Maranatha - Awaiting Christ's Return

1 Cor. 15:52  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.

Tag: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

Peace Through Troubled Times – Scoffers

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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!

Rapture and End Time News – Eyeball-Scanning Global ID System

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On August 8, 2023

In Devotionals, Rapture and End Time News

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.

Today’s Bible verse has never been more true than it is now. No wonder God told Daniel to shut up the words until the end of time. Friend, we are in that time! Don’t be afraid – instead, be excited because the church’s time on earth is almost finished!

Just look at the history of automobiles!!! From 1871 to 1886, we’ve gone from steam powered to gas vehicles! That’s all in just 15 years! Look where we are today! Knowledge has grown exponentially since the industrial age. Before that age, people were content with what they had. But “being better and bigger” was what turned everything around.

Now the world is contending with digital everything! These things must happen in order for the antichrist to take over a One World Order. This is no longer a conspiracy theory, reader. It has been in its formation since the 1950’s and has come to fruition now.

How can the WEF, UN, etc. achieve this? It is all about the money. If they can get control of your money and how you spend it, then they can control you.

Sam Altman’s Eyeball-Scanning Global ID System Worldcoin Launches

The core of the Worldcoin ecosystem consists of the World ID, a digital identity, and the WLD token, which users receive upon creating a wallet. To secure a World ID, users need to submit an iris scan through the Worldcoin Orb, thus offering a verifiable proof of their human identity.

The founders envision World ID as a global digital passport that is stored locally on users’ mobile devices and utilized in a privacy-centric manner. It is designed to safeguard underlying data, including biometric, Know Your Customer, and Anti-Money Laundering data, using zero-knowledge proofs.

I’m not saying that this eyeball scanning is the center of the mark of the beast. What I am saying is that it is a segue, a bridge if you will, to get to where everything will be in line for the antichrist to take over.

Do these things scare you, reader? Jesus left us with these words before He went to the Father in Heaven:

Joh 14:26-27  But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.  (27)  Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Every born-again believer has the Holy Spirit residing in him. One of the Spirit’s names is the Comforter and there is no better name for Him at a time such as this. The believer has no need to fear because Jesus promised to take us home, to Heaven, before the Tribulation happens!

1 Cor 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.

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.

Wherefore comfort one another with these words. Be comforted, my brothers and sisters in Christ. Our departure is soon coming!

The time is coming when it will be too late for you to repent. You will remember each opportunity you were given by God to be saved; you will remember each time you laughed it off and ignored it. Please Reader, repent and accept Christ into your life. (Act 16:31, Rom 10:9) I want to be sure that anyone who reads the posts on this blog can know beyond a shadow of a doubt that they are going to Heaven. Have you received Christ as your Saviour? If no, your sins are not covered by His sacrificial offering of Himself. You have not been redeemed by His blood. 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!

Comfort During the End Times – Day 19

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On April 12, 2023

In Comfort During the End Times, Devotionals

Good morning, Reader! Have the events of the last two weeks disturbed you at all? Do you see the very fiber of our country coming apart? I sure have. I thank God that I have the Blessed Hope of the glorious appearing of our Lord and Saviour to Rapture His church!! (Titus 2:13) Without this hope, it would be discouraging to say the least!

We are living in a world that has lost its mind!! Men claiming they can have babies, adding genders and requiring pronouns to identify one’s self, attempts to silence Christian voices on college campuses by hurting speakers, church school children and teachers being shot and killed! Friends, if we don’t speak out and we keep silent, we are actually making a statement that we agree with all of this. Why aren’t more people standing up and making their voices heard???? Where are the American patriots who still believe in Christian values and the principles on which our Country was founded? We are being led by the nose into the pits of hell! We must speak up and be heard before our country is destroyed.

We must let the world know how good the Lord is and how He has blessed us! (Psalm 105:1)

We don’t have to be afraid of what is going to happen tomorrow. God has given us His Word so that we are forewarned and prepared for battle while we are awaiting the Lord’s return to come get us and take us away! He will do so before the devil reveals his plans through the antichrist. Friend, we are to look for Jesus Christ, not the antichrist. But, in the mean time, we are to warn others that the time is coming for us to be raptured! (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)

Friend, the Lord God promises to help us when we get discouraged and afraid like this! He does not leave us to our own devices because He knows how fragile we are. (Psalm 78:38-39) After all, He created us! The Lord has brought me through so many trials in my lifetime, and each time He has drawn me closer to Him through each and every trial. The song, “Through It All” has meant a lot to me during those trials. The lyrics are absolutely beautiful:

I’ve had many tears and sorrows,
I’ve had questions for tomorrow,
There’ve been times I didn’t know right from wrong:
But in every situation God gave blessed consolation
That my trials come to only make me strong.

Refrain: Through it all, through it all,
I’ve learned to trust in Jesus,
I’ve learned to trust in God;
Through it all, through it all,
I’ve learned to depend upon His Word.

I’ve been to lots of places,
And I’ve seen a lot of faces,
There’ve been times I felt so all alone;
But in my lonely hours,
Yes, those precious lonely hours,
Jesus let me know that I was His own.

Refrain

I thank God for the mountains,
And I thank Him for the valleys,
I thank Him for the storms
He brought me through;
For if I’d never had a problem
I wouldn’t know that He could solve them,
I’d never know what faith in God could do.

Refrain

As the Bride of Christ, we are not to worry about what tomorrow brings. We are to trust our Groom, the Lord Jesus, and He will care for us. (1 Peter 5:7) Our job is to keep our garment spotless and be a light to this lost and dying world. We need to give them hope as we have hope! Friend, don’t be willfully ignorant of the end times. (2 Peter 3:5) If you are not born-again, confess your sins and repent of them. The time is coming when it will be too late for you to repent. You will remember each opportunity you were given by God to be saved; you will remember each time you laughed it off and ignored it. Please Reader, repent and accept Christ into your life. (Act 16:31, Rom 10:9) I want to be sure that anyone who reads the posts on this blog can know beyond a shadow of a doubt that they are going to Heaven. Have you received Christ as your Saviour? If no, your sins are not covered by His sacrificial offering of Himself. You have not been redeemed by His blood. 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!

Comfort During the End Times – Day 18

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On April 10, 2023

In Comfort During the End Times, Devotionals

Good morning! Spring has sprung and the temperatures are slowly warming up! This season has always been one that I love to compare with being born-again. The newness of the trees and budding flowers are always a spirit lifter! The Creator of all things “spoke” into being everything you and I look at every single day! Genesis 1:3 beings with “And God said,”!

Joh 1:1-5  In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  (2)  The same was in the beginning with God.  (3)  All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.  (4)  Joh 1:1-5  In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  (2)  The same was in the beginning with God.  (3)  All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.  (4)  In him was life; and the life was the light of men.  (5)  And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

Jesus has not left us empty-handed in this world. He gives us His Word to light our way. Have you ever looked at a lighthouse and thought about the Lord Jesus? I sure have! Without these lighthouses, ships would run ashore at night and crash. In this same light, think of your Bible as a lighthouse to your heart and soul!

(Psa 119:105)  NUN. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

When I stay at a place I’ve never been to and get up in the middle of the night, I can be sure I’ll stub my toe on something I wasn’t accustomed to having in my path. Everything we go through in life can be compared to this analogy. We don’t know what to expect and so we proceed with caution. But what if you carried a lighthouse with you? I know it sounds silly but think about it for a moment. With its light shining, your path would be illuminated and you’d have a clear picture of which direction to go, amen?

It’s not any different with God’s Word, my friend. Psalm 119:105 is a beautiful picture of God desiring that His children have a “map” or a “lighthouse” to show the way. People need to know the way in order to know where they are going. Our Bible is a literal GPS for man. If we need to know how to be saved, the Bible point us to it. If we want to know about God, the Bible tells us. If we want to know what is going to happen in the end times, the Bible takes us there. It is a spiritual compass which directs us and teaches us. Even a child can learn as he reads the stories laid out in its pages!

Psa 119:130  The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.

Joh 8:12  Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

The Lord Jesus doesn’t want us to be in the dark … ever! He gives us clear direction in the Bible so that we can never be lost. His very nature is “light” and He will always point you in the right direction. As we are living in the end times, we are bombarded with the enemy’s efforts at corrupting our world. We are seeing less light and more darkness as the days draw nearer to the Tribulation period. The Bible has everything we need to prepare ourselves, my friend. The Bible repeatedly speaks to us how God doesn’t want us to be ignorant on important topics; one of those topics is Christ’s coming for His Bride, the Church, before the Tribulation begins.

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.

When you read the Bible, read it with the intention that God is going to be shining and pointing to something that will help you. There is nothing in there that will harm you, friend! All of the Bible is there for our learning and for lighting our path. We are so blessed, especially in these end times! What book can you read where its prophecies all come true? It is not your local palm reader, but the words of the Living God. (John 1:1)

Friend, don’t be willfully ignorant of the end times. (2 Peter 3:5) If you are not born-again, confess your sins and repent of them. The time is coming when it will be too late for you to repent. You will remember each opportunity you were given by God to be saved; you will remember each time you laughed it off and ignored it. Please Reader, repent and accept Christ into your life. (Act 16:31, Rom 10:9) I want to be sure that anyone who reads the posts on this blog can know beyond a shadow of a doubt that they are going to Heaven. Have you received Christ as your Saviour? If no, your sins are not covered by His sacrificial offering of Himself. You have not been redeemed by His blood. 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!

Comfort During the End Times – Day 9

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On March 20, 2023

In Comfort During the End Times, Devotionals

Good morning! We are still in early Spring where the mornings are quite nippy. It’s beautiful, though and makes me long for the warmer days ahead! It should not only be days like these that prompt us to rejoice in the Lord or to give thanks! As believers, we should be doing this ongoing and also as we go through trials. Why do you think that is so? People are watching what you do with difficulties in your life. You may not think so but they do! If you are busy rejoicing and praising the God of great comfort, it is a testimony to those who are watching you.

Psa 126:2-3  Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them.  (3)  The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.

Psa 33:1  Rejoice in the LORD, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright.

The doubting unbeliever watches the Christian for various reasons. It may be that they want to secretly catch you doing something where they can accuse you of being a hypocrite. It could be they are watching you so that they can see how you react when difficulties come your way. They think: will this Christian curse? will this Christian laugh at my dirty joke? Whatever the reason, people are watching. Before I was born-again, I worked with a lady that I had grown very fond of. She and I were two peas in a pod and loved to curse and tell off-colored jokes. I left work early on Tuesday and when I returned on Wednesday, I was a new creation! (2 Corinthians 5:17) I had been born-again and the Lord completely changed my heart! I no longer wanted to dishonor Him and curse His name. She saw me reading my Bible during break time and lunch time and I guess that peaked her interest. She stopped by my desk and pointed her finger in my face and said, “I’m watching you!” Little did I know that her born-again sister had been witnessing to her and now God had placed me in her life! She later became born-again and we were able to have sweet fellowship in our work place! God is soooo Good!

So let’s get back on track and look at the believer’s responsibilities when it comes to being a good testimony. One of the ways is to rejoice when you’re being tried. Each one of us has a cross to bear for Christ. Some believers are extremely sick and, like the Apostle Paul, are not healed. Why is that? Everything we go through should bring glory to God, yes, even illnesses. There are others who have lost a child. As you watch these believers, you see the cross God has called them to bear. You see God’s mercy and love through it all. Their face and actions do not reflect hardship but they trust in God and His will for their lives. They love their Heavenly Father and know that He will heal their heart! David was a good example of this. At his deepest and darkest times, he acknowledged the condition of his heart and corrected himself! How? He hoped in God and praised Him! Those efforts changed David’s heart and was reflected on his face; his countenance displayed joy. David knew that God was the only One who could encourage his disparaged heart and he turned to the Lord for healing!

Psa 42:11  Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.

Psalm 42:11 reminds me of God’s abilities and that all His ways are holy and righteous! Nothing happens in our lives that He doesn’t approve! He takes our trials and turns them into lessons to teach His perfect will for our lives! Do you recall the hymn, “Holy, Holy, Holy” by Reginald Heber? This hymn was written in 1826 and oh is it still a wonderful hymn of praise. This song could very well be one of the songs sung by the saints in Revelation 4:10-11!!

  1. Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
    Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee;
    Holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty!
    God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!
  2. Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore Thee,
    Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;
    Cherubim and seraphim falling down before Thee,
    Who was, and is, and evermore shall be.
  3. Holy, holy, holy! Though the darkness hide Thee,
    Though the eye of sinful man Thy glory may not see;
    Only Thou art holy; there is none beside Thee,
    Perfect in pow’r, in love, and purity.
  4. Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
    All Thy works shall praise Thy Name, in earth, and sky, and sea;
    Holy, holy, holy; merciful and mighty!
    God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!

Walking the Christian life is not promised to be easy. In fact, God allows these trials so we can help others who are going through the same thing! God, the great Comforter, wants us to be “Jesus with skin on” to others who need comforting. He wants us to show them how to obtain this great comfort through salvation. If you are no longer afraid of the end times and those uncertain days ahead, tell someone who is afraid how to release that fear!

2 Corinthians 1:3-4  Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;  (4)  Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

Dear Reader, don’t let these end times create turmoil in your heart. Don’t let the devil convince you that there’s no hope! There is hope and we shall see the Lord Jesus coming in the clouds to take us to be with Him! His Bride, the Church, anxiously awaits this blessed event. We need to warn the unsaved so they can be saved and share in this blessing!

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.

Don’t be willfully ignorant of the end times. (2 Peter 3:5) If you are not born-again, confess your sins and repent of them. The time is coming when it will be too late for you to repent. You will remember each opportunity you were given by God to be saved; you will remember each time you laughed it off and ignored it. Please Reader, repent and accept Christ into your life. (Act 16:31, Rom 10:9) I want to be sure that anyone who reads the posts on this blog can know beyond a shadow of a doubt that they are going to Heaven. Have you received Christ as your Saviour? If no, your sins are not covered by His sacrificial offering of Himself. You have not been redeemed by His blood. 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!

Jewish Feasts & Jesus Revealed – Feast of Trumpets*

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On December 19, 2022

In Devotionals, Jewish Feasts & Jesus Revealed

Levicus 23:23-25  And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,  (24)  Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall ye have a sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, an holy convocation.  (25)  Ye shall do no servile work therein: but ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD.

Good morning dear Reader! I do so apologize for the interruption. My husband had surgery and recuperation is extremely slow. Hopefully his healing won’t be too much longer!I’m praying that you are enjoying this series. I love reading anything about my Saviour and how He is revealed, especially in the Old Testament. These feasts are a wonderful depiction of His salvation and His reign to come!

Today, we’re going to cover the Feast of Trumpets. I love trumpets, don’t you? They are so loud and when one is played, it gets your attention. This is exactly what they were designed to do. From my research, I’ve learned that this Feast comes each year in late September to October according to the Jewish calendar. As you’ve probably noticed, trumpets are used throughout the Bible for different purposes. A trumpet (this is called the shofar) would be blown to call Israel to assemble together, a call to march and a call to war. The Scripture above says it was to be:

  • As a Sabbath to Israel where they would do no work.
  • A memorial of blowing trumpets, a holy convocation which simply means an act of calling or assembling (according to Noah Webster’s 1828 Dictionary).
  • To do no work
  • A time to offer a burnt offering unto the Lord.

The main point was to remember the Lord and to focus this time around Him and to “call” them to repentance. It makes sense since ten days later, they will be celebrating the Day of Atonement. Everything that happened to Israel at Mount Sinai set them apart as a nation – it was God’s covenant with them. The Feast of Trumpets reminds Israel that they are God’s people. This covenant (the Law) calls them to repent and seek atonement. We will cover that in more detail when we do the post on the Day of Atonement.

Some Christians believe that the Rapture will occur during the Feast of Trumpets. However, I’m not 100% convinced of this. If we look at 1 Thessalonians 4:16, we see that the Rapture trumpet is the “trump of God,” not the manmade silver trumpets of Numbers 10:2. This phrase, “trump of God,” is only mentioned once in the entire Bible. The rule of “firsts” would apply here. This trump is only blown when Christ comes in the clouds (1 Thessalonians 4:17). There is also the “last trumpet” spoken of in 1 Corinthians 15:52; in my findings, I take it to mean that it is the last opportunity for Believers to leads others to Christ – it is the Church’s last call and the end of the Church age. Israel will now become the focal point of God’s judgment to draw them to the Messiah.

The last trumpet blown in the Tribulation is for Christ’s Second Coming so this is where lies some confusion. Will the Lord Rapture us during this Feast? Maybe. However Jesus said in Matthew 24:36 that no one knows the day or the hour except our Heavenly Father.

Don’t these symbolic points of these Feasts excite your spirit? Do you know the Lord Jesus Christ, personally or do you only know of Him? He is the true sinless Lamb of God! I want to be sure that anyone who reads the posts on this blog can know beyond a shadow of a doubt that they are going to Heaven. Have you received Christ as your Saviour? If no, your sins are not covered by His sacrificial offering of Himself. You have not been redeemed by His blood. 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!

The Rapture – Day 1

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On December 31, 2021

In Devotionals, End Times, Rapture, Salvation

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, reader! Christmas has passed and we are about to welcome in 2022. 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.

Although the word “rapture” doesn’t appear in the Bible, it’s a term that describes the snatching away of born-again believers. 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. 😁 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.

The latter two beliefs claim that the pre-tribulation rapture was only recently “invented” but historical proof shows that this was the belief of the Christians as early as third century AD. Writings by Pseudo-Ephraim were found on this topic:

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. So we see 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!

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!

Are We in the End Times? Day 30

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On December 19, 2021

In Devotionals, End Times

Photography by Chris Michaud

Good morning! This is the last day of the end times devotional. I have been praying that the Lord would use it for His glory and draw a soul to Him. Have you been saved by the Scriptures used in this devotional? Please let me know by leaving a comment and I will be happy to point you to a discipleship study that will help you to grow!

For our last day, I would like to share what the next events on the prophetic calendar are. The Christian is awaiting the Rapture of the Church. This is an event where God calls all born again believers to Heaven. Jesus Christ meets them in the clouds and takes them where He has prepared a place for them.

(1Th 4:13)  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. (Paul is referring to those who have died before the Rapture.)
(1Th 4:14)  For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
(1Th 4:15)  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.
(1Th 4:16)  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:
(1Th 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.
(1Th 4:18)  Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

You may have heard people say that word “rapture” isn’t in the Bible. Well, the word “bible” isn’t in the Bible either but that doesn’t mean it’s not called by another name. In the Greek, the word used for “caught up” is:

ἁρπάζω
harpazō
har-pad’-zo
From a derivative of G138; to seize (in various applications): – catch (away, up), pluck, pull, take (by force).

The Apostle Paul tells the believers to comfort themselves with this information! The Tribulation won’t happen until after the Rapture of the Church.

He goes on to tell believers what will come after the Rapture. If you are not born again, I pray that these last Scriptures that I share with you will shake you to the core and that you will get saved:

(2Th 2:1-12)  Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,: This is the Rapture.

(2)  That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. People were misled by wrong doctrine, even in Paul’s day! He was writing the church at Thessalonica to hold fast to what he had written to them in the past and not be deceived by false doctrine.

(3)  Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; This great falling away is what we are experiencing today. We are not sure how long this will last but it will end with the man of sin (the antichrist) revealing himself. The antichrist will be none other than Satan.

(4)  Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. The antichrist will exalt himself above God and will sit in the temple in Jerusalem deceiving people into thinking he is God.

(5)  Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? Paul reminds the Thessalonians that he had already taught them these things. Some believed the Rapture had already occurred but he’s showing them that the antichrist was not yet revealed.

(6)  And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. (7)  For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. What stops this prophetic clock from starting is the restraint of the Holy Spirit on this earth. At this time, He dwells within every born again believer.

(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: Once the Rapture occurs, those born again believers are removed from the earth and so is the Holy Spirit. His work will be accomplished just as it was in the Old Testament where He empowers certain people for special missions.

(9)  Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, Satan will have great power during the Tribulation and will deceive many by signs and wonders; but notice Scripture says “lying wonders.”

(10)  And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. Satan will deceive mankind because they didn’t believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ while they had a chance.

(11)  And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: Because mankind didn’t accept salvation and the truth, God will send strong delusion (errors and mistakes proceeding from false views) and they will believe Satan’s lies.

(12)  That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. Self explanatory.

Dear reader, please, I beg you. You do not want to be alive when this happens. It is a time like no other – worse than the Holocaust – worse than Nero’s reign. Please don’t let religion stand in the way of you making a decision. This is not about religion – it is a personal relationship with your Creator. It is a personal relationship with the One who died for you to be the price for your sins. 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!

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