Tag: Matthew 24:36-42

Light in the Last Days – Day 21

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Luke 17:26-29  And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man.  (27)  They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all.  (28)  Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded;  (29)  But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all.

Have you secured your place on the ‘Rapture train’ yet? The next great milestone for every believer is the Rapture, and we should anticipate it with the same joyful excitement a bride feels for her wedding day—the moment she is finally united with her husband forever!

I am so excited for the reunion that awaits us! As you reflect on these verses, consider why Jesus chose Noah and Lot to illustrate His return. He was showing us that just as judgment once covered the entire earth and leveled cities, a final judgment is coming that will affect every corner of the globe. It’s a sobering ‘what’ and ‘where,’ but for those of us who have been born again, we have a different promise to hold onto!

While many discuss whether the Rapture is pre, mid, or post-tribulational, the examples Jesus gave us in Luke 17 provide a clear answer. Both Noah and Lot were safely ushered out of the way before destruction arrived. This ‘removal of the righteous’ is the key detail that later-rapture theories often miss. By saying ‘Just as it was in the days of Noah,’ Jesus was emphasizing a divine principle of protection. Just as the door of the Ark was shut and Lot was pulled out of Sodom, the Church will be rescued before the final judgments of the earth begin.

Did you know the Ark is a picture of Jesus? The connections are incredible: a wooden Ark for a wooden Cross. The pitch that sealed Noah inside is a beautiful symbol of Jesus’ blood, which seals us and shields us from the coming Tribulation. Noah didn’t invent a way to save himself; he simply followed the ‘Instruction Book’ God provided. Just like that ancient vessel, there is only one way to escape the coming judgment. There was only one door on the Ark, and today, Jesus is that Door. Only those inside His grace will be safe when the storm hits!

The fact that ‘the Lord shut him in’ (Genesis 7:16) is a crucial detail. It mirrors the sobering moment in Matthew 25 when the foolish virgins returned to find the wedding door already closed. In both accounts, the door isn’t closed by man, but by God Himself. For Noah, the shut door meant safety from judgment upon the world; for the wise virgins, it meant safety within the feast. In both cases, the shut door represents the end of an era of mercy and the beginning of the day of account.

John 14:6  Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

John 10:7 Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.

John 10:9  I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.

It is a striking detail that God, not Noah, shut the door of the Ark. Noah had to live by faith regarding the timing of the flood until the day he finally entered the vessel. After God closed that door, it was too late for any others to seek refuge; however, for those inside, it meant total safety. They were delivered from the judgment of death by the very protection God had provided.

Genesis 7:16  And they that went in, went in male and female of all flesh, as God had commanded him: and the LORD shut him in.

The Rapture is our great escape into Christ’s protection, ensuring we do not experience the horrific judgments destined for this world. Just as the closing of the Ark’s door signaled the start of Noah’s safety and the world’s destruction, the shut door of Heaven after the Rapture marks the finality of our rescue. We will be ‘shut in’ with Him, far above the reach of the coming Great Tribulation.

Revelation 3:7-8  And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;  ( 8 )  I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.

Now, let’s examine Jesus’ account of Lot. The same principle applies to the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. While this wasn’t a global catastrophe like Noah’s flood, the pattern remains identical: God refused to destroy those cities until Lot and his family were safely removed. The situation was so urgent that the angels literally had to grab Lot, his wife, and his daughters by the hands to pull them out (Genesis 19:16)! They were not left behind to face the fire. These two accounts share two vital points: their old dwelling place was destroyed, but the righteous were saved beforehand. Just as Lot was unaware of the timing until the angels appeared, we must remember Jesus’ warning that no man knows the day or hour of His return.

If the Rapture were to occur at the midpoint or the end of the Tribulation, the timing would be easy to calculate. Scripture provides a specific timeline of seven years, noting that the Antichrist will break his covenant with Israel exactly halfway through—after 1,260 days. In those scenarios, the ‘day and hour’ would be predictable. However, the Pre-tribulation view aligns with the biblical truth that we cannot know the exact timing; because it can happen at any moment, we are called to live in constant readiness.

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 distinction between the Rapture and the Tribulation is clear: one is a rescue, and the other is a judgment. There is no encouragement to be found in the prospect of the Tribulation, but for the Christian, there is an abundance of hope! We can look forward to our reunion with Christ with excitement rather than fear. To my friend reading this who doesn’t yet know the Lord—don’t view this as a coincidence. God has placed you here at this exact moment to offer you His gift of grace before the door is shut. 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 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 4

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

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18  But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.  (14)  For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.  (15)  For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.  (16)  For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:  (17)  Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.  (18)  Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

After reading today’s verses, is the spirit within you excited! Anyone born-again Christian having an ounce of Bible prophecy knowledge knows they will not be here when the Tribulation begins! We see that the Tribulation period begins with the Antichrist signing a covenant with Israel. (Daniel 9:27) Some say this covenant is a peace treaty while others say it is a covenant to rebuild the temple. Regardless of its specific nature, the significance of this event cannot be overstated. It marks the beginning of a time filled with turmoil and suffering never seen before for those who will be present on Earth. But the fact of the matter is that if the Church is to live through the Tribulation, it would mean that it would have to endure through the most horrible and difficult time to come upon the whole earth. This thought can be horrifying, as the events described in the scriptures unfold – wars, famines, and natural disasters, all combined with spiritual deception that will sweep over humanity. When I first heard of the Tribulation, it frightened me in a way I had never been frightened before, and there was an overwhelming sense of urgency to deepen my understanding of these prophecies and prepare my heart for what is to come. Those who become born again after the Rapture will have to engage with Scripture during this tumultuous time.

Notice how verse 18 says to comfort one another with these words? Come on, Paul! How can one be comforted when there’s about to be seven years of horrible events coming to the earth? How can we be comforted when in fact, one fourth of the earth’s population will die at the beginning of the Tribulation during the fourth and fifth seals in Revelation 6? Christians will be martyred during these times as we see in Revelation 6:9-11. In fact, so much so, that we see in Revelation 11:7 and Revelation 13:7 that the Antichrist will overcome the Tribulation saints! This cannot be a reference to the Church because Jesus said that the gates of hell would not prevail against the Church. That means that Satan would not be able to overcome the Church. Therefore, it explains why we don’t see the church after chapter 3 of Revelation. Besides, what comfort is there if the Church is to go through the wrath of God??? So why is Paul telling us to comfort one another? To what is this comfort referring to? The topic of these verses is the coming of the Lord. This is not referring to His coming to earth: Christ’s return to earth will be at the end of the Tribulation. This coming of the Lord refers to Christ meeting born-again believers in the air. It can be viewed that His Second Coming is in two parts: one in the air to meet the Church at the Rapture, and then the second part is when Christ actually steps foot on the earth with His church!

1 Thessalonians 4:17  Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

So let’s think about this for a moment: if we are to go through the Tribulation, as proponents of Mid-Tribulation and Post-Tribulation Rapture believe, what comfort is there in that? How can we comfort one another as Paul tells us to do in 1 Thessalonians 4:18? I certainly would not be comforted knowing that with each judgment in the seals, trumpets and bowls as written in the Book of Revelation were ahead of me. There’s no comfort or solace in that – there is only fear and apprehension! Where is your next meal coming from because you didn’t take the mark of the beast? Where can you hide without being caught? Where do you sleep? All this apprehension lies within the hearts of Tribulation saints. The Church is Christ’s Bride, reader! What groom would subject his wife to go through such torment? NONE! Our Groom is awaiting to be told by His Father to go get His Bride, the Church! Jesus spoke of this in the verses below! Why would Jesus prepare a house for His Bride and then she wouldn’t go there to be with Him? The post-Tribulation viewpoint doesn’t take that into consideration. They claim that the Millennial Kingdom is the Father’s house with many rooms. But that is not scriptural. Jesus doesn’t enter the Millennium until after the Tribulation. It’s common sense!

John 14:2-3  In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?  (3)  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.

Jesus left earth to go prepare a place for the Church. So this place cannot be the Millennial Kingdom as that doesn’t come until after the Tribulation period. Jesus, on the other hand, went to Heaven to go prepare a place there so the Bride can be safe with Him during the Tribulation period. Just as Noah and his family were safe within the ark while the earth was destroyed, so will the Bridge be with her Groom in Heaven while the Tribulation period occurs. We can only comfort ourselves IF we believe that we will be kept from those coming judgments! The snatching of the church and taking her to the clouds to meet Christ “in the air” is going to be an event like no other. If you’re a Bible reader, you’ll remember that Enoch and Elijah never died. They were taken up by God. So this is no new occurrence.

Genesis 5:24  And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.

2 Kings 2:1  And it came to pass, when the LORD would take up Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal.

Jesus spoke of this in:

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

Many Bible scholars claim that the Book of Matthew was written to the Jews and for the Jews. They also claim that it is not meant for the Church. However, the books of the New Testament were written by Jews, for Jews, and about a Jewish Messiah. To say that the Book of Matthew is not for the Church is ludicrous. 2 Timothy 3:16 tells us that all Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine! The entire Old Testament deals with Jews, Jewish history and Jewish prophecy. So does the Church discard those books as well? Every Scripture is meant for every person. Granted, the Gentile Christian does not participate in Jewish festivals and celebrations out of requirement. If the Gentile Christians wishes to partake for the purpose of seeing the Lord revealed through them, then go for it. OK, so back on point.

Paul was taken to the third heaven in 2 Corinthians 12:2. Also we see Philip, in Acts 8:39, removed from speaking with the Ethiopian eunuch and was gone, vanishing in a miraculous manner. Both were taken or caught away, illustrating a “Rapture” that is both mysterious and awe-inspiring, and both Greek terms used in the original texts were “harpazo,” signifying a sudden seizing or snatching away! This is where the word Rapture comes from and evokes hope and anticipation among believers. Friend, God is able and He will protect His church from the coming wrath on the children of disobedience, a promise that reassures the faithful amidst uncertain times like today. This term is used three times in the New Testament, and all refer to God’s wrath! (Ephesians 2:2, 5:6; and Colossians 3:6)! It serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of rebellion against His will. The assurance of protection and the hope for redemption are central themes in the message of the Gospel, calling each of us to remain steadfast in faith and vigilant in prayer as we see end-time prophecies unfold.

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!

As In The Days of Noah

On By KateIn Devotionals, Thoughts and MeditationsLeave a comment

Luk 17:26-29  And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man.  (27)  They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all.  (28)  Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded;  (29)  But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all.

Have you received your ticket to climb upon the Rapture train yet? The next event for Christians is the Rapture of the Church, the Bride of Christ. We should look forward to it as a bride looks forward to her wedding day when she will be joined with her husband forever!

Let’s look on to this glorious reunion about to take place at any moment! Please take a moment to re-read the above Scriptures. While you are reading this passage, ask yourself the “who, what, where and when.” One must wonder why Jesus spoke of the end times (the when) and pointing to Noah and Lot (the who). As we see in today’s Scriptures, the entire earth (the where) was judged and destroyed during Noah’s time. As well, two entire cities were judged and destroyed in Lot’s time. Friend, the entire earth will be affected in the end times by these judgments (the what). But to the born-again Christian, it is a different story! 

The difference in views amongst believers today revolve around the timing of the end-time events and when Rapture will actually occur: before, mid or post Tribulation. Those who support the mid and post Tribulation viewpoints miss a very important point. We see this point quite clearly in the two events that Jesus described.

The two things that Noah and Lot had in common were the removal of the righteous and then the unbelievers were judged after. In both cases, God removed the righteous before the destruction. So you must ask yourself, why did Jesus use these two events in history to prophecy an upcoming judgment? Jesus said, “Just as it was in the days of Noah.” He didn’t allude to the fact that the destruction of the earth would occur in a similar way. But He did make it clear that life would be “Just as it was in the days of Noah”!

On a side note: did you know that the ark is also a representation of the Lord Jesus? So what does it have to do with the end times? Let’s first review the significance of the ark. Just as the ark was built of wood, the cross that Christ hung on was made of wood. The pitch inside the ark sealed the wood to protect the eight (Noah and his family) inside from the flood waters of God’s wrath upon the world. Jesus’ blood is the equivalent to the pitch that seals those who come to salvation, His blood also protects us from God’s wrath to come upon the whole world. Noah could not save himself and his family. Only a provision from God (the ark) could save them. God gave Noah instructions on how to build that ark and Noah followed those instructions to a “T”!

Jesus gave us His Word as our instruction Book. It is clear in the Word that we cannot save ourselves. Only the blood of Jesus can save us. There was only one door to the ark: only one way into that ark. Jesus is the door to Heaven and there is just ONE way to Heaven, and that is through Jesus.

(Joh 14:6)  Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

(Joh 10:7)  Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.

(Joh 10:9)  I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.

Although Noah built the ark, God was the one who shut the door! Until the day came when Noah entered the ark, he did not know when God was going to send the rains that He promised would come. After that door was closed by God’s hand, no one else could enter, and Noah and his family were safe in God’s provided protection. They would not experience the judgment of death when the flood waters came.

Gen 7:16  And they that went in, went in male and female of all flesh, as God had commanded him: and the LORD shut him in.

After Jesus raptures the Church, the Church is safe in Christ’s protection and won’t experience death from the worse judgment ever to come on all the earth. Just as God shut the door of the Ark to keep Noah and his family safe, so will the door to Heaven be shut after the Rapture.

Rev 3:7-8  And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;  (8)  I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.

So now let’s look at Jesus’ account of Lot. Basically, the same thing applies to the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. Although it is not the destruction of the entire earth as in Noah’s day, God was not going to destroy these two cities until Lot and his family were removed from the city. Then, and only then, would the entire destruction of both cities occur. The angels literally had to grab Lot, his wife and daughters, by their hands to pull them out! (Genesis 19:16) They were not left behind when the cities were destroyed. There are two points to both accounts:

(1) Their dwelling place was destroyed, and

(2) The righteous were saved from the destruction. Lot had no idea that the two cities would be destroyed. He found out when the angels came to him. Jesus said that no man knows the day or hour of His return for us.

If the Rapture happens in the middle or at the end of the Tribulation, Christians would know because God gives us an exact number of years/days in the Scriptures that tell us the Tribulation will last seven years. Then the Antichrist will break his covenant with the Jews mid way (1260 days = three and a half years). But with a Pre-tribulation viewpoint of the Rapture, we don’t know the day or the hour because it could happen at any time.

Mat 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 Rapture and the Tribulation are two separate events. No hope or encouragement can be given to people who are about to go through the worse time in history! The judgments of the Tribulation are strictly for the enemies of Christ.

Nah 1:2  God is jealous, and the LORD revengeth; the LORD revengeth, and is furious; the LORD will take vengeance on his adversaries, and he reserveth wrath for his enemies.

Granted, there will be those who get saved during the Tribulation. God’s mercy still exists and He provides the Two Witnesses (Rev. 11:3), the 144,000 Jews (Rev. 7:5-8), and finally the angel that goes about the earth with the Gospel (Rev. 14:6). Even through the most horrific time ever, God’s provides mercy!

But the Scriptures say that born-again Christians have hope and that we should encourage each other until Christ comes for us. Knowing that I won’t have to go through the Tribulation excites 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!

The Door is Opened!

On By KateIn Any Day Now, DevotionalsLeave a comment

Rev 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.

The Book of Revelation used to be a difficult book for me. But as I read, studied and researched it, it was no longer difficult. The Lord promised a blessing to those who read, hear and keep the words written in it. It is the only book of the Bible that promises a blessing if you read it! Therefore, let’s dive in this morning and get blessed! 

Rev 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.

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

In my research many years ago, I learned that whatever image the Apostle John saw, if it seemed like it was something out of Star Trek and not believable, it should be interpreted symbolically. A good example of this is:

Rev 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.

This is definitely a good example, isn’t it? But when other verses seemed to be realistic, I should interpret it as literal. A good example of this is:

Rev 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.

The star could mean a comet or an asteroid. It is likely that Wormwood will be discovered by NASA at some point in the near future. Or it could be the result of a comet or asteroid’s impact of polluting water at its impact. Either way, the name “Wormwood” was assigned to it. I find it interesting that there is a purpose for every word in Scripture. The word wormwood is defined by Noah Webster as:

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

So we can interpret the verses above literally. An object will fall to earth from the heavens 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.

Let’s get back on track now and discuss the Pre-Tribulation Rapture as it relates to Revelation. If we are to believe the mid or post tribulation viewpoint, then the Church would have a lot of warning. There would be instructions to the Church outlining what to preach/teach during the seven-year Tribulation period. The Apostle John would have instructions for the Church specifically. How then does one explain that the church is never mentioned between chapter three and 22??? This is key here! The word “church” is mentioned seven times in chapter two and the word “churches” is mentioned 11 times in chapters one through three. That’s a total of 18 times that “church(es)” appears in just three chapters! The word “church or churches” is not mentioned again until the last chapter, Chapter 22, in verse 16!

Rev 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.

It is also interesting to note that in Revelation 3:22 (the last verse in this chapter) is the last use of the word churches. Immediately after in Revelation 4:1, “a door is opened in heaven” and Jesus says “Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.” When the Bible was first written, there were no chapters and verses. The assigning of chapters and verses was finished in the year 1551. How exciting is that? Revelation 3:22 and Revelation 4:1 were originally one verse apart. One is referring to the churches and the very next verse speaks of a door opening. Following Rev. 4:1, there is no other mention of the church. It means a lot more when you look at it like that, doesn’t it?

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

Rev 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.

Jesus is not coming to earth in Rev. 4:1. However, John is taken up to where Jesus is located. Secondly, Jesus says He will show John what must be hereafter. None of the judgments have begun yet. The rest of chapter 4 and chapter 5 discuss Heaven and events going on there. One of these events is chapter 4:4.

Rev 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.

Believers earn crowns for their works for the Lord after their salvation and the way they conduct themselves on earth. They receive these crowns in Heaven and cast them at Christ’s feet.

Rev 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 phrase “four and twenty” appears seven times in the Book of Revelation. (Revelation 4:4 twice, Revelation 4:10, Revelation 5:8, Revelation 5:14, Revelation 11:16, and Revelation 19:4) The 24 elders are clothed in white raiment wearing crowns of gold in Revelation 4:4 and they cast their crowns at Jesus’ feet in Revelation 4:10.

So the Pre-Tribulation viewpoint fits in perfectly: the Church goes up to where Jesus is (as the Apostle John goes to Jesus) and the judgments begin after the Church goes up.

Just as Noah was protected in the ark, the Lord Jesus is our Ark and He protects His Bride, the Church, by taking her to Heaven to be with Him in His Father’s house. (John 14:1-3) We are safe with Him in Heaven; safe from judgment that is to come upon the whole earth. (Revelation 3:10)

Heb 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.

Just as Noah lived by faith and remained faithful while building the ark, he was protected from the judgment of the flood which would come to the entire earth. Noah and his family were lifted high above the earth in the ark and were safe inside it. Just as Noah returned from the waters onto the mountains of Ararat and a new earth was his home, so will we return with Christ to live on a revitalized earth and Christ will reign in Jerusalem.

No man knows the hour that Jesus will take us up in the Rapture; but we can know the season of His return to rapture His Bride. Just as Noah didn’t know when the rains would come, neither will we know when Jesus will take us away. This is the ONLY version of the Rapture that makes sense. The mid-tribulation viewpoint has its exact days (1260) and the post-tribulation as well (2520). But Pre-Tribulation is imminent and can happen at any time. Once God shuts the door (of our Ark), that’s it! He shuts that same door and no one else can enter. (Matthew 25:10, Revelation 3:8)

Luk 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.

Mat 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.

It is worth repeating: after Revelation 4:1, the church is no longer mentioned (until Rev. 22:16). That is because we have been raptured and are already with Christ. At the beginning of the Tribulation (which occurs when the Antichrist comes to power), God’s focus goes back to Israel’s judgment. After Revelation 4:1, the Old Testament’s prophecies about the time of Jacob’s Troubles come into play. “Come up hither,” is a beautiful depiction of the rapture of the Church. It is prefaced by the wonderful teaching of the Church age in chapters two and three. After the shout to “come up hither,” the Church is not mentioned during the judgments. After so many uses of the word, if the Church were to go through the Tribulation, it would be mentioned. But the focus from that point on is now on Israel. As Daniel prophesied in chapter 9 about the 70 weeks, we see that sixty-nine weeks passed before Christ’s ascension. After that point, the church age began, and there was a pause on the focus around Israel. The focus was then placed on the church. This focus ends with the Rapture of the church. Once the antichrist makes himself known (Daniel 9:27) by signing a peace treaty with Israel, Daniel’s 70th week begins (seven years) the Tribulation. Jeremiah calls it “the time of Jacob’s trouble.”

Jer 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.

Believers need to realize that there are two groups of people that God especially loves! He loves the whole world but the faithful are close to His heart; He loves Israel and God loves born-again Christians, the Church. God dealt with Israel throughout the Old Testament. Because they would not obey nor would they lead others to Him, God opened the door to all mankind to accept salvation. God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to save us all from our sins; this includes non-Jews, the Gentiles. It’s as though God in His mercy took a “break” from dealing with Israel, to open the door to the Gentile, and put Israel’s judgment on hold. This is not to say that Gentiles didn’t come to faith in the Old Testament. They most certainly did! Examples are Rahab and Ruth. Both were in Christ’s lineage!! However, it was the Jews’ responsibility to share their faith but they kept God to themselves.

The Church Age began with Christ and the Age of Law was put on pause (this ended Daniel’s 69th week). The Rapture of the church takes us out of the picture and God returns His focus to Israel. The Tribulation will begin when the Antichrist makes a pact with Israel. Half-way through the seven years, he will break that pact.

Dan 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!

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Any Day Now – Day 21

On By KateIn Any Day Now, DevotionalsLeave a comment

Luk 17:26-29  And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man.  (27)  They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all.  (28)  Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded;  (29)  But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all.

Have you received your ticket to climb upon the Rapture train yet? The next event for Christians is the Rapture and we should look forward to it as a bride looks forward to her wedding day where she will be joined with her husband forever!

Let’s get on with this glorious reunion about to take place at any moment! Please take a moment to re-read the above Scriptures. While you are reading this passage, ask yourself the “who, what, where and when.” One must wonder why Jesus spoke of the end times (the when) and pointing to Noah and Lot (the who). As we see in today’s Scriptures, the entire earth (the where) was judged and destroyed during Noah’s time and two entire cities were judged and destroyed in Lot’s time. Friend, the entire earth will be affected in the end times by these judgments (the what). But to the born-again Christian, it is a different story! 🙌🙌🙌

The different views amongst believers today revolve around the timing of the end-time events and when Rapture will occur: before, mid or after the Tribulation. Those who support the mid and post viewpoints miss a very important point. We see this point quite clearly in the two events that Jesus described.

The two things that Noah and Lot had in common were the removal of the righteous and then the unbelievers’ judgment follows. In both cases, God removed the righteous before the destruction. So you must ask yourself, why did Jesus use these two events in history to prophecy an upcoming judgment? Jesus said, “Just as it was in the days of Noah.” He didn’t allude to the fact that the destruction of the earth would occur in a similar way. But He did make it clear that it would be “Just as it was in the days of Noah”!

On a side note: did you know that the ark is also a representation of the Lord Jesus? So what does it have to do with the end times? Let’s first review the significance of the ark. Just as the ark was built of wood, the cross that Christ hung on was made of wood. The pitch inside the ark sealed the wood to protect the eight (Noah and his family) inside from the flood waters of God’s wrath on the world. Jesus’ blood is the equivalent to the pitch that seals those who come to salvation and also protects us from God’s wrath to come on the whole world. Noah could not save himself and his family. Only a provision from God (the ark) could save them. God gave Noah instructions on how to build that ark and Noah followed those instructions to a “T”! Jesus gave us His Word as our instruction Book. It is clear in the Word that we cannot save ourselves. Only the blood of Jesus can save us. There was only one door to the ark: only one way into the ark. Jesus is the door to Heaven and there is just ONE way to Heaven, and that is through Jesus.

(Joh 14:6)  Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

(Joh 10:7)  Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.

(Joh 10:9)  I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.

Although Noah built the ark, God was the one who shut the door! Until the day came when Noah entered the ark, he did not know when God was going to send the rains that He promised would come. After that door was closed by God’s hand, no one else could enter, and Noah and his family were safe in God’s provided protection. They would not experience the judgment of death when the flood waters came.

Gen 7:16  And they that went in, went in male and female of all flesh, as God had commanded him: and the LORD shut him in.

After Jesus raptures the Church, the Church is safe in Christ’s protection and won’t experience death from the worse judgment ever to come on all the earth. Just as God shut the door of the Ark to keep Noah and his family safe, so will the door to Heaven be shut after the Rapture.

Rev 3:7-8  And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;  (8)  I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.

So now let’s look at Jesus’ account of Lot. Basically, the same thing applies to the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. Although it is not the destruction of the entire earth as in Noah’s day, God was not going to destroy these two cities until Lot and his family were removed from the city and then the entire destruction of both cities occurred. The angels literally had to grab Lot, his wife and daughters, by their hands to pull them out! (Genesis 19:16) They were not left behind when the cities were destroyed. There are two points to both accounts: (1) their dwelling place was destroyed, and (2) the righteous were saved from the destruction. Lot had no idea that the two cities would be destroyed. He found out when the angels came to him. Jesus said that no man knows the day or hour of His return for us.

If the Rapture happens in the middle of or at the end of the Tribulation, Christians would know because God gives us an exact number of years in the Scriptures that the Tribulation will last and that is seven years. Then the Antichrist will break his covenant with the Jews mid way (1260 days = three and a half years). But with a Pre-tribulation viewpoint of the Rapture, we don’t know the day or the hour because it could happen at any time.

Mat 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 Rapture and the Tribulation are two separate events. No hope or encouragement can be given to people who are about to go through the worse time in history! But the Scriptures say that born-again Christians have hope and that we should encourage each other until Christ comes for us. Knowing that I won’t have to go through the Tribulation excites 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!

Any Day Now – Day 16

On By KateIn Any Day Now, DevotionalsLeave a comment

Rev 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.

Good morning! Today’s post is a bit long and I pray that you will bear with me and read/study it in its entirety. The Book of Revelation used to be a difficult book for me. But as I read and studied it, I learned to interpret it correctly. The Lord promised a blessing to those who read, hear and keep the words written in it. It is the only book of the Bible that promises a blessing if you read it! Therefore, let’s dive in this morning and get blessed! 

Rev 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.

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

Many years ago in my research, I learned that whatever image the Apostle John saw, if it seemed like it was something out of Star Trek and not believable, it should be interpreted symbolically. A good example of this is:

Rev 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.

This is definitely a good example, isn’t it? But when other verses seemed to be realistic to me, I should interpret it as literal. A good example of this is:

Rev 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.

The star could mean a comet or an asteroid. It is likely that Wormwood will be discovered by NASA at some point in the near future. Or it could be the result of a comet or asteroid’s impact of polluting water at its impact. The word wormwood is defined by Noah Webster as:

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.

Let’s get back on track now and discuss the Pre-Tribulation Rapture as it relates to Revelation. If we are to believe the mid or post tribulation viewpoint, then the Church would have a lot of warning and instruction. The Apostle John would have instructions for the Church specifically. How then does one explain that the church is never mentioned after chapter three??? This is key here! The word “church” is mentioned seven times in chapter two and the word “churches” is mentioned 11 times in chapters one through three. That’s a total of 18 times that “church(es)” appears in just three chapters! The word “church or churches” is not mentioned again until the last chapter, Chapter 22, in verse 16!

Rev 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.

It is also interesting to note that in Revelation 3:22 (the last verse in this chapter) is the last use of the word churches. Immediately after in Revelation 4:1, “a door is opened in heaven” and Jesus says “Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.” When the Bible was first written, there were no chapters and verses. The assigning of chapters and verses was finished in the year 1551. How exciting is that? Revelation 3:22 and Revelation 4:1 were originally one verse apart. One is referring to the churches and the very next verse speaks of a door opening. Following Rev. 4:1, there is no other mention of the church. It means a lot more when you look at it like that, doesn’t it?

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

Rev 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.

Jesus is not coming to earth in Rev. 4:1. However, John is brought up to where Jesus is located. Secondly, Jesus says He will show John what must be hereafter. None of the judgments have begun yet at this point. The rest of chapter 4 and chapter 5 discuss Heaven and events going on there. One of these events is chapter 4:4.

Rev 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.

Believers earn crowns for their works for the Lord after their salvation and the way they conduct themselves on earth. They receive these crowns in Heaven and cast them at Christ’s feet.

Rev 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.

So the Pre-Tribulation viewpoint fits in perfectly: the Church goes up to where Jesus is (as the Apostle John goes to Jesus) and the judgments begin after the Church goes up.

Just as Noah was kept by the ark, the Lord Jesus is our Ark. We are safe with Him in Heaven; safe from judgment that is to come upon the whole earth.

Heb 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.

Just as Noah lived by faith and remained faithful while building the ark, he was protected from the judgment of the flood which would come to the entire earth. Just as Noah returned from the waters onto the mountains of Ararat and a new earth was his home, so will we return with Christ to live on a revitalized earth and Christ will reign in Jerusalem.

No man knows the hour that Jesus will take us up in the Rapture; but we can know the season of His return for us. Just as Noah didn’t know when the rains would come, neither will we know when Jesus will take us away. This is the ONLY version of the Rapture that makes sense. The mid-tribulation viewpoint has its exact days (1260) and the post-tribulation as well. But Pre-Tribulation is imminent and can happen at any time. Once God shuts the door (of our Ark), that’s it!

Luk 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.

Mat 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.

It is worth repeating: after Revelation 4:1, the church is no longer mentioned (until Rev. 22:16). That is because we have been raptured and are already with Christ. At the beginning of the Tribulation (which occurs when the Antichrist comes to power), God’s focus goes back to Israel’s judgment. After Revelation 4:1, the Old Testament’s prophecies about the time of Jacob’s Troubles come into play. “Come up hither,” is a beautiful depiction of the rapture of the Church. It is prefaced by the wonderful teaching of the Church age in chapters one through three. After the shout to “come up hither,” the Church is not mentioned during the judgments. If the Church were to go through the Tribulation, it would be mentioned. But the focus from that point on is now on Israel. As Daniel prophesied in chapter 9 about the 70 weeks, we see that sixty-nine weeks passed before Christ’s ascension. After that point, the church age began, and there was a pause placed on the focus around Israel. The focus was then placed on the church. This focus ends with the Rapture of the church. Once the antichrist makes himself known (Daniel 9:27) by signing a peace treaty with Israel, Daniel’s 70th week begins (seven years) the Tribulation. Jeremiah calls it “the time of Jacob’s trouble.”

Jer 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.

Believers need to realize that there are two groups of people that God especially loves! He loves the whole world but the faithful are close to His heart; He loves Israel and God loves Christians. God dealt with Israel throughout the Old Testament. Because they would not obey nor would they lead others to Him, God opened the door to all mankind to accept salvation. God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to save us all from our sins; this includes non-Jews, the Gentiles. It’s as though God in His mercy took a “break” from dealing with Israel, to open the door to the Gentile, and put Israel’s judgment on hold. This is not to say that Gentiles didn’t come to faith in the Old Testament. They most certainly did! Examples are Rahab and Ruth. Both were in Christ’s lineage!! However, it was their responsibility to share their faith but they kept God to themselves.

The Church Age began with Christ and the Age of Law was put on pause (this ended Daniel’s 69th week). The Rapture of the church takes us out of the picture and God returns His focus to Israel. The Tribulation will begin when the Antichrist makes a pact with Israel. Half-way through the seven years, he will break that pact.

Dan 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!

Any Day Now – Day 4

On By KateIn Any Day Now, DevotionalsLeave a comment

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18  But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.  (14)  For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.  (15)  For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.  (16)  For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:  (17)  Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.  (18)  Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

Today’s verses are very exciting! Anyone having an ounce of Bible prophecy knowledge knows they will not be here when the Tribulation begins! We will see later on in this series that the Tribulation period begins with the Antichrist signing a peace treaty with Israel. (Daniel 9:27) If the Church is to live through the Tribulation, it would mean that it would have to suffer through the most horrible and difficult time to come upon the whole earth. When I first heard of the Tribulation, it frightened me in a way I had never been frightened before. So grab your favor beverage, make yourself comfortable and let’s discuss these things! 😃

Notice how verse 18 says to comfort one another with these words? Come on, Paul! How can one be comforted when there’s about to be seven years of horrible events coming to the earth? How can we be comforted when in fact, one fourth of the earth’s population will die during the fourth and fifth seals in Revelation 6? Christians will be martyred during this times as we see in Revelation 6:9-11. In fact, so much so, that we see in Revelation 11:7 and Revelation 13:7 that the Antichrist will overcome the Tribulation saints! What comfort is there in that??? So why is Paul telling us to comfort one another? To what is this comfort referring to? The topic of these verses is the coming of the Lord. This is not referring to His coming to earth: Christ’s return to earth will be at the end of the Tribulation. This coming of the Lord refers to Christ meeting born-again believers in the air. It can be viewed that His Second Coming is in two parts: one in the air to meet the Church at the Rapture and then second part is when Christ actually steps foot on the earth with His church!

1 Thessalonians 4:17  Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

So let’s think about this for a moment: if we are to go through the Tribulation, as proponents of Mid-Tribulation and Post-Tribulation believe, what comfort is there in that? How can we comfort one another as Paul tells us to do in 1 Thessalonians 4:18? I certainly would not be comforted knowing that with each judgment in the seals, trumpets and bowls as written in the Book of Revelation were ahead of me. There’s no comfort or solace in that – there is only fear and apprehension! Where is your next meal coming from because you didn’t take the mark of the beast? Where can you hide without being caught? Where do you sleep? All this apprehension lies within the hearts of Tribulation Christians. The Church is Christ’s Bride, reader! What groom would subject his wife to go through such torment? NONE! Our Groom is awaiting to be told by His Father to go get His Bride, the Church! Jesus spoke of this in the verses below! Why would Jesus prepare a house for His Bride and she wouldn’t go there to be with Him? The post-Tribulation viewpoint doesn’t take that into consideration. They claim that the Millennial Kingdom is the Father’s house with many rooms. But that is not scriptural. Jesus doesn’t enter the Millennium until after the Tribulation. It’s common sense!

John 14:2-3  In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?  (3)  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.

We can only comfort ourselves IF we believe that we will be kept from those coming judgments! The snatching of the church and taking her to the clouds to meet Christ “in the air” is going to be an event like no other. If you’re a Bible reader, you’ll remember that Enoch and Elijah never died. They were taken up by God. So this is no new occurrence.

Genesis 5:24  And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.
2 Kings 2:1  And it came to pass, when the LORD would take up Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal.

Jesus spoke of this in:

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

In fact, Paul was taken to the third heaven in 2 Corinthians 12:2 and Philip in Acts 8:39. Both were taken or caught away and both Greek terms were “harpazo”! This is where the word Rapture comes from. Friend, God is able and He will protect His church from the coming wrath on the children of disobedience. This term is used three times in the New Testament and all refer to God’s wrath! (Ephesians 2:2, 5:6; and Colossians 3:6)

If you are a born-again Christian and have never studied this out, I hope you are blessed by it and encouraged in your heart. If you are not born again, I urge you to settle the matter right now! Friend, it is no coincidence that God has placed you here for such a time as this so that you may be saved. Please click here and the link will open up in a separate tab to You Can Be Born Again and Know It!