Tag: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 Page 1 of 2

Keep Looking Up!

On December 20, 2024

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. (14) For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. (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 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.

Could this be the day / week / month / year that the Rapture will occur? If you’re new to this word, and have never heard of this Rapture I write of, we’ll be taking a closer look at its meaning and what it represents to the born-again Christian. It is a message of hope and excitement to all believers who are awaiting the Lord’s return in the clouds for His bride. Read through today’s Bible verses and we’ll explain, and prove, this event can occur at any moment. Let’s cover what the word means and where it is found in the Scriptures.

We are seeing a great divide in Christian circles about the pre-tribulational occurrence of the Rapture. Not only is the topic is being ridiculed by unbelievers but sadly also by believers. They are calling it a “secret” Rapture or escapism by those who believe it will happen before the Tribulation. As Amir Tsarfati and Jan Markell say about being accused of being escapists: YES!!! I always thought that those who scoffed at Christians would be unbelievers. However, it makes perfect sense that it comes from within the Church itself. The devil will stop at nothing in order to divide the church so her testimony for Christ is hindered!

2 Peter 3:3-4 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, (4) And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.

The fact that these scoffers are referring to “the fathers,” tells us that they are religious. Is it any wonder that people are not turning to the Church in these end times? So let’s get down to business.

Although the word “rapture” doesn’t appear in the English translation of the Bible, it’s a term that describes the removing of born-again believers from the earth. The Latin words “rapiemur or rapturo” is where our English word comes from. The term “caught up” in verse 17 is elsewhere translated “pluck”: (John 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.) We see another reference to it when Philip was snatched away after he witnessed to the Ethiopian eunuch (Act 8:39 And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.) We are living at a time where the antichrist will come into power. We know we are in that time because Jesus spoke of it in Matthew 24:32-35. He said when the fig tree’s branch is yet tender and puts forth leaves (this speaks of Israel), we know that the end is near. Israel became a nation in 1948. We are that generation that will see His coming; both at the Rapture and at the end of the Tribulation period! The seven-year Tribulation is a time that no born-again believer will go through and a time that you do not want to experience if you are not born again. Prior to the revealing of the antichrist, the Rapture will occur: it can happen at any moment: it is imminent and you do not want to be caught unaware.

The New Testament was written in Greek and, therefore, we will see what the Greek language has to say about the word “rapture.” Strong’s Concordance states this:

G726
ἁρπάζω
harpazō
Total KJV Occurrences: 18
caught, 5: Act_8:39, 2Co_12:2, 2Co_12:4, 1Th_4:17, Rev_12:5
force, 3: Mat_11:12, Joh_6:15, Act_23:10
take, 3: Mat_11:12, Joh_6:15, Act_23:10
away, 2: Mat_13:19, Act_8:39
catcheth, 2: Mat_13:19, Joh_10:12
pluck, 2: Joh_10:28-29 (2)
pulling, 1: Jud_1:23

It will help you if you look up each of these verses in your Bible to see the different uses. The Rapture represents being caught up, taken by force, taken away, plucked, snatched up and pulled away. The word “rapture” isn’t found in the English Bible. But, friend, neither is the word “bible” found in the Bible or the word Trinity. But the concept and description of the Rapture is found in the Bible and, therefore, it’s worthy of study, amen?

If you are a born-again Christian, you may have heard of the various beliefs of when the rapture will occur. To understand why it is important, you need to know when the different beliefs occur. There are three popular schools of thought of when the rapture will occur: the pre-tribulation, mid-tribulation (or pre-wrath) and post-tribulation. Pre-tribulation is defined as occurring before the tribulation. Mid-tribulation is defined as occurring in the middle of the tribulation. And finally, the post-tribulation is defined as occurring after the tribulation.

The latter two beliefs claim that the pre-tribulation rapture was only recently “invented” but there is historical proof showing that this was the belief of the Christians as early as third century AD. This is only one example of the writings of that day:

All the saints and elect of God are gathered together before the tribulation, which is to come, and are taken to the Lord, in order that they may not see at any time the confusion which overwhelms the world because of our sins.-Pseudo-Ephraem (c. 374-627)

Please read his quote and let it sink in. But even before Ephraem, Irenaeus of Lyons (a disciple of Polycarp, who was a disciple of the Apostle John) said:

And therefore, when in the end the Church shall be suddenly caught up from this,” “There shall be tribulation such as has not been since the beginning, neither shall be.”

Proponents against the pre-tribulation Rapture claim that Darby introduced it in the 1800’s. However, we see in this quote that the pre-Tribulation Rapture was not invented in the past 150 years but was taught in the third century! So why do people claim Darby introduced it? People had come out of the Dark Ages where they were not allowed to read the Scriptures for themselves. Priests were the only ones allowed to read and interpret the Scriptures. The Gutenberg printing press came out in 1455 which later produced the Bible in printed form. It is after this that the Reformation took place once people began to read the Bible for themselves. A great revival followed and the devil knew he had his work cut out for him. What could he do to stop this revival? He resorted to the same old trick he used in the Garden of Eden: “Hath God said” in Genesis 3:1. This infiltrated Darby’s heart and the rest is history.

The Apostle Paul spoke a lot about this blessed reunion and we will cover those verses to bring it all together. No other Tribulation viewpoint can explain away these four verses:

Joh 14:1-4 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. (2) In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. (3) And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. (4) And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.

After Jesus’ Second Coming, the Millennial Kingdom begins. If the Rapture happens at the end of the Tribulation, how will the Church go to Heaven where Jesus went to prepare a place and THEN go into the Millennium? They will never go to Heaven? That makes no sense at all. Who will populate the earth during the Millennium if all believers are raptured and unbelievers are cast into Hell? Jesus says in verse 2 that He was going to prepare a place for us. Then verse 3 says that He will come again and receive us unto himself so that where He is, we will be also! This fits the pre-Tribulation Rapture belief perfectly!

If you are a born-again Christian and have never studied this out, I hope you are blessed by it and encouraged in your heart. If you are not born again, I urge you to settle the matter right now! Friend, it is no coincidence that God has placed you here for such a time as this so that you may be saved. Please click here and the link will open up in a separate tab to You Can Be Born Again and Know It!

The Bridegroom

By Kate Plourde

On November 22, 2024

In Devotionals

Don’t you just love today’s name for Jesus? He is our Bridegroom! His church, made up of born-again believers, is His bride. If you are married, do you recall just how excited you were to get married? In Jewish tradition, when a couple was betrothed, the groom would leave for a year to build a home for his bride. He would then come get his bride, they would wed, then there would be a great celebration.

Joh 14:1-4 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. (2) In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. (3) And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. (4) And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.

We are waiting for Jesus, our Bridegroom, to return for us. Are we as excited for His return as we were for our own wedding? Let’s make ourselves ready and be excited! His return is so close, friend!

1Co 15:51-52 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, (52) In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

1Th 4:13-18 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. (14) For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. (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 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.

Tit 2:13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

Jesus taught on the ten virgins which is a beautiful picture of the Bride waiting for her Groom.

Mat 25:1-13 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. (2) And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. (3) They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: (4) But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. (5) While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. (6) And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. (7) Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. ( 8 ) And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. (9) But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. (10) And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. (11) Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. (12) But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. (13) Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

The Church eagerly awaits her Bridegroom as we look for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ!

If you’re interested in learning more about the Christ, please click here and the link will open up in a separate tab to You Can Be Born Again and Know It!

Any Day Now – Day 57

By Kate Plourde

On July 12, 2024

In Any Day Now, Devotionals

1Co 15:51-52 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, (52) In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

1Th 4:13-18 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. (14) For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. (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 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.

Rev 21:9 And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb’s wife.

I look at the Rapture as a gift from our Groom, Jesus Christ, to His Bride. As the Church is the body of Christ, it stands to reason that Christ’s body would not be on the earth during the worst time to come upon the earth.

(Mat 24:21) For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.

This tells me that the seven-year Tribulation period is the worst time that has EVER come upon this earth. If you think the ten plagues of Egypt during the time of Moses was bad, you ain’t seen nothing yet!

The Bible tells us that the Church is the body of Christ – He is the head of the Church. We learn in 1 Corinthians that we, the Church, all make up His body. Therefore, it is impossible for the

(Rom 7:4) Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.

(Rom 12:5) So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.

(1Co 12:12) For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.

(1Co 12:27) Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.

(Eph 3:6) That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:

(Eph 4:12) For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

(Eph 5:23) For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.

(Col 1:24) Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church:

(Col 2:17) Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.

The Church is the body of Christ. How can the body be separated from its Head, the Lord Jesus? It cannot. Just as a wife and husband are one, so is the Church and Christ. This is the mystery spoken of in Ephesians 5:32! Therefore, the Church cannot possibly be on earth during the Tribulation; which is the worst period of time ever! How can Christ be separated from His body, His bride?

It’s not rocket science, friend. Friend, you must be born again in order to participate, no matter what viewpoint you hold. Friend, if you are not born again, it is no coincidence that God has placed you here for such a time as this so that you may be saved if you are not already. Don’t you want to be a part of the Church when she is raptured into the clouds to meet Jesus? (1 Thessalonians 4:17) Please click here and the link will open up in a separate tab to You Can Be Born Again and Know It!

Any Day Now – Day 41

By Kate Plourde

On June 5, 2024

In Any Day Now, Devotionals

The Rapture – just what is this and what in the world are people referring to when they speak of it? The Apostle Paul spoke about it the most out of the twelve Apostles. In three consecutive Sabbaths (Acts 17:1-2), Paul taught them extensively on the subject!

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. (14) For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. (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 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.

1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. (2) For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. (3) For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. (4) But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. (5) Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. (6) Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. (7) For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. ( 8 ) But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. (9) For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, (10) Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. (11) Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.

What exactly is the Rapture? The word “rapture” cannot be found in the English translation of the Bible. However, it is found in the Latin translation from which the English version came. Charles Ryrie had the best description of this event:

Rapture is a state or experience of being carried away. The English word comes from a Latin word, rapio, which means to seize or snatch in relation to an ecstasy of spirit or the actual removal from one place to another. In other words, it means to be carried away in spirit or in body. The Rapture of the church means the carrying away of the church from earth to heaven.

The Greek word from this term “rapture” is derived appears in 1 Thessalonians 4:17, translated “caught up.” The Latin translation of this verse used the word rapturo. The Greek word it translates is harpazo, which means to snatch or take away. Elsewhere it is used to describe how the Spirit caught up Philip near Gaza and brought him to Caesarea (Acts 8:39) and to describe Paul’s experience of being caught up into the third heaven (2 Corinthians 12:2-4). Thus there can be no doubt that the word is used in 1 Thessalonians 4:17 to indicate the actual removal of people from earth to heaven.
Charles Ryrie

Therefore, we can see that the Apostle Paul was teaching that there would come a time when the Church would be “caught up” to meet Jesus in the clouds. (1 Thessalonians 4:17) This is a separate event where Jesus protects His Bride, the Church, from the devastating outcome of the Tribulation. Jesus spoke about the end times in like the days of Noah (Matthew 24:37-38) and the days of Lot (Luke 17:28). The Rapture is not the same as the Second Coming of Jesus Christ at the end of the Tribulation because at that time, Jesus will step foot on the Mount of Olives. (Zechariah 14:4)

One cannot fully comprehend just how the Rapture will take place, but the Bible says it will happen in the twinkling of an eye – in less than a blink!

1 Corinthians 15:51-52 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, (52) In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

Those who have died prior to the Rapture will receive their new body on their way up to meet their soul from Heaven. Then we who are living at the time of the Rapture, will receive our new body as we go up to meet Jesus in the clouds. How can that happen? I don’t know but I believe God’s Word and trust it. Jesus promised that He was going to prepare a place for the Church in His Father’s house. While He is in Heaven, He is preparing a place for His Bride and will receive us to Him.

John 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

Jesus didn’t say He was going to come to earth to receive us but that the Church would go to Him where He is so we can be there also! Doesn’t this excite you? We are part of His body. He is the head of the body (Ephesians 1:22) and we are His body! How can the Lord allow the body to go through the Tribulation? He would be punishing His own body! This is why Paul comfort ourselves together.

Friend, it is no coincidence that God has placed you here for such a time as this so that you may be saved if you are not already. Please click here and the link will open up in a separate tab to You Can Be Born Again and Know It!

Any Day Now – Day 28

By Kate Plourde

On May 3, 2024

In Any Day Now, Devotionals

How do we know we are in the end times? Are we close or is it far into the future? Like any other teaching, we Christians must back everything with the Scriptures! The Bible’s Old Testament Prophets (major prophets and minor prophets) can be found from Isaiah to Malachi. One of the major prophets, Daniel, reveals a lot about these end times. For example,

Dan 12:4 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.

Let’s take a look at this verse for a bit. Daniel was told that in the “time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.” Daniel recorded these things between the 6th and 6th century BC. One may say that knowledge has been increasing ever since Daniel penned the words. Cars appeared in the late 1800’s but they really didn’t go faster than a horse at that point. However, it wasn’t until the Wright Brothers airplane set the balling rolling with “many shall run to and fro.” Since 1905, the knowledge put into traveling by air has jumped leaps and bounds. And let’s not forget the fact that we can put a man on the moon! Before the 1900’s, man traveled pretty much the same way as in Old Testament times. Then cars, bullet trains, and planes just kept getting bigger and better. We can see how “many run to and fro.” You might say that I am stretching it here but just think about Daniel for a moment. He never saw a car, train or plane: yet he was trying to describe his vision. He finished writing this book around 530 BC so to him, it must have appeared as though “many shall run to and fro.”

Secondly, Daniel 12:4 states that “knowledge shall be increased.” Homes began having their own version of a computer in the late 1980’s. I know this because I lived in one of those homes where my computer had a 10MB hard drive!!!! I thought that was wonderful, LOL! According to IBM in 2009, “In the next couple of years, information will double every 11 hours.” Today, there are thumb drives that are 2 terabytes (TB)!!! (10 MB = 0.00001 TB). Today’s cellphones and laptops are millions of times more powerful than the original UNIVAC computer built in 1951! I think we can safely say that knowledge has increased since Daniel’s time. Now homes have smart TV’s, lights, Alexa, Ring doorbells, etc.

To further “blow your minds,” let’s just think about those cell phones for a minute! Do you remember the first ones and how big in size they were? The only thing this cell phone could do is make a call. Nothing else! Now cell phones fit in your hand and can go on the internet while you are talking on its speaker and sending an email, all at the same time!

Rev 11:8-9 And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified. (9) And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves.

Can you see now how the two witnesses’ death in Revelations will be seen all over the world? Friend, we are most certainly in the end times. If the Thessalonians thought they were in the end times, how much more are we in those end times today?

1Th 4:13-18 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. (14) For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. (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 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.

The Bible is clear as to what events lead into the end times, as we see in Daniel. And since we are in those end times, then we can look up and see that the Rapture is not only imminent but if we are still alive, WE will be the ones to experience it! Praise the Lord!! According to the Apostle Paul’s words to the Thessalonians, there is no need for fear. Before the Tribulation begins, the Lord Jesus will come in the air to take the Church to Him! He is currently in Heaven preparing a place for us and awaiting the Father’s command to go get His Bride!

Joh 14:1-3 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. (2) In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. (3) And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

There is comfort in these end times. We do not have to be afraid of all the progress if we are born again! Does this excite you, reader? It surely does me! But to the one who is not saved, it is a different story. Friend, it is no coincidence that God has placed you here for such a time as this so that you may be saved. Please click here and the link will open up in a separate tab to You Can Be Born Again and Know It!

Any Day Now – Day 10

By Kate Plourde

On March 22, 2024

In Any Day Now, Devotionals

Luk 21:35-36 For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. (36) Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.

Mat 24:21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.

How exciting are the times that we’re experiencing! There are wars and rumors of wars going on around us. Floods, hail stones the size of men’s hands, earthquakes, and signs in the skies. The various news sources are filled these headlines. But friend, I’m not anxious, nor am I afraid at all! 😃

The Bible teaches us that born again believers (those who possess the Holy Spirit in their lives) will not go through this horrible time that will affect the whole world. Re-read Luke 21:37 above! I understand that there are those who believe that Christians will go through the Tribulation but let’s look at the Scriptures. Today’s verse tells us that this tribulation will affect the entire world. The second verse tells us that it will be like no other time in history.

Rev 3:10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.

But Jesus says in Revelation 3:10 that there is a time that will come that will affect the whole world, which is the Tribulation. He also states in that same verse that He will “keep the Christians alive at that time FROM the hour.” He doesn’t say He’ll keep us THROUGH it. How can the Lord keep us FROM this? This must be the time that He removes us from the earth.

This verse does not say that God will keep the church-age saints through the temptation but FROM it. There’s a big difference, amen? I’ve shared the following verses with you before but they are worth repeating. Paul taught us quite a bit about the Rapture. If it occurs in the middle of or at the end of the Tribulation, there would be nothing to encourage the hearts of the church-age Christians. Who would find encouragement in going through judgments and God’s wrath? These are the worst trials ever recorded! Let’s read together:

1 Thess 4:13-18 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. (14) For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. (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 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.

This event cannot be the Second Coming of Christ at the end of the Tribulation because Christ comes back to earth. Verse 17 says that we will meet Christ IN THE AIR. As well, Jesus left this earth to go to Heaven, His Father’s house, to prepare a place for us so that He can receive us to Himself so we can be where He is!!! (John 14:1-3) The post Tribulation believers cannot explain this, or they say the mansions are here on earth. How can that be? Where are those mansions or rooms in His Father’s house that He has been preparing for 2,000 years? Friend, if we are to go through any part of the Tribulation, how could we comfort one another???? There is no comfort going through the judgments of Revelation!

Does this excite you, reader? It surely does me! But to the one who is not saved, it is a different story. Friend, it is no coincidence that God has placed you here for such a time as this so that you may be saved. Please click here and the link will open up in a separate tab to You Can Be Born Again and Know It!

Any Day Now – Day 4

By Kate Plourde

On March 8, 2024

In Any Day Now, Devotionals

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. (14) For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. (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 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.

Today’s verses are very exciting! Anyone having an ounce of Bible prophecy knowledge knows they will not be here when the Tribulation begins! We will see later on in this series that the Tribulation period begins with the Antichrist signing a peace treaty with Israel. (Daniel 9:27) If the Church is to live through the Tribulation, it would mean that it would have to suffer through the most horrible and difficult time to come upon the whole earth. When I first heard of the Tribulation, it frightened me in a way I had never been frightened before. So grab your favor beverage, make yourself comfortable and let’s discuss these things! 😃

Notice how verse 18 says to comfort one another with these words? Come on, Paul! How can one be comforted when there’s about to be seven years of horrible events coming to the earth? How can we be comforted when in fact, one fourth of the earth’s population will die during the fourth and fifth seals in Revelation 6? Christians will be martyred during this times as we see in Revelation 6:9-11. In fact, so much so, that we see in Revelation 11:7 and Revelation 13:7 that the Antichrist will overcome the Tribulation saints! What comfort is there in that??? So why is Paul telling us to comfort one another? To what is this comfort referring to? The topic of these verses is the coming of the Lord. This is not referring to His coming to earth: Christ’s return to earth will be at the end of the Tribulation. This coming of the Lord refers to Christ meeting born-again believers in the air. It can be viewed that His Second Coming is in two parts: one in the air to meet the Church at the Rapture and then second part is when Christ actually steps foot on the earth with His church!

1 Thessalonians 4:17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

So let’s think about this for a moment: if we are to go through the Tribulation, as proponents of Mid-Tribulation and Post-Tribulation believe, what comfort is there in that? How can we comfort one another as Paul tells us to do in 1 Thessalonians 4:18? I certainly would not be comforted knowing that with each judgment in the seals, trumpets and bowls as written in the Book of Revelation were ahead of me. There’s no comfort or solace in that – there is only fear and apprehension! Where is your next meal coming from because you didn’t take the mark of the beast? Where can you hide without being caught? Where do you sleep? All this apprehension lies within the hearts of Tribulation Christians. The Church is Christ’s Bride, reader! What groom would subject his wife to go through such torment? NONE! Our Groom is awaiting to be told by His Father to go get His Bride, the Church! Jesus spoke of this in the verses below! Why would Jesus prepare a house for His Bride and she wouldn’t go there to be with Him? The post-Tribulation viewpoint doesn’t take that into consideration. They claim that the Millennial Kingdom is the Father’s house with many rooms. But that is not scriptural. Jesus doesn’t enter the Millennium until after the Tribulation. It’s common sense!

John 14:2-3 In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? (3) And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.

We can only comfort ourselves IF we believe that we will be kept from those coming judgments! The snatching of the church and taking her to the clouds to meet Christ “in the air” is going to be an event like no other. If you’re a Bible reader, you’ll remember that Enoch and Elijah never died. They were taken up by God. So this is no new occurrence.

Genesis 5:24 And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.
2 Kings 2:1 And it came to pass, when the LORD would take up Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal.

Jesus spoke of this in:

Matthew 24:36-42 But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. (37) But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. (38) For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, (39) And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. (40) Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. (41) Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left. (42) Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.

In fact, Paul was taken to the third heaven in 2 Corinthians 12:2 and Philip in Acts 8:39. Both were taken or caught away and both Greek terms were “harpazo”! This is where the word Rapture comes from. Friend, God is able and He will protect His church from the coming wrath on the children of disobedience. This term is used three times in the New Testament and all refer to God’s wrath! (Ephesians 2:2, 5:6; and Colossians 3:6)

Any Day Now – Day 1

By Kate Plourde

On March 1, 2024

In Any Day Now, Devotionals

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. (14) For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. (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 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.

Good morning! Could this be the year that the Rapture will occur? If you’re new to this blog and have never heard of this Rapture I write of, we’ll be taking a closer look at its meaning and what it represents to the born-again Christian. It is a message of hope and excitement to all believers who are awaiting the Lord’s return in the clouds for His bride. Read through today’s Bible verses and we’ll take a few days to explain and prove this event can occur at any moment. Today, however, we will just cover what the word means and where it is found in the Scriptures.

We are seeing a great divide in Christian circles about the pre-tribulational Rapture. The topic is being ridiculed by believers. They are calling it a “secret” Rapture or escapism by those who believe it will happen before the Tribulation. I always thought that those who scoffed at Christians would be unbelievers. However, it makes perfect sense that it comes from within the Church itself.

2 Peter 3:3-4 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, (4) And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.

The fact that these scoffers are referring to the “fathers,” tells us that they are religious. Is it any wonder that people are not turning to the Church in these end times? So let’s get down to business.

Although the word “rapture” doesn’t appear in the English translation of the Bible, it’s a term that describes the removing of born-again believers from the earth. The Latin word “rapturo” is where our English word comes from. The term “caught up” in verse 17 is elsewhere translated “pluck” (John 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.) We see another reference to it when Philip was snatched away after he witnessed to the Ethiopian eunuch (Act 8:39 And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.) If you followed my series on the attitude of mankind during the end times, you saw that we are in a time where the antichrist will come into power. It is a time that no born-again believer will go through and a time that you do not want to experience if you are not born again. Prior to the revealing of the antichrist, this Rapture will occur: it can happen at any moment: it is imminent and you do not want to be caught unaware.

The New Testament was written in Greek and, therefore, we will see what the Greek language has to say about the word “rapture.” Strong’s Concordance states this:

G726
ἁρπάζω
harpazō
Total KJV Occurrences: 18
caught, 5: Act_8:39, 2Co_12:2, 2Co_12:4, 1Th_4:17, Rev_12:5
force, 3: Mat_11:12, Joh_6:15, Act_23:10
take, 3: Mat_11:12, Joh_6:15, Act_23:10
away, 2: Mat_13:19, Act_8:39
catcheth, 2: Mat_13:19, Joh_10:12
pluck, 2: Joh_10:28-29 (2)
pulling, 1: Jud_1:23

It will help you if you look up each of these verses in your Bible to see the different uses. The Rapture represents being caught up, taken by force, taken away, plucked, and pulled away. The word “rapture” isn’t found in the Bible. But, friend, neither is the word “bible” found in the Bible or the word Trinity. But the concept and description of the rapture is found in the Bible and, therefore, it’s worthy of study, amen?

If you are a born-again Christian, you may have heard of the various beliefs of when the rapture will occur. To understand why it is important, you need to know when the different beliefs occur. There are three popular schools of thought of when the rapture will occur: the pre-tribulation, mid-tribulation and post-tribulation. Pre-tribulation is defined as occurring before the tribulation. Mid-tribulation is defined as occurring in the middle of the tribulation. And finally, the post-tribulation is defined as occurring after the tribulation.

All the saints and elect of God are gathered together before the tribulation, which is to come, and are taken to the Lord, in order that they may not see at any time the confusion which overwhelms the world because of our sins.
-Pseudo-Ephraem (c. 374-627)

Please read his quote and let it sink in. Proponents against the pre-tribulation Rapture claim that Darby introduced it in the 1800’s. However, we see in this quote that the pre-tribulation rapture was not invented in the past 150 years but in the third century! As we continue our series, we will dig in deeper and we will see that this was what was intended through the Scriptures! The Apostle Paul spoke a lot about this blessing reunion and we will cover those verses to bring it all together.

No other Tribulation viewpoint can explain away these four verses:

Joh 14:1-4 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. (2) In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. (3) And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. (4) And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.

After Jesus’ Second Coming, the Millennial Kingdom begins. If the Rapture happens at the end of the Tribulation, how will the Church go to Heaven where Jesus went to prepare a place and THEN go into the Millennium? They will never go to Heaven? That makes no sense at all. Jesus says in verse 2 that He was going to prepare a place for us. Then verse 3 says that He will come again and receive us unto himself so that where He is, we will be also!

End Time Comfort Found in Psalm 119 – Day 15

By Kate Plourde

On February 7, 2024

In Devotionals, End Time Comfort Found in Psalm 119

Psa 119:36 Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness.

The word “testimony(ies) in this verse is very poignant. The Treasury of David has an interesting comment – I’ve added it below. David was the apple of God’s eye. One would think that he kept his heart focused on the Lord. But being human, I’m certain that he had tendencies to lean toward the opposite direction, as shown below.

“The only way to cure a wrong leaning is to have the soul bent in the opposite direction. Holiness of heart is the cure for covetousness.“
The Treasury of David

The only way to deal with sin is to be focused and centered on the Lord and His Word. Jesus quoted scripture to Satan when He was tempted by him in the desert. Jesus Christ took on human form and, therefore, could have succumbed to sin after 40 days of no eating. What human being wouldn’t? When the body is in pain and weak, it is harder to ward off the devil. Job is a good example of this. However, Jesus quoted His words from the Old Testament back at the devil. Is that what we do when we have fallen into temptation? Being tempted is not sin but giving into temptation is. The Lord promises to help us out of these situations.

James 1:14-15 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

It is not until the temptation has been “conceived” in our heart that it brings forth sin. Therefore, do not let yourself get to that point. We have a choice as born-again believers! We do not have to sin. We can stay focused on God’s Word and quote it back to the devil when we are tempted. Be encouraged, Christian… it won’t be long now before the Rapture occurs. Our troubles here on earth will be gone and we will be forever with the Lord for all eternity! Oh joy! I love this hymn! It becomes sweeter to me as I see the day of Christ’s return to get His Bride in the Rapture of the Church! (1 Corinthians 15:50-55, 1 Thessalonians 1:10, 1 Thessalonians 2:19, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, 2 Timothy 3:1-9, 2 Timothy 4:8, Titus 2:13, James 5:7-8, Revelation 3:10, Revelation 4:1) Be encouraged, believer!

WHAT A DAY THAT WILL BE

There’s coming a day when no heartaches shall come
No more clouds in the sky
No more tears to dim the eye
All is peace forever more
On that happy golden shore
What a day, glorious day that will be

What a day that will be when my Jesus I shall see
When I look upon His face the one who saved my by His grace
When He takes me by the hand and leads me to the promised land
What a day, glorious day that will be

There will be no sorrows there
And no more burdens to bear
No more sickness and, no more pain
No more parting over there
And forever I will be with the one who died for me
What a day, glorious day that will be

What a day that will be when my Jesus I shall see
When I look upon His face the one who saved my by His grace
When He takes me by the hand and leads me to the promised land
What a day, glorious day that will be

What a day that will be when my Jesus I shall see
When I look upon His face the one who saved my by His grace
When He takes me by the hand and leads me to the promised land
What a day, glorious day that will be

But for the one who is not authentically born again, it is not so. The unbeliever is not looking forward to the Rapture, if he even knows anything about it. The bottom line is salvation. This determines where a person will spend eternity: forever burning in the Lake of Fire or in Heaven with the Lord Jesus. Friend, it is no coincidence that God has placed you here for such a time as this so that you may be saved. Please click here and the link will open up in a separate tab to You Can Be Born Again and Know It!

Peace Through Troubled Times – Scoffers

By Kate Plourde

On November 27, 2023

In Devotionals, Peace Through Troubled Times

2 Peter 3:3-4 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, (4) And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.

Surely you have been in a situation such as pictured above. You have stood alone in something you believe strongly while the rest of the world laughs at your convictions. So what exactly is a scoffer? It is someone who openly mocks God’s Word. Today’s scoffers are people who are walking after their own lusts. Just what does that mean? Strong’s Concordance defines “lust” as:

ἐπιθυμία
epithumia
ep-ee-thoo-mee’-ah
From G1937; a longing (especially for what is forbidden): – concupiscence, desire, lust (after).

Put the two together and you have someone who makes fun of God’s Word by doing the opposite of what it says and saying it’s OK. We see it in churches that distort the Scriptural marriage between a man and a woman. We see this distortion morph into something sinful and abhorrent. What God called good, the scoffer calls it evil. Is it any wonder Satan has nearly succeeded in destroying marriage between a man and a woman?

Isaiah 5:20 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!

Today, we have an agenda that wishes to eliminate the difference between good and evil. We have witnessed men performing wicked acts in front of children and it is glorified by the world. On the flip side, we have seen street preachers condemned for preaching the Gospel!

Satan continues his efforts to make sin less offensive, Heaven less appealing, hell less horrific, and the Gospel less urgent.
John macarthur

Scoffers come in all walks of life. There are Christians who have given up on the “Blessed Hope” of Titus 2:13. They claim that these end-time signs are not signs at all and that they have been going on since the beginning of time. Well, yes, the signs have been happening for thousands of years. However, they have never converged upon our planet all at one time. These are the birth pains that Jesus spoke of in Matthew 24. Just as labor starts out light, it not only increases in severity of pain but also in the frequency between pains. This is what is happening today. Don’t let scoffers discourage you, Christian. Christ is coming for His Bride, the Church! He will return in the generation living since the formation of the nation of Israel on May 14, 1948.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. (14) For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. (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 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.

If you are not truly born-again, there is coming a time when it will be too late for you to repent and be saved. It is no coincidence that God has placed you here for such a time as this so that you may be saved if you are not already. Please click here and the link will open up in a separate tab You Can Be Born Again and Know It!