Tag: 1 Thessalonians 4:17

Any Day Now – Day 49

On June 24, 2024

The Different Views of the Rapture

Before one can better defend the Pre-Tribulation Rapture viewpoint, one must know the differences of each viewpoint. All but one of them involve Bible prophecy’s timing. Why is timing so important? If you were expecting your parents to come visit from 3,000 miles, you would be looking forward to it. You would be preparing the guest room, making plans to take them places, as well as planning meals.

So let’s cover the different views and see where this takes us. There are four viewpoints when it comes to the Rapture. They are:

Pre-Tribulation (imminent – no prophecy needs to be fulfilled – it can happen at any time)
Mid-Tribulation (half-way through the Tribulation at the 1,260 day mark)
Pre-Wrath (at the sixth seal judgment)
Post-Tribulation (after the Tribulation at the 2,520 day mark)

We will cover the pre-Tribulation view first so that it will help to spot what makes it different from the others. Jesus gave us a beautiful example of His return in the Parable of the Ten Virgins. Let’s review it together:

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.

Pre-Tribulation

The Parable above is a beautiful example of the Bride waiting for her Groom! Here we learn that there are ten virgins. They all had lamps but five of them, the foolish ones of verses 2-3, took no oil with them. Oil was not only used for lamps but was used when anointing someone for a task. This oil is representative of the Holy Spirit. We see that in:

Isa 61:1 The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;

Act 10:38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

The wise virgins had oil for their lamps. They had received the Holy Spirit when they were born again. Those virgins were sealed by the Holy Spirit with an anointing – that anointing is given to all who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation.

Eph 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

Eph 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

The unwise virgins did not have any oil. Some claim that these virgins had to have oil to begin with since they had lamps. But notice in verse 4 that the wise virgins did take oil for their lamps. We see that the ten virgins are part of a group that claim to be a part of the Bride. All ten arose when they heard the cry that the bridegroom was coming. All ten trimmed their lamps. We can see this in our churches today. Some are “playing” church and appear to be saved. They have their lamps, they do the works but they do not possess the Holy Spirit. We also see that five wise virgins had taken their oil. These are the ones in the church that do have that oil. They possess the Holy Spirit – this is their proof that seals them unto the day of redemption.

Now let’s get back to why I know the five foolish virgins were not saved. The wise virgins told them to go to the market to buy oil. While they were grone, the Groom came. A bridegroom would recognize his bride when she comes down the aisle, amen? So will our Bridegroom, the Lord Jesus Christ. The bridegroom definitely has something to say to those he does not recognize in this Parable. His Bride goes with the Groom to the marriage (verse 10) and the door was shut. What happens after? The five foolish virgins come along and beg Him to open the door (verse 11). The Groom’s response will surprise those who do not hold to the Pre-Tribulation Rapture viewpoint.

Mat 25:12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.

Jesus knows who are His.

Joh 10:2-5 But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. (3) To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. (4) And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. (5) And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.

Joh 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

Jesus knows who are His. He knows each of us by name! The fact that He tells the five foolish virgins that I know you not, proves to us that they were not His to begin with.

Another sure fire fact that the Pre-Tribulation Rapture viewpoint is correct is that it is imminent. It can happen at any time without anything having to happen prior. We can know the seasons but we do not know the hour of Christ’s return for His Bride!

Mar 13:32-33 But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father. (33) Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.

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.

Luk 21:28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.

Luk 12:40 Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.

The Rapture itself is a time of anticipation for all believers. The Church longs for the day, and even more so as we see the end times unfolding:

Rom 8:19-23 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. (20) For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, (21) Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. (22) For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. (23) And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.

The Second Coming of Jesus to the earth occurs at the end of the Tribulation period. (Matthew 24:15-30; Revelation chapters 6–18) This return is not imminent as we know exactly when this will occur: which is at the end of seven year Tribulation period.

We will cover the next viewpoint in the next post. Are you ready for the Rapture? 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 46

By Kate Plourde

On June 17, 2024

In Any Day Now, Devotionals

We have covered the “What and Who” of the Rapture. Today we are covering the “Where”! The Rapture and the Second Coming are not the same event. The Church meets Jesus Christ in the air, not on earth.

Act 1:9-11 And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. (10) And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; (11) Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

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.

When Jesus Christ comes to end World Word III at the end of the Tribulation, He actually and literally steps foot on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem.

Zec 14:4 And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south.

So the Rapture is not going to happen after the Tribulation. The Church meets Jesus in the air. Harpazo, the Greek word for Rapture, is defined as “caught up or to snatch away.” The Church will be caught up and snatched away into the clouds to meet Jesus there. Then we will go to Heaven with Him!

At that moment, believers will be changed in the twinkling of an eye. Their earthly bodies will be changed into eternal bodies, just as Jesus had when He rose from the dead. The world will not see the changing of the old body to the new body as one cannot even measure the “twinkling of an eye.” Now the world might see us rising away from the earth, but they won’t see that change from earthly body to eternal body.

1Co 15:51-55 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. (53) For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. [Heaven cannot accept an earthly, corrupt body. This is why a change has to be made.] (54) So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. (55) O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?

1Th 4:14-18 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. [Jesus will bring the souls of those believers who died before the Rapture to meet their glorified body in the air.] (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.

What a glorious event it will be indeed! I have been waiting for the Rapture since April 1980. I longingly await the blessed hope of Titus 2:13! 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 45

By Kate Plourde

On June 14, 2024

In Any Day Now, Devotionals

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.

These three verses in John are a preview of what is in store for the Church. It answers the question of “Who” will participate in the Rapture. The Rapture is not the same as the Second Coming of Christ when He returns to earth to destroy the Antichrist and the False Prophet. Nor will He establish His earthly kingdom at the time of the Rapture. No, the Rapture is the first phase of the end times to happen right before the Tribulation begins.

Exactly who will take part in the Rapture? The Apostle John tells us in:

Joh 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

The born-again believer is promised everlasting life and we do not experience God’s wrath. We are not condemned like those who do not believe.

Rom 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

The Apostle Paul makes it quite clear in the verses below that God’s wrath is to be received by those who do not believe in salvation and who do not obey God’s Word in order to receive it.

Eph 2:2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: [Born-again believers “in time past” walked in disobedience, but after salvation, they ceased.]

Eph 5:6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.

Col 3:6 For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:

God’s wrath is not intended for the Church. Each person who gets saved is sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise. That promise is our inheritance, the gift from Jesus Christ to His Bride!

Eph 1:13-14 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, (14) Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. [That inheritance is given to us when the day of redemption arrives.]

Eph 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. [When IS that day of redemption? Jesus encouraged His followers to be aware of the “end time signs”!

Luk 21:28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.

The Apostle Paul compared the Church to Christ’s Bride.

2Co 11:2 For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.

2Co 4:14 Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you. [Paul tells us that the believers who died in his day would be raised up along with those alive to be presented.]

Rev 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. [The Bride is sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise. Here we were both the Spirit and the bride speaking. The Bride is in Heaven during the Tribulation.]

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.

There are so many other verses but I think you can now understand the “who” in those who will participate in the Rapture. It will be the Groom, Jesus Christ, and the Bride, the Church. I love how Paul compares the Church to ambassadors.

2Co 5:19-21 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. (20) Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. (21) For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

Every country has an ambassador who represents and communicates his leader’s wishes to the world. We represent Christ and it is our duty to communicate Christ’s wishes. He wishes that all be reconciled to God. We see this desire in John 3:16! When that country is about to go to war, the first thing that happens is that the ambassador is called home. So will we be called home before God’s wrath comes upon the earth during the Tribulation.

The only way to be a part of the Bride of Christ is to be born again. It is salvation through Jesus Christ and Him alone. 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 43

By Kate Plourde

On June 10, 2024

In Any Day Now, Devotionals

I’ve always loved this verse in Revelation because of the promise Jesus gives us! Jesus gives the promise that He will keep us from the hour of temptation. Why? He tells us it is because we have “kept the word of His patience.”

Php 3:20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:

1Co 1:7 So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ:

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

1Th 1:10 And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.

Jud 1:21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

Rom 8:19-23 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. (20) For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, (21) Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. (22) For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. (23) And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.

The person who has authentically been born again looks for Christ’s coming to rapture us. What do I mean by authentically born again? It is one who has experienced the new birth and has repented of his sins. (2 Corinthians 5:17) Until the Rapture arrives, we are to “occupy” doing the work of the Lord. That wordy “occupy” means to busy oneself with leading others to Christ, be part of the body (your church) and be used of the Holy Spirit to accomplish Christ’s work.

Now let’s go back and look at Revelation 3:10. Jesus says that He will keep us “from” the hour of “temptation.” There are two things here that I want you to look at:

The Greek word for “from” is “ek,” which means “out of.” This where we get our word exit. Strong’s defines it as “A primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence motion or action proceeds), from, out (of place, time or cause; literally or figuratively; direct or remote) This does not mean that God will protect the Church through the Tribulation period, as some believe. Jesus said He will keep us out of the Tribulation period.
Secondly, the word temptation is used in the verse. This is not referring to being tempted to sin. The word temptation here is referring to a trial. Greek word is “peirasmos” which Strong’s defines as: From G3985; a putting to proof (by experiment [of good], experience [of evil], solicitation, discipline or provocation); by implication adversity: – temptation, X try. Jesus is saying that the Tribulation period will be a time that the world will experience extreme evil. It is a trial that no would willingly want to go through if they knew what was to come.

Just as God protected Noah and his family (a total of eight people in the entire corrupt world), He will protect the Church. Think about it for a moment. The Bible says that we are the Bride of Christ. 2 Corinthians 11:2 reminds us that we, the Church, are betrothed to one husband as a chaste virgin to Christ. He is our Husband. What husband would allow his wife to be away from Him while destruction comes to the earth? What husband would allow his wife to be beaten and beheaded? Ephesians 5:25-27 gives us a beautiful depiction of what a husband should do for his wife and the Lord is no exception.

In a future post, we will cover why the Church won’t go through God’s wrath. 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. 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 34

By Kate Plourde

On May 20, 2024

In Any Day Now, Devotionals

What if the Rapture were to happen first thing in the morning? Can you imagine the sun’s rays coming up with a beautiful pink and red hew across the sky? Oh what a glorious day that will be! I pray that as you are reading this, that you will be one of the blessed participants of the Rapture!!!

As we continue on the topic of who will be participating in these events, today’s post is about the event of the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Just who will participate in this event? Let’s look at Scripture.

1Th 3:13 To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.

Paul tells us that Jesus Christ will be coming with all His saints. Remember the last post, we saw that at the Rapture, Jesus is coming for the saints.

1 Thess 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.

As we read about the Second Coming in Revelation, we see that the army that accompanies Jesus is dressed in fine linen, white and clean. Some say these are angels but angels do not need to be cleaned from sin. In fact, the “angels desire to look into” in the following verses:

1Pe 1:10-12 Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: (11) Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. (12) Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.

So as you can see, the army is not comprised of angels but of the Church, whose garments have been made clean by the blood of the Lamb!

Rev 19:11-16 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. (12) His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. (13) And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. (14) And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. (15) And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. (16) And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.

If you are not convinced that this is the Church, a few verses gives us the answer:

Rev 19:7-8 Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. (8) And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.

Therefore, we see that the Church is called Christ’s wife and we come back with Christ to earth to fight the enemy at the Battle of Armageddon. Praise the Lord!

If you never learned about the Rapture and the Second Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ, I pray that these devotionals have been a blessing to you. 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 30

By Kate Plourde

On May 8, 2024

In Any Day Now, Devotionals

1 Th 5:3-5 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.

What’s next on God’s prophetic calendar? The Rapture is the next major event according to God’s Word. Notice who is spoken of in the verses above? The Apostle Paul describes two groups: “they/them” and “ye”! Those referenced as “they/them” will say “Peace and safety” meaning that they are not looking for judgment from God – they think everything is OK. However, Paul says “they shall not escape.” Escape what? They shall not escape the Tribulation.

Then Paul changes to the ones he’s speaking to. He tells the Thessalonians that “But ye brethren” are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief! Wow! Paul starts the very next sentence with the word “But”! Then he continues to say that the brethren (those who are in Christ, born again) are NOT in darkness that that day (what day – the Tribulation) should overtake them. He had taught them about the Rapture and he is reminding them of that teaching.

Born again believers world wide are looking for this next prophetic event on God’s calendar!!! As a reminder, the word “rapture” is not found in the Bible, but neither is the word “bible”! The terminology used in 1 Thessalonians 4:17 is “caught up”:

1 Th 4:16-17 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.

As you recall from my previous posts, the New Testament was written in Greek and translated into English. The Greek word 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).STRONG’S CONCORDANCE

Either way you look at this term as it relates to 1 Thessalonians 4:17, you see that “caught up” indicates that there will be some kind of removal of believers that will be done and those believers will meet Christ “in the air” and we’ll be with Him forever. Who will be caught up?

the dead in Christ will rise first
and then we which are alive

How will they be “caught up” according to the Greek word “harpazo’s” definition? They:

will be caught away
will be caught up
will be plucked
will be pulled
will be taken by force” from this earth into the air!

This same Greek word was used in Acts 8:30 when Philip was caught away by the Spirit of the Lord after he led the Ethiopian eunuch to salvation and afterward baptized him.

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.

Either definition you pick from the Greek definition, Christians will be removed quickly: in the twinkling of an eye!

1 Co 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.

Only two types of Christians will be raptured, reader! Those who are already dead and those who are alive at the time the Rapture occurs. The picture at the top of this post is a wonderful depiction of the blessed event! Notice that there were two in the grave, two in bed, and two in the field working. Only one of each category was caught up and the others stayed on earth. Paul says that sudden destruction will come upon those people who remain on earth after the Rapture. These people may have already heard the gospel preached and decided they loved their sin more than living for the Lord. How sad is that?

Praise the Lord! Does this topic excite you, reader? It surely does me! But to the one who is not born again, 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)

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!

Jewish Feasts & Jesus Revealed – Feast of Trumpets*

By Kate Plourde

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!