Rapture Overview.

Rapture Overview

A few considerations… -2Pe 1:20 But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation This means that the Bible will interpret any symbolism and key phrases will be consistent (expositional consistency). Interpret scripture with scripture. Do not hold to tradition or theory without Biblical support. Let’s get into the Word and see what God has revealed about the Last Days and the Rapture of the Church

First, What is the Rapture?

What is the Rapture? The Rapture:
1 Cor. 15:50 I declare to you, brothers, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. 51 Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed--

How will we be ‘changed’?
52 in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. 53 For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality.

How will we be ‘changed’?
Rom 8:23 And not only this, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body. 52 in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. 53 For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality.

We will be changed in an instant, however the whole event of the Rapture may take longer
He will come in the clouds There will be an announcement of His coming and a trumpet call The dead in Christ will rise first Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up(changed in an instant) Then we will be gathered together to meet the Lord in the air! 2Th 2:1 Now we request you, brethren, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, Mat 24:31 "And He will send forth His angels with A GREAT TRUMPET and THEY WILL GATHER TOGETHER His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other. Mat 24:32 "Now learn the parable from the fig tree: when its branch has already become tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near; Mat 24:33 so, you too, when you see all these things, recognize that He is near, right at the door. Mat 24:34 "Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place.

The main support for the Rapture is this verse…
1 Thess. 4:15 According to the Lord's own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.

17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together (gathered together) with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 18 Therefore encourage each other with these words.

18 Therefore encourage each other with these words.
17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 18 Therefore encourage each other with these words. Strong's 726. arpazw harpazo to seize:--catch (away, up), pluck, pull, take (by force), gathered. In Latin this is RAPIO. It is from rapio that we get the word Rapture. Thus, "Rapture" has the literal meaning of being caught up, gathered, or snatched away.

The Rapture is the most glorious event that will ever occur in history
The Rapture is the most glorious event that will ever occur in history. It is when the Church (both those who have died and those who are alive, will be taken to be with Jesus Christ. This is the first resurrection. This is the glorious appearing of Jesus Christ to the world! When does this event occur?

First, what do most Biblical scholars agree upon…
2nd Coming of Christ Whether pre-trib, post-trib, or pre-wrath, most pre-millennial scholars agree on the following timeline of events…

The 70th week Abomination Pact Armageddon 7 ‘s ‘s 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
2nd Coming of Christ ‘s Pact ‘s Judgments 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Seals Wrath Armageddon The 70th week

Seals one through five occur during the first half of the 70th week of Daniel. The seven year period is divided into two halves separated by the abomination. The first half is anti-christ rule over Israel and most of the world.

The second half is God’s judgment and wrath and Israel protected in the wilderness. Rev 12:6 Then the woman fled into the wilderness where she *had a place prepared by God, so that there she would be nourished for one thousand two hundred and sixty days. Rev 12:14 But the two wings of the great eagle were given to the woman, so that she could fly into the wilderness to her place, where she *was nourished for a time and times and half a time, from the presence of the serpent. Note that the anti-christ has no power during the second half of the 70th week, and God does not deal with Israel until after the abomination.

The 1st 5 Seals are Broken, The Four Horsemen are Released
All of this takes place in the first half of the 70th week of Daniel. 5th 1st 2nd 3rd 4th White Horseman Red Horseman Black Horseman Pale Horseman Martyrs Mt. 24:5 Rev. 6:1-2 Ten nations give Anti- Christ powers. Anti-Christ makes his 7 year covenant with Israel. 70th week begins. Rev. 13 Rev. 11 Israel Rebuilds their temple Rev. 11:2-6 Two witnesses prophesy for 3.5 years.Likely Enoch and Elijah. (Mal. 4:5) or Moses and Elijah, both of whom were reported in Jewish tradition as having been taken up to God without dying. The LORD’s secret burial of Moses (Deut 34:6) led to the tradition that he had not died but ascended; Elijah’s being taken up is described in 2 Kings 2:1-12. Matt. 11:13-15;17:11&12 John 1:21 (John was not Elijah re-incarnated!) The two witnesses prophecy this entire time until the 6th seal is broken. Mt. 24:7c-10 Rev. 6:7-8 Death by sword, hunger, & beasts of the earth. Rev. 13:15 This will be when those who refuse to receive the mark will starve and be killed by the anti-christ. Rev. 13:7-10 Lk. 21:16 Mt. 24:6-7a Rev. 6:3-4 3 of the 10 nations refuse to give Anti-Christ power, he comes against them with a sword and ‘uproots’ them. Anti-Christ conquers. Rev. 13 Mt. 24:7b Rev. 6:5-6 Famine - This may lead to the implementation of the mark of the beast. Rev. 13:15-18 Matt. 24:9-13 Rev. 6:9-11 Martyrs asking when the earth will be judged. II Peter 4:16-18 II Thess.chpt. 1&2

Gathers nations for the last battle
Antichrist’s Reign Antichrist’s Runs Looses power Claims Godhood 10 Kings Gathers nations for the last battle Mark - 666 One World peace treaty 2nd Coming of Christ Wrath 3 uprooted 1 seal 5 seal 7 seal 1000 Year reign Israel follows false messiah Israel protected & sealed The 70th week

The antichrist will only have power for 3 and ½ years
The antichrist will only have power for 3 and ½ years! This is the first half of the 70th week of Daniel! Then the sixth seal is broken…Revelation Chapter 6. The last half of the 70th week of Daniel God’s wrath will be unleashed on this planet, and no one will have control. Rev 6:15 Then the kings of the earth and the great men and the commanders (this includes the antichrist)and the rich and the strong and every slave and free man hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains; Rev 6:16 and they *said to the mountains and to the rocks, "Fall on us and hide us from the presence of Him who sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb; Rev 6:17 for the great day of their wrath has come, and who is able to stand?"

The antichrist will only have power for 3 and ½ years! This is the first half of the 70th week of Daniel! Then the sixth seal is broken…Revelation Chapter 6. The last half of the 70th week of Daniel God’s wrath will be unleashed on this planet, and no one will have control. Rev 6:15 Then the kings of the earth and the great men and the commanders (this includes the antichrist)and the rich and the strong and every slave and free man hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains; Rev 6:16 and they *said to the mountains and to the rocks, "Fall on us and hide us from the presence of Him who sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb; Rev 6:17 for the great day of their wrath has come, and who is able to stand?" Dan 7:24 'As for the ten horns, out of this kingdom ten kings will arise; and another will arise after them, and he will be different from the previous ones and will subdue three kings. Daniel 7:25 'He will speak out against the Most High and wear down the saints of the Highest One, and he will intend to make alterations in times and in law; and they will be given into his hand for a time, times, and half a time. (this must be the first half of the 70th week!)

The antichrist will only have power for 3 and ½ years! This is the first half of the 70th week of Daniel! Then the sixth seal is broken…Revelation Chapter 6. The last half of the 70th week of Daniel God’s wrath will be unleashed on this planet, and no one will have control. Rev 6:15 Then the kings of the earth and the great men and the commanders (this includes the antichrist)and the rich and the strong and every slave and free man hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains; Rev 6:16 and they *said to the mountains and to the rocks, "Fall on us and hide us from the presence of Him who sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb; Rev 6:17 for the great day of their wrath has come, and who is able to stand?" Rev. 13:5 There was given to him a mouth speaking arrogant words and blasphemies, and authority to act for forty-two months was given to him. He has authority the first half only!

Gathers nations for the last battle
Antichrist’s timeline Looses power Claims Godhood 10 Kings Mark - 666 One World peace treaty 2nd Coming of Christ Wrath 3 uprooted 1 seal 5 seal 7 seal 1000 Year reign The 70th week

The Fifth seal – Christians killed
Revelation 6:9-11 When the Lamb broke the fifth seal, I saw underneath the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God, and because of the testimony which they had maintained; (10) and they cried out with a loud voice, saying, "How long, O Lord, holy and true, will You refrain from judging and avenging our blood on those who dwell on the earth?" (11) And there was given to each of them a white robe; and they were told that they should rest for a little while longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brethren who were to be killed even as they had been, would be completed also. Matthew 24:(9) "Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name. (10) "At that time many will fall away (The Apostasy)and will betray one another and hate one another. (11) "Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many. (12) "Because lawlessness is increased, most people's love will grow cold. (13) "But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved.

The Fifth seal – Christians killed
Revelation 6:9-11 When the Lamb broke the fifth seal, I saw underneath the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God, and because of the testimony which they had maintained; (10) and they cried out with a loud voice, saying, "How long, O Lord, holy and true, will You refrain from judging and avenging our blood on those who dwell on the earth?" (11) And there was given to each of them a white robe; and they were told that they should rest for a little while longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brethren who were to be killed even as they had been, would be completed also. Matthew 24:(9) "Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name. (10) "At that time many will fall away and will betray one another and hate one another. (11) "Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many. (12) "Because lawlessness is increased, most people's love will grow cold. (13) "But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved. Rev 13:7 It was also given to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them, and authority over every tribe and people and tongue and nation was given to him. 8 All who dwell on the earth will worship him, everyone whose name has not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who has been slain. 9 If anyone has an ear, let him hear. 10 If anyone is destined for captivity, to captivity he goes; if anyone kills with the sword, with the sword he must be killed. Here is the perseverance and the faith of the saints.

The Fifth seal Part II Not all Christians are killed…
Matthew 10: "But beware of men, for they will hand you over to the courts and scourge you in their synagogues; (18) and you will even be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles. (19) "But when they hand you over, do not worry about how or what you are to say; for it will be given you in that hour what you are to say. (20) "For it is not you who speak, but it is the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you. (21) "Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death. (22) "You will be hated by all because of My name, but it is the one who has endured to the end who will be saved. (23) "But whenever they persecute you in one city, flee to the next; for truly I say to you, you will not finish going through the cities of Israel until the Son of Man comes. (32) "Therefore everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven. (33) "But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven.

Rev 2:10 'Do not fear what you are about to suffer
Rev 2:10 'Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. Rev 2:11 'He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes will not be hurt by the second death.'

Mar 13:6 "Many will come in My name, saying, 'I am He
Mar 13:6 "Many will come in My name, saying, 'I am He!' and will mislead many. Mar 13:7 "When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be frightened; those things must take place; but that is not yet the end. Mar 13:8 "For nation will rise up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be earthquakes in various places; there will also be famines. These things are merely the beginning of birth pangs. 9 "But be on your guard; for they will deliver you to the courts, and you will be flogged in the synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them "The gospel must first be preached to all the nations. 11 "When they arrest you and hand you over, do not worry beforehand about what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour; for it is not you who speak, but it is the Holy Spirit. 12 "Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and have them put to death "You will be hated by all because of My name, but the one who endures to the end, he will be saved. 14 "But when you see the ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION standing where it should not be (let the reader understand), then those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains.

This is telling us not all Christians will be killed…
Matthew 10: "But beware of men, for they will hand you over to the courts and scourge you in their synagogues; (18) and you will even be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles. (19) "But when they hand you over, do not worry about how or what you are to say; for it will be given you in that hour what you are to say. (20) "For it is not you who speak, but it is the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you. (21) "Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death. (22) "You will be hated by all because of My name, but it is the one who has endured to the end who will be saved. (23) "But whenever they persecute you in one city, flee to the next; for truly I say to you, you will not finish going through the cities of Israel until the Son of Man comes. (32) "Therefore everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven. (33) "But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven. This is speaking to the Church, not Israel. Notice Israel will persecute the Church during this time with the antichrist – they will think he is their Messiah! They are protected!

It is important to note that Israel will never be persecuted by the antichrist. They will have a treaty until he goes into the temple and proclaims himself god. At that time Israel will be taken to the wilderness and protected, and 144,000 Jews will be sealed and protected as they go out and gather Israel to the wilderness location! In fact, only the Church will be persecuted!

This is when the church will be refined
This is when the church will be refined. Joh 16:33 "These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world." Rom 8:35 Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? (note how all these things we will endure in the first 5 seals!) Jesus told us in the letters to the churches: Rev 2:10 'Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.

This is when the church will be refined
This is when the church will be refined. Joh 16:33 "These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world." Rom 8:35 Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? (note how all these things we will endure in the first 5 seals!) Jesus told us in the letters to the churches: Rev 2:10 'Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. Rom 5:3 And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; 4 and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; 5 and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

The Fifth seal – Part 4 It is in the midst of the 5th seal that the antichrist will go into the temple and proclaim himself god! As he is persecuting the church, he will feel like he is more powerful than God. Matthew 24:(15) "Therefore when you see the ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand), (16) then those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains. (17) "Whoever is on the housetop must not go down to get the things out that are in his house.

The antichrist is now revealed!
The Fifth seal – Part 3 Dan 9:27 "And he will make a firm covenant with the many for one week, but in the middle of the week he will put a stop to sacrifice and grain offering; and on the wing of abominations will come one who makes desolate, even until a complete destruction, one that is decreed, is poured out on the one who makes desolate." Dan 11:36 "Then the king will do as he pleases, and he will exalt and magnify himself above every god and will speak monstrous things against the God of gods; and he will prosper until the indignation is finished, for that which is decreed will be done. During the intense persecution of beleivers, the gospel will be preached to the whole earth! Matthew 24: "This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come. It is in the midst of the 5th seal that the antichrist will go into the temple and proclaim himself god! Matthew 24:(15) "Therefore when you see the ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand), (16) then those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains. (17) "Whoever is on the housetop must not go down to get the things out that are in his house. The antichrist is now revealed!

End time events in perspective
2nd Coming of Christ The 70th week

2nd Coming of Christ Pact The 70th week

2nd Coming of Christ Pact Armageddon The 70th week

Abomination 2nd Coming of Christ Pact Armageddon The 70th week

There are many views of when the rapture takes place……
2nd Coming of Christ Rapture? Rapture? Rapture? The 70th week

These four are the most accepted…
Pre-wrath Post Pre Mid Rapture? 2nd Coming of Christ Rapture? Rapture? Rapture? The 70th week

What does the Bible say? Here is what we know for sure… Joh 3:36 "He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him." 1Th 5:9 For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 1Th 1:10 and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, that is Jesus, who rescues us from the wrath to come. Rom 5:9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. The first point that three of the views agree upon – we will not be here for the wrath of God.

So, when does the wrath of God occur
So, when does the wrath of God occur? Rom 2:5 But because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, (seventh seal – trumpet judgments) This comes at the end of the sixth seal, when the wrath begins… Rev 6:16 and they *said to the mountains and to the rocks, "Fall on us and hide us from the presence of Him who sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb; Rev 6:17 for the great day of their wrath has come, and who is able to stand?" The wrath begins at the breaking of the seventh seal. This is the ‘trumpet judgments, and the last trumpet starts the ‘bowls of wrath’.

Why does the wrath come? Rev 6:9 When the Lamb broke the fifth seal, I saw underneath the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God, and because of the testimony which they had maintained; Rev 6:10 and they cried out with a loud voice, saying, "How long, O Lord, holy and true, will You refrain from judging and avenging our blood on those who dwell on the earth?" Rev 6:11 And there was given to each of them a white robe; and they were told that they should rest for a little while longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brethren who were to be killed even as they had been, would be completed also. It is not a judgment that leads to repentance, it is penalty for sin! The judgment already took place when they missed the rapture!

Mat 25:11 "Later the other virgins also came, saying, 'Lord, lord, open up for us.' Mat 25:12 "But he answered, 'Truly I say to you, I do not know you.' Mat 7:22 "Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?' Mat 7:23 "And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS Rom 2:5 But because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, Rom 12:19 Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, "VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY," says the Lord.

Eph 5:5-6 For this you know with certainty, that no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. (6) Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.

This will be a judgment on those who mistreated the Church and refused to repent – they took the mark of the beast. Rev 14:7 and he said with a loud voice, "Fear God, and give Him glory, because the hour of His judgment has come; worship Him who made the heaven and the earth and sea and springs of waters." This is the ‘hour’ we will escape: Rev 3:10 'Because you have kept the word of My perseverance, I also will keep you from the hour of testing, that hour which is about to come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. Rev 14:8 And another angel, a second one, followed, saying, "Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, she who has made all the nations drink of the wine of the passion of her immorality." Rev 14:9 Then another angel, a third one, followed them, saying with a loud voice, "If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, Rev 14:10 he also will drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is mixed in full strength in the cup of His anger; and he will be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb.

So, we can now add the ‘wrath’ To our timeline…
Pre-wrath Post Pre Mid Rapture? 2nd Coming of Christ Rapture? Rapture? Rapture? wrath The 70th week

We can also remove ‘Post’ because they believe we will be here for the wrath, just protected.

This leaves three views to consider.
Pre-wrath Pre-Trib Mid Rapture? 2nd Coming of Christ Rapture? Rapture? wrath The 70th week

First, lets address the arguments for pre-trib
First, lets address the arguments for pre-trib. Tim Lahaye came up with several reasons pre-trib is Biblical. Nowhere among their reasons will you find an appeal to a Bible verse which specifically states the Lord will return before the Tribulation. Why? Because it does not exist! LaHaye freely acknowledges the absence of any explicit pre-Trib passages.1 (He does, however, profess that all opposing positions share the same weakness. This claim will be considered fully in another chapter.) To get an idea of how rare it is for a major Bible doctrine to be established without an explicit teaching in Scripture, consider the counsel of premier pre-Trib scholar, John Walvoord. In his writings he strongly condemns the promotion of any doctrine not explicitly taught in the Scriptures. He refers to such practices as "desperate exegesis."2 Desperate or not, the absence of a definitive text forces pre-Tribulationists to engage in that very practice.

How should the absence of an explicit pre-Trib text affect our inquiry
How should the absence of an explicit pre-Trib text affect our inquiry? For one thing, it should raise the evidentiary standard for their arguments. These arguments are not being offered to confirm direct evidence—they are being offered in place of direct evidence. This is a fact that any honest Biblical scholar readily admits to!

Reason #1 for being a Pre-Tribulationist "The pre-Tribulation view is the most logical view of Second Coming Scriptures when taken for their plain, literal meaning whenever possible."3 Pre-Trib Argument: The pre-Trib view provides the most logical fit. Pre-Tribulationists contend there is no single Bible passage outlining the order of end time events. II Thess. 2 does give us a clear order of events (more on this later) Matt. 24 gives us the signs of Christ’s coming to gather His elect for the four winds (clear order of events)

Pre-Trib Argument: The Pre-Trib view is based on the literal approach of interpreting Scripture. At least ten times in his book, LaHaye intimates that those who oppose pre- Tribulationalism do so because they have abandoned the literal approach. Over and over, pre- Tribbers charge spiritualization by opponents. Walvoord even refers to the "fact that spiritualization of Scripture goes hand in hand with denial of the pretribulation rapture."7 This argument is easily disproved…

we find it is the pre-Trib camp which continuously engages in spiritualization. For instance, consider the treatment of Revelation 4:1. This, of course, is the verse where pre-Tribbers contend the rapture occurs. LaHaye freely admits the plain reading of the passage does not support a pre-Trib rapture teaching, yet that does not dissuade him from declaring it just the same. He writes, "The Rapture of the church is not explicitly taught in Revelation 4 but definitely appears here chronologically at the end of the church age and before the Tribulation" This is not taking the literal interpretation of this text in any way! (more on this when we get to Rev. 4 in class)

Notes: Tim LaHaye, No Fear of the Storm, p. 188
Notes: Tim LaHaye, No Fear of the Storm, p John Walvoord, The Rapture Question, p Tim LaHaye, No Fear of the Storm, p Hal Lindsey, There's a New World Coming, p Tim LaHaye, No Fear of the Storm, p Ibid., p John Walvoord, The Rapture Question, p Tim LaHaye, Revelation, p. 76.

Number Two "The Rapture is described as imminent
Number Two "The Rapture is described as imminent."12 "No unfulfilled prophecy stands between the church and the Rapture, while many signs must be fulfilled before the Second Coming."14 This is known as the ‘any moment’ theory of the Rapture. It could occur right now, or it could have occurred in Paul’ lifetime, or that of Martin Luther. First, we know that world events were not in place for the Rapture to have occurred prior to In fact, only in that past 20 years has the world been in the position to fulfill all the prophecies about the last days!

Note the following quote by Walvoord, as he seeks to establish the doctrine of immanency. "The prospect of being taken to heaven at the coming of Christ is not qualified by description of any signs or prerequisite events. Here [referring to John 14], as in other passages dealing with the coming of Christ for the church, the hope is presented as an imminent hope."13 Did you get that? By pre-Trib logic, because rapture passages contain nothing to preclude immanency, they somehow "prove" immanency! Joh 14:28 "You heard that I said to you, 'I go away, and I will come to you.' If you loved Me, you would have rejoiced because I go to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. Jesus clarified when He would come later at the Olivete Discourse

Scriptural basis for the any moment rapture; Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming. (Matt. 24:42). Be on the alert then, for you do not know the day or the hour. (Matt. 25:13). For this reason you be ready too; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will. (Matt. 24:44). However, in context, all of these passage have signs that precede the coming!!

Walvord admits that there are NO passages teaching the concept of imminence - . Instead, he offers passages which, in his words, "contribute to the concept of imminence." Among these are, John 14:1-3, I Thessalonians 4-5, and I John 3:1-3.

Joh 14:1 "Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. Joh 14:2 "In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. Joh 14:3 "If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also. Jesus later gave them the signs of His return – Matt. 24 About 25 years after the Lord spoke the words recorded in John 14, the Apostle Paul wrote a letter to the church at Corinth. In that letter (under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit), Paul revealed the mystery of the rapture of the church. "Behold, I tell you a mystery; we shall not all sleep, but we shall be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed." (I Corinthians 15:51-52). A mystery, according to Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words, is a truth previously withheld by God, but now made known by Divine revelation.

The second section of Scripture Walvoord offers in defense of imminency is I Thessalonians, Chapters 4 and 5. However, he makes reference to just one verse: "Therefore, comfort one another with these words." (4:18). Walvoord does not say how this passage contributes the concept of imminency. He merely asserts the rapture had been taught as an imminent hope. LaHaye, however, is not so reticent. From this phrase, he develops a "comfort" argument in favor of imminency. In his words, "the hope and comfort aspect of the Rapture demands that we escape the Tribulation, being raptured out of this world before God's wrath begins." 8

The second section of Scripture Walvoord offers in defense of imminency is I Thessalonians, Chapters 4 and 5. However, he makes reference to just one verse: "Therefore, comfort one another with these words." (4:18). Walvoord does not say how this passage contributes the concept of imminency. He merely asserts the rapture had been taught as an imminent hope. LaHaye, however, is not so reticent. From this phrase, he develops a "comfort" argument in favor of imminency. In his words, "the hope and comfort aspect of the Rapture demands that we escape the Tribulation, being raptured out of this world before God's wrath begins." 8 In context, this was written to comfort them about those who died as believers! The comfort is that they will be raised! It’s the resurrection of the dead that is comforting!!!!

The third passage which, we are told, contributes to imminency is I John 3:1-3. "See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called the children of God; and such we are. For this reason the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we shall be. We know that, when He appears, we shall be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is. And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure." This verse actually supports the appearing of Christ at the Rapture and helps disprove the ‘secret rapture’ misconception! ? Obviously, it offers no indication that a Coming of the Lord is without reference to signs. Walvoord, however, suggests the presence of the word hope amounts to an argument for imminency. "The hope of seeing Christ as He is and being like Him is a purifying hope." And this hope, he claims, "is realistic in proportion to its imminency." 10

To grasp the futility of this logic, we need only view the formal argument. First premise: Believers should be concerned about the Coming of the Lord for the Church (the rapture). Second premise: If an event is imminent, believers will be more concerned. Conclusion: The coming of the Lord for the church is always presented as an imminent event. Believe it or not, the three passages above, along with their corresponding arguments, represent the strongest "Biblical" arguments to be found in behalf of this doctrine. Little wonder Walvoord could not bring himself to say these passages actually teach imminency.

Scripture NEVER presents the rapture as a signless (imminent) event
Scripture NEVER presents the rapture as a signless (imminent) event. But the problems for imminency do not stop there. Perhaps even more threatening is the fact that a number of Scriptures seem to contradict the doctrine. These problem texts imply that either an extended period of time or certain prophesied events must transpire before the Lord's return. Following are six such texts:

The Lord's promise to Peter that he would die at an old age
. The Lord's promise to Peter that he would die at an old age. (See John 21:18-19). Herein is a huge problem for imminency. If the rapture was presented as imminent, as pre-Tribbers maintain, that means it could have happened at any moment from Pentecost until now. Yet, the Lord, Himself, prophesied that Peter would die an old man. This prophecy directly contradicts the pre- Trib doctrine of imminency That the rapture could occur at any moment. A number of years would have to pass before Peter became old and died. That means, at least during those intervening years, the rapture could not have occurred. Otherwise, Peter would have been translated, which would have made the Lord a false prophet. That the rapture is without reference to signs. Based on the Lord's prophecy, it was impossible for the rapture to occur before at least one future event—that being Peter's death. The obvious implication is that the Lord did not teach imminency.

The parables which imply a long interval of time before the Lord returns. (See Matt. 25:14-30, the parable of the talents; Luke 19:11-27, parable of the minas). These passages argue against the concept of an any moment rapture. First; Mat 25:1 "Then the kingdom of heaven will be comparable to ten virgins, who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Notice, they went out from the brides house to meet the bridegroom, meaning they knew the day, they simply did not know the hour of His coming. Usually the bridegroom came right at Sundown, as the first star appeared in the sky.

Mat 25:2 "Five of them were foolish, and five were prudent
Mat 25:2 "Five of them were foolish, and five were prudent. Mat 25:3 "For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, Mat 25:4 but the prudent took oil in flasks along with their lamps. Mat 25:5 "Now while the bridegroom was delaying, they all got drowsy and began to sleep. Mat 25:6 "But at midnight there was a shout, 'Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.' Mat 25:13 "Be on the alert then, for you do not know the day nor the hour. 1Th 5:4 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day would overtake you like a thief; 1Th 5:5 for you are all sons of light and sons of day. We are not of night nor of darkness; 1Th 5:6 so then let us not sleep as others do, but let us be alert and sober. 1Th 5:7 For those who sleep do their sleeping at night, and those who get drunk get drunk at night. 1Th 5:8 But since we are of the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation. 1Th 5:9 For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, The wise virgins were those who were ready to wait, to endure, to overcome the night. They were alert to the dangers of worldliness and complacency.

Walvord, although admitting there are texts which raise difficulties for the doctrine of imminency, he states, "most of the hindrances to the coming of the Lord at any moment in the first century no longer exist. A long period has elapsed; Peter and Paul have gone home to the Lord; only the specific signs of Matthew remain to be fulfilled." Matt. 24 & 25 are the Rapture, not the second coming! Mat 24:36 "But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone. Mat 24:37 "For the coming of the Son of Man will be just like the days of Noah. Mat 24:38 "For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, Mat 24:39 and they did not understand until the flood came and took them all away; so will the coming of the Son of Man be. Mat 24:40 "Then there will be two men in the field; one will be taken and one will be left. Mat 24:41 "Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one will be left. Mat 24:42 "Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming.

Ulimately, the doctrine of imminency rests on fear of two things…

Pastor Chuck Smith said that if the Rapture isn’t imminent, no one would be in Church. They would know they had time to ‘play’ until the tribulation started, and then they would get right with God. LaHaye also suggested that apart from the anticipation that goes with an imminent rapture, the church would become "carnal and spiritually dead." In other words, he argues that the Lord's return is imminent, simply because, in his opinion, imminency is necessary for the well-being of the church. Lahaye said that if the Church had to go through hard times, she would not survive. I categorically disagree with both statements! This is escapism mentality and denies the Power of God to preserve His Church even if the gates of hell come against it!!!!!!!! Mat 16:18 "I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.

Tim LaHay writes, "It is impossible to understand how a loving bridegroom, as the Lord presents Himself, would permit His church (which Ephesians 5 designates as His bride) to suffer such a terrifying time just prior to their wedding, marriage supper, and one-thousand-year honeymoon." 10 , "...and others were tortured, not accepting their release, in order that they might obtain a better resurrection; and others experienced mockings and scourgings, yes, also chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword; they went about in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated (men of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts and mountains and caves and holes in the ground." (Hebrews 11:35-38). And how did Peter comfort the believers of that day? It was through what could be called another rendition of Paul's "blessed hope": "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing; so that at the revelation of His glory, you may rejoice with exaltation." (I Peter 4:12-13).

Today, Christians are being beheaded, tortured, and killed for their faith all over the 10/40 window. We are told to; Jam 1:2 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, Jam 1:3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. Jam 1:4 And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

LaHaye's writings: "Frankly, one of my principal objections to the mid- and post-Trib theories is their destruction of imminency. For if Christ cannot come at any moment, these views cannot instruct us to look for His return. Instead they advise us to look for the inaugurating of the Tribulation period, when Antichrist signs a covenant with Israel for seven years for the rebuilding of the Temple, the mark of the Beast, the advent of Antichrist himself..." Yes, this sounds like God’s Word! 1Jo 2:18 Children, it is the last hour; and just as you heard that antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have appeared; from this we know that it is the last hour. This does not preclude the longing to go home and be with the Lord! The waiting for and looking for the signs that would indicate Christ’s soon return! Paul said; Phi 1:21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.

Next Argument by pretibbers; "It explains why there is no Bible instruction on preparation for the Tribulation." 1 LaHaye writes, "Doesn't it seem strange that although the Bible advises Christians how to face ordinary, everyday troubles, it submits absolutely no instructions related to the worst time the world will ever face, a period filled with frightening events that have never even come close to being fulfilled? Pre-Tribs have a simple answer. We won't be there!" Folks, the Bible is filled with information on how to endure to the end! And encouragement to the Church for the exact events of the first 5 seals!

Rom 8:35 Who will separate us from the love of Christ
Rom 8:35 Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Rom 8:36 Just as it is written, "FOR YOUR SAKE WE ARE BEING PUT TO DEATH ALL DAY LONG; WE WERE CONSIDERED AS SHEEP TO BE SLAUGHTERED." Rom 8:37 But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. Rom 8:38 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, Rom 8:39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Tribulation is to be expected in the life of a Christian
Tribulation is to be expected in the life of a Christian. "In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33). And again, "Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God." (Acts 14:22). In fact, afflictions are a believer's destiny. "...for you yourselves know we have been destined for this." (I Thessalonians 3:3). Persecution is also to be expected. "All who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." (II Timothy 3:12). All periods of calamity come from the hand of the Lord. "The One forming light and creating darkness, causing well-being and creating calamity; I am the Lord who does all these." (Isaiah 45:7). But, God is faithful and will not allow us to be tempted (tried) beyond what we are able to handle. (I Corinthians 10:13). Though sin is definitely in view here, there is also an implication that God will limit the amount of adversity that comes to us.

We are not to be surprised at the presence of affliction
We are not to be surprised at the presence of affliction. "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing; so that also at the revelation of His glory, you may rejoice with exultation." (I Peter 4:12). We must never think the presence of affliction suggests the Lord has abandoned us. "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Just as it is written, 'For thy sake we are being put to death all day long; we were considered as sheep to be slaughtered.' But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us." (Romans 8:35-37). We should keep a proper perspective, weighing present trials against eternal blessings. "For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison." (II Corinthians 4:17). We should count it all joy when we fall into diverse temptations (See James 1:2-4). And also, "But we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character, and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out with in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us." (Romans 5:3-5).

We are not to fear death at the hands of our persecutors
We are not to fear death at the hands of our persecutors. "And do not fear those who kill the body, but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to able to destroy both soul and body in hell." (Matthew 10:28). We must entrust ourselves entirely to the Lord. "Let those who suffer according to the will of God entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right." (I Peter 4:19). We should trust the Lord to see us through all our trials. "Many are the afflictions of the righteous; but the Lord delivers him out of them all." (Psalms 34:19). And also, the Lord is "my strength and my stronghold, and my refuge in the day of distress." (Jeremiah 16:19). We must make prayer and love toward the brethren our top priorities. "The end of all things is at hand; therefore be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer. Above all keep fervent in your love for one another." (I Peter 4:7-8). We must persevere during times of tribulation. (See Romans 12:12). "For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised. 'For yet in a little while, He who is coming will come, and will not delay. But My righteous one shall live by faith; and if he shrinks back, My soul has no pleasure in Him.' But we are not of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the preserving of the soul." (Hebrews 10:36-39). And again, "After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal Glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you." (I Peter 5:10).

General conditions during the Tribulation Expect deception
General conditions during the Tribulation Expect deception. Antichrist will come in accordance with the activity of Satan, with all power and signs and false wonders. (II Thessalonians 2:9) In addition, "many false prophets will arise, and will mislead many." (Matthew 24:11). God will cause unbelievers to accept Satan's deceptions. "And for this reason God will send upon them a deluding influence so that they might believe what is false." (II Thessalonians 2:11). Know that believers will be hated among all peoples because of the name of Jesus. (Matthew 24:9) Many who call themselves Christians will fall away when persecution starts. (II Thessalonians 2:3). And from the parable of the sower, "And the one on whom seed was sown on the rocky places, this is the man who hears the word, and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no firm root in himself, but is only temporary, and when affliction or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he falls away." (Matthew 13:20-21). Even friends and family will betray Christians to avoid persecution. (Matthew 24:10, Luke 21:16) Some believers (but not all) will be put to death. (Luke 21:16). Matt.10:33

Some pre-tribers quote the following for proof of an early scholar who supported a pre-trib; Ephraem, the Syrian, A.D. 373, "...all saints and the elect of the Ruler are gathered together before the tribulation which is to about to come and are taken to the Ruler in order that they may not see at any time the confusion which overwhelms the world because of our sins." This is the only reference from antiquity that appears to teach a pre-trib rapture, but when you read it in context, we find that he is talking about the rapture taking place after the abomination of desolation!! “But when the time of the abomination of his desolation begins to approach, having been made legal, he takes the empire.... Therefore, when he receives the kingdom, he orders the temple of God to be rebuilt for himself, which is in Jerusalem; who, after coming into it, he shall sit as God and order that he be adored by all nations ... then all people from everywhere shall flock together to him at the city of Jerusalem, and the holy city shall be trampled on by the nations for forty-two months just as the holy apostle says in the Apocalypse, which become three and a half years, 1,260 days. In these three years and a half the heaven shall suspend its dew; because there will be no rain upon the earth ... and there will be a great tribulation, as there has not been, since people began to be upon the earth ... and no one is able to sell or to buy of the grain of the fall harvest, unless he is one who has the serpentine sign on the forehead or the hand....”

Further, this is not from Epraem’s works, but from a writing called ‘psuedo-Epraem. That means it was not from Ephraem and can’t be dated accurately. Jeffery, the pre-trib scholar who quoted Epraem and said he supported the pre-trib rapture also said the following; “Some of the early Church writers wrote about the persecution of the tribulation as if the saints will be present. However, a number of early Christian commentaries suggested that the Church will be delivered supernaturally before the Great Tribulation.” I agree with him! The rapture will take place at the breaking of the sixth seal – the great tribulation!!

There are certain names, looking back through the centuries, that stand out in Messianic history such as John Wyclif, John Huss, Martin Luther, Philipp Melanchthon, Hulreich Zwingli, William Tyndale, Nicholas Ridley, Hugh Latimer, John Foxe, Edwin Sandys, John Calvin, Armenias, John Knox, King James, Isaac Newton, Thomas Newton, John Wesley, and every writing prior to 1830 AD. It is of clear knowledge, that none of these men believed that the church would be taken out before the appearance of Antichrist. In fact, to the contrary, they understood that the church would suffer at the hands of Antichrist and the career of the man of sin, the Son of Perdition, would be ended by the coming of Messiah at the end of the age.

George Ladd, seminary professor, after making a survey of Church history says: "Every church father who deals with this subject expects the CHURCH to suffer at the hands of Antichrist: ...we can find no trace of pre-tribulationism in the early church: and no modern pre-tribulationist has successfully proved that this particular doctrine was held by any of the church fathers or students of the Word before the nineteenth century." The Blessed Hope, pg. 31, George Ladd.

"The Didache", written after the New Testament, is considered to be one of the earliest pieces of Messianic literature, stated that the Antichrist would come, that many would be offended and be lost, and that this time of woe would be followed by the resurrection of the just. The Blessed Hope, Pgs. 20,21, Ladd.

Irenaeus (Polycarp’s disciple, and Polycarp was John’s disciple)( A.D.) spoke of "the resurrection of the just, which takes place after the coming of Antichrist." He spoke of kings who "shall give their kingdom to the beast, and put the church to flight. After that they shall be destroyed by the coming of our Ruler." "In the end the church shall be suddenly caught up" and having overcome, will be "crowned with incorruption." It is evident that Irenaeus did not believe in a pre-tribulation. Against Heresies, Chap. 35:1; 30:4, 26:1; 29:1, Irenaeus.

Tertullian ( A.D.) believed that Antichrist would rise to power and persecute the church. He affirmed it was customary for Christians to pray for a part in the resurrection to meet Messiah at the end of the world. On The Resurrection of the Flesh, Chap.22, Tertullian.

Walvoord, in The Rapture Question, pg
Walvoord, in The Rapture Question, pg. 148 says that neither pre-tribulation nor post-tribulation rapture is taught in scripture. I agree, and that leaves us with the pre-wrath rapture view! Dr. Richard Mayhue, who teaches at Masters Seminary and believes in a pre-trib rapture states this in his The Prophets Watchword, the Day of the Lord, pg , “perhaps the position of pre-tribulationism is correct although its proof at times has been logically invalid” Again, I agree. So what is the logical teaching of scripture?– It looks to be the pre-wrath view

Yes, the church will be here until the great commission is completed
Yes, the church will be here until the great commission is completed. It is a command to the Church and the final sign of Christ’s return…

1Co 15:19 If we have hoped in Christ in this life only, we are of all men most to be pitied. 1Co 15:20 But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep. 1Co 15:21 For since by a man came death, by a man also came the resurrection of the dead. 1Co 15:22 For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive. 1Co 15:23 But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, after that those who are Christ's at His coming, (Rapture) 1Co 15:24 then comes the end Mat 24:14 "This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.

1Co 15:19 If we have hoped in Christ in this life only, we are of all men most to be pitied. 1Co 15:20 But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep. 1Co 15:21 For since by a man came death, by a man also came the resurrection of the dead. 1Co 15:22 For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive. 1Co 15:23 But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, after that those who are Christ's at His coming, 1Co 15:24 then comes the end Note that the ‘end’ is the end of the Church age. This happens at the Rapture of the Church. The “fullness of the Gentiles” have come in. The end is when we have taken the Gospel to all nations. Some may say this isn’t the Churches job… Mat 24:14 "This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.

Act 1:6 So when they had come together, they were asking Him, saying, "Lord, is it at this time You are restoring the kingdom to Israel?" Act 1:7 He said to them, "It is not for you to know times or epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority; Act 1:8 but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth." Mar 16:15 And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Mar 16:16 "He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned.

The Great commission is given to the Church
The Great commission is given to the Church! We were given the Holy Spirit to fulfill the great commission and see the fullness of the Gentiles come in! So, when does the fullness of the Gentiles come in? Rom 11:25 For I do not want you, brethren, to be uninformed of this mystery--so that you will not be wise in your own estimation--that a partial hardening has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in; Rom 11:26 and so all Israel will be saved We find that the fullness of the Gentiles come in at the same time Israel recognizes Jesus as Messiah and is saved – their hardened hearts are opened! Israel embraces Christ as Messiah after the abomination of desolation. They are then taken to the wilderness and saved from the wrath of God and the persecution of Satan.

Rev 12:13 And when the dragon saw that he was thrown down to the earth, he persecuted the woman who gave birth to the male child. Rev 12:14 But the two wings of the great eagle were given to the woman, so that she could fly into the wilderness to her place, where she *was nourished for a time and times and half a time, from the presence of the serpent. Rev 12:15 And the serpent poured water like a river out of his mouth after the woman, so that he might cause her to be swept away with the flood. Rev 12:16 But the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened its mouth and drank up the river which the dragon poured out of his mouth. Dan 12:1 "Now at that time Michael, the great prince who stands guard over the sons of your people, will arise. And there will be a time of distress such as never occurred since there was a nation until that time; and at that time your people, everyone who is found written in the book, will be rescued. Dan 12:2 "Many of those who sleep in the dust of the ground will awake, these to everlasting life, but the others to disgrace and everlasting contempt. The woman is Israel – she is protected for 3 ½ years in the wilderness – the last half of the 70th week of Daniel.

Daniel 12 breakdown: vs. 1: “now at this time” When
Daniel 12 breakdown: vs. 1: “now at this time” When? When the AntiChrist is back at the Holy Mountain. He will come to an end - an end of his world peace and governance. Michael is always seen as the protector of God’s people, even Moses, in Jude, where he fights over the Body of Moses. “ time of distress such as never occurred since there was a nation until that time” It is highly significant that our Lord Jesus in the Olivet Discourse (Matt 24:21) picks up and enlarges on this prediction, saying: "For then there will be great distress [thlipsis] unequaled from the beginning of the world . Jesus in context says this will take place just after the Abomination of Desolation! (this is the breaking of the 6th seal)

Daniel 12 continued: Vs. 2 the Resurrection - imperfect tense - an incomplete action - an action and another action. Our Rabbi’s agree - some will resurrect here for everlasting life, the others will not resurrect now, but will stay in the ground to their shame and be resurrected for judgement later. (Midrash, Rambam, haMishnah, Sanhedrin 10, Saadiah, HaRamban, and Emunos). Jesus taught two resurections in John 5:28-29 by teaching a "general" resurrection of the righteous and a general resurrection of the wicked. At Daniel 12:2, the angel taught Daniel that there would be a general resurrection of the righteous and one for the wicked. Daniel 12:13 speaks of a resurrection at the end of the age.

There are only two resurrections
There are only two resurrections! This clarifies Daniel 12: Rev 20:4 Then I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was given to them. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony of Jesus and because of the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received the mark on their forehead and on their hand; and they came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. Rev 20:5 The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were completed. This is the first resurrection. Rev 20:6 Blessed and holy is the one who has a part in the first resurrection; over these the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with Him for a thousand years.

John has elsewhere indicated that the kingdom reign will be shared by every believer who overcomes (2:26-28; 3:12, 21) and is purchased by Christ's blood (5:10). Also, in 1 Corinthians 6:2-3, Paul clearly speaks of all believers--not just martyrs--exercising judgment in the future. Revelation 5:10 indicates that the kingdom will be a "reign on the earth." The first resurrection is the Rapture, and it happens after the martyrs number is complete! This is just after the 5th seal! Again we see a resurrection taking place at the 6th seal!

Israel is blind until the abomination!
And all Israel will be protected in the Wilderness Rev 12:5 And she gave birth to a son, a male child, who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron; and her child was caught up to God and to His throne. Rev 12:6 Then the woman fled into the wilderness where she *had a place prepared by God, so that there she would be nourished for one thousand two hundred and sixty days.(3.4 years) Rev 12:14 But the two wings of the great eagle were given to the woman, so that she could fly into the wilderness to her place, where she *was nourished for a time and times and half a time, from the presence of the serpent. Who’s the ‘male child’ that was ‘caught up (raptured) at this point? Rom 11:25 For I do not want you, brethren, to be uninformed of this mystery--so that you will not be wise in your own estimation--that a partial hardening has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in; Rom 11:26 and so all Israel will be saved; just as it is written, "THE DELIVERER WILL COME FROM ZION, HE WILL REMOVE UNGODLINESS FROM JACOB." Rom 11:27 "THIS IS MY COVENANT WITH THEM, WHEN I TAKE AWAY THEIR SINS." Israel is blind until the abomination! That’s when the fullness of the gentiles come in!

The Male Child rules with a rod of Iron and is raptured right after the Abomination of Desolation. Rev 2:25 'Nevertheless what you have, hold fast until I come. Rev 2:26 'He who overcomes, and he who keeps My deeds until the end, TO HIM I WILL GIVE AUTHORITY OVER THE NATIONS; Rev 2:27 AND HE SHALL RULE THEM WITH A ROD OF IRON, AS THE VESSELS OF THE POTTER ARE BROKEN TO PIECES, as I also have received authority from My Father; Rev 2:28 and I will give him the morning star. Rev 2:29 'He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.'

2Ti 2:12 If we endure, we will also reign with Him; If we deny Him, He also will deny us; Rev 5:10 "You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God; and they will reign upon the earth." Rev 20:6 Blessed and holy is the one who has a part in the first resurrection; over these the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with Him for a thousand years.

At this time a great multitude that no one can count appears in heaven
At this time a great multitude that no one can count appears in heaven. This is the first resurrection! (Rev 20:6) Blessed and holy is the one who has a part in the first resurrection; over these the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with Him for a thousand years.

The first Resurrection – the Rapture The second Resurrection – judgment Revelation 20:4-6 Then I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was given to them. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony of Jesus and because of the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received the mark on their forehead and on their hand; and they came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. (5) The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were completed. This is the first resurrection. (6) Blessed and holy is the one who has a part in the first resurrection; over these the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with Him for a thousand years.

All of this happens at the sixth seal – even what Daniel prophesied: The second Resurrection – judgment Revelation 20:4-6 Then I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was given to them. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony of Jesus and because of the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received the mark on their forehead and on their hand; and they came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. (5) The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were completed. This is the first resurrection. (6) Blessed and holy is the one who has a part in the first resurrection; over these the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with Him for a thousand years. Dan 12:1 "Now at that time Michael, the great prince who stands guard over the sons of your people, will arise. And there will be a time of distress such as never occurred since there was a nation until that time; and at that time your people, everyone who is found written in the book, will be rescued. Dan 12:2 "Many of those who sleep in the dust of the ground will awake, these to everlasting life, but the others to disgrace and everlasting contempt. (Two resurrections separated by 1000 years!

Thus, the rapture happens after the abomination of desolation, prior to the wrath, and is given signs that correspond to the sixth seal. We already established there will be a resurrection at the sixth seal. (Matt. 24 and Daniel 12) Let’s review …

The Day of the Lord begins – the breaking of the 6th seal
Matthew 24: "But immediately after the tribulation of those days THE SUN WILL BE DARKENED, AND THE MOON WILL NOT GIVE ITS LIGHT, AND THE STARS WILL FALL from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. (30) "And then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the SON OF MAN COMING ON THE CLOUDS OF THE SKY with power and great glory. (31) "And He will send forth His angels with A GREAT TRUMPET and THEY WILL GATHER TOGETHER His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other. Revelation 6: I looked when He broke the sixth seal, and there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth made of hair, and the whole moon became like blood; (13) and the stars of the sky fell to the earth, as a fig tree casts its unripe figs when shaken by a great wind. (14) The sky was split apart like a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island were moved out of their places. (15) Then the kings of the earth and the great men and the commanders and the rich and the strong and every slave and free man hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains; (16) and they *said to the mountains and to the rocks, "Fall on us and hide us from the presence of Him who sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb; (17) for the great day of their wrath has come, and who is able to stand?" Matthew 24: "But immediately after the tribulation of those days THE SUN WILL BE DARKENED, AND THE MOON WILL NOT GIVE ITS LIGHT, AND THE STARS WILL FALL from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. (30) "And then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the SON OF MAN COMING ON THE CLOUDS OF THE SKY with power and great glory. (31) "And He will send forth His angels with A GREAT TRUMPET and THEY WILL GATHER TOGETHER His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other.

Revelation 6: I looked when He broke the sixth seal, and there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth made of hair, and the whole moon became like blood; (13) and the stars of the sky fell to the earth, as a fig tree casts its unripe figs when shaken by a great wind. (14) The sky was split apart like a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island were moved out of their places. (15) Then the kings of the earth and the great men and the commanders and the rich and the strong and every slave and free man hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains; (16) and they *said to the mountains and to the rocks, "Fall on us and hide us from the presence of Him who sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb; (17) for the great day of their wrath has come, and who is able to stand?" Rev 1:4 John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace, from Him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven Spirits who are before His throne, 5 and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us and released us from our sins by His blood-- 6 and He has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father--to Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. 7 BEHOLD, HE IS COMING WITH THE CLOUDS, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the tribes of the earth will mourn over Him. So it is to be. Amen. Matthew 24: "But immediately after the tribulation of those days THE SUN WILL BE DARKENED, AND THE MOON WILL NOT GIVE ITS LIGHT, AND THE STARS WILL FALL from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. (30) "And then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the SON OF MAN COMING ON THE CLOUDS OF THE SKY with power and great glory. (31) "And He will send forth His angels with A GREAT TRUMPET and THEY WILL GATHER TOGETHER His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other. Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the SON OF MAN COMING ON THE CLOUDS OF THE SKY with power and great glory. (31) "And He will send forth His angels with A GREAT TRUMPET and THEY WILL GATHER TOGETHER His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other.

Matthew 24: "But immediately after the tribulation of those days THE SUN WILL BE DARKENED, AND THE MOON WILL NOT GIVE ITS LIGHT, AND THE STARS WILL FALL from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. (30) "And then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the SON OF MAN COMING ON THE CLOUDS OF THE SKY with power and great glory. (31) "And He will send forth His angels with A GREAT TRUMPET and THEY WILL GATHER TOGETHER His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other. Revelation 6: I looked when He broke the sixth seal, and there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth made of hair, and the whole moon became like blood; (13) and the stars of the sky fell to the earth, as a fig tree casts its unripe figs when shaken by a great wind. (14) The sky was split apart like a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island were moved out of their places. (15) Then the kings of the earth and the great men and the commanders and the rich and the strong and every slave and free man hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains; (16) and they *said to the mountains and to the rocks, "Fall on us and hide us from the presence of Him who sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb; (17) for the great day of their wrath has come, and who is able to stand?" Matthew 24: "But immediately after the tribulation of those days THE SUN WILL BE DARKENED, AND THE MOON WILL NOT GIVE ITS LIGHT, AND THE STARS WILL FALL from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. (30) "And then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the SON OF MAN COMING ON THE CLOUDS OF THE SKY with power and great glory. (31) "And He will send forth His angels with A GREAT TRUMPET and THEY WILL GATHER TOGETHER His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other. 2Th 2:1 Now we request you, brethren, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, 2 that you not be quickly shaken from your composure or be disturbed either by a spirit or a message or a letter as if from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. 3 Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, 4 who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God.

Matthew 24: "But immediately after the tribulation of those days THE SUN WILL BE DARKENED, AND THE MOON WILL NOT GIVE ITS LIGHT, AND THE STARS WILL FALL from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. (30) "And then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the SON OF MAN COMING ON THE CLOUDS OF THE SKY with power and great glory. (31) "And He will send forth His angels with A GREAT TRUMPET and THEY WILL GATHER TOGETHER His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other. Revelation 6: I looked when He broke the sixth seal, and there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth made of hair, and the whole moon became like blood; (13) and the stars of the sky fell to the earth, as a fig tree casts its unripe figs when shaken by a great wind. (14) The sky was split apart like a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island were moved out of their places. (15) Then the kings of the earth and the great men and the commanders and the rich and the strong and every slave and free man hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains; (16) and they *said to the mountains and to the rocks, "Fall on us and hide us from the presence of Him who sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb; (17) for the great day of their wrath has come, and who is able to stand?" Matthew 24: "But immediately after the tribulation of those days THE SUN WILL BE DARKENED, AND THE MOON WILL NOT GIVE ITS LIGHT, AND THE STARS WILL FALL from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. (30) "And then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the SON OF MAN COMING ON THE CLOUDS OF THE SKY with power and great glory. (31) "And He will send forth His angels with A GREAT TRUMPET and THEY WILL GATHER TOGETHER His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other. 1Th 4:15 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 not precede those who have fallen asleep. 1Th 4:16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 1Th 4:17 Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord. This is the Rapture of the Church!

The Church will be gathered in the air - from one end of heaven to the other. We will be caught up and gathered! Mat 24:30 "And then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the SON OF MAN COMING ON THE CLOUDS OF THE SKY with power and great glory. Mat 24:31 "And He will send forth His angels with A GREAT TRUMPET and THEY WILL GATHER TOGETHER His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other. At the second coming, Israel will be gathered from the earth to Zion, not in the air! Isa 11:11 Then it will happen on that day that the Lord Will again recover the second time with His hand The remnant of His people, who will remain, From Assyria, Egypt, Pathros, Cush, Elam, Shinar, Hamath, And from the islands of the sea. 12 And He will lift up a standard for the nations And assemble the banished ones of Israel, And will gather the dispersed of Judah From the four corners of the earth.

144,000 sealed, the raptured multitude is heaven.
Revelation 7:3-4 saying, "Do not harm the earth or the sea or the trees until we have sealed the bond-servants of our God on their foreheads." (4) And I heard the number of those who were sealed, one hundred and forty-four thousand sealed from every tribe of the sons of Israel: Revelation 7:9 After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands; All of this is just after the breaking of the 6th seal!

Those in white robes… A white robe = white garments are clearly the proper attire of those in the presence of God. Notice it will be the attire of: a. The overcomers, (Rev 3:4-5, 18). b. The martyrs, (Rev 6:11). c. The raptured innumerable multitude, (Rev 7:9). d. The armies of heaven, (Rev 19:14). E. The Bride of Christ! Revelation 19:7-8 "Let us rejoice and be glad and give the glory to Him, for the marriage of the Lamb has come and His bride has made herself ready." (8) It was given to her to clothe herself in fine linen, bright and clean; for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints. All indicating the Church – the Bride of Christ!

1 Thessalonians 5:7-10 For those who sleep do their sleeping at night, and those who get drunk get drunk at night. (8) But since we are of the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation. (9) For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, (10) who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we will live together with Him. For us, this is a wonderful promise – we will not be here when the seventh seal is broken – we are not destined for wrath! God’s wrath begins with the seventh seal, after all the events we just went over!

1 Thessalonians 5:7-10 For those who sleep do their sleeping at night, and those who get drunk get drunk at night. (8) But since we are of the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation. (9) For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, (10) who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we will live together with Him. For us, this is a wonderful promise – we will not be here when the seventh seal is broken – we are not destined for wrath! God’s wrath begins with the seventh seal, after all the events we just went over! Rev 6:16 and they *said to the mountains and to the rocks, "Fall on us and hide us from the presence of Him who sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb; Rev 6:17 for the great day of their wrath has come, and who is able to stand?" (7th seal)

This is just after the abomination of desolation, when the antichrist exalts himself above God and goes into the temple!

The antichrist is now revealed!
Dan 9:27 "And he will make a firm covenant with the many for one week, but in the middle of the week he will put a stop to sacrifice and grain offering; and on the wing of abominations will come one who makes desolate, even until a complete destruction, one that is decreed, is poured out on the one who makes desolate." Dan 11:36 "Then the king will do as he pleases, and he will exalt and magnify himself above every god and will speak monstrous things against the God of gods; and he will prosper until the indignation is finished, for that which is decreed will be done. During the intense persecution of beleivers, the gospel will be preached to the whole earth! Matthew 24: "This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come. It is in the midst of the 5th seal that the antichrist will go into the temple and proclaim himself god! Matthew 24:(15) "Therefore when you see the ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand), (16) then those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains. (17) "Whoever is on the housetop must not go down to get the things out that are in his house. The antichrist is now revealed!

There is only one scripture in the Bible that gives us the timing of the rapture…
2 Thessalonians 2:1-3 Now we request you, brethren, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, (2) that you not be quickly shaken from your composure or be disturbed either by a spirit or a message or a letter as if from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. (3) Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction,

Antichrist revealed: Thayer Definition: 1) to uncover, lay open what has been veiled or covered up 1a) disclose, make bare 2) to make known, make manifest, disclose what before was unknown 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3 Now we request you, brethren, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, (2) that you not be quickly shaken from your composure or be disturbed either by a spirit or a message or a letter as if from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. (3) Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction,

The Apostasy is the falling away that takes place at the 5th seal! The antichrist is revealed at the abomination of desolation. 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3 Now we request you, brethren, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, (2) that you not be quickly shaken from your composure or be disturbed either by a spirit or a message or a letter as if from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. (3) Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction,

The antichrist is ‘revealed’ as the antichrist when he goes into the Jewish temple and exalts himself above God. This is called the abomination of desolation in scripture. This event happens just before the breaking of the sixth seal. It starts a short period of time known as the ‘time of Jacob’s trouble’ or ‘the great tribulation’.

The antichrist is ‘revealed’ as the antichrist when he goes into the Jewish temple and exalts himself above God. This is called the abomination of desolation in scripture. This event happens just before the breaking of the sixth seal. It starts a short period of time known as the ‘time of Jacob’s trouble’ or ‘the great tribulation’. Jer 30:2 "Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, 'Write all the words which I have spoken to you in a book. 3 'For behold, days are coming,' declares the LORD, 'when I will restore the fortunes of My people Israel and Judah.' The LORD says, 'I will also bring them back to the land that I gave to their forefathers and they shall possess it.'" 4 Now these are the words which the LORD spoke concerning Israel and concerning Judah: 5 "For thus says the LORD, 'I have heard a sound of terror, Of dread, and there is no peace. 6 'Ask now, and see If a male can give birth. Why do I see every man With his hands on his loins, as a woman in childbirth? And why have all faces turned pale? Jer 30:7 'Alas! for that day is great, There is none like it; And it is the time of Jacob's distress, But he will be saved from it. :8 'It shall come about on that day,' declares the LORD of hosts, 'that I will break his yoke from off their neck and will tear off their bonds; and strangers will no longer make them their slaves.

The Great Tribulation Matthew 24: "For then there will be a great tribulation, such as has not occurred since the beginning of the world until now, nor ever will. (22) "Unless those days had been cut short, no life would have been saved; but for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short. (23) "Then if anyone says to you, 'Behold, here is the Christ,' or 'There He is,' do not believe him. (24) "For false Christs and false prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect. (25) "Behold, I have told you in advance. (26) "So if they say to you, 'Behold, He is in the wilderness,' do not go out, or, 'Behold, He is in the inner rooms,' do not believe them. (27) "For just as the lightning comes from the east and flashes even to the west, so will the coming of the Son of Man be. Dan 12:1 "Now at that time Michael, the great prince who stands guard over the sons of your people, will arise. And there will be a time of distress such as never occurred since there was a nation until that time; and at that time your people, everyone who is found written in the book, will be rescued. Dan 12:2 "Many of those who sleep in the dust of the ground will awake, these to everlasting life, but the others to disgrace and everlasting contempt.

The Great Tribulation Matthew 24: "For then there will be a great tribulation, such as has not occurred since the beginning of the world until now, nor ever will. (22) "Unless those days had been cut short, no life would have been saved; but for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short. (23) "Then if anyone says to you, 'Behold, here is the Christ,' or 'There He is,' do not believe him. (24) "For false Christs and false prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect. (25) "Behold, I have told you in advance. (26) "So if they say to you, 'Behold, He is in the wilderness,' do not go out, or, 'Behold, He is in the inner rooms,' do not believe them. (27) "For just as the lightning comes from the east and flashes even to the west, so will the coming of the Son of Man be. Dan 12:1 "Now at that time Michael, the great prince who stands guard over the sons of your people, will arise. And there will be a time of distress such as never occurred since there was a nation until that time; and at that time your people, everyone who is found written in the book, will be rescued. Dan 12:2 "Many of those who sleep in the dust of the ground will awake, these to everlasting life, but the others to disgrace and everlasting contempt. Jer 30:7 'Alas! for that day is great, There is none like it; And it is the time of Jacob's distress, But he will be saved from it. :8 'It shall come about on that day,' declares the LORD of hosts, 'that I will break his yoke from off their neck and will tear off their bonds; and strangers will no longer make them their slaves.

A resurrection Happens here too! (more on this later)
The Great Tribulation Matthew 24: "For then there will be a great tribulation, such as has not occurred since the beginning of the world until now, nor ever will. (22) "Unless those days had been cut short, no life would have been saved; but for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short. (23) "Then if anyone says to you, 'Behold, here is the Christ,' or 'There He is,' do not believe him. (24) "For false Christs and false prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect. (25) "Behold, I have told you in advance. (26) "So if they say to you, 'Behold, He is in the wilderness,' do not go out, or, 'Behold, He is in the inner rooms,' do not believe them. (27) "For just as the lightning comes from the east and flashes even to the west, so will the coming of the Son of Man be. Dan 12:1 "Now at that time Michael, the great prince who stands guard over the sons of your people, will arise. And there will be a time of distress such as never occurred since there was a nation until that time; and at that time your people, everyone who is found written in the book, will be rescued. Dan 12:2 "Many of those who sleep in the dust of the ground will awake, these to everlasting life, but the others to disgrace and everlasting contempt. Jer 30:7 'Alas! for that day is great, There is none like it; And it is the time of Jacob's distress, But he will be saved from it. :8 'It shall come about on that day,' declares the LORD of hosts, 'that I will break his yoke from off their neck and will tear off their bonds; and strangers will no longer make them their slaves. A resurrection Happens here too! (more on this later)

The day of the Lord is about to start
At this time Christians will be looking for the coming of Jesus! This is not the Jews, because they will be supernaturally taken to the wilderness to be protected during the wrath. Matthew 24: "For then there will be a great tribulation, such as has not occurred since the beginning of the world until now, nor ever will. (22) "Unless those days had been cut short, no life would have been saved; but for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short. (23) "Then if anyone says to you, 'Behold, here is the Christ,' or 'There He is,' do not believe him. (24) "For false Christs and false prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect. (25) "Behold, I have told you in advance. (26) "So if they say to you, 'Behold, He is in the wilderness,' do not go out, or, 'Behold, He is in the inner rooms,' do not believe them. (27) "For just as the lightning comes from the east and flashes even to the west, so will the coming of the Son of Man be.

The day of the Lord is about to start
At this time Christians will be looking for the coming of Jesus! This is not the Jews, because they will be supernaturally taken to the wilderness to be protected during the wrath. Matthew 24: "For then there will be a great tribulation, such as has not occurred since the beginning of the world until now, nor ever will. (22) "Unless those days had been cut short, no life would have been saved; but for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short. (23) "Then if anyone says to you, 'Behold, here is the Christ,' or 'There He is,' do not believe him. (24) "For false Christs and false prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect. (25) "Behold, I have told you in advance. (26) "So if they say to you, 'Behold, He is in the wilderness,' do not go out, or, 'Behold, He is in the inner rooms,' do not believe them. (27) "For just as the lightning comes from the east and flashes even to the west, so will the coming of the Son of Man be. This can’t be talking to Israel because they will be taken to the wilderness! Rev 12:14 But the two wings of the great eagle were given to the woman, so that she could fly into the wilderness to her place, where she *was nourished for a time and times and half a time, from the presence of the serpent.

Hos 2:13 "I will punish her for the days of the Baals When she used to offer sacrifices to them And adorn herself with her earrings and jewelry, And follow her lovers, so that she forgot Me," declares the LORD. Hos 2:14 "Therefore, behold, I will allure her, Bring her into the wilderness And speak kindly to her. Hos 2:15 "Then I will give her her vineyards from there, And the valley of Achor as a door of hope. And she will sing there as in the days of her youth, As in the day when she came up from the land of Egypt.

The Sixth seal – Great Tribulation
Revelation 6: I looked when He broke the sixth seal, and there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth made of hair, and the whole moon became like blood; (13) and the stars of the sky fell to the earth, as a fig tree casts its unripe figs when shaken by a great wind. (14) The sky was split apart like a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island were moved out of their places. (15) Then the kings of the earth and the great men and the commanders and the rich and the strong and every slave and free man hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains; (16) and they *said to the mountains and to the rocks, "Fall on us and hide us from the presence of Him who sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb; (17) for the great day of their wrath has come, and who is able to stand?“

Luke 21: "There will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth dismay among nations, in perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the waves, (26) men fainting from fear and the expectation of the things which are coming upon the world; for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. (27) "Then they will see THE SON OF MAN COMING IN A CLOUD with power and great glory. (28) "But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."

Some observations… 1. He who endures to the end shall be saved
Some observations… 1. He who endures to the end shall be saved. We found the end does not come until after the Gospel is preached to the whole world – we haven’t done this yet! 2. The Church will take the Gospel to the whole earth prior to the rapture.

3. The Antichrist will be revealed prior to the rapture
3. The Antichrist will be revealed prior to the rapture.(this happens at the abomination) 4.The fullness of the Gentiles will come in prior to the Rapture (this takes place after the abomination of desolation) 5. The apostasy (a great falling away from the faith) will take place prior to the rapture -this will correspond with persecution. 6. Jesus made a promise about His coming…

He gave us another clue as to the timing of the rapture… Mat 10:23 "But whenever they persecute you in one city, flee to the next; for truly I say to you, you will not finish going through the cities of Israel until the Son of Man comes. Remember – He is not talking to Jews here – He is talking to the Church! The Jews will never be persecuted! They will be protected in the wilderness!

Some Observations continued… 7
Some Observations continued… 7. Based on that last verse, the time of persecution will be very short. So when intense global persecution of Christians starts to the Rapture of the Church will be a relatively short period of time! -Global persecution of Christians will take place prior to the rapture Only those with extra oil, ready to wait until the midnight hour will make it. Those who thought the Bridegroom would come earlier were not ready to ‘endure to the end’.

Mat 25:1 "Then the kingdom of heaven will be comparable to ten virgins, who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Mat 25:2 "Five of them were foolish, and five were prudent. Mat 25:3 "For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, Mat 25:4 but the prudent took oil in flasks along with their lamps. Mat 25:5 "Now while the bridegroom was delaying, they all got drowsy and began to sleep. Mat 25:6 "But at midnight there was a shout, 'Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.' Mat 25:7 "Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. Mat 25:8 "The foolish said to the prudent, 'Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.' Mat 25:9 "But the prudent answered, 'No, there will not be enough for us and you too; go instead to the dealers and buy some for yourselves.' Mat 25:10 "And while they were going away to make the purchase, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast; and the door was shut. Mat 25:11 "Later the other virgins also came, saying, 'Lord, lord, open up for us.' Mat 25:12 "But he answered, 'Truly I say to you, I do not know you.' Mat 25:13 "Be on the alert then, for you do not know the day nor the hour.

John clarifies this in the beginning of the book of Revelation…
Mat 25:1 "Then the kingdom of heaven will be comparable to ten virgins, who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Mat 25:2 "Five of them were foolish, and five were prudent. Mat 25:3 "For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, Mat 25:4 but the prudent took oil in flasks along with their lamps. Mat 25:5 "Now while the bridegroom was delaying, they all got drowsy and began to sleep. Mat 25:6 "But at midnight there was a shout, 'Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.' Mat 25:7 "Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. Mat 25:8 "The foolish said to the prudent, 'Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.' Mat 25:9 "But the prudent answered, 'No, there will not be enough for us and you too; go instead to the dealers and buy some for yourselves.' Mat 25:10 "And while they were going away to make the purchase, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast; and the door was shut. Mat 25:11 "Later the other virgins also came, saying, 'Lord, lord, open up for us.' Mat 25:12 "But he answered, 'Truly I say to you, I do not know you.' Mat 25:13 "Be on the alert then, for you do not know the day nor the hour. “Alert” - Thayer Definition: 1) to watch 2) metaphorically give strict attention to, be cautious, active 2a) to take heed lest through remission and indolence some destructive calamity suddenly overtake one John clarifies this in the beginning of the book of Revelation… Rev 1:3 Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and heed the things which are written in it; for the time is near.

John clarifies this in the beginning of the book of Revelation…
Mat 25:1 "Then the kingdom of heaven will be comparable to ten virgins, who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Mat 25:2 "Five of them were foolish, and five were prudent. Mat 25:3 "For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, Mat 25:4 but the prudent took oil in flasks along with their lamps. Mat 25:5 "Now while the bridegroom was delaying, they all got drowsy and began to sleep. Mat 25:6 "But at midnight there was a shout, 'Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.' Mat 25:7 "Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. Mat 25:8 "The foolish said to the prudent, 'Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.' Mat 25:9 "But the prudent answered, 'No, there will not be enough for us and you too; go instead to the dealers and buy some for yourselves.' Mat 25:10 "And while they were going away to make the purchase, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast; and the door was shut. Mat 25:11 "Later the other virgins also came, saying, 'Lord, lord, open up for us.' Mat 25:12 "But he answered, 'Truly I say to you, I do not know you.' Mat 25:13 "Be on the alert then, for you do not know the day nor the hour. “Heed” - Thayer Definition: 1) to attend to carefully, take care of 1a) to guard 1b) metaphorically to keep, one in the state in which he is 1c) to observe 1d) to reserve: to undergo something “To be on the lookout for – to guard against” This will help you to “endure to the end” and “overcome”. “Alert” - Thayer Definition: 1) to watch 2) metaphorically give strict attention to, be cautious, active 2a) to take heed lest through remission and indolence some destructive calamity suddenly overtake one John clarifies this in the beginning of the book of Revelation… Rev 1:3 Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and heed the things which are written in it; for the time is near.

(Mat 10:22) "You will be hated by all because of My name, but it is the one who has endured to the end who will be saved. (Mat 24:13) "But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved. (Mat 28:20) teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." (Mar 13:13) "You will be hated by all because of My name, but the one who endures to the end, he will be saved. (Act 13:47) "For so the Lord has commanded us, 'I HAVE PLACED YOU AS A LIGHT FOR THE GENTILES, THAT YOU MAY BRING SALVATION TO THE END OF THE EARTH.'" (1Co 1:8) who will also confirm you to the end, blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.

“Endures” - Thayer Definition:
(Mat 10:22) "You will be hated by all because of My name, but it is the one who has endured to the end who will be saved. (Mat 24:13) "But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved. (Mat 28:20) teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." (Mar 13:13) "You will be hated by all because of My name, but the one who endures to the end, he will be saved. (Luk 2:35) and a sword will pierce even your own soul--to the end that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed." (Joh 13:1) Now before the Feast of the Passover, Jesus knowing that His hour had come that He would depart out of this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end. (Act 13:47) "For so the Lord has commanded us, 'I HAVE PLACED YOU AS A LIGHT FOR THE GENTILES, THAT YOU MAY BRING SALVATION TO THE END OF THE EARTH.'" (1Co 1:8) who will also confirm you to the end, blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Eph 1:12) to the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ would be to the praise of His glory. “Endures” - Thayer Definition: 1) to remain faithful in light of persecution 1a) to tarry behind, wait in spite of trial 2) to remain, i.e. abide, not recede or flee 2a) to preserve: under misfortunes and trials to hold fast to one’s faith in Christ 2b) to endure, bear bravely and calmly: ill treatments

(Rev 2:11) 'He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes will not be hurt by the second death.' (Rev 2:26) 'He who overcomes, and he who keeps My deeds until the end, TO HIM I WILL GIVE AUTHORITY OVER THE NATIONS; (Rev 3:5) 'He who overcomes will thus be clothed in white garments; and I will not erase his name from the book of life, and I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels. (Rev 3:12) 'He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he will not go out from it anymore; and I will write on him the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God, and My new name. (Rev 3:21) 'He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. (Rev 21:7) "He who overcomes will inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be My son.

“Overcomes” - Thayer Definition: 1) to conquer
(Rev 2:11) 'He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes will not be hurt by the second death.' (Rev 2:26) 'He who overcomes, and he who keeps My deeds until the end, TO HIM I WILL GIVE AUTHORITY OVER THE NATIONS; (Rev 3:5) 'He who overcomes will thus be clothed in white garments; and I will not erase his name from the book of life, and I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels. (Rev 3:12) 'He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he will not go out from it anymore; and I will write on him the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God, and My new name. (Rev 3:21) 'He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. (Rev 21:7) "He who overcomes will inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be My son. “Overcomes” - Thayer Definition: 1) to conquer 1a) to carry off the victory, come off victorious 1a1) of Christ, victorious over all His foes 1a2) of Christians, that hold fast their faith even unto death against the power of their foes, and temptations and persecutions

Back to the one scripture in the Bible that gives us the timing of the rapture…
2 Thessalonians 2:1-3 Now we request you, brethren, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, (2) that you not be quickly shaken from your composure or be disturbed either by a spirit or a message or a letter as if from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. (3) Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction,

Remember, the Day of the Lord starts with the Rapture and ends with the final judgment, after the 1000 year reign of Christ: 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3 Now we request you, brethren, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, (2) that you not be quickly shaken from your composure or be disturbed either by a spirit or a message or a letter as if from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. (3) Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction,

1Th 5:2 For you yourselves know full well that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night. 3 While they are saying, "Peace and safety!" then destruction will come upon them suddenly like labor pains upon a woman with child, and they will not escape.1Th 5:4 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day would overtake you like a thief; There is only one scripture in the Bible that gives us the timing of the rapture… 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3 Now we request you, brethren, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, (2) that you not be quickly shaken from your composure or be disturbed either by a spirit or a message or a letter as if from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. (3) Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction,

Jesus gave us clear signs to look for regarding the Rapture of the Church:
Persecution of the Church Apostasy – a falling away from the faith Gospel taught to all nations – fullness of the Gentiles come in Antichrist revealed as the man of lawlessness. There is only one scripture in the Bible that gives us the timing of the rapture… 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3 Now we request you, brethren, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, (2) that you not be quickly shaken from your composure or be disturbed either by a spirit or a message or a letter as if from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. (3) Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction,

Given these observations, we can now look at our timeline and figure out approximately when the rapture will take place…

There is only one position that seems to fit…

And pre-tribbers agree – From Lahaye: "The translation of the church is pictured as a deliverance before the day of wrath, while the Second Coming is followed by the deliverance of these who have believed in Christ during the Tribulation."

This is the event Jesus talked about in Matt
This is the event Jesus talked about in Matt. 24, that happens during the 6th seal. Pre-wrath 2nd Coming of Christ Rapture wrath 6th seal The 70th week

Christians persecuted.
Timeline… Seals 1-5, Peace treaty, Horsemen, the mark, Two witnesses, Christians persecuted. 2nd Coming of Christ Abomination The Rapture Peace, Temple Armageddon 7th seal Wrath (Trumpets, Bowls) 70th week of Daniel

So what happens after the Rapture
So what happens after the Rapture? Two things: 2Co 5:6 Therefore, being always of good courage, and knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord-- 2Co 5:7 for we walk by faith, not by sight-- 2Co 5:8 we are of good courage, I say, and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord. 2Co 5:9 Therefore we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him. 2Co 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.

That is the Bema(Judgment) Seat of Christ 1Co 3:11 For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 1Co 3:12 Now if any man builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, 1Co 3:13 each man's work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man's work. 1Co 3:14 If any man's work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward. 1Co 3:15 If any man's work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.

Second, the Marriage Supper of the Lamb Rev 19:7 "Let us rejoice and be glad and give the glory to Him, for the marriage of the Lamb has come and His bride has made herself ready." Rev 19:8 It was given to her to clothe herself in fine linen, bright and clean; for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints. Rev 19:9 Then he *said to me, "Write, 'Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.'" And he *said to me, "These are true words of God." 2Co 11:2 For I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy; for I betrothed you to one husband, so that to Christ I might present you as a pure virgin.

Eph 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, Eph 5:26 so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, Eph 5:27 that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless. We can’t be perfect on this earth except in Christ, however, after the Bema (Judgment) seat of Christ, all imperfection will be burned away, we will have our glorified bodies, and we will be a spotless bride presented to our Lord!

After the Rapture – in heaven… 1
After the Rapture – in heaven… 1. Bema(Judgment) Seat of Christ – this is only for the Church! (2 Cor. 5:10): All believers 2. Marriage Supper of the Lamb (Rev. 19:7): All believers No one can be part of the Church after these two events take place – meaning everyone who is the ‘Bride of Christ” will be raptured at the same time!

Only those who deserve the Wrath of God will be left to go through it
Only those who deserve the Wrath of God will be left to go through it! The Church will be gone and Israel will be protected in the wilderness or part of the 144,000 males who will be sealed by the Holy Spirit!

Timeline… Seals 1-5, Peace treaty, Horsemen, the mark, Two witnesses, Christians persecuted. 2nd Coming of Christ Abomination The Rapture Peace, Temple Armageddon 7th seal Wrath (Trumpets, Bowls) 70th week of Daniel

Timeline… Bema seat of Christ, Marriage supper 144,000 sealed, Israel saved taken to the wilderness Seals 1-5, Peace treaty, Horsemen, the mark, Two witnesses, Christians persecuted. 2nd Coming of Christ Abomination The Rapture Peace, Temple Armageddon 7th seal, wrath Wrath (Trumpets, Bowls) 70th week of Daniel

Now is the time to be a bold witness for Jesus
Now is the time to be a bold witness for Jesus! Acts 1:8 - We Are given a great commission to take the Gospel to the whole earth – the church has not completed this yet! Matthew 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. - 2Pe 3:9 “The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, “ But not for the Church – we will see the signs and recognize it is coming!

1Th 5:2 For you yourselves know full well that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night. 1Th 5:3 While they are saying, "Peace and safety!" then destruction will come upon them suddenly like labor pains upon a woman with child, and they will not escape. 1Th 5:4 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day would overtake you like a thief; 1Th 5:5 for you are all sons of light and sons of day. We are not of night nor of darkness; 1Th 5:6 so then let us not sleep as others do, but let us be alert and sober.

1Th 5:2 For you yourselves know full well that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night. 1Th 5:3 While they are saying, "Peace and safety!" then destruction will come upon them suddenly like labor pains upon a woman with child, and they will not escape. 1Th 5:4 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day would overtake you like a thief; 1Th 5:5 for you are all sons of light and sons of day. We are not of night nor of darkness; 1Th 5:6 so then let us not sleep as others do, but let us be alert and sober. This tells us plainly, we will see that day, but it won’t overtake us like a thief.

But it will overtake the apostate church like a thief… Rev 3:3 'So remember what you have received and heard; and keep it, and repent. Therefore if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come to you. If you know the signs to watch for, you will be awake and ready! Rev 1:3 Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and heed the things which are written in it; for the time is near. 4 John to the seven churches Rev 1:7 BEHOLD, HE IS COMING WITH THE CLOUDS, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the tribes of the earth will mourn over Him. So it is to be. Amen.

1Jo 2:18 Children, it is the last hour; and just as you heard that antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have appeared; from this we know that it is the last hour. Eph 5:14 For this reason it says, "Awake, sleeper, And arise from the dead, And Christ will shine on you." 15 Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, 16 making the most of your time, because the days are evil. 17 So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit.

Do you love the world more than God
Do you love the world more than God? Today is the day to make things right between you and God.

Knowing the right path to take is a start
Knowing the right path to take is a start. Proceeding down that path is the difficulty. However, life is a wonderful journey, and who is a better guide than He who conceived it? As soon as you start on the path, you discover it is just the beginning of a wonderful journey. It is an adventure. As you embark, you have to leave much behind. But you realize the destination is worth it – not to mention the overwhelming peace, joy and love you experience on the way. Every morning is new, every night brings sweet rest. You look forward to what wonders God will show you the next day. Yet, the enemy tries to keep us from the path. And whether the enemy is Satan or our flesh, we are kept from that great adventure. Therefore, every morning we say to ourselves - Enough of mediocrity. Enough of simply existing. Enough of self-indulgence. I am an adventurer. God’s Word is my guide. This life is too short to just get by – I will do exploits for my King! God, use me today to reach just one person for your Kingdom! And after that one, just one more! Life is exciting when Christ’s at the helm! It is too grand to articulate! God created you with a wonderful plan in mind. One day, in eternity, you and I will gaze speechless across the heavenly landscape. Overwhelmed with complete joy, we will remember this day. We will thank God our past is forgotten (more importantly forgiven), and we will give each other a ‘nod’ knowing that we lived the rest of our lives in service to the King. We embarked on that wonderful journey and we never looked back. We denied ourselves a few earthly accolades to embrace an eternal reward. And our Lord God, our Savior, will say, “well done good and faithful servant.” At that singular event in time, we will remember everything we left behind, and it will appear as but rubble. And we will see all who came into the Kingdom through our words, our actions, and our lives as we died to ourselves and allowed Christ to live through us. The greatest joy that man can contain will fill us to overflowing. That is worth more than you and I could ever attempt to pay. Thank God He sent His Son to pay the price for our great adventure – both the journey and the destination. Much Love and Prayer, Pastor Brett Peterson -- questions/comments to:

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