Praise God!
First, I want to welcome a few new people and I pray they can bear with me on
receiving a letter on the subject of the Tribulation and Rapture for their first. While the simple things in the LORD are always easier to bear, I do believe that every truth God has given us is for the benefit of His People!
1 Corinthians 3:2 King James Version (KJV)
I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.
While this by far may not be a bottle fed meal for you, let's pray that you can chew a little meat with those healthy little teeth you've been trying to take such good care of! If your not in the mood to chew, feel free to drink from the nice pictures attached from the recent trip to Guatemala at the end of this letter!
What an interesting time in the LORD here in Va.! I have to admit, I'm still trying to get over a little movie shock here! If you have not seen the latest rapture movie release "The Mark", don't
worry! You didn't miss much! While the "Left Behind" series seemed to have some biblical structure to it, (until I studied the Word of God that is!), "The Mark" has almost nothing biblically to support it and in my opinion is more fantasy than anything to do with the Word of God. The
"Left Behind" series pointed toward a "Pre Tribulation" rapture which seemed to be the primary teaching in Hollywood and in the churches for at least the last 25 years or so, but things seem to be changing even in Hollywood as we continue to move forward on God's Clock! "The Mark" seems to be pointing towards a "Mid Tribulation" view for the rapture. Although a "Mid
Tribulation" view would be a little closer to the truth as far as the timing of the rapture, we still need to stay focused on the only source we can count on for TRUTH!
The rapture in "The Mark" took place just as the mark was being introduced into society and everyone was gone before they would have been forced to receive this mark. While anyone that teaches a "Pre Tribulation" rapture may be able to give you 2 or 3 verses that seem to support the "Pre" Tribulation rapture, and then, try to distract you with their own theory to support those 2 or 3 verses, there is even less than 2 or 3 verses to even try and support a "Mid Tribulation" rapture! I feel safe to say there are easily 40 or more scriptures to support a "Post" Tribulation rapture NOT including entire chapters of the bible when taking in the full context!
Please keep in mind that the "Tribulation" is NOT the outpouring of God's wrath on the earth but rather persecution against Christians for standing firm on the Word of God. We can clearly see that God's Wrath does NOT begin until after the tribulation at the "Sixth Seal"
Matthew 24:29-30 King James Version (KJV)
Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:
And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
We clearly see these verses of Matthew fulfilled at the "Sixth Seal" which most seem to agree will be fulfilled at World War 3, at which time will also unleash the outpouring of God's wrath which Christians will NOT any longer be around to receive!
Revelation 6:12 King James Version (KJV)
And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood;
Revelation 6:17 King James Version (KJV)
For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?
What if I told you that "One Verse" is all you really need to study to begin to put "The Truth" together on the timing of the "Rapture!"
Revelation 20:4 King James Version (KJV)
And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
Needless to say, this speaks of the resurrection of the saints! That means "Christians", and, we also see that these "Christians" did not receive the mark nor worship the beast, so it should be safe to say that they were here during the time of the beast and the mark. While the "Left Behind" series seemed to show that there was a rapture of the most obedient Christians while the not so obedient were "Left Behind" to receive a second chance to get it right, the Apostle Paul tells us something quite different!
Two times Paul tells us that the DEAD in Christ will rise first and then those which are alive will meet them in the air in the twinkling of an eye. So there can be NO rapture before the "Dead in Christ" are risen! Revelation 20:4 above, tells us who is in the resurrection of the "Dead in Christ."
1 Corinthians 15:52 King James Version (KJV)
In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 King James Version (KJV)
For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first. Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
If this seems a little contrary to everything you've been hearing lately, don't worry!, the Thessalonians were bamboozled a bit by some false rumors also nearly 2000 years ago! Paul's second letter to the Thessalonians dealt primarily with the Second Coming of the LORD and what is known as the "rapture" by many today due to the confusion in the church over the matter. I feel certain that if Paul were alive today he would quickly be sending a much needed third letter to the church!
While in Guatemala a couple of weeks ago I had the opportunity to share on this subject with one hungry for truth individual who asked me this question " Why do they always say in the church that He is coming, He is coming and then it NEVER happens?" Well, that is exactly what Paul was dealing with in the Thessalonian church and quickly had to send a Second letter to them to try and straighten out the matter!
2 Thessalonians 2:5 King James Version (KJV)
Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?
Although we know for certain that He is coming, be sure that the Word of God does NOT leave us mystified as to when this event will with certainty be near!
1 Thessalonians 5:4-5 King James Version (KJV)
But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.
Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of
darkness.
Although all of First and Second Thessalonians gives us a lot of information on the Second Coming of the LORD and the rapture in those very short and easy to read 8 chapters, I feel that 2 Thessalonians Chapter 2 may be the most important chapter for the church within the two books. I gave this same challenge out about a year ago with NO response and will give the same to all who read this again. After reading 2 Thessalonians, please tell me what scriptures you use for the primary teaching in the churches today that the Holy Spirit is the restraining force that will be removed in 2 Thessalonians 2:7. Although it made a great movie that practically every Christian has seen, where do we actually find ANYTHING that supports the teaching that the Holy Spirit is the restraining force in the entire context of the chapter? Please send me even ONE scripture that hints that Paul was speaking on the Holy Spirit in the context! On the contrary let me suggest to you that what is restraining the Second Coming of the LORD and the rapture are the two events that Paul had just mentioned 4 verses earlier.
2 Thessalonians 2:3 King James Version (KJV)
Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, (1) except there come a falling away first, and (2) that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
Although we will see that the Holy Spirit is NOT mentioned anywhere in the context of 2 Thessalonians 2 but rather only in a best selling Christian movie, we do see that there were TWO events mentioned that were restraining the Second Coming of the LORD and the rapture just prior to the restraining force scripture.
Let me please tell you the same thing I told the friend in Guatemala! If your confused about the Second Coming of the LORD and the rapture because the Word of God is NOT lining up or clear enough to see what your hearing, it's because you believed the traditions of man over the Word of God, but, the Good News is, it's NEVER too late to plug into the "Truth", as long as your still on this side of the grass!
John 14:29 King James Version
And now I have told you BEFORE it come to pass, that, when it come to pass, ye might believe.
Have a blessed day AND be SURE to tell someone on the job about JESUS!
First, I want to welcome a few new people and I pray they can bear with me on
receiving a letter on the subject of the Tribulation and Rapture for their first. While the simple things in the LORD are always easier to bear, I do believe that every truth God has given us is for the benefit of His People!
1 Corinthians 3:2 King James Version (KJV)
I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.
While this by far may not be a bottle fed meal for you, let's pray that you can chew a little meat with those healthy little teeth you've been trying to take such good care of! If your not in the mood to chew, feel free to drink from the nice pictures attached from the recent trip to Guatemala at the end of this letter!
What an interesting time in the LORD here in Va.! I have to admit, I'm still trying to get over a little movie shock here! If you have not seen the latest rapture movie release "The Mark", don't
worry! You didn't miss much! While the "Left Behind" series seemed to have some biblical structure to it, (until I studied the Word of God that is!), "The Mark" has almost nothing biblically to support it and in my opinion is more fantasy than anything to do with the Word of God. The
"Left Behind" series pointed toward a "Pre Tribulation" rapture which seemed to be the primary teaching in Hollywood and in the churches for at least the last 25 years or so, but things seem to be changing even in Hollywood as we continue to move forward on God's Clock! "The Mark" seems to be pointing towards a "Mid Tribulation" view for the rapture. Although a "Mid
Tribulation" view would be a little closer to the truth as far as the timing of the rapture, we still need to stay focused on the only source we can count on for TRUTH!
The rapture in "The Mark" took place just as the mark was being introduced into society and everyone was gone before they would have been forced to receive this mark. While anyone that teaches a "Pre Tribulation" rapture may be able to give you 2 or 3 verses that seem to support the "Pre" Tribulation rapture, and then, try to distract you with their own theory to support those 2 or 3 verses, there is even less than 2 or 3 verses to even try and support a "Mid Tribulation" rapture! I feel safe to say there are easily 40 or more scriptures to support a "Post" Tribulation rapture NOT including entire chapters of the bible when taking in the full context!
Please keep in mind that the "Tribulation" is NOT the outpouring of God's wrath on the earth but rather persecution against Christians for standing firm on the Word of God. We can clearly see that God's Wrath does NOT begin until after the tribulation at the "Sixth Seal"
Matthew 24:29-30 King James Version (KJV)
Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:
And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
We clearly see these verses of Matthew fulfilled at the "Sixth Seal" which most seem to agree will be fulfilled at World War 3, at which time will also unleash the outpouring of God's wrath which Christians will NOT any longer be around to receive!
Revelation 6:12 King James Version (KJV)
And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood;
Revelation 6:17 King James Version (KJV)
For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?
What if I told you that "One Verse" is all you really need to study to begin to put "The Truth" together on the timing of the "Rapture!"
Revelation 20:4 King James Version (KJV)
And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
Needless to say, this speaks of the resurrection of the saints! That means "Christians", and, we also see that these "Christians" did not receive the mark nor worship the beast, so it should be safe to say that they were here during the time of the beast and the mark. While the "Left Behind" series seemed to show that there was a rapture of the most obedient Christians while the not so obedient were "Left Behind" to receive a second chance to get it right, the Apostle Paul tells us something quite different!
Two times Paul tells us that the DEAD in Christ will rise first and then those which are alive will meet them in the air in the twinkling of an eye. So there can be NO rapture before the "Dead in Christ" are risen! Revelation 20:4 above, tells us who is in the resurrection of the "Dead in Christ."
1 Corinthians 15:52 King James Version (KJV)
In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 King James Version (KJV)
For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first. Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
If this seems a little contrary to everything you've been hearing lately, don't worry!, the Thessalonians were bamboozled a bit by some false rumors also nearly 2000 years ago! Paul's second letter to the Thessalonians dealt primarily with the Second Coming of the LORD and what is known as the "rapture" by many today due to the confusion in the church over the matter. I feel certain that if Paul were alive today he would quickly be sending a much needed third letter to the church!
While in Guatemala a couple of weeks ago I had the opportunity to share on this subject with one hungry for truth individual who asked me this question " Why do they always say in the church that He is coming, He is coming and then it NEVER happens?" Well, that is exactly what Paul was dealing with in the Thessalonian church and quickly had to send a Second letter to them to try and straighten out the matter!
2 Thessalonians 2:5 King James Version (KJV)
Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?
Although we know for certain that He is coming, be sure that the Word of God does NOT leave us mystified as to when this event will with certainty be near!
1 Thessalonians 5:4-5 King James Version (KJV)
But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.
Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of
darkness.
Although all of First and Second Thessalonians gives us a lot of information on the Second Coming of the LORD and the rapture in those very short and easy to read 8 chapters, I feel that 2 Thessalonians Chapter 2 may be the most important chapter for the church within the two books. I gave this same challenge out about a year ago with NO response and will give the same to all who read this again. After reading 2 Thessalonians, please tell me what scriptures you use for the primary teaching in the churches today that the Holy Spirit is the restraining force that will be removed in 2 Thessalonians 2:7. Although it made a great movie that practically every Christian has seen, where do we actually find ANYTHING that supports the teaching that the Holy Spirit is the restraining force in the entire context of the chapter? Please send me even ONE scripture that hints that Paul was speaking on the Holy Spirit in the context! On the contrary let me suggest to you that what is restraining the Second Coming of the LORD and the rapture are the two events that Paul had just mentioned 4 verses earlier.
2 Thessalonians 2:3 King James Version (KJV)
Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, (1) except there come a falling away first, and (2) that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
Although we will see that the Holy Spirit is NOT mentioned anywhere in the context of 2 Thessalonians 2 but rather only in a best selling Christian movie, we do see that there were TWO events mentioned that were restraining the Second Coming of the LORD and the rapture just prior to the restraining force scripture.
Let me please tell you the same thing I told the friend in Guatemala! If your confused about the Second Coming of the LORD and the rapture because the Word of God is NOT lining up or clear enough to see what your hearing, it's because you believed the traditions of man over the Word of God, but, the Good News is, it's NEVER too late to plug into the "Truth", as long as your still on this side of the grass!
John 14:29 King James Version
And now I have told you BEFORE it come to pass, that, when it come to pass, ye might believe.
Have a blessed day AND be SURE to tell someone on the job about JESUS!