The Beauty of Bad News

Bad news does'nt have to be all bad. Bad news can be motivating for some of us. In fact, sometimes bad news is really good news. When we see this world falling apart all around us we could be alarmed and full of fear OR we could recognize that our Father's kingdom is drawing very near. Why do we pray:

"Our Father, who art in heaven hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven."

We know that some really, really bad things have to happen here on earth before our Father's kingdom comes. But His kingdom WILL come, and HIS WILL...will be done, soon. We have to keep our eyes on the prize. Imagine a world with no more corruption, no more wickedness flaunting itself before us. Imagine a world where Jesus rules with a rod of iron, a world where righteousness and goodness prevail, where peace and grace are the norm, not the exception. Imagine having every tear wiped from your eyes and being filled with unimaginable joy day in and day out. These days ARE coming. It's always darkest just before dawn. Things look pretty dark in this world at the moment so REJOICE, the dawn is near at hand. Grace and Peace.

Time is Short

I find it helpful to keep important things in the forefront of my mind. I guess you could call this keeping things in perspective. Let's have a perspective grasping moment here. I asked the Lord last year, and I ask Him pretty much every day "how much time is left?" He answered my question with a question, He asked me, "how many 'normal' days do you think this world has left." I started thinking about that....normal days. This world is teetering on the brink of global economic collapse. When global economic collapse occurs, will that qualify for the end of 'normal' days? I think so. War is about to break out in the Middle East. Depending on what Israel does to it's neighbors in the near future, this could easily escalate into the Gog-Magog War. Would that qualify as the end of 'normal" days? I think so.

Why would the Lord ask me "How many normal days do you think are left?" Let's look at:

Luke 17:22 And he said unto the disciples, The days will come, when ye shall desire to see one of the days of the Son of man, and ye shall not see it.

You shall desire to see one of the days of the Son of man? What characterized these "days of the Son of man?"

Luke 17:26
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. 30 Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed. 31 In that day, he which shall be upon the housetop, and his stuff in the house, let him not come down to take it away: and he that is in the field, let him likewise not return back. 32 Remember Lot's wife. 33 Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it. 34 I tell you, in that night there shall be two men in one bed; the one shall be taken, and the other shall be left. 35 Two women shall be grinding together; the one shall be taken, and the other left. 36 Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. 37 And they answered and said unto him, Where, Lord? And he said unto them, Wheresoever the body is, thither will the eagles be gathered together.

The days of the Son of man are characterized by normal things, eating, drinking, buying, selling, planting, building....normal things. But the same day that the righteous are taken out of this world, things will turn from 'normal' to anything but 'normal' We can already hear the horsemen of the apocalypse approaching. The anti-christ, war, famine, death and hades. Read the headlines, bees dissapearing, wheat shortages, wars and rumors of wars. What did Jesus say to do when these things BEGIN to happen? Look up......why? Your redemption draws nigh......What does the bible NOT say? When these things begin to happen...stock up on food? Nope. Build a bunker? Nope. Learn survival skills so you can live in the mountains? Nope. He said to look up.

How far removed are we today's from 'normal' days? Well, things are still plodding along for many as if they were normal, but for more and more people, normalcy has already gone to the wind. Ask the thousands of people being kicked out of their homes each day how normal their life seems today.... time is short, turn back to your Creator while His grace is still extended to you, it's not too late......

Time is Short

Reading the news we see impending famine, economic collapse, full scale apostacy, wickedness and perversion of every kind, and nobody seems to be very troubled by it. I'm troubled by it, and you should be too. As in the days of Noah, the time to build the ark was BEFORE the flood. The time to be ready for the Lord's return is BEFORE He comes back, not the day He comes back. Here's some support that nails that concept down nicely for us:

Prov 1
Wisdom crieth without; she uttereth her voice in the streets:

21 She crieth in the chief place of concourse, in the openings of the gates: in the city she uttereth her words, saying,

22 How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?

23 Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you.

24 Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded;

25 But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof:

26 I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh;

27 When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you.

28 Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me:
29 For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD:

30 They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof.

31 Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.

32 For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them.

33 But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.

So what do we see here? Again and again it's the same thing, destruction for those who refuse the true Jesus (you'll find Him in your bible, not from your "pastor")
and safety/security for those who know (and are known by) the Lord. One of our most basic needs is for safety and security. Look around, the walls on that are crumbling in, the world will soon be filled with terror on every side and without the Creator there to help you, you will have no help. Open your hearts to Him again today, go back to him on your knees, repent, pray for the brothers, TIME IS SHORT...Grace and Peace

You're Too Negative

The New Age crowd, as well as the prosperity gospel, babylonian christianity crowd has a real problem with people like me. My uncle for example is one of these new agers. He says, "just listen to yourself, everything you say is negative, negative, negative." We'll he's got me there, but before I throw up the white flag and glue a smiley face to my forehead, let me take a peek at the Word of God and see how well the Creator of the Universe is doing according to today's spiritual gurus.....

You shall have no other gods before me
You shall not make for yourself an idol
You shall not make wrongful use of the name of your God
Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy
Honor your Father and Mother
You shall not murder
You shall not commit adultery
You shall not steal
You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor
You shall not covet your neighbor's house
You shall not covet your neighbor's wife

WOW, alot of negative statements in there!! The Creator's not doing to well so far..

After the rapture of the church the opening salvo of the tribulation (coming soon) looks like this:

Revelation 6
The Seals
1I watched as the Lamb opened the first of the seven seals. Then I heard one of the four living creatures say in a voice like thunder, "Come!" 2I looked, and there before me was a white horse! Its rider held a bow, and he was given a crown, and he rode out as a conqueror bent on conquest.
3When the Lamb opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature say, "Come!" 4Then another horse came out, a fiery red one. Its rider was given power to take peace from the earth and to make men slay each other. To him was given a large sword.

5When the Lamb opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, "Come!" I looked, and there before me was a black horse! Its rider was holding a pair of scales in his hand. 6Then I heard what sounded like a voice among the four living creatures, saying, "A quart[a] of wheat for a day's wages,[b] and three quarts of barley for a day's wages,[c] and do not damage the oil and the wine!"

7When the Lamb opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature say, "Come!" 8I looked, and there before me was a pale horse! Its rider was named Death, and Hades was following close behind him. They were given power over a fourth of the earth to kill by sword, famine and plague, and by the wild beasts of the earth.

9When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God and the testimony they had maintained. 10They called out in a loud voice, "How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?" 11Then each of them was given a white robe, and they were told to wait a little longer, until the number of their fellow servants and brothers who were to be killed as they had been was completed.

12I watched as he opened the sixth seal. There was a great earthquake. The sun turned black like sackcloth made of goat hair, the whole moon turned blood red, 13and the stars in the sky fell to earth, as late figs drop from a fig tree when shaken by a strong wind. 14The sky receded like a scroll, rolling up, and every mountain and island was removed from its place.

15Then the kings of the earth, the princes, the generals, the rich, the mighty, and every slave and every free man hid in caves and among the rocks of the mountains. 16They called to the mountains and the rocks, "Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! 17For the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?"

WOW, alot more NEGATIVE STATEMENTS IN THERE! So I guess basically we can't discuss the bible at all with today's world because, it's got ALOT of negative language in it. Of course there are some TREMENDOUS upsides written in there as well, like, let's say, sitting with Jesus ON HIS THRONE....SAY WHAT?

Rev 3:21 To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne.

But we can never get around to talking about that since today's world has been programmed to shut down at any mentione of what happens when a man sows corruption and reaps death, AS LONG AS HE STAYS POSITIVE WHILE HE'S DOING IT!!..........

Hints of the Black Horse of Revelation

How short is time?

Rev6:5 And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand. 6 And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine.

He's riding our way, be watching...be ready

Ice cream crisis as bees buzz off

The collapse of US honeybee colonies this year is set to devastate America's multibillion dollar agriculture and food industries.

Last year about 750,000 of the 2.5m hives in the US were wiped out in mysterious circumstances, and already this year the American Beekeeping Federation says there is evidence from its members that losses will be even greater this year.

For the first time individual businesses have stepped forward to give money to try to speed up the process of finding out, first of all, what causes colony collapse disease (CCD) and then eradicating it.

Häagen-Dazs, the ice cream making subsidiary of General Mills, gave a total of $250,000 (£127,000) to two university research teams and Burt's Bees, the personal care products maker, made a undisclosed grant to create the Honeybee Health Improvement Project, a research task force.

Burt's Bees also launched a public service announcement to run in cinemas showing Bee Movie. In the announcement co-founder Burt Shavitz talked about the important role bees play in agriculture.

He then urged audiences to visit the company's website (www.burtsbees.com ) to sign up to receive a free packet of wildflower seeds to help create a bee-friendly environment.

Honeybees are said to be critical to the production of $15bn worth of crops in the US and Häagen-Dazs says around 25 of its 60 flavours depend on fruits and nuts pollinated by bees.

The ice cream maker is also aiming to raise consumer awareness about CCD by launching a new flavour this spring called Vanilla Honey Bee.

Flying off

Diana Cox-Foster, professor of entomology at Pennsylvania State University College of Agricultural Sciences, which received $150,000 from Häagen-Dazs, believes researchers have identified a major cause of CCD.

Her team has recently given the mite-transmitted Israeli Acute Paralysis Virus (IAPV) to healthy bee colonies and has seen rapid die-off??. As it is winter those tests took place in greenhouses so the researchers are waiting for the weather to improve to verify the results with bees in their normal environments.

The mysterious and unique aspect of CCD is that the bees are not being found dead near their colonies. They are flying off; just abandoning their life's work, leaving behind the queen and a few younger bees.

Professor Cox-Foster believes that there are other factors together with IAPV are the cause of CCD, such as other viruses, the use of chemicals near colonies and whether the bees are receiving enough nutrition.

To beekeepers pesticides are definitely part of the problem, says Troy Fore, executive director of the American Beekeeping Federation. "A lot of beekeepers blame neonicotinoid insecticides. These are safer for humans and other mammals but they affect the neurological systems of bees. They don't kill the bees outright but they cause to act in ways different to the norm."

The beekeepers believe these insecticides, which in fact have been partially banned in France, weaken the immune system of the bees thereby allowing viruses such as IAPV to strike.

Beekeepers that have their hives in the forest or grasslands and not near cultivated crops are doing well, so there is anecdotal evidence that the pesticides and insecticides are part of the problem, said Fore.

Australia on the attack

But not everyone agrees that IAPV is a cause of CCD. Australian government scientists miffed that the Penn State team suggested in a paper published in Science that IAPV arrived in the US in imports of live bees from Australia pointed out in a follow-up letter that there were several CCD colonies free of IAPV and the "shivering phenotype", and the death of bees close to the hive associated with IAPV in Israel.

The assertion that IAPV came from Australian bees was also refuted by the US Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service, which said that IAPV was found in the country back in 2002, two years before the importation of Australian bees was instituted to replenish colonies.

The Australians, which see their $5m a year live bee exporting industry endangered by such allegations, have demanded that Penn State withdraw its conclusions. They also point out that neither CCD nor large-scale, unexplained mortality events have occurred in the Australian bee industry.

The first description of IAPV came from Israel in 2002 and since then there have been die-outs of bees across the globe, some definitely attributable to the virus.

British beekeepers too are worried that CCD may come to these shores and they have called on the government to back a five-year, £8m research programme designed to save the insect.

Back in America all eyes are nowadays on California's almond trees, which represent a $2.5bn industry. The pink and white blossoms have started to appear and the concern is whether there are the tens of thousands bees needed to pollinate the crop.

"The almonds are in bloom right now in California and we are hearing there are some significant die-offs. It's worrisome," said professor Cox-Foster.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2008/feb/25/useconomy

A Worthless Argument Against Pre-Trib Rapture

The worthless argument goes something like this: If a pre-trib rapture does'nt happen, Pre-trib believers will lose their faith in Christianity and Jesus.

Really? Perhaps that argument reflects more of the minds and hearts of those who argue that theory than those of us who believe we will be with Jesus VERY Soon (pre-trib). So instead of then looking for a mid-trib rapture, pre-tribbers will say to themselves "i'm done with this christianity thing?"

Our faith is in CHRIST JESUS, whenever He comes. It just so happens that the bible overwhelmingly supports the pre-trib viewpoint. It's interesting that most of apostate churchianty believes in the pre-trib rapture, and even satan's servants sell pre-trib, why is that? When the pre-trib rapture occurs it's going to DEVASTATE the apostate church. When millions of true believers disappear and the following sunday all the apostate preachers show up to "service" the sheeple it will be obvious who they are and why they did'nt make it, at which point the lie that is masquerading as christianity today will crumble and fall under it's own weight. Satan is counting on it, the apostate church does'nt think there's anything wrong with what they are doing, after all, man's traditions have been perpetuating it for centuries, how could it be wrong?

Mark 7:9 And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition. 10 For Moses said, Honour thy father and thy mother; and, Whoso curseth father or mother, let him die the death: 11 But ye say, If a man shall say to his father or mother, It is Corban, that is to say, a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; he shall be free. 12 And ye suffer him no more to do ought for his father or his mother; 13 Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.

Mormon Lessons

The Mormons have alot going against them, like, they worship a different Jesus than the one in the bible I read. More extensive lists on the problems with Mormonism can be found all over the web, like here: http://www.godandscience.org/cults/mormdiff.html

But Bashing Mormons isn't what I want to write about this morning...Once again, it's apostate churchianity that's the topic. With all the things the Mormon's have against them, they do this RIGHT...CHURCH LEADERSHIP. The Nicolaitan model, the one Jesus says He HATES is what 99.9% of so called christian churches embrace. The pastoral system is the lynchpin of that system. You know, the whole "clergy/laity" system. Please..someone show me in the bible where I'm a "layperson" while you're at it, pass me a barf bag....How do the Mormon's run their churches? Their ELDERS (not "pastors") ROTATE through the oversight role. Very Wise....

There are MANY problems with the pastoral system. Off the top of my head, Jesus saying He HATES the clergy/laity nicolaitan system probably qualifies as reason number 1. I wonder why Jesus HATES it? Hmmmm, perhaps of the pride and ego assiciated with today's one man pastoral shows? Perhaps because the system is idolatrous. Do the sheeple in many churches idolize their "pastor?" Of course they do! After all, he's got a doctorate degree! Many of these pastors make hollywood entertainers look unskilled. Then there's the whole idea of separation. Notice how in many churches ONE MAN (pastor) get's up on a RAISED PLATFORM to pontificate to the sheeple...I'm up here, you're down there, I'm sooooo holy, you're....whatever. Is the picture starting to come together? It's MUCH easier for satan to corrupt a one man show than to corrupt an entire body of elders. Pastor's consider themselves "christian LEADERS," but the last time I checked the sheep only followed one leader, that's Jesus, the head of the body. The bible says that elders OVERSEE, Elders don't LEAD anything. The bible says "my sheep know MY VOICE" and they will not follow someone else" EXACTLY.....

John 10
1 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. 2 But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. 4 And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. 5 And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.

and the sheep FOLLOW HIM, followership implies leadership, the sheep FOLLOW JESUS, PERIOD.

Oh yea, did I mention that Mormon elders ARE NOT PAID? Oh boy, I can feel the hate coming from "pastors" now.........

I'm not here to bash or flash Mormonism. The topic here is wicked, apostate churchianity. Wake up, come out of the apostate babylonian form of christianity you've been sold. Learn to follow your Creator's voice again. When Jesus becomes your leader again, you won't have to worry about your leader being involved in another sexual scandal, another financial scandal, being in bed with the world, politicians and every other worthless wicked thing this world offers those who serve it. Come out of her brothers.....Grace and Peace

What it Takes

I was watching a documentary on Navy Seals training. As part of the documentary some of the SEAL instructors were talking about how they weed out the recuits. His observation was that the combination of rough conditions, pressure and time weeds out those who REALLY want to be a SEAL from those who just fancy the idea of being a SEAL. I thought that was an interesting parallel to how true christianity works.

What does it take to get to heaven? Apparently it takes faith, it takes obedience, it takes patience and it takes perseverance. Your faith and obedience WILL be tested until you exhale your final breath. Like the Navy SEAL trainees many "so called christians" fancy the idea of being a christian and going to heaven. Time has a way of wearing down those who just fancy the idea, and seperating them from those who REALLY want it. What does the bible say about these things?

9 And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. 10 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. 11 If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? 12 Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? 13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?

Is it enough to ask, seek and knock one time? Apparently not...
<< Luke 18 >>
1 And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; 2 Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: 3 And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. 4 And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; 5 Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. 6 And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. 7 And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? 8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

her CONTINUAL COMING....also known as persistence.

The idea of "once saved always saved" is a lie from the pit of hell. The Bible is FULL of conditional statements regarding the salvation of man. Many other websites have extensive refutations of the "once saved always saved" doctrine. I'll include one area of scripture that negates the idea in one fell swoop:

1"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes[a] so that it will be even more fruitful. 3You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
5"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. 8This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

This is plain english IF is a CONDITIONAL WORD. IFFFFFF you remain in me....see it?

What does it take to remain in Him? Faith, Obedience, patience, persistence.

Luke 21:19 In your patience possess ye your souls.

Those who don't REALLY want it, will be worn down by time, the world, the devil and their own evil desires. It's a very sobering thought that most people won't make it into heaven, only a few are saved:

Matt
7:13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
7:14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Let me put this another way for you:

If I was a teacher and you were a student in my class and I told you that tomorrow I was going to give you a test that was quite easy, you would prepare for that test one way. If however, I was to tell you that the test tomorrow was very tough, you'd have an entirely different outlook on your preparation and mindset going into the test, right? How many of your "pastors" have reminded you lately (or ever) that only a few will make it into heaven? Don't you think that's important information to have as we look for Jesus's soon return? It's quite sobering. On our own we are in BIG TROUBLE, but Jesus said we are not alone. He sends the Comforter and the deposit guaranteeing our inheritance to those who remain in Him, also know as the Holy Spirit. With Him, all things are possible. Wake up you who slumber, time is oh so short.......

Another Jesus

2 Corinthians 11:4 For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.

When you read the entirety of 2 Cor 11 you get the gist of what Paul was saying. People more readily accepted "another Jesus" "another spirit" and "another gospel" more readily than the real thing. The corinthian church actually thought less of Paul because he did'nt ask them for money. In today's world there are many "other Jesus" figures running around, they all seem to be quite popular. Unfortunately, as it has been throughout history, the real Jesus is in disfavor with the world, as are the real Jesus's servants.

2 Corinthians 11:13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. 14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.

If you want to know what the source of all our problems is, it's people's refusal to love the truth. That's it. Jesus came to give us truth, love and peace, apparently people did'nt want it, they killed Him. Today people are no different. Deep down inside, they prefer lies to the truth. If you want the truth you have to REALLY want it, not "kinda" want it. You have to search for it as if it were hidden treasure (because it is). This great drama unfolding on the earth is all about the Creator finding out who really loves Him. He could have created a bunch of robots to worship Him, but He did'nt. He created human beings with free will, who constantly grieve His Holy Spirit, who love evil and wickedness, whose every thought is to satisfy their lusts and desires instead of loving the Creator who is forever praised. There are a few, FEW who are striving and straining against this filthy world. They have turned their backs on this world, they emrace DEATH through the cross on a daily basis. The god of this world has not been able to keep them blinded as are all the rest. Which group are you in? Do you REALLY want to know the truth? Are you willing to turn your back on this wicked world? Are you willing to die to yourself daily? Time is short, you don't have to be perfect, you just have to be you. You have to REALLY want the truth. Two things are required of you, FAITH and OBEDIENCE. Faith isn't enough, the devil believes in Jesus (and he trembles). You must believe and obey. On your own this is impossible, but with the Spirit of Jesus in you ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE. Grace and Peace

Paul Taught a Pre-Trib Rapture

When the Restraint is Removed

Jamma Mokhriby

Part IV

In our opinion, one of the most controversial passages in the New Testament debated by adherents of the Post, Mid and Pre-Trib Rapture teachings would have to be II Thessalonians 2:1-8.

The questions and opinions held to by the diverse points of view comes down basically to 3 subjects: the timing and the meaning of the events recorded by the Apostle Paul in verses 1-3 and who is the "Restrainer" of the man of sin in verses 6-7.

Quoting verses 1-2 we read, "Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come."

It is generally agreed upon that in verse 2 Paul was assuring the Thessalonians that they were not entering into the day of the Lord's judgment. Fraudulent messages and distressing circumstances surrounding them made them fearful that they were experiencing the time of God's judgment.

It is also largely agreed that Paul is speaking of the time of the Rapture in verse 1 as is described in John 14:1-3 and I Thess. 4:15-18.

Verse 2 begins the debate. Pre-Trib supporters say that while verse 1 unquestionably speaks of the Rapture (which they believe transpires before the Tribulation Period), verse 2 refers to the day of Christ's judgement which begins at the start of the Tribulation when the Lord Jesus opens the first seal of judgment in Revelation 6:1.

It is important to understand that refuters of this interpretation maintain Paul is still speaking about the Rapture in both verse 1 and verse 2.

The pivotal question put forth by the Pre-Trib position concerns the clear reference to the Rapture in verse 1. It is rightly asked, "Why did Paul reassure the Thessalonians in his letter that they had not missed the Rapture?"

The point veiled behind this question is commanding and demands a reflective answer. If Paul had taught the Thessalonians a Mid or Post-Trib Rapture then they would not have had any reason to be confused about having entered the Tribulation. It is logical to deduce by Paul's assurance to them concerning the Rapture that the Thessalonians had been taught a Pre-Trib Rapture.

The Apostle Paul had been their teacher according to verse 5. If Paul wanted to remedy an incorrect Pre-Trib Rapture outlook then verses 1 & 2 would have been transposed in his letter to them. He would have encouraged them to prepare for the judgment day of Christ first and then the gathering together at the Rapture instead of vice-versa.

If the Rapture was something which they did not believe they may have missed, why then we must ask, was it addressed as their primary concern in verse 1? If verse 2 is still speaking of the Rapture as Pre-Trib opponents contend, then we must accept that the Apostle Paul had no intention of relieving their distress, but instead for some unfathomable reason intended to add even more. Paul would have in essence replaced their hope of deliverance by the Rapture with the terror of someday facing the Great Tribulation.

In contrast, Pre-Trib adherents accept that the obvious purpose of these words penned by Paul is to relieve the anxiety of the Thessalonians by assuring them they had not entered into the Tribulation Period of verse 2 and therefore had not missed the Rapture spoken of in verse 1.

Continuing on to verse 3 in our study of Ch. 2 of II Thessalonians, we must point out that the words, "that day will not come" are not in the original Greek, but are added in by translators to help understand the passage connection to the previous subject.

Quoting verse 3 we read, "Let no one deceive you by any means, for [that Day will not come] unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition." The focus is on the day of Christ's judgement.

While studying verse 3 it is helpful to keep the different view points in mind.

The various views of Mid-Tribulationists teach that the Rapture could happen at any time between the start and the conclusion of the 7 year Tribulation Period. Generally we can say that the dominant Mid-Trib position holds that verse 3 is speaking of both the Rapture of verse 1 and the day of Christ in verse 2, and that they are occurring in close proximity at selected points during the Tribulation Period.

Post-Tribulationists who believe that the Rapture takes place during Armageddon are compelled to teach that verse 3 is referring to verse 1 & 2 combined together. They maintain the Rapture will happen at the close of the Tribulation Period as Christ returns.

Returning to verse 3 we find that the Greek word for "falling away" is a matter of considerable debate. Some say this "falling away" is a departure of the Church from the sound doctrines of the Christian faith. Others have said that it must be Israel that is being spoken of. And then there are those who maintain that those being spoken of are neither the Church nor Israel, but false professors of Christianity. Apostates who are exposed after the true Church is removed at the Rapture.

The Greek word for "falling away" is the Greek word "apostasia" where we get our word apostasy from. It is derived from the verb "aphistemi" which means "to do away, depart or remove." Some believe this is a reference to the Rapture.

In verses 18 & 19 in Ch. 2 of II John, the Apostle vividly speaks of the departure of false believers in these last days and gives solid scriptural direction for understanding the "falling away" in our opinion. Verse 3 then reveals to us that the Day of the Lord cannot come until the man of sin (that is the Anti-Christ) is revealed.

Momentarily skipping ahead to verses 6 & 7 it is necessary to point out that these verses speak of a "Restrainer" which must be taken out of the way first before the Anti-Christ can be revealed.

Pre-Trib adherents believe for good reasons that this Restrainer can only be the Church. They also justifiably believe that the Anti-Christ will be revealed at the very start of the Tribulation Period when Christ opens the first seal of the last day's judgments as is prophesied in Revelation 6:1-2. Therefore they come to the sequential conclusion that the Church must be removed before the start of the 7 year Tribulation Period.

Once again the Pre-Trib Rapture supporters main point of argument must be emphasized when realizing that Paul has just informed the Thessalonians in verse 3 that the appointed Restrainer of the most evil ruler of all of history will be removed by the start of the Tribulation Period.

Chapter 1:4-6 of II Thessalonians makes it abundantly clear that the Thessalonians were suffering terrible persecutions and tribulations already and Paul now tells them that evil will soon be unrestrained.

The question must be asked as to exactly what kind of consolation was Paul supposedly giving to the Church in this passage of II Thessalonians?

According to Post and Mid-Trib interpretations, Paul was telling the troubled Thessalonians they should give up their hope of the Lord's appearing for deliverance and that the terrible suffering they were enduring was nothing compared to that which lie in store for when the horrible son of perdition would be revealed.

This is an unacceptable conclusion to Pre-Tribulationists since in verse 2 Paul stressed his desire to offer the Thessalonians the greatest of comfort and deliverance from any doubts.

We now come to verses 6-8 of Ch. 2 of II Thess. Verse 6 is a fascinating, albeit cryptic message. The Thessalonians understood "what" and "who" Paul was speaking of as the 'Restrainer" of the Anti-Christ in verse 7, but we are left to the Lord's leading. Paul writes, "And you know "what" is restraining, that he (the Anti-Christ) may be revealed in his own time. For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only "He" who now restrains will do so until "He" is taken out of the way."

Theories as to the identity of this "what" and "who" include, world government, the Archangel Michael, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit and the Church.

Pre-Tribulationists are persuaded that the identity of this mysterious entity described both in neutered impersonal and also personal terms could be none other than the Church or the Holy Spirit.

It is soundly argued that only the Church and the Holy Spirit can fulfill the Restrainer's role of being both a neutered impersonal entity and also a singular male individual at the same time.

This matches perfectly the scriptural portrayal of the Spirit-filled Church as it melds into the Body of Christ. All other choices fail to meet the scripturally required personal/impersonal qualifications of the Restrainer. Thus Pre-Tribulationists conclude that the restraining role of the Church must be removed before the Anti-Christ can make his appearance at the start of the Tribulation Period as is revealed in Rev. 6:1-2 & Dan. 9:27.

The suggestion that the Restrainer is solely the Holy Spirit apart from the Church is refuted by the scriptural necessity for Him to remain on the earth throughout the Tribulation Period because it is only through His ministry that people can be led to salvation in Christ (See I Cor. 12:3).

Pre-Trib Rapture believers point out to those who insist otherwise that Ephesians 1:13-14 establishes that even if the Holy Spirit's presence could ever be removed from the earth, the Church would have to go also since the Holy Spirit indwells the Church as a down payment of their inheritance according to the Word of God.

Pre-Tribulationists therefore conclude that Paul was faithful and consistent in his intention to alleviate what was troubling the Church when he wrote to them in Ch. 2 of II Thess. and in his offer of hope to future generations. He first assured them in verses 1 & 2 that they had not misunderstood his original teaching of the Pre-Tribulation Rapture and therefore had not entered into the Tribulation Period as many had come to believe.

In verse 3 he reassures them that the Tribulation Period can not take place until after the falling away and the revealing of the Anti-Christ.

In verses 6-8 Paul concludes his unwavering words of assurance by reemphasizing that an entity is holding back the Anti-Christ from making his appearance (an entity which they will recognize has been removed) and that that entity must be taken out of the way first before the day of the Lord will start. That entity can only be the blood-washed Church of Jesus Christ.

Our purpose in this message is to present the solid ground which supporters of the Pre-Trib Rapture stand upon in their blessed hope. We do not agree with Pre-Tribulationists who take Matthew 24:48-49 out of its context and apply it to Mid and Post Tribulationists.

The evil servant spoken of in this passage of Scripture was not involved in the study of the timing of the Rapture, but was fostering an attitude of complacency in order to cast off restraint. The evil servant's desire was to indulge in his sin unencumbered.

Also we are in disagreement with Post and Mid-Tribulationists who say Pre-Tribulationists are going to cause believers to cast off their faith if they should enter the Tribulation. This accusation goes directly against the Word of God found in I John 2:18-19.

There we are told that deserters from the faith are apostates who are manifested for what they always had been - non-believers. True believers, whether they be Pre, Mid or Post-Tribulationists are abiding in these evil days together no matter what position one holds to on the timing of the Rapture. What happens to one will happen to all.

We are convinced that we are at the threshold of the start of the Tribulation Period and that an exercise in love between the divergent groups at this point would demonstrate a sober wisdom in the Lord.

We believe without a shadow of a doubt that the Pre-Trib Rapture teaching will be proven correct in the very near future.

Are you ready to meet the Lord through Rapture or death? Believe on the Living Lord Jesus Christ this moment for the forgiveness of your sins through His shed blood and this very moment you will receive eternal life.

Soon the trumpet will sound and the dead and living in Christ will shed their fallen natures like polluted garments, never to be put on again. We pray that you all will be ready.
http://rapturewatch.cephasministry.com/327%20When%20the%20Restraint's%20Removed%20-%20Part%20IV.html

So Called Pastors with Doctorate Degrees

The world is very impressed with degrees. "Oh, he has a DOCTORATE degree, he must REALLY know what he's talking about when he talks about God.." So let me get this straight, these men go to worldly institutions to receive worldly degrees and all of the sudden they know God better? Last time I checked none of the apostles were "christian scholars" no degrees in that bunch, perhaps we should throw all their writings to the wind. But wait, there's one "small" detail we forgot to mention about the apostles, they were FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT....hmmm, no degree, but filled with the Spirit of God....there's a BIG lesson in there somewhere..

When you surf the web you'll see so called christianity debating amongst itself and others. Almost always the topic goes to what "christian scholars" have to say about the given subject. Christian who? The question that demolishes the "christian scholar" issue is this: how does a man grow closer to God and come to understand God's word, through endless "scholarly" endeavor, degrees etc OR by revelation from the Spirit of God? Who has the upper hand here, the man who spends X number of years at some institution getting a degree or the man on his knees in the presence of the Holy Spirit with a bible under his nose?

What "christian scholarship" does is perpetuate the nicolaitan system of clergy/laity which Jesus clearly says HE HATES. So much for those doctorate degrees....

More Proof of a Pre-Tribulation Rapture

Luke 21 talks about things that will be happening in the end times, everything from wars and rumors of wars to Jesus coming in the clouds. Here's more pre-trib proof at the end of Luke 21... after explaing all the things that will happen in the future Jesus says....Luke 21:28 And when these things BEGIN TO COME TO PASS, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.

So, let me get this right...we should be looking for our redemption, NOT in the middle of those things that shall come to pass, NOT at the end of those things that shall come to pass, but WHEN THEY BEGIN TO COME TO PASS. THE BEGINNING, NOT THE MIDDLE, NOT THE END, THE BEGINNING. How much more clear could the bible be? If that was'nt enough, immediately after Jesus hammers the point home AGAIN.....

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.

How can you "escape all these things that shall come to pass?" Can you "escape all" by going through half of the things that shall come to pass? NO

Can you "escape all" if you go through all of the things that shall come to pass? NO

The ONLY WAY you can "escape all" the things that shall come to pass is if you are taken out AT THE BEGINNING of the things that shall come to pass. I did'nt say it, Jesus did, our redemption comes AT THE BEGINNING. The devil comes to steal kill and destroy. The pre-wrath view was sent to steal men's hope, so was the post-trib teaching. Only the pre-trib view honors God's Word as it is written. After YEARS of endlessly debating mostly pre-wrath believers NOT ONE has been able to refute (without creating "facts" out of thin air) the pre-trib truths in Luke 21, NOT ONE. Pre-trib truths extend well beyond Luke 21, but it has sufficed to pin down opponents here, where there is zero wiggle room. Be watching, be ready, NOW, not at the midpoint of the tribulation, not at the end of the tribulation..NOW, for our redemtion draws nigh....do not allow thieves to steal your hope. Grace and Peace

Submit...Resist

James 4:7 Be subject therefore unto God; but resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Resist the devil the bible says, and what will happen? The devil WILL FLEE from you. Looking that up in the Greek we see it this way as well: resist the devil and he will flee away, seek safety by flight, to be saved by flight, to escape safely out of danger. The promise to us is that when the devil attacks us, and we resist him, then somehow, someway, our God turns the tables on the devil and the devil actually has to flee for his own safety....impressive stuff. Another way of saying it, it appears that our God pays the devil back for every attack on us. The moral of the story is, submit to Jesus, resist the devil, it's a win/win proposition. I think if we could see into the spirit world we'd be amazed at how much the Lord does for us day in and day out. Time is short, repent, cling to the Creator with all your strength. Grace and Peace~d

Endless Debate

I'm leaving the comments off this blog for a reason, no man was ever saved as a result of endless debate. I don't know of anyone who was ever "argued into" the kingdom of heaven. If you can be argued into a position, you can be argued out of it as well. If you've been experienced into a position, if you've felt and seen the power of the Holy Spirit move in your life....that's an entirely different story.

Some would say, "but if you don't debate, how will you know if you're wrong?"

Guess what? The God I serve is more than willing, and more than able to correct His servants...

Let's look at what the bible says about "debating" and it's "usefullness"....

Acts 9:28-30
28So Saul stayed with them and moved about freely in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord. 29He talked and debated with the Grecian Jews, but they tried to kill him. 30When the brothers learned of this, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus.

Saul spoke the truth, and what did they try to do? Kill him.....

Romans 1:28-30
28And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;

29Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,

30Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,

2 Corinthians 12:19-21
20For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found unto you such as ye would not: lest there be debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults:

In today's so called christianity, there is so much deceit, so much error, so much arrogance, that if a man spent his entire time debating the apostates, nothing constructive would ever get done. The prophets in the bible did'nt spend their time endlessly debating. They spoke against the apostacy they saw and the people tried to (and did) kill them for it. Nothing's changed.

When Jesus walked the earth, He reserved his harshest words for "religious people", and so called believers who were in fact liars and enemies of the truth. Should His servants today be any different? Grace and Peace~brotherD

Apostacy Exhibit A: Chuck Baldwin

I was reading this article by a guy named Chuck Baldwin called "IS THE HANDWRITING ON THE WALL FOR AMERICA?" In it, he basically says that the answer to all our problems is to "get involved" which apparently involves voting for Ron Paul to save America. Now I have nothing against Ron Paul, but he's not my focus, my focus is apostate nicolaitans like Chuck Baldwin. Perhaps this guy should look in the mirror before EVER pointing the finger at anyone else again. The pastoral system is an idolatrous lie, see my collection of blog posts on that for more detail. Chuck Baldwin is everything that's wrong and a perfect example of the problems with that system. How "involved" did Jesus get in roman politics while He walked the earth? Oh...that's right, He DID'NT. I'm trying to remember what Jesus said to Pilate, oh yea, here it is:

John 18:36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. 37 Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.

What part of "my kingdom is NOT of this world" do baldwin and his fellow "pastors" not get? See, Chuck Baldwin's answer to all our problems is to "get involved" and vote for Ron Paul, instead of 1. repenting of his participation in an idolatrous system (pastoral system=nicolaitanism), 2. Calling for people to fall on their knees, cry out to their God and repent 3. Stop following men, and follow the Good Shepherd 4. Pray that our Father's kingdom come and HIS WILL BE DONE HERE ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN.

I have been told before that to not "get involved" is advocating "doing nothing." Really? Repenting is "doing nothing?" Praying is "doing nothing?" Changing the world one person at a time, starting with ourselves is "doing nothing?" Gosh, I guess Jesus was all wrong, I guess we should follow the gospel according to chuck baldwin and "vote/get involved" to "make a difference." Men like Chuck will have ALOT to answer for....Wolves in sheeps clothing have the appearance of sheep, remember? The Holy Spirit ALWAYS points men to Jesus and the unseen for answers. The manifestation of those answers shows up in the world, but the source is Jesus.

1 John 4:5
They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them.

Baldwin offers you the viewpoint of this world, both his stated problem and offered solution are based in this world...if only "pastors" would lead the sheeple, if only people would vote for Ron Paul, if only people would get more "involved" in the political process/world system..etc etc etc. The world, the world and more world. Is the "sheeps clothing" coming off enough now to see the wolf?

If you are sick of the wickedness and corruption walking freely in this world, great, so am I. The change we need however will NOT come from Ron Paul, voting, or "getting more involved." Here's the logic of Chuck's reasoning: the way to clean off dirty clothes is to dive deeper into the mud puddle and fix the mud.....Does that sound wise to you? The kind of change some of us are looking for will ONLY come from Jesus Christ. Repent, turn back to your Creator, the message has always been the same. Grace and Peace~D

Mind Control

Either you can control your mind, or someone else will control it for you. If you do not control your own mind, you are like a rudderless ship, or worse, a ship being steered by mental currents into whirlpools of destruction. Of course, Jesus knows this which is why the Holy Spirit wrote:

2 Corinthians 10:5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

Prov 4:20 My son, attend to my words; Incline thine ear unto my sayings.

21 Let them not depart from thine eyes; Keep them in the midst of thy heart.

22 For they are life unto those that find them, And health to all their flesh.

23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; For out of it are the issues of life.

The Lord knows how he made us, our conscious mind can only focus on one thing at a time. That's important information. We know that as a man thinks, so he is. Or another way of saying it, a man becomes what he thinks about. How does that work? I call it the "I really want this barrier" or IRWTB for shorthand. The IRWTB prevents whims from taking root. The IRWTB ensures that people only get what they REALLY want. Whatever thoughts you keep in your conscious mind, slowly, over time, become absorbed by the subconscious in a process called "internalization" that is, once you've have something solidly in your subconscious, you OWN IT.

Once you "own" the thoughts, ideas, etc, they have been internalized and are available for immediate recall. Repetition is the mother of internalization, whatever you repeatedly think on, becomes what you mentally "own" and therefore becomes you. Be careful what you allow to sit in your conscious mind. The entire world is vying for it, do you really want to hand your life over to the world? Vow to reserve your mind as a VIP area for Jesus and for yourself. Put a security clearance on it, staff it with mental bouncers, angels and/or whatever else you need to maintain control over that most precious area that exerts so much control over your life. Grace and Peace~D

An Appeal to Those Who Have Turned Away

The number one thing I tell people who think they have experienced Christianity then turned away from it is this: there is a VERY high probability that what you thought was Christianity was a lie, a deception, an imposter. The vast majority of what calls itself christianity today is in full scale apostacy, full scale idolatry. Todays so called christianity is a harlot, a daughter of the master prostitute, the church of Rome. You WERE RIGHT to turn away from the lie, the distaste in your mouth from what you experienced was guiding you wisely. That said, instead of trusting men with your spiritual future, why not trust the Creator with it? I appeal to the lost and searching to pick up a bible like a (NIV) which I have some problems with but that's another story, at least you can understand it. Start in the books of proverbs, psalms and Romans. Read it for yourselves. There will be nobody else around to answer for each of us when we give an account of our lives to the Creator. We will give an account for ourselves. Please don't give up on Jesus, the REAL Jesus does satisfy the empty hole within you. That hollow space in your heart has a "reserved" sign on it, it's reserved for the Master, the Creator of all things, search for Him with an honest and humble heart and you will find Him, don't give up. Grace and Peace.

The Sons of God

Romans 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.

Notice the bible does not say "For as many as are led by the Pastor of their church, these are sons of God."

nor does it say "For as many as are led by the Elders, deacons, bishops...whatever, these are sons of God."

What does this mean? The bible says:

1 Tim 5:17 Let the elders that (proistemi) well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.

What does "proistemi" mean? It means to preside over, AS A PROTECTOR OR GUARDIAN, TO GIVE AID, TO CARE FOR, GIVE ATTENTION TO. See anything about "ruling" or "leading" in there? Nope

nowhere in the bible does it say pastors or elders "lead" ANYTHING. Why is that? The sheep follow the Good Shepherd, JESUS. Leadership implies FOLLOWERS. You won't find anywhere in the bible that even remotely implies that men are supposed to follow other men in the body of christ. You wonder why so called christianity is so messed up today, you can start right here. The pastoral system setup today in 99% of the churches is a system of idolatry.

The Universe vs. The Christian God

I've been reading alot lately about the belief that "the universe" provides what people need. For example, the popular movie/book "the secret" tells us that all you have to do is stay focused on what you want and "the universe" will provide it magically. Many criticize christians for believing in an all powerful God. We pray to this all powerful God, who we have a personal 1 on 1 relationship, and this God answers our prayers based on His will and His knowledge of our needs. It does still take "faith" to believe in this God, and this faith is the subject of continual scorn among atheist groups and those who hate christianity. Let me ask this, which takes more faith, to believe "the universe" is going to provide something for me, or to believe that the Creator of the universe is going to provide something for me. It is my opinion, that it takes ALOT more faith to believe "the universe" will provide something for me, just like it takes alot more faith to believe that all created life somehow "evolved" from a single celled blob on a beach somewhere into the incredibly magnificent human beings that walk the earth today. I appeal to those who believe that "the universe" will provide them with their needs to look to the Creator of the universe instead. Grace and Peace

Zeitgeist-The Movie, Critique

I would like to start by commenting on the underlying agenda of the movie, which appears to be furthering the agenda of tearing down the old framework of the world to assist the implementation of the new framework. In order to have new government, new religion, new thinking etc, the old has to be done away with. Zeitgeist begins with an attack on christianity, moves onto exposing 9/11, then finishes with an explanation of how the FED has destroyed the country. I think they did a good job with their 9/11 and FED work, where the problem lies is their depiction of Christianity.

Problem 1
Time and time again we see "christianity" attacked as if it were one monolithic entity. For example, people look at the historical crimes committed by the Catholic church, and lump all christianity in with catholicism. Are all christians catholic? Along the same lines, the movie mentions "christmas" and easter, Dec 25, and sunday worship as "christian" practices. Last time I opened my bible, I did'nt see easter (except the mistranslated KJV), christmas, sunday worship, or Dec 25 mentioned. Those are all pagan practices, perpetuated by a paganized apostate christianity. Now, to be fair, paganized, apostate, "so called" christianity IS associated with those things, but once again, just because people call themselves christians, does that mean they really are christians? The bible clearly states that many if not most people calling themselves christians today are anything but.

Matt 7:14 tells us that only a few are going to make it into the kingdom of heaven.

again,

Matt 7:21 Not everyone who says to Me, "Lord, Lord," shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.
22 Many will say to Me in that day, "Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?"
23 And then I will declare to them, "I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness."

Notice they said "Lord Lord" right? pagans don't call Jesus "Lord" so called christians do..........

Problem 2

Zeitgeist begins the movie by telling us that everything we've ever been told is most likely a lie, then they proceed to use the historical records of those same liars to prove their case against christianity?

Problem 3

Which came first, the chicken or the egg? The Christian God created everything, but Zeitgeist tells us that Christianity is nothing more than an astrological story. That is, the creation is telling us the creator does not exist. If there is no creator then what is the origin of time, space, eternity etc etc etc. Not only must we ask who created all things but who is responsible for all the design we see in the universe? The universe screams at the top of its lungs "random does not work here!" Design, law and order is what makes the universe work.....zeitgeist won't touch that, I wonder why?

The bible tells us that the creation is PROOF of God's existence, the proof of christianity runs through all creation. Does it suprise you that the Creator confirmed His words in the creation? If it does, it should'nt....

Romans 1:20
For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.

Problem 4

All the pagan religions Zeitgeist compares christianity to are creation centered, christianity is Creator centered. The bible specifically prohibits the worship of created things like the sun and moon, all the religions and deities mentioned in Zeigeist are centered on worship or adoration of the sun/moon.

Problem 5

Use of the "straw man" trick. What's a "straw man?" A straw man argument is an informal fallacy based on misrepresentation of an opponent's position.[1] To "set up a straw man" or "set up a straw man argument" is to create a position that is easy to refute and attribute that position to the opponent. Often, the straw man is set up to deliberately overstate the opponent's position.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Straw_man

Zeitgeist uses cartoons to depict God and satan deliberately understating them. Zeitgeist mentions God's ten commandments, tells you that you'll be punished in hell if you don't obey them, then speaks of God's love. Very clever. The Creator demands obedience, so does satan, so does your government here on earth. People don't bat an eye when the IRS demands they obey tax law, but when the CREATOR OF THE UNIVERSE demands obedience, all of the sudden it becomes a problem? Zeitgeist relies heavily on the logical fallacy of the "straw man" to make its point.

Problem 6

Probability and statistics.

A scientist picked out 48 prophecies and determined that the probability of one man randomly fulfilling them all is 1 in 10 to the exponent of 157. That is one followed by 157 zeros..... Your chances of winning a typical lottery jackpot is about 1 in 108. (100,000,000) Yet, Jesus fulfilled all the prophecies.

Concerning his birth Prophesied/Fulfilled
1. Born of the seed of woman Gen 3:15 /Gal 4:4
2. Born of a virgin Isa 7:14 /Mt 1:18-25
3. Seed of Abraham Gen 22:18 /Mt 1:1
4. Seed of Isaac Gen 21:12 /Lk 3:23+34
5. Seed of Jacob Num 24:17 /Lk 3:34
6. Seed of David Jer 23:5 /Lk 3:31
7. Tribe of Judah Gen 49:10 /Rev 5:5
8. Family line of Jesse Isa 11:1 /Lk 3:32
9. Born in Bethlehem Mic 5:2 /Mt 2:1-6
10. Herod kills the children Jer 31:15 /Mt 2:16-18
Concerning his nature Prophesied /Fulfilled
11. He pre-existed creation Mic 5:2 1 /Pet 1:20
12. He shall be called Lord Ps 110:1 /Acts 2:36
13. Called Immanuel (God with us) Isa 7:14 /Mt 1:22-23
14. Prophet Deut 18:18-19 /Acts 3:18-25
15. Priest Ps 110:4 /Heb 5:5-6
16. Judge Isa 33:22 /Jn 5:22-23
17. King Ps 2:6 /Jn 18:33-37
18. Anointed by the Spirit Isa 11:2 /Mt 3:16-17
19. His zeal for God Ps 69:9 /Jn 2:15-17
Concerning his ministry Prophesied /Fulfilled
20. Preceded by a messenger Isa 40:3 /Mt 3:1-3
21. To begin in Galilee Isa 9:1-2 /Mt 4:12-17
22. Ministry of Miracles Isa 35:5-6 /Mt 9:35;11:4
23. Teacher of parables Ps 78:1-4 /Mt 13:34-35
24. He was to enter the temple Mal 3:1 /Mt 21:10-12
25. Enter Jerusalem on donkey Zech 9:9 /Mt 21:1-7
26. Stone of stumbling to Jews Isa 28:16; Ps 118:22 /1 Pet 2:6-8
27. Light to Gentiles Isa 49:6 /Acts 13:46-48
The day Jesus was crucified Prophesied /Fulfilled
28. Betrayed by a friend Ps 41:9 /Jn 13:18-27
29. Sold for 30 pieces of silver Zech 11:12 /Mt 26:14-15
30. 30 pieces thrown in Temple Zech 11:13 /Mt 27:3-5
31. 30 pieces buys potters field Zech 11:13 /Mt 27:6-10
32. Forsaken by His disciples Zech 13:7 /Mk 14:27+50
33. Accused by false witnesses Ps 35:11+20-21 /Mt 26:59-61
34. Silent before accusers Isa 53:7 /Mt 27:12-14
35. Wounded and bruised Isa 53:4-6 1 /Pet 2:21-25
36. Beaten and spit upon Isa 50:6 /Mt 26:67-68
37. Mocked Ps 22:6-8 /Mt 27:27-31
38. Fell under the cross Ps 109:24-25 /Jn 19:17; Lk23:26
39. Hands and feet pierced Ps 22:16 /Jn 20:24-28
40. Crucified with thieves Isa 53:12 /Mt 27:38
41. Prayed for enemies Isa 53:12 /Lk 23:34
42. Rejected by His own people Isa 53:3 /Jn 19:14-15
43. Hated without cause Ps 69:4 /Jn 15:25
44. Friends stood aloof Ps 38:11 /Lk22:54;23:49
45. People wag their heads Ps 22:7;109:25 /Mt 27:39
46. People stared at Him Ps 22:17 /Lk 23:35
47. Cloths divided and gambled for Ps 22:18 /Jn 19:23-24
48. Became very thirsty Ps 22:15 /Jn 19:28
49. Gall and vinegar offered Him Ps 69:21 /Mt 27:34
50. His forsaken cry Ps 22:1 /Mt 27:46
51. Committed Himself to God Ps 31:5 /Lk 23:46
52. Bones not broken Ps 34:20 /Jn 19:32-36
53. Heart broken Ps 69:20;22:14 /Jn 19:34
54. His side pierced Zech 12:10 /Jn 19:34+37
55. Darkness over the land Amos 8:9 /Lk 23:44-45
56. Buried in rich man's tomb Isa 53:9 /Mt 27:57-60
His Resurrection & Ascension Prophesied /Fulfilled
57. Raised from the dead Ps 16:8-11 /Acts 2:24-31
58. Begotten as Son of God Ps 2:7 /Acts 13:32-35
59. Ascended to God Ps 68:18 /Eph 2:8-10
60. Seated beside God Ps 110:1 /Heb 1:3+13


Today, the only way Bible scoffers can explain away this astronomical probability is to discredit the prophecies in one way or another.
http://www.bible.ca/b-prophecy-60.htm

If what's written above isn't enough, consider the prophetic writings in the Books of Daniel, Ezekiel and Revelation. The bible predicted there will be a one world government in place, billions of people will die, and there will be an economic system in place so no man can buy or sell without a "mark" This mark of the beast prophesy standing on it's own is enough to blow Zeitgeist's claims out of the water. Do you have any idea of the technical sophistication it will take to setup a system where no man can buy or sell without this specific mark? Computers were'nt even a dream when the bible was written. There was no possible way for such a system to operate at the time the bible was written. Do you have any idea statistically how improbable it was to even guess there would be computers back around the time the bible was written? You can start your research on this prophesy being fulfilled here: http://www.verichipcorp.com/

Problem 7
Zeitgeist claims that since secular historians did'nt write about Jesus, he did'nt exist. First, why would Jesus leave any traces on the pages of secular history? He was virtually unknown – a traveling teacher who enjoyed limited popularity within a small community in a remote province on the eastern edge of the Roman empire. In the words of John P. Meier, professor of New Testament at the Catholic University of America in Washington D.C.: "Jesus was a marginal Jew leading a marginal movement in a marginal province of a vast Roman empire. The wonder is that any learned Jew or pagan would have known or referred to him at all in the first or second centuries" (A Marginal Jew, p. 56).

Second, does the fact that our evidence for Jesus comes from Christian sources mean that the evidence is too biased to be trusted? New Testament scholar Dr. R.T. France, former principal of Wycliffe Hall, Oxford University, gives us an excellent answer:

The Gospel writers tell us about Jesus because they think he is worth telling about, and they want others to follow him as well. But what worthwhile history or biography has ever been written by people who have no personal interest in what they write? Why should a 'bias' in favor of the subject render the history unreliable? Surely those who had been captivated by Jesus might be expected to take pains to pass on truth about him (Jesus 2000, p. 15).
http://www.wcg.org/lit/bible/gospels/howknow.htm

Problem 8

We're talking about an all knowing, all powerful God here. What would such a God be capable of? ANYTHING, right? He promises us that deception would be the hallmark of the days we are living in. Not only that, He specifically promises us:
<<>>
10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

Zeitgeist is a clever deception. The most dangerous lies are ones that contain some element of truth. It is true that there is a paganized form of christianity in the world. It is false that all forms of christianity are paganized. The problem with Zeitgeist is, they use trickery (straw man) and deception instead of truth to prove their point.

Conclusion

In a world full of lies, telling the truth is a revolutionary act. Finding the truth in Zeitgeist is like trying to find a needle in a haystack. True Christianity is creator centered not creation centered. That fact alone drives a flaming spear through the arguments presented in Zeitgeist.
See the follow on post for more on Zeitgeist.

Taking Heaven By Force?

Matthew 11:12 (NIV)
From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it.

Forceful people lay hold of it.....

Matthew 11:12(KJV)
And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.

The Greek transliteration of "and the violent take it by force" is below:

kai biastes harpazo autos harpazo

the violent-biastes, strongs says biastes means 1) strong, forceful 2) using force, violent

by force-harpazo according to strong's 1) to seize, carry off by force

2) to seize on, claim for one's self eagerly

3) to snatch out or away

So looking at the Greek for ourselves we can readily come up with "and the strong/forceful take it by seizing on it, or claiming it for one's self eagerly"

Interesting words....

What's another way of saying this? You have to REALLY want this to get it. You have to REALLY want the truth, you have to REALLY repent and want to turn away from sin to get this. You have to dwell on it, you have to treat your relationship with the Creator like it's something important. People often think about the things that are important to them, if the kingdom of heaven and God's Word is something that you don't think on often, what does that say about how important you think it is? This does'nt mean you are perfect, it means you want what Jesus is offering and you are willing to turn your back on this world to embrace the kingdom of heaven. Too often that price is to high and men embrace the world instead. Search your heart and mind to know what is within you. You can lie to men all die, please don't lie to yourself. Grace and Peace~D

Another Excellent Pre-Trib Article

Looking towards Heaven - Revelation Chapters 1-6

Jamma Mokhriby



There are a great number of studies on the Book of Revelation and we encourage prophecy students to search these rich resources for greater understanding of this glorious revelation from Jesus Christ.
If God allows, we will attempt to share in the coming weeks a succinct chapter by chapter overview of the Book of Revelation.
We pray that the information we share might aid and spur both believers and non believers to search ever deeper into the blessed words shared about mankind's future by the Risen Savior Jesus.

In Matthew 16:28 Jesus told His disciples, "Assuredly, I say to you, there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the Son of man coming in His kingdom."
We are made aware of one disciple in particular by the Scriptures that lived to see the reality of that which Jesus has prophesied. The disciple was John and the record of his experience is recorded for us in the Bible Book of Revelation.
Although books upon books could be and have been written on the amazing information given to us in the twenty-two chapters of Revelation, we will attempt in this series of messages to give a brief overview for a general understanding for those with inquiring minds.
Chapter 1:1 tells us the Book is "the Revelation of Jesus Christ" of "things which must shortly take place."
Looking at the thousand year to a day pattern given in the Scripture in conjunction with the seven day sabbatical cycles of God, we find that the first four days of God's allotted time for man had passed by the time of Christ's first coming. The final two days which initiated the reference to the shortness of time which was left are almost at an end and we are convinced that the hour of God's Sabbath rest is just on the horizon.
Revelation 1:3 again emphasizes that "the time is near" and promises a special blessing for those who read or hear the words of this book and keeps those things which are written in it. Glancing over and disregarding the revelation of this prophecy will not bring forth the promised blessing.
In verses 4-6 John addresses the epistle to the seven churches which were in Asia from the seven Spirits who are before God's throne from Jesus Christ (Isa. 11:2). The word "church" means an assembly of called out ones.
Verses 7 & 8 verify that the same Jesus Christ who is returning to the earth at the close of the final 7 year Tribulation Period is none other than God Almighty.
Verses 9-16 has John describing the awesome appearance he beheld of Jesus Christ his beloved teacher on whose chest he once rested his head upon (Jn. 13:25).
What a hope to desire for oneself in the spiritual sense, to hear the heartbeat of the Son of God and bring to our recollection that our Lord Jesus Christ is only a heartbeat away. Our hearts leap for joy when we consider the love of our precious Lord, Savior and friend, Jesus.
Apparently of all the disciples only John experienced this extraordinary intimacy with his Creator because of his unreserved love for his Savior (Jn. 1:3).
Verses 17 & 18 shows Jesus once again comforting this disciple which he loves (Jn. 13:23) and reassures him that He has conquered Hades and death.
It had been over a half century since John had seen his Lord ascend into heaven and the appearance of Jesus in glory caused John to collapse (Acts 1:9).
Verse 19 is the major key to understanding the divisions God has placed in the Book of Revelation. John was to "write the things which you have seen" (the appearance of Jesus Christ to him on the island of Patmos where he had been exiled), "and the things which are" (the seven churches), "and the things which will take place after this" (that is after the time of the churches).
Verse 20 then directs us to Jesus' exhortations and rebukes for His churches.
Chapters 2 & 3 of the Book of Revelation contain information to the seven churches that were existing at the time John was on Patmos. These churches are then representative of the dominant church characteristic that existed sequentially throughout the Church Age. These characteristics continue to exist to some extent in individual churches until the Rapture takes place before the Tribulation Period begins. At that time Jesus Christ will gather all believers to meet Him in the air on their way to His Father's house in heaven (I Thess. 4:15-18 & Jn. 14:1-3).
First there are the Ephesians who have a strong orthodox church, but are unproductive in their love for Christ. Next is Smyrna which is persecuted and greatly favored by Christ. Then there is Pergamos which is idolatrous and worldly. Fourth we have Thyatira which tolerates immorality within its ranks. Fifth is Sardis which is the dying church.
The final two are revealed in dramatic contrast to each other when considering the Rapture.
The Philadelphians are faithful and Rev. 3:10 prophesies that Christ will "keep them from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world." The inference pertains to deliverance from the Tribulation Period.
Then lastly we have the Laodiceans which is the congregation of the wealthy, indifferent ones. These wishy washy believers are so abhorrent to Christ that in the Greek found in Rev. 3:16 the word for "spew" (emeo) means literally Jesus will "vomit" or "spit" them out of His mouth. This assembly is warned to repent or else have the shame of their nakedness revealed.
It is very likely that the Laodicean Church will have the great dishonor to have been joined before the Rapture to the harlot religion of Revelation 17. The false believers she will produce will carry her church's name on into the tribulation.
Chapter 3 closes with the call of the spirit for the churches to heed the words of admonition and warning which have been given.
From Chapter 1 through Chapter 3 the Church has been mentioned a total of nineteen times. After Chapter 3 the presence of the Church on earth is no longer found throughout the remainder of the Book of Revelation until after she returns with Jesus Christ at the close of the Great Tribulation.
Chapter 4 begins with John seeing an open door in heaven and a voice like a trumpet telling him, "Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this."
These things spoken of are to take place after what had just been addressed, that is the Church Age. The scene is now significantly taking place in heaven.
In verses 2 & 3 John, a representation of the Church, views God sitting on His throne. His appearance was like jasper and sardius stone, that is like fire and ruby and around the throne there was a rainbow that appeared like an emerald.
Verse 4 then reveals twenty-four elders in heaven wearing crowns of gold. Crowns are rewards to believers and are not given until after the Rapture at the Judgement Seat of Christ (I Cor. 9:25, II Tim. 4:8, I Pet. 5:4, I Thess. 4:15-18 & II Cor. 5:10). By this fact it is made known that we are seeing 24 Raptured believers residing in heaven.
Verses 5-9 of Rev. Ch. 4 then describes more of the incredible sights John witnessed in heaven and concludes in verses 10 & 11 with the glorified elders casting their crowns before God's throne and giving Him glory and honor.
Chapter 5 continues this scene in heaven, but now instead of an atmosphere of celebration a more somber tone is found. A scroll in the hand of God is offered for someone to open and at first no one is found worthy. John weeps in Verse 4 at this news.
Many Bible scholars point out an association between this scroll sealed with seven seals and the ancient Hebrew right of a kinsman to redeem the property of a family member. It is by the comparison a deed to the earth. Man's authority, or deed was lost to Satan in the garden of Eden and has given him a legitimate claim over the earth. Jesus recognized Satan's rulership upon the earth when He called him "the prince of this world" in John 14:30.
The Hebrew focus continues in Verse 5 when Jesus is addressed in His role as Redeemer as "the Lion of the tribe of Judah" and "the Root of David."
In verse 6 the price Jesus paid for the deed is contrasted to His title of a lion when He is seen as the Sacrificial Lamb which paid for the sins of the world (I Cor. 6:20).
In Verse 7 Jesus takes the purchased scroll from God His Father.
Verses 8, 9 & 10 verify beyond question that the Church will have been Raptured and will be in heaven before the first seal of the scroll which begins the Tribulation Period is broken.
In verse 9 we are shown that those redeemed from "out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation" by the blood of Jesus Christ are in heaven praising their Savior. These people can be nobody other than the glorified saints of the Church. The rejoicing continues to escalate on through the end of the chapter.
Verse 13 is another fascinating Scripture which strengthens the fact that the glorification of the Church has taken place by this time. The Scriptures tell us that all of creation is longing for the day Christ redeems the earth. At this point of Revelation we find the creation joyously joining in the moment of praise.
We quote, "And every creature which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, I heard saying: "Blessing and honor and glory and power Be to Him who sits on the throne, And to the Lamb, forever and ever!" Turning to Romans 8:16-23 we find that the day creation is earnestly waiting for as the sign its deliverance is near is directly related to the time when the Church is glorified.
Romans 8:19 & 21 reads, "For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God...because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God."
The "glorious liberty of the children of God" being spoken of is intertwined with "the redemption of our body" and our being "glorified together" according to Rom. 8:17-23.
The glorious sign of the "revealing of the sons of God," which the creation is eagerly waiting for to signal its own deliverance from bondage and corruption is none other than the Rapture of the Church. With the Church glorified in heaven it is appropriate and understandable why every creature in creation sings praises at that blessed moment. It is because Jesus Christ is about to cleanse the earth of evil. The day of His vengeful wrath has come when all things which are written of restoration and renewal will be fulfilled (Lk. 21:22).
Chapter 6:1 & 2 reveal to us that the Tribulation Period begins when Jesus Christ (the Lamb which had been slain) opens the first seal of the scroll and unleashes a conqueror upon the world.
This conqueror has a crown like a king, but in the Greek we find that his crown is not a "diadema," which is the crown of a true imperial dignity, but instead he wears the crown called "stephanos," which is a symbol of triumph in a contest or a token of public honor, such as for military prowess.
He carries a bow, but no arrows and rides upon a white horse. These symbolize his initial ability to subdue his adversaries and have victory over them without having to rely on weaponry. He is accepted by much of the world as not only a king, but as a savior.
This man is the one known as the Anti-Christ and is described as the one who "shall destroy many in their prosperity" in Daniel 8:23-25.
In perfect harmony with what is revealed in II Thessalonians Chapter 2, the Church will have been Raptured to heaven before this man of sin takes his place on the world scene at the start of the Tribulation Period. It will be at this time when he will strengthen the covenant of Daniel 9:27 with Israel for 7 years. Please see our Rapture Watch Message, "II Thess. Ch. 2 - The Hope of God's Sequencing."

http://rapturewatch.cephasministry.com/343%20%20Looking%20towards%20Heaven%20-%20Revelation%20Chapters%201-6.html

More Validation of a Pre-Trib Rapture

When the Restraint is Removed

Jamma Mokhriby


Part IV




In our opinion, one of the most controversial passages in the New Testament debated by adherents of the Post, Mid and Pre-Trib Rapture teachings would have to be II Thessalonians 2:1-8.

The questions and opinions held to by the diverse points of view comes down basically to 3 subjects: the timing and the meaning of the events recorded by the Apostle Paul in verses 1-3 and who is the "Restrainer" of the man of sin in verses 6-7.

Quoting verses 1-2 we read, "Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come."

It is generally agreed upon that in verse 2 Paul was assuring the Thessalonians that they were not entering into the day of the Lord's judgment. Fraudulent messages and distressing circumstances surrounding them made them fearful that they were experiencing the time of God's judgment.

It is also largely agreed that Paul is speaking of the time of the Rapture in verse 1 as is described in John 14:1-3 and I Thess. 4:15-18.

Verse 2 begins the debate. Pre-Trib supporters say that while verse 1 unquestionably speaks of the Rapture (which they believe transpires before the Tribulation Period), verse 2 refers to the day of Christ's judgement which begins at the start of the Tribulation when the Lord Jesus opens the first seal of judgment in Revelation 6:1.

It is important to understand that refuters of this interpretation maintain Paul is still speaking about the Rapture in both verse 1 and verse 2.

The pivotal question put forth by the Pre-Trib position concerns the clear reference to the Rapture in verse 1. It is rightly asked, "Why did Paul reassure the Thessalonians in his letter that they had not missed the Rapture?"

The point veiled behind this question is commanding and demands a reflective answer. If Paul had taught the Thessalonians a Mid or Post-Trib Rapture then they would not have had any reason to be confused about having entered the Tribulation. It is logical to deduce by Paul's assurance to them concerning the Rapture that the Thessalonians had been taught a Pre-Trib Rapture.

The Apostle Paul had been their teacher according to verse 5. If Paul wanted to remedy an incorrect Pre-Trib Rapture outlook then verses 1 & 2 would have been transposed in his letter to them. He would have encouraged them to prepare for the judgment day of Christ first and then the gathering together at the Rapture instead of vice-versa.

If the Rapture was something which they did not believe they may have missed, why then we must ask, was it addressed as their primary concern in verse 1? If verse 2 is still speaking of the Rapture as Pre-Trib opponents contend, then we must accept that the Apostle Paul had no intention of relieving their distress, but instead for some unfathomable reason intended to add even more. Paul would have in essence replaced their hope of deliverance by the Rapture with the terror of someday facing the Great Tribulation.

In contrast, Pre-Trib adherents accept that the obvious purpose of these words penned by Paul is to relieve the anxiety of the Thessalonians by assuring them they had not entered into the Tribulation Period of verse 2 and therefore had not missed the Rapture spoken of in verse 1.

Continuing on to verse 3 in our study of Ch. 2 of II Thessalonians, we must point out that the words, "that day will not come" are not in the original Greek, but are added in by translators to help understand the passage connection to the previous subject.

Quoting verse 3 we read, "Let no one deceive you by any means, for [that Day will not come] unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition." The focus is on the day of Christ's judgement.

While studying verse 3 it is helpful to keep the different view points in mind.

The various views of Mid-Tribulationists teach that the Rapture could happen at any time between the start and the conclusion of the 7 year Tribulation Period. Generally we can say that the dominant Mid-Trib position holds that verse 3 is speaking of both the Rapture of verse 1 and the day of Christ in verse 2, and that they are occurring in close proximity at selected points during the Tribulation Period.

Post-Tribulationists who believe that the Rapture takes place during Armageddon are compelled to teach that verse 3 is referring to verse 1 & 2 combined together. They maintain the Rapture will happen at the close of the Tribulation Period as Christ returns.

Returning to verse 3 we find that the Greek word for "falling away" is a matter of considerable debate. Some say this "falling away" is a departure of the Church from the sound doctrines of the Christian faith. Others have said that it must be Israel that is being spoken of. And then there are those who maintain that those being spoken of are neither the Church nor Israel, but false professors of Christianity. Apostates who are exposed after the true Church is removed at the Rapture.

The Greek word for "falling away" is the Greek word "apostasia" where we get our word apostasy from. It is derived from the verb "aphistemi" which means "to do away, depart or remove." Some believe this is a reference to the Rapture.

In verses 18 & 19 in Ch. 2 of II John, the Apostle vividly speaks of the departure of false believers in these last days and gives solid scriptural direction for understanding the "falling away" in our opinion. Verse 3 then reveals to us that the Day of the Lord cannot come until the man of sin (that is the Anti-Christ) is revealed.

Momentarily skipping ahead to verses 6 & 7 it is necessary to point out that these verses speak of a "Restrainer" which must be taken out of the way first before the Anti-Christ can be revealed.

Pre-Trib adherents believe for good reasons that this Restrainer can only be the Church. They also justifiably believe that the Anti-Christ will be revealed at the very start of the Tribulation Period when Christ opens the first seal of the last day's judgments as is prophesied in Revelation 6:1-2. Therefore they come to the sequential conclusion that the Church must be removed before the start of the 7 year Tribulation Period.

Once again the Pre-Trib Rapture supporters main point of argument must be emphasized when realizing that Paul has just informed the Thessalonians in verse 3 that the appointed Restrainer of the most evil ruler of all of history will be removed by the start of the Tribulation Period.

Chapter 1:4-6 of II Thessalonians makes it abundantly clear that the Thessalonians were suffering terrible persecutions and tribulations already and Paul now tells them that evil will soon be unrestrained.

The question must be asked as to exactly what kind of consolation was Paul supposedly giving to the Church in this passage of II Thessalonians?

According to Post and Mid-Trib interpretations, Paul was telling the troubled Thessalonians they should give up their hope of the Lord's appearing for deliverance and that the terrible suffering they were enduring was nothing compared to that which lie in store for when the horrible son of perdition would be revealed.

This is an unacceptable conclusion to Pre-Tribulationists since in verse 2 Paul stressed his desire to offer the Thessalonians the greatest of comfort and deliverance from any doubts.

We now come to verses 6-8 of Ch. 2 of II Thess. Verse 6 is a fascinating, albeit cryptic message. The Thessalonians understood "what" and "who" Paul was speaking of as the 'Restrainer" of the Anti-Christ in verse 7, but we are left to the Lord's leading. Paul writes, "And you know "what" is restraining, that he (the Anti-Christ) may be revealed in his own time. For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only "He" who now restrains will do so until "He" is taken out of the way."

Theories as to the identity of this "what" and "who" include, world government, the Archangel Michael, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit and the Church.

Pre-Tribulationists are persuaded that the identity of this mysterious entity described both in neutered impersonal and also personal terms could be none other than the Church or the Holy Spirit.

It is soundly argued that only the Church and the Holy Spirit can fulfill the Restrainer's role of being both a neutered impersonal entity and also a singular male individual at the same time.

This matches perfectly the scriptural portrayal of the Spirit-filled Church as it melds into the Body of Christ. All other choices fail to meet the scripturally required personal/impersonal qualifications of the Restrainer. Thus Pre-Tribulationists conclude that the restraining role of the Church must be removed before the Anti-Christ can make his appearance at the start of the Tribulation Period as is revealed in Rev. 6:1-2 & Dan. 9:27.

The suggestion that the Restrainer is solely the Holy Spirit apart from the Church is refuted by the scriptural necessity for Him to remain on the earth throughout the Tribulation Period because it is only through His ministry that people can be led to salvation in Christ (See I Cor. 12:3).

Pre-Trib Rapture believers point out to those who insist otherwise that Ephesians 1:13-14 establishes that even if the Holy Spirit's presence could ever be removed from the earth, the Church would have to go also since the Holy Spirit indwells the Church as a down payment of their inheritance according to the Word of God.

Pre-Tribulationists therefore conclude that Paul was faithful and consistent in his intention to alleviate what was troubling the Church when he wrote to them in Ch. 2 of II Thess. and in his offer of hope to future generations. He first assured them in verses 1 & 2 that they had not misunderstood his original teaching of the Pre-Tribulation Rapture and therefore had not entered into the Tribulation Period as many had come to believe.

In verse 3 he reassures them that the Tribulation Period can not take place until after the falling away and the revealing of the Anti-Christ.

In verses 6-8 Paul concludes his unwavering words of assurance by reemphasizing that an entity is holding back the Anti-Christ from making his appearance (an entity which they will recognize has been removed) and that that entity must be taken out of the way first before the day of the Lord will start. That entity can only be the blood-washed Church of Jesus Christ.

Our purpose in this message is to present the solid ground which supporters of the Pre-Trib Rapture stand upon in their blessed hope. We do not agree with Pre-Tribulationists who take Matthew 24:48-49 out of its context and apply it to Mid and Post Tribulationists.

The evil servant spoken of in this passage of Scripture was not involved in the study of the timing of the Rapture, but was fostering an attitude of complacency in order to cast off restraint. The evil servant's desire was to indulge in his sin unencumbered.

Also we are in disagreement with Post and Mid-Tribulationists who say Pre-Tribulationists are going to cause believers to cast off their faith if they should enter the Tribulation. This accusation goes directly against the Word of God found in I John 2:18-19.

There we are told that deserters from the faith are apostates who are manifested for what they always had been - non-believers. True believers, whether they be Pre, Mid or Post-Tribulationists are abiding in these evil days together no matter what position one holds to on the timing of the Rapture. What happens to one will happen to all.

We are convinced that we are at the threshold of the start of the Tribulation Period and that an exercise in love between the divergent groups at this point would demonstrate a sober wisdom in the Lord.

We believe without a shadow of a doubt that the Pre-Trib Rapture teaching will be proven correct in the very near future.

Are you ready to meet the Lord through Rapture or death? Believe on the Living Lord Jesus Christ this moment for the forgiveness of your sins through His shed blood and this very moment you will receive eternal life.

Soon the trumpet will sound and the dead and living in Christ will shed their fallen natures like polluted garments, never to be put on again. We pray that you all will be ready.

http://rapturewatch.cephasministry.com/327%20When%20the%20Restraint%27s%20Removed%20-%20Part%20IV.html