trumpet”. Also in Revelation 4:1 it reads : “After the vision of these things I looked, and there before me was an open door in heaven. And the same voice that spoke to me before, that sounded like a trumpet, said, "Come up here, and I will show you what must happen after this.” Answer: Yes a voice can sound like a trumpet, especially when it is Jesus who can do anything. Paul continues in1 Thessalonians 5:1-4 by telling us Jesus is coming 'like a thief' and by the way, because he is coming 'like a thief' this is not referring to the secrecy of a thief, but the surprise of a thief. We will see in just a bit how everyone sees the Rapture event, it will be no secret at all. 1 “Now, brothers and sisters, we do not need to write you about times and dates.2 You know very well that the day the Lord comes again will be a surprise, like a thief that comes in the night.3 While people are saying, "We have peace and we are safe," they will be destroyed quickly. It is like pains that come quickly to a woman having a baby. Those people will not escape.4 But you, brothers and sisters, are not living in darkness, and so that day will not surprise you like a thief.” Again Paul like Jesus is talking about escape here. In fact a great escape. Lets also realize that escape means to not be there physically, not to be protected during. Some are escaping, some are staying. Paul in 2 Thessalonians 2:3-8, is talking about something that needs to happen before Jesus can come, specifically the taking out of the way of a restrainer of evil. Many think it could be the Holy Spirit in the lives of the ready who will be removed, because he is called 'he' and this is certainly a possibility. But it could also be a powerful angel. Many times in the bible we see angels restraining evil. “Do not let anyone fool you in any way. That day of the Lord will not come until the turning away from God happens and the Man of Evil, who is on his way to hell, appears. 4 He will be against and put himself above any so-called god or anything that people worship. And that Man of Evil will even go into God's Temple and sit there and say that he is God”. 5 “I told you when I was with you that all this would happen. Do you not remember?6 And now you know what is stopping that Man of Evil so he will appear at the right time.7 The secret power of evil is already working in the world, but there is one who is stopping that power. And he will continue to stop it until he is taken out of the way.8 Then that Man of Evil will appear, and the Lord Jesus will kill him with the breath that comes from his mouth and will destroy him with the glory of his coming”. It does not take a doctorate in theology to see that the growing apostasy in the church now has already taken root and many have already turning away from God. Also the Antichrist may already be revealed as revealed or appearing does not necessarily mean identification. Jesus appeared at his birth, but he was not revealed fully until much later in his life. Even when the Antichrist is fully identified by the fatal head wound and signs the seven year peace treaty with Israel, still people will deny who he is and he will never be identified as such in the media as he will control it. In 2 Timothy 3:1-5 Paul describes what people will be like. I think we can see this now if we are honest and looking: 1 “Remember this! In the last days there will be many troubles,2 because people will love themselves, love money, brag, and be proud. They will say evil things against others and will not obey their parents or be thankful or be the kind of people God wants.3 They will not love others, will refuse to forgive, will gossip, and will not control themselves. They will be cruel, will hate what is good,4 will turn against their friends, and will do foolish things without thinking. They will be conceited, will love pleasure instead of God,5 and will act as if they serve God but will not have his power. Stay away from those people”. Many have a form of religion, but deny the power of real religion, which is the power of the Holy Spirit in the believers life. Many in the church today believe that this power is not even needed. They tell others they have enough of it, or that it was only for the first century church. This is a dangerous belief and doctrine. We need more of his Holy Spirit as the day of the Rapture approaches, not less. Paul in Titus 2:11-13 said: “That is the way we should live, because God's grace that can save everyone has come. 12 It teaches us not to live against God nor to do the evil things the world wants to do. Instead, that grace teaches us to live in the present age in a wise and right way and in a way that shows we serve God. 13 We should live like that while we wait for our great hope and the coming of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ”. This is the blessed hope that all true Christians are to be thinking on. Not thinking on it can turn even the best of intentions, into the scoffing of this immanent event. There are many scoffers in the church now as we were told there would be right before his return. 2 Peter 3:3 then 3:8 also reads from Peter: ”First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. 4They will say, "Where is this 'coming' he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.” “But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. 9The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance”. Peter also said in 2 Peter 3:10-11: 10 “But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The skies will disappear with a loud noise. Everything in them will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be exposed. 11 In that way everything will be destroyed. So what kind of people should you be? You should live holy lives and serve God” Finally in Revelation we see all of these Rapture verses fulfilled and move toward the actual event. Revelation 1:7 reads with John the Revelator saying: “ Look, Jesus is coming with the clouds, and everyone will see him, even those who stabbed him. And all peoples of the earth will cry loudly because of him. Yes, this will happen! Amen”. Notice how John tells us everyone will see him even those who stabbed him, and where are they now? Dead and in hell unless they repented. How will they be able to see him? Supernaturally as will everyone else, as the sky is rolled back like a scroll or a curtain. The Rapture will not be a secret event at all. Then John in the seven Revelatory letters to the churches gives more insight on some who are leaving and some who are staying, to those who refuse to get holy and keep their white robes clean by constant repentance if needed, he says in Revelation 3:3: 3 “So do not forget what you have received and heard. Obey it, and change your hearts and lives. So you must wake up, or I will come like a thief, and you will not know when I will come to you.” But to those who obey he makes a promise in Revelation 3:10-11: 10 “You have obeyed my teaching about not giving up your faith. So I will keep you from the time of trouble that will come to the whole world to test those who live on earth. 11. "I am coming soon. Continue strong in your faith so no one will take away your crown”. Some will be 'kept from' the time of trouble, much like the escape wording. IE:To keep your child from going to school is to keep back physically not protected during. Finally we get to see where all these descriptions are fulfilled here at the sixth seal of Revelation, which is just about to be broken by Jesus (The lamb). This is all like kind language but even with more detail. Revelation 6:12-17: 12 “Then I watched while the Lamb opened the sixth seal, and there was a great earthquake. The sun became black like rough black cloth, and the whole moon became red like blood.13 And the stars in the sky fell to the earth like figs falling from a fig tree when the wind blows.14 The sky disappeared as a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved from its place. 15 Then the kings of the earth, the rulers, the generals, the rich people, the powerful people, the slaves, and the free people hid themselves in caves and in the rocks on the mountains.16 They called to the mountains and the rocks, "Fall on us. Hide us from the face of the One who sits on the throne and from the anger of the Lamb!17 The great day for their anger has come, and who can stand against it?" We have seen all similar wording in the previous prophecies by Jesus and others and we never see this language again after the 6th seal, because this is where it occurs. Notice how there is no talk of facing the Antichrist, battle cries, white horses, or Jesus coming to bring final judgment here as we see later on in Revelation 19, or in other Old Testament 2nd coming verses which litter the prophetic books from Isiah to Malachi. This is the start of the last great tribulation period, because Revelation 7: 9-15 proclaims it with evidence of a large crowd of people who have been removed from the earth: Revelation 7:9-15 reads: 9 “After the vision of these things I looked, and there was a great number of people, so many that no one could count them. They were from every nation, tribe, people, and language of the earth. They were all standing before the throne and before the Lamb, wearing white robes and holding palm branches in their hands.10 They were shouting in a loud voice, "Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb."11 All the angels were standing around the throne and the elders and the four living creatures. They all bowed down on their faces before the throne and worshiped God,12 saying, "Amen! Praise, glory, wisdom, thanks, honor, power, and strength belong to our God forever and ever. Amen!" 13 Then one of the elders asked me, "Who are these people dressed in white robes? Where did they come from?" 14 I answered, "You know, sir." And the elder said to me, "These are the people who have come out of the great distress. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.15 Because of this, they are before the throne of God. They worship him day and night in his temple. And the One who sits on the throne will be present with them”. So the Rapture has to occur with the sky being rolled back either right before the 6th seal is broken, or as it is broken at the same time, since Jesus comes as a thief. Then the rest of the seal is unleashed. But do not let the fact that this removal occurs at the 6th seal discourage you into thinking that all Christians have to live through some part of the last great tribulation. We have mistakenly thought that it has to occur before the 1st seal, not realizing that the first five seals have already been broken long ago by Jesus, most likely as soon as he went back to heaven. We need to remember that Revelation began back in the 1st century when John was told not to close the prophesy of Revelation. Jesus told him it was for then Johns time, and the future, so it was not all future. Daniel however, was told to close his prophesy until the time of the end. So Daniels starts after the great tribulation begins, especially the last 3 ½ years of the seven, while Revelation has already begun. Even Peter proclaimed in Acts, quoting Joel, that the last days began back in his day, so we are now living in the last of the last days. We are likely the generation that will get to see the end of all things. We are not living before the seven seals right now, but instead in the midst of the fifth and sixth, which also coincides with the lull in between Daniels 69th and 70th week. Many theologians believe we are simply waiting for the 70th week to commence which will start the last great tribulation. If you do even a quick read of the first five seals of Revelation you will discover there is nothing new in them that has not been going on for centuries and more. Also the question that the Martyrs ask Jesus in the 5th seal, show us that it has to be a past event and can't be something that starts after the Rapture occurs and great tribulation begins. It reads in Revelation 6:9: “When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God and the testimony they had maintained. 10They called out in a loud voice, "How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?" 11Then each of them was given a white robe, and they were told to wait a little longer, until the number of their fellow servants and brothers who were to be killed as they had been was completed”. This is not a question that will need to be asked after the Rapture, the 6th seal, or the start of the last great tribulation, because they would then know how long, as most Christians know, once the last great tribulation starts, it will only be approximately seven years to the physical return of Jesus to in fact avenge these deaths. But there is another huge sign among the many going on everywhere to the soon return of Jesus. It is the preparation of the last Jewish temple that will be built in Jerusalem, only to one last time be destroyed during the last great tribulation and then rebuilt one last time for the 1000 year reign of Jesus on the earth. The model has already been built, the Levites are being trained now and they are simply waiting for God to intervene with the miraculous way in which he will allow it to be built. Since the 6th seal will be so massive and destructive, it would be a perfect time for God to take out the dome of the rock in Jerusalem with one of the millions of star fragments that he will unleash on the world. Along with the world wide massive earthquake, the removal of millions of real Christians, the asteroids will cause massive worldwide loss of life, looting and rioting. But we see at the 6th seal, the people of earth know this is from God, so at least for a time, the people and governments will submit to God and the Jews, by signing the seven year peace treaty with Israel and this will officially start the last seven year countdown. Also God may take out much the military might of the world by dropping the stars on their air-forces etc. This is why we see later on in Revelation armies who must wait for the river Euphrates to dry up before they can cross. With the air forces of today, nothing of the like has to occur as they just fly to the wars they engage in.