Why I Believe In A Pre-Tribulation Rapture Pt. 5 - The First Resurrection

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VIDEO: WHY I BELIEVE IN A PRE-TRIBULATION RAPTURE - PART 5: THE FIRST RESURRECTION

It's easy to confuse the first resurrection with the Rapture. After all, they both involve resurrected bodies. The Rapture isn't exclusively a resurrection. By that, I mean that yes, the saints that have gone before us will be reunited with their bodies and have them transformed into immortal and incorruptible bodies just a moment before we, who are living, have our bodies transformed in like manner. It isn't described as the first resurrection, but as being caught up. "For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with with trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord." (1Thessalonians 4:16-17 KJV) 

The first resurrection won't involve the living, but the dead in Christ. Here we see both the living and the dead being "caught up" to be with the Lord forever. It's not known as a "resurrection Rapture," but only as the Rapture (the catching away of the living and dead in Christ). The Rapture won't be the first time that the dead have been resurrected either. If you remember, immediately after Jesus rose from the dead, others rose from the dead as well. 

"Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost. 51 And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent; 52 And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, 53 And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many." (Matthew 27:50-53 KJV)

It would be just as easy to confuse this with the “first resurrection” as it would be to confuse the Rapture with the "first resurrection."

So when does the "first resurrection" occur?

"And I saw thrones, and they that sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for their witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshiped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, nor in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. 5 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. 6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years." (Rev. 20:4-6 KJV)

This scripture specifically mentions events that will occur only at the time of the Tribulation. Those who participate in the "first resurrection" were beheaded for their witness for Jesus and for the word of God, did not worship the beast, and did not receive the mark of the beast on their hand or forehead. It's clear that the "first resurrection" occurs AFTER the Tribulation, when Jesus returns to Earth along with those who had been raptured seven years prior. Nowhere in this portion of scripture does it mention that those alive in Christ will be caught up together with them. This event happens seven years AFTER the event known as the Rapture. 

Many will continue to support the idea of a post-Tribulation Rapture, but that just isn't the case. This "first resurrection" is exclusive to those who have experienced death and there is nowhere in scriptures of this kind that describe the catching away of those who are living as well. If you read the following verses, you'll see what I mean:

"And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the alter the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: 10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? 11 And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellow servants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled." (Rev. 6:9-11  KJV - bold mine) There is nowhere in this scripture that even eludes to the fact that those who are alive will be caught up with them. This event coincides with Christ's return along with those who participated in the Rapture seven years before. 

God is very specific when He is describing those who are "under the alter." 

• They are the souls who were slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held.
• Christians will be killed during the Tribulation
• They are told to "rest yet for a little season."
• "little season" - Remainder of the Tribulation
• They are to wait until their fellow servants/brethren are killed as they were. 
• Their fellow brothers and sisters will be killed during the Tribulation in the same way they were

These souls aren't representative of every Christian who is waiting to be resurrected at a post-Tribulation Rapture. These are specific souls that have been persecuted and killed because of their faith and it is during the seal judgments that they are first mentioned, linking their persecution and deaths to the Tribulation. These souls mentioned here in Rev. 6:9-11 are the same souls mentioned in Rev. 20:4-6. They are the souls who are part of the "first resurrection" and who "lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years." The importance of the "first resurrection" cannot be understated. After the pre-Tribulation Rapture, the "first resurrection" will be vitally important. It will give those who had previously rejected Christ the opportunity to repent, believe, and be saved before their physical death. They are assured that even though they did not participate in the Rapture, they will participate in the "first resurrection" and live and rule with Christ for a thousand years! They have escaped the curse of the second death. The Rapture was their wake-up call, and many will heed that call.

Is there a second resurrection?

Well, yes and no. It's not specifically called the "second resurrection." It's called the "second death." It occurs at the White Throne Judgment after Satan is finally defeated and condemned to eternity in hell. It is at this time that those who died apart from God, are resurrected and stand before Jesus to be judged by the law of God, receiving the eternal destiny that they have chosen for themselves… eternity in the lake of fire and brimstone. This is why you need to repent and believe, so that you can be part of the experience known as the Rapture or, if you are left behind, be a part of the first resurrection. Just as those who take the mark of the Beast are automatically condemned to Hell, those who are part of the “second death” are destined to spend eternity in Hell.

If you'd like to read the other articles in this series, please click on a link below:

Why I Believe In A Pre-Tribulation Rapture - Part 1: The 24 Elders

Why I Believe In A Pre-Tribulation Rapture - Part 2: Noah, Lot, and Rabbit Holes

Why I Believe In A Pre-Tribulation Rapture - Part 3: The Slow Motion Replay

Why I Believe In A Pre-Tribulation Rapture - Part 4: The Apostasy or Falling Away

Why I Believe In A Pre-Tribulation Rapture - Part 6: The Bridegroom

Why I Believe In A Pre-Tribulation Rapture - Part 7: Timing Is Everything

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The World Won't Ever Be Void Of God's Chosen

Since the creation of mankind, there has always been someone on earth who has had a close relationship with God, even if that individual stood alone or acted without regard to their own personal safety. Adam, Noah, Abraham, Jacob, Issac, Moses, David, Esther, Elijah, Daniel, Jeremiah, Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego, etc... No matter what Satan did to try and wipe God from the minds of mankind or to destroy God's people, he just couldn't accomplish that task. 

Then a marvelous thing happened. Jesus came into the world! Through His birth, sinless life, crucifixion, death and resurrection, He provided us access, in His name, to our Father in heaven. Although all believers rejoice in that knowledge, the unsaved, and their slave master Satan, wish that it was otherwise.

There never has been a time when God was not praised and worshiped on the earth, and there will never be a time when unbelievers will ever experience a world where God is not Lord of all.

Many unbelievers half-heartedly hope that the Rapture is a real event so that they can finally be rid of all those "intolerant," "hateful," and "judgmental" people who call themselves Christians. What they don't realize is that once Jesus returns for His bride and quickly whisks her away, there will be a whole host of born again believers to take their place.

That's right, there will be millions of men and women who will repent and believe and take up where the raptured saints left off. Who will they be? 

• Those who called themselves Christian, but did nothing more than play church on Sunday.
• Those who walked away from the faith, never truly giving their lives to the Lord.
• Those who were evangelized and witnessed to, but never made a decision for Jesus.
• Those who are ignorant of what a relationship with God truly is, and are evangelized and witnessed to during the Tribulation.

The first two groups will have a working knowledge of who Jesus is and what true Christianity is all about. They will most likely be the ones to teach and lead those who make up the last two groups.

What the world doesn't foresee is the chaos that is going to arise immediately following this worldwide event. The joyous hope of ridding themselves of every true born again believer will leave them desperate, petrified, horrified, and regretful. The world that remains after the Rapture won't be the world they envisioned. They believe they'll finally make the world a utopia, but it becomes just the opposite.

Many will develop a hate for God to the point of where it will consume them. They will shake their fists at Him in defiance and help to track down born again believers in order to hand them over to the authorities for re-education, and eventually, execution.

No, the unbeliever will never be rid of true men and women of God no matter how hard they try. From Adam's time on this earth to the moment Jesus returns as King of kings and Lord of lords at the battle of Har-mageddon, God will always have His chosen people here to spread His word and keep the faith alive in the midst of those who have not yet repented and believed. God has gone, and will go, to great lengths to make sure that mankind has every opportunity to hear the truth, repent, and believe.

To God be all the glory and honor forever and ever! Amen!

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The Four Horsemen - The Rider On The White Horse

Go online and click on your favorite search engine. Type in "Four Horsemen of Revelation" and then click on images. In quite a few images that you find of the four horsemen spoken of in the book of Revelation, you'll find that the rider of the white horse is holding a bow and is pulling the string taut as he prepares to fire an arrow. The majority of the images of this rider also depict him as wearing a golden crown. There's a problem with these images... they're not accurate interpretations of the word of God.

Rider with arrow at the ready.

The book of Revelation states that the rider of the white horse has a bow, but it makes no mention of any arrow. Here, read it for yourself, "And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering and to conquer." Rev 6:2.  

Why do most pictures of this rider on the white horse show him ready to fire an arrow? I can only speculate, but you have to admit that a rider ready to let fly his deadly arrow makes for a dramatic scene, right? We also have to consider that artists often take liberties when it comes to creating artwork that pertains to scripture. Many artists may be relying on their own worldly understanding of who or what the four horsemen really are, relying on stories they've heard or images they've seen, perpetuating the false picture of arrows and golden crowns. No matter what the reason, the image does not line up with biblical truth.

Rider wearing a laurel crown.

What kind of crown is the rider of the white horse wearing?  "And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering and to conquer." Rev 6:2. There are two words for "crown" in the bible.  One is a "diadem," which is a kingly crown.  The other is a "stephanos," which is a victor's crown. In the case of the rider on the white horse, the latter is used in this scripture.  He's not wearing a gold kingly crown, he's wearing a victor's crown, like a crown of laurel leaves.

We are then told that, "he went forth conquering and to conquer."  That can be a little confusing, since he's not really wielding a formidable weapon, right? I'll explain that in a moment.

Let's paint this picture correctly now, shall we?  

"And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow;" The rider on the white horse symbolically has a weapon in his hand, but it is of no threat to anyone because a bow, without arrows, is really no weapon at all. This symbolizes that he will arrive on the scene as a man with a powerful but non-threatening personality. His choice of weapon will not be of military means, but of a personality that exudes confidence and authority, offering sound diplomatic solutions to the world's ills (especially the problems that have dominated the Middle East since the birth of Israel).

"...and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering and to conquer." The laurel crown that the rider is described as wearing is a symbol of the authority that he will have during this critical time in earth's history.  It is an authority that has not been earned by him, but, as the scripture states, an authority that is given to him. Who gives man authority, whether it's you, me or the Antichrist? You know the answer... God. God allows Satan to begin ramping up his end-time plan with the introduction of this rider on the white horse. 

So, what does he conquer? He conquers the minds and hearts of mankind. To the world, he will be seen as a "savior." He attempts to bring the world together in a one world system of government, religion and economics. You are probably telling yourself, "Surely everyone will see through this man." Your assumption would be incorrect. I say that because scripture also states, "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." 2 Thess 2:11-12.

Next time you see a picture of the rider on the white horse, check out the weapon he's holding and the crown he's wearing.  You'll find, like I did, that most of the artistic interpretations of this portion of scripture depict a rider with one or both of these errors contained in their artwork.


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What Is The Mark Of The Beast?

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VIDEO: WHAT IS THE MARK OF THE BEAST???

Most Christians and many non-Christians have heard about the "Mark of the Beast," but what exactly is it and why is taking this mark detrimental to our spiritual welfare? Let's begin by answering the first half of this question.

What Is The Mark Of The Beast?

Many believe that this mark isn't a mark at all. Many believe that it is a technology based system that will be tied in to a database that will have access to an individual's financial information, medical information, employment information, firearm registrations, social media accounts, etc... and that a simple scan of an individual's eye, hand or implantable device will give the host access to the individual's personal information. Many individuals have their finger scanned in order to clock in and out of work every day. It's a cool piece of technology that actually scans the blood vessels beneath the skin, but some would prefer not to use this device since it is set up to scan a finger on an individual's right hand.

Then there are the implantable chips.  We've all seen the picture. This, too, is seen as something to be avoided, since it is recommended that it be implanted in the skin between the thumb and forefinger of the right hand (standard placement for uniformity purposes and for ease of use if you're going to use it to control personal devices like the lock to your front door).  

What does scripture say about the mark of the Beast? “And he causes all, the small and the great, and the rich and the poor, and the free men and the slaves, to be given a mark on their right hand or on their forehead, 17 and he provides that no one will be able to buy or to sell, except the one who has the mark, either the name of the beast or the number of his name. 18 Here is wisdom Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for the number is that of a man; and his number is six hundred and sixty-six.”  (Rev. 13:16-18)

It appears, in my opinion, that since the mark can be either the "name of the Beast or the number of his name," it most likely is referring to an actual mark that is placed on the forehead or right hand of an individual who has decided to receive it of his/her own free will. Whether it's visible or not is the question, but from my understanding of scripture, it doesn't seem like it has anything to do with an implantable microchip or the scanning of the blood vessels beneath the skin of your right hand. Of course, those technologies weren't around at that time, but if you read on, you'll see my reasoning as to why implanted chips aren't the way to go in this coming worldwide system.

Sometimes we as Christians read too much into what God is trying to convey to us through scripture. Admit it, sometimes we make it more complicated than what it should be. Could we be complicating this issue by making the mark into something it's not? Let me give you an example as to how simple this "mark of the Beast" system could actually be.

Just picture this scenario. The mark of the Beast has now become mandatory. No one can buy or sell without it. You were warned by Christians before the Rapture not to take the mark if it was ever offered to you because it would mean an automatic ticket to hell if you took it. As a new born again believer, you have quietly refused to receive the mark. The mark had been optional for a little while, so you've decided to just go about your day hoping no one would notice that you hadn't received yours. 

Since the Rapture and the judgments handed out by God during the first half of the Tribulation, many things have been difficult to come by. You go to the government-run store to try to stock up on some much needed items. You approach the checkout and place the items on the belt. You feel relieved that in a few minutes you'll be on your way home. Unbeknownst to you, the mark has now become mandatory. You must show your mark before receiving any services. The clerk greets you and quickly glances at your forehead to see if you have the mandatory mark. Not seeing one, the clerk then says, "Excuse me, may I just see the back of your right hand so that I can begin scanning your items?" You hesitantly present your hand to the clerk, at which point the clerk can clearly see that you do not have the mark. "I'm sorry, the mark is now mandatory and it's against the law and store policy for me to scan your order if you don't have the mark. I can hold these items for you if you would like to go to the in-store processing center and receive your mark." Of course, at this point, if you refuse, you will probably be turned over to the government goons who are approaching the register while this whole situation was transpiring.

Simple, right? This system requires no hand scan, no implanted microchip, no retina scan...  just one human visually inspecting your right hand and forehead for the visible mark. Understand, for the worldwide system to work as flawlessly as possible, the system has to be as simple as possible. This human visual inspection works whether the individual is making their purchase utilizing cash, credit, checks, bitcoins, precious metals, SDR's, or whatever the physical or electronic currency the world will be using during the Tribulation. Human visual inspection works here in the states and in every other country in the world. It bridges all nationalities and all languages. One world government security forces will also be able to check you for your loyalty mark on the streets at a moment's notice just by looking at your face or asking to see your hand.

This marking system could also work with an invisible ink tattoo that is only visible under ultraviolet light. People get invisible tattoos all the time. The only piece of equipment that would be needed at the point of sale or for security forces on the street, would be an ultraviolet light. They're plentiful, inexpensive and portable. Just install them at each register and you're good to go. One world security forces could also use portable ultraviolet units light to illuminate your mark as well. It's an inexpensive system that can be set up worldwide, just as the visible tattoo mark, albeit, the visible mark doesn't require any additional equipment to see it, like the invisible ink tattoo would.

So when it comes to new technology, born again believers need to remain level headed and not allow these things to freak us out. It just makes us look bad. Remember, the "mark of the Beast" is the personal mark of the Antichrist and will be used by him to weed out the enemies of this new world system. I don't believe it has anything to do with the implanting of a microchip. It is a mark that has yet to be revealed and won't be revealed until the Antichrist is in control.

We need to use wisdom. We must be careful not to perpetuate the idea that technology involving the right hand is innately evil. That would be false. We do, however, need to be aware that although this new technology isn't the actual "mark of the Beast," it does add to the desensitizing of the public concerning the insertion into the body of the latest technology. It also encourages them to accept inclusion in the herd mentality.

What's So Bad About Receiving The Mark Of The Beast?

In order to save some time, let me direct you to another article I wrote about just that very thing. You can read that article by clicking HERE. Let me just briefly explain that those who do receive the "mark of the Beast" will suffer the wrath of God during the Tribulation while born again believers, although they do suffer, they will not experience many of the judgments that God will mete out during this time. Receiving the mark also automatically puts you on the losing side. At the end of the Tribulation, Jesus will return as King of Kings and Lord of lords... as the Lion of Judah, and all those who have opposed Him and have received the mark of loyalty to the Beast will be defeated.

Please take the time to leave a comment and to share this article with others who may be interested in it's content. God Bless!!!



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God's Second And Third Trumpet Judgments: Missiles? Meteors? Or...?

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VIDEO: GOD'S SECOND AND THIRD TRUMPET JUDGMENTS: MISSILES? METEORS? OR...?

I am aware that there has been debate among born again believers as to what the objects are that descend upon the earth at the time of the second and third trumpet judgments.  

The Second Trumpet Judgment

Rev. 8:8-9  ″The second angel sounded, and something like a great mountain burning with fire was thrown into the sea; and a third of the sea became blood, ⁹and a third of the creatures which were in the sea and had life, died; and a third of the ships were destroyed.”

The Third Trumpet Judgment

Rev. 8:10-11  ″The third angel sounded, and a great star fell from heaven, burning like a torch, and it fell on a third of the rivers and on the springs of waters. ¹¹The name of the star is called Wormwood; and a third of the waters became wormwood, and many men died from the waters, because they were made bitter.”

What is this object?

Some say that this is a description of a nuclear weapon while others say that this is most likely a description of a Near Earth Objects (NEO's), like meteors. In order to satisfy my curiosity, I decided to compare the two and find out for myself which object was most likely the one described by John in Revelation. Let's look at a very brief description of both of these types of objects.

The stages of a nuclear missile launch

• When a nuclear missile is launched, its fuel is ignited and it ascends upward. 
• The fuel is depleted in all stages before perigee, which means that the missile is still ascending at the time the fiery engines fall silent.  
• The payload is then propelled by a much smaller fuel source to guide it to it's destination and align it above it's target.  
• The warhead is then released and is almost in free-fall as it descends.
• Upon reentry, the heat shield encapsulating the warhead glows brightly.
• Once reentry is made, the weapon is either triggered in the upper atmosphere (creating an IMP) or is detonated just above the ground.

The stages of an impact by a Near Earth Object (NEO) 

As an NEO enters Earth's atmosphere, the friction begins to burn off the outer layers of the object.  You can see this with the naked eye as this process lights up the sky. The object leaves a trail of fire and smoke as it plunges toward it's final destination.  It will either burn up and/or explode in the atmosphere, or it will continue burning until it makes impact.  This size of such objects varies, but these NEO's can be massive! The color of the object can give us clues as to what the NEO is mainly comprised of, but there is no telling what this object is specifically made of unless it leaves traces that can be tested.

Now, let's look at those two scriptures again:

The first one describes the object as: "...something like a great mountain burning with fire..."

The second one describes the object as: "...a great star fell from heaven, burning like a torch..."

If you compare the two objects, the nuclear warhead and the NEO, then it seems that the latter would best describe what the writer is seeing. 

Why I believe it's NOT a nuclear warhead, but is, instead, an NEO

• The nuclear warhead is nowhere near the size of a mountain, but NEO's come in all shapes and sizes. There certainly are asteroids/comets that are as huge as a mountain.
• When something is "burning with fire" or "burning like a torch," it's producing not only flame, but smoke. Although the heat shield of a warhead would glow as the warhead enters the atmosphere, it would not be producing smoke. What would? An NEO entering our atmosphere.
• John also knows the difference between something that is smoking and burning (like a torch), as opposed to something that is glowing hot (like a heat shield). This example can be found in Revelation when he is describing Jesus' appearance ("His feet were like burnished bronze, when it has been made to glow in a furnace..." Revelation 1:15a). So the objects that John saw falling from the sky weren't glowing hot, they were on fire.

Why I believe it's a NEO

• The objects were burning with fire, with one of the objects being described as burning like a torch.  This would signify flame and smoke, both of which are the result of a NEO entering earth's atmosphere.

Now, other scripture in Revelation speak about judgments being released "in the air."  This could be determined to be a nuclear explosion in the atmosphere or, as history has shown us time and time again, it could be a NEO explosion in the atmosphere, releasing something toxic to humans.

So, that's my take on the subject.  I have avoided going to any other web site to review what their thoughts are because I didn't want my own thoughts on the matter to be influenced by other people's opinions.  I'm sure there are many others who have put more time and effort in seeking the answers to the same question than I have.

Please comment below.  I'd be very interested in hearing what your opinion is.

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Left Behind: I'm In The Minority Report

!!!SPOILER ALERT!!!  I have briefly described scenes in the movie in order to offer up my opinion.

As many of you may have already noticed, the film, "Left Behind: The End Begins," stirred up a lot of controversy among Christians. First there was the controversy between those who believe in a pre-tribulation rapture, those who believe in a mid-tribulation rapture and those who believe in a post-tribulation rapture.  Then there was the controversy between those Christians who liked the film and those who expected more. I will not attempt to address the former controversy in this post (I'm saving that for another time), but will instead attempt to address the latter.

As we all know, opinions are mainly subjective. In this case, either you liked the film, "Left Behind: The End Begins," or you did not.  I've read film-goers' positive and negative responses as well as online reviews from established Christian web sites and I can't seem to agree with the negativity that has been circulating throughout parts of the Christian community regarding this film.

Let's address some of the negative comments you may have heard about this film.

#1 This new film is not like the books or the original movie.

Since this is a "reboot" of the Left Behind series, complaints about straying from the original storyline found in the books and the original movie just don't seem to make sense to me. It's a reboot, not a remake. If anyone is going to see this film expecting to see an updated version of the original movie from opening title to closing credits or that it tells the story of the first book from cover to cover, then let me tell you that you will be disappointed.  

Star Trek had a "reboot." Among the changes made was the addition of Spock's romantic relationship with Uhura, Capt. Pike's altered future (he's alive and well), and the destruction of Spock's home world of Vulcan. This wasn't part of the original series or the original theatrical releases that resulted from the popularity of the series, but it didn't deter many people from going to see this film. The same should be true about the new Left Behind film. The changes in the storyline should not deter people from seeing this film. Here are a few of the changes that have been made:

• Hattie isn't the ditsy blond from the books
• Rayford's indiscretions are noticed by his daughter earlier on in the time line. 
• Raymie is raptured in Chloe's presence.
• Buck has use of his personal satellite phone on the plane.
• Characters on the plane actually have a story line and aren't just there to take up space.
• The film focuses only on the day of the rapture, beginning with Chloe's arrival at the airport as she returns home for her dad's birthday, and concluding with the dramatic landing of Rayford's aircraft.

I could go on, but I believe the point has been made. This is a REBOOT, not a remake of the original story line.  There is no mention of a Tribulation Force at the end of the movie, only the ominous statement by Chloe that this was just the beginning of what is to come.

#2 Christians are portrayed as lunatics.

A woman in the movie approaches Buck in the airport terminal and immediately begins to bible bash him. We all know the type. These people lack wisdom and humility and tend to be very judgmental. What I'm trying to say is that these people are real and their behavior, although well meaning I'm sure, is overbearing and just pushes people further away from Jesus. It may be difficult to watch a Christian movie that has a character that makes us cringe, but it's a part of our Christian culture and we can't run away from it. We can't shove it in a closet and pretend it doesn't exist. We have to own it. It's real. The film makers understand this and put it right out there for everyone to see right from the start. This scene not only instructs Christians how NOT to witness to unbelievers, but also helps us to understand how many non-believers view Christians. The film makers show empathy toward unbelievers who have had to deal with people like this in the past (which may have helped push them further from making a decision for Christ). This is a teaching moment, people!  

In another scene, as Chloe describes this incident at the airport to her mother, she lets slip that she believes the woman at the airport is just as crazy as her mother. Her mother is wounded, which makes Chloe regret her choice of words. Her mother tries to share God's word with her, to prepare her for what's coming, but before she can, Chloe makes an abrupt departure. Another missed opportunity to share God's word on wide screen? Some may see it that way. I just don't happen to agree with them. I'll explain why in the next section.

#3 The name of Jesus is never spoken and scripture is sorely lacking. It's a watered down version of the book meant to appeal to the widest Christian audience possible.

How many people know what Christians are going to say before they say it? How many unsaved know that we're going to tell them that Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life and that no one goes to the Father except through Him... or that Jesus shed His blood for them to cover a multitude of sins... or that they need to be born again to enter the kingdom of God? How many of them have heard those words from church, on television, in secular movies, in soup kitchens, and yes, even at church? Yes, the words are out there, but the unsaved aren't falling to their knees in droves. They remain on the broad and easy path that leads to their destruction. The film makers decided to take a different direction. Gone is the in-your-face preaching that would drive many of the unsaved away from this movie, and in it's place is a real life example of what life is for many people.  

What do I mean by that? Here is Irene. She's the mother of Chloe and Raymie and is wife to her pilot husband Rayford. A year prior to the events of the movie, she became a born again believer in Christ. During the past year she's quoted all the scripture and shared her faith with her reluctant family, yet they still do not believe. Her daughter even goes so far as to say that her mother "drank the Kool-Aid." So what does Irene do? She doesn't press. She lives her life as a faithful Christian woman and surrounds herself and her family with symbols of her faith. She tries not to push them away from the truth, but attempts to gently draw them to Jesus by setting an example for them. Yes, she still tries to share her faith with them because she loves them and longs for their salvation as well, but she also knows that she can't go too far because that will just drive them further away from the truth. You can see that when Chloe comes home and Irene places her gardening gloves on top of her bible. She doesn't want to push.

We see Irene's faith by the jewelry she wears, the bible on the table (mentioned above), mention of her church attendance, the little reading nook she has set up with a pillow that says Pray and subtle artwork of Jesus on the cross.  Many people would look at this as a way to plug Christianity into a movie that has no Christian underpinning, but I disagree. I see the little nook she has set up, the one Chloe glimpses at as she searches the house for her raptured mother, as a subtle message. What is that message? Get alone with God, no matter where it is. Get to some small, quiet, private place where you can be alone with Him. Pray and confess your sins. Repent and give your life to Jesus. That's what I took away from that ever-so-short glimpse of Irene's little nook.

So, scripture doesn't play a major role in the movie, but Irene's faith does. That reflects real life. I don't beat my friends and family over the head with scripture. They know what I'm about and they've heard me say it all. How I live my life is my testimony to those who refuse to repent and believe. That's what this movie is to me... real life. It doesn't beat you over the head with something you already know. As a side note, scripture is presented on screen at the end of the movie before the credits roll. The closing credits roll with the beautiful voice of Jordan Sparks as she gives us her rendition of the song, "I Wish We'd All Been Ready."  

Some people want to draw a line in the sand with a detailed list of examples of what a Christian movie should contain. If it doesn't meet their demands, it's deemed a poor example of Christian film making and they automatically give it a thumbs down. I have to honestly disagree with that. There are Christian films that are made solely for Christian audiences and then there are those rare Christian films whose main purpose is to reach out to the unsaved. I believe that "Left Behind: The End Begins" is an example of the latter.  

The conversation, the questions and the scripture all come after watching this film, when you and those who have seen the film begin to share your thoughts. This film is a door that starts the conversation moving in God's direction. It's like handing a tract to someone. First they look at the cover and then they read what's inside. Look at the film as the tract cover that invites the one receiving it to want to read more. What's inside that tract is what we share when the movie's over. It's not the film's responsibility to witness to the lost, it's ours.  

Invite someone to watch the movie with you. They won't feel as if they're being force fed scripture, which may allow them to open up and begin asking those questions that they've been dwelling on for awhile.

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Repent and be forgiven! Believe and be saved!

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Fascinating Information About Preparations For The Third Temple

I just read the book, "The New Temple and the Second Coming" by Grant R Jeffrey. There were a few intesing bits of information that I found fascenating. Some of you who have kept up with recent events surrounding the plans for the Third Temple will undoubtedly find this information redundant, but I know that there are some readers who will find this article informative. Most of what I will write below will be quoted from the book.

The Discovery of the Oil of Anointing

An archaeological team discovered a clay vessel that contained oil that had solidified to the consistancy of molasses. When the oil was analized, it was shown to be composed of five ingredients, exactly as God commanded Moses (Exodus 30:23-26, 30-31). Intensive testing by the Dept. of Hebrew Univ. established that the oil inside the clay vessel was the ancient oil of anointing. It was given to two chief rabbis of Israel for safe keeping.

One of the five ingredients in this oil is the rare persimmon or balsam (afarsimon) oil. There were only two groves in the whole Middle East where the precious balsom trees grew. When it became apparent that the Romans were going to destroy Jerusalem and the Temple, priests burned the two groves to keep them out of the hands of the Romans. With their destruction, it became impossible to reconstitute the ancient oil of anointing. Without the oil of anointing, it would seem to be impossible to anoint the sacred objects and the priests. However, the discovery of this ancient sample of the oil of anointing makes it possible to anoint the Temple, the sacred vessels and the priests.

Special Blue Dye
The Bible records that many of the special garments, including the avnet-belt of the high priest, must be dyed with a special blue dye known as tchelet. This dye was produced from a rare mollusk found only in the Mediterranean Sea, a marine creature long thought to be extinct. However, in the late 1990's, Israeli divers discovered the mollusk, the hillazon snail, in the Red Sea. A thick liquid is extracted from a gland in the mollusk to produce the rich blue dye. The Temple Institute in Jerusalem has created a supply of the blue dye, which will be used to create the garments required in Temple worship... and used to produce the tsitsit fringes worn by observant Jewish males in the temple. The unspun wool for the priestly robes is dipped in this liquid, turning the wool a bright green. When the new green wool is exposed to the light, it takes on a rich blue color. Once it dries, the wool is spun into a blue thread.

Ashes of the Red Heifer

The Third Temple cannot be built and used for worship until the appropriate area on the Temple Mount is ritually purified using waters of purification from the ashes of an unblemished red heifer. The ashes from the burned sacrifice will be mixed with water, scarlet thread, cedar, and hyssop, producing the waters of purification. Then the priest will sprinkle the water on the stones of the Temple Mount, the priests and the Temple vessels according to the Bible's commands as recorded in Num. 19.

A pure red heifer is very rare... Jewish authorities are raising a number of red heifers in Israel so they will have a qualified candidate when they receive a divine sign that the time has come to rebuild the Temple.

But do we need a red heifer? Could ashes from the last red heifer be found just as the oil of anointing was found?

During the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD, priests took the ashes from the Temple in a vessel called the Kalal, a container made with clay and dung from a previous red heifer. The Essene priests buried the container holding the ashes near Qumran, along with a great number of the sacred objects (including the oil of anointing, which has already been discovered). The chief rabbis believe the recovery of the ashes of the red heifer... is key to rebuilding the Temple.

HEADLINE UPDATE 09/05/2018: Temple Institute Announces Birth Of Red Heifer

We are witnesses to the fulfilling of numerous prophecies as we live and breathe in this era of biblical history. We are filled with hope as we anticipate the return of our Messiah. We are encouraged by the progress of the Temple Institute and other organizations in retrieving Temple artifacts and discovering clues to the exact location of the First and Second Temples.

I pray for the peace of Israel and the return of Yeshua HaMashiach!

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Repent and be forgiven! Believe and be saved!

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Why I Believe In A Pre-Tribulation Rapture Pt 2 - Noah, Lot, and Rabbit Holes

READ THE BLOG OR WATCH THE VIDEO!!!

VIDEO: WHY I BELIEVE IN A PRE-TRIBULATION RAPTURE - PART 2: NOAH, LOT, AND RABBIT HOLES

The people laughed at Noah. He was building a huge ark, was going to fill it with animals and then just float away on some phantom flood. Seems ridiculous, right? Everyone went on with their depraved lives, shaking their head at the crazy old man and his family. Then the animals came to the ark, lead by God. Then Noah and his family entered the ark and God closed and sealed the door shut. Then, without warning, came an outpouring of water from the sky and from the depths of the sea!

People often say that the story of Noah isn't an example of the rapture, but of the tribulation. I understand that point of view, I just don’t agree with it. Why? Because I see the story of Noah as being more than just an ark floating on water. I see it as an example of being raised out of harm’s way. I see it as an example of the Bridegroom ushering His bride into the bridal chamber and sealing the door shut to protect her. I see it as an example of returning to a new earth, cleansed by God. There was an urgency to Noah’s entrance into the ark. He wasn't told to enter the ark by a certain time. God told him to move now, and he did. He was rescued from the tribulation that immediately came upon the world.

Then there’s the comparison with Lot. Some say that Lot’s flight from Sodom and Gomorrah was an example of God bringing Lot through that tribulation and not out of it. Again, although I understand that point of view, I just don’t agree with it. I see Lot’s flight as God taking Lot out of the situation, rescuing him and his family from the tribulation to come. Before the destruction of those two cities, people were living their lives as always, unaware that their moment of judgment was upon them. There was a sense of urgency when Lot left Sodom.  He was removed from the city just before the tribulation began.

Some Christians seem to think that we must go through the Tribulation in order to be refined, like somehow we can make ourselves more worthy to enter the Kingdom of God by participating in that final period of suffering. That way of thinking sounds a lot like the Catholic version of purgatory, except it’s experienced in the flesh here on earth. It also sounds like Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross wasn't enough to satisfy God’s anger and judgment against us; that somehow we must refine ourselves through that bitter trial of the Tribulation in order to be made complete.

But all this revolves around the timing of the Rapture. If you’re a pre-trib believer, then things are pretty much settled in your mind. You believe that the Rapture will happen just before the Tribulation and that, as the bride of Christ, you will be sheltered in the bridal chamber with the Lord until the Tribulation reaches it's end, at which point, you will return with Jesus and the rest of the saints to witness the defeat of Satan and all who still reject Jesus as Lord.

If you’re a mid-trib or post-trib believer, then you have to deal with a field of rabbit holes. What do I mean about rabbit holes? The rabbit holes that Mid-Tribulation and Post-Tribulation proponents would have us follow them down are these:

• They would have us believe that the Tribulation has already begun and offer up "proof" that we're at a specific point in the Tribulation. That includes proof such as:

• "There’s a secret peace treaty already in place between Israel, America, and Israel's enemies." This "secret peace treaty," although there is no proof it even exists, is used as proof that we're in the first half of the Tribulation.
• "The President is the Antichrist." This was said about Presidents Bush, Obama, and now Trump. They even offer mathematical calculations based on imaginary theories that result in the sum of 666, which, to them, is "proof" that a specific person, whether it's the president or not, is the Antichrist.
• "We're already at such and such a place in the Tribulation." They state that we're at a particular point in the Tribulation, and then offer up "proof" that their claims are accurate, bringing us down a rabbit hole as we try to follow their logic. 
• We need to refine ourselves through the suffering of the Tribulation. Every Christian has to go through this type of refining process in order to be found worthy to enter the Kingdom of God.

• Then there's the unscriptural logic of some of these so-called born again believers:
• "There's going to be a new rise of Nephilim as angels will once again have intimate relations with human women."
• "We're encoded with alien DNA."
• "Nuburu is real, and it factors in to biblical prophecy."

Image: findfreegraphics.com

There is so much speculation going on in this part of the Christian community, from which seals have been opened, to who the Antichrist could be, and even some way-out-there speculation on the strangest things. Some of these speculations are coming from people who I thought had their act together. They’re great brothers and sisters in the Lord, lead by the Holy Spirit, but they've allowed themselves to be taken down rabbit holes that they can’t seem to find their way out of. Instead of investigating these claims and praying about them, they just announce it openly on the internet, causing others to head down that rabbit hole with them. Some of them even say they have been led directly by the Holy Spirit to the conclusions that they have made, only to have those conclusions be proven false days or weeks later. So what does that make them? False prophets? Liars? If there's a spirit guiding you in prophetic utterances, and these prophecies don't pan out, then what kind of spirit are you allowing to influence you? It's definitely not the Holy Spirit, that's for sure!

The main issue that Mid-Tribulation and Post-Tribulation proponents have to deal with is speculation. Everything that they believe in, as far as already being in the Tribulation, is speculation. Everyone will have a different opinion as to where we are in the Tribulation timeline. Pre-Tribbers are all of one mind... that no matter what happens, no matter when it happens, Jesus will return as a thief in the night to rapture His bride and take her safely out of the way at the very moment that the Tribulation begins and the Antichrist is revealed. No speculation. No questions. We wait with hope, and know that these things prophesied for the Tribulation will not begin until we are taken out of the way along with the Holy Spirit. Those who believe in a Mid-Tribulation or Post-Tribulation have to constantly deal with where we are in the Tribulation timeline and speculate on who the Antichrist is (when scripture already states that he'll be identified at the onset of the Tribulation), and what judgment we're in the midst of. As I look at all of the information out there that they post on social media, I can see that there isn't even consensus within those groups on exactly where they are in the Tribulation timeline, meaning there's massive disagreement among those who believe in the same type of Rapture.

In all love and concern, I ask all my brothers and sisters who are looking for the Antichrist and looking for the two witnesses and looking for any other little tidbit of information to justify their theories to just stop! Think about what you’re doing before you affect the lives of those who are reading what you're posting. Understand that anything except a Pre-Tribulation Rapture leads to nothing but false speculation that does nothing but take your mind off of REAL bible study and REAL interpretation of current events. 

• We do not have to go through the Tribulation to refine ourselves. Jesus suffered and died for us. There is no other sacrifice that we can make on our own to be worthy of receiving salvation.
• There is no secret peace treaty. If that were so, Israel wouldn't be on the receiving end of constant missile attacks and attempted terrorist attacks.
• We are not encoded with alien DNA. Aliens don't exist.
• Niburu has never been proven to exist. It's not even part of biblical prophecy!
• Fallen angels are not going to return and have sex with human women to create a new race of Nephilim in this day and age.
• We are not yet in the Tribulation timeline, so stop trying to use current events to support your false assumptions.

Stop chasing after every vain thought and imagination. Stop cherry picking scripture to support your rabbit hole theory, while you ignore those scriptures that would prove your theory false.

There are some things we will not know while we are here on earth, and God has not promised to give us fore-knowledge of the intricate details of His plans. He has given us an overall view of what is going to happen and has definitely filled in some blanks, but the actual fine details of it are in God’s hands.  Just as believers in Paul’s time were mistaken that the Tribulation had already begun, so some of us are mistaken that we are firmly planted in the first half of the Tribulation at this moment.

Don’t make the same mistake our brothers and sisters have made throughout Christianity’s history. We look back and wonder how they could have believed some of the things they did, but some of us are operating under the same misconceptions that the saints before us dealt with. Those dealing in speculation and working to convince other believers to follow their misleading doctrine need to repent of this type of behavior.

I confess that I have been a victim of this way of thinking as well. I am not better than anyone else. I am better off than some because I have learned to temper my desire to post something online until I have researched it both online and through the word of God. If it doesn't line up with God’s word, then it’s not fit to be shared.

Remember, God separated Noah from His judgment upon mankind. God separated Lot and his family from the judgment He was about to mete out on Sodom and Gomorrah. These are just two of the most talked about instances where God has protected His own. There are more examples throughout biblical history. Be assured that He will take us out of the way and separate us from what is to come BEFORE it happens. 

I hope none have taken this as a personal attack. Everything I have said was out of love and concern (and yes, a little frustration). Keep your eyes on the Lord and keep pushing forward, ignoring those who would convince you to believe in false doctrine that would take you away from God's word and toward false prophecies and biblically inaccurate understanding of where we are in biblical history. Don't be lead down a rabbit hole. Take the bible as a whole, study all the instances where God has separated His own from the tribulation at hand, and understand that it will be the same for us.

You can read the other parts of this series by clicking on the title of the article below:

Why I Believe In A Pre-Tribulation Rapture - Part 1: The 24 Elders

Why I Believe In A Pre-Tribulation Rapture - Part 3: The Slow Motion Replay

Why I Believe In A Pre-Tribulation Rapture - Part 4: The Apostasy or Falling Away

Why I Believe In A Pre-Tribulation Rapture - Part 5: The First Resurrection

Why I Believe In A Pre-Tribulation Rapture - Part 6: The Bridegroom

Why I Believe In A Pre-Tribulation Rapture - Part 7: Timing Is Everything

To God be the glory and honor and power forever and ever!  Amen!

If you like this article, or any of the other information on this web site, please consider following me. You'll be one of the first to be notified when I create new content! You'll find the section at the top of the right hand column on this page. It says, "Follow Tribulation Harvest by Email." After entering your email address, you may be prompted to sign in to your Google account. Thank you!!!

Repent and be forgiven! Believe and be saved!

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