Soon to be fulfilled Prophesies

  • Welcome to Christian Forums, a Christian Forum that recognizes that all Christians are a work in progress.

    You will need to register to be able to join in fellowship with Christians all over the world.

    We hope to see you as a part of our community soon and God Bless!

Keraz

Well-Known Member
Jun 20, 2018
5,044
919
113
82
Thames, New Zealand
www.logostelos.info
Faith
Christian
Country
New Zealand
Thanks for reminding me that I need not pay attention to what your position is. Great application of that verse!
What I point out is what the Bible says. Pay attention to that, I am just a messenger.
There is no hint of a rapture because the rapture is sign-less, unlike the day of the Lord which has plenty of signs. And the day of the Lord happens after the rapture of the church.
The Bible never mentions or prophesies a general 'rapture to heaven', of any group. You don't see it because it isn't there.
Well, there is a specific geography that is reserved for Yahweh, but the nations were divided according to the number of their gods (elohim). When Adam abdicated his authority, via his fall, to subdue the earth and have authority over it given to him by Yahweh, the earth became the possession of Satan by default and was divided thusly. Yeshua recognized that ownership in the temptation of....
Yes; the entire globe will be badly affected by the forthcoming terrible Day of the Lord's fiery wrath. But it will be all the Middle East area, that will be virtually depopulated and cleansed, ready for God's holy people to migrate there. Ezekiel 34:11-16, Isaiah 35:1-10

A Rod of Iron will Shatter the Nations:
Psalms 2:8 & Psalms 110:5-6 I; [God] give You [Jesus] the nations as Your domain, the earth to its furthest ends as Your possession. The Lord at Your right hand, [Jesus] will crush the rulers of the whole earth on the Day of His wrath. In glorious majesty He will judge the nations, breaking them with His rod of iron, shattering them like a clay pot, heaping up the dead around the world. Habakkuk 3:12, 2 Peter 3:7

This terrible, worldwide judgement/punishment has not happened, as yet. Now we are in the end times and as we approach the time of Jesus’ Return, many prophesied things must take place. Even now, there is a push toward a New World Order, a global government, but to enable this to be set up, there has to be some kind of disaster, a dramatic change in our current situation, that will induce the nations to give up their sovereignty. What it is that the Lord will use to carry out this sudden and shocking event, has to be something that can be looked upon as a natural disaster, so most survivors can continue in their disbelief of a Creator and give their allegiance to the dictator of this world government. Many prophecies tell us of this forthcoming judgement of the nations, a global disaster of Noahic proportions, this time of fire, earthquakes and storm winds. Deut. 32:22 & 34-35, Isaiah 66:15-16, Rev. 6:12-17

Some scriptures of what will happen on that Day:

In Israel [Judah] –
Zephaniah 1:4-18 I shall stretch out My hand over Judah, over all that live in Jerusalem. On the Day of the Lord’s sacrifice, I shall wipe out all traces of idol worship I will punish all those complacent people. All who commit crimes of violence and fraud will fall with a great crash. The great Day of the Lord is near and coming fast - His Day of wrath and distress onto the peoples. Their blood and guts will pour out like dung upon the ground and nothing can save them from the fire of His judgement. He will make a sudden and terrible end to all who live in the holy Land. Isaiah 22:14, Jeremiah 10:18, Jeremiah 25:30-33, Deuteronomy 32:34-43, Matthew 21:41-43

In other Middle Eastern countries:
Ezekiel 30:2-5 Wail! Alas for the Day, the Day of the Lord is near. A Day of reckoning for the nations. A Day of disaster for Egypt; they will fall by the sword of the Lord’s slaughter. All the Arab nations, the Africans, Libyans and peoples of that area will be killed along with Egypt. Zephaniah 2:12, Isaiah 29:8-12, Amos 1:2-15 & 2:1-5

Isaiah 34:5-8 The sword of the Lord will appear in the sky and descend in judgement upon Edom, onto a people doomed for destruction. His sword is sated with blood, for on His Day of vengeance, the Lord has a sacrifice in Bozrah and a slaughter in Edom. Isaiah 63:1-6, Ezekiel 35:1-15, Jeremiah 49:1-39

In Edom, a metaphor for all the ungodly peoples.

Bozrah, means – glad tidings in Hebrew, but is also the name given to a sheepfold, so it refers to where the Lord’s faithful Christian people live, scattered among the nations.

Acts 2:19 I will show wonders in the sky above and signs on the earth: blood, fire and smoke

This terrible disaster that will strike the earth is not unprecedented. There has been catastrophies that have caused mass extinctions and Noah’s Flood destroyed the entire antediluvian world.

The Lord’s Day of wrath, Revelation 6:12-17, will be ‘the Rod of Iron’, as He punishes the nations, Jeremiah 9:25-26, Ezekiel 32:20-32, and our world will never be the same again.


Isaiah 30:15…In calm detachment lies your safety, your strength in quiet trust. Isaiah 51:6
We who trust the Lord and keep His commandments have the promises of His protection on the Day and then the great prophecies of His people gathering and settling into all of the holy Land will come to pass. Isaiah 62:1-5, Zechariah 9:14-18
 

Keraz

Well-Known Member
Jun 20, 2018
5,044
919
113
82
Thames, New Zealand
www.logostelos.info
Faith
Christian
Country
New Zealand
I find it also amazing that Satan has wasted no time trying to explain away almost all other eschatological positions. Given that he is very familiar with scripture as evidenced by the temptation of Yeshua event in the Gospel, it would seem that he is aware of a early removal of the righteous and has to have an explanation for it that totally counters scripture.
The 'rapture' is Satans lie. He just loves the way he has sucked in so many to that theory and made them complacent and unready for what will really happen.
 

Copperhead

Well-Known Member
Jul 3, 2017
835
304
63
67
iowa
Faith
Christian
Country
United States
The Bible never mentions or prophesies a general 'rapture to heaven', of any group. You don't see it because it isn't there.

I would counter the reverse... you don't see it even though it is there. We have gone back and forth on this. I see it even if you do not. And it seems the early church writers as well as some fo the Essene scrolls from Qumran show that they did as well. Some of those scrolls given mention in scripture, and not in a negative way. Books from Jasher, Gad the Seer, Enoch, the Law of Kings, etc all made reference to in the canon of scripture. The Apostles were familiar with these writings, especially Paul being one of the most learned academics of his time. Surprisingly, the Qumran Essene theology almost mirrors exactly Christian theology of the early church.

Look... let's be totally honest here. None of us is going to see the same from the scripture. That in no way should cause any major division in the brethren. The only thing where a "line in the sand" must be drawn is in the essential Gospel truths. We will just have to disagree on this eschatological issue.
 

Copperhead

Well-Known Member
Jul 3, 2017
835
304
63
67
iowa
Faith
Christian
Country
United States
The 'rapture' is Satans lie. He just loves the way he has sucked in so many to that theory and made them complacent and unready for what will really happen.

Now that makes no sense. If it is "Satan's lie", then why does he expend so much time and energy trying to explain it away? Read some of what New Age channelers and others write. They go to great lengths to explain this disappearance away. If it was of Satan, then there would be ample promotion of it as the "rapture to the Lord" in those writings couched in the same terminology as used by those who hold to an early removal of the righteous.

But be careful that you find in your vitriol against a eschatological position you disagree with that you find yourself fighting against the Lord, attributing something to Satan that may be of the Lord. Many folks have committed grave errors thinking they are doing the Lord's work. Church history is littered with examples.

You can claim it is an error in theology, and that is fine, but to go so far as to call it "Satan's lie" is an example the early writers predicted would characterize the end time Church.... demeaning the brethren which eventually leads to selling out the brethren and promoting their demise. It is sad that not only is it evident in politics, but that those in the "church" would go so far as to "eat their own". I may disagree with many eschatological positions that others hold, but while I think it can be the result of gross error, I never call their positions "Satan's Lie". The only time I will go down that path is in relation to who Yeshua is and the Gospel. As an example, I believe the major characteristic that defines a cult is claiming Yeshua (Jesus) is not the One True God, Yahweh, Elohim. On that, I will join with anyone and claim that idea is "Satan's Lie". "Another Jesus" idea leads to condemnation.

Just be careful, Keraz.
 
Last edited:

Nondenom40

Active Member
May 21, 2019
493
246
43
Illinois
Faith
Christian
Country
United States
What I point out is what the Bible says. Pay attention to that, I am just a messenger.

The Bible never mentions or prophesies a general 'rapture to heaven', of any group. You don't see it because it isn't there.
1 Thess 4, John 14 and many others. Jesus descends, those dead in Christ are caught up, we who are alive and remain are caught up and return with Him where He is, not where we are. So yes, the bible very clearly speaks of a rapture of the church. Then when the restrainer is gone, the tribulation begins.
 

Copperhead

Well-Known Member
Jul 3, 2017
835
304
63
67
iowa
Faith
Christian
Country
United States
While watching a Michael Heiser teaching seminar online at YouTube, he made a point that I think it apropos. He really doesn't put much of his focus on eschatology and doesn't really jump on any one eschatological band wagon as he is more focused on early manuscripts and such, but he made a salient point that no matter the eschatological position, everyone brings their preconceived ideas to the party. He is an academic, on staff at Logos Bible Software, has taught hundreds of bible college courses, just took a position as head of a theological college, and he has yet to meet anyone that does not interject preconceptions into their hermeneutics. He is able to shoot a hole in some way or form into every position.... pre-trib, mid trib, pre-wrath, post trib, Preterist, amillennial, post millennial, etc. Every position has its own weaknesses and strengths. And no position is immune from scrutiny, and in some cases, ridicule.

That is why it is the height of arrogance for anyone to say their way is the only way and everyone else's is a lie of Satan. Actually, probably the correct answer is blend of a couple of positions. Now we need to determine which ones. We will all find out one day. Until then be should be able to present various arguments that we feel supports a particular position, maybe even getting worked up a little doing it, then at the next moment go have coffee or a soda pop and have a good time. However, it never seems to work out quite that well.
 

Nondenom40

Active Member
May 21, 2019
493
246
43
Illinois
Faith
Christian
Country
United States
While watching a Michael Heiser teaching seminar online at YouTube, he made a point that I think it apropos. He really doesn't put much of his focus on eschatology and doesn't really jump on any one eschatological band wagon as he is more focused on early manuscripts and such, but he made a salient point that no matter the eschatological position, everyone brings their preconceived ideas to the party. He is an academic, on staff at Logos Bible Software, has taught hundreds of bible college courses, just took a position as head of a theological college, and he has yet to meet anyone that does not interject preconceptions into their hermeneutics. He is able to shoot a hole in some way or form into every position.... pre-trib, mid trib, pre-wrath, post trib, Preterist, amillennial, post millennial, etc. Every position has its own weaknesses and strengths. And no position is immune from scrutiny, and in some cases, ridicule.

That is why it is the height of arrogance for anyone to say their way is the only way and everyone else's is a lie of Satan. Actually, probably the correct answer is blend of a couple of positions. Now we need to determine which ones. We will all find out one day. Until then be should be able to present various arguments that we feel supports a particular position, maybe even getting worked up a little doing it, then at the next moment go have coffee or a soda pop and have a good time. However, it never seems to work out quite that well.
I agree, when it comes to eschatology there is lee way. We can disagree as believers and remain brothers and sisters in Christ. When it comes to eschatology i have convictions as to what i believe. But i'm also a pan-raptureist...it will all pan out in the end. I'm pre trib for various reasons and when we are are all in heaven i'll be happy to explain why i was right:)
 

Copperhead

Well-Known Member
Jul 3, 2017
835
304
63
67
iowa
Faith
Christian
Country
United States
I always liked to say that, as pre-trib myself, I will be happy to explain it as we are all going up! I heard a Christian comedian one time say that he would grab an unbeliever and as they are going up, ask them whether they now wanted to believe in Jesus or should he let go!

I actually have moved to a slight variation on the pre-trib idea. Not so much a grab and catch but a stepping from this 4 dimensions into multiple dimensions beyond. We know from both science and Nachmanides' analysis of the 1st chapter of Genesis back around the 1400's, that there are 10 dimensions to the universe. Well, the Lord has to be several dimensions beyond that. And that we will be like Yeshua, one can hardly grasp what we will step into from this dimensionality we know. Takes on a whole new view of what Paul said we will be changed in the twinkling of an eye.

I am excited!
 

Keraz

Well-Known Member
Jun 20, 2018
5,044
919
113
82
Thames, New Zealand
www.logostelos.info
Faith
Christian
Country
New Zealand
I would counter the reverse... you don't see it even though it is there. We have gone back and forth on this. I see it even if you do not.
A general removal of the Lord's faithful Christian people is only found in Revelation 12:6 & 14. They will be taken to a place 'in the wilderness'. That is: somewhere remote on earth.
What is extensively told to us is the Lord will protect those who call upon His Name. Joel 2:32, Acts 2:21
Now that makes no sense. If it is "Satan's lie", then why does he expend so much time and energy trying to explain it away?
Does he? I and many other Christians do our best to show how false it is.
It seems that the majority of Christians have bought into the 'rapture' idea and they write hundreds of books, preach it and confirm it amongst themselves. just look at the Rapture Forum; a mutual admiration society!
But be careful that you find in your vitriol against a eschatological position you disagree with that you find yourself fighting against the Lord,
I do not use 'vitriol'. I point out the truth and because it conflicts with peoples beliefs, they get upset. I may get a little frustrated when people like:
1 Thess 4, John 14 and many others. Jesus descends, those dead in Christ are caught up, we who are alive and remain are caught up and return with Him where He is, not where we are. So yes, the bible very clearly speaks of a rapture of the church. Then when the restrainer is gone, the tribulation begins.

...make the Bible say something it patently doesn't.
Jesus leaves heaven to Return to the earth for His Millennium reign. Paul is clearly prophesying the Return, where those who remain, are transported to meet Jesus, then be with Him as priests and co-rulers, on earth. Isaiah 66:21, Revelation 5:10
That is why it is the height of arrogance for anyone to say their way is the only way and everyone else's is a lie of Satan. Actually, probably the correct answer is blend of a couple of positions. Now we need to determine which ones. We will all find out one day. Until then be should be able to present various arguments that we feel supports a particular position, maybe even getting worked up a little doing it, then at the next moment go have coffee or a soda pop and have a good time. However, it never seems to work out quite that well.
The Bible way is correct. Blending, adding or subtracting anything is a sin.

We will surely find out one day, that may be quite soon. I am confident that I, at age 78, will see it.
On that day, [in that time] you will invite each other to come and sit under my vines and fig trees. Zechariah 3:10
This is my personal invitation to you, Cliff; remind me when we are all in the holy Land.
 

Copperhead

Well-Known Member
Jul 3, 2017
835
304
63
67
iowa
Faith
Christian
Country
United States
Does he? I and many other Christians do our best to show how false it is.
It seems that the majority of Christians have bought into the 'rapture' idea and they write hundreds of books, preach it and confirm it amongst themselves. just look at the Rapture Forum; a mutual admiration society!

I would assert that the majority of Christians don't hold a pre-trib view. It is probably more a minority. Most of the mainstream major churches are Amillennial. Certainly the RCC, Anglican Church, Eastern Orthodox are, as are many other major denominations. The World Council of Churches, most member churches denominations don't share a pre-trib idea. I am quite certain that the same can be said of the National Council of Churches in the U.S. Sure, there is a fair amount of books, prophecy conferences, and such. I won't deny that. While it may appear to be wide spread, it is actually more limited in scope. Not like pre-trib books are making the top 10 on the Amazon book seller list on a weekly basis. It only seems a major thing to you because you are obsessed with destroying it. You see a pre-trib adherent behind every tree and bush.

The vast majority of "Christians" don't even spend time reading their bible and praying, let alone spend any time focusing on eschatological issues that they think are too complicated to figure out. For most, the only time they take to even give the appearance of being a Christian is attend church on Sunday and look at it more as a social thing to do. Most churches don't even preach on eschatology issues. You do know don't you that of those who "claim" to believe in the God of the Bible, 75% or more do not believe that Yeshua (Jesus) is the God they believe in. There are all sorts of stats like that. It is rather depressing to see what Christianity has become.

You must live in a small world of reality to make the claim you do. Broaden your understanding of what is really going on around you and not what you see on forums or television. You have become so obsessed with tearing down the idea of a pre-trib that you have lost your focus on the world around you. That is not healthy physically or spiritually.
 
Last edited:

Keraz

Well-Known Member
Jun 20, 2018
5,044
919
113
82
Thames, New Zealand
www.logostelos.info
Faith
Christian
Country
New Zealand
Ha I adore keraz...but why he continues to argue with these people..I don't know
Wow; a nice comment, thanks Jennifer.
Actually I appreciate Copperhead, as he sticks to his beliefs no matter how often he is refuted. Must be his soldier training, he should have a quite a collection of Purple Hearts by now!
It enables me to present the Biblical truths and the actual Plan of God for our future.
You must live in a small world of reality to make the claim you do. Broaden your understanding of what is really going on around you and not what you see on forums or television. You have become so obsessed with tearing down the idea of a pre-trib that you have lost your focus on the world around you. That is not healthy physically or spiritually.
A comment like this shows you have made no attempt to find out how qualified I am or my knowledge of history, current events and most importantly; Bible knowledge.
If you just googled my logostelos.info website, you would see from the over 800 articles I have written, mostly on the Prophetic Word, that I know the Bible very well and I refute with scripture, any false and unbiblical teachings that I see. People have some very weird ideas, the 'rapture' is just one of them.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Jennifer

epostle

Well-Known Member
Jun 21, 2018
859
289
63
72
essex
Faith
Christian
Country
Canada
The Rainbow Plague poses just as much of a threat to the human race as did the Cathari (Albigensians). If allowed to go unchecked, the human race would have been wiped out. It was a religion that, in a sense, would be the equivalent of a nuclear war. Today, this threat stands in front of us in different forms. A billion dead babies, enough to fill the Rose Bowl Stadium, is a desolation. The Rainbow Plague is an abomination. It is the erosion of Christian morals in all cultures and societies that are the "last days" we should worry about. Satan knows that the destruction of our bodies isn't what he wants because it doesn't blaspheme God. It is the destruction of our souls is his goal. We have more to fear from the current present in the here and now cultural war we are in, not some fear based notion of a physical war. You know you are on track when you no longer have a fear of death, just like the great martyrs of the first 3 centuries of the Church.
 

Copperhead

Well-Known Member
Jul 3, 2017
835
304
63
67
iowa
Faith
Christian
Country
United States
A comment like this shows you have made no attempt to find out how qualified I am or my knowledge of history, current events and most importantly; Bible knowledge.

That comment was in response to yours about "it seems a majority of Christians have bought into the 'rapture' idea". There is no way on the earth that could even be remotely true. After you stated it, I decided to look at some various stats that have been done on various questions of Christians. Pre-trib ideology ranks so far down on the list to be virtually invisible. The largest stat I could find was 15% of Christians hold the view. The Lowest was 9%. I was rather surprised at the 15% being that high considering that, as I also stated, 75% of those who claim to believe in the God of the Bible do not believe that Jesus is the God they believe in. That is a very sad statistic.

So no matter how one slices it, it cannot be reasoned that the majority of those who claim to be Christian have bought into the pre-trib idea.

So while maybe a little too blunt (sorry for that), it was spot on regarding your assertion that the majority of Christians have bought into the pre-trib idea. And for a comment like that, it gives the appearance of being too absorbed with refuting an idea as to make you blind to what is really going on. I saw the very same thing regarding the Communist "Red" scare of the 50's and 60's. It was almost like there was a Communist behind every tree. Still today, I will jokingly say to my wife when we are at a store they do not carry a item I want..."It's pure Communism" or "its a Communist plot".

Maybe you should do the same with the pre-trib idea. Whenever anything is out of whack in your world, just jokingly comment that it is due to the pre-trib idea. If your store runs out of something you want, call it a pre-trib conspiracy.

Point being, you need to lighten up a little. Eschatology is not a prerequisite for justification. It is true, then all believers are going to experience it regardless of their eschatology. If it is not, then no one is going to experience it. But as for some wild idea as some suggested (to be clear, not certain you have) that believing in the pre-trib doesn't prepare one for the Great Tribulation, well I have a news flash.... nothing is going to prepare one for that if they go thru it. Just a casual reading about its description in scripture should solidify that notion. It eclipses exponentially anything that has come before it.

When Yeshua (Jesus) states in our English translations that men's hearts will fail them for what is coming upon the earth, that really doesn't plant the idea in most people's minds that what He means is that many will stroke out with a massive cardiac arrest from fear. The spiritual warfare in the unseen realm that has been going on for thousands of years will escalate to a fever pitch during that time and will totally spill out into our reality. And no one can prepare themselves for what that will mean. And it is rather myopic of some to suggest that "well the church is told they will have tribulation" and equate it to what will be characteristic of that future period.

And many think that those of us who hold a pre-trib idea, that we are afraid of dying during that time and the idea is some form of escapism. Well, Keraz, you and I are both old enough to know that dying is the easy part. It is living that is tough. Especially when some of us have seen what we have in this lifetime. I am more than ready to take a dirt nap. But I feel the reason I have been around as long as I have is that there is still at least one thing I have yet to do for the Lord. It could be just planting the seed of the Gospel into one broken heart of someone I have yet to meet that remains my one last task to accomplish. Doesn't sound very glamorous, but it is worth it.
 
Last edited:

Nondenom40

Active Member
May 21, 2019
493
246
43
Illinois
Faith
Christian
Country
United States
A general removal of the Lord's faithful Christian people is only found in Revelation 12:6 & 14. They will be taken to a place 'in the wilderness'. That is: somewhere remote on earth.
What is extensively told to us is the Lord will protect those who call upon His Name. Joel 2:32, Acts 2:21

Does he? I and many other Christians do our best to show how false it is.
It seems that the majority of Christians have bought into the 'rapture' idea and they write hundreds of books, preach it and confirm it amongst themselves. just look at the Rapture Forum; a mutual admiration society!

I do not use 'vitriol'. I point out the truth and because it conflicts with peoples beliefs, they get upset. I may get a little frustrated when people like:


...make the Bible say something it patently doesn't.
Jesus leaves heaven to Return to the earth for His Millennium reign. Paul is clearly prophesying the Return, where those who remain, are transported to meet Jesus, then be with Him as priests and co-rulers, on earth. Isaiah 66:21, Revelation 5:10
It patently does. I see you chose to not even address the verses. It very clearly says we are caught up with him to be where he is. We aren't caught up to meet him in the air just to return to the earth.
 

Jennifer

Active Member
Nov 22, 2019
295
117
43
40
Marksville
www.jenniferdianeaugustine.simplesite.com
Faith
Christian
Country
United States
Wow; a nice comment, thanks Jennifer.
Actually I appreciate Copperhead, as he sticks to his beliefs no matter how often he is refuted. Must be his soldier training, he should have a quite a collection of Purple Hearts by now!
It enables me to present the Biblical truths and the actual Plan of God for our future.

A comment like this shows you have made no attempt to find out how qualified I am or my knowledge of history, current events and most importantly; Bible knowledge.
If you just googled my logostelos.info website, you would see from the over 800 articles I have written, mostly on the Prophetic Word, that I know the Bible very well and I refute with scripture, any false and unbiblical teachings that I see. People have some very weird ideas, the 'rapture' is just one of them.
I see in your picture it seems like you like to write ..maybe you should stay off this board and stop gathering information from carnal men and false doctrines off the internet..all that stuff is decieving and will only toss you here and fro learning from that stuff. If you really love writing the words of God you should stay in your bible more and abide in Jesus word only..you can ask God for wisdom and the spirit for discernment to rightly divide the scriptures.. cause most of what you say is skewed and a bit out of place.. you say some good things and I can tell you are fervant about the Lord and his prophecies and that you believe the word of God but if you are serious about learning the truth you need to stop arguing with these people in the end times forum cause it's a dangerous thing to do and one of the dangerous place to be on this forum...unless the Lord revealed a prophecy to someone no one should be guessing at that stuff cause that's dangerous and could make people confused and could lead them astray.. bro stop arguing with these people and prophesying scripture until the spirit truly reveals it to you... I mean somebody gotta be mature here...
 

Copperhead

Well-Known Member
Jul 3, 2017
835
304
63
67
iowa
Faith
Christian
Country
United States
Well, that is a bit of a stretch. Discussing back and forth on these things should be encouraged. If nothing else, it presents the case for various eschatological positions for those who have not invested much time into researching it out and they can see the various pros and cons as others see them in scripture and make a determination for themselves.

I have ragged on Keraz and him on me. it is ok. I have some confidence that when the rubber meets the road and the occasion arose at some point that one was at grave risk or needed help, the other would not turn away. At least I hope that is true.

A good friend at my local congregation thinks we are in the tribulation period now. We don't throw things at each other, but we don't agree. Yet, I have worked with him on some projects at the local congregation and we have had a great time doing it. I would do anything if Lyndon was in need of my help.
 

Bobby Jo

Well-Known Member
Feb 5, 2019
8,041
3,778
113
United States
Faith
Christian
Country
United States
... A good friend at my local congregation thinks we are in the tribulation period now. ...

Thinks, supposes, anticipates, feels, suspects, -- all very good reasons for some. But that's not what we're given. We're given concise information so that we can anticipate and prepare our households accordingly:

1 Thess. 5:2 For you yourselves know well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3 When people say, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them as travail comes upon a woman with child, and there will be no escape. 4 But you are not in darkness, brethren, for that day to surprise you like a thief. 5 For you are all sons of light and sons of the day; we are not of the night or of darkness.

Now if you like being surprised, then please be surprised. As for me, I prefer to to NOT BE IN DARKNESS, and so I'm not. But to each his own! :)

Bobby Jo
 

Keraz

Well-Known Member
Jun 20, 2018
5,044
919
113
82
Thames, New Zealand
www.logostelos.info
Faith
Christian
Country
New Zealand
Good comments, epostle, Copperhead and Jennifer. I do understand and appreciate them.
It patently does. I see you chose to not even address the verses. It very clearly says we are caught up with him to be where he is. We aren't caught up to meet him in the air just to return to the earth.
But 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18 does not say Jesus will take the Christians to heaven. Please provide a scripture that says that.
Jesus descends from heaven so as to fulfil His promise to Return, Revelation 1:7, Acts 1:11, Hebrews 9:28, to the earth, where He will reign as King for the next 1000 years. Revelation 20
ow if you like being surprised, then please be surprised. As for me, I prefer to to NOT BE IN DARKNESS, and so I'm not. But to each his own! :)
The sudden destruction to come will be an unexpected event, shocking and terrifying everyone. Luke 21:25-26

Can you, BJ, really comprehend a Day where it will be quite dark, with the moon visible as a red glow, while the earth shakes, violent storms rage and giant waves destroy all coastal habitations?
There really isn't much we can do to prepare for it. We are told to find shelter from the heat, Isaiah 26:20-21, Isaiah 43:2
But just knowing about this forthcoming Day of the Lord's fiery wrath helps. It will be the Lord's punishment on His enemies, we Christians should not be afraid, as we do what we have been told to do; Call upon the Name of the Lord and we shall be saved. Acts 2:21, Joel 2:32, Romans 10:13