What's going to happen 30 seconds after the rapture?

 What's going to happen 30 seconds after the rapture? - By NicoleAlcindor - https://www.christianpost.com/news/what-is-going-to-happen-thirty-seconds-after-the-rapture.html Jeff Kinley and Todd Hampson, hosts of the popular "Prophesy Pros Podcast," said the pre-tribulation rapture — an End Times event many Christians believe will happen thatinvolves believers, both living and resurrected, being lifted up into the air to meet Jesus — will have a “cataclysmic impact on the planet.” Kinley and Hampson stressed that despite some Bible teachers claiming that the event is not in Scripture, they maintain that it is — the translated world harpazo — and theglobal event will impact geopolitics, culture, religions and the psychological state of humanity. “I think a lot of people have seen the rapture depicted in pop culture. Whether it’s the 'Left Behind' movies or other really poorly made movies, [the rapture] has becomekind of a caricature of [those films]. Or the recent phenomenon where people who claim to be believers are literally saying the Bible doesn't teach a rapture,” Hampson said. “It is a key aspect of the Lord's return. Just like the first coming had two parts to it, the birth and then the ministry and the death and resurrection. So, too, the Lord’sreturn has two parts and one of the ones that we wait for, Titus tells us, is ‘our blessed hope.’ It's the rapture. It's something we're supposed to be encouraged by.” Hampson said John 14:1-3 are among the verses that highlight the coming rapture. “[Jesus says]: ‘And if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me so that where I am, you will be.’ Another translation says, ‘I will receiveyou,’ Hampson added: So, it's kind of clear. He's not coming all the way down to Earth yet. He's receiving us somewhere in between Heaven and Earth. And that is a tenant of our faith. It’s something we look forward to.” Kinley noted that before someone can study what happens directly after the rapture, they must understand that “the post-tribulation or rapture view that believes that Christianswill all be raptured prior to the Second Coming of the Lord at the end of the tribulation period is not truthful.” “We know believers are going to go into the millennial kingdom. [Unbelievers are] going to have babies. … And we know that in our glorified bodies, we can't do that. So, ifall believers are glorified at the rapture, at the end of the tribulation, then who's having these babies in the millennial kingdom?” Kinley posited. “Certainly, unbelievers are not coming into the millennial kingdom. So, really the argument is between thepre-trib and the mid-trib. Will the church go through the wrath of God? And we just strongly believe that the Church will not go through the wrath of God.” Describing how non-Christians might react to the rapture, Kinley said, for him, five words come to mind: “shock, confusion, panic, terror and chaos.” “You're in a mall. You're at a football stadium. You're on an airplane. You're driving in a car. You're walking down the street, … school, wherever. And all of a sudden, scoresof people just vanish from sight,” Kinley said, illustrating to listeners what that event might look like. “Let's just say there are 100 million [Christians on Earth]. And those people instantly disappear from planet Earth. How is that going to impact the world?” Kinley said that when the rapture occurs, he believes people will react by going on Twitter, TikTok, Instagram and news outlets to attempt to understand what has happened. Hampson said he finds that it is “really interesting” to study and learn about some of the ways that unbelievers will try to make sense of the rapture when it happens. Perspectivesoutside of the biblical ones, he noted, are often riddled with “demonic deception.” “In New Age teaching, for decades now, they have taught in various circles [and] in different forms … that there's coming a time when all the people who are holding back progresswill be taken from mother Earth or the universe will take them,” Hampson explained. “[And that] the people that are taken are not taken to be with the Lord, but they're taken out of here so that the world can finally rise to the level that it's supposed torise [and] that we're holding them back. And eventually, the universe is going to answer.” Following the rapture, Hampson said, unbelievers are likely to experience “chaos, grief and panic.” And he said many people will try to use the aftermath of the rapture asan opportunity to capture the minds of other people through deceptive explanations outside of biblical truth about what has occurred. “People are going to look for answers. … And I think there are evil people, globalists and other people who will not hesitate for a second and realize this is the moment they'veall been waiting for. This is the crisis that's finally going to let them push everything over the edge,” Hampson predicted. “But there are probably other excuses too. [Unbelievers might try to make sense of the rapture by saying] ‘there's probably wormholes and physics type stuff.’ … I can seepeople speculating, ‘Oh, they were taken up in a wormhole and all these people got sucked out.’ So there's going to be all kinds of wild explanations and initially, people will gravitate to it.” Aside from unbelievers speculating and coming up with false assertions to try to understand why the rapture occurred, Hampson predicts there will be people who have heardthe Gospel before the rapture and they will know that the rapture is a biblical event only after it has occurred. “There will be some people who are close enough to Christian teaching who will realize right off the bat, ‘Oh my gosh, this is the rapture that my sister was talking about,or my grandmother was telling me about or that I used to make fun of,” he said. For Christians, Hampson said, it's important to evangelize and not to boast about the rapture to unbelievers. It is a Christian's duty, he said, to inform unbelievers aboutthe coming rapture, but in a loving way that would bring them to repentance and believe in the Lord. “As we talk about this and the chaos that's going to be in the world afterward, we don't do that gleefully. … God [has] given the church 2,000 years already to realize thisis the truth. … And that's our whole mission as the Church is to evangelize to the world,” Hampson advised. “So, it's our job as believers now to keep telling people that because we don't want anybody to experience it. Unfortunately, we know that most of the world will go throughit.”

The Days of Noah

 The Days of Noah – Jan Markell - https://myemail.constantcontact.com/The-Days-of-Noah.html?soid=1101818841456&aid=EoJQQmUZUMI Genesis 6:5 "Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually." As we look around, it sure seems that the hearts and thoughts of many are evil continually! Are people hoping that America can be great again? The Bible says there is nothingnew under the sun. History is repeating itself, and very few are paying attention. The churches are silent, and the protests are few, even to protect those innocent who can't speak for themselves. In the post-mid-term election, we saw ominous bills passed in states like California, Vermont, and Michigan. They truly tell us what time it is. I think Pastor Jack Hibbs said it the best: “Perhaps more than anything, the loss of Proposition 1 is a revelation of just how irrelevant the church at-large is in California. This reality is due to the lack of pastorsunderstanding what the calling to the pulpit means. We must not only preach the gospel to the lost, but sadly there’s a profound disconnect at making disciples. Jesus said, 'Let your light so shine before the world,' and we did not. The California Christiancommunity failed to show up to defend the unborn child, but for the few who did—their consciences are clear before the Lord.” --Pastor Jack Hibbs, Calvary Chapel Chino Hills We know from scripture that God will again destroy the earth, this time by fire. We continue to see the lawlessness and evil thoughts of man increase in intensity. The mid-term elections showed the heart of America. America does not want God or His principles to rule the land. We are in a very dangerous position, and we should expectto see darkness increase. Don't be weary, and don't give up! Paul said in Hebrews, "let us run with endurance the race that is set before us." Don't grow weary, don't give up. Let us stand for righteousness and bring Him glory!

Fear Of Bible Prophecy -----------

 Fear Of Bible Prophecy May Be A ‘Natural Response,’ But It’s Not Biblical – Mary Danielsen - https://harbingersdaily.com/fear-of-events-on-the-prophetic-horizon-may-be-understandable-but-its-not-biblical/ The world is entering a time unlike any we have ever seen. No, we are not just entering it, we are neck-deep in it. I have been watching, waiting, analyzing, and digging intoprophetic studies for decades. But not everyone embraces this often weighty topic with joy; in fact, more and more, I get a reaction resembling fear and even panic. The ‘fear factor’ as it relates to prophecyis a very real condition, and I don’t want to make light of it because I don’t take it lightly. Prophetic passages can be very sobering in that human suffering will be ramped up considerably. But I do want to offer some gentle suggestions to those who struggle with a very real sense of foreboding at the thought that ‘the end is near,’ with its accompanying birthpangs and global tragedies as outlined in the Scriptures. Over time, I have learned that there are only two responses that stir in the heart of a believer when they hear that time is short, and that the human race is headed for certain “unpleasant” events on our way to redemption and the consummation of all things. Suppose a believer grew up in a denominational tradition that never acknowledged the Bible’s tendency to predict the future with 100% accuracy. In that case, these Christianstend to react with the most incredulity that they were kept out of the future loop for so long. I was one of those who were religious but spoon-fed only those things my denomination deemed palatable or necessary for my possible redemption at my last breath.Note I said ‘possible’ redemption. The landscape has no shortage of churches that don’t even understand the gospel, let alone a vast subject such as prophecy. Here, I want to address those who feel great discomfort at the mention of certain events on the prophetic horizon, things like global government and the accompanying dictatorship,famine, pestilences, wars, and financial insecurities or all-out ruin. The natural response to threats such as these would be fear, as we are all hard-wired to survive and give all we have for our lives. The Bible says that those on the earth at that seasonwill literally experience their hearts failing out of fear of what is coming on the planet. But the key phrase here is ‘natural response.’ To all those Christians who struggle with a fear response to any solid case presented for prophetic fulfillment, you need toknow that while your reaction is natural and understandable, it is not Biblical. There are many things in life that scare us out of our wits, and we will feel fear, sometimes daily. But feeling it and acting on that fear or living by it is not the properchoice for the believer in Jesus Christ, who long to see His face and be relieved of any and all suffering from a fallen existence. This world is passing away rapidly, and we look forward to the One wherein righteousness dwells. This should be good news toall those who are vexed by the lack of righteousness and justice in this life. But in order for that to happen, God has deemed it necessary that planet earth endure some serious birth pangs as the sin of mankind reaches its fullness, making His judgmentsrighteous and pure, to His praise and glory. I greatly look forward to the day Christ returns in His glory. Let me propose a perspective that might help anyone struggling with this ‘fear factor.’ Let’s say, for the sake of my case here, that there are people that God has given the task of sounding the trumpet and letting folks know just how late the hour is, and inexercising these gifts, also exhorts them to live their lives in such a way that they genuinely believe that time is short. 2 Peter 3:11 suggests that this is exactly what the correct perspective should be when we see the handwriting on the wall. “Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved,what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness.” In other words, when we realize that things could be winding down, we should live like we believe it and thus accomplish even more for the kingdom than if we believe we have allthe time in the world. Now let’s say you have a chance to hear a well-thought-out prophecy presentation, one that brings forth ample evidence, based on Scripture and solid research, that we areedging closer and closer to that time of which the Bible speaks. But perhaps you are one of those who tends to keep your distance from prophetic topics because it is distressing. But maybe on that day, someone – perhaps a friend or relative of yours – is listeningin who sees their lost state, understands that they don’t have all the time in the world after all, and receives Christ before it’s too late. Would you say then that the presentation was meant to terrify or that the Holy Spirit was truly convicting and working? I have no doubt that countless people have gotten saved thanks to a well-timed and well-done prophetic Bible study. I know many myself, as a matter of fact. I had the “hell” scared out of me reading the Book of Revelation. Chapter 3, to be exact. Thank you, faithful pastor, for teaching that book even though you knew it might be frightening to someone. But if you still think prophecy is merely frightening and has no other value that you can see, think about this: what if no one was watching these things? What if no one waswarning? What would the Church be like? Even as fewer and fewer give heed to the times, we can see a great lukewarmness and social gospel of ‘purpose’ infiltrating and taking over the body of Christ, to her great peril. But what if no one bothered to address the times in any way? Would you feel more comfortable, or would you at some point be indignant that no one told you in love which endwas up? If you want to send a loved one to hear a church service in the hopes they will give their lives to Christ, where do you send them? If all they got was a feel-good seeker doughnut instead of a full breakfast of the gospel, would you be angry that yourloved one was not challenged spiritually and simply allowed to simmer in their own sin? It seems more and more that even believers fail to understand what the Church of Jesus Christ even exists for. As we get closer, more signs will be in place, and more and more evidence will present itself that the Bible is the pure word of truth. This is a guarantee. It is not meantto make us feel good, however. So what should our response be as children of the One who has all things in His grasp? The Bible warns us of these things so we can know what to expect. We are told that when we see these things BEGIN to take place (implying we will be watching all along ifwe are believers), we are to look up, lift up our heads (not bow them down in fear) and rejoice because our redemption is nigh. We are told to comfort one another with the blessed hope. Fear indicates we do not trust our Lord with the events coming upon theearth, that He should come up with a different method or plan as this one does not suit us or keep our comfort zone intact. And remember, people – our kids, too – are watching us for our responses to such things. So if you are one of those who react with fear instead of excitement or joy, I would encourage you to set your affections above and count all things loss for the sake of Christ.This life is but a vapor; eternity is, well, forever. And only by keeping our eyes on Jesus daily can we keep a proper perspective between what is temporal and what is eternal.

Gates of Hell Prophecy

 Gates of Hell Prophecy – Terry James - https://terryjamesprophecyline.com/2022/11/21/gates-of-hell-prophecy/ Often we overlook much prophetic truth when we read and study God’s Word. The Bible is without limits in its rich wisdom available to be mined. The Creator’s purpose in givingHis Word to the human race is to provide direction for living in the most abundant way possible. Jesus Christ is that Word. The last book of the Bible—Revelation—is the unveiling of Jesus in all His power, glory and majesty. Prophecy—telling of the future—resides at the heart of that Word. The promises issued from the holy pages guarantee eternal life for each person ever to be born who genuinelyaccepts God’s grace-given redemption from sin through belief in Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. Jesus Christ is the Second Person of the Godhead, whom God the Father sees as the nucleus around which all things hold together: “For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers:all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.” (Colossians 1:16–17) So, with it established that the Lord Jesus is preeminent in all things, we come back to the opening statement to add that one truth we often overlook deals most directlywith the next prophecy to be fulfilled—the Rapture of the church. Jesus spoke about this commentary’s primary topic—the gates of Hell. Although the disciples He was speaking to really had no concept of what He was referring to, the prophecyand its details have been coming to pass ever since—and are now set for fulfillment. “He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessedart thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” (Matthew16:15–18) They didn’t understand the concept of “the church;” at that point they were totally ignorant of that “structure” Jesus prophesied to be built. But built it was, and it isstill under construction as each person who comes to salvation is added. The specific part of this prophecy I want to look at in perhaps a new way is wrapped within the phrases “my church,” “the gates of hell,” and “shall not prevail against it.” My study of how God deals with people–including believers—in different dispensations leads me to conclude that there are entirely different fates awaiting believers in Christ.And I’m talking about physical fate, not spiritual/eternal fate. In terms of eternal fate, the gates of hell cannot and will not prevail or win against any believer in Jesus Christ. All believers, of every dispensation, will enjoy the blissand exultation of Heaven forever. But in terms of physical fate, believers are prophetically scheduled to meet differing destinies. Here is something we’ve looked at before, but still is not the primary point I wish to address. Jesus said in Matthew 16, as we’ve read above, that He will build His church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it. That has turned out to be the dispensationwe call the Church Age. This began at Pentecost, as recorded in Acts chapter 2, when the Holy Spirit came to indwell believers. (I’m aware there are those who believe the church began along the shores of Galilee when Jesus began His ministry.) On the other hand, the same Jesus, in His ascended form, gave the following prophecy to John to write in the Revelation. “And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.” (Revelation 13:7) So it is plain that in the physical sense, Satan (his Antichrist) will overcome—prevail against—the saints (believers in Christ). But the gates of hell, referring to Satan’sevil domain, will not prevail over the church. The devil will never be able to physically or spiritually totally overcome or destroy Christ’s Bride, the church. Now to get to that nuance of examination I hope will help make clear just how important this promise to the church—all believers of the Church Age—really is. My friend Jonathan Cahn, in his most recent book, The Return of the Gods, points to the spiritually and even physically observable reality that portals of the demonic sorthave been somewhat opened in these obviously manifest times of insane, anti-god activity. We’ve examined many of the bizarre manifestations over and over in these columns, but I will only repeat that it looks like God is in the process of turning rebellioushuman beings over to a reprobate mindset—to demented, upside-down thinking, as Paul prophesied in Romans chapter 1: I’m in agreement with Jonathan. And I believe these portals equate to Jesus’ reference to the gates of Hell. Those gates are opening wider by the day, it seems. The demonicminions from those portals, as well as the human minions that are anti-God, intend to completely erase all vestiges of the true Christian church from the planet. That will never happen. The very God who created all that exists has said so: “The gates of hell shall not prevail against it”—the church Jesus Christ is still building. I’m convinced that the moment the Restrainer (the Holy Spirit) lifts His hand of restraint against these hellish forces, all believers will go to the Lord Jesus when He says: “Come up hither!” (Revelation 4:1). The church cannot and will not be on planet earth when those gates of Hell are fully opened and allowed to overcome the saints of the Tribulation era (those saved followingthe Rapture). We have Christ’s Word on that wonderful promise. With all the wickedness deluging this time on earth, the end is about to come like a flood (Daniel 9:26). The gates of hell will soon swing fully open, bringing the most horrible,deadliest time of human history, according to the Lord (Matthew 24:21). But you and I, if we know Christ for salvation, don’t have to worry for a second about being here to face that time. Jesus said He will keep us out of that hour of horror(Revelation 3: 10). To be sure you are a part of the church that will be taken out before that Tribulation era begins, follow Paul’s Holy Spirit-given instructions. That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heartman believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (Romans 10:9–10)

The First Thanksgiving

 The First Thanksgiving - by Chuck Missler - https://www.khouse.org/articles/1997/111/ The early settlers of America, who braved the privations of those incredibly difficult years, were a fabulous lot, indeed. We can hardly imagine the burdens they endured tomake a new life for themselves in a new land. Their turning point began one Friday in the middle of March,1621. Samoset An Indian, wearing nothing but a leather loincloth, strode up their main street to the common house, and to their startled faces boomed in flawless English, "Welcome." His name was Samoset, a sagamore (or chief) of the Algonquins. He had been visiting the area for the previous eight months, having learned his English from various fishingcaptains who had put in to the Maine shore over the years. He returned the following Thursday with another Indian who also spoke English, and who was to prove "a special instrument of God for their good, beyond their expectation."His story was to prove no less extraordinary than the saga of Joseph being sold into slavery to Egypt. His name was Tisquantum, also called Squanto. Squanto His story began in 1605 when Squanto and four other Indians were taken captive, sent to England,and taught English to provide intelligence background on the most favorableplaces to establish colonies. After nine years in England, Squanto was able to return to Plymouth on Capt. John Smith's voyage in 1614. Lured and captured by a notorious Capt. Thomas Hunt, he, with 27 others, were taken to Mlaga, Spain, a major slave-trading port. Squanto, with a few others, were bought andrescued by local friars and introduced to the Christian faith. Thus, it appears that God was preparing him for the role he would ultimately play at Plymouth. He was able to attach himself to an Englishman bound for London, then he joined the family of a wealthy merchant, and ultimately embarked for New England in 1619. He steppedashore six months before the Pilgrims landed in 1620.1 When he stepped ashore he received the most tragic blow of his life. Not a man, woman, or child of his own tribe was left alive! During the previous four years, a mysteriousplague had broken out among them, killing every last one.2 So complete was the devastation that the neighboring tribes had shunned the area ever since. The Pilgrims had settled in a cleared area that belonged to no one. Their nearest neighbors, the Wampanoags,were about 50 miles to the southwest. Stripped of his identity and his reason for living, Squanto wandered aimlessly until he joined the Wampanoags, having nowhere else to go. But God had other plans. God's Provision Massasoit, the sachem (or chief) of the Wapanoags, entered into a peace treaty of mutual aid with the Plymouth colony that was to last as a model for forty years. When Massasoitand his entourage left, Squanto stayed. He had found his reason for living: these English were helpless in the ways of the wilderness. Squanto taught them how to catch eels, stalk deer, plant pumpkins, refine maple syrup, discern both edible herbs and thosegood for medicine, etc. Perhaps the most important thing he taught them was the Indian way to plant corn. They hoed six-foot squares in toward the center, putting down four or five kernels, and thenfertilizing the corn with fish: three fish in each square, pointing to the center, spokelike. Guarding the field against the wolves (who would try to steal the fish), by summer they had 20 full acres of corn that would save every one of their lives. Squanto also taught them to exploit the pelts of the beaver, which was in plentiful supply and in great demand throughout Europe. He even guided the trading to insure theygot full prices for top-quality pelts. The corn was their physical deliverance; the beaver pelts would be their economic deliverance. The First Thanksgiving The Pilgrims were a grateful people-grateful to God, grateful to the Wamp-anoags, and grateful also to Squanto. Governor Bradford declared a day of public Thanksgiving, tobe held in October. Massasoit was invited and unexpectedly arrived a day early-with an additional ninety Indians! To feed such a crowd would cut deeply into their stores for the winter, but theyhad learned through all their travails that God could be trusted implicitly. And it turned out that the Indians did not come empty handed: they brought five dressed deer and more than a dozen fat wild turkeys. They helped with the preparations, teachingthe Pilgrim women how to make hoecakes and a tasty pudding out of cornmeal and maple syrup. In fact, they also showed them how to make one of their Indian favorites: white, fluffy popcorn! (Each time you go to a movie theatre, you should remember the sourceof this popular treat!) The Pilgrims, in turn, provided many vegetables from their gardens: carrots, onions, turnips, parsnips, cucumbers, radishes, beets, and cabbages. Also, using some of theirprecious flour with some of the summer fruits which the Indians had dried, the Pilgrims introduced them to blueberry, apple, and cherry pie. Along with sweet wine made from wild grapes, it was, indeed, a joyous occasion for all concerned. The Pilgrims and Indians happily competed in shooting contests, foot races, and wrestling. Things went so well (and Massasoit showed no inclination to leave) that this firstThanksgiving was extended for three days. The moment that stood out the most in the Pilgrims' memories was William Brewster's prayer as they began the festival. They had so much for which to thank God: for providingall their needs-and His provision of Squanto, their teacher, guide, and friend that was to see them through those critical early winters. A National Institution By the end of the 19th century, Thanksgiving Day had become an institution throughout New England. It was officially proclaimed as a national holiday by President AbrahamLincoln in 1863. Traditionally celebrated on the last Thursday in November, it was changed by an act of Congress in 1941 to the fourth Thursday of that month.3 Originally observed to acknowledge the provision of God, let us also make this national holiday a very special time to thank Him for our own provision-our families, our sustenance,and, above all, our redemption in His Son! Let's also pray that He might restore the religious freedom that those early Pilgrims cherished so dearly-and that the current enforced paganism that has invaded our landbe curtailed. This country is now becoming what the Pilgrims had risked their very lives to flee from. Much of this article was excerpted from The Light and the Glory, Peter Marshall and David Manuel, Fleming H. Revell Co., Old Tappan, NJ, 1977. For a thrilling and inspiringaccount of the incredible measures God provided for in the founding of our once-great country, this book is a "must read." Notes: 1. ThePilgrims lived that first winter aboard ship and suffered the loss of 47 colonists. 2. Thisepidemic, from 1615 to 1617, is believed to have killed 95,000 Indians, leaving only about 5,000 along the coast. 3. Canadafirst adopted Thanksgiving as a national holiday in November 1879, and it is now celebrated there annually on the second Monday in October.

The Evil Shepherd Is Near

 The Evil Shepherd Is Near, But So Too Is The Good Shepherd – ByDean Dwyer - https://harbingersdaily.com/the-evil-shepherd-is-near-but-so-too-is-the-good-shepherd/ To the studious believer, we understand a general framework of how the events of these last days and the Tribulation Period will unfold, and might I say, it is fascinatingto see all of these events unfold before our eyes. Though this age has its challenges, it is a privilege to be here for such a time as this. Confusion about the timing of prophetic events has been caused by teachers who have misunderstood prophecy and Bible colleges who failed to adopt a position of truth. Studyingand interpreting the Bible in accordance with its literal position can bring you only to one conclusion – we are not appointed to wrath and will not be here during the Tribulation Period. We are listening for that great trumpet sound – the day when the LordHimself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God. The dead in Christ will rise first, and then we who are alive and remain will be caught up to meet Him in the clouds. What a shock it will be for theliving to see graves flung open throughout every cemetery! I believe a great harvest of souls will occur immediately after the rapture as those who have scoffed at the claims of Christians finally realize that what the Scriptures say is 100% true. The rapture will cause chaos throughout the earth. How many people will be caught up? It is hard to know. But imagine if it was 1 billion people! Loans would be in default,taxes unpaid, assets left behind. Not to mention the carnage from drivers being raptured from behind the wheel of their vehicles, causing untold crashes throughout the world. Emergency services would be quickly overwhelmed. The recent events in America wouldovertake every city as people panic and armed gangs take advantage. Banks would collapse as people seek to withdraw their savings. Grocery stores would be emptied. Islamic and communist nations will take advantage of the situation to launch attacks againstnations who are distracted by missing citizens. And in some cases, perhaps nations will even have high-level politicians and military leaders raptured, thereby leaving a power vacuum. It is really difficult to overstate the impact the rapture will have onthis world. The world can expect to see two world leaders come onto the scene in the last days but they couldn’t be more different, although they do both ride on a white horse. Revelation6:2: And I looked, and behold, a white horse. He who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer. He is a man of lawlessness, a counterfeit to Christ who will deceive the world. He will appear on the scene afterthe rapture has taken place and the world is in turmoil. To a world that is confused and chaotic, he will appear to be a peacemaker and miracle worker. Yet, in reality, he will be a conquering evil dictator that brings judgement, death, and destruction. Sadly,many will choose to follow him, taking his mark and therefore condemning themselves to eternal punishment. For seven long years, the world will be under the oppression of the Antichrist and the judgement of God. Many will lose their lives, and if it were not for the fact that Godintervenes, the earth would cannibalise itself. It is then that another rider on a white horse appears – King of kings and Lord of Lords (Revelation 19:16). Remember that at the rapture, He comes for His bride, and at Hissecond coming, He comes with His bride. What an awesome sight it will be. Come, Lord Jesus!

Listening for the Call

 Listening for the Call - By Dennis Huebshman - https://www.raptureready.com/2022/11/16/listening-for-the-call-by-dennis-huebshman/ Matthew 24:4-12; “And Jesus answered them, ‘See that no one leads you astray. For many will come in My name saying, “I am the Christ,” and they will lead many astray. Andyou will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place; but the end is not yet. For nations will rise up against nations, and kingdoms against kingdoms, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places.All these are but the beginning of the birth pains. Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. And then many will fall away and betray one another, and hate one another. And manyfalse prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold.” (ESV – all emphasis mine) Many of the mentioned issues in the above verses will be magnified during the 7-year tribulation/wrath, but the number of them occurring today is increasing rapidly. We havemore signs now than ever before, and there is very little left that has to be done before the Rapture takes place. Just about everywhere around the globe, “Christianity” is not being tolerated, and in numerous Middle East countries and even in parts of Africa,Christians are being martyred just for taking Jesus as their Savior. Luke 21 gives much of the same information. Beginning with verse 8, “And He said, ‘See that you are not led astray. For many will come in My name saying, “I Am He” and “thetime is at hand”; do not go after them. And when you hear of wars and tumults, do not be terrified, for these things must first take place, but the end will not be at once.’ “Then He said to them, ‘Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences. And therewill be terrors and great signs from heaven.” Going to verse 17, “You will be hated for My name’s sake. But, not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance, you will gain lives.” Then, verse 28 states, “Now whenthese things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption draws near.” This world is being “programmed” more and more every day to welcome the evil antichrist and false prophet of the 7-year tribulation/wrath. There is a notable falling awayfrom the true faith, and more people are seeking earthly pleasures and treasures than those seeking Heavenly things. Matthew 7:13-14, where more are on the road to destruction than on the straight and narrow path that leads to eternal life, is very evidenttoday worldwide. Romans 11:25 states, “Lest you be wise in your own sight, I do not want you to be unaware of this mystery, brothers; a partial hardening has come upon Israel until the fullnessof the Gentiles has come in.” As of 2022, there are approximately 15.2 million Jews worldwide. Of that number, approximately 1% to 3% are truly Messianic. These are the ones that accept Yeshua, Jesus,as their Messiah. The balance is mostly bound by Judaism, a religion dating back approximately 4,000 years that believes in God, and their traditional form of worship is “temple inspired.” This form of their religion does not believe that the Messiah has comeyet but will arrive one day. According to Zechariah 13, in the last days, two-thirds of Israel will perish, but the remaining survivors will recognize Jesus as their true Messiah. Regarding the reference made to “pestilences,” in 2019-2021, a major locust infestation took place across East Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and the Indian Continent. Itwas a magnitude not seen in numerous decades, and the total damage was substantial. One more point, found in 1 John 4:1-3; “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone outinto the world. By this you know the Spirit of God; every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was comingand now is in the world already.” John’s observation was from almost 2,000 years ago, and there were already false prophets and antichrists present. Just over the past twenty or so years, satanic activityhas emerged from behind closed doors and is boldly out in the open. This movement is gaining ground rapidly, and this world is heading for the end of this age, as given in God’s word. What we need now is to be “Listening for the Call” rather than watching all the signs. We need to get even closer to our Messiah and give Him praise and glory for the wonderfulfree gift He gave us at Calvary. In 2011, Mark Bishop released a song called “I’m Listening for the Call,” and it’s well worth reading and listening to on YouTube. (1) “When I was a little boy, I heard about the last days, some morning when the Lord will come again. I remember how the saints of old sang about His coming; guess I didn’tthink that much about it then. Soon, the years took me far away, and church became a memory. I lived my life believing they were wrong. But every day I live, I see those prophecies fulfilling; by the signsof the times, I believe it won’t be long. (ref) In the east, on a cloud, He’ll be coming for His children, and the monuments of sin will surely fall. I can see by the word that the day is drawing nearer; I’m not lookingfor the signs anymore; I’m listening for the call. (2) Take a look in the Bible, and you’ll read of wars and famine; you’ll read about where men will fall away; two thousand years ago, upon pages that were written, but I’mtelling you it sounds just like today. I can see by the word that the day is drawing nearer. I’m not looking for the signs anymore; I’m listening for the call.” The call will come for all true believers in Jesus the Christ. Just as 1 Thessalonians 1:10, 1 Thessalonians 5:9-10, and Revelation 3:10 promise, the Father will keep us fromthe coming wrath. What is taking place right now in this world is totally unpleasant, to say the least, but the final 7-years prior to Jesus’ actual stepping foot on earth will be worse than ever experienced so far. So, according to 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17 and 1 Corinthians 15:51-53, we should be listening for the “Trumpet of God” to sound and the call of an archangel. The thing is, bythe time this happens, we will already be on our way up to meet Jesus in the air in a “twinkling of an eye.” We pray every day, multiple times a day, that all our loved ones have received and accepted Jesus as their Savior. God will not force anyone to accept the free gift His Sonhas provided, but to all who will call out, He will gladly provide for their Salvation. Please see Romans 10:9-13 for the simple steps to being saved. Likewise, God will respect anyone’s decision if they decide to reject the free gift, and He will allow them to spend eternity in absolute darkness in the Lake of Fire. That’sfound in Revelation 20:11-15. Once again, referencing Luke 21:28, the “beginning” started about a decade ago, and every day could be the one that we will receive the call. Having Jesus in our hearts andthe Holy Spirit living within us is a guarantee that our reservation for eternal life in Heaven is intact. No one has sinned so greatly that the blood of the Savior cannot reach them. The only unforgivable sin is to take your last breath here without havingJesus as your Messiah. Today would not be too soon to call out; it will be the most important decision you will ever make. Maranatha!

God’s Grace on Display

 God’s Grace on Display - by Greg Laurie – www.harvest.com But Jesus said to him, ‘Friend, why have you come?’ Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and took Him. —Matthew 26:50 https://harvest.org/resources/devotion/gods-grace-on-display/- Listen “Friend, why have you come?” Of all the things to say to a man like Judas Iscariot. Was Jesus oblivious to what was going on? Obviously not. Jesus was giving Judas one last opportunity to repent. It was the grace of God on display. This reminds us that God takes no delight in the death of the wicked (see Ezekiel 33:11). Sometimes we wonder whether God would hear the prayer of someone who, in the lastfew minutes of their life, calls out to God. Would God answer and forgive them? Absolutely. That is what the Bible teaches. At the crucifixion, the criminal on the cross turned to Jesus and said, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom” (Luke23:42 NKJV). Jesus told him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise” (verse 43 NKJV). This gives some comfort to those of us who have lost loved ones or friends who we’re not sure were Christians. Maybe we shared the gospel with them or they went to churchwith us, but we don’t think they ever made a commitment to Christ. However, we don’t know what happened in the last few moments of their lives on earth. God is gracious and merciful, and if someone calls on Him, even in their last moments,He will hear their prayer. The important thing is that we did our part to lead others to God. We sowed the seeds of the gospel in their lives. We prayed for them. And maybe the person we think has beenlost forever will greet us when we get to Heaven one day because in the last moments of their life they told Jesus, “Lord Jesus, would you receive a wicked sinner like me?” Isn’t it great to know that we’re serving a God who would forgive in such a way?

The Coming Prince

 The Coming Prince - By Jack Kinsella - https://www.raptureready.com/2019/12/28/coming-prince-jack-kinsella/ Ever since Sir Robert Anderson published his seminal work, ‘The Coming Prince’ at the turn of the 20th century, prophecy watchers have been trying to figure out who he is.Sir Robert took his title from Daniel 9:26’s identification of the antichrist as a prince of the Roman Empire: “And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; andthe end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.” Of all the prophetic clues to the identification of the antichrist, this seems to me to be the most unassailable. There have been only two ‘peoples’ whom history records destroyingboth the city of Jerusalem and the sanctuary of the Temple. The first was Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, who sacked Jerusalem, destroyed the Temple, carried off its treasures and took the Judean intelligentsia captive to serve the BabylonianEmpire. Daniel’s prophecy was recorded from Babylon, many years after the event. The second time was in AD 70 when Titus of Rome, together with elements of the V Macedonia, XII Fulminata and XV Fretnensis, lay siege to Jerusalem and the Temple. On the Jewish feast day of Tisha B’av (the Ninth of Av), the Romans fired and destroyed the Second Temple. The Jewish historian, Flavius Josephus, was an eyewitness to the events that he described: “Now as soon as the army had no more people to slay or to plunder, because there remained none to be the objects of their fury (for they would not have spared any, had thereremained any other work to be done), [Titus] Caesar gave orders that they should now demolish the entire city and Temple…but for all the rest of the wall [surrounding Jerusalem], it was so thoroughly laid even with the ground by those that dug it up to thefoundation, that there was left nothing to make those that came thither believe it [Jerusalem] had ever been inhabited.” According to Josephus, as many as one million, one hundred thousand Jews were killed during the siege, with less than a hundred thousand surviving to be captured and enslaved. “The slaughter within was even more dreadful than the spectacle from without. Men and women, old and young, insurgents and priests, those who fought and those who entreatedmercy, were hewn down in indiscriminate carnage. The number of the slain exceeded that of the slayers. The legionaries had to clamber over heaps of dead to carry on the work of extermination.” Most amazingly, Titus reportedly refused to accept a victory wreath from Ceasar, on the grounds that “there is no merit in vanquishing a people forsaken by their own God.” Assessment Scripture paints a detailed portrait of the man Daniel said would be a prince of the people who would destroy the city (Jerusalem) and the sanctuary (the Temple). Daniel 7:8, 24 says that the antichrist will rise from obscurity, but with a ‘mouth speaking great things.’ He will blaspheme God [Daniel 7:25; 11:36; Revelation 13:5] slanderingHis Name, dwelling place, and departed Christians and Old Testament saints [Revelation 13:6]. He will confirm a covenant between Israel and the “many” [Daniel 9:27]. This covenant will likely involve the establishment of a Jewish Temple in Jerusalem [see Dan 9:27;Matt 24:15]. He will put an end to Jewish sacrifice and offerings after 3 ½ years and will set up an abomination to God in the Temple [Daniel 9:27, Matthew 24:15]. His power will be asabsolute as any ‘king’ of the ancient Babylonians, Persians, and Greeks [Revelation 13:2]. He will not answer to a higher earthly authority; “He will do as he pleases” [Daniel 11:36]. Daniel 11:37 says he will pay lip service to the religion of his ancestors, but will give honor to the ‘god’ of [military] forces. His whole focus and attention will be onhis military. He will conquer lands and distribute them [Daniel 11:39-44]. He will claim that Jesus did not come in the flesh, or that Jesus did not rise bodily from the grave [2 John 7]. He will deny that Jesus is the Messiah [I John 2:22]. He will be worshipped by many people [Rev. 13:8]. He will hate a nation that initially will have some control over his kingdom, but he will destroy this nation [Rev 17:16-18].In some fashion, his name will be related to the number six hundred and sixty-six— but not necessarily in an obvious fashion [Rev 13:17-18]. Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, he will be indwelt and empowered by Satan himself [Revelation 13:2]. I believe that he is alive today and is probably already a well-known politician. But I don’t believe that it is the responsibility of the Church to identify him or even tobe on the lookout for him. The Scriptures tell us to be watching for the coming of Christ. Signs pointing to the antichrist are important only in that the revelation of the antichrist means the return of Jesus Christ is only seven years away from that moment. TheTribulation Period lasts for 2,520 days, which works out to seven Hebrew calendar years. Over the years, I’ve heard dozens of novel interpretations by folks who find a seven-year Tribulation Period inconvenient to their own theories, but the big hurdle to getover is that Daniel says the antichrist’s covenant is for one “week” (Hebrew: shabua). (“Shabua” is used here in the same sense that the Greeks used “decade” to measure multiples of ten years, except the Hebrews worked in multiples of seven.) The arguments are interesting and novel, and some of them show evidence of years of effort at making the numbers match the theory being offered, but you can’t make Daniel’sSeventieth Week into anything but a week of years without trashing the incredible accuracy of Daniel’s prediction regarding the Messiah. Josh McDowell wrote his thesis at Dallas Theological Seminary on the Book of Daniel, and his thesis was subsequently published as a book entitled Evidence that Demands a Verdict. McDowell calculated the date of Xerxes commandment to restore the Temple on March 5, 444 BC and counted forward 483 lunar years, which equals 173,855 days. And exactly 173,855 days after Xerxes issued that commandment, Jesus Christ rode into Jerusalem on the foal of an ass, was received as King and was ‘cut off’ (killed) “butnot for Himself.” “Now Caiaphas was he, which gave counsel to the Jews, that it was expedient that one Man should die for the people” [John 18:14]. So to argue that Daniel’s Seventieth Week is anything but seven years trashes Daniel’s most spectacular prophetic fulfillment. If the first sixty-nine weeks weren’t multiplesof seven, then McDowell’s calculations are meaningless. And so is Daniel’s prophecy – so why bother to either cite or study it? Furthermore, the Prophet Jeremiah identifies the Tribulation Period as the “time of Jacob’s trouble” which comports to Daniel’s vision of the seventy weeks being determinedfor Israel and not the Church. Remember, it is to make ‘reconciliation for sin’ and to ‘bring in everlasting righteousness.’ For the Church during the Church Age, those goals were already accomplished at the Cross. But the Tribulation Period is the final week of the Age of the Law. The Temple will be in full operation and the Mosaic Law in full force. The Church Age is concluded withthe antichrist’s treaty. We don’t know who the antichrist is — but we do know that the covenant the antichrist confirms is based on the formula of “land for peace,” the formula upon which the OsloAgreement (September 13, 1993 –September 13, 2000) was based. So the treaty exists, but collapsed before it was fully implemented. The principle of land for peace remains at the heart of every peace proposal. The antichrist is said to ‘confirm’ the covenant, not write it, or negotiate it or sign it. He ‘confirms’ it. One cannot confirm anything unless it first exists! If the symbols, heads, horns and beasts of Daniel and Revelation make sense, that is because this is the generation to whom they were addressed. Daniel didn’t understand allthat he was seeing in his vision, and he asked for an explanation. Instead, the revealing angel told Daniel, “But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased” [Daniel 12:4]. The Book is unsealed in this generation, a generation in which a person can circumnavigate the planet in a day. A generation that has unlocked the secrets of the human genome,one in which knowledge doubles every eighteen months. Daniel’s treaty already exists. All that remains is for it to be confirmed and guaranteed by Sir Robert’s ‘Coming Prince.’ At some point before that treaty is finally confirmed, Jesus Christ will descend from heaven with a shout, and the voice of an archangel, and all those living who placed theirfaith in Christ will be snatched away, to be forever with Christ. “Wherefore comfort one another with these words” [1 Thessalonians 4:18].

Have we forgotten the lessons of 1620?

 Have we forgotten the lessons of 1620? - Bill Wilson – www.dailyjot.com My 13th great grandfather was William Bradford, co writer of the Mayflower Compact and eventual leader of the Pilgrims who came to America on the Mayflower in 1620. Therewere some 102 passengers and about 30 crewmen on that ship that braved horrible weather, disease, and other hardships to come to this new place that later would become the greatest Christian nation in the world. Bradford wrote, “So they committed themselvesto the will of God, and resolved to proceed. In several of these storms the wind was so strong and the seas so high that they could not carry a knot of sail, but were forced to hull for many days.” The trip in of itself to find a place to worship without persecutionwas most difficult. Once landed, it was no picnic either. Bradford says, “But soon a most lamentable blow fell upon them. In two or three month’s time half of their company died…scarcely 50 remained,and sometimes two or three persons died in a day. In the time of worst distress, there were but six or seven sound persons, who, to their great commendation be it spoken, spared no pains night or day, but with great toil and at the risk of their own health,fetched wood, made fires, prepared food for the sick, made their beds, washed their infected clothes, dressed and undressed them; in a word did all the homely and necessary services for them which dainty and queasy stomachs cannot endure to hear mentioned.” “…And what I have said of these few, I should say of many others who died in this general visitation, and others yet living, that while they had health or strength, they forsooknone that had need of them. I doubt not that their recompense is with the Lord.” Their Virginia Company Charter, however, called for common ownership of land, property, food, drink, clothing, and provisions. Bradford saw that this socialist experiment wasdetrimental to the colony because it inspired laziness and a lack of productivity. Bradford then did away with this structure, giving ownership of land to each person and two days a week for “their own private employment.” This was the first capitalist systemand the colony then prospered. The headlines 402 years later are that over 41 million Americans (the total population of California and Connecticut combined) will eat their Thanksgiving dinner purchasedby food stamps. Liberals say without the government, these people would starve. No, I don’t believe it. Without the government, the citizens across the land would be blessed as the Pilgrims were by reaching out to their neighbor and helping him from the goodnessof their hearts. We have come full circle in 400 years. We are now in a stage of socialism where the government is truly robbing its citizenry of blessing others, promoting laziness and lack of productivity. But you know, just as Bradford knew in 1621, government won’t save you. Only the Lord will save you. He chooses to do it through his people. As written in 2 Corinthians 9:11-12, “Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causes through us thanksgiving to God. For the administration of this service not only supplies the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God.” How much spiritual starvationand dependency on the false god of government will it take before we begin to collectively change our hearts? Like Bradford, we who know the truth, must lead in truth.

Thank You, God, For Everything

 Thank You, God, For Everything - Nathele Graham - twotug@embarqmail.com “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” James 1:17. In the United States, we set aside one day each year and call it “Thanksgiving”. We all have different ways of celebrating that day. Traditionally, families come togetherand eat way too much food. The traditional meal consists of turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, yams, pumpkin pie, and more. When I was young, my family would gather at my grandparent’s house, and we had a feast. There were leftoversfor the following week, and the highlight was turkey soup. As a child, I took this all for granted and didn’t understand how much I had to thank God for, so I didn’t thank God for all He provided. Today, I wonder why people, who don’t know God, celebrate aday of thanksgiving. Who are they thankful to? Then I think of all that Christians take for granted, and wonder why we aren’t more thankful to God every day, rather than just one day a year. “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplicationwith thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” Philippians 4:6. Always be thankful to God. Paul had been in prison in Philippi; he had suffered much in that city. Paul and Silas had been in prayer when a young woman, who was possessed with a spirit of divination,began harassing them. She was used by some men who made money from her ungodly ability. So, when Paul cast out that demon, her “handlers” were angry and he had them arrested for practicing their faith openly. They were beaten and thrown into prison where theywere shackled. They didn’t get mad at God, but sang His praises. “And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.” Acts 16:25. This is an example of being thankful in everything, but not necessarily for everything.In every situation be thankful. Their example of faith was heard by all of the prisoners and was instrumental in the jailer coming to salvation. There was an earthquake, but no prisoner escaped. The jailer was happily surprised, because he would have had topay the fine for any and all who escaped. He knew that Paul and Silas were somehow the reason no prisoner escaped. “Then he called for a light, and sprang in and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas, and brought them out, and said, Sirs, whatmust I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.” Acts 16:29-32. Their joy of the Lord in a bad situation broughtlost souls to salvation. We need to study Scripture to learn about giving thanks. Paul tells us to “Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.” Philippians 4:4. It isn’t always easy to rejoice.Quite often there is trouble and grief in our life and our hearts are burdened with sorrow. I will admit that when my husband died, I was hard pressed to find anything to be thankful for. When a dark cloud of loneliness comes over me and I’m overcome withgrief, that’s when I start praising God for the time Ron and I had together. “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God., and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;” 2 Corinthians10:6. Holidays are notorious times for people becoming depressed. If you are one who is feeling empty during Thanksgiving, then Christmas, try doing what Paul did. Sing praises to the Lord for all to hear. With your whole heart, give thanks to God. God gave us everything. He created the food we eat and gave us the love of family and friends. It’s important to thank Him; He notices when you don’t. Jesus walked throughmany towns during His ministry and met many people who had health troubles. He healed the deaf, blind, and lame. He raised a girl from the dead and cast out many demons. One of the worst diseases of that day was leprosy. If you had the misfortune of gettingthat disease, you were an outcast. You couldn’t come near a healthy person, but had to call out “Unclean” so everyone would stay away. “And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men, that were lepers, which stood afar off: and they liftedup their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” Luke 17:12-13. Their need was great, and they knew that only Jesus could help. The truth is, all of us have great needs and only Jesus can help. We may not have leprosy, but we have sin. Only Jesuscan take that sin away. We need to repent and call out to Him for mercy. He is always ready to forgive a sinner who truly comes to Him for salvation. “And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that,as they went, they were cleansed.” Luke 17:14. Can you imagine the joy they felt when they saw they were healed of that dreaded disease! They should have given thanks to God who healed them, but they hurried to the priest to be declared clean. “And one ofthem, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with aloud voice glorified God., and fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.” Luke 17:15-16. Only one of the ten gave thanks to God for the healing. He wasn’t evenJewish, but a Samaritan. Did Jesus notice? “And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.” Luke 17:17-18. Yes, Jesus notices when we take His blessingsfor granted. Take time out on Thanksgiving to turn away from football games, and thank God for the abundance of food on the table. If, like Paul, you happen to be in a prison, or homeless, God still loves you. Give thanks to God. Maybe your table isn’t filledwith a feast, but remember to thank God for what you do have, instead of complaining about what you don’t have. Paul travelled and spread the Gospel and there were many times when he went hungry. Some of the congregations he had established were grateful andsupported him in his missionary work, and he was thankful. “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things Iam instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.” Philippians 4:11-12. Thank God for what He has given you and praise Him with all your heart. It can seem very easy for those men who wrote Scripture under the direction of the Holy Spirit to be thankful even when life was rough. Remember, they were people just likeyou and me. They hurt when they were beaten, and their stomach growled when they were hungry. The difference is they were completely walking with God and served Him with their whole hearts no matter what their circumstances. I pray that I can walk closer toHim each day and show the lost world what Jesus means to me. I need to sweeten my words to others, and openly be thankful for what God has done for me. He shed His blood for my salvation. Paul gave good advice on how to take our thoughts captive and see God’sblessings through the troubles. “Finally brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue,and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Philippians 4:8. Turn your thoughts to the lovely things in life, and don’t dwell on the trials. Thank God for all His blessings. God bless you all, Nathele Graham

What About the Children?

 What About the Children? - By Hal Lindsey - https://www.hallindsey.com/ww-11-13-2022/ One of the problems with idolatry is that it does not sit still. It grows. Satan always wants more. Eventually, he even demands the children. Deuteronomy 12:31 explains whereidol worship leads. “They burn even their sons and daughters in the fire to their gods.” Do you get what that’s saying? Those ancient idol-worshipers burned their own babies alive! God’s command is firm. In Leviticus 18:21, He said, “You shall not let any of your descendants pass through the fire to Molech.” In this enlightened 21st century, we would never do anything like that, right? Wrong. We kill kids, too. The difference is that we do it while they are still in the womb. Until recently, anti-abortion sentiments had been growing in the United States. That may be because improved ultrasounds allow us to look into the faces of the unborn. Butin the aftermath of the Supreme Court striking down Roe versus Wade, the tide turned. Marchers, politicians, celebrities, and reporters yelled to women, “They’re taking away your constitutional rights!” And that’s what many of them believed. I despise it when government encroaches on rights — mine or those of someone else. But abortion was never a constitutional right. The Tenth Amendment to the US Constitutionspecifically forbids the federal government from taking over areas of law not given to it by the Constitution. And the Constitution does not give the federal government rule over matters such as abortion. It’s one of the many areas that the Constitution leavesup to the states. But that’s just a legal argument. The abortion issue is more than that. It is moral. It boils down to three questions. Is the fetus alive? Is it a part of the mother likeher thumb or her foot? What species is the child? The unborn child is dependent on the mother, but he or she is not an appendage. The mother’s thumb has the same DNA she has. The unborn is a unique life. His or her DNA isdifferent from the mother’s. If the unborn child were just another part of the mother, then she would have two heads, two hearts, four kidneys, and twenty toes. The unborn is a unique person. The other two answers are even simpler. The unborn baby is alive — and its species is human. Therefore, abortion kills a unique human being. If you have ever had an abortion, please don’t feel condemned. If you have turned to Christ, He has completely forgiven you. If you have not, then ask Him and He will forgive.According to Jesus in John 8:36, the person Jesus makes free, is “free indeed.” Christians and others in the pro-life movement must remember that the answer to abortion is not violence or rage. It is loving persuasion. Listen to what the other side hasto say, then present your side with kindness. Be civil. But do not hide from this issue. Tell the truth. Christians should exhibit the fruit of the Spirit as we attempt to persuade. Galatians 5:22-23 says, “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness,goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.”

Foreshadowing Foretellings

 Foreshadowing Foretellings – Terry James - https://terryjamesprophecyline.com/2022/11/14/foreshadowing-foretellings/ Again we consider the words of the greatest of all prophets. He is the greatest of all prophets, of course, because He is God. The words of Jesus Christ are reverberating today to all who are familiar with end-of-the-age signals. And one instruction the Lord Himself gave for this very generation,I’m convinced, is the most significant. It is the “heads-up” we’ve looked at continually for months and even years. And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh. (Luke 21:28) Jesus had just stunned His disciples, telling them that the beautiful Temple they were looking at would be completely thrown down. The Lord then addressed the questions Peter,James, John, and Andrew had asked: “Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign when all these things shall be fulfilled?” (Mark 13:4). We’ve gone over the Olivet Discourse many times, learning all of the things Jesus said would come to pass. He told of the horrors of the coming Tribulation, the arrival ofAntichrist, and the plight of the Jewish people at the time of the Great Tribulation. But let’s remember that Jesus wasn’t limited to only prophesying things that were scheduled for fulfillment. Concerning Jesus Christ, we are told: “In the beginning was theWord, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1). Every single prophecy in God’s Word, no matter the prophet through whom it is given, is a foretelling by the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the Word! So whether we’re consideringthe prophecy given under Ezekiel’s watch, or those given under the Apostle Paul’s, or those presented by anyone else in Scripture, it is the same as the Lord Himself speaking. When Jesus left us with the command to “look up and lift up your head” when “you see all these things begin to come to pass,” He was saying that we should pay close attentionto every prophecy for the end of the age. He was directing believers to carefully observe all prophetic signals when we know these things are beginning to happen, because, at that time, He is on the very cusp of calling all of His children to Himself. So we look now at the title of our commentary: “Foreshadowing Foretellings.” Jesus said we will “see these things begin to come to pass” (Luke 21: 28). He didn’t say “if” we see them come to pass. He was telling obedient believers who “watch,” as givenin Mark 13:37, that we will know He is drawing near when we see things prophesied for the end of the age “begin” to come to pass. Observation of these signals involves “foreshadowing of foretellings” found throughout the Word of God. We’ve looked—in practically every blog, article, and book I’ve written—athow things are precisely setting the stage for fulfillment of prophecy. We’ve looked at the events and issues of these times that foreshadow the formation of the New World Order; we’ve seen the forming Babylonian beast that both Daniel and Johnsaid casts a darkening cloud of coming horrors upon the geopolitical landscape at this late hour. We’ve gone over Israel’s rebirth into modernity and the prophecies surrounding that miracle. We have examined the headlines involving Israel’s enemies to the north as foreshadowingthe Gog-Magog attack Ezekiel foretold. The man of sin’s platform of world power seems almost ready for Antichrist’s ascendance. We recently looked at the world’s governmental and religious leaders now coming together at the traditional Mount Sinai (Sharm El Sheikh) in Egypt—to pay homage to the planetby bringing their unholy machinations to bear in their insane efforts to save Mother Earth. We thereby see the foreshadowing of the false worship system of Revelation chapter 17—the whore that rides the beast foretold by Daniel (chapter 7) and John (Revelationchapter 13). Time and time again, we ‘ve gone over the cultural and societal wickedness that has saturated our nation and the world with Sodom and Gomorrah-like evil. These blasphemous,debased developments foreshadow Jesus’ prophetic words of Luke 17: 6–30. A number of personalities arising in world leadership seem to foreshadow entities foretold to appear at the end of the age. Vladimir Putin of Russia, for example, seems to have the characteristics of the one who will be the “Gog” Ezekiel described. And all circumstances surrounding what’s goingon in the Middle East and with Mr. Putin add to the intrigues regarding the possible soon fulfillment of the Gog-Magog prophecy. And now I find most interesting the 33-year-old Jewish rabbi who is praised and even worshipped in some Jewish Orthodox circles. Rav Shlomo Yehuda is believed to be a miracle-workerwho can quote the Torah and other Jewish holy scrolls with instant and total recall. He has been filmed performing healing and other miracles, according to reports. Whether or not he might turn out to be the False Prophet—the second beast of Revelation chapter 13—his appearance at this time certainly is a false Messiah-type foreshadowing.That is, it seems to foreshadow Jesus’ foretelling about deceivers who would come in His name as the time of His return nears. Jesus told Israel that they would reject Him, but would accept as Messiah another who would come in His name. When I began my novel a number of months ago—MESSIAH and the Prince That Shall Come, this candidate for that end-times partner of Antichrist wasn’t in view. Jesus’ words about these things beginning to come to pass are now on a fast track. Let us follow his directive! But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father. Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when thetime is. For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch. Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, ateven, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch. (Mark 13:32–37)

Euphrates River Drying Up: Preview to Bible Prophecy Fulfillment

 Euphrates River Drying Up: Preview to Bible Prophecy Fulfillment – Adam Eliyahu Berkowitz - https://www.prophecynewswatch.com/article.cfm?recent_news_id=5738 The region once known as the Fertile Crescent is on the verge of a food crisis as the main sources of water disappear. Officials struggle to cope as a prophetic scenario appearsto materialize. Iraqi officials are reporting that for three consecutive years, the rainy season has begun later and ended sooner than the historic norm. This has been coupled with less waterflowing through its two main rivers, the Tigris and the Euphrates. The region has also been plagued by ongoing conflict. "Desertification now threatens almost 40% of the area of our country - a country that was once one of the most fertile and productive in the region," Iraq's President AbdulLatif Rashid told the climate summit in Egypt last week. Nadhir Al-Ansari, professor at Sweden's Lulea University of Technology, told Reuters that rainfall in Iraq had declined by 30% over the past three decades, with the lowestprecipitation coming in the last two years. "What was once known as the Fertile Crescent started to die about 35 years ago," he said. Officials accuse Turkey of cutting the river's flow upstream over the last two years to half the level it committed to in a 1987 accord, a claim the Turkish government denies. In the year to September, rainfall in southeast Turkey where the rivers originate was 29% below the average of the previous three decades, according to Turkey's meteorologicalagency. Dams and drought have reduced the waters of the two rivers to about 20% of previous levels. All these elements combined have led to a food crisis in the region. Almost 90% of rain-fed crops, mostly wheat and barley, failed this season, according to the United NationsFood and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Iraq. The 1,700-mile-long Euphrates is the main source of drinking water as well as powering three hydroelectric plants that produce electricity for about three million people inSyria. Two dams in northern Syria face imminent closure which would leave about three million people without any access to electricity. The water level at the Tishrin Dam, the first into which the river falls inside Syria, has dropped five meters and is currently about ten centimeters above "dead level" whenthe turbines stop producing electricity. The Euphrates figures prominently in the Bible with it being described as bordering the Garden of Eden. "The name of the third river is Tigris, the one that flows east of Assyria. And the fourth river is the Euphrates. "Genesis 2:14 It was also named as one of the borders of the land God granted to Abraham's descendants. "On that day Hashem made a covenant with Avram, saying, "To your offspring I assign this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates:" Genesis 15:18 The prophet Jeremiah described how the waters of Babylon, the region currently including Syria and Iraq, would dry up as a punishment for their idolatrous practices, the devastationbeing so complete as to render the region, once part of the so-called 'fertile crescent', uninhabitable. Christian eschatology foresees the River Euphrates drying up in the Book of Revelation Chapter 16 and playing an important role in the march of the Kings of the East uponthe Middle East.

The Coming New World Order

 The Coming New World Order – Pastor Mike Taylor - https://pastormiketaylor.blogspot.com/2022/11/coming-new-world-order.html 15 “When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) 16 Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains: 17 Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house: 18 Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes. 19 And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days! 20 But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day: 21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. 22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.” (Matthew 24:15-22) As the hour approaches for the start of the Tribulation and the end of this present age, I have many Christians that email me and wonder “Are we in the Tribulation now, orcan it get any worse that what we see already at the present?”....Some come to the erroneous conclusion that we are in the first part of the Tribulation, as the world is going stark raving mad. Environmental disasters of earthquakes, volcano eruptions, droughtleading to famine in third world countries, when ISIS was beheading Christians in the Middle East, and nuclear threats from Iran and North Korea, and now even China and Russia, leave many wondering if we are indeed, in the first years of the coming Tribulation.Are we? The Lord God gave us definite signs of when the beginning of the Tribulation would start, and although I would agree that we are bumping right up to the time the Bible callsJacob's trouble, we have not crossed that red line that says we are in the Tribulation just yet. Why do I say that? THE PURPOSE OF THE COMING TRIBULATION The Tribulation has a primary, secondary purpose and even a third reason for the time. From the perspective of Israel the Tribulation has a primary purpose. From the prophetDaniel, that primary purpose is six fold: "Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people [Daniel and the Jews] and upon thy holy city, [Jerusalem] to (1) finish the transgression, and to (2) make an end of sins, andto (3) make reconciliation for iniquity, and to (4) bring in everlasting righteousness, and to (5) seal up the vision and prophecy, and to (6) anoint the most Holy." (Daniel 9:24) That primary purpose had been going on from the rebuilding of the Temple after the Babylonian exile and ancient Israel's return to her own land for 483 years, when Jesus rodeinto the city of Jerusalem riding on the back of a donkey. "Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass,and upon a colt the foal of an ass.” (Zechariah 9:9) Thus Jesus fulfilled the prophecy in the 483rd year of the Prophecy and if Israel would have accepted their Messiah, then the Kingdom of God would have come upon the earthat that time, but that was not God's plan. Several days later, Jesus would be tried, convicted in a Sanhedrin court, sentenced by a Roman governor and crucified on a cross for the sole reason of being the Messiah they did not want to accept. Their image oftheir “political Savior” was a King David type, not this lowly carpenter who wanted to save them from their sins. They didn't need a Savior, (in their deceived thinking) as they had the law of Moses, which they didn't realize could not save them from beingseparated from God the Father for all eternity. They knew of the timing of the coming Messiah, and here He was standing right in front of them, but they didn't like His spiritual message of repentance. When Jesus died on that cross, the time period of 490 years that Gabriel told Daniel would be required to fulfill that prophecy, stopped and has been on hold now for nearly2000 years. That leaves a final 7 years (490-483=7 years) of the prophecy to the nation of Israel on hold. God will complete His promise to the Jewish people in the near future. But for the Church that was born at Pentecost because of the blood sacrifice Jesus paid, points 1-4 of the above verse was accomplished at the cross. The last two points of5-6 are yet to be fulfilled, but neither of them apply to the Church anyway. The prophecy is for the Jewish people and of Jerusalem with a rebuilt Temple standing on the Temple Mount and the anointing of the Messiah taking place at the 2nd Coming of Jesusto reign and rule for a Millennium. The primary purpose of the Tribulation, therefore, is to effect the national redemption of the Jews. 2 “But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap: 3 And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offeringin righteousness. 4 Then shall the offering of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasant unto the Lord, as in the days of old, and as in former years.” (Malachi 3:2-4) Israel will be refined through much persecution, until they recognize their Messiah that their forefathers rejected in 33 AD and they still do today. There is a secondary purpose as outlined in Revelation chp. 9: "Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts." (Revelation 9:21) In reading the whole of chapters 6- 9 of this apocalyptic book, gives you the reason for the coming Tribulation. God is putting down all rebellion upon the earth, known asthe “nations” who will not repent of their sinful lives, or give God any glory. But those who love their unrighteousness and sinful practices will not repent even in the face of this horrific judgment that is being poured out on them, and it only gets worse,much worse. This secondary purpose is to purge this earth of unrepentant, rebellious mankind that rejects Christ as Lord of their lives. God will nearly wipe this planet clean of allhuman life. By definition, to be a Christian, one must repent of one's sins. So the Church has no purpose in God's judgment against these “unrepentant, lawless” sinners. There is also a third reason for the Tribulation. It is to allow Satan full and free reign over the earth and its inhabitants. Among the many purposes of Heaven outlined inGod's Word is the trial of Satan. At the conclusion of the Tribulation, there will no doubt remaining among the angels and the inhabitants of God's realm, (the saints of God) to the depth of Satan's guilt or the severity of the forthcoming punishment. Thiswas prophesied in Isaiah what would become of Lucifer, now known as Satan (the adversary) when he was cast out of heaven when he proclaimed his infamous “I wills” to be like the Most High God.... "Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit. They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and consider thee, saying, Is this the man that made theearth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms; That made the world as a wilderness, and destroyed the cities thereof; that opened not the house of his prisoners?" (Isaiah 14:15-17) HARPAZO OF THE CHURCH OF THE LIVING GOD The doctrine of imminency teaches that Jesus could come at any moment and “snatch by force” His redeemed bride which is HARPAZO in the Greek that Paul spoke of in 1st Corinthiansand 1st Thessalonians 15 “For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up (HARPAZO) together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.” (1st Thessalonians 4:15-18) What is the dictionary definition of what Paul wrote above of the HARPAZO, or being “caught up” in English.. 1) to seize, carry off by force 2) to seize on, claim for one' s self eagerly 3) to snatch out or away The fulfillment of this passage could come at any moment, from the day of Paul until the starting point of the Tribulation. How do I know that it is confined to that periodof time? Glad you asked. Because the Bible expressly promises us that the Tribulation will not start until Satan has total control over this earth. In order for Satan to have total control (and therefore no excuse) the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit and His ministry of identifying and restraining evil must beremoved. Jesus promises that the Holy Spirit would indwell within me until He returns, as I am neither of the “house of Israel” or part of the Christ rejecting Gentile nations andhave no part in the coming Tribulation, but the scripture says that the coming Anti-Christ will overcome the “saints” during the tribulation. “And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.” (Revelation 13:7-8) If the Holy Spirit must be 'taken out of the way' BEFORE the Antichrist can be revealed, which is the only logical way to interpret what Paul wrote in 2nd Thessalonians 2:7-9, 7 “For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. 8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: 9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,” So if God is withdrawing the work of the Holy spirit, that would leave me comfortless, if as a Christian I am found to be still present during the time known as Jacob's Trouble,the Tribulation. If God has left me alone just when I need Him the most, then Jesus broke His Word, and we know Jesus cannot lie. 16 “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. 18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.” (John 14:16-18) No matter how I try to read the above verses otherwise, I cannot be present during this time. Until the Holy Spirit is “taken out of the way” then that Wicked cannot be revealed,which is the Anti-Christ. This may be confusing to some, but let us identify the players in the preceding verses listed above in 2nd Thessalonians 2:7-9. The “mystery of iniquity” or the spirit ofthe Anti-Christ (1st John 4:3) "He who letteth". First, "he" is a personal pronoun, so this isn't a 'thing' to be taken out of the way, but a 'Him'. 'To let' is an old English phrase that signifies indwelling, as in the phrase, "Room to Let." When the verse speaks of “that Wicked” it is also a personal pronoun and in context, refers to the one whom Jesus will destroy at His Second Coming. So in modern everyday English, the meaning of the passage says “the Anti-Christ won't be revealed until the Holy Spirit's presence is taken out of the way”...So the pointof the passage that should not be any bone of contention, is that if the Holy Spirit is removed, and we have God's Holy Spirit within us, and Jesus will NOT leave us alone without comfort, then if the Holy Spirit is leaving, then so shall God's Church. Everyborn again believer on this planet will be removed at the very same instant as God's Holy Spirit. Since Satan cannot overcome God, and God is dwelling in me, then the Anti-Christ can't overcome me if I were still on the earth. I cannot picture a situation in which I would lose the Holy Spirit's indwelling presence while I am still alive on this earth. It is unthinkable. THE CHURCH REMOVED So now that I hope you can see that the Church will be removed prior to the Anti-Christ being revealed and we will not be subject to God's Wrath. Now some say that the firstpart of the Tribulation is promoted by Satan and evil men. Many try to say that God's wrath is not revealed until the 6th seal is opened, as the righteousness indignation of God's judgment is finally revealed..is that true? I ask you. Who is opening the sealsof the “title deed to this earth” by removing all rebellion on the planet? From the first seal until the last, the author of this judgment is Jesus Christ the Lord. He is causing events to happen. He is using men to enact judgment on other lawless men, justas He used Babylon and Assyria as the iron rod of judgment on Israel for their lawless behavior and rejecting the laws of God. So here God is doing the same thing by using men to bring about the beginning of His wrath indirectly, but will show His indignationdirectly in subsequent seals of judgment. In chapter 6, the men of earth know who is causing the problems and the evil that befalls them, and they cry out: 15 “And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in thedens and in the rocks of the mountains; 16 And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: 17 For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?” (Revelation 6:15-17) LET US ANAZLYZE THIS COMING TRIBULATION. Where do we get seven years of tribulation? Some ask me that question and assert that there is no basis for it... Daniel says that Antichrist rules for one 'week' -- or seven years. 27 “And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreadingof abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.” (Daniel 9:27) I've even had some deceived notions that this above verse is speaking of Jesus causing a covenant to be broken in mid-week, but clearly it is speaking of an abomination ofdesolation that only happened one other time with Antiochus Epiphanes when he desecrated the Holy Temple and spawned the Maccabean revolt. The first three and one half years are a period of false peace for Israel. Because of confirming a covenant with Israel, the coming Anti-Christ will reveal himself by enforcinga pre-existence covenant that is possibly the Oslo Accord from the earth 1990s or the Abrahamic Covenants during Trump's administration. The last three and one half years are a period of intense persecution and Great Tribulation for the Jewish people. It isthe remaining 7 years left to fulfill the prophecy given by Gabriel to Daniel, that has been on hold for the Age of Grace that we have been living in for almost 2000 years now. No matter how novel an interpretation one may develop to argue against the seven year period, Daniel also identifies it as a period of 2520 days, divided into two periodsof 1260 days each. The first part is the Tribulation that causes a false peace for Israel, but is surrounded by unrest and war around the globe. The last 1260 days are known as the Great Tribulation, when the AC is revealed as the abomination that causethdesolation, and Israel will know they have made a pact deal with the devil. They will run for their very lives, but many will not believe the prophecy and will not escape into the wilderness, just as it was in 70 AD when those who believed fled to the mountainfortress in Petra, in the Jordanian wilderness. (see chp. 12 of Revelation v. 14-17) Now to those who make a wishful thinking by asking the specific question “why cannot Christ's coming for His elect occur during the first half of the tribulation?” Scriptureoutlines a season (of tribulation) for the purpose of judgment that is to last seven years. As mentioned, the tribulation is the not the time for the Church's redemption, it is Israel's time. The purpose in general is the refinement of Israel as silver is refinedin the fiery furnace for purification, and the removal of rebellion and the judgment of the lost. The Church is being judged now in this Age of Grace. Those who have God's earnest deposit of His Holy Spirit residing within their own spirit have a guaranteeof redemption and glorification when Jesus comes for His bride, His Church. The Church of the Living God is neither under judgment or in need of redemption. She has already been redeemed, and judged righteous by the blood of the Lamb, our Savior, Jesus Christ. To not believe the above redemption of our bodies at the rapture of the Church is to believe that Jesus' sacrifice in His own blood on a Roman cross was not good enough tosave us to the uttermost. It is to believe in a type of Catholic purgatory that Jesus did NOT pay it all once for all time. WHAT IF WE DO HAVE TO SUFFER SOME OF THE TRIBULATION? Some hypothesize, and it's pure speculation, that if there is not a removal of the Bride of Christ before the Tribulation starts, could it not cause some to turn away fromtheir faith, as was talked about in the gospels. They say, “won't there be some suffering on the part of Christians?”...”and if so, we are causing those to become discouraged and fall away”. I agree that we shall not escape all suffering, as that has been part of the human condition since man was created. There is persecution and modern day martyrdom in such placesas the Middle East, Communist China, and Central Africa. This is not an ancient concept, but continues to this day by evil men. There is a major difference between the sufferings of men at the hand of other evil men, by one phrase ...”The Wrath of God”. Tribulation saints differ from the Bride of Christsaved during the Age of Grace, or the Church Age. Those saved during this horrific seven years will have their metal tested as like no other period of time memorial. Evil is rampant. Satan seeks to destroy all mankind, but in the process gain worship for himself,and attempts to destroy all of the nation of Israel to make God out a liar. And I must point out again a major distinction between the saints of the Church age, and the Tribulation saints by God's Holy Word: Of the Church Age saints, John writes: "Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world." (1st John 4:4) During the Tribulation, it is the saints that are overcome: "And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations." (Revelation 13:7) The same Apostle John wrote both verses. Is it not 'pure speculation' to assume that the differences in status are irrelevant? Two set of saints are not the same. The churchAge is the Bride, the Tribulation saints will be the guest at the ceremony as they are in martyrdom. A final question that has been kicked around on Christian forums I host, that is “if the pre-tribulation rapture of the church is true, how does that give God any glory. Wouldn'tit be more glory to Him, if Christ appears amidst the persecution of His saints and rescues them from the Anti-Christ and Satan?” I am reminded of a verse that Jesus spoke to the Apostle Thomas, you now, doubting Thomas? "Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen Me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed." (John 20:29) Paul speaks of this very thing in Romans 8, which if we are saved by grace through faith, when Christ actually appears, how much faith will be necessary when you see Him inall His glory? 24 “For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? 25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.” (Romans 8:24-25) As bad as it seems, and my friend, it will get exponentially worse, from chp. 6 of Revelation till chp. 19 when the Saints of God come back on white horse clothed in linen,white and clean following the Lord of Lords, and King of Kings..Jesus our God and Savior.. 11 “And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. 12 His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. 13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. 14 And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. 15 And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fiercenessand wrath of Almighty God.” (Revelation 19:11-15) Jesus has come, rebellion has been put down. The saints rule the earth along with our Lord Jesus, and the Millennium starts and returns the earth to what it came from, perfection. But of this writing, the antichrist has not yet been revealed. The peace treaty has not yet been confirmed. Temple worship has not yet been restored. All these are eventsthat take place BEFORE the Great Tribulation begins. It is that termination of sacrifice that begins the Great Tribulation. The antichrist can't cause the sacrifice to cease until AFTER it has begun. That can't happen until the Jews possess the Temple Mount. The antichrist cannot take his seatin the Temple of God, causing Israel to reject him, which kicks off the Great Tribulation, until AFTER there is a Temple to sit in. None of this has happened, but make no mistake, it could happen almost overnight. These events noted just in the preceding two paragraphs are totally INDEPENDENT of the raptureof the Church. None of them exist because we are not in the Tribulation just yet, but it's right over the near horizon and is looming larger and larger with each passing day. We are indeed close, but we are not quite there yet...Reader take warning. I urgeyou to believe on the only begotten Son of God, slain from the foundation of the earth, and miss this coming Tribulation, by grace through faith. 16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” (John3:16-18) 8 “But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.” (Romans 10:8-11) This is Pastor Mike Taylor, praying to see you standing in front of our Lord Jesus, when we all receive the rewards done in our body for service...If you should need prayer,counseling, or just a friendly listening ear, contact me at pastormiketaylor@yahoo.com, or visit me online at www.pastormiketaylor.blogspot.com, for more biblical messages straight from your Bible...God bless you all.. TILL WE MEET AT JESUS FEET