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The Hispanic Community and Muslims can still receive this (as lightning flashes from East to West) and be motivated to vote for the Kingdom of God. TIME TO RISE! Bible prophecy “says,”….. And there were loud voices in heaven, says, “The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever,”(Rev 11:15)! As members of one body and one another, we need to work together to bring this world to become a Kingdom of our Lord and His Christ (the church). In times like this, we acquire a greater appreciation for the peace, safety, and blessings GOD provides for us each day, as we learn to be responsible for our decisions. Many believe we have been made in the image of God, as in Genesis 1:26 at the beginning of the Bible. However, GOD is still making us in His own image by conforming us to an image of His Son Jesus Christ, because He is the image of the invisible GOD. GOD exercises us through tests and trials of life to learn to discern between good and evil, to make us fit for the Kingdom of God and Heaven. The Bible says, …. believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved, and your household (Act 16:31). And what does it mean, “to be saved?” What are we saved from? How and when are we saved, and what is our destiny? These are questions that might come to mind when we think about our life and the future. We might ask ourself, will I meet GOD someday? Is there a better life, a Heaven, and will GOD accept me into His Heaven? How can I know for sure? The answers to these questions are found in the Bible. The Bible is a gift from GOD to man, so we can truly know Him, as we learn to live a righteous and blessed life by following and depending Him for our needs through life, day by day. We the people have allowed our government to put us in a challenging position. Certain elected persons do not appear to be saved and know the LORD GOD as their Father. This is revealed by their demeanor and character, as seen by what they promote and support, and by the sad state of our union because of poor leadership. When elected members of Congress put the politics of their party above their constituents and the good of our country, we see their values have become corrupt, compromised by putting a love for power and money above the people they were elected to represent. This is what can happen to a country when the people turn away from GOD, and when the things of the world (the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and pride of life) are given priority over GOD. Those who do not know GOD through Jesus Christ show their pitiful, arrogant ignorance and mock GOD by calling believers “garbage” or “deplorable.” For the good of our country, the USA and even the entire world, We do not believe the President of the United States and Commander-in-Chief should be a giddy woman who is against Christ and the Kingdom of God. By statements she has made and an unwillingness to reveal her position on pertinent issues, by her irresponsibility as a leader and instability as a “flip-flopper,” by promoting unrighteousness and unrealistic promises made, we see she is against Christ and the Kingdom of God. She shows a definite lack of wisdom and common sense that is essential to lead America in righteousness to success, and to confront shrewd world leaders who are against Christ and the Kingdom of God. This is what can happen when “we the people” are not careful with our vote, when we are passive and take our country and blessing for granted. This is what can happen when the people (out of ignorance) are deceived by news media that are not presenting the truth. Much of the media that presents news today (via television, radio, internet, etc.) is owned and influenced by those who are against America and would destroy us for personal gain. The people seem to be blind to our country being invaded by tens of millions of immigrants. They seem to be unaware or ignorant of the significance of the horrific interest that is being paid on the national debt every year, which amounts to nearly a trillion dollars! We have allowed Washington officials to use and enslave us to those who would destroy us for power and a love of money to fulfill their lusts. It looks as if America has fallen because the people have become complacent by having their needs and lusts fulfilled, and have turned away from GOD and taken HIM and HIS love, care, and blessings for granted. It’s time for the people to repent and return to GOD, and grow to know HIM as their Father. We need to turn from the evil ways of the world and sin that have become the norm. It is time to elect responsible leaders to office (to replace the ungodly that hold office) with capable members that stand for righteousness, who love the Lord God and their neighbor as their self, for the good of all. END TIMES Know that in the last days, perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of themselves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, truce-breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of Godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth (2 Timothy 3:1-7). We see this in our world today. Because of the increase in violence and unrest in the world today, many have concern about what is happening and are looking for answers. Politicians and pundits offer this thought and that idea on how to resolve our troubled world, but have been unwilling to deal with the root of the problem, the heart of the people. People try to cope with the troubled world we live in today, but give little (if any) thought to God for HIS guidance and help. This is where we are today, because many have turned away from God to pursue the lustful ways of the sinful world we live in. We can even see the United States of America in the world by prophecy from the book of Revelation in the Bible. So then, how did we get to where we are in the USA today? We might see the Johnson Amendment of 1954 as one place our current problems began. The Johnson Amendment is a provision in the U.S. tax code, since 1954, that prohibits all 501 (c) (3) non-profit organizations (including churches) from endorsing or opposing political candidates. This law can intimidate pastors from preaching truths from the Bible out of fear of losing their tax exemption for their church. Weak/new believers are more prone to yield to the sinful ways of the world when pastors and preachers do not speak out against the evil world we live in because of this law. In 1962 and 1963, (under the pretense of separation of church and state, which is a lie, because the church, being the members in Christ, are also citizens of our country who elect and govern as elected officials) the government intervened by prohibiting prayer and reading the Bible in school. The Bible shows we are on earth today to gain knowledge of good and evil as we are made in the image of God, by Jesus Christ (Who is an image of the invisible God) being formed in us. But if the government inhibits our children from learning how they can know God as their Father, then how will they learn right and wrong (other than wrong decisions and suffering) by having a relationship with God in their life, if they do not learn from their parents or school? And now, after 60 years of students missing Biblical teachings about God and life, many have turned to the ways of the world and are lost and do not know right from wrong. We see the discontent of the people by the protests and rioting we have today. People have little wisdom and many do not know right from wrong. We are not the way we should be, and have not been pleasing to God by loving the Lord and our neighbors as we can and should. The Bible says, if we love the things of the world (the lusts of the flesh, the lusts of the eye, and the pride of life,….and such) the love of the Father is not in us. This happens when we pursue and put fleshly lusts of the world and money above loving God. Decisions by the Supreme Court made it lawful to destroy God’s creation by aborting babies. The “entertainment industry” began putting out more and more R-rated and even X-rated pornography that only addicts the viewer to insatiable fleshly lusts. Congress legalized gambling, and now casinos have spread throughout the country. Gambling is a foolish waste of time and money. Marijuana (which was once illegal) was legalized by Congress for medicinal purposes and has now been accepted by many states for recreation. Marijuana can lead to being addicted to more dangerous drugs that can ruin lives and lead to death. Video games can instill an aggressive, hateful attitude and demeanor from the evil violence that some call “a game.” In addition, wasteful distractions are advertised on TV and the internet, that are a distraction from gaining knowledge and wisdom, and growing in grace to become responsible citizens, to live in peace and harmony as we love God and our neighbor and build the Kingdom of God together. We see a lack of character, wisdom, and love in many today because the real problem in America and the world is the heart of the people. We can resolve the problems we face each day by being in communion with GOD our FATHER. A whole generation of adults and their descendants do not know the purpose of life and how to live a righteous life-style, by having a personal relationship with ALMIGHTY GOD our FATHER and His Son our Lord Jesus Christ, Who love each of us and meet our needs day by day, especially those who continue to walk with His Holy Spirit. We see the pathetic outcome of our present school system and the best Washington can do is spend more money, to no avail. More money for this and more for that will not motivate students to study. However, students would have a greater motivation to study if they knew we are the offspring of God Himself and have an eternal future. If they knew that God, our Father and Creator, is with each of us and loves us, we could all find greater purpose and peace in life. If students would learn we are being made in the image of God by Jesus Christ being formed in us by His indwelling Spirit, they would know where to go for help. If students were taught to know right from wrong, to gain wisdom on how to live, we would all be better off. The problem exists because We the People that know better, have allowed it! It does little good to just sit back and point our fingers at Washington as the cause of this problem. Congress is the way it is because they were elected to office by “We the People.” Believers do not always vote to elect members to Congress who promote righteousness. We allowed our current situation by not standing up for righteousness, nor did we show disapproval of the wrongdoings of Congress, as we should have. We should do more to help others know God as their Father, to enter the Kingdom of God by His grace for our faith in the Son of God, Jesus Christ. As heirs of the Kingdom of God, we should not just sit back and watch, while others without God in their life waste our country away. How much of America is our country today, after all the waste? Why have we allowed Washington to put us into such debt? Do we the people own America today or is it being taken over by people from other countries? Regarding present needs, those who are able should do more to help those in need to fulfill the royal command, “To love our neighbor as ourselves.” The government should not put us deeper in debt by foolishly wasting our money when those God has blessed have resources to assist those in need. Our current national debt of perhaps $35 trillion brings the annual interest of perhaps, a trillion dollars! which the wealthy, or so called “elites,” and people from other countries collect from us through usury. That amount will only increase until we pay off the debt or resolve it in some manner, perhaps from Above, GOD willing. And who receives the burden of the national debt when we leave Earth? Our children and fellow citizens become slaves through ignorance, because of deception by the media, as people remain ignorant by God being kept out of schools through pretense, and by the people being passively complacent. With wise leaders and help from God, as we love our neighbor as ourselves, we can pay off the national debt to stabilize our economy, if we the people have the will to do it. For in Christ Jesus, we are all members of one family, of one body and one another, as the Holy Spirit of Christ lives in and through each of us. And if the so called “elites,” who think they are on top of the world are not willing, there are spiritual truths available to “destroy” their pride and unrighteousness; the Bible calls it, “strong meat!” WE THE PEOPLE Do “We the people” now see what can happen if we allow the government to have too much power or if we elect leaders to office who are against Christ and the Kingdom of God? And do we see how “politicians” and false media can deceive us? When we are passive or do not vote responsibly, ungodly and irresponsible leaders can be elected to office. Perverted teachers and education personnel can corrupt our children’s minds. Prohibiting prayer and the Bible from schools can lead to a godless society by children not being introduced to having God in their life. This can happen when people pursue the ways and lusts of the world, instead of loving and trusting GOD, our Father and best Friend. Our problems in America today are spiritual. One reason for this goes back to taking the Bible and prayer out of schools under the guise of separation of church and state; when in fact there is no separation of Church and State, because we the people are the Church, and we are the State as those who elect and hold government offices. The removal of the Bible and prayer from schools has led to a falling away from God. Students gain wisdom and grace to face the trials of life, as we are made in the image of God by a relationship with His Son, Jesus Christ. Laws that are against Christ and the Kingdom of God were passed to justify abortion, gambling, drugs, LGBTQ+ relationships, along with teachings that pervert K-12 school children. Government officials are spending/wasting money in ways that are not approved in our Constitution. The people need to truly believe in Jesus Christ and overcome the world by repenting of sin to become heirs of the Kingdom of God. True believers, as members of the family of God, need to stand up for Jesus Christ and righteousness to fulfill prophecy by bringing this world to be part of the Kingdom of God. We believe this happened with the fall of Rome in the 5th century AD, by prophecy from Daniel 7-9 and Revelation 11. The Bible “says,” We are saved by the grace of God for our faith, but just because we have faith does not mean we have turned from sin (unrighteousness) to be saved and justified as being righteous. There are some who have been led to believe that if they utter a “sinner’s prayer” they have been saved (and maybe they have been, only God knows our heart), even if they have not repented of sin to be born of the Spirit. Repentant believers are initially saved from condemnation by the curse for sins of the Mosaic Law by being under the grace of God for their faith, and saved from guilt and reconciled to God WITH Christ by being forgiven of sins committed. The kingdoms of this world can become the Kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ (risen-sanctified believers-Acts 20:32, 26:18, Revelation 11:5), when believers “put-off” the sins of the flesh to overcome the world (the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and pride of life) as God cleanses (purges/purifies) us of unrighteousness by Christ being formed in us to be born of the Spirit and sanctified as risen sons and heirs of the Kingdom of God IN Christ Jesus (from Revelation 21:7 and 1 John 2:16). Consider these verses: “the righteous live by faith” (from Romans 1:17); And who are the righteous? “Those who practice righteousness are righteous,” even as He is righteous (1 John 3:7), because they are born of God. Jesus said, we need to be born again (from John 3:7); those who practice righteousness are born of God (1 John 2:29). The unrighteous (those who practice unrighteousness = non-repentant “prodigal believers” and unbelievers) are not of God and shall not inherit the Kingdom of God (from 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, Galatians 5:19-21, 1 John 3:10). My sheep (those who practice righteousness at His right hand) hear My voice, and I know them…. (from John 10:27). However, workers of iniquity, I never knew you (from Matthew 7:23). …..Jesus says to him, “YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.” This is the first and great commandment (Matthew 22:36-38). Do not love the world or things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him (1 Jn 2:15). This passage reveals what we believe happened in America; the reason America has been on a path of destruction. Romans 1:18-32 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, (19) because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. (20) For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, (21) because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. (22) Professing to be wise, they became fools, (23) and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things. (24) Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, (25) who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. (26) For this reason, God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. (27) Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due. (28) And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; (29) being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, (30) backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, (31) undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; (32) who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them. Those who condone LGBTQ+ relationships shall not inherit the Kingdom of God. This is because we are being made in the image of Jesus Christ (Who is the same, yesterday, today, and forever), Who followed the righteousness of the Mosaic Law that reads: You shall not lie with a male as with a woman. It is an abomination (Leviticus 18:22). Because “having sex” with the same gender is contrary to the Mosaic Law, we are not living as He lived to be made in the image of God by Jesus Christ being formed in us to become a son and heir of God (Revelation 21:7). Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did (1 John 2:6). I did not come to destroy the Law, but to fulfill (Matt. 5:17). God fulfills the Law as it is written in our heart/mind by our being made in the image of Jesus Christ as we follow His Holy Spirit. Judgments made by the courts and laws passed by the U.S. government regarding LGBTQ+ relationships violate our Freedom of Religion in the First Amendment of the US Constitution by condemning Christians for not approving of and/or serving those who practice LGBTQ+ relationships. Christians that condone homosexual relationships (LGBTQ+) compromise their walk with the Lord in being conformed to the image of Jesus Christ to become an heir of God. We warn LGBTQ+ individuals of the error of their way, not out of spite, but out of love, so they might be saved. To love our neighbor as ourself does not mean we are to condone unrighteousness. Even though Christians are not under the authority of the Mosaic Law, to condone homosexual relationships is contrary to Jesus Christ (whose image we are being made into) because He came to fulfill the Mosaic Law that says it is an abomination for a man to lie with a man as with a woman. The Law should not force us to condone or appease a lifestyle that is contrary to God and our being made in His image by Christ being formed in us to be an heir of God. (Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof;) With love and thanksgiving to GOD our Father, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,………..may GOD bless

HEIRS OF GOD Jesus Christ is the image of the invisible GOD (Colossians 1:15). We are being made in the image of GOD (Genesis 1:26, Romans 8:29) as we are conformed to the image of Jesus Christ (Galatians 4:19) to become heirs of GOD in the Kingdom of GOD (Revelation 21:7) . We are to "walk" (live) even as He (Jesus) walked (1 John 1:6, 2:6). He was without sin (transgression of the Law) in order to fulfill the Law which says it is an abomination for a man to lay with a man as with a woman (Leviticus 20:13). How can we be made in the image of GOD (likeness of Jesus Christ) by Jesus Christ being formed in us if we practice a lifestyle that is contrary to Jesus Christ and the righteousness of GOD seen in the Mosaic Law? The Kingdom of GOD is a Kingdom of Righteousness, and that is the reason why the unrighteous (those who practice unrighteousness by living after the ways of the world and the sins of the flesh) SHALL NOT inherit the Kingdom of GOD – 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, Galatians 5:19-21, Romans 1:18:32). Having our past sins forgiven does not make us righteous (someone who practices righteousness). We need to overcome the sinful ways of the world (lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, pride of life – 1 John 2:5-16) by Christ being formed in us to become heirs of GOD in the Kingdom of GOD (Revelation 21:7). Take care, and may GOD bless,…….. The Lord is………. not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; (Philippians 1:6)

The following is our understanding of what this passage means, along with some additional thoughts on prophecy. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 (13) But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. The Apostle Paul is informing the church at Thessalonica about loved ones that had passed away (“fallen asleep”) before them, to give them hope so they would not grieve. (14) For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him<those> who sleep in Jesus. The Apostle Paul explained that GOD would bring <those> who sleep in Jesus with Him when He returns. (15) For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. The church is reassured that when the Lord returns, those who are alive and remain will not ascend (be caught-up) to be with the Lord before those who are “fallen asleep”. (16) For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Here is what happened/happens. By a shout with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of GOD, Christ will descend from Heaven (with <those> who slept in Jesus He brings with Him), and the “dead in Christ” rise first (are born again). The “dead in Christ” are believers who have not repented and been forgiven of all trespasses to be born again and pass from death unto life by being made alive together with the Spirit of Christ. There are several reasons why they might not have been forgiven and born again. These might include: not being forgiven because of not repenting of the worldly lusts of the flesh and practicing unrighteousness (as a prodigal), for not being justified by the grace of GOD for their faith because of trying to be self-righteous or by following Law-like doctrine, for trusting in standards, traditions, or sacraments of the church for salvation rather than Christ alone, for trusting in the institution of a particular church denomination for salvation, or for not loving the brethren, as we were given command. When a believer is truly born again, we do not have to merely believe we have been saved, we can know it. (17) Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with <them> in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. After the “dead in Christ” repent to be made alive in Christ, THEN, we who are alive in Christ and remain will be caught up together with <them> in the clouds (GOD brings with Him) to meet the Lord in the air. And we shall always be with the Lord. (18) Therefore comfort one another with these words. Rising from being dead in trespasses and sins by being born again in Christ, preceeds our ascension by being caught-up together in the clouds with <them GOD brings with Him> to meet the Lord in the air. These verses show that even though we are physically alive, we can be separated from GOD by our sins, or spiritually dead in our sins. "And to the angel of the church in Sardis write, 'These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: "I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead (Revelation 3:1). My son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' And they began to be merry (Luke 15:24). The prodigal was a son of his father, but lost in the ways of the world and sin, he was as dead to his father; even as someone with Christ in them can be as dead by being out of fellowship with GOD because of sin in their life, or for not being forgiven by the grace of GOD for their faith in the name of Jesus Christ. And many of the peoples and tribes and tongues and nations will see their dead bodies three days and a half, and they will not allow their dead bodies to be put in tombs (Revelation 11:9). This prophecy is on the two witnesses (good and wild olive trees) born again Israelite and Gentile believers that were spiritually killed by legalistic church doctrine that came about 434 years (62 weeks) after the coming of Christ for the purpose of containing the overspreading of abominations (Daniel 9:27), until about 1260 years later, when those dead in their trespasses and sins (“dead in Christ”) began to rise again by the grace of GOD for their faith. This is similar to the people being under the authority of the Mosaic Law, that was added 430 after the covenant of faith between GOD and Abraham because of the transgression of the people (Galatians 3:17-19), until Jesus Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law and fulfilled the Law by becoming a final sacrifice to atone for our sins once for all. We are… well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:8). When we “put off our earthly house”, we are absent from the body and present with the Lord. For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed; we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens (2 Corinthians 5:1). ……..and the dead in Christ shall rise first. We live in an earthen body while we dwell on earth. The earth is our body, but our body is not us. We dwell in GOD the Father, Who makes us in His own likeness by conforming us to the image of Jesus Christ to become a son of GOD and heir of the Kingdom of GOD. GOD is our Father and we are His offspring; He is the Vinedresser that brings forth the fruit of the Spirit; He is the Refiner that purges us of our impurities to make us holy; and He is the Potter who shapes us into His own image as Christ is formed in us. Our earthen body does not rise from the grave. We have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. Ask yourself, if it is our earthen body that is raised, then what about a decomposed body that has dispersed and become part of a field that food is grown from that becomes the body of whoever or whatever eats food from that field; or the dust of a decomposed body that is carried away by the wind; or the earth from a decomposed body that is washed down a river and into the ocean, to be carried away by the current to wherever. Our earthen body is continually being recycled and changing, when we bathe, as our hair and nails are cut, as our body is nourished, as our body degenerates with age. We are a living soul that dwells within an earthen body. The soul is as dead by being our of fellowship with GOD because of sin, until we are reconciled to GOD and born again by being made alive together with the Spirit of Christ (Who is one with GOD our Father) when we are forgiven of all trespases. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?"(John 11:26). Believers that are born of GOD never die. We have Eternal Life by the Holy Spirit of GOD in Christ being the life within us. I give them Eternal Life, and they shall never perish; (John 10:28a). As Jesus prayed to the Father in John 17, because the Holy Spirit of GOD the Father (Who is Eternal Life) is in the Son (Jesus Christ), we are born again and have Eternal Life by being joined together with the Spirit of Christ when we are forgiven of all trespasses by repenting and confessing our sins. …….but has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, (2 Timothy 1:10). Because Christ tasted death for every man and was raised from the dead, He is alive forevermore, so that we are effectually joined together with Him into His death and raised incorruptible (born again) by being joined together with His Spirit when we are forgiven by repenting and confessing our sins, and death is thereby abolished. With love in Christ,.......

THE “DEAD IN CHRIST” SHALL RISE FIRST For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first (1 Thessalonians 4:16). THEN we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord (1 Thessalonians 4:17). The “dead in Christ” rise first, then we are “caught-up”. Who are the “dead in Christ” that rise first? This Greek word for “dead” can mean physically dead (deceased), or spiritually dead, as the prodigal son was “dead” until he repented and returned to his father. We see both connotations being used in the following. "Follow Me, and let the dead bury their own dead” (Matthew 8:22). By the next verse we see that even though believers are physically alive, we can be spiritually dead. "I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead (Revelation 3:1). We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death (1 John 3:14). Believers pass from death unto life by being made alive together with Christ when forgiven of all trespasses by repenting and confessing their sins. We who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:16). But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: (John 1:12). Receiving the Spirit of Christ gives us the right to be born of GOD as a child of GOD. …when we were dead in trespasses, (GOD) made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), (Ephesians 2:5). We are justified and saved by being made alive together with the Spirit of Christ. And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, (Colossians 2:13). We are justified and saved by being made alive together with Christ when we are forgiven of all trespasses by repenting and confessing our sins. It shall come to pass that whoever calls on the name of the lord shall be saved (acts 2:21). The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9) Jesus answered, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God (John 3:5). Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God. In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother (1 John 3:9-10). And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment (1 John 3:23). You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only (James 2:24). For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also (James 2: 26). Then the King will say to those on His right hand, 'Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.' (Matthew 25:34-36). Judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment. What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, "Depart in peace, be warmed and filled," but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead (James 2:13-17). If you know He is righteous, you know that everyone who practices righteousness is born of Him (1 John 2:29) …..and the dead in Christ will rise first (1 Thessalonians 4:16b). Buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead (Colossians 2:12). Is this baptism of the Spirit or water baptism in the name of Jesus Christ? For when they rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven (Mark 2:25). They neither marry nor are given in marriage. Is this a mate without wedlock or celibacy? What to you believe this means and why? Are we living as under the Law if we believe marriage by wedlock is a prerequisite to a relationship? Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God (Romans 3:19). If anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins (James 5:19-20).

WHEN IS A BELIEVER SAVED? You ask how we can know we are saved. Our theology does not save us. In fact our theology can hinder our spiritual growth to being born again and saved, and even lead us to complacency in believing we have been saved, even though we continue to follow the sinful ways of the world and practice unrighteousness. We can know we have been saved by the Spirit that resides within us and our spiritual walk. We can ask our self if we have overcome the world (the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life) to live in the Kingdom of GOD, or if we are a believer that has not truly turned from the world and sin to practice righteousness and be born again as a child of GOD by being made alive together with the Spirit of Christ within us. We can examine our heart to see if we have “come to repentance” by repenting of the ways of the flesh. Do we choose to tolerate profanity or toy with pornography? Do we find vile sit-coms, vulgar movies, or gross “music” entertaining? Do we gamble, get drunk on alcohol, or get high on drugs? Is there anyone we have not forgiven or hold animosity toward? Do we live to accumulate wealth and possessions to entertain our self or do we use our resources to meet our needs and bless other members in Christ in the Spirit of love? Do we live to please GOD in the Spirit of love with Christ as the center of our life, or do we live to please our self? When a believer is born of GOD and saved, we do not merely need to believe we have been saved by our interpretation of scripture, but through repentance, meditation and prayer, we can undoubtedly know we have been saved as the Holy Spirit of GOD and Christ within us reveals Himself to us. In trying to communicate a clear and accurate understanding of scripture, there are three scenarios to consider. (1) The household of Israel was holy by having Christ in them as a descendant of the Patriarch Jacob. For if the first fruit is holy, the lump is also holy; and if the root is holy, so are the branches (Romans 11:16). Under the authority of the Mosaic Law, those who followed the Mosaic Law were spiritually “dead” in their sins by transgressing the Law. Those who were called to salvation that believed in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins and repented were forgiven of past sins by being baptized with water in the name of Jesus Christ. When they “came to repentance” by turning from sin to be doers of righteousness, they were born again as a child of GOD, either by being made alive together with the Spirit of Christ within them (As many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: (John 1:12), or by being baptized with the Spirit of Christ. For as the Father raises the dead and gives life to them, even so the Son gives life to whom He will (John 5:21). This is when they were justified righteous and passed from death unto life (born again) by being made alive together with the Spirit of GOD in Christ within them. They continued to grow in grace and wisdom as Christ was formed in them to be changed and put on perfection and immortality when sanctified wholly (completely) by being anointed with the Holy Spirit of GOD to be a son of GOD and heir of the Kingdom of GOD, with their name secured in the book of life to go out no more. (2) The above holds true today for children that are born holy after being anointed with the Spirit of Christ at conception by either parent having Christ within them. For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband; otherwise your children would be unclean, but now they are holy (1 Corinthians 7:14). These believers are not baptized into Jesus Christ by being baptized with the Spirit of Christ, because we already are in Christ by receiving the Spirit of Christ at conception, just as the descendants of Adam were in Adam from the time they were conceived. (3) “Gentiles” were without hope by being without Christ in the world. Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh—who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands—that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world (Ephesians 2:11-12). Those elected to salvation were called to repentance through conviction of sin. Repentant believers were forgiven of past sins by being baptized with water in the name of Jesus Christ, and made alive with Christ by receiving the Spirit of adoption for repentance when they were forgiven of all trespasses by repenting and confessing their sins. They were spiritually “circumcised” of their fleshly ways by the workings of the Spirit in their life so they might be born of the Spirit and saved as a child of GOD. When they “came to repentance” by turning from the world and sin and became doers of righteousness through love, they were born of the Spirit and saved as a child of GOD, justified and righteous by being baptized into Jesus Christ and His death and raised up together (born of the Spirit of GOD) by being baptized with the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Christ (Romans 6:3-7). They continued to grow in grace and wisdom as they were conformed to the likeness of Jesus Christ to be adopted into the Holy nation of Israel as a saint, a son of GOD and heir of GOD in the Kingdom of GOD with their name secured in the book of life to go out no more. They were changed by putting on perfection and immortality when sanctified wholly (completely) by being anointed with the Holy Spirit of GOD. They were called With Christ,......then Justified Righteous In Christ,..........and then Glorified Holy Of Christ by being Christ-like. The two verses that follow show the stages of progression in a similar way with somewhat different words. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified (Romans 8:30); and, He who is unjust, let him be unjust still; he who is filthy, let him be filthy still; he who is righteous, let him be righteous still; he who is holy, let him be holy still"(Revelation 22:11). =============================================================================== If we want to know when we are saved,……we might ask ourself, what does it mean to be “saved”? (1) We are saved from guilt and condemnation by being forgiven of past sins/trespasses/transgressions. Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38). (2) Those who converted from following the Mosaic Law to live by faith in the name of Jesus Christ were saved by being redeemed from the curse and condemnation for sin under the Mosaic Law by the grace of GOD for their faith in the name of Christ. Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, "CURSED IS EVERYONE WHO HANGS ON A TREE"), (Galatians 3:13). Even though we are "dead to the Law", we can live as if we are yet under the Law by following the Law or other law-like (“legalistic”) doctrine, rather than live by the grace of GOD for our faith in the name of Jesus Christ. Therefore, my brethren, you also have become dead to the law through the body of Christ, that you may be married to another—to Him who was raised from the dead, that we should bear fruit to God (Romans 7:4). (3) The following is probably the answer we are looking for in respect to knowing when we are saved. In the first century, an Israelite having Christ in them as descendant of Jacob that believed in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins and practiced righteousness was saved by being made alive together with the Spirit of Christ when forgiven of all trespasses by being baptized with water in the name of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 3:21). An Israelite that had Christ in them as a descendant of Jacob that was spiritually “dead” by practicing unrighteousness who believed and repented was forgiven of past sins by being baptized with water in the name of Jesus Christ, but they were not born again and saved as a child of GOD by being made alive together with the Spirit of Christ when they “came to repentance” by turning from the world and sin to practice righteousness and love the brethren. A child born holy by receiving the Spirit of Christ at conception from either parent having Christ within them that practices righteousness and loves the brethren is saved and sealed by the Holy Spirit as a child of GOD when forgiven of all trespasses by repenting and trusting in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins. A child born holy by receiving the Spirit of Christ at conception that is spiritually “dead” for practicing unrighteousness is not born again as a child of GOD by being made alive together with the Spirit of Christ until they are forgiven of all trespasses by confessing their sins and turning from the ways of the world and sin to practice righteousness and love the brethren. A “Gentile”being without Christ, was born of the Spirit and justified righteous by being baptized into Jesus Christ and His death and raised incorruptible (born of the Spirit) by being baptized with the Spirit of Christ (not water) when they came to repentance by turning from the world and sin to practice righteousness and love the brethren. In the early church, a believer was made alive with Christ and saved by receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost when forgiven of all trespasses by repenting and confessing their sins. Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost (Acts 2:38). When we were dead in trespasses, (GOD) made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, (Ephesians 2:5-6). Children born holy by receiving the Spirit of Christ at conception who lived by faith in Jesus Christ and practiced righteousness were born of GOD as children of GOD. If you know He is righteous, you know that everyone who practices righteousness is born of Him (1 John 2:29). In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother (1 John 3:10). We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death (1 John 3:14). We know that whoever is born of God does not sin; but he who has been born of God keeps himself, and the wicked one does not touch him (1 John 5:18). (4) We are saved from sin by overcoming the world (the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life) as GOD cleanses or purifies us of sin by Christ being formed in us to be a holy son of GOD when sanctified completely by being anointed with the Holy Spirit of GOD, to “put on” immortality (perfection). Buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, (Colossians 2:12-13). For by one offering he has perfected for ever them that are sanctified (Hebrews 10:14). And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Thessalonians 5:23). He that overcomes, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels (Revelation 3:5). He that overcomes shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son (Revelation 21:7). Children of GOD become sons of GOD; the outer court becomes the temple; brethren in Christ become saints. May GOD bless with love in Christ,.........

SALVATION IN AMERICA Many Americans were taught that if we confess we are a sinner and trust in the name of Jesus Christ to be forgiven of sins, then we have been saved, and that’s salvation. Yes, that's how our conscience is delivered from guilt and condemnation by being forgiven of sins committed, but that does not necessarily mean we have turned from the world and sin to "come to repentance" by confessing our sins to practice righteousness by loving our neighbor to be born again as a child of GOD when we pass from death unto life. And even after we are born again as a child of GOD, we overcome the world (the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life -1 John 2:16) as we are conformed to the image of Jesus Christ to become a son of GOD and heir of the Kingdom of GOD with our name secured in the book of life to go out no more. And if we walk with the Spirit and love one another, we can be confident for the Bible reassures us that we will overcome the world to become an heir of the Kingdom of GOD: For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God (1 John 5:4-5)? The process by which we are *cleansed* of unrighteousness to become and heir of the Kingdom of GOD is called our sanctification, and is ongoing as we continue to repent by turning from the ways of the world and confessing our sins. We do the confessing and GOD does the cleansing. This is what the Apostle Paul meant when he said, “work out” your own salvation (Philippians 2:12). GOD helps us to grow in grace and wisdom as we overcome, or gain the victory over sin so it does not destroy or ruin our life. In addition, the attributes of Christ (“fruit” of the Spirit) are formed in us as we continue to follow the Spirit of Christ, and not live after the flesh. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Galatians 5:22-23a). Our spiritual growth can take time, and we truly can develop a personal relationship with GOD, but we need to learn to listen to "hear" His voice and discern His will for our life. The more time we spend with GOD the Father through Jesus Christ, the more He will make Himself known to us. When GOD sees we really want to know Him as our Father and be saved from sin, He will begin to do marvelous things in our life. But this is something each of us needs to find out for their self. If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land (2 Chronicles 7:14). When the people of America truly turn to GOD and repent of the wicked ways of the world (which includes covetousness), He will renew our country again. Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God (1 John 4:7). We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death (1 John 3:14). ………and the “dead” in Christ shall rise first (1 Thessalonians 4:16b), <THEN>> we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:16b-17a). The "dead" in Christ rise <<FIRST>>. May GOD bless,......

GOD IS NOT "SILENT", HE IS WAITING RESURRECTION IN CHRIST PRECEDES ASCENSION (“RAPTURE”) The Lord Himself shall descend from Heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of GOD. And the “dead” in Christ shall rise first (1 Thessalonians 4:16). Who are the “dead in Christ” that rise first? When we study this verse, we should understand that this Koine Greek word translated to mean “dead” can mean either “physically dead” (deceased as a corpse), or it can mean “spiritually dead” as “dead” in trespasses and sins. The following verse exemplifies both connotations of this word for “dead” being used. "Follow Me, and let the dead bury their own dead" (Matthew 8:22). This shows both connotations of this same Greek word for “dead”. The “dead” (deceased) cannot bury their own “dead” (deceased), but those who are physically alive but “spiritually dead” in trespasses and sins can bury the “dead” (deceased). This shows us that the word “dead”, as in “the dead in Christ shall rise first”, can refer to those who are physically alive on earth, but spiritually “dead” because of sin in their life. Those who receive the Spirit of Christ from either parent having Christ within them have the right to become a child of GOD by the Spirit of Christ within them. Those not separated from GOD by sin that repent and believe in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins are sealed by the Spirit as a child of GOD and remain alive in Christ as they continue to walk with the Spirit. They grow to overcome the world and sin as they are made in the image of Jesus Christ to become a son of GOD and heir of the Kingdom of GOD. Those having the Spirit of Christ within them that become spiritually dead in trespasses and sins ("dead in Christ") by lusting after the ways of the world and sin (as a “prodigal”) before trusting in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, are saved and pass from death unto life by being made alive together with the Spirit of Christ (“born again”) when forgiven of all trespasses by repenting and confessing their sins as they trust in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins. They are purged of their sin (unrighteousness) as they are conformed to the image of Jesus Christ to become a son of GOD and heir of the Kingdom of GOD. The “dead in Christ” rising first can be seen as believers “in Christ” during the time of the reformation that were spiritually “dead” in sins. This was because by following the Law-like doctrine of the Roman Catholic Church that was established for the purpose of containing the overspreading of abominations, they were not living by faith to be forgiven of sins by the grace of GOD for their faith. These believers were saved and born again when forgiven by the grace of GOD for their faith by repenting and confessing their sins, and trusting in the name of Jesus Christ, rather than depend upon the priesthood and institution of the Romans Catholic church for salvation. This connotation aligns with Bible prophecy from the books of Daniel and Revelation. The rising of the “dead in Christ” can also be seen as those “in Christ” who are out of fellowship with God (as “dead in sins”, perhaps by following the sinful ways of the world) being born again and passing from death unto life by being made alive together with Christ when forgiven of all trespasses by repenting and trusting in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins. This connotation applies to many believers in America today. Prophecy says the “dead in Christ” shall rise first before we are caught-up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air (“rapture”). This is why we should all work together with the Spirit of Christ to bring the “dead in Christ” to rise first, so we might all be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air (“rapture”). Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting (Psalm 139: 23-24). . If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone who practices righteousness is born of Him. (1 John 2:29) Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God. (1 John 3:9) Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. (1 John 4:7) We know that whoever is born of God does not sin; but he who has been born of God keeps himself, and the wicked one does not touch him. (1 John 5:18) Now he who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. And by this we know that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us. (1 John 3:24) And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment. (1 John 3:23) We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death. (1 John 3:14) ….. "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." (John 3:3) For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first (1 Thessalonians 4:16). Jesus Christ arose from the dead first before He ascended, so also, believers rise to life by being born of GOD in the resurrection with Christ first before ascending by being caught up together with them in the clouds (that were “asleep” who GOD brings with Him – v. 14) to meet the Lord in the air. May GOD bless,…….