A MYSTERY : Rapture / Parable of the Ten Virgins

[rollinTHUNDER]

I do believe in the rapture. Or the taking away. Only it is not prior to the revelation of the man of perdition. Also it is not prior to the mark of the beast. If it were, we would not be warned to stay away from it.We also are not anymore special than any of the other Saints. They all suffered tribulation. The first the disciples suffered unspeakable deaths and tribulation. They were much mightier than us and did wonderful things in the name of our Savior.

Dr. Luke, I love you bro, but you need to be careful. It appears you are waiting on the wrong person. It is dangerous to wait on the revealing of the man of lawlessness. It is also dangerous to look for the mark of the beast. This warning is for the five foolish virgins, or those left behind, while those that were ready escaped,(Luke 21:36).

I never said that the bride would be more special than the other saints, for they shall be as one. I said that the bride of Christ will be more special the the bride of the first Adam, for she was disobedient and flesh. Christ' bride will be obedient and spiritual. Not even close here. I hope you go go back and re-read all the warnings that I have quoted, because you are dangerously discounting them. Also, read the article that I put up from Ray Brubaker. I was shocked to see that he used almost all the same verses that I did, not counting the one the Lord gave me to use in my dream. Be careful Doc, these are perilous times!!!

[rollinTHUNDER]

In closing I see the virgins as a metaphor for the Lukewarm Christians. They had not the true spiritual oil. Their lights did not shine. The mere fact that they thought they could buy some indicates a lack of spiritual understanding.

Finally I have come to the end. Shew!! This one will rap it up. I hope you don't take such a big bite next time, it's hard for me to swallow it all.

[Matthitjah]

Rollin,

Dr. Luke, I love you bro, but you need to be careful. It appears you are waiting on the wrong person. It is dangerous to wait on the revealing of the man of lawlessness. It is also dangerous to look for the mark of the beast. This warning is for the five foolish virgins, or those left behind, while those that were ready escaped,(Luke 21:36).

I wait not for the man of perdition nor the mark of the beast. These are but signs to us.

I wait on my savior Jesus Christ.Now if I am a good and faithful servant I will know the signs of the times. I also do not wait on a sign (before I get accused of that).

I think you do err on your interpretation of the virgins. They are like the guests. They are Virgin because they do not follow after false doctrine or worldly things or other Gods.If the body of believers are the Bride? If the body of believers is not perfect? (As I am Not)Howbeit that some of the believers are left behind? Even if their lights didn't shine in preparation they still have grace. Yet if they truly didn't believe and were not chaste. They would not be let in. This passage is Allegorical. Saying to you and me if you are not chaste and have not the Spirit you will not be let into the wedding. There are many supposed Virgins in Churchs throughout the USA. Even the leaders of said churchs. Yet when the lights go out they harm little children thinking G-d doesn't see them.

You lost me here Doc.  

He tells the five foolish virgins, "I know you not" (present tense), which more than likely means at that moment (rapture). Another interesting point to back this up is the (first three words) of this chapter.

Matt. 25: 1 - "At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like..............". It is also very interesting to note that this is the only Parable that starts off with the words (At that time).

If he tells them present tense. I know you not. He then doesn't let them in the Wedding. Correct. If he called the supposed Bride up to marry her and those foolish virgins in the present tense don't marry him? Howbeit they enter into heaven?

Also The At that time reference is in context to what he just got thru saying in Matthew 24 about the coming of the end. He's saying after all this (Matthew 24) Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened to......

I would say again no Saint is better than any other. We all fall short. Why then would some be purposed to Tribulation and some not? Your preparation makes you not more special or righteous than any one elses. All our works are filthy rags before G-d. Otherwise why have Grace?

I have said we agree to disagree. If your Faith is strong it will not matter. It's a matter of Eschaetology. We are all believers.

Now this though Dr. Luke,

This is still over 1000 years away, as this will happen after the millennial reign of Christ. We are really going full speed ahead with this one, aren't we??

Remember I'm a post tribber. First Christ (the first fruits of the dead), then we who are alive at his coming. Then cometh the end. After he has put down all enemies the last being death and hell.

I hope you go go back and re-read all the warnings that I have quoted, because you are dangerously discounting them.

Judge me not. Give Ray Brubaker what is his. Give G-d  what belongs to G-d.

Even so I Love you Brother. I don't disdain what you say because it comes from you. I disagree because it is not supported by Scripture. I don't have the mind of G-d only his Word and my faith.

I agree to disagree.We will not change each others mind . This we will have to wait on G-d to settle.

Peace be with you.

Peace :inlove: Amen

[rollinTHUNDER]

Dr. Luke,

I'll not respond to another extremely long post like that again, but I can see where you have misunderstood me. And we should just agree to disagree. I have no problem with that at all bro. I hope I didn't offend you in any way. We just don't see eye to eye on this, but I still love you just the same, and hopefully you will be one who is ready when it is all said and done. Cheers !!

[rollinTHUNDER]

Who Will Go When The Lord Comes?

By Ray Brubaker

The CALGARY PRESS reported that the show depicting the second coming of Christ, complete with worldwide catastrophes, resulted in hundreds of calls from frightened TV viewers.

The program was portrayed as originating from a New York television station's newsroom and reported such catastrophes as earthquakes, tidal waves and many other similar disasters.

Well, some day the return of our Lord will be a reality. It would almost be better never to have been born than to miss the event. Yet, if we understand the Scriptures correctly, there will be many who looked for our Lord's coming who will miss the event we call the "rapture."

As Basil Mowell writes: "Some believe that all who profess to be Christians will be taken. But our Lord's parable of the wise and foolish virgins who all went out to meet the bridegroom contradicts such an opinion." (PROPHETIC WITNESS)

A booklet entitled, MILLIONS MISSING, relates what many believe will happen. We're told: "The sudden removal of millions from the earth will bring about a mysterious world crisis; confusion, chaos, and panic such as this world has never known will engulf the whole earth! Scores of driverless cars will rush pell-mell down the highways piling up in horrible wrecks. Big trucks carrying tens of thousands of gallons of explosive gasoline and chemicals will wreck and cause fires and explosions that cannot be described in words. Buses and trains loaded with passengers will pile up--wrecked. Many giant airliners will plunge to the ground when the born-again pilots are removed from the controls! Death, misery, and confusion will be everywhere ! '

Our Lord declared concerning His coming: "The days will come, when ye shall desire to see one of the days of the Son of man, and ye shall not see it." (Luke 17:22)

Could it be that many who expect to be raptured will miss it? What saith the Scriptures?

The Apostle Paul speaks of our Lord's return in two aspects--His appearing and His kingdom. In 2 Tim. 4:1, we're reminded that when the Lord comes He will "judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom." That is, our Lord is seen coming for His own who are ready in an event we call the "rapture" when He "appears" and quickly snatches away His own. This is when many expect all manner of catastrophes to happen as the saints are caught away to be with the Lord. Then upon this earth comes great tribulation, the wrath of God upon the sinner, after which our Lord is seen returning to this earth to establish His kingdom.

All we can say is, don't miss the day when Christ appears! It will be hell on earth to be left behind to go through that awful tribulation that is coming. On television, the story of Charles Manson was shown, called "Helter Skelter." Many Christians protested the showing of the film because Charles called himself "Jesus Christ" and led his hippie followers to enact cruel, bloody murders such as the killing of Hollywood actress, Sharon Tate, who was pregnant at the time. When asked what the word "Helter Skelter" meant, Manson related there is coming a time when the whole world will be at war with unrestrained violence, bloodshed, and mass killings such as they were doing.

Indeed, the Bible does forecast such a day when the restraining influence of the Holy Spirit will be lifted. If the thought were to occur in an evil man's mind to kill, he will kill. If he sees a woman coming down the street and the thought of rape comes into his mind, he will rape her there on the street.

As Dr. William F. Beirnes points out: "In this dispensation of the Holy Ghost, the devil is restrained or hindered in fulfilling all of his intentions against the Church and against individuals." However, he notes: "In the Tribulation, after the rapture of the Bride of Christ, that restraint of the Holy Spirit is to be lifted, or 'taken away.'"

Can you begin to imagine what it will be like? As Dr. Beirnes suggests: "Sin, violence, and bloodshed would be so rampant that it would soon exceed that of the Antediluvian world which God had to destroy."

And yet, the evidence is, my friends, that many who anticipated the rapture will be left behind to go through this awful period. That is why it is so very important to wake up to the realization that possibly instead of "millions missing" when Jesus comes, there will be "millions left behind" when He returns.

Think with me for a moment how it was when Jesus came the first time. All of the religious leaders had believed in the coming of the Messiah but when Jesus came it was altogether different than what they had planned. They expected our Lord to come as a king when He came as a lowly babe in a manger. Although the Bible was filled with prophecies concerning His coming, they missed the true meaning of these prophecies and crucified the Christ they were expecting.

So we can't help but wonder if our Lord's second coming will not be similar to His first coming with many missing the event. Jesus testified, saying there would be those who desire to see one of the days of the Son of man, and shall not see it.

Take the parable of the Ten Virgins. All looked for the coming of the bridegroom but only half were ready when he actually came.

Perhaps you wonder what happened to the "foolish virgins." Did they not miss the marriage?

In a related passage, our Lord warns: "Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; and ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately." (See Luke 12:35-40) Most people don't know this passage is in the Bible but it indicates the possibility of some who will miss the wedding who are told to be ready for our Lord when He returns from the wedding.

Oh, beloved, how important to be living for Christ so that when He comes, we will be ready!

Our Lord goes on to warn: "And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through. Be ye therefore ready also; for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not." (Luke 12:39-49)

We close nearly every broadcast with this warning: "Be ye therefore ready." We hope and pray that our audience will heed this message because we know what the Scripture says about the "house being broken through" with some who are ready, and others who will be left behind.

Now, should anyone doubt that a believer would be left behind with unbelievers, just continue reading in this same chapter where Jesus speaks of the servant who says in his heart, "My lord delayeth his coming," and who begins to live carelessly.

What happens to such an one? Listen. We read, "The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder (cut him off), and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers. '

I realize many will write to say we're teaching a partial rapture, or that we're preaching works for salvation, when all we are doing is to present the true picture of what it will be like when Jesus comes. How sad for vast multitudes who will be left behind at the rapture to go through the tribulation!

In Rev. 7:9, we read of a "great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues...clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands."

We readily recognize these people as being believers, for the "white robes" speak of the righteousness bestowed when we place faith in the shed blood of Jesus Christ for our sins.

However, the question is asked: "What are these which are strayed in white robes? and whence came they?"

The answer is heard, "Sir, thou knowest...These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb."

Did you notice, concerning this great multitude which came out of great tribulation, it is said that they "washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb."

Is it not apparent that at the coming of the Lord their robes were defiled? And in the midst of persecution, suffering and martyrdom, they repented of their defilement.

Concerning the church in Sardis, we read of a "few" that "have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy." (Rev. 3:4)

What would the Lord say if He were to check our robes? What if He were to look at our churches? Would He find a "few" who have not defiled their garments?

As D. M. Panton observes: "These 'few' walking in sanctity, cannot be the only regenerate souls in Sardis; for the Lord accepts the whole church as an 'ecclesia.' However, in all of the Seven Churches of Revelation there are the select 'few' to be rewarded as 'overcomers'."

As Panton sees it: "The Holy Son of God cannot present unto Himself a trifling, indifferent, unsanctified body of nominal church members. His church must be made like unto Himself, the fairest and noblest expression of redeemed humanity that only His sufferings and death could ever produce."

Says Panton: "Our Lord's outburst from heaven to catch His bride away is either a comforting opiate for disobedient disciples, or else it is one of the most rousing of all truths-- it cannot be both!"

Too long we have assumed that our readiness for rapture depends solely upon our being saved. But if this were true, then why all of the admonitions and warnings to believers to be ready for our Lord's return?

Again, to be left behind when Jesus comes wouldn't necessarily mean that we are lost, but rather that we must go through the purging fires of the tribulation, from which we would be expected to come through purified.

Peter speaks of the manifold testings believers were going through in his day, declaring: "That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ." (I Pet. 1:7)

Even Herman, believed to be an associate of the Apostle Paul, wrote of the trials of the early church as "a type of the great tribulation that is coming." He admonished believers, saying: "If ye then prepare yourselves, and repent with all your heart, and turn to the Lord, it will be possible for you to escape it, if your heart be pure and spotless, and ye spend the rest of your lives serving the Lord blamelessly." (From the Shepherd of Hermas)

Thus, our Lord has admonished us, saying: "Watch ye therefore, and pray always that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass and to stand before the Son of man." (Luke 21:36)

Are we watching and praying to escape the coming tribulation? Or, do we take for granted that we shall escape?

Paul relates how our Lord loved the church, and gave himself for it; that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, that he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

Is this our state--our position? Are we holy and without blemish?

Again, may we be reminded of the necessity of having on the white robes of Christ's righteousness and of having them kept clean. Our Lord admonishes, "Behold, I come as a thief, Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame." (Rev. 16:15)

Notice, too, that when our Lord appears from Heaven on a white horse, we read: "And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean."

How we need to see the importance of having on garments that are clean and white in order to be ready for our Lord's coming.

Of this we can be certain. If we want to be included in this entourage of saints to be caught upward when Christ comes, we can be ready. Concerning the marriage of the Lamb, we read, "His wife hath made herself ready."

A wedding is about to take place. If you are not aware of it, or are not preparing for it, the chances are that you are not ready and will be left behind when Jesus comes.

Concerning the Lamb's wife, we read, "And to her was granted that she should be strayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints."

Did you hear it? Are you looking for Christ's coming? Is our Lord's return a "blessed hope"? If so, you will want to make preparation to be ready for this glorious event.

As John declares: "And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure."

How do we purify ourselves? Peter replies: "Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit." (I Pet. 1:22)

So, dear one, come to Christ today. Repent of all your sins to trust the Saviour Who died for your sins. Then pray for the Holy Spirit's direction daily. Read the Word and fall in love with Him Who is the Living Word.

Indeed, be ye therefore ready also, for in such an hour as ye think not, the Son of man cometh."

[Matthitjah]

Rollin,

You haven't offended me. We are brothers and we have the peace and Love of Christ. Sorry for the long Post.

We will see, If your right I hope to see you there. If  I'm right may we both have the strength to stand for Christ. For the persecution we shall see shall be like no other.

Let us continue in his Love to regard eachothers posts with respect. For I have so loved some of yours.

Peace :inlove: Amen

[rollinTHUNDER]

Rollin,

You haven't offended me. We are brothers and we have the peace and Love of Christ. Sorry for the long Post.

We will see, If your right I hope to see you there. If

[rollinTHUNDER]

How To Be Ready For Christ's Return

By Ray Brubaker

Our Lord's Return is much closer than we realize. And we should do all we can to warn the world of what lies ahead and to urge readiness for that all-glorious event of His Second Coming. In view of Christ's Return there are at least ten admonitions we'd like to leave with you today. Listen carefully.

1. WATCHFULNESS (Matt 24:40-41)

Matthew reminds us - "Two shall be in the field; the one taken, and the other left. Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left. WATCH therefore, for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come." The word 'watch' means to be alert, be on your guard, and be found ready for Christ's coming.

2. PRAYERFULNESS (Luke 21:36)

Luke tells us: "Watch ye, therefore, and PRAY always that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man." Do you pray that you will be ready when Christ appears?

3. FAITHFULNESS (Matthew 25:14-23)

It is in view of our Lord's coming that He relates the story of a man going into a far country and giving various talents to his servants. Talents, in this case, means money. So, depending on the wise use of these talents, whether invested and producing more talents, or whether neglected, these servants are rewarded. For instance, we read of the servant who 'hid his lord's money' instead of investing it who is severely punished. To him our Lord says: "Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury."

Indeed, how sad for many to have money hoarded away when it could be used to send the glorious gospel around the world.

Those servants who were faithful in the use of their talents were rewarded with the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord."

4. WARNING AGAINST CARELESS LIVING (Lu.21:34-35)

we read, "Take heed to yourselves lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting and drunkenness, and CARES OF THIS LIFE, and so that day come upon you unawares. For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell upon the face of the whole earth."

Did you hear it? As the flood in Noah's day affected the entire earth, so we read Christ's Coming will be as a snare or trap that will affect the whole world. When our Lord appears the saints will be caught away, and those living carelessly will be left behind to go through the awful great tribulation.

Like a trap springing shut, there will be no exit from this earth. That's why it pays to be ready, living lives of purity and service, witnessing, and winning the lost.

5. WARNING AGAINST BEING LEFT BEHIND WITH UNBELIEVERS. (Luke 12:45-46)

We read: "But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming: and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken; the Lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and WILL APPOINT HIM HIS PORTION WITH THE UNBELIEVERS."

Did you hear it? I know some doubt there is such a scripture in the Bible. For they don't believe it is possible for a person who is a professing believer to be left behind with unbelievers at the rapture. But this seems to be what this verse is saying. For here pictured is one who is a servant looking for his lord's coming. But he is living carelessly, eating and drinking as in Noah's day, enjoying the pleasures of life without regard to the soon-approaching rapture. He is also found mistreating his fellowman. What happens?

The Bible says of this servant that he is cut in sunder, or cut off. This man does not lose his salvation for that is a gift to all who truly believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, but he loses his reward. For this Scripture would indicate again that Rapture is the reward of readiness.

So, concerning this servant - the privilege that is rightfully his is denied him. For we read his portion is with the unbelievers. Instead of escaping the tribulation the indication is that he must go through it and prove his loyalty to Christ amidst the purifying and chastening fires of judgment.

6. WARNING CONCERNING INIQUITY. (Matt 7:22-23)

We read, "Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you; depart from me, ye that work iniquity."

Notice, there were those representing our Lord, performing mighty works, doing miracles. Yet, our Lord at His coming says to them - "Depart from me, ye that work iniquity."

I think we're going to be in for some surprises when Christ comes. People we expected to see in the front row, or on the platform won't even be there.

If this Scripture tells us anything it is this - we must repent of sin if we would be ready for rapture, not persist in it, not excuse it, but forsake it!

7. GUARDING AGAINST LUKEWARMNESS (Rev. 3:16)

Concerning the Laodicean Church, which constitutes the professing body of believers in the last Church Age of which we are a part, we read: "I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot; I would thou weft cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth." Did you hear it?

If we're going to call ourselves Christians, then let's be real, genuine followers of Christ. Let's stop playing church and begin serving God with purity of heart, Let's be on fire for God!

8. BE LOVING--NOT GRUDGING (James 5:8-9)

James writes: "Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. GRUDGE NOT one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned; behold the judge standeth before the door."

Has someone spoken ill of you, lied about you, mistreated you? Don't worry about it, and most of all don't hate that person but pray for that one instead. The Lord, the righteous judge, will solve all problems when He comes. Just be ready, yourself, by having a right heart attitude toward your brother and your neighbor.

9. BE CAREFUL FOR NOTHING (Phil. 4:5-6)

Don't WORRY but rather commit yourself wholly to God believing He will keep you ready for our Lord's Coming.

Paul writes: "Let your moderation be known unto all men, the Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing..."

Again we read: "But this I say, brethren, the time is short: it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none; and they that weep, as though they wept not; and they that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not; and they that buy, as though they possessed not." 1 Cor 7: 29-30.

How I wish I had the time to comment on that passage. But the message is simply this - live for Christ and not this world. Look for Christ and concentrate on the next world.

And we have the assurance that we can be ready. In 1 Thess. 5:23 we read: "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.

That's quite an assignment, isn't it? Can you be kept blameless until the coming of Jesus? The next verse says: "Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it!" Hallelujah.

10. BE FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT (Matt. 25:1-13 )

In Matthew 25 our Lord gave a parable of ten virgins. All were looking forward to a wedding, and made the necessary preparation for the marriage. But when the bridegroom came only five were ready.

If our Lord were to come today and only half of those who were looking for Him were ready to go back with Him, HOW SAD! And yet, this seems to be the indication of Holy Scripture.

What was the secret of those who were ready? It was simply this. We read concerning the 'wise virgins' that they had oil in their vessels, with their lamps. That is they had the Holy Spirit filling their lives, as well as bearing testimony to being Christians.

On the other hand, the foolish virgins had a testimony at one time. They once were active in witnessing and serving, and attending church. But they gradually lost interest because they never sought the infilling of the Holy Spirit who comes to give power and victory over sin.

Be filled with the Spirit is a command of God. And, in particular, in view of Christ's Coming, we need to allow Him to take over completely in our lives in order to be ready for His return.

This is the message we would leave with you today right from the Word of God showing us the necessity of living for Christ if we are going to be ready for the Rapture.

Indeed be ye therefore ready for in such an hour as ye think not, the Son of man cometh.

[rollinTHUNDER]

A Parable On Christ's Coming

By Ray Brubaker

At first, there must have been many who were convinced that Noah was right. They listened attentively and believed intently in a God who would punish iniquity as His Word declared. So some sought to live for Him.

But interest in Noah's message was gradually forgotten. After all, 120 years had passed since Noah mentioned a coming flood and surely he must have been mistaken. Although the ark was finished the people were too busy marrying and divorcing as well as eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building that they did not notice the darkening cloud formations. Amidst plenty, prosperity, and pleasure madness the populace of Noah's day had all but forgotten the warning of a coming flood.

But then it happened. Suddenly, and unexpectedly, the lightning began to flash and the thunder rolled. The canopy of moisture high in the heavens became rain and began pouring upon the earth. From the fountains of the deep there similarly poured forth mountainous tides as the earth accommodated the God who had foretold a coming flood.

See the doomed as they rush to yonder hills or climb trees to escape the rushing waters. Hear their screams as they pound on the door of the ark with the swirling torrents engulfing them and their loved ones. Mothers with babies in their arms, and fathers holding little children, became frightfully aware that the flood was a reality.

Doom and destruction came to all except Noah and his family who believed God, lived for Him, and escaped death from drowning because they heeded His Word.

"A King is coming[" Everywhere you could hear it echoed. It was sung by little children at play, whistled by men on the job. It was chorused by the temple choir.

Days, and months, and years rushed by and soon the echo of Messiah's coming became a faint whisper. So long the people had waited until hopes and dreams of a king were shattered by the sounds of soldiers in the streets. An invading army had overtaken them and few regarded the messianic promises.

Religious ritual went on as before - somehow it added dignity and respect to the edicts of the emperor. Religious leaders saved their necks by becoming pawns and puppets of the presiding Power. The philosophy of these religionists who advocated Peace at any price, even to the loss of personal freedom, became - "if you can't lick 'em join 'em."

Repaying his respects to those who literally worshipped him, the emperor built a temple that was more costly than Solomon's edifice. Its value was in excess of 10 billions of dollars.

Poverty reigned amidst such religious splendor. The people eked out a bare existence, their income taxed beyond their means.

Among the Jews there were many, nearly all, in fact, who somehow believed in their hearts, or at least were taught about a coming Messiah - a king who might rescue them from these invading tyrants, and who would again restore the kingdom to Israel.

The amazing part of this true story is that He came... Yes, the king came, and lived unrecognized by those who were expecting him. He had not come like they had supposed, with flying banners, and armies. The masses largely passed him by - only a few, some shepherds and some fishermen, a few old men and helpless widows, they, alone, recognized him as the Christ, the earth-born prince who was in reality the King of Heaven.

Again a world now waits. Again wafted on the breeze of seven seas the sounds of lovely music heralds the message - JESUS IS COMING! Surely this time he will not be mistaken.

But alas, the people are busier than ever, building exalted edifices dedicated in His name, others carrying on 'business as usual' in the marketplace, prosperous, careless, and contented.

And suddenly He appears - His coming unannounced. And not until destruction predicted for a future day actually dawns, and Antichrist takes his throne, did many realize they missed His coming and were left behind.

Ah yes, Christ had come, the glorious rapture past, and the vast majority had missed the pre-Coronation feast - the marriage supper of the Lamb.

A few were ready for His appearing, their whereabouts now a mystery. The logical explanation was that those now missing were 'fanatics', perhaps emotionally-disturbed who may have wandered off somewhere, "holy-rollers" who may have met with foul play from those who wanted riddance of these extremists.

The truth is this - those who were ready not only talked and sang 'Jesus is coming' but walked it and lived it. Momentarily their hearts were filled with expectancy at the thought of rapture, sobered at being left behind. Empowered by God's Holy Spirit they lived praising the Lamb that was slain, whose shed blood taught them to live pure and holy, so that at the precise moment of the trumpet's sound, like a rocket seeks its target these were ushered into the presence of their Lord.

The King had come, but the vast majority of those who professed to be His followers were absent from this glorious event. But were these not Christians - those left behind? Did they not profess faith in Him, and testify of saving grace?

Ah, sorry to say the claims of Christ were their plea. In their hearts was the hope of eternal life. But shallow- believing must needs be tested, and sins of the flesh must of necessity be purged. For our Lord has ordained a sanctified, holy church without spot or blemish, like unto Himself, and characterized by righteous deeds and good works. Could it be these are they of whom it is said, they "came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb?"

The point of this parable is not to look at this possibility of being left behind at the rapture with doubt and disbelief because this doctrine does not fit our theological blueprint. Rather, may we see that many missed the safety of Noah's Ark who may have anticipated escape from a coming flood. Many missed the 'Messiah' for He came as a lowly babe in a manger rather than to have been born as a king on a throne. And many, unless they heed the warnings of God's Word and make preparation for Christ's coming may be found missing at the Rapture.

Indeed, Be ye therefore ready also, for the son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.

[Guest C.D. Light]

I have espoused you (the True Church) to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin (a bride) to Christ. (2 Cor 11.2b, KJV)

Second Corinthians is a letter that was inspired by the Holy Spirit and addressed to the church of God. (2 Cor 1.1)

Thus, in Second Corinthians 11.2, the word "you" refers explicitly to the True Church.

Second Corinthians 11.2 makes it abundantly clear that the True Church is the bride who God chose to be wed to His Son.

(If you are a Christian, then you are of the True Church and, as such, you are "the bride of Christ.")

FHA-- I agree. At the point of rapture, ALL those who are true believers are considered to be the Church and the Bride of Christ.  We can only be so saved; there are not degrees of salvation.  We either are or we are not, when rapture takes place.

Once the entire church is raptured, then the Church itself is gone.  There will be those who wake up after the Rapture, and do become saved, but they are not included in the Church. Thats why they are referred to only as "saints" --what else could they be called?

The Church is raptured alive--the saints will lose their lives. (So for those of you who are sitting on the sidelines, saying to yourselves, well I'll wait and see if that really happens, and if it does, then I'll believe it, and accept it.  You are looking at your own death ordered by the AntiChrist upon you, and you cannot get out alive.  That is the price of your "wait and see" thinking.)

God is never going to rapture part of us, and leave some of us true believers.  The question which remains is, are you a true believer or are u playing church?  TODAY is the DAY for you to answer your own question. For tomorrow the Lord could do the Rapture.

This scripture which says "Ive espoused you to ONE husband" clearly tells us that we must have a JESUS ONLY mentality if we are to have salvation.  NOT Jesus PLUS rites, sacraments, plus Mary, plus our church, plus confessions, plus additional Doctrines, plus ANYTHING ELSE.

Time to take heed folks!

cd