Tag: Daniel 9:27

Light in the Last Days – Day 52

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

Have you ever thought about why we don’t know the exact date of the Rapture? It’s a lot like waiting for family to visit from across the country. You don’t just sit around; you get the house ready, plan the menus, and look forward to their arrival with excitement. If you knew they were coming on a specific Tuesday, you’d probably wait until Monday night to clean. By keeping the timing a mystery, God encourages us to live every day as if it’s the day He returns.

Different views:

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

The Post-Tribulation viewpoint marks the final perspective in our series, and it’s unique because it places the Rapture right at the very end of the Great Tribulation. The core of this teaching is that the Church remains on earth through the entire seven-year period, eventually meeting Christ in the air as He returns to establish His kingdom. However, this creates a major shift in how we view the event: since the Bible defines the Tribulation as lasting exactly 2,520 days (seven prophetic years), this view effectively turns the Rapture into a scheduled event rather than a surprise. Instead of looking for Christ at any moment, this belief system naturally leads to a countdown, setting a specific “expected date” for the Rapture to occur based on when the Tribulation begins.

This view basically says the Rapture and the Second Coming happen back-to-back. Believers are caught up to the clouds and then immediately ride back down with Christ to Earth. To put it simply, they believe there is only one “coming” of Jesus, and it happens entirely at the end of the Tribulation. This is a great chart differentiating between the two:

Proponents of this view point to historical persecution as a reason for the Church to remain through the Tribulation, but this overlooks the distinction between human persecution and divine wrath. Romans 8:1 explicitly states the Church is not subject to condemnation, yet the global judgments of the Tribulation would affect everyone present. Furthermore, this model leaves no time for the fulfillment of Acts 1:9–11 and John 14, where Jesus prepares a heavenly home for His followers. In a Post-Tribulation scenario, the Church meets Jesus in the air and immediately descends to fight Satan’s armies and enter the Millennium, essentially bypassing the “mansions” He went to prepare.

Except for the Pre-Tribulation view, most perspectives fail to account for the Church’s total disappearance from the text between Revelation 4:1 and chapter 21. While many assume the “saints” in these chapters refer to the Church, a closer look suggests these are actually individuals saved during the Tribulation, distinct from the Church, the Bride of Christ.

If the Rapture were Mid- or Post-Tribulation, it wouldn’t be imminent anymore—it would be a math problem. Since the Tribulation starts with a specific peace treaty (Daniel 9:27), you would just count 1,260 or 2,520 days to find the exact date. That completely gets rid of the “any moment” expectation we see in the Pre-Trib view. Even the Pre-Wrath position, which avoids the countdown, still puts the Church in the middle of the first five seals despite the fact that the word “Church” totally disappears from the book of Revelation after chapter 4.

The Pre-Tribulation viewpoint provides a consistent answer for both the timing of the Rapture and the Church’s total absence from Revelation 4:1 through 22:15. While the words “church” or “churches” appear 19 times in the first three chapters, they vanish entirely during the period of global judgment, only reappearing at the very end in Revelation 22:16. This linguistic shift strongly suggests that the Church is not present on Earth while God’s wrath is being poured out.

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

Light in the Last Days – Day 33

On By KateIn Devotionals, Light in the Last DaysLeave a comment
Photography by Chris Michaud

Reading the Bible allows God to reveal His heart and His plans to you. A good Father doesn’t keep His children in the dark, and God is no different—He has provided a prophetic roadmap in His Word so we are never caught off guard by world events.

1 Thessalonians 5:2-5  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.

Those who haven’t accepted Christ, often choosing to ignore His message, are described as walking in spiritual darkness. This isn’t just a lack of information; it’s a spiritual condition. According to 2 Corinthians 4:4, the “god of this age” (Satan) has actively blinded the minds of unbelievers. This veil keeps them from seeing the light of the Gospel and understanding the glorious truth of who Jesus is.

2 Corinthians 4:3-4  But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: (4) In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

Now, let’s ask a critical question: Who exactly is the target of the Rapture? Jesus isn’t coming for the world at large in this moment; He is coming specifically for those who have put their faith in Him—the Church. As the Bride of Christ, we are the object of His affection and the reason for this “catching away.” He is coming to fulfill His promise to never leave us nor forsake us. Stay tuned, because in the next post, we’ll look at the very different “Who” associated with the Second Coming.

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

To understand the Rapture, we must look at the ancient Jewish wedding customs. First, a price was paid—Jesus paid the ultimate bride-price with His life on the cross to establish His marriage contract with the Church. Following the custom, the Groom then left His Bride to return to His Father’s house. His mission there is to build a bridal chamber specifically for us. While we wait here on earth, we are “espoused” to Him, set apart and preparing ourselves for the moment He suddenly appears to carry us away to the home He has built. Jesus said:

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

Think about this: if the Church stays on Earth through the Tribulation only to meet Jesus as He lands at the Second Coming, when do we actually go to the “mansions” He’s been preparing? John 14 says He is coming to receive us so we can be where He is—which is in Heaven at the Father’s right hand. At the Second Coming, Christ is coming to be where we are (on Earth) to set up His 1,000-year reign. These are two different directions. For the believer, the Rapture is that first step toward the home He has personally prepared for us. 

2 Corinthians 5:20  Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.

Think of the Church as a group of diplomats stationed in a foreign land. Just as a nation brings its ambassadors home before a conflict breaks out, God plans to “recall” us to our true home in Heaven before the Tribulation begins. This “calling home” is the Rapture, the moment we are caught up to meet the Lord in the air. At some point following our departure, the global stage will be set for the Antichrist to sign a deceptive covenant with Israel. While the world may celebrate this “covenant,” it actually triggers the final years of judgment that only end when Christ returns with His Bride in glory to defeat the armies of darkness.

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.

My prayer is that these devotionals have deepened your understanding of the Lord’s return and sparked a new hope within you. Friend, you are living in a significant moment in history, and it is no coincidence that you’ve encountered these truths today. God’s desire is for you to be saved and secure in His promises before these events unfold. 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 31

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

The sun’s rays remind me of the coming Rapture! While the world’s leaders will try to explain away our disappearance, we need to be clear about the truth now. Like my friend Bruce says, the world needs a warning so they’ll recognize exactly what’s happening when we are gone.

Let’s look at what the Bible says about the Rapture versus the Second Coming. It’s vital to study this personally instead of just ‘consuming’ what others have already processed for you. You have access to the Author Himself! I don’t want you to rely on my insights alone; I want you to get into the Word and experience the Holy Spirit teaching you truth firsthand.

2 Peter 1:21  For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

The Apostle James tells us that we CAN know and we CAN ask for wisdom from the One who provides it liberally!

James 1:5  If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

Let’s ask the Lord for wisdom as we look at what the Bible actually says. What are the real differences between the Rapture and Christ’s Second Coming? While we look at both the Old and New Testaments, keep in mind that the New Testament specifically describes the Rapture as a ‘mystery’ revealed to us.

1 Corinthians 15:50-55  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.  (53)  For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.  (54)  So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.  (55)  O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?

In the King James Version, the word ‘mystery’ is found exclusively in the New Testament. These were truths mentioned but not fully revealed in the Old Testament. To help clarify how a mystery works in scripture, consider this quote:

The New Testament is in the Old concealed; the Old is in the New revealed. ATTRIBUTED TO ST. AUGUSTINE (EARLY 400’S AD)

Believers today have the benefit of hindsight; we see Christ throughout the Old Testament in ways the Jewish people didn’t and still don’t. To them, these truths were veiled because they were, and still are, looking for a Messiah to come. They missed His first arrival and are waiting for the second. Hopefully, that clears up why ‘mysteries’ exist in Scripture!

As a former Pharisee, Paul was an expert in the Old Testament. Once he followed Christ, he saw that the Hebrew Scriptures were actually the preface to the Messiah’s story. Since the New Testament hadn’t been written yet, Paul and the Apostles used the Old Testament to prove Jesus was the Savior. You won’t find the Rapture in those older books, though, because it was a mystery specific to the Church. God temporarily set Israel aside due to their disobedience, creating a ‘pause’ that allowed the Gentiles to receive grace. We can thank God that Israel’s rejection led to our opportunity for salvation!

These verses are a personal favorite of mine because they beautifully reflect the hope of the Rapture. Though the Old Testament writers didn’t yet have the full picture, we can now see these truths ‘hiding in plain sight.’ Whether or not everyone agrees they are prophetic of the Rapture, they certainly offer a powerful perspective on God’s plan for His Bride.

Song of Solomon 2:10-13  My beloved spake, and said unto me, Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away.  (11)  For, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone;  (12)  The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land;  (13)  The fig tree putteth forth her green figs, and the vines with the tender grape give a good smell. Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away.

Zephaniah 2:2-3  Before the decree bring forth, before the day pass as the chaff, before the fierce anger of the LORD come upon you, before the day of the LORD’S anger come upon you.  (3)  Seek ye the LORD, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the LORD’S anger.

Isaiah 26:19-21  Thy dead men shall live, together with my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew is as the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead.  (20)  Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast.  (21)  For, behold, the LORD cometh out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity: the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain.

If you’re a believer in the Pre-Tribulation Rapture, don’t these verses just get you excited? This is an event that could happen at any moment. It’s a time no one knows, not even Christ Himself. If you’re still on the fence, remember it’s all about the timing. Jesus was clear that NO ONE knows the day or the hour. That makes the Rapture ‘imminent.’ If it were set for the middle or end of the seven-year Tribulation, we’d be able to calculate the exact day, wouldn’t we?

Mark 13:32  But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.

Friend, the Second Coming isn’t a mystery when it comes to timing. Once the Antichrist establishes a covenant with Israel, the seven-year Tribulation officially kicks off. That specific event marks the beginning of the final countdown to the Messiah’s return.

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.

God’s judgment on Israel, known as Daniel’s 70th week, begins with a seven-year treaty. Using the 360-day Jewish year, that’s a total of 2,520 days. If the Rapture was in the middle or at the end, we’d have a predictable date. But because the Rapture is a ‘surprise’ event with no set date, it must happen before the Tribulation clock even starts ticking!

Israel will be enthralled with the Antichrist. They will be deceived by him and will be fooled to think that he is their Messiah. For those of you who believe that Christians will go through the Tribulation or that we are currently in the Tribulation, you have set a date. That means that you must know more than the Lord because He does not know the hour He is coming for His Bride. Mark 13:32 says otherwise “But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.”

Daniel 7:13-14  I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him.  (14)  And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.

Jesus’ Second Coming is a global event where He stands on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem to begin His reign as King. Don’t confuse this with the Rapture, where He meets believers in the clouds. One is a visible return to earth; the other is a meeting in the sky!

Zechariah 12:10  And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.

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

When the Lord returns at the end of the Tribulation, He won’t be alone: He’ll be coming with His Church! These are the same saints who met Him in the clouds seven years prior. As Christ’s Bride, the Church returns by His side because, from the moment of the Rapture on, we are never to be separated from Him again.

Jude 1:14-15  And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints,  (15)  To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.

The ‘ten thousands of his saints’ mentioned here aren’t angels. Since angels never needed to be redeemed, they aren’t called saints. This term specifically refers to those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Saviour and were saved by His grace. Since believers are seen descending with Christ, they had to have been raptured previously. Furthermore, a Rapture at the end of the Tribulation doesn’t work logistically—it would leave the earth empty of people to enter and start the Millennial Kingdom. The timing has to allow for a remnant to remain.

Revelation 19:6-8  And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.  (7)  Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.  (8)  And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.

I pray these devotionals have blessed you, especially if you’ve never studied the Rapture or Christ’s Second Coming before. It isn’t a coincidence that you’ve found this information today; I believe God brought you here specifically so you could understand His plan and 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 25

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


Matthew 24:6-7  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.

The Rapture will happen in an instant—faster than my feet can even hit the floor in the morning. Scripture promises that our earthly bodies will be transformed into bodies like Christ’s in the “twinkling of an eye.” Some scientists suggest this takes a mere eleven one-hundredths of a second! That is an event I refuse to miss, and through Christ, I am 100% certain I won’t.

1 Corinthians 15:52  In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

This doesn’t mean we won’t face hardships before the Rapture occurs. Our headlines are saturated with the tragedies in Ukraine and Israel, with surrounding nations like Iran and Russia fueling the fire. We are surrounded by “wars and rumors of wars,” and the destruction is heartbreaking. However, we cannot allow ourselves to be consumed by the negative. Our focus must remain centered on Jesus and His return, not on the identity or timing of the Antichrist. We must keep our eyes on the horizon, for our redemption is drawing near.

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

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

It is increasingly clear that we are living in the end times. We must remember that the Old Testament and its prophecies revolve primarily around Israel and her Messiah, King Jesus. Some suggest we are already in the Tribulation, claiming that those who believe in a Pre-Tribulation Rapture are ignoring the evil powers currently at work. I don’t deny that evil exists; rather, I believe that everything we see today is a setup—a segue—for the Antichrist’s eventual platform. These global shifts must happen to pave the way for his seven-year peace treaty with Israel. The “god of this world” is indeed working overtime.

While some teach that the first half of the Tribulation will be peaceful, the Book of Revelation paints a much grimmer picture. In Chapter 6 alone, one-fourth of the world’s population—nearly 2 billion people—will perish.

Revelation 6:8  And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth.

The population will continue to dwindle as the trumpet judgments begin. The very first trumpet brings fire that consumes a third of the earth’s trees and all green grass.

Revelation 8:7  The first angel sounded, and there followed hail and fire mingled with blood, and they were cast upon the earth: and the third part of trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up.

These events are not merely symbolic; they are literal, horrific realities that have not yet occurred. The Antichrist has not been revealed, though many believe “enlightened” groups are currently pulling the strings. Interestingly, the first “enlightenment” happened in Eden when the serpent deceived Eve.

Genesis 3:1-5  Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?  (2)  And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden:  (3)  But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.  (4)  And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:  (5)  For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.

Satan is the ultimate source of this “enlightenment,” masquerading as an angel of light to deceive.

2 Corinthians 11:13-15  For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.  (14)  And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.  (15)  Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

The Antichrist will not be an abstract organization, but a specific man. He will broker a treaty with Israel and eventually demand worship as God in a rebuilt Temple. While Israel may initially believe they have found peace, the judgments of the first few years will begin to open their eyes.

Matthew 24:15-22  When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)  (16)  Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains:  (17)  Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house:  (18)  Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes.  (19)  And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!  (20)  But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day:  (21)  For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.  (22)  And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.

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.

The devil has hated the Jews since the beginning. He was at the root of every earthly leader who has sought to destroy them (i.e., Hitler, et al). We are seeing antisemitism in our universities here in America and all around the world. Hitler affected Europe only. Now it is happening all over the world. Satan’s goal is to destroy Israel. Israel existed for about 680 years in the Old Testament. It did not come into existence again until May 14, 1948. This is an historical milestone, reader! When the Church began, Israel’s judgment was placed on hold until the Church’s work is done and is removed. Then Israel comes back into the picture, known as Daniels’ 70th week, at the signing of a treaty between the Antichrist and Israel.

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.

Looking at Daniel’s timeline, we see the Antichrist confirming a seven-year deal with Israel to begin the Tribulation. However, halfway through, he will show his true colors by stopping the sacrifices in the Temple. People often point out that there is no Temple in Israel right now, but if God’s Word says it will be there, we can be sure it will be built! The coming wars and judgments will all center on Israel because God is calling them to look upon the One they pierced—Jesus Christ.

The Book of Revelation isn’t a book of mysteries we can’t understand; it’s a record of literal events. I want to warn you against the idea that the Church has replaced Israel. This ‘Replacement Theology’ is a deep-seated error that I was personally taught in my Catholic upbringing, but it contradicts the clear counsel of God. Israel has a unique future, and the Church has hers.

But reader, don’t be alarmed. The Bible says:

1 Thessalonians 5:1-4  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.  

When the Antichrist confirms his covenant with Israel, the world will think it has finally achieved peace. Yet, this very ‘peace’ ushers in the Tribulation and leads to sudden destruction for the unbelieving world. Paul offers us incredible hope by telling us that we are not in the dark. If we were intended to suffer through this period of wrath, Paul’s encouragement would be misplaced. Instead, he continues with these words:

1 Thessalonians 5:5-11 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.

Consider this: if the Church were destined to endure the horrors of the Tribulation—the plagues, famines, and widespread martyrdom—how could Paul possibly command us to ‘comfort and edify one another’? It would be impossible to find comfort in such a terrifying prospect. Our Groom, Jesus Christ, loves His Bride too much to leave her to face His own wrath. Jesus likened the end times to the days of Noah; just as Noah was safely tucked into the ark before the destruction began, the Church will be sheltered by God. We will be taken to Heaven, only to return at Christ’s side when He destroys the enemy and renews the earth for His Millennial reign. Like Noah, the Church is divinely protected!

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. 

Revelation 6:16  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: 

Revelation 6:17  For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?

The Lamb—our Savior and King—has not destined us for judgment. The Apostle Paul makes a clear distinction: God’s wrath is not directed toward the Church, but is reserved for the children of disobedience who have rejected His grace.

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:

Make no mistake: the wrath unleashed during the Tribulation is intended for the world that rejected Christ. Before the Antichrist’s covenant with Israel begins, the Church will be safely removed. Although there will be those who turn to Christ during the Tribulation, they will be required to face the severe judgments falling upon the earth at that time, and millions will be martyred!

As a believer, watching prophecy unfold is thrilling, but I know it can be terrifying if you aren’t ready. If your heart is troubled by the state of the world, know that God has brought you to this page so that you might find the way to salvation. You don’t have to face the coming days alone. Discover how you can have total assurance of your future here: You Can Be Born Again and Know It!

Light in the Last Days – Day 16

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

Revelation 4:1  After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.

Today’s study is a deep dive, and I truly hope you’ll stay with me to the very end—it is so worth it! I’ll admit, the Book of Revelation used to feel overwhelming to me. However, through careful study, I’ve found the key to understanding its message. Remember, the Lord promises a unique blessing to those who read, hear, and live out the words of this prophecy. It’s the only book in the Bible with such a specific promise attached! So, let’s jump in and receive that blessing together.

Revelation 1:3  Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.

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

I learned early on in my research that whenever the Apostle John records an image that feels ‘out of this world’ or like a Star Trek special effect, it is likely intended to be symbolic rather than literal. Take a look at this example:

Revelation 9:7  And the shapes of the locusts were like unto horses prepared unto battle; and on their heads were as it were crowns like gold, and their faces were as the faces of men.

While that serves as a clear example of symbolism, I found that when the descriptions in Revelation felt grounded and realistic, they should be interpreted literally. A compelling example of this literal approach is:

Revelation 8:10-11  And the third angel sounded, and there fell a great star from heaven, burning as it were a lamp, and it fell upon the third part of the rivers, and upon the fountains of waters;  (11)  And the name of the star is called Wormwood: and the third part of the waters became wormwood; and many men died of the waters, because they were made bitter.

In literal terms, this star could be a comet or an asteroid. It’s likely that a body like Wormwood will be discovered by NASA in the coming years, potentially leading to the catastrophic water pollution described in the text. Consider how Noah Webster defines the word ‘wormwood’ itself:

WORMWOOD, n. [G.] A plant, the artemisia. It has a bitter nauseous taste;

So we can interpret the verses above literally. A comet will fall to earth and destroy a third part of the rivers and fountains of waters (fresh water) and make the waters bitter and undrinkable. So now we know what to take literally and what to take symbolically.

“It’s time to look at a key piece of the puzzle: the ‘disappearing’ Church in Revelation. If we were meant to be here for the Tribulation, John would have addressed us specifically. But notice the data: the Church is mentioned 18 times in the first three chapters and then—nothing. The word doesn’t appear again until the final chapter of the Bible in verse 22:16. This silence during the Tribulation chapters speaks volumes about our position in Heaven during that time.

Revelation 22:16  I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.

Did you know that Revelation 3:22 and Revelation 4:1 were originally consecutive verses? Before chapters and verses were assigned in 1551, the final word to the churches led directly into the vision of an open door in Heaven and the call to ‘Come up hither.’ It’s a thrilling connection! The moment the focus shifts from the churches on earth to the door in heaven, the Church vanishes from the narrative until the very end of the book. Looking at it this way adds a whole new layer of meaning to the Rapture’s timing, wouldn’t you agree

Revelation 3:22  He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

Revelation 4:1  After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.

In Revelation 4:1, we don’t see Christ descending to earth; rather, we see John ascending to the Lord’s presence. Jesus explains that He is about to show John future events—those which ‘must be hereafter’—indicating that the period of judgment has not yet begun. This sets the stage for the rest of Chapters 4 and 5, which provide a glimpse into the events unfolding in Heaven, such as the gathering mentioned in Revelation 4:4.

Revelation 4:4  And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold.

After salvation, the way we live for Christ leads to the receiving of crowns in Heaven. These rewards serve a higher purpose: we will cast them at the feet of our Savior as we worship Him throughout eternity.

Revelation 4:10-11  The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying,  (11)  Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

The timing fits perfectly: the Church is called upward to Christ (parallel to John’s journey in Revelation 4) before the first seal of judgment is even broken. We find our safety in Jesus, who acts as our Ark of salvation. While the world faces the coming storms of judgment, we will be safely stationed with Him in the Father’s house.

Hebrews 11:7  By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

Noah’s faithfulness led to his safety during the judgment of the entire earth. Just as he transitioned from the ark to a new life on Mount Ararat, we are destined to return with Christ to a transformed earth, joining Him as He reigns in glory from Jerusalem.

The beauty of the Pre-Tribulation viewpoint lies in its imminency. If the Rapture occurred at the midpoint or the end of the Tribulation, we could simply count down the days (such as the 1,260 days mentioned in prophecy) and know exactly when to expect Him. But Scripture tells us that ‘of that day and hour knoweth no man.’ Just as Noah was unaware of the specific start of the flood, we remain in a state of constant readiness. Once the Lord closes the door to safety, the time for preparation is over.

Luke 21:36  Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.

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

The total silence regarding the Church after Revelation 4:1 is one of the strongest evidences for a Pre-Tribulation Rapture. With the Church already in Heaven, God turns His attention back to Israel to complete the final ‘week’ of Daniel’s prophecy. We are currently in a parenthetical ‘pause’ in Israel’s history known as the Church Age, which ends the moment we hear that heavenly call to ‘come up hither’. From that point forward, the narrative focuses on the 70th week of Daniel—the seven-year Tribulation—which begins when the Antichrist makes himself known through a peace treaty with Israel.

Jeremiah 30:3-7  For, lo, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will bring again the captivity of my people Israel and Judah, saith the LORD: and I will cause them to return to the land that I gave to their fathers, and they shall possess it.  (4)  And these are the words that the LORD spake concerning Israel and concerning Judah.  (5)  For thus saith the LORD; We have heard a voice of trembling, of fear, and not of peace.  (6)  Ask ye now, and see whether a man doth travail with child? wherefore do I see every man with his hands on his loins, as a woman in travail, and all faces are turned into paleness?  (7)  Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob’s trouble; but he shall be saved out of it.

While God loves the whole world, He has a special, distinct love for Israel and the Church. Because Israel did not fully embrace their mission to lead others to Him, God extended the offer of salvation to the Gentiles through Jesus Christ. This inaugurated a ‘break’ in Israel’s prophetic timeline, allowing the Church Age to flourish. However, this wasn’t a new idea; even in the Old Testament, Gentiles like Rahab and Ruth found faith and a place in the Messiah’s genealogy, proving that God’s door has always been open to those who seek Him.

With the arrival of Christ, the Age of Law was paused, marking the end of the first 69 weeks of Daniel’s prophecy and the beginning of the Church Age. This divine ‘pause’ concludes with the Rapture, as God turns His attention back to Israel for the final seven years. The start of this Tribulation period is triggered by the Antichrist signing a peace treaty with Israel, though he will ultimately betray them halfway through those seven years.

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.

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

Light in the Last Days – Day 13

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

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

I’ve found our study on the Rapture incredibly encouraging. Looking back to when I first discovered this truth, I saw it as a wonderful expression of God’s grace toward His own. While the unsaved face a future of divine wrath, His children are offered a magnificent hope.

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:

Unbelievers are under the influence of the ‘spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience,’ led by the prince of the power of the air. We see the fruit of this influence across our society today. The fact that Fairfax County, Virginia, recognized Transgender Day on the same day in 2024 we celebrated the Resurrection of Christ highlights the growing depravity of our age. This isn’t just a cultural shift; it is a biblical sign of the end times as outlined in 2 Timothy 3:1-9, calling us to a greater boldness in our faith.

Shifting our focus back to the Rapture itself, we have to address the most debated aspect: its timing. Though many believers who hold to mid- or post-tribulation theories have tried to discredit the pre-Tribulation Rapture, the specific timing revealed in the Word stands firm against those challenges.

Remember, the Old Testament revolves around God’s plan for Israel and the impending judgment, not the Church age. Interestingly, the Church is notably absent from the Book of Revelation from chapter four onwards, immediately following this verse:

Revelation 4:1  After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.

Scripture presents a striking difference between the timing of the Rapture and the events of the Tribulation. While Matthew 25:13
describes an arrival at an unknown time, Revelation 12:6 gives us a precise count of 1,260 days for Israel’s protection in the wilderness. This specificity in Revelation points to a scheduled period of judgment that differs from the imminent call of the Church.

Revelation 12:6  And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days.

The 1,260 days begin when the Antichrist stands in the Temple and declares himself to be God!

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.

This 1,260-day timeframe represents three and a half years—the halfway point of the Tribulation—which aligns perfectly with the prophetic timeline found in the Book of Daniel.

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.

To understand the end times, we must see the Rapture and the Tribulation as separate occurrences. The Lord protects the Church from the Tribulation because that specific time of trial is meant to lead Israel to her Messiah. This period, known as Daniel’s 70th week, returns the focus to Israel after the current ‘pause’ for the Church. Transitioning into the seven most difficult years the world has ever seen offers no hope to those without the Savior; it is a time of judgment, not comfort.

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

How can believers find solace in a future of martyrdom and divine judgment? They can’t—which is why the command in 1 Thessalonians 4:18 to ‘comfort one another’ points to a pre-tribulation rescue. Paul’s teachings in 1 Thessalonians are overwhelmingly positive, with an encouraging word about the Lord’s return woven into every chapter. Don’t just take my word for it; read and study these scriptures to see the magnificent gift God has prepared for you.

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

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!

Light in Darkness

On By KateIn Devotionals, Thoughts and MeditationsLeave a comment

It’s good, to be up-to-date in what’s going on in the world. So we can be wise, we must compare what we read with what God’s Word has to say about the topic. I find that the news media is biased and not from the conservative viewpoint. There are only a couple of news channels that offer news from the conservative viewpoint but the rest are puppets of the world’s viewpoint. As I read, I know what to pray for and how I should be praying. The Holy Spirit has already prepared my heart as I started my day with the Lord!

The liberal media is trying to push a one-world government agenda and the first part of that involves brainwashing the citizens. I am not a conspiracy theorist so please understand that I say these things in light of God’s Word. Oh do we ever see this happening today! The vaccinated blame the unvaccinated, the political left blames the right. The unbelieving world uses the internet like a newspaper, believing everything they read is the truth! I can’t recall a more evil and corrupt world than I see now. I heard a quote recently: “The problem of the heart is the heart of the problem!” This is so true. Although the churches are filled with people, they are not all necessarily born-again Christians – their heart has not been converted.

I was born again on April 1st, 1980. At that time, I could go visit strangers with the Pastor’s wife and talk to them about the Lord. However, today, not only would that be physically dangerous but would be classified as “hate speech”! It could also lead to violence. The Apostles and disciples of Jesus’ day went through this after His resurrection. They were imprisoned, they were brutally killed. I think it is good to share news stories as they relate with the Scriptures and, more specifically, the end times. They help us to see that the Rapture is imminent – it can happen at any moment, maybe even today (so be ready)!

We must remember that the Tribulation period is all about Israel and not abut the Church. It is called the time of Jacob’s troubles, not the “world’s” troubles. The Church did not take the place of Israel! The pause between Daniel’s 69th and 70th week ushered in the Church Age because Israel lost its zeal to convert the unbeliever. After the Church Age is finished (after the Rapture), God will resume His judgment on Israel and Daniel’s 70th week begins (the Tribulation). This same judgment will affect the entire globe, not just Israel. The Church is already with Christ in Heaven and ready for the Marriage Supper. The Church will not receive this judgment. God will spare the Church from going through this judgment for Israel’s spiritual rebellion and we will be kept from that time!

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

As we look at what the world’s condition is in at this time and await the Rapture, we will see both anti-Christian news and anti-Israel news. We are now seeing anti-Semitic people persecuting the Jews worldwide. We are close to entering into an era much like the days of Hitler. Those of us who have been blessed to live in the United States are free to practice our faith at the moment. But as time draws nearer to the end, that wonderful privilege will be taken away.

Technology has advanced so much that we are quickly approaching the day when every human being will be monitored. China is currently doing this and applying citizens’ disobedience to their social credit score. If you don’t follow their rules, you won’t be able to travel or buy certain products! The stage is being set for the final seven years where the Antichrist will do the same thing. (Revelation 13:17)

A look at the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) website reveals Karl Schwab and Yuval Noah Harari’s plans to computerize man’s brain and insert it into a “trans human” robot. Efforts by the WEF are currently underway and are expected to perfect it between 2030-2050. Their efforts for 15-minute cities are also underway. What better way to track everything about an individual than to place him in a city that collects all his data? This 40-minute video is excellent. It is not made by believers so it is not geared for the Church. HOWEVER, it will give you an idea of what the WEF’s intentions are. They are not hiding their agenda:

Now that you have an idea of what the WEF’s plans are, your eyes are opened to the elite’s agenda for the world. This is a perfect segue for the Antichrist to come into power. The groundwork for the verse below will already be laid.

Rev 13:16-17  And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:  (17)  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.

How else can the Antichrist track people except they have some kind of mark? The Bible says that they will be forced to take his mark on their foreheads or right hand. What kind of mark is it? The Bible doesn’t say but it clearly says there will be one. Make no mistake, reader, those who accept this mark will be condemned to Hell and that is not a place you want to go to for all eternity!

As well, the one-world religion will prevent anyone from following any “spiritual” beliefs other than what they will teach. The enforcement of this will be imposed by the one-world government.

Rev 20:4  And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.

The biblical end times reveal that this tracking of information will be alive and well during the Tribulation. One must study the Word of God. Only the light of the Word of God can illuminate the heart and open the eyes of the blind. We must be wise! Ask the Lord to show you what is His will for you.

Pro 2:6  For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.

1 Cor 3:19  For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.

The general rule of thumb for Christians should be: If the world is FOR something, you should question it because the world is evil! Do your research – read your Bible – pray asking for wisdom. God does not forsake His child.

Jas 1:5  If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

End time news can be exciting to the born-again Christian because they know their Blessed Hope can come for him/her any second! But to the one who is not saved, it is a different story: fear sets in their hearts. 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 Darkness

On By KateIn Devotionals, Thoughts and Meditations7 Comments

It’s good, to be up-to-date in what’s going on in the world. So we can be wise, we must compare what we read with what God’s Word has to say about the topic. I find that the news media is biased and not from the conservative viewpoint. There are only a couple of news channels that offer news from the conservative viewpoint but the rest are puppets of the world’s viewpoint. As I read, I know what to pray for and how I should be praying. The Holy Spirit has already prepared my heart as I started my day with the Lord!

The liberal media is trying to push a one-world government agenda and the first part of that involves brainwashing the citizens. I am not a conspiracy theorist so please understand that I say these things in light of God’s Word. Oh do we ever see this happening today! The vaccinated blame the unvaccinated, the political left blames the right. The unbelieving world uses the internet like a newspaper, believing everything they read is the truth! I can’t recall a more evil and corrupt world than I see now. I heard a quote recently: “The problem of the heart is the heart of the problem!” This is so true. Although the churches are filled with people, they are not all necessarily born-again Christians – their heart has not been converted.

I was born again on April 1st, 1980. At that time, I could go visit strangers with the Pastor’s wife and talk to them about the Lord. However, today, not only would that be physically dangerous but would be classified as “hate speech”! It could also lead to violence. The Apostles and disciples of Jesus’ day went through this after His resurrection. They were imprisoned, they were brutally killed. I think it is good to share news stories as they relate with the Scriptures and, more specifically, the end times. They help us to see that the Rapture is imminent – it can happen at any moment, maybe even today (so be ready)!

We must remember that the Tribulation period is all about Israel and not abut the Church. It is called the time of Jacob’s troubles, not the “world’s” troubles. The Church did not take the place of Israel! The pause between Daniel’s 69th and 70th week ushered in the Church Age because Israel lost its zeal to convert the unbeliever. After the Church Age is finished (after the Rapture), God will resume His judgment on Israel and Daniel’s 70th week begins (the Tribulation). This same judgment will affect the entire globe, not just Israel. The Church is already with Christ in Heaven and ready for the Marriage Supper. The Church will not receive this judgment. God will spare the Church from going through this judgment for Israel’s spiritual rebellion and we will be kept from that time!

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

As we look at what the world’s condition is in at this time and await the Rapture, we will see both anti-Christian news and anti-Israel news. We are now seeing anti-Semitic people persecuting the Jews worldwide. We are close to entering into an era much like the days of Hitler. Those of us who have been blessed to live in the United States are free to practice our faith at the moment. But as time draws nearer to the end, that wonderful privilege will be taken away.

Technology has advanced so much that we are quickly approaching the day when every human being will be monitored. China is currently doing this and applying citizens’ disobedience to their social credit score. If you don’t follow their rules, you won’t be able to travel or buy certain products! The stage is being set for the final seven years where the Antichrist will do the same thing. (Revelation 13:17)

A look at the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) website reveals Karl Schwab and Yuval Noah Harari’s plans to computerize man’s brain and insert it into a “trans human” robot. Efforts by the WEF are currently underway and are expected to perfect it between 2030-2050. Their efforts for 15-minute cities are also underway. What better way to track everything about an individual than to place him in a city that collects all his data? This 40-minute video is excellent. It is not made by believers so it is not geared for the Church. HOWEVER, it will give you an idea of what the WEF’s intentions are. They are not hiding their agenda:

Now that you have an idea of what the WEF’s plans are, your eyes are opened to the elite’s agenda for the world. This is a perfect segue for the Antichrist to come into power. The groundwork for the verse below will already be laid.

Rev 13:16-17  And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:  (17)  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.

How else can the Antichrist track people except they have some kind of mark? The Bible says that they will be forced to take his mark on their foreheads or right hand. What kind of mark is it? The Bible doesn’t say but it clearly says there will be one. Make no mistake, reader, those who accept this mark will be condemned to Hell and that is not a place you want to go to for all eternity!

As well, the one-world religion will prevent anyone from following any “spiritual” beliefs other than what they will teach. The enforcement of this will be imposed by the one-world government.

Rev 20:4  And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.

The biblical end times reveal that this tracking of information will be alive and well during the Tribulation. One must study the Word of God. Only the light of the Word of God can illuminate the heart and open the eyes of the blind. We must be wise! Ask the Lord to show you what is His will for you.

Pro 2:6  For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.

1 Cor 3:19  For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.

The general rule of thumb for Christians should be: If the world is FOR something, you should question it because the world is evil! Do your research – read your Bible – pray asking for wisdom. God does not forsake His child.

Jas 1:5  If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

End time news can be exciting to the born-again Christian because they know their Blessed Hope can come for him/her any second! But to the one who is not saved, it is a different story: fear sets in their hearts. 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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Supporting the Pre-Tribulation Rapture

On By KateIn Any Day Now, Devotionals, Thoughts and MeditationsLeave a comment

Today’s picture reminds me of Christ’s coming in the clouds to Rapture His Church! It is such an exciting thought, amen? I meditate on this event every day and long to see Jesus and forever be with Him! Today’s post is a bit long but I promise a blessing (at least it was for me) when you read the part about the Jewish wedding

To truly understand the Pre-Tribulation Rapture viewpoint, one must understand that Christ’s next return occurs in two separate occasions, not just one. One appearance is in the clouds (to take care of His Church) and the second is His return to earth in Israel to take care of His people. The Church and Israel are two separate “people”! This is where other viewpoints get confused. Replacement theology is a belief that the Church replaced Israel when Israel rejected Christ’s first coming. They are not studying the Scriptures like good Bereans to make sure that what they are being taught is in line with the Scriptures. The Bereans studied these things out for themselves: and so much more should we, Christian!

Act 17:10-11  And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Bereans: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews.  (11)  These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

The Apostle Paul teaches us about the “mystery” of the Rapture more than any other. The word mystery is 22 times in the King James Version, and all are in the New Testament. It is first spoken in light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ being opened to the Gentiles (see Romans 11:24-25, 16:25, 1 Cor. 2:7, Eph. 1:9, 3:3-4, 3:9, 5:32, 6:19, Col. 1:26-27, Col. 2:2, 1 Tim. 3:9, 3:16).

We can be just as studious because we have those very Scriptures to study so we can learn about this mystery! What a blessing this is, especially in times like these. The world as we once knew it twenty years ago is now gone. In its place is a more evil world than we have ever seen. We are called to witness to others about the salvation of Christ. While we accomplish His task, we are to encourage one another about this wonderful and blessed topic of the Rapture. The mystery of the Rapture is an encouraging topic for the believers in the Church because it gives us hope – it encourages us – it teaches us that we are going to be cared for just as God took care of Noah and Lot!

1 Co 15:51-54  Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,  (52)  In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.  (53)  For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.  (54)  So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.

What is the Apostle Paul saying here? He’s saying that the dead in Christ will get their new bodies as they are taken up into the air (their spirits went to be with Christ upon the death of their earthly body). Those which are living when the Rapture occurs will receive their immortal body as well. Why is this so important? The body, flesh and blood, dies (corrupts) and cannot go into eternity because the body cannot live forever. However, the new body that we all receive while we go up to meet Jesus will not die or decay but will live forever! Jesus said that He was going to prepare a place for us. Just as we discussed on my last post where Lot was removed from Sodom and Gomorrah before its destruction, and Noah and his family were saved, so will Jesus come for us and physically remove us from this earth before God’s wrath is released on the entire world.

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

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

The “hour of temptation” in Revelation 3:10 means “ hour of trial.” So believers will be kept from that trial which will come upon all the world! Scripture makes it clear there are two separate returns. The first coming of Christ (the Rapture) is clearly not Christ coming to the earth; instead we will meet Him in the air. It is a time that no man knows the day or hour; it will come as a thief in the night. Anyone who has been robbed can tell you that they were not prepared for it. It happened quickly and at a time that was unknown to them.

1Th 4:16-18  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 5:2  For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.

Proponents of the post-Trib Rapture state that this “thief in the night” is at the end of the Tribulation. But how can that be when there is a definite about of days that the seven-year Tribulation contains?

This “day of the Lord” occurs in the air – in the clouds, not here on the earth. This is when He comes to get His Bride (the Church comprised of born-again believers) to take her to His Father’s house. When does it happen? It happens like a thief in the night. The Second Coming of the Lord, however, is when He comes here to the earth, in Israel, and His bride will be with Him. (see Revelation 19:14) Therefore, we have to already be in Heaven before this happens. Only the Bride (the Church) is clothed in fine linen, white and clean because we are made clean by the Blood of the Lamb! When Christ comes to earth to wrap up the Tribulation period, He returns with us! On top of that, it is seen by all! It is not a mystery or a secret as the Rapture is.

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

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

Only Christ’s blood can make us clean from sin, amen? (1 John 1:7) The angels cannot be the ones comprising Christ’s army because they are not washed clean by the blood of Jesus. The Word doesn’t say that they will be with Christ and His Bride, but angels certainly are not made clean by the Blood of the Lamb. Revelation 19:8 says that it is the righteousness of the saints – the Church is made righteous by Jesus Christ, and Him only. Do you see why you have to read your Bible so you can be encouraged by the Scriptures??? Therefore, the army here is the Bride of Christ. Those who claim this do not compare scripture with scripture and make sure there are no contradictions in their viewpoint.

Friend and reader, how can we be raptured at the end of the Tribulation, prepare ourselves, attend the marriage supper of the Lamb, then return to earth to fight with Christ? This makes no sense when viewing the Rapture occurring at the end of the Tribulation. Let’s look at the Jewish wedding in biblical times. The sequence of the wedding will give you an idea of the comparison with the Rapture and when it occurs.

There are seven phases from the betrothal to the actual marriage consummation!!! Doesn’t this bless you? As you know, the number seven symbolizes perfection. What a blessing! The phases are:

  1. The father of the groom made the arrangements for the marriage and paid a price for the bride. The Father sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to earth to pay for the bride with His blood. (1Co 6:20)  For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s. (1Co 7:23)  Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.
  2. The bridegroom goes back home to prepare a place for his bride. (Joh 14:2)  In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. (Joh 14:3)  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
  3. The father of the groom determined the timing of when the bridegroom would return to get his bride. The bridegroom did not know the exact time. (Mat 24:36)  But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. (Mar 13:32)  But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.
  4. The bride is consecrated and set apart. 1 Pet 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
  5. Once the father of the groom gave the go ahead, the bridegroom would go to where the bride was. The groom returns with a shout. (1 Th 4:16)  For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout. He then takes his bride to his home. (1 Th 4:15-17)  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.
  6. The bride and groom go to the wedding chamber. The bride and groom stay in their chamber for seven days. Isaiah 26:20 Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast.” Praise the Lord! Scripture tells us that a prophetic day can equal a year. (see Num. 14:34) The seven days the Jewish bride and groom spend in the wedding chamber appear to equate to seven years of Tribulation. Dan 9:27 Then he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week; But in the middle of the week He shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering. The antichrist breaks his covenant with Israel in the middle of the seven-year Tribulation.
  7. After seven days/years, the marriage feast occurs. Jesus returns to earth on a white horse with His Bride to have victory over the earth. Rev 19:11-14  And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.  (12)  His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.  (13)  And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.  (14)  And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.
  8. Lastly, after the Battle of Armageddon, Jesus reigns in Jerusalem for 1,000 years, known as the Feast of Tabernacles, where He “tabernacles” with man during the Millennial Kingdom!

Now that you have read about the Jewish wedding, do you not see that the Rapture cannot occur at the end, or even in the middle? The Groom and the Bride go into their wedding chamber for seven days/years (during the seven year Tribulation)!

You can now see that the Rapture and the Tribulation are two separate events; make no mistake about it. No hope or consolation can be given to people who are about to go through the worse time in history!

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

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