We have been studying Revelation in bible study this year and I wanted to share with you some of the points she brought up about the rapture. We do not see the word rapture. We see the word,caught up in the air, like being snatched up quickly.
There are several points of view on this, which I will list for you in a moment. The reason I write is because I have now been convinced through the scriptures revealed in this bible study that Pre-tribulation is accurate.
For those of you who have never looked into the Book of Revelation, let me simply say this. It is a book about the wrath of God poured out onto the earth because of mans sins, namely the sin of rejecting God and His effort to save us from those sins. Revelation is a time called the Great Tribulation (a book on the subject is the ever popular left behind series).
Varies views on the Tribulation years:
Pre-Tribulation: Believers in Christ are snatched out of the world before the tribulation begins.
Mid-Tribulation: Believers in Christ remain until the first 3 1/2 years are over.
Post-Tribulation: Everyone, Believers included, will remain and endure the entire 7 years of wrath.
My reason to believe in Pre-Tribulation.
Revelation 3: 10-8 - Kept from the hour of testing
Rev 4:1 - The open door to heaven where believers live during the tribulation.
Rev 19:1-4 - Worshipers in heaven during the tribulation
Rev19:11-14 - Jesus comes from heaven with his believers.(White Robes)
Rev14:7 - Tribulation is referred to as the hour of testing which we escape.
Rev 3: 10 - Look at the Greek word terroek... means kept out of (Matt 2:5)
1Thess 1:9-10 - He rescues us from
1 Thess 5:1-9 - We are described as not being from the dark side (people who will experiences the day of the Lord...tribulation)
1 Thess 4:13-18 - A description of the Rapture caught up, terroek (ek)
Romans 8:1 - There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus(believers).
The time of testing, the day of the Lord, the great tribulation, God's wrath poured out, all referr to the great tribulation found in revelation. A time that will last 7 years. It is one last effort of God to cause people to acknowledge Him and His ways.
It is world wide
It is a judgment
It is to cause men to repent
It is to eliminate the world system that is against God
It is to bring the Jew to Christ
It will kill and eliminate most people who receive Christ, those who become believers during this great tribulation. They will receive Him at the cost of their own lives in most cases.
Think about receiving God's grace and love on this side of the tribulation. Decide for Him now and be one who is caught up.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Never Alone
Phil 2:6-11; Heb.4:14-16; Rom 8:38-39
Today, as I came before the Lord in prayer, I had a little conversation with Him. You see, I felt overwhelmed that we, as finite humans, creations who are limited by our very existence, are asked to be like Him. Of course, I am aware that He lives His life through us and we simply trust but do you find even that a bit difficult at times? That things in this life seem to knock us down?
"God," I said, "We are not as unfathomable as you. We are like one grain of sand on a beach filled with sand. We are so insignificant and lack the supernatural power that exists in just a slight move of your finger. You speak and the world exists. Who are we, that we should be like you?"
Then my mind was filled with how He has provided. He lives inside us. He knows our every thought. He knows our prayers, our needs and has the date for that supply appointed before we even ask. He counts the hairs on our head and has us on His mind every second of every day. But best of all is this. He came to earth, lived in human flesh, submitted to the trials and pains we experience and lives forever to intercede as one who sympathizes with our weakness.
We are not alone.
That means when we experience trouble, hardship, persecution, famine, nakedness, danger, or sword, He has been there. There is nothing in life we experience alone; neither death nor life, angles or demons, the present or the future, no power, no height, no depth, nor anything else in all creation is beyond His personal touch, experience, presence or love. He is with us through it all and always shall be.
We will never be alone.
Today, as I came before the Lord in prayer, I had a little conversation with Him. You see, I felt overwhelmed that we, as finite humans, creations who are limited by our very existence, are asked to be like Him. Of course, I am aware that He lives His life through us and we simply trust but do you find even that a bit difficult at times? That things in this life seem to knock us down?
"God," I said, "We are not as unfathomable as you. We are like one grain of sand on a beach filled with sand. We are so insignificant and lack the supernatural power that exists in just a slight move of your finger. You speak and the world exists. Who are we, that we should be like you?"
Then my mind was filled with how He has provided. He lives inside us. He knows our every thought. He knows our prayers, our needs and has the date for that supply appointed before we even ask. He counts the hairs on our head and has us on His mind every second of every day. But best of all is this. He came to earth, lived in human flesh, submitted to the trials and pains we experience and lives forever to intercede as one who sympathizes with our weakness.
We are not alone.
That means when we experience trouble, hardship, persecution, famine, nakedness, danger, or sword, He has been there. There is nothing in life we experience alone; neither death nor life, angles or demons, the present or the future, no power, no height, no depth, nor anything else in all creation is beyond His personal touch, experience, presence or love. He is with us through it all and always shall be.
We will never be alone.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
This We Have
Proverbs 8:11-36; 11:3
Wisdom seems to be the theme of Proverbs. This books tells us how to deal with people. It teaches us how to act, what to say and how to think. What a great guide.
Wisdom is referred to as the most valuable asset we can acquire. It brings prudence, discretion, knowledge. The result? We avoid pride, arrogance, perverted twisted speech (which is speech that lacks faith) and all decisions based on the flesh (lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh and the pride of life).
Now get this. Wisdom is a free gift given to us. Yes! You see, as a child of God, it is not a matter of not having wisdom. We have wisdom living in us. God tell us to draw from His wisdom... Ask, He says... And I will give it to you freely and abundantly. That makes wisdom a matter of choice. Do I want to walk in integrity, not, what is integrity.
Prov 11: 3 says... the integrity of the upright guides them. Integrity alone, a result of wisdom, guides us? ( A great book.. Integrity by Henry Cloud).
Wisdom is ours. It is a choice. It is a gift given to us, His children. May we all use the gift daily for this gift of wisdom is something we already we have.
Wisdom seems to be the theme of Proverbs. This books tells us how to deal with people. It teaches us how to act, what to say and how to think. What a great guide.
Wisdom is referred to as the most valuable asset we can acquire. It brings prudence, discretion, knowledge. The result? We avoid pride, arrogance, perverted twisted speech (which is speech that lacks faith) and all decisions based on the flesh (lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh and the pride of life).
Now get this. Wisdom is a free gift given to us. Yes! You see, as a child of God, it is not a matter of not having wisdom. We have wisdom living in us. God tell us to draw from His wisdom... Ask, He says... And I will give it to you freely and abundantly. That makes wisdom a matter of choice. Do I want to walk in integrity, not, what is integrity.
Prov 11: 3 says... the integrity of the upright guides them. Integrity alone, a result of wisdom, guides us? ( A great book.. Integrity by Henry Cloud).
Wisdom is ours. It is a choice. It is a gift given to us, His children. May we all use the gift daily for this gift of wisdom is something we already we have.
Sunday, November 4, 2007
False Pride
Proverbs 27
My thoughts today come from sections of Prov. 27. Things that relate to pride, boasting, self-praise. Pride, what a mess. Pride fools us all. Just the time we think we have it behind us we get proud of the fact that we think we have it behind us.
My mom use to say, "that person has false pride." It was her way of saying that they had nothing to be proud of but acted as if they were something great. Pride is never something to be proud of because it places us on the throne of our lives. Which to me means that all pride is false pride. We are nothing without Christ. He deserves all the praise, glory and honor. Without Him there is nothing. In Him we have everything. It takes a while to get the message, but the message is this: life is found in Christ, our lives are in Christ, He is life.
Some pointed thoughts from Prov 27:
My thoughts today come from sections of Prov. 27. Things that relate to pride, boasting, self-praise. Pride, what a mess. Pride fools us all. Just the time we think we have it behind us we get proud of the fact that we think we have it behind us.
My mom use to say, "that person has false pride." It was her way of saying that they had nothing to be proud of but acted as if they were something great. Pride is never something to be proud of because it places us on the throne of our lives. Which to me means that all pride is false pride. We are nothing without Christ. He deserves all the praise, glory and honor. Without Him there is nothing. In Him we have everything. It takes a while to get the message, but the message is this: life is found in Christ, our lives are in Christ, He is life.
Some pointed thoughts from Prov 27:
- Do not boast for you do not know what a day will bring.
- Do not praise yourself, let another one do that.
- As water reflects a man's face so his heart reflects the man.
- A test: notice how a person responds to praise. Then you will see what is really there.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Keep Watch
I never expected to use this site for anything other than devotionals that inspire. However, this month there is another slice of information about books and now a movie that needs to be identified and pointed to as not honoring for Christians to support and not healthy for children to watch.
The movies: The Golden Compass
Actress: Nicole Kidman.
The Origin: A book trilogy about children Killing God
Delivery Date: December 2007
The enemy is out to destroy, kill and steal. This is just another method to accomplish the goal. I am thankful this world is not our home, that we are just passing through. But while we are here, let's be diligent, let's keep watch.
The movies: The Golden Compass
Actress: Nicole Kidman.
The Origin: A book trilogy about children Killing God
Delivery Date: December 2007
The enemy is out to destroy, kill and steal. This is just another method to accomplish the goal. I am thankful this world is not our home, that we are just passing through. But while we are here, let's be diligent, let's keep watch.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
We Win
Ecc 3: 11; Romans 8 28-39
Have you ever felt defeated, guilty or condemned, like a total failure? Often those of us in the faith feel this way. We missed the mark, again. We try to do our best and it just isn't good enough. We get discouraged in life. We become shamed, guilty or hopeless. Ever experienced this? Of course you have, we all have. Just know this. These thoughts are not from God.
Romans and Ecclesiastes has the truth that sets us free from these devil devised thoughts. Let me list them for you.
Have you ever felt defeated, guilty or condemned, like a total failure? Often those of us in the faith feel this way. We missed the mark, again. We try to do our best and it just isn't good enough. We get discouraged in life. We become shamed, guilty or hopeless. Ever experienced this? Of course you have, we all have. Just know this. These thoughts are not from God.
Romans and Ecclesiastes has the truth that sets us free from these devil devised thoughts. Let me list them for you.
- God makes all things beautiful in His time.
- Christ died to cleanse us and give us life
- He called us to this salvation
- He justified us
- He glorified us
- He is for us
- He graciously gives us all things
- He works all things together for our good.
- He intercedes for us
- He helps us in our weakness
- He forgives us
- He fills us with himself.
- He loves us as His children.
- He prepares a home for us.
What else is there. Why should we be discouraged? Why should we look to, listen to or respond to the lies of the devil? If God be for us who can be against us? Who can bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? Nothing can separate us from this love. So why do we?
Monday, October 15, 2007
Scripture
Psalm 119: 105-112
Sometimes it is good just to read scripture.
Sometimes there is nothing left to say.
Sometimes the power in it hits the spot.
Today is one of those sometimes.
--------------------
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. I have taken an oath and confirmed it, that I will follow your righteous laws. I have suffered much; preserve my life, O Lord according to your word. Accept, O Lord, the willing praise of my mouth, and teach me your laws. Though I constantly take my life in my hands, I will not forget your law. The wicked have sat a snare for me, but I have not strayed from your precepts. Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart. My heart is set on keeping your decrees to the very end.
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