Have you noticed how our world has changed?

Have you noticed just how brutal and cruel the world has become?

Hal Lindsay in his latest newsletter puts it this way:

“Hate, anger, and contentiousness follow human beings wherever we go. They are common to our species. But some time periods are worse than others. Lately it seems as if the devil has been pouring a kind itching powder down the backs of people’s necks. We never know when rage lurks beneath the surface of an otherwise unremarkable interaction with another person. In certain situations, wearing a mask or not wearing a mask can get your head bitten off.

Clerks in stores are often left in tears from the things their customers say. At other times, customers are the ones left in tears. Well known people of all stripes find themselves threatened, cursed, and harassed in ways that make them fear for themselves and their families….”

One simply needs to look at how people respond to decent and innocent posts on social media with nasty and acrid comments.

2 Timothy 3 reminds us … “But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,…”

It is very likely that you may well lead a sheltered life surrounded by people who love you and want nothing but the best for you. But if you are a follower of Jesus these days, what David said of himself is true of you. They hate you without cause … (Ps 69:4)

We live in an age of increasing Christian persecution too, and the Western world is not exempt anymore!!

The message of the cross is increasingly being “blocked” and censored – in the press, on social media, in the work place and even churches are under severe attack for preaching the TRUTH. (Tragically, some clergy and church leaders are too blind to see what is happening and are trying to “level playing fields” with the spirit of antichrist.)

Do NOT compromise and do NOT conform to the world and the demands being made on those who would follow Jesus faithfully!

There are good reasons to be angry at what is going on in the world today. The Bible does indeed say in Psalm 97:10 that all who love the Lord must, “Hate evil.” But don’t live in anger or develop grudges against the folk who attack you because you are His! Unending anger leads to frustration, loneliness, bitterness, and hatred. When it’s right to be angry, be angry. But don’t let that anger lead you to sin, and don’t hold on to the anger. Where you do not let go of your anger, you give Satan a foothold in your life and you become like those who are opposing you and the message you have for the world. Be angry but sin not!   Instead of the way of Satan, choose the way of Christ. Instead of hatred, choose love.

Be encouraged to know that despite all odds – if you are truly following Jesus and walking in His ways, you are on the winning side and we have a beautiful promise from God’s Word… ““Behold, I (Jesus) am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to each one according to the merit of his deeds (earthly works, faithfulness). I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End [the Eternal One].” ….”“Yes, I am coming quickly.” (Rev 22:12,13 & 20)

Make sure you know Him as Saviour and are ready to meet Him when He comes to fetch His own.
Remember, there are only two destinations – Heaven or Hell  – be sure to make the right choice TODAY!!
Want to know how to get to know Jesus?   Find out more here

I Have Made You A Watchman

Source: I Have Made You A Watchman

THIS IS A MUST-WATCH video by Pastor Jack Hibbs!
If you want to make a stand for the Lord in these last of the last days before the Rapture of the church when the bride of Christ is caught up to meet the Lord in the air, then this is a MUST-WATCH!!

Has the New World Order arrived?

For years we have been speaking about “The New World Order” with its objectives of a One World Government, One World Financial Order and a One World Religion.   Well folks, this New World Order is already here!    It is making inroads into every area of our lives, like it or not!

We must not bluff ourselves that our pre-COVID world and life will ever be back.   The sooner we get to realize, understand and accept this, the better it will be.

What we as Bible-believing believers must remember, is … despite the freedoms we’re seeing stripped from us, we must NEVER, NEVER stop preaching and sharing the gospel.   Never … now more than ever before!   It didn’t stop the first century church and it must not stop us!  Persecution and opposition actually made the church grow – both in numbers and strength.

There is no doubt that the world is taking giant steps towards the great and terrible chaos which we know is the coming Tribulation which will see the rise of the Antichrist.   We see this so clearly in the agenda of what is known as The Great Reset …. Some of you may have heard previous references to Agenda 21, Agenda 2030, and even the Green New Deal? These are all part of the Great Reset.

As Christ-followers, as part of the Remnant of believers, we must remember we are in a spiritual battle.   We are not fighting flesh and blood, but rather (as the Amplified Bible puts it so clearly) “our struggle is not against flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this [present] darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) places” (Ephesians 6:12)    Therefore, we must stand firm and “contend for the faith once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3)

Now is the time and opportunity to spread the Word of God, the Gospel message of salvation in Jesus only, like never before.   Do this in whatever way you can as we await, with great anticipation, the appearing of our precious Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ and our gathering up to be with the Lord!!

So do not get too stressed about freedoms being taken away, rather labour for the Master and spread His Word while there is still time!!

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the Founder and Perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured from sinners such hostility against Himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.”  (Hebrews 12:1-3)

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IF YOU NEED SPIRITUAL HELP, DO NOT HESITATE TO CONTACT US VIA THE CONTACT US PAGE – TOTALLY CONFIDENTIAL – AND I WILL GET BACK TO YOU AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.  THANK YOU

Are you ready?

“For in just a very little while, He who is coming will come and will not delay.” Hebrews 10:37 (NIV)

The Coming King

I wonder how long it has been since you last heard a message in church about the Lord’s coming. This is a subject that used to be popular but few seem to talk about it these days. Could it be that we are no longer expecting Him?

Jesus promised that He would come again to take those who are waiting for Him to be with Him forever. (John 14:3)

He also said:

• “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.” Matthew 24:37 (NIV)
• “So you also must be ready, for the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect Him.” Matthew 24:44
• “Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. . .Therefore keep watch. . .If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping.” Mark 13:33-36
• “Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.” Luke 21:36

God’s promises have never yet failed and so we know for certain that Jesus’ promise to come again will also never fail.

When Jesus ascended into Heaven the disciples were standing straining their eyes to see Him as He went. Two white robed men suddenly appeared to them and said: “Men of Galilee, why are you standing here staring at the sky? Jesus has been taken away from you into Heaven. And some day, just as you saw Him go, He will return!” Acts 1:11

He could come today! Are you ready?

 

Lorenz, Lorraine. AMBER’S STORY – Walking Back into the LIGHT: “I talk to Him”. Xulon Press. Kindle Edition.
(Used with permission)

I Never Thought I would see the Day …

Part 6 by Jan Markell – Olive Tree Ministries

Why are we surprised? What did you expect? Yes, our days get more bizarre almost every hour but these are the predicted last days. Did you think they would be a piece of cake? A walk in the park? Just like a sunny day at the beach? Think again.   Frankly, I think we’re in the calm before the storm!   So here’s my new list of things I never thought I would live to see.   I never thought I would see the day when . . .

Israeli media would say that folks in that country could not buy or sell without a vaccine. Is that coming to a city near me?

There would be cries from the Godless Left promoting a 28-page document calling for a secular America. When presenting it to the Biden team, they demanded first amendment rights be ripped from American Christians.

Beth Moore—whom I am no fan of as she lacks discernment—denounced Christians who claimed to be nationalist patriots and scolded pro-Trump Christians. I guess she is looking forward to a baby-killing administration.

The world would long for a vaccine to “get life back to normal.” One proposed vaccine promises a mark that goes along with the shot—a mark under the skin. This all sounds more apocalyptic each day.

There would be “digital passports” and “immune passports” that would reveal our compliance with the Covid vaccine. This is more Orwellian talk and leaps out of the pages of the book of Revelation.

The world would so willingly give up their rights and bow to almost every government demand as long as they felt the demands would make them safe and well.

Many corporations are starting to say, “No vaccine, no work.”

In 2020, Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas came under attack! People who made holiday and family plans were scorned, mocked and scolded. Friends and neighbors turned people in if they were observed entertaining too many people! Canada fined people celebrating some holidays—thousands of dollars.

Keith Olberman stated that Trump hotels should be turned into prisons for “Trump enablers.”

President Trump would select three “conservative” Supreme Court justices who would turn against him in the election contention.

There would be a cacophonous cry for a digital currency also called cryptocurrency. After all, it is so much safer and germ free. Are these movers and shakers following a script in the Bible?

A great “Reset” would be announced by the World Economic Forum that would allow us to “build back better” and that stated we “would own nothing but be happy.” Did John Lennon’s song “Imagine” foretell this? No heaven and no hell and the world “would be as one”.

The swamp, nearly drained thanks to President Trump, would make a giant comeback and be filled with threatening monsters more dangerous than the pre-Trump era.

So many of these bullet points remind us that the Lord’s return is imminent, and yet most of the pulpits remain silent to this fact! How is this possible? The most significant time in history with the least amount of interest ever!

That’s my short list for now. God always warns His own before He lowers the boom and judges. This list is made up of warning signs! It tells the Church to get ready and be ready.    There is no time to waste. Tell everyone you know. What we are watching is not science fiction. It is fact!   The King is coming very soon! And as I said, we’re in the calm before the storm.

Awaiting His return,   Jan Markell Olive Tress Ministries https://olivetreeviews.org/

Christmas or Xmas?

Christmas or Xmas …. Is it a big deal?

Sadly, Christmas, for the majority of folk, has become X-mas because they prefer to have a time of celebration without thinking of the precious Lord Jesus being the Reason for the Season.

Although in Greek, the original  language of the New Testament, Χριστός is the word for Christ and was apparently simply an abbreviation of Christmas – Xmas.

However, many have over the years viewed its use as a blatant attempt to remove the name of Christ out of Christmas.   As the years have gone by and particularly over the last few years and now in particular!!, there is no denying the increasing trend to take Christ out of Christmas.    People find it “offensive”, “intolerant”, “exclusive” and “politically incorrect” to have His precious Name seen and want to obscure it by all means possible.  The Christian origins of Christmas are being squeezed out and trampled under foot.

Lets face it, our materialistic society has all but succeeded in obscuring the real meaning. Just take a look at the decorations and cards … Winter Holidays, Xmas, Happy Holidays, gnomes, elves, fairies, Santa Claus, and much, much more.  Jesus totally excluded.   Praise God there are still some cards and items that still reflect the true meaning of Christmas.   But, there is no doubt that there are very many who will not be satisfied until the celebration is completely secularized.

But of course, that shouldn’t surprise us if we know our Bible.   What we are seeing is exactly what the Bible prophesied would happen as the return of the Lord Jesus Christ draws close.   2 Timothy 3 describes the type of people that will be around in the last days (and what the Bible describes here is absolutely spot on!):  “…in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God.”   

Furthermore, even within the evangelical churches, we see prophecy being fulfilled.   Tragically, wolves in sheep’s clothing have entered the churches and preach deceptive doctrine … trying to get people away from the Bible and its Truths.   These include the Kingdom now, Replacement theology, the Emergent Church, Mysticism, Inclusivism,  Christian Wicca and Chrislam, to mention but a few.   This results in the falling away which the Bible prophesies will occur in the last days before His Return.   (I could say much more about this but won’t at this stage).

So getting back to Christmas or Xmas …

In the same way as there was “no room in the Inn” at His first coming, when He came as the Christ-child,
“Veiled in flesh the Godhead see; Hail th’incarnate Deity, Pleased with us in flesh to dwell, Jesus our Emmanuel”, even now there is “no room” in the heart and thoughts of men and women today.

I earnestly plead with those who do not yet know the Lord Jesus Christ as their Saviour, to get to know this wonderful Jesus.   Do so before it is ever too late.   Put Christ back into Christmas by inviting Him into your life and live for Him.

For those of us who know the Lord as our personal Saviour, use this time of year to reach out to others with the wonderful message of hope and peace that can only be found in the Christ of Christmas!

It has been a year like none other, so I pray that Christmas 2020 will bring a sense of peace and deep joy, which is rooted in the Prince of Peace Himself, the Lord Jesus Christ!  Have a blessed and peaceful Christmas.

Day Ashton
dayashton.uk@gmail.com

What was missing?

What was missing?  Written by Gill Lourens, Author and Bible Teacher

KING Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, and also one of the richest said these words:

“I collected great sums of silver and gold, the treasure of many kings and provinces. I hired wonderful singers, both men and women, and had many beautiful concubines. I had everything a man could desire!

So I became greater than any of the kings who ruled in Jerusalem before me. And with it all, I remained clear-eyed so that I could evaluate all these things. 

Anything I wanted, I took. I did not restrain myself from any joy. I even found great pleasure in hard work, an additional reward for all my labours.

But as I looked at everything I had worked so hard to accomplish, it was all o meaningless. It was like chasing the wind.   There was nothing really worthwhile anywhere…“
(Ecclesiastes 2:8-10)

How hopeless Solomon sounded!! His father, king David never sounded like that, even though he suffered much throughout his life!

He always had hope! Whatever did David have that his wise, rich son did not have? Where was the difference between the two kings? Both men believed in God!

………………………………………….

JESUS told a story – He said these words:

“Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a pearl merchant on the lookout for choice pearls. When He discovered a pearl of great value, he sold everything he owned and bought it!”  
(Matthew 13:45-46) 

Who is the Pearl of Great Price? 
None other but Jesus! 

King David had discovered Him – (Psalm 110:1 – “The LORD said to my Lord…”). He loved Him with a passion! When he failed Him, he repented with bitter tears (Psalm 51). He did not just believe in God – he was totally committed to Him. He had “sold everything he owned and bought” the Pearl of Great Value. 

King Solomon though – the poor, rich King Solomon. Yes, he believed in God – but he searched the world for fulfillment and satisfaction – he tried so hard to find something to fill his empty heart. He did not even seem to be aware that his life was lived in disobedience to God!  His story is a sad one – as far as we know he never found the Pearl of Great Price…  

Have YOU found that precious Pearl of Great Price?

5 Signs Your Church Might be Heading Toward Progressive Christianity

Several years ago, my husband and I began attending a local Evangelical, non-denominational church, and we loved it. We cherished the sense of community we found among the loving and authentic people we met there, and the intelligent, “outside the box” pastor who led our flock with thought-provoking and insightful sermons. Sadly, the church started going off the rails theologically, and after about a year and a half, we made the difficult decision to leave. Today that church is a self-titled “Progressive Christian Community.” 

Back then I had never heard of “Progressive Christianity,” and even now it is difficult to pin down what actually qualifies someone as a Progressive Christian, due to the diversity of beliefs that fall under that designation.  However, there are signs—certain phrases and ideas—that seem to be consistent in Progressive circles. Here are 5 danger signs to watch for in your church:

 1. There is a lowered view of the Bible 

One of the main differences between Progressive Christianity and Historic Christianity is its view of the Bible. Historically, Christians have viewed the Bible as the Word of God and authoritative for our lives. Progressive Christianity generally abandons these terms, emphasizing personal belief over biblical mandate.

Comments you might hear:

• ​The Bible is a human book…
• I disagree with the Apostle Paul on that issue…
• The Bible condones immorality, so we are obligated to reject what it says in certain places…
• ​The Bible “contains” the word of God…

​
2. Feelings are emphasized over facts

In Progressive churches, personal experiences, feelings, and opinions tend to be valued above objective truth. As the Bible ceases to be viewed as God’s definitive word, what a person feels to be true becomes the ultimate authority for faith and practice.

Comments you might hear:

• That Bible verse doesn’t resonate with me….
• I thought homosexuality was a sin until I met and befriended some gay people….
• I just can’t believe Jesus would send good people to hell….

3. Essential Christian doctrines are open for re-interpretation

Progressive author John Pavlovitz wrote, “There are no sacred cows [in Progressive Christianity]….Tradition, dogma, and doctrine are all fair game, because all pass through the hands of flawed humanity.” Progressive Christians are often open to re-defining and re-interpreting the Bible on hot-button moral issues like homosexuality and abortion, and also cardinal doctrines such as the virgin conception and the bodily resurrection of Jesus. The only sacred cow is “no sacred cows.” 

Comments you might hear:

• The resurrection of Jesus doesn’t have to be factual to speak truth….
• The church’s historic position on sexuality is archaic and needs to be updated within a modern framework…
• The idea of a literal hell is offensive to non-Christians and needs to be re-interpreted….​

​4. Historic terms are re-defined

There are some Progressive Christians who say they affirm doctrines like biblical inspiration, inerrancy, and authority, but they have to do linguistic gymnastics to make those words mean what they want them to mean. I remember asking a Pastor, “Do you believe the Bible is divinely inspired?” He answered confidently, “Yes, of course!” However, I mistakenly assumed that when using the word “inspired,” we both meant the same thing. He clarified months later what he meant—that the Bible is inspired in the same way and on the same level as many other Christian books, songs, and sermons. This, of course, is not how Christians have historically understood the doctrine of divine inspiration.

Another word that tends to get a Progressive make-over is the word “love.” When plucked out of its biblical context, it becomes a catch-all term for everything non-confrontative, pleasant, and affirming.

Comments you might hear:

• God wouldn’t punish sinners—He is love….
• Sure, the Bible is authoritative—but we’ve misunderstood it for the first 2,000 years of church history…
• It’s not our job to talk to anyone about sin—it’s our job to just love them….

​5.  The heart of the gospel message shifts from sin and redemption to social justice

There is no doubt that the Bible commands us to take care of the unfortunate and defend those who are oppressed. This is a very real and profoundly important part of what it means to live out our Christian faith. However, the core message of Christianity—the gospel—is that Jesus died for our sins, was buried and resurrected, and thereby reconciled us to God. This is the message that will truly bring freedom to the oppressed. 

Many Progressive Christians today find the concept of God willing His Son to die on the cross to be embarrassing or even appalling. Sometimes referred to as “cosmic child abuse,” the idea of blood atonement is de-emphasized or denied altogether, with social justice and good works enthroned in its place.

Comments you might hear:

• Sin doesn’t separate us from God—we are made in His image and He called us good….
• God didn’t actually require a sacrifice for our sins—the first Christians picked up on the pagan practice of animal sacrifice and told the Jesus story in similar terms….
• We don’t really need to preach the gospel—we just need to show love by bringing justice to the oppressed and provision to the needy…

​
Conclusion:

Identifying the signs is not always obvious—sometimes they are subtle and mixed with a lot of truth. Progressive Christianity can be persuasive and enticing, but carried out to its logical end, it is an assault on the foundational framework of Christianity, leaving it disarmed of its saving power.

We shouldn’t be surprised to find some of these ideas infiltrating our churches. Jesus warned us, “Watch out for false prophets” who “come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves” (Matthew 7:15). So if you spot any of these 5 danger signs in your place of worship, it might be time to pray about finding fellowship in a more biblically faithful church community.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR – Alisa Childers
As a lifelong church-goer, follower of Jesus, and former CCM recording artist, I experienced a period of profound doubt about my faith in my mid-thirties. I felt as though I had been tossed in a stormy ocean of uncertainty with no life jacket or lifeboat in sight. I didn’t know where to find answers to my questions, or if answers existed at all. Did I have to accept it all on some kind of blind faith? This is my journey from unreasoned doubt into vibrant, intellectually informed faith.

Whether you’re a seeker, a doubting Christian, or strong Christian wanting to become better at articulating your faith, I pray that this website will be a lifeboat for you. So jump in and let’s tackle the tough questions together.

Feel free to contact me with any questions or subjects you would like me to write about.
https://www.alisachilders.com/

Confusion and Deception …

Is anyone feeling confused?
Do you feel you are getting “mixed messages“?
Does it seem that there is one set of rules for some and another for others?

Believe me, there is another force at work. There is deception on a massive scale which is causing this satanic confusion! All this is leading in one direction – the establishment of the New World Order in all its fullness and the revelation of the “Man with a Plan“, the Antichrist!

So what we find is that confusion is caused by the deception. Who is the author of confusion? None other than the arch-enemy, Satan himself and who is also the master of deception. And confusion, caused by deception ultimately leads to division and then destruction … !!

Is this not what we are seeing all around us today? Division in countries across the globe, division even in churches – all stemming from this manufactured pandemic with statistics that have been manipulated and recently found to be grossly inaccurate.

The contrast of that which is from the evil one and that which is from our precious Lord Jesus is so marked. “The thief’s (Satan’s) purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose (Jesus) is to give them a rich and satisfying life“. (John 10:10)

These days it is becoming increasingly difficult (because of the confusion, lies and deception) to know who to believe or what to believe! What we’re seeing taking place is purely satanic, and is evil. This is not of God. “For God is not a God of confusion but of peace” (1 Corinthians 14:33)

All the deception and confusion is authored by Satan. The GOOD news is …
… all that is happening is a clear indicator of just how close we are to the Rapture of the church!

But have you ever stopped to think? …. This deception, confusion, division and destruction could be the very thing that God is using to wake us up.   The very thing God is using to get people to turn to Him and for lukewarm, fence-sitting Christians to get serious about following Jesus and living for Him uncompromisingly.  A catalyst which drives us to the Lord Himself!   Jesus who is the Way, the TRUTH and the Life.

Despite the out and out efforts to destroy the Judaeo-Christian culture and principles, there are so many across the globe who realize things are very amiss and are seeking for meaning in life, seeking hope for the future, seeking to find peace!   There are people young and old who are getting to know the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour.   

Just recently we have heard (and seen) reports of so many people flocking to churches where the doors have opened again in obedience to God’s Word which says: “And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near” (Hebrew 10:25).  Literally thousands are following the Lord through the waters of baptism testifying to the fact that they have given their lives to Jesus.

We need to realize that what has been happening globally over the last few months is part of a spiritual battle.   People may think that things are falling apart, but they are actually falling into place.   For those who take an interest in the Bible and particularly in prophecy, it is becoming clearer every day that what is happening is exactly what the Bible tells us will happen in the last days, the days just before the return of the LORD.   

So, if you find yourself confused and discouraged, remember that there is an evil force at work behind this deception and confusion.  

What then, should we do…

Spend time reading and studying God’s Word, the Bible, and pray for wisdom and understanding as you read it.

Ask God to keep you true to Himself
If your love for Jesus has grown cold, call upon the Lord to restore you to Himself (see Revelation 2:4-7)

Pray and spend time talking to Jesus.

Start memorizing some Scriptures (we do not know what lies ahead and what is hidden in our hearts can never be taken away from us!)

In closing, here are some Scriptures to encourage you

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord“
(Romans 8:38-39)

“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen” 
(2 Corinthians 4;16-18)

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you“
(Deuteronomy 31:6)

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand“
(Isaiah 41:10)

“Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you“
(1 Peter 5:7)

You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected
(Luke 12:40)

The Rapture, the Tribulation and the Second Coming of Christ …

What about the Rapture of the Church, the Tribulation Period and the Second Coming of Christ?

These events are so often confused.   So here is a brief reminder in the form of a “mini”study!! 

Folk often confuse the Rapture of the Church and the Second Coming or Return of Christ and think it is the same thing.  Not so.

The Rapture of the Church occurs just prior to the start of the 7-year Tribulation (when the Antichrist comes to power – a man with a plan that the “world” is desperately looking for!)
I can hear many saying, “the word Rapture doesn’t appear in the Bible”  –  well, neither does the word Trinity!
But, just in case you think I am being facetious, let me explain.    Actually it does appear in the Bible but using another word with the same meaning.
The Greek Word for “rapture” is “harpazo” and is used at least 14 times in the New Testament, and means“to snatch out or away, to eagerly claim for one’s self”

The Rapture of the Church is when we are caught up to meet the Lord in the air.    At this point the Lord catches up His Church in the air.  He does not set foot on this earth which He will do when He returns with His saints (those who have been raptured previously).

The Return of Christ occurs at the end of the Tribulation period when He returns WITH His saints (those who were caught up to meet Him in the air).  When He returns, He will bring an end to the Tribulation and set up His Millennial reign.

For further study:
1 Thessalonians emphasizes the Rapture of the Church  (read 1 Thes 4:13-5:6)
2 Thessalonians emphasizes the Revelation of the Lord WITH the church when He comes to Judge the world  (read 2 Thes 2)   Worth reading Revelation 19:11-21

Clearly 2 different events.
” So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”  (Matthew 24:44)

[PS:  Some people are of the opinion that the rapture takes place after the Tribulation.  Well, not so… be sure to click on the button (usually on the bottom right hand corner of the blog)  to make sure you get to know why a post tribulation rapture makes absolutely no sense whatsoever]