People are Apprehensive, Stressed & Fearful

[Dennis1209]

It is much too long to detail it all, but a long time ago, people were not as apprehensive as they are today. In the 1950s and 60s, my grandfather almost daily walked to the town square handing out Gideons Bible tracts and witnessing. That left a lasting impression on me.

I later learned not to be caught without Bible tracts in my vehicle. Some opportunities briefly presented themselves while helping another motorist or pedestrian out. When they get the time, I only ask them to take a minute or two to read the tract in return.

I leave my tip in a Salvation Bible tract when we go to a restaurant. Sure, I know ninety-nine out of a hundred will get tossed unread into the trash. But if one is curious, read the path to everlasting life and get saved through Jesus Christ our Lord. Priceless!

[AdHoc]

3 hours ago, missmuffet said:

Time will tell.

Amen. Time will certainly tell.

[AdHoc]

44 minutes ago, Dennis1209 said:

We all have different eschatology and hermeneutics. Not to be argumentative or confrontational, but I have a different thought based on my pretribulation viewpoint. Should this interpretation be correct, the harpazo occurs before the seven-year Tribulation begins.

I believe there will be a large segment of people, including pastors, preachers, scholars, Sunday School teachers, church members, etc., that know their Bible and the Gospel message. I read testimonies about long-time preachers finally getting saved well into their careers. People like this who miss the Rapture (as with procrastinators) will drop down on their knees and be saved after the event.

They will no doubt be sharing the Gospel (preaching, if you will) and most likely become persecuted and martyrs. One-third of Israel will be physically and spiritually saved from the second half of what is known as the Great Tribulation. Many Jews and gentiles will be saved during the first three and one-half years.

Revelation 14:6 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, [emphasis added]

Angel - ángelos - If this is an ordinary messenger angel, not Jesus. This is the first time an angel was allowed to preach the Gospel to my knowledge. Gospel means “Good News.” There are four forms of the Gospel: Notice the angel is preaching number three, the everlasting Gospel. The Rapture of the church is passed, so the age of Grace is over. Converts most likely will have to die for their faith.

(1) The Gospel of the kingdom.

(2) The Gospel of the grace of God.

(3) The everlasting Gospel.

(4) That which Paul calls “my Gospel.” (Romans 2:16; 16:25)

Can anyone imagine what a supernatural sight this would be? Why are most earth dwellers ignoring or rejecting this angel from God and the Two Witnesses? Ho hum, citizen, nothing to see here, move on? It looks as if the supernatural will become the new normal.

 

Never fear to be honest, confrontational and even vehement with me. I believe that we have been commanded "to earnestly contend ....". The Forum is for the exchange of ideas. We reach a bigger audience than most weekday Bible studies. And we'll be called to account for our words - and what we did with others' words.

Your scenario is possible, but having lived, fought in a (little) war, raised a family and survived society with non lethal hang-ups, I cannot see men and women who were slothful and lukewarm in the good times, suddenly turn for the good when death faced them. My observation is ... they run. And for me, Israel remains blind until the end (last paragraph of Romans 11). But the exception always proves the rule - they say.

The "everlasting gospel" is actually in the next verse. It has nothing to do with our Lord Jesus. It reads;

7 Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. (Re 14:7)

The Good News is "fear NOT" for His "judgment is stayed" and "worship Him Who went to the cross in your stead". The everlasting gospel is the last warning which is paralleled by Romans 1:18-20

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

God's appeal is His creation. Admit it and FEAR the Godhead of the Creation - or else ...