Tag: 1 Thessalonians 1:10

Light in the Last Days – Day 43

On By KateIn Devotionals, Light in the Last DaysLeave a comment

There is a powerful promise in the book of Revelation that I absolutely love! Jesus pledges to keep His followers completely out of the hour of trial: a trial that is to come upon the whole world and all that are alive at the time. Why this special protection? It’s His response to those who have steadfastly ‘kept the word of His patience’ through every circumstance.

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

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

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

1 Thessalonians 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.

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

Romans 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 mark of a true believer is a longing for Christ’s appearing. This ‘authentic’ new birth is found in those who have truly repented and become new creations in Him. But we aren’t just meant to wait idly; we are told to ‘occupy’ until He comes. To ‘occupy’ means to be engaged in the business of the Kingdom, winning souls, strengthening the Church, and being a vessel for the Holy Spirit. We don’t just wait for the end; we work until the end!

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.

God has always provided a way of escape for His people, just as He did for Noah and his family in the midst of a corrupt world. We can trust that He will do the same for the Church. Scripture identifies us as the Bride of Christ, and 2 Corinthians 11:2 explains that we are betrothed to Him. As our future Husband, Christ’s nature is to protect. No devoted husband would stand by and let his wife face destruction or endure violence. Ephesians 5:25-27 outlines the sacrificial and protective role of a husband, a standard that the Lord perfectly fulfills for His Church. This fits beautifully into the pre-Tribulation Rapture teaching!

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!

Light in the Last Days – Day 18

On By KateIn Devotionals, Light in the Last DaysLeave a comment
Photography by Bob Sabo

Jeremiah 30:7a  Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob’s trouble;

Whether this series serves as a new eye-opener or a helpful refresher, it’s vital to understand the ‘Time of Jacob’s Trouble.’ As we touched on previously, Scripture uses this specific term to describe Israel’s Great Tribulation. Because the name refers directly to the descendants of Jacob, it stands to reason that this period is centered on the Jewish people rather than the Church. Just as the Church remained a ‘mystery’ unmentioned in the Old Testament, she remains absent from this specific time of trouble. Today’s verse shows that this period immediately precedes the Second Coming, when Jesus returns as the Messiah to save His people.

We are still waiting for the conclusion of Daniel’s prophecy to unfold, as the 70th week has not yet begun. The angel’s message to Daniel was clear regarding who this period concerns, stating that seventy weeks were specifically ‘determined upon thy people’ (Daniel 9:24).

Daniel 9:24  Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.

Scripture never characterizes the Tribulation as a period of testing or judgment for the believer. Because we are redeemed by the blood of Jesus, our judgment has already taken place at the Cross. Our sins were washed away the moment we accepted His gift of eternal life. Instead, the Bible clarifies that this coming wrath is reserved specifically for the ‘children of disobedience’.

Ephesians 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:

Ephesians 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.

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

The specific designation ‘children of disobedience’ is found exactly three times in the King James Version. By examining its first occurrence, we gain a clear definition of who these individuals are and the spiritual nature of their rebellion:

Ephesians 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:

Satan is the ‘prince’ mentioned here; it is his spirit that currently drives the ‘children of disobedience.’ While God has provided us with clear scriptural warnings, a pattern for holy living, and a perfect plan of salvation through Jesus Christ, the enemy is obsessed with dragging souls toward destruction. It’s no surprise, then, that he works to shift the focus of believers away from the Pre-Tribulation Rapture. By fixating on the horrors of the Tribulation rather than the hope of Christ, believers are distracted from the Lord and begin bracing for the enemy’s reign. Make no mistake: the ‘prince of the power of the air’ is preparing to step into his role as the reigning Antichrist.

Those who hold a post-Tribulation view often argue that the Church must endure this period of testing. However, to maintain this stance, they must ‘spiritualize’ the 144,000 Jewish believers mentioned in Revelation 7:2-8. If the Church were truly present, it’s unlikely John would have omitted the word ‘church’ here, especially after using it so frequently in the opening chapters. This perspective overlooks the transition of dispensations: we are currently in the Age of Grace, but once this ‘Ecclesiastical Dispensation’ ends, God will resume His specific dealings with Israel. This explains why Revelation returns to imagery from the Age of Law, such as the Temple. You cannot merge the Age of Law and the Age of Grace; they are distinct periods, and Scripture promises that the Church is not the target of the judgments found in Revelation.

1 Thessalonians 5:9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Thessalonians 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.

Romans 5:9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.

Paul points us toward the ‘blessed hope’ (Titus 2:13), a phrase that breathes confidence and joy into the Christian life. This stands in stark contrast to the severe and terrifying judgments we read about in Revelation. If Paul intended for us to suffer through the Tribulation, he wouldn’t have called our outlook ‘blessed.’ He was careful to teach the truth so that we would be anchored, safe from confusing doctrines that take our eyes off Christ’s return.

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

Beyond those initial warnings, the Bible provides a mountain of evidence regarding the targets of divine wrath. God is crystal clear on exactly who will endure the Tribulation—and it isn’t His Church. Look at what the Scriptures say:

John 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.

Romans 1:18  For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

Revelation 14:10  The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:

Revelation 14:19  And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God.

Revelation 15:1  And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvellous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God.

Revelation 15:7  And one of the four beasts gave unto the seven angels seven golden vials full of the wrath of God, who liveth for ever and ever.

Revelation 16:1  And I heard a great voice out of the temple saying to the seven angels, Go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth.

To suggest the Church goes through the Tribulation is to suggest she must endure God’s wrath. But why would the Lord subject His Church to judgment after already redeeming her? It defies the heart of the Gospel. If an earthly husband would do anything to protect his wife from harm, how much more will the Lord Jesus protect His Bride from the coming storm? A Groom does not put His Bride through a massacre; He rescues her from it.

Because the Holy Spirit lives within each member of Christ’s Bride, the Church is intricately linked to God’s own presence. It is difficult to reconcile the idea of the Holy Spirit enduring a global outpouring of divine wrath. Why would such a catastrophic judgment fall upon the very Spirit of Christ?

1 Thessalonians 5:9  For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,

To the one who is not saved, this is a scary time. 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!

Light in the Last Days – Day 5

On By KateIn Devotionals, Light in the Last DaysLeave a comment

1 Thessalonians 5:1-9  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,

What an exciting time to be alive! We are witnessing unprecedented events affecting the entire globe, ranging from political upheavals to environmental changes that challenge our understanding of nature. Jesus spoke of what we are to expect in the end times in Matthew 24:3-51, and He provided a prophetic outline of the trials and tribulations that humanity will face as the world approaches its end. To the average reader, these verses are frightening and may generate fear and anxiety about the future. But to the born-again Christian, they are exciting because we know that we will not be here to experience the horrific events that will occur upon the entire earth; instead, we look forward to the glorious appearing of Christ at the Rapture and the promise of eternal life, filled with hope and anticipation for what lies ahead. In this light, we find comfort and assurance, as our faith guides us through these tumultuous times.

The Rapture of the church has three very different groups of belief: Pre-Tribulation, Mid-Tribulation (or Pre-Wrath) and Post-Tribulation. They all pertain to the Rapture’s timing – when the event will actually occur. Which one is correct? One must turn to God’s Word to determine the answer. God would not want His children to be afraid of what is to come. Think of your earthly father: would he want you to be afraid as you live under his roof? No father would want this weighing on his children. An earthly father wants to protect his children. How much more a Heavenly Father: the Perfect Father?

What does each one mean? Pre-Tribulation refers to the Rapture occurring sometime before the start of the Tribulation. The Bible says that His return will be as a thief coming in the night. If you knew the hour a thief would enter your house, you would be prepared. That is why we are told to always be prepared. Noah didn’t know when the flood was going to come – he just knew it was coming and he continued doing what God had commanded Him to do. The Bible answers all of our questions so let’s get to it.

1 Thessalonians 5:2  For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.

2 Peter 3:10  But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

The Bible tells us when the Tribulation will begin. It will begin when the Antichrist is made known, not a minute before.

Daniel 9:27  And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.

2 Thessalonians 2:3-4  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; (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.

So we know that when the Antichrist is revealed, the Tribulation will begin. However, what about the Rapture? The Bible says:

Matthew 24:36 But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.

Matthew 25:1-6 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.

Mark 13:33-37 Take ye heed, watch and pray; for ye know not when the time is. For the Son of Man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch. Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the Master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cock crowing, or in the morning: Lest coming suddenly He find you sleeping. And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.

These verses indicate that Christ’s return for His church is imminent – this means that it can happen at any time. No man knows the day or the hour. We are given a timeline of the Tribulation in the Book of Revelation. We know that it is a literal seven years from the time that the Antichrist is revealed. This doesn’t fulfill the “imminent” return of Christ. There is a definite timeline here of Christ’s Second Coming. God is all about timing and order. However, the above verses encourage believers to be waiting and watchful. This is the proof of His imminent return for the Rapture of the church.

Just as Noah was kept from the wrath on the entire earth, so will believers be kept from the Tribulation.

1 Thessalonians 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.

Titus 2:13 Looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus.

These verses would not make any sense if the Church was to go through part or all of the Tribulation! There is no comfort or blessed hope if Christians have to experience the wrath which is to come to the world. The wrath that is to come is for the “children of disobedience” according to Paul:

Ephesians 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:

Ephesians 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.

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

There is no timeline for the Rapture. It can happen at any time before the impending judgments of the Tribulation. John foresaw the wrath and called it “the wrath of the Lamb” in Revelation 6:16-17! Why would Christ bring wrath on His Church when Romans 8:1 states there is no condemnation to those who are in Christ!

Rev 6:16-17  And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb:  (17)  For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?

It was such a very important doctrine in the early Church and the Apostle Paul taught the most about it.

2 Thessalonians 2:1-3  Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,  (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.  (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;

Paul had to repeat his teachings to the Thessalonians because they had been deceived by the very same skeptics that we have today, whose voices create doubt and confusion among believers. The verses above tell us that the Thessalonians thought they had missed the Rapture and that the Tribulation had already begun, leading to widespread panic and uncertainty within their community. They were listening to heretics rather than remembering what Paul had taught them, which included the promise of hope and the assurance of God’s timing. It was crucial for Paul to reaffirm their faith and remind them of the truth, encouraging them to hold steadfast to the teachings they had received and to resist the misleading doctrines that threatened to undermine their beliefs. The struggle they faced reminds us of the challenges many face today, as false teachings continue to circulate and test the foundational beliefs of believers.

Paul reminds them of the signs that will usher in the Tribulation will be: except there come a falling away first and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition! So there are definite signs and timelines for the Tribulation. We have been seeing a falling away from the faith for several decades, and it is getting worse with each passing year. This decline has manifested in various forms, including the rise of secularism, anti Semitism, and an increasing hatred for traditional Christian values. So we know we are in those “end times.” The end times have specific signs that believers have been encouraged to recognize and respond to. Yes, those signs have been seen throughout the past two thousand years, often interspersed with periods of revitalization and revival in faith. However, the convergence of these signs, along with the rapid pace at which they are now occurring simultaneously, is something to look for with great anticipation.

But there are no signs or timeline which must occur before the Rapture. If a person believes in the Mid-Tribulation Rapture, then there is a definite timeline because that is half way through the seven years, which is three and a half years. If a person believes in the Post-Tribulation Rapture, then there is a definite timeline there as well: after the seven years of Tribulation. Those of us who hold to the Pre-Tribulation Rapture have something to look forward to. It keeps us focused in doing the work of the Lord because we want to be caught up at that time! So friend, be encouraged! Be watchful and pray that you are ready for Christ’s Rapture of His Church at any moment! We are not called to experience the wrath that is about to come to this earth! Praise Him!!! 

If you are like I me prior to salvation and are interested in the end times, I pray you find the Lord (as I did) before it’s too late! If you are a born-again Christian and have never studied this out, I hope you are blessed by it and encouraged in your heart. If you are not born again, I urge you to settle the matter right now! Friend, it is no coincidence that God has placed you here for such a time as this so that you may be saved. Please click here and the link will open up in a separate tab to You Can Be Born Again and Know It!

The Time of JACOB’S Trouble

On By KateIn Devotionals, Thoughts and MeditationsLeave a comment

Jer 30:7a  Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob’s trouble;

What a blessed day it is!! Are you excited? Are you afraid? There is no greater way to start your day than to be in the Word and listen to God as He speaks to you. This series may be an eye opener for some, and a refresher course for others. In my previous post, we touched a bit on the “time of Jacob’s Trouble.” In a few Scripture references, the Bible refers to the Israel’s great tribulation as this time of Jacob’s trouble. This phrase refers to the descendants of Jacob so it stands to reason that it is meant for only the Jews, not the Church. Just as the Church isn’t mentioned in the Old Testament, the Church won’t play a role in the “time of Jacob’s Trouble.” Their will be people who will come to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ during the Tribulation period but they will not be referred to as the Church, but as Tribulation saints. Today’s verse states that this trouble will come just before the Lord Jesus, Israel’s Messiah, returns to save them at His Second Coming.

That final week of Daniel’s 70th week hasn’t taken place yet. An angel told Daniel that, “70 weeks are determined upon thy people” (Dan 9:24).

Dan 9:24  Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.

The Bible doesn’t say that the Tribulation is meant as a time of testing and judgment for the Church. We have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus and, therefore, our sins have been judged already. (Romans 8:1) Our sins have been washed away once we receive salvation through Christ and eternal life with Him. The Bible does say that God’s wrath will be upon the “children of disobedience.” The Tribulation period will begin after the Rapture of the Church. We do not know how long it will be after the Rapture, but the Tribulation won’t start with the Church still on earth. We know this because God’s wrath is not meant for the Church but for those “children of disobedience.”

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:

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:

The phrase, “children of disobedience,” appears three times in the KJV Bible. The first appearance explains exactly who these children are:

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:

Satan is this prince – it is his ‘spirit’ that lives within the children of disobedience. God gave us plenty of warnings in the Scriptures. He gave us a pattern for living. He gave us His plan of salvation through Jesus Christ. However, the devil wants nothing to do with Jesus Christ and he is adamant about taking as many souls with him to Hell! Is it any wonder that the devil has managed to cause Christians who used to believe in the Pre-Tribulation Rapture of the Church to change their views? The devil does not want believers to concentrate on Christ but to concentrate on the horrible events of the Tribulation! Satan wants believers to take their eyes off the Lord and prepare themselves for his (Satan’s) reign! Satan will go from being the prince of the power of the air to the reigning antichrist!

Some proponents of the post-Tribulation viewpoint claim that Christians will be tested during the Tribulation. To make this fit into that viewpoint, they have to “spiritualize” the 144,000 Jewish believers in Revelation 7:2-8 who receive God’s protective seal. If the Church was to go through the Tribulation, don’t you think the Apostle John would have used the word “church” here as he did in chapters one through three? The Post-Tribulation proponents are forgetting the different dispensations. Before the Ecclesiastical Dispensation (the Age of Grace or the Church Age), there was the Legal Dispensation, the Age of Law. After the Church Age, God is dealing with Israel once again and only Israel. That is why references to the Age of Law (i.e., the temple), are made in Revelation. The post-Tribulation view tries to combine these two dispensations of the Law and Grace into the Tribulation. Only one age can happen at a time so this does not jive at all! Revelation is filled with judgment and the Scriptures tells us that God’s wrath is not upon the church.

1 Thess 5:9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Thess 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.

Rom 5:9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.

This is why Paul said that we have the blessed hope, Christian! (Titus 2:13) This is such a positive and powerful verse.  Does it even resemble Paul trying to tell us that we would go through the judgments of the Tribulation? Not to me, it doesn’t! The judgments of Revelation are severe and horrifying! Paul wanted to make sure that his followers were well taught about what was to come so they wouldn’t fall for every wind of doctrine.

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

The three verses above about the children of disobedience aren’t the only verses that speak of the wrath. God is very clear on who will receive that wrath during the Tribulation:

(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.

(Rom 1:18)  For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

(Rev 14:10)  The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:

(Rev 14:19)  And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God.

(Rev 15:1)  And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvellous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God.

(Rev 15:7)  And one of the four beasts gave unto the seven angels seven golden vials full of the wrath of God, who liveth for ever and ever.

(Rev 16:1)  And I heard a great voice out of the temple saying to the seven angels, Go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth.

Logically speaking, if the Church is to go through the Tribulation, they would also receive God’s wrath. Why would the Lord do this to His Church if we are not appointed unto wrath? Why would the Groom, the Lord Jesus, allow His wife, the Church, to be tortured and killed? Would any husband allow this in his home? Of course not!

1 Th 5:9  For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,

To the one who is not saved, this is a scary time. 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!

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Any Day Now – Day 47

On By KateIn Any Day Now, DevotionalsLeave a comment

Imminent … just what does that mean? As I have said before, the definitions I use come from Noah Webster’s 1828 Dictionary. He defines it as:

IM’MINENT, a. [L. imminens, from immineo, to hang over; in and minor, to threaten. See Menace.]
Literally, shooting over; hence, hanging over; impending; threatening; near; appearing as if about to fall on; used of evils; as imminent danger; imminent judgments, evils or death.

Noah Webster’s 1828 Dictionary

The timing of the Rapture is argued in Christian circles, I am sad to say. But the pre-tribulation Rapture is the only one whose timing is imminent. The other views depend on signs to occur.

If a man knew that a thief was going to come to his house at 8:00 p.m. on a given night, he would be prepared. But what did Jesus say?

Mat 24:36  But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.

Just as in the Galilean weddings of Jesus’ day, the groom did not know when he was going to return for his bride until his father told him he could go. How perfectly that fits to the pre-tribulation Rapture! Jesus’ return is as a thief in the night. No one will expect Him at a given time!

Mat 24:42-44  Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.  (43)  But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.  (44)  Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.

Mat 25:13  Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

The Tribulation period is filled with timing: it’s seven years long; the Antichrist defiles the temple after three and a half years, etc. Since we do not know the timing of the Rapture, it makes sense that it would occur before the Tribulation. It can’t possibly happen after the Tribulation, because then we would have a time. God is specific throughout the Bible, even to the day! Because of this, that is why He tells us to watch!

No where in the New Testament Scriptures do we find suggestions on how to prepare to live through the Tribulation. Instead, we are told to comfort one another.

1 Th 4:18  Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

1 Th 5:11  Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.

Why would Paul tell the Thessalonians to comfort and edify one another if they had to go through the Tribulation? There is no comfort in knowing about the horrific things that were going to happen during those seven years! The beginning of the Church was not a time of peaceful existence but was a time of great persecution. Because they believed that the Rapture could happen at any time, they were encouraged to comfort each other as they waited for the Blessed Hope. (Titus 2:13)

One point I’d like to make is to those procrastinators out there. If you knew that Jesus would come at a certain date, you would wait until the last minute to get into “spiritual shape.” You would wait to witness to that lost relative. HOWEVER, because you do not know the time of His return, you stand ready because you are always watching!

You may have come across those who believe that the pre-Tribulation Rapture is a new theory invented in the early 1800’s. However, they stop there. The have not researched any further into earlier writings. Recently, biblical researchers have found several writings from early Church fathers who clearly held a pre-Tribulation Rapture viewpoint.

The First Epistle of Clement, 23 (written around 96 A.D. by Clement, a prominent leader of the church at Rome who knew some of the apostles personally and probably is the Clement referred to in Phil. 4:3): “Of a truth, soon and suddenly shall His will be accomplished, as the Scripture also bears witness, saying, ‘speedily will He come, and will not tarry.’”

As early as 70 – 180 AD, The Didache, chapter 16, section 1, says, “‘Be vigilant over your life; let your lamps not be extinguished, or your loins ungirded, but be prepared, for you know not the hour in which our Lord will come.”

“But what a spectacle is that fast-approaching advent of our Lord, now owned by all, now highly exalted, now a triumphant One!” (Tertullian 155 – 245 AD).

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 (374-627 AD).

John Calvin, the reformer at Geneva during the 1500s and founder of the Presbyterian Church, made the following statements in some of his commentaries on books of the Bible: “Be prepared to expect Him every day, or rather every moment.” “As He has promised that He will return to us, we ought to hold ourselves prepared, at every moment to receive Him.”

The Westminster Confession, written by the Puritans of England during the 1600s, declared that men should “shake off all carnal security and be always watchful, because they know not at what hour the Lord will come.”

“I say, somewhat more because the dead saints will be raised, and the living changed at Christ’s ‘appearing in the air’ (1 Thess 4:17); and this will be about three years and a half before the millennium, as we shall see hereafter: but will he and they abide in the air all that time? No: they will ascend to paradise, or to some one of those many ‘mansions in the father’s house’ (John 14:2), and so disappear during the foresaid period of time.” (Morgan Edwards 1742-44).
I’m not much of a fan of relying on what scholarly men write about the Bible.

The Dark Ages (from about 450 AD to the 1600’s) were named for the condition of a spiritually dark world. Mankind was not allowed to read the Bible as it could only be interpreted by a priest. The Roman Catholic church was the universal church during that time. It was during this time frame that the church believed they were living during the millennium! This is called amillennialism and does not allow for a pre-Tribulation Rapture. It was not until the early 1600’s did we see premillennialism and the pre-Tribulation Rapture view reappear.

The “When” of the Rapture is the nucleus of the pre-Tribulation viewpoint. The Bible is its best interpreter. Scripture upon scripture, verse upon verse! The imminent return of the Lord Jesus to gather His Bride to Him is clear as you read the following verses:

Matt 24:36 But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.

Matt 25:1-6 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.”

Mark 13:33-37 Take ye heed, watch and pray; for ye know not when the time is. For the Son of Man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch. Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the Master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: Lest coming suddenly He find you sleeping. And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.

Rom 13:11-12 Knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.

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

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

Phil 4:5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.

1 Thess 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.

1 Thess 5:6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.

1 Tim 6:14 That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Titus 2:13 Looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus.

Heb 9:28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

Heb 10:24-25 Let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the Day approaching.

Heb 10:37 For yet a little while, and He that shall come will come, and will not tarry.

James 5:7-9 Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door.

1 Pet 1:13 Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

1 Pet 4:7 But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.

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

Rev 3:11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.

Rev 22:7 Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.

Rev 22:20 He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.

The Tribulation is preceded by many signs as seen clearly in Matthew 24:3-51, 2 Timothy 3:1-9, and 2 Peter 3:3-4. That is why many believers today are sounding out the warnings of Christ’s return! His return is closer than when the Scriptures were written so look up for your redemption draweth nigh!

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.
Jas 5:8  Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.

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

On By KateIn Any Day Now, DevotionalsLeave a comment

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 18

On By KateIn Any Day Now, DevotionalsLeave a comment
Photography by Bob Sabo

Jer 30:7a  Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob’s trouble;

What a blessed day it is!! Are you excited? Are you afraid? There is no greater way to start your day than to be in the Word and listen to God as He speaks to you. This series may be an eye opener for some, and a refresher course for others. In my previous post, we touched a bit on the “time of Jacob’s Trouble.” In a few Scripture references, the Bible refers to the Israel’s great tribulation as this time of Jacob’s trouble. This phrase refers to the descendants of Jacob so it stands to reason that it is meant for only the Jews, not the Church. Just as the Church isn’t mentioned in the Old Testament, the Church won’t play a role in the “time of Jacob’s Trouble.” Today’s verse states that this trouble will come just before the Lord Jesus, their Messiah, returns to save them at His Second Coming.

That final week of Daniel’s 70th week hasn’t taken place yet. An angel told Daniel that, “70 weeks are determined upon thy people” (Dan 9:24).

Dan 9:24  Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.

The Bible doesn’t say that the Tribulation is meant as a time of testing and judgment for believers. We have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus and, therefore, our sins have been judged already. They have been washed away once we receive salvation through Christ and eternal life with Him. The Bible does say that God’s wrath will be upon the “children of disobedience.”

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:
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:

The phrase, “children of disobedience,” appears three times in the KJV Bible. The first appearance explains exactly who these children are:

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:

Satan is this prince – it is his ‘spirit’ that lives within the children of disobedience. God gave us plenty of warnings in the Scriptures. He gave us a pattern for living. He gave us His plan of salvation through Jesus Christ. However, the devil wants nothing to do with Jesus Christ and he is adamant about taking as many souls with him to Hell! Is it any wonder that the devil has managed to cause Christians who used to believe in the Pre-Tribulation Rapture of the Church to change their views? The devil does not want believers to concentrate on Christ but to concentrate on the horrible events of the Tribulation! Satan wants believers to take their eyes off the Lord and prepare themselves for his (Satan’s) reign! Satan will go from being the prince of the power of the air to the reigning antichrist!

Some proponents of the post-Tribulation viewpoint claim that Christians will be tested during the Tribulation. To make this fit into that viewpoint, they have to “spiritualize” the 144,000 Jewish believers in Revelation 7:2-8 who receive God’s protective seal. If the Church was to go through the Tribulation, don’t you think the Apostle John would have used the word “church” here as he did in chapters one through three? The Post-Tribulation proponents are forgetting the different dispensations. Before the Ecclesiastical Dispensation (the Age of Grace or the Church Age), there was the Legal Dispensation, the Age of Law. After the Church Age, God is dealing with Israel once again and only Israel. That is why references to the Age of Law (i.e., the temple), are made in Revelation. The post-Tribulation view tries to combine these two dispensations of the Law and Grace into the Tribulation. Only one age can happen at a time so this does not jive at all! Revelation is filled with judgment and the Scriptures tells us that God’s wrath is not upon the church.

1 Thess 5:9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Thess 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.

Rom 5:9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.

This is why Paul said that we have the blessed hope, Christian! (Titus 2:13) This is such a positive and powerful verse. 😃 Does it even resemble Paul trying to tell us that we would go through the judgments of the Tribulation? Not to me, it doesn’t! The judgments of Revelation are severe and horrifying! Paul wanted to make sure that his followers were well taught about what was to come so they wouldn’t fall for every wind of doctrine.

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

The three verses above about the children of disobedience aren’t the only verses that speak of the wrath. God is very clear on who will receive that wrath during the Tribulation:

(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.

(Rom 1:18)  For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

(Rev 14:10)  The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:

(Rev 14:19)  And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God.

(Rev 15:1)  And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvellous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God.

(Rev 15:7)  And one of the four beasts gave unto the seven angels seven golden vials full of the wrath of God, who liveth for ever and ever.

(Rev 16:1)  And I heard a great voice out of the temple saying to the seven angels, Go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth.

Logically speaking, if the Church is to go through the Tribulation, they would also receive God’s wrath. Why would the Lord do this to His Church if we are not appointed unto wrath? Why would the Groom, the Lord Jesus, allow His wife, the Church, to be tortured and killed? Would any husband allow this in his home? Of course not!

1 Th 5:9  For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,

To the one who is not saved, this is a scary time. 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 5

On By KateIn Any Day Now, DevotionalsLeave a comment

1 Thessalonians 5:1-9  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,

Good morning, reader! What an exciting time to be alive! We are witnessing unprecedented events affecting the entire globe! Jesus spoke of what we are to expect in the end times in Matthew 24:3-51. To the average reader, these verses are frightening. But to the believer, they are exciting because we know that we will not be here to experience the horrific events that will occur on the entire earth!

As we discussed in the last post, the Rapture of the church has three very different groups of belief: Pre-Tribulation, Mid-Tribulation (or Pre-Wrath) and Post-Tribulation. They all pertain to the Rapture’s timing – when the event will occur. Which one is correct? One must turn to God’s Word to determine the answer. God would not want His children to be afraid of what is to come. Think of your earthly father: would he want you to be afraid as you live under his roof? No father would want this weighing on his children. An earthly father wants to protect his children. How much more a Heavenly Father: the Perfect Father?

What does each one mean? Pre-Tribulation refers to the Rapture occurring sometime before the start of the Tribulation. The Bible says that His return will be as a thief coming in the night. If you knew the hour a thief would enter your house, you would be prepared. That is why we are told to always be prepared. Noah didn’t know when the flood was going to come – he just knew it was coming and he continued doing what God had commanded Him to do. The Bible answers all of our questions so let’s get to it.

1 Thessalonians 5:2  For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.
2 Peter 3:10  But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

The Bible tells us when the Tribulation will begin. It will begin when the Antichrist is made known, not a minute before.

Daniel 9:27  And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.
2 Thessalonians 2:3-4  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; (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.

So we know that when the Antichrist is revealed, the Tribulation will begin. However, what about the Rapture? The Bible says:

Matthew 24:36 “But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.”
Matthew 25:1-6 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him”
Mark 13:33-37 “Take ye heed, watch and pray; for ye know not when the time is. For the Son of Man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch. Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the Master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cock crowing, or in the morning: Lest coming suddenly He find you sleeping. And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch”.

These verses indicate that Christ’s return for His church is imminent – it can happen at any time. No man knows the day or the hour. We are given a timeline of the Tribulation in the Book of Revelation. We know that it is a literal seven years from the time that the Antichrist is revealed. This doesn’t fulfill the “imminent” return of Christ. There is a definite timeline here of Christ’s Second Coming. God is all about timing and order. However, the above verses encourage believers to be waiting and watchful. This is the proof of His imminent return for the Rapture of the church.

Just as Noah was kept from the wrath on the entire earth, so will believers be kept from the Tribulation.

1 Thessalonians 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.
Titus 2:13 Looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus.

These verses would not make any sense if believers were to go through part or all of the Tribulation! There is no comfort or blessed hope if Christians have to experience the wrath which is to come to the world. The wrath that is to come is for the “children of disobedience” according to Paul:

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

There is no timeline for the Rapture. This is called “imminent.” It can happen at any time before the impending judgments of the Tribulation. It was such an important doctrine of the early Church that the Apostle Paul taught the most about it.

2 Thessalonians 2:1-3  Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,  (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.  (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;

Paul had to repeat his teachings to the Thessalonians because they had been deceived by the same skeptics that we have today. The verses above tell us that the Thessalonians thought they had missed the Rapture and that the Tribulation had already begun. They were listening to heretics rather than remembering what Paul had taught them.

Paul reminds them of the signs that will usher in the Tribulation will be: except there come a falling away first and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition! So there are definite signs and timelines for the Tribulation. We have been seeing a falling away from the faith for several decades and it is getting worse. So we know we are in those “end times.”

But there are no signs or timeline which must occur before the Rapture. If a person believes in the Mid-Tribulation Rapture, then there is a definite timeline because that is half way through the seven years, which is three and a half years. If a person believes in the Post-Tribulation Rapture, then there is a definite timeline there as well: after the seven years of Tribulation. Those of us who hold to the Pre-Tribulation Rapture have something to look forward to. It keeps us focused in doing the work of the Lord because we want to be caught up at that time! So friend, be encouraged! Be watchful and pray that you are ready for Christ’s Rapture of His Church at any moment! We are not called to experience the wrath that is about to come to this earth! Praise Him!!! 🙌🙌🙌

If you are like I me prior to salvation and are interested in the end times, I pray you find the Lord (as I did) before it’s too late! 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!

Rapture and End Time News – End Time Signs

On By KateIn Devotionals, Rapture and End Time NewsLeave a comment

As I watch the news, I don’t know why I am amazed, but I am. Jesus warned us that these things would be happening in the end times.

Mat 24:3-8  And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?  (4)  And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.  (5)  For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.  (6)  And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.  (7)  For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.  ( 8 )  All these are the beginning of sorrows.

He said in verse 8 that all these are the beginning of sorrows. You may say that earthquakes, wars and pestilence have been a party of history since the beginning; and you would be right. But Jesus is saying when we see ALL these things happening together, know that the time is near because they are the beginning of sorrows. This phrase speaks of the birth pains that a woman experiences during child birth. What happens in the course of delivery? The pains get closer together and they get stronger! So Jesus is saying that when ALL these things happen together, the birth pains are going to get worse.

We see it in today’s headlines! Here are some news headlines that I came across just this morning:

  • Oregon facing one of its hottest five-day stretches on record.
  • Heavy monsoon rains causes deadly landslides and floods in Nepal.
  • Monsoon rainfall in India results in 42 fatalities in just 24 hours.
  • Japan to release Fukushima water as soon as August.
  • Leaked information suggests ATF is about to pass new rule banning private gun sales.
  • White farmer killed and wife beaten in South Africa were brutally attacked after leading politician led a packed stadium in chants of “kill the Boer”!
  • Russia moves to boost army near Europe after NATO expansion.
  • US suicides hit an all-time high in 2022.
  • World Bank freezes Uganda loans over anti-sodomy law.
  • Wildfires in Hawaii claim at least 36 lives.
  • US credit card debt tops $1 trillion, overall consumer debt little changed.
  • DNA tests suggest more than 10% of seafood sold in Australia not what’s on the label.
  • Release of Bill Gates’ GM mosquitoes gets pushback in California but is it too little too late?
  • North Korean leader Kim Jong Un orders preparations for possible war.
  • AI weaponry on the horizon for world powers

We have weather, wars, contamination, pestilence, hatred, financial crisis, food shortages, and artificial intelligence that is progressing faster than anyone could imagine!

Are you worried? If you’re a believer, your answer should be a resounding No! Prior to the seven-year Tribulation, born-again believers will be

1 Cor 15:50-52  Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.  (51)  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 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.

1 Thess 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.  (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 Thess 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.

But for the person who didn’t want to commit to “religion” or that “churchy” stuff, it won’t go well for you. After the church is raptured, these people will be duped by the antichrist and will believer the lies he speaks. You may think that you won’t and that you will get saved once the Rapture is proved to you. However, the Bible says differently, my friend:

2 Thess 2:9-12  Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and 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.  (11)  And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:  (12)  That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

This is you, if you did not go through the Rapture, reader! You will believe the lies and God will send you a strong delusion. The Greek words for delusion are:

energeia
en-erg’-i-ah
From G1756; efficiency (“energy”): – operation, strong, (effectual) working.

and

planē
plan’-ay
Feminine of G4108 (as abstraction); objectively fraudulence; subjectively a straying from orthodoxy or piety: – deceit, to deceive, delusion, error.

Strong’s Concordance

So this delusion will be a strong, effectual working energy that is objectively fraudulent (deliberate deceit and trickery) and subjectively straying from Christian faith. Friend, you won’t be able to help yourself because you will believe the lies!

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!

Rapture and End Time News – IMF Working on Global Central Bank Digital Currency Platform

On By KateIn Devotionals, Rapture and End Time NewsLeave a comment

Rev 13:17-18  And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.  (18)  Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.

The U.S. dollar used to have the strongest currency in the world. Our government has managed to squander that title and we now are in tenth place in the Top 10 Strongest Currencies, according to Forbes Advisor’s March 23,2023 article. It’s interesting to see which countries are in the top ten:

  • Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD)
  • Bahraini Dinar (BHD)
  • Omani Rial (OMR)
  • Jordanian Dinar (JOD)
  • British Pound (GBP)
  • Cayman Islands Dollar (KYD) tied with Gibraltar Pound (GIP)
  • Swiss Fran (CHF) tied with Euro (EUR)
  • U.S. Dollar (USD)

Americans are seeing the economical strength being drained from our once-great Country. Is it any wonder that a one-world currency is in the wings of a “global economy”?

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is working on a platform for central bank digital currencies (CDBCs) to enable transactions between countries, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said on Monday.

“CBDCs should not be fragmented national propositions… To have more efficient and fairer transactions we need systems that connect countries: we need interoperability,” Georgieva told a conference attended by African central banks in Rabat, Morocco.

“For this reason at the IMF, we are working on the concept of a global CBDC platform,” she said.

https://www.reuters.com/markets/imf-working-global-central-bank-digital-currency-platform-2023-06-19/

Friend, all signs are pointing toward the formation of a one-world government, a one-world currency, and a one-world church. The Book of Revelation shows us exactly what we are to expect. Praise the Lord that the Church will not be in attendance during the Tribulation as we will be safe in Heaven with the Lord Jesus!

Out of a one-world government, a leader will arise that will take control and seemingly be the answer to everyone’s problems. His “spirit” is alive and well today but he will be the one to unite the world. This concept has been going on for some time but is even more true today. Just look at this statement made in 1945! The former Prime Minister of Belgium, Paul Henri-Spaak, spoke at the General Assembly of the United Nations in 1945. In an effort to unite Europe, he said:

“We do not want another committee. We have too many already. What we want is a man of sufficient stature to hold the allegiance of all people, and to lift us out of the economic morass in which we are sinking. Send us such a man and, be he God or the devil, we will receive him.” 

Just wow! If Mr. Henri-Spaak said this in 1945, how much more is the United Nations hoping to achieve this goal today? We are most certainly closer today than ever before! The world appears to be imploding with corruption and evil. The time has come for this leader, but he will not be God but the devil himself working through and possessing the Antichrist! The one-world currency will be ushered in and the Antichrist’s mark will be the tool. No one will be able to buy or sell without his mark.

We don’t know what the mark will look like but we know it will come. All current events in Europe are pointing forward and it is soon coming. Don’t be left behind when the Rapture happens. This event will definitely happen. The Bible’s prophecies have all come true up until now. The next event is the Rapture and this will remove the Church from the earth. It may sound like something out of Star Wars but it is something out of Scripture.

1Co 15:50-52  Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.  (51)  Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,  (52)  In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

1Th 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.

1Th 2:19  For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?

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.  (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.

1Th 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.

Since ALL Bible prophecy has come true to date, you can be assured that ALL prophecy from today forward will come true! Why take a chance?

You don’t want to be around when this time comes, reader. 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!