A Proper Perspective (Part #1)

Bible Seminar, Lesson 1  (Part #1)
Bible Seminar, Lesson 1  (Part #2)

Mark 8:22-25  And he cometh to Bethsaida, and they bring a blind man unto him and besought him to touch him. And he took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the town; and when he had spit on his eyes and put his hands upon him, he asked him if he saw ought. And he looked up, and said, I see men as trees, walking. After that, he put his hands again upon his eyes and made him look up: and he was restored and saw every man clearly.

Not long ago while walking through the woods on the way back from one of my favorite fishing spots, I took a picture, of nothing more than a peaceful wooded scene.  Uploading the picture to my social media page I caption it with, “Can you see the bear?”  The varied response was surprising, and I divided them into groups.  There were those who could see the bear, those who did not see the bear, and another group who spread rumors saying, “I saw a bear in the woods”.  The fourth group was the most intimidating, in that it suggested that I should lay off the hard liquor while walking in the woods.  The result of the study became more embarrassing when some of my friends insisted on organizing a bear hunt.  This experiment proved that our perception is often clouded by our perspective.  In many of Jesus messages he referenced this flawed condition of humanity as such:  Mark 8:18 having eyes, see ye not? and having ears, hear ye not? and do ye not remember?

                                                  

The theme of this seminar, “Understands the Word of God”, it is not based upon the proclamation of a new doctrine, nor is it an attempt to confirm or enforce a new set of rules governing the interpretation of the scriptural.  This lecture series s designed to pose questions.  We will pose more questions than answers, the same as Jesus did during his ministry.  In the Hebrew Bible, Jesus asked at least 183 questions, compared to the more than 307 questions he was asked.  He only gave a direct answer to three.  Jesus often formulated his response to questions in such a manner that the person asking the question was forced to provide the answer.  Questions are an important asset to teaching and learning.  It is through the entertainment of questions that our perception will be sharpened, and the mind is able to adjust its perspective and gain a deeper insight into the knowledge of God. This lecture and the ones that follow is a process of searching for answers.  The answer for many of the questions that we will pose is necessary to reaffirm the faith of the emerging generation. A generation who maintains the frameworks and vocabulary of Christianity while having lost touch with their substance. 

Understanding The Word of God will allow us to adjust our vantage point, it will enable us to address many of the flawed facets of religious ideology.  The world has embraced a new and permissive order; the scriptures are quickly discarded as clichés without substance and the irrelevant rants of ambiguous church folks.  Christianity once was heralded as the true religion and protected by the Western world, it is now being offered up on the altar of political correctness.  The detractors are presenting it as a failed religion while many of our religious leaders glory in worldly excesses.   Through these lectures or classes, we intend to reaffirm the ideology that the journey is spiritual and the message is the Word of God; it is not about the art of preaching and addressing the emotional and motivational aspects of humanity.  It is not about coming to church and standing in line waiting for God to hand out a blessing.  The message is the same one that was preached by Jesus and his disciples, it is a call to the world to repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.

Over the course of this event, we will conduct a number of discussions.  In this venue in order for a Bible discussion to be believable the foundation of that discussion must rest upon several principles, among them are perspective and context.  The context and perspective began at the point of interpretation.  If this is true, then we must guard against a subtle form of syncretism.  Syncretism is defined as the tendency to read the Bible through the lens of our denomination, organization or ministry strategy.  When the interpretation of the scripture is based upon our personal views or perspective we take a chance on missing out on much of what God reveals in the scripture.   Theological syncretism is a form of spiritual suicide,

For a deeper understanding of the Word of God, a prayer for God to open our eyes must be at the forefront of our endeavor.  God’s perspective is from one vantage point, man’s perspective is from many different vantage points.  It is, therefore, easy for a man with a slight influence from that old devil to see things different from God.   Mark gives us a startling example of Jesus adjusting the perspective of the once blind man.  Mark 8:23-25  And he took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the town; and when he had spit on his eyes and put his hands upon him, he asked him if he saw ought. And he looked up, and said, I see men as trees, walking. (Remember the picture.  “Can you see the bear?)  After that he put his hands again upon his eyes and made him look up: and he was restored, and saw every man clearly.  What stands out in this scripture is, Jesus touched the man and he was healed, but he did not see clearly.  Being touched by the Savior and viewing life from the proper perspective was a two-step process.

There are guidelines for establishing perspective and context, and they are based upon who is speaking, who is being spoken to, and what is the subject matter.  There are three major groups addressed in the Bible, the Jews, the Gentiles, and the church. Paul referenced these three separate entities in 1^st Corinthians 10:32, “Give none offense, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God:”  To preclude an argument within the mind of many, the Jews and Gentiles are earthly people, the church is a spiritual body, and as Paul stated in 1^st Corinthians 12:13,  For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.  Paul is addressing the spiritual makeup of the church, not the earthly makeup of a person.

What is perspective?  Perspective is defined as a particular attitude toward our way of regarding something; in essence, it is a point of view.  If the perspective is a point of view, then it can vary from person to person.  No doubt the blind man whom we discussed earlier saw men as trees walking based his assessment upon the knowledge he had received as a blind man.    Perspectives can be clouded by indoctrinated beliefs, whether they be true or false.  Perspectives can be based upon what we want to believe and not what is.  Solomon addressed the issue in Proverbs 16:25, he said, “There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof is the ways of death.”  Solomon had previously stated in Proverbs 12:15 that, “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel, is wise.”  A simple conclusion by examining these two verses is, there is a proper or true perspective and there is a false perspective. 

A professional photographer will spend valuable time adjusting and repositioning his camera in search of the proper perspective as pertaining to its subject.   Even after the photograph is processed, it is subjected to critical review.  This review sometimes results in the photos being discarded and a new photo shoot scheduled. This does not detract from the expertise or professionalism of the photographer. In the world of professional photography there is a constant search for the proper perspective of static objects, thus highlighting and signify the difference between a snapshot and a photograph.

 Lets view a common scripture from different perspectives.  When I was a small child I saw a picture of Jesus standing at a door knocking.  The caption for the picture was Revelation 3:20  Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man hears my voice and open the door, I will come into him, and will sup with him, and he with me.   Most, if not all of us have seen that picture and the image is burned into our memory.  Sermons and Bible studies are often presented, emphasizing Jesus at the door knocking.    Would the message be the same if it was viewed from a different perspective,  let's take a closer look at two of them. Perspective (1). We see Jesus standing at the door and depending upon our proximity to him, we might be able to hear him knocking and pleading.  In order to see and hear what Jesus is doing, we must get as close to Jesus as we can.  Therefore, we are now in the same position Jesus is in, and the message is not to us because we are outside of the room.  Our perspective will not allow us to act upon the message, rather it has allowed us to become a projector of the message, rather than a receiver of the message.  With all of the smugness of a saint of God, we can now proclaim, “Jesus is standing at the door knocking, will you please let him in.”  To some this might seem as it is an extreme analogy, but remember the bear that did not exist.  We must be careful that the view from the outside does not cause us to strive for a position equal to that of Christ as Lords of his church.

Perspective (2) We are inside of a room and we hear this knocking on the door.  We hear the voice saying, “let me in”.   To act upon the request of Jesus, you must be in the room.  Jesus said, “if any man hears my voice and open the door.” He did not say hear me knocking, which was an act to get the attention of those in the room.  He said, “hear my voice”.  The message was a call to action.  The uses of the term, “any man” makes this a message to the individual, a personal message. The message contained within this verse was never about seeing Jesus standing at the door, it was about hearing the Word of God on an individual level and opening the door.  To spiritualize this, if you cannot hear Jesus knocking at the door of your Heart, then you must be in the wrong place.  The message of the Word of God in Revelation 3:20 and even from the beginning of time has always been, “If you do this, this is what I will do.”

Bible Seminar, Lesson 1  (Part #2)

A Call For Unity

Acts 4:31  And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.

Acts 4:32  And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.

Acts 4:33  And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.

Acts 4:34  Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,

Acts 4:35  And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.

Acts 4:36  And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,

Acts 4:37  Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet.

Unity is being together or at one with someone or something. It's the opposite of being divided.

What Is Unity

This is a word for togetherness or oneness. When a group of people act as one and are, as we would say today, “on the same page”, they're displaying unity. Unity and love are two entities of a spiritual nature that defines the moral high ground of humanity.  Yet, they are often spoken of in a cavalier manner as if they are easily obtained and maintained.   The opposite is often true.  When people are bickering and disorganized, there's no unity.   In many  families, group settings or causes, unity can be hard to find and maintain. 

The war between the states was supposed to be a means of bringing about unity between the states.   As we know this was far from the truth.  In ideology and concept, the United States might have become a unified body, but a deeper and darker hatred was born.  In today's society, unity is suffering on the altar of political correctness, our leaders have chosen a path of division.  In the name of good our churches, communities, the nation and the world is suffering an expanding divide that is terminal in nature.   Jesus addressed this problem in Matthew 12:25, he said, “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand:”

What Is The First Step Of Obtaining Unity?

Verse 31. And when they had prayed. The event which followed their prayer was regarded by them as an evidence that God heard their prayer.  We must conclude that prayer was the first step to obtaining unity  among the brethren.  Thus, without prayer and God's intervention, even war cannot bring about unity.  The place was shaken. The word which is translated "was shaken," commonly denotes violent agitation, as the raging of the sea, the convulsion of an earthquake, or trees shaken by the wind, Matthews 11:7; Acts 16:26; Hebrew 12:26. The language here is fitted to express the idea of an earthquake. Whether the motion was confined to the house where they were, is not said. They regarded this as an answer to their prayer, or as an evidence that God would be with them,

Verse 32. And the multitude. The number of believers at this time had become huge. In Acts 4:4, it is said that it was five thousand; and the number was constantly increasing.  They existed with one heart. This expression denotes a tender union. They felt alike or were attached to the same things, and this preserved them from dissensions.

One soul. This phrase also denotes close and tender union. No expression could denote it more striking than to say of friends, they have one soul. Plutarch cites an ancient verse in his life of Cato of Utica, with this very expression, "Two friends, one soul." (Grotius.) Thus Diogenes Laertius also (5 i. 11) says respecting Aristotle, that "being asked what was a friend, answered, that it was one soul dwelling in two bodies." (Kuin”el.) The Hebrews spoke of two friends as being "one man." There can be no more striking demonstration of union and love than to say of more than five thousand suddenly drawn together, that they had one soul! And this union they evinced in every way possible; in their conduct, in their prayers, and in their property. How different would have been the aspect of the church if the union had continued to the present time!

Verse 33. And with great power. See Ac 1:8. The word power here denotes efficacy and means that they had ability given them to bear witness of the resurrection of the Saviour. It refers, therefore, rather to their preaching than to their miracles. 

Gave the apostles witness, etc. The apostles bore testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. This was the main point to be established. If it was proved that the Lord Jesus came to life again after having been put to death, it established all that he taught and was a demonstration that he was sent from God. They exerted, therefore, all their powers to prove this; and their success was such as might have been expected. Multitudes were converted to the Christian faith.

And great grace, etc. The word grace means favor. And the expression here may mean either that the favor of God was remarkably shown to them, or that they had great favor in the sight of the people. It does not refer, as the expression now commonly used, to the internal blessings of religion on a man's own soul; to their personal advancement in the Christian graces of humility, etc.; but to the favor or success that attended their preaching. The meaning probably is, that the favor of the people towards them was great; or that great success attended their ministry among them. Thus the same word grace (Greek) is used in Acts 2:47. If this is its meaning, then here is an instance of the power of the testimony of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus to impress the minds of men. But this is not all, nor probably is it the main idea. It is that their union, their benevolence, their liberality in supplying the wants of the needy, was a means of opening the hearts of the people, and of winning them to the Saviour. If we wish to include others to our opinions or to bring them to be Christians, nothing is better adapted to it than to show them kindness, and even to minister to their temporal wants. Benevolence towards them softens the heart and inclines them to listen to us. It disarms their prejudices and disposes them to the exercise of the mild and amiable feelings of religion.

Hence our Saviour was engaged in healing the diseases, and supplying the wants of the people. He drew around him the poor, the needy, and the diseased, and supplied their necessities, and thus prepared them to receive his message of truth. Thus God is love and is constantly doing good, that his goodness may lead men to repentance, Romans 2:4. And hence no persons have better opportunities to spread the true sentiments of religion or are clothed with higher responsibilities, than those who have it in their power to do better; or than those who are habitually engaged in bestowing favors. Thus, physicians have access to the hearts of men, which other persons have not. Thus, parents have an easy access to the minds of children, for they are constantly doing them good. And thus, Sunday-school teachers, whose whole work is a work of benevolence, have direct and most efficient access to the hearts of the men women and children committed to their care.

Verse 34. That lacked. That was in want; or whose wants were not supplied by the others. As many as, etc. The word used here is employed in a large, indefinite sense; but it would be improper to press it so as to suppose that every individual that became a Christian sold at once all his property. The sense, doubtless is, that this was done when it was necessary; they parted with whatever property was needful to supply the wants of their poor brethren. That it was by no means considered a matter of obligation, or enjoined by the apostles, is apparent from the case of Ananias, Acts 5:4. The fact that Joses is particularly mentioned, Acts 4:36, shows that it was by no means a universal practice thus to part with all their possessions. He was one instance in which it was done. Perhaps there were many other similar instances; but all that the passage requires us to believe is, that they parted with whatever was needful to supply the wants of the poor. This was an eminent and an instructive instance of Christian liberality, and of the power of the gospel in overcoming one of the strongest passions that ever exist in the human bosom--the love of money. Many of the early Christians were poor. They were collected from the lower orders of the people. But all were not so. Some of them, it seems, were men of affluence. The effect of religion was to bring them all, in regard to feeling at least, on a level. They felt that they were members of one family; belonging to the same Redeemer, and they, therefore, imparted their property cheerfully to their brethren. Besides this, they were about to go to other lands to preach the gospel. They were to leave their native country; and they cheerfully parted with their lands, that they might go and proclaim the unsearchable riches of Christ.

Verse 35. And laid them down, etc. That is, they committed the money received for their property to the disposal of the apostles, to distribute it as was necessary among the poor. This soon became a burdensome and inconvenient office, and they, therefore, appointed men who had especial charge of it, Acts 6:1-2,

Verse 36. And Joses. Many manuscripts, instead of Joses, here read Joseph. The reasons why this individual is selected and specified particularly were, doubtless, because he was a foreigner; because it was a remarkable instance of liberality; and because he subsequently distinguished himself in the work of the ministry. He gave himself, his property, his all, for the service of the Lord Jesus, and went forth to the self-denying labors of the gospel. He is elsewhere mentioned with honor in the New Testament, Acts 11:24,30; and usually as the companion of the apostle Paul. The occasion on which he became connected with Paul in the ministry was when he himself was sent forth by the church at Jerusalem to Antioch. There, it seems, he heard of the fame of Paul, and went to Tarsus to seek him, and brought him with him to Antioch, Acts 11:22-26. Before this, he had been acquainted with him, and had introduced him to the other apostles at a time when they were afraid of Paul and unwilling to acknowledge him as an apostle, Acts 9:26-27. At Antioch, Barnabas was led into dissimulation, by Peter in regard to the Gentiles, and was reproved by his friend and companion Paul, Ga 2:13. He and Paul continued to travel in fellowship until a dispute arose at Antioch about Mark; and they separated, Paul goes with Silas through Syria and Cilicia, and Barnabas with Mark sailing for his native place, Cyprus, Acts 15:35-41.

v32-37 The disciples loved one another. This was the blessed fruit of Christ's dying precept to his disciples and his dying prayer for them. Thus, it was then, and it will be so again when the Spirit shall be poured upon us from on high. The doctrine preached was the resurrection of Christ; a matter of fact, which being duly explained, was a summary of all the duties, privileges, and comforts of Christians. There were evident fruits of Christ's grace in everything they said and did. They were dead to this world. This was a great evidence of the grace of God in them. They did not take away others' property, but they were indifferent to it. They did not call it their own; because they had, in love, forsaken all for Christ, and were expecting to be stripped of all for cleaving to him. No marvel that they were of one heart and soul when they sat so close to the wealth of this world. In effect, they had all things common; for there was not any among them who lacked, care was taken for their supply. The money was laid at the apostles' feet. Great care should be taken in the distribution of public charity, that it is given to such as have need, such as are not able to procure a maintenance for themselves; those who are reduced to want for well-doing, and for the testimony of a good conscience, ought to be provided for. Here is one in particular mentioned, remarkable for this generous charity; it was Barnabas. As one designed to be a preacher of the gospel, he disentangled himself from the affairs of this life. When such dispositions prevail and are exercised according to the circumstances of the times, the testimony will have very great power upon others.

Return To God's Word

Return To God's Word

To fully understand the background of this lesson it is necessary to read and understand the entire book of Nehemiah.   Nehemiah was the Persian king's cup-bearer.  When Nehemiah lived at ease, and in honor in the King’s house, but he did not forget that he was an Israelite and that his brethren was in distress.   This was an attribute of his training.  Proverbs 22:6  Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

The scripture tells us that Nehemiah inquired of the condition of his brethren.  Nehemiah 1:3-4  And they said unto me, The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire. And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven,  Not only did he inquire of the condition of his people, he was willing to leave his comfort zone.

The interesting aspect of Nehemiah’s plan that was put into motion was that it required the blessings of the heathen King.  The exiled Israelites returning to Jerusalem needed God’s word to prepare them for the re-establishment of their nation. Led by Nehemiah, their first task was to rebuild the city wall.  This plan, although it was approved by God and the ruling king, it was not readily accepted by all of the people.  Nehemiah 2:19  But when Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, and Geshem the Arabian, heard it, they laughed us to scorn, and despised us, and said, What is this thing that ye do? Will ye rebel against the king?   Persevering through tremendous conflict and ridicule, the people were encouraged to work, they completed the wall in only 52 days. After that, Nehemiah organized the allocation of the dwelling places back to the returning exiles based on genealogical records. They resettled their towns and then looked forward to rebuilding their culture.

What Really Caused The Downward Spiral?

The scripture background highlights a subdued nation or community  in distress.   Their suffering was attributed to the fact they had turned away from the Word of God, the people had become complacent  as pertaining to the worship and  observance of  the laws of God.   This self-righteous attitude of many was was because of their lack of understanding of God’s word  which created a lack of fear of God.   Ezra, the priest, knew that leading the people to return to the priority of God’s word in their lives was essential to the Israelites’ regaining their identity as God’s chosen ones.  He put out the call and all the people gathered in the square in front of the Water Gate to hear the Law of Moses read.   This was something that had long been cast aside. The reading of the law of Moses was to restore the fear of God within  the heart of the people.  Deuteronomy 5:29  O that there were such a heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children forever!  The fear of God is a phrase that modern society tends to shy away from.  The reason being is that if the fear of God is taught, people would run from God.  This statement is merely a diversion of the truth.

The elimination of the fear of God in this country is symbolized by the Supreme court ruling in 1963, as pertaining to prayer in our schools.  This ruling, although denied by many led to a dramatic increase in crime, venereal disease, premarital sex, illiteracy, suicide, drug use, public corruption, and other social ills. This is documented by Specialty Research Associates, under the direction of David Barton, that has released a report entitled America: To Pray or Not to Pray.  

It is not hard to see the benefits that a nation, a society, or a person would derive if they chose to live by the Word of God.  In our modernist and pessimist society, Statistics indicates that our kids are more sexualized now than ever and that 70% of kids will have sex before graduating high school!   A new report says that 45% of Americans think that God wants them to be happy more than anything else.  A pew poll report shows that church attendance is at the lowest mark in twenty years.  Studies now indicate that the current presidential administration is the most anti-Christian administration of the modern era! 

George Orwell said, “The further a society drifts away from the truth, the more it will hate those who speak it”.

When we hear these kinds of reports and stats, our gut instinct can be to throw our hands up in despair, panic, or disgust. We are shocked at the behavior of young people these days. Shocked at the levels of immorality at universities. Shocked at the apathy of people toward spiritual things. Shocked at the spike in gay marriages. Shocked at the smut being produced by Hollywood. Shocked at the increase in sexual promiscuity in our culture. What is this world coming to?!?

The definition of God and his Word has been redefined and trivialized in such a manner that the believability of God is suffering.  Cute clichés and emotionalized expressions have become the standard of a new age worship.  The mission of Christianity, the mission of the church, the mission of the individual should be to go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to return to the word of God.  The scoffers and doubters will ask why when science and humanity have ruled that God and the Bible are irrelevant in world affairs.

Returning to God

Return to Me,’ declares the Lord Almighty, ‘and I will return to you,’ says the Lord Almighty.” (Zechariah 1:3). 

The children of Israel were blessed as a nation when they obeyed the laws of God. There is always blessing in store for those who follows the teaching of the Bible. This statement in itself often leads the church, a spiritual body, to promise earthly blessing in exchange for one returning to God. With God in our lives, we are able to live a more bountiful life because of the hope we have in our Heart. God promised the Children of Israel the blessings of Abraham. In Matthew 5, Jesus promised his followers blessings of a different nature. When we attempt to entice people to God by making promises, that God has not sanctioned, we are guilty of being false teachers. It is this hope that burns within our heart that give us a type of peace that is of a spiritual nature. It is that peace that John exhibited while he languished in Jail. His only request was “are you the Christ or shall we look for another?” In a situation of that type, what would our request be?

 Titus 1:2  In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;

Revealing The Antichrist?

Is The Antichrist A Biblical Fact?

We are living in unprecedented times. The prophecies of Daniel and Revelation are converging and many of the signs are being ignored because of our vast increase of knowledge or simply because we are being distracted.  The cauldron of hate is constantly being stirred, setting the stage for the fulfillment of Revelation 13.  Biblical symbology define beast as a nation and the sea signify a multitude of confused people.  This new nation “beast”, an ungodly beast “nation”, rising up out a “sea” of confused people, will it be ruled by the antichrist?  Will the antichrist be revealed soon?  Is “the antichrist” a biblical fact or are we being distracted?

The divisions of most major religions who holds different views on the subject are being amplified as they await and anticipating the appearance of their “savior”, called, “Messiah,” “Jesus Christ,” “the Twelfth Mahdi,” “the Fifth Buddha,” or “the Tenth Avatar.”  There is a growing awareness among religions that one single man might actually fulfill all these religions’ expectations. The ecumenical concept promotes the ideology that a one-size-fits-all messiah would bring the entire world’s religions and governments together forming a New World Order.  World leaders and religious leaders seem to be auditioning for the part. Is the antichrist a person or is it just a word meaning false teachers?

One of the most commonly held positions by many premillennial Christians today concerning the interpretation of the prophecy pertaining to the antichrist is as follows:  2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 tells us that the Day of Christ will not come until “the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition.”  This person is said to be identified in 1^st John 2:18-19 as “the antichrist”.  The Temple of God will be rebuilt and the antichrist will sit in the Temple in Jerusalem and demand to be worshipped as God. In Revelation 13:1 the antichrist is called “the beast,” which will rise up and rule the world.  In Daniel 9, he will establish a peace pact with many nations, but after three and one-half years this peace pack will fail.  This tyrannical world dictator, empowered by Satan and the embodiment of all that is evil, will be defeated by Christ at His Second Coming (II Thessalonians 2:8).  All of this sound fine, but are we guilty of ignoring Bible symbology?  Where is the solid Biblical basis for this view?  Maybe we are guilty of creative interpretative assumptions.

The story of the antichrist has inflamed and influenced Christian theology and indoctrination, for as long as most can remember.  As a child, I was introduced to the ideology that “the antichrist” was coming, and like many, my indoctrinated responses were, “I don’t want to be here when he come.”  The antichrist is coming created the same level of fear as being told, judgment day is coming.  Yet, for me to subconsciously acknowledge that I would rather be dead than face the “the antichrist”.  This created a sense of dread as I contemplated the frailty of my mortal existence.  The antichrist was the bogeyman of Christianity and the crowning point of many speakers elucidations was to place a face on this godless wonder.  For some reason unknown to many, without a face the antichrist was scarier than the devil.  

Studying the scripture and researching the antichrist, I came across a lot of speculations about the antichrist, who he is or who he might be.  The most popular names to come up were Ronald Reagan, George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and the Pope.  Since the antichrist has long been used as a label for everything from presidents to movies; it is only natural to ask: Who is the antichrist?  Does this term have anything to do with us today? The logical place to begin when searching for the identity of the antichrist is in the Bible.  Do Revelation 13:18 identify the beast as the antichrist as a man whose number is 6-6-6?   Again, we must be careful that we do not become guilty of creative interpretations filled with assumptions.  As I studied the scripture and other postings I became acutely aware of the attempt to put a face on the antichrist, yet the scripture did not speak of “the antichrist” as a person. 

The fault that stood out in our creative interpretative assumptions is that we change the word from “antichrist” to “the antichrist”, doing so we changed it from an adjective to a noun, thereby changing its meaning.  The terminology used in the scripture is “antichrist" not "the antichrist" and it is only found in 1^st John 2:18, 2:22, 4:3, and 2^nd John 7.  The term “antichrist” appears five times in the writing of John.  The antichrist is primarily a concept based on interpretation of passages in the New Testament, in which the term "antichrist" occurs five times in 1^st John and 2^nd John, once in plural form and four times in the singular.  If the Apostle John was the only Bible writer to use the word antichrist; we must look to John, not Paul or Revelation to tell us its meaning.  If we study the writing of Apostle John carefully, we will learn what antichrist is, not who is the antichrist.

1^st John 2:18-19, little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us. 

There is no need to engage in a long and confusing discussion, John is not talking about one person who will come in the name of Jesus, sit in the temple and declare himself God as many have proposed. John is speaking of the spiritual embodiment of Satan that invades the heart of many men.  The key points of John’s elucidation are;   ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now there are  many antichrists.  They went out from us, but they were not of us.  Antichrist is best defined as an adjective that describes the condition of humanity’s heart.  Adding the word “The” to antichrist changes the word to a noun that signifies a person. There are many today even as it was in John’s day that is filled with the antichrist spirit.  As the word "anti" infers it is the opposite of being filled with God's spirit.  Simply put, John said, “He is antichrist (against Christ) that denieth the Father and the Son.” He further stated in 2^nd John 1:7, for many deceivers, are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.  He is an antichrist that denieth the Father and the Son.   Isn’t it true John is speaking of false teachers?

A common fault of creative interpretation is scriptures from different segment of the Bible are mixed together without regard to who is talking, what is being talked about and who is being spoken to.  We dump this into the pot of our personal opinion; add a touch of emotionalism and what emerges is a polluted mess that is neither supported by the Word of God or even common sense.  It is justified as secondary doctrines the same as Christian denominations.  Now, if we read the following verses without a preconceive notion that Paul is talking about “the antichrist” rather than “antichrist” it is possible that our views of the entire subject will be different.  2^nd Thessalonians 2:3-4, Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.  If we use this scripture to draw the face of the antichrist, we have been distracted.  Paul began his elucidations to the Thessalonians by warning them not to be deceived by false teachers.   In the final days of Paul’s ministry, he warned the church of these people who would come among then, distract them and led them astray.   Jesus and John among others warned the sheep of those who preached not the Gospel of the Kingdom.  The came in some other way and their intent was and is to lead the sheep astray.  Jesus said you are for me or you are against me, the Apostle John said, those who were antichrist were against Christ.  

Have We Been Left Behind? (Part 3 of 3)

The Tribulation

Is The Rapture A Real Event, Part 1

A Church Without Light, Part 2

There are questions, relevant and rhetorical that ought to be asked before this article is casted aside. Whether we accept the thesis that we are in the midst of the tribulation period or not, we ought to come to a conclusion and/or consensus as to the status of the church as we know it today.   In most studies, the church is often used as a marker to signify when the tribulation period began. The flourishing denominational church of today is a divided body and the scripture teaches us that a divided body will not stand.  So, do we accept this divided body as the true church or do we condemn all churches except one denomination?  This division goes deeper than denominations, it exist within the local church on an individual level.  As earthly people, we are not prepared to accept certain conclusions on spiritual matters that causes us to question our indoctrinated view of worship and salvation.  Why?  It is easier to believe that Christ is coming back for his divided church, rather than believe that Christ has already called for his church before it became a divided body and we are in the midst of the tribulation.  If there is any truth in this, then the parable of the ten virgins  is validated and amplified.  Five went in with the bridegroom and five went into the village and the surrounding area pretending to be members of the bridal party in search of oil.  In reality, the bridal party had already left.  Those that were selected went in with him to the 'award ceremony' and are preparing to return with him as His Holy angels.

A study of the history of the Christian Church is revealing and thought provoking.  All church historians have stated that the Christian Church survived the Roman persecution and continued to exist afterwards.  The church lived as one church with one faith, one baptism (Ephesians 4:5), common doctrines, and very closed rituals throughout the whole world for about five centuries. Durning that time denominations or sects did not exist in the Christian Church. Churches were named after big cities.  In Revelation 1-3, Jesus referred to the churches by the name of the city in which they were located.  The division of the churches took place in year 451 AD in the Chalcedon Council.  What took place during that council is researchable and should be important to all believers.  Did Christ suddenly appear and call for his church? At the end of this meeting, a sharp division occurred among the churches. 

It is the question of salvation that bothers most when a discussion of this type proceeds.  If the church is with Christ, and the tribulation have begun, is salvation still possible?   A study of Revelation seems to indicate that John saw many different 'saved' groups.  One of these groups are mention in Revelation 7:13-15:  And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they?  And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. John did not know the answer to the question when it was first presented, but he knew that the one asking the question knew.  By allowing the elder to speak, John chooses to be enlightened.  The operative words for this discussion are, "These are they which came out of great tribulation".

The tribulation is a period of time when God will finish His discipline of Israel and pour out his wrath on the unbelieving world.  The church, the bride of Christ is made up of all who believed and  trusted in the works of the cross as a pathway to salvation, will not be present during the tribulation.  The Church or saints is a special group, they are being recruited to judge the world.  1 Corinthians 6:2  Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world?  The church will be removed from the earth in an event known as the rapture (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 1 Corinthians 15:51-53). The church is saved from the wrath to come (1 Thessalonians 5:9). Throughout Scripture, the tribulation is referred to by other names such as the Day of the Lord (Isaiah 2:12; 13:6-9; Joel 1:15; 2:1-31; 3:14; 1 Thessalonians 5:2); trouble or tribulation (Deuteronomy 4:30; Zephaniah 1:1); the great tribulation, which refers to the more intense second half of the tribulation period (Matthew 24:21); time or day of trouble (Daniel 12:1; Zephaniah 1:15); time of Jacob's trouble (Jeremiah 30:7).

In order to understand the tribulation that is to befall this earth, an understanding of Daniel 9:24-27 is necessary.  A problem might accrue with the acceptance  of the modern day interpretation of this passage when we seek to impose a timeline on the beginning and ending of the tribulation.  Once a timeline is imposed words such as pre-tribulation, mid-tribulation and post-tribulation are used to validate the discussion.  This often leaves the hearer or reader in a confused state.  Daniel speaks of 70 weeks that have been declared against “your people.” Daniel's people are the Jews, the nation of Israel, and Daniel 9:24 speaks of a period of time that God has given “to finish transgression, to put an end to sin, to atone for wickedness, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy and to anoint the most holy.   Seventy weeks are often interpreted as seventy weeks of years. Most Christian scholars, regardless of their view of eschatology (future things/events), have the above understanding of Daniel's 70 sevens.  Yet, we must be careful that in the attempt to impose a timeline on the prophecies of God we do not detract from the prophecy.  

It is also a common trick of the Devil,  if the emphasis can be shifted from the prophecy to the time and place of the prophecy the message can be easily manipulated and rendered invalid.  This holds true with the creation, when the pious prelates learn to count  the years from the creation to the birth of Christ, they were able to state the biblical age of the earth.  This became a point of contention between science and the Bible as the dates did not agree. A generation filled with the knowledge of good and evil, (the knowledge of the world) were forced to choose between the teaching of their pastor or the teaching of their science teacher.   Translating the time elements into years give mankind the ability to predict and project when the events of the prophecy will take place, rather than acknowledging that they will take place or is taking place.  It is possible that to acknowledge time constants within the Holy Scripture as, 'a period of time that God has ordained' is a more effective means of transmitting the knowledge of God. 

The Bible says that in the end times Jesus Christ will be rejected of that generation. Already in the world today in 2015 we're seeing many people reject Jesus Christ. Ethnic groups are clamouring for their own God, this in itself is a form of rejection.   The alternate lifestyle agenda is being advanced and those who disagree are being intimidated into silence.  The social media has become a breeding ground for hate and division. In nearly every Hollywood movie today, the name of Jesus Christ suffers from trivialization to  blaspheme. Increasingly, churches are becoming entertainment centers instead of preaching the Word of God. Instead of singing the old hymns of the faith, churches today have emotional experiences and call it praise worship.  Ministers of God are becoming more concern with the 'planting of a seed' rather than preaching the gospel of the kingdom, preachers are preaching messages of prosperity, favor and earthly blessings, none of this has a place or purpose in the design of the coming Kingdom.  

As we near the End Times, hostility toward Christianity will intensify. Jesus foretold that Christians will be killed, thinking they're doing God a favor (John 16:2). Jesus said that many will betray and hate one another (Matthew 24:10), and due to unpunished evil (iniquity) the love of many will wax cold (Matthew 24:12). Already today we are seeing legalized same-sex marriage, legalized abortion and legalized pornography in America. Sodom and Gomorrah weren't this rebellious!   Now the scoffer and detractors will say, "this is nothing new", it is true the persecution of the Christians began under the Roman Empire, and it is also true that the Roman Empire called for a cessation of persecution.  It is the widespread intensification of hostility towards Christians that should concern us. 

if we chronologically follow the events projected in Revelation, in chapters 1-3, Jesus message to the representative churches ends with his rebuke of an apostate church.  Revelation 3:15-16  I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.  In Revelation 4:1, John is caught up, which is indicative of the true church being caught up into Heaven.  What proceeded after that event, was John’s view of Heaven and a view of the earth from Heaven.  Immediately, John witnessed a silent God, whose objective was the pouring out of his stored up wrath upon the earth.  John also saw Jesus as a “Lamb, standing as if it had been slain”.  A reminder of the price he had paid.  The works of the cross were the only thing standing between man and an angry God.  The angry God concept does not coincide with our newly created God, who is constantly giving out blessings.

John also saw the bride of Christ, the Lamb’s wife safe in Heaven from the wrath of God. Revelation 21:9  And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife. Revelation 22:17  And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. 

Jesus said it would be  just as in Noah's day when only eight people boarded the ark. Luke 17:25-26, “But first must he suffer many things, and be rejected of this generation. And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man.”   The reading of this verse can be narrowed and can be said to be indicative of the time that Jesus was on earth.    I prefer to accept the expanded view that Jesus was referencing the time of his return after the tribulation.  Luke 18:8  I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?  Framing the question in this manner seems to indicate he is referencing a point in time after the church has been taken out.   He had already indicated that the gate of hell would not be able to stand against his church.

Revelation 6:9-17  And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: 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? 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. And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood; And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind.  And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places. And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?

Daniel 12:4  But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased. 

Is The Rapture A Real Event, Part 1
A Church Without Light, Part 2

Have We Been Left Behind? (Part 2 of 3)

A Church Without A light

In a moment of pious contemplation Jesus spoke to the multitude; Matthew 5:14  Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.  He cautions them further in; Matthew 5:15  Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.  In Revelation, John saw Jesus walking among the candlestick, proclaiming a message to the churches.  Revelation 2:4-5  Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.   A threat that it would seem as if Jesus carried out.

The book of Revelation began with seven letters to seven churches.  Seven is a symbolic and representative number used in the scripture to indicate a period of time, a time of repetition, such as seven days is a week, a period of time that will repeat itself as long as time exist.  It signifies the fullness of and a marker that indicates the completeness of the works of God.  If man is involved, then the number seven is a time of testing and it requires, and is indicative of, an act of faith. Joshua was required to march around the walls of Jericho seven times; Naaman was required to wash in the dirty river of Jordan seven times. Now, if we can view the seven churches as representative churches, then we can see the history of the church unfold and the message that is passed down to the church of today. If we refuse to accept these churches as representative churches, and the significance of the use of the number seven then we are justifying the changing and polluted messages that are being preached in many of the churches today.

The seven churches named in the second and third chapter of Revelation represent the churches throughout the church age. They are representative churches, chosen by the spirit because of certain characteristics typical of the character of the church, not only in the day when John wrote, but on down through the ages until the church is caught up to meet their Lord in the air. These seven churches represent periods of time clearly defined in both sacred and secular history.

There are rhetorical questions that we must ask concerning the church of today. These questions are asked as a means of self deliberation. It is an attempt to expose the inner doubts over matters pertaining to the marriage between the church, the government and the road that the church and humanity has chosen In today’s self defining society. Asking oneself (or rhetorically asking one's readers) might be the catalyst that shines a ray of light on the best or appropriate way to approach a confusing subject. There is a failure on the part of the church as a group to come together and present a united front against the Devil. The church that Jesus spoke so fondly of, the church that Paul pleaded with, that church has split into more than 30,000 denominations worldwide, each containing varying rules, laws, taboos, rituals, commandments, and doctrines. Simple rhetorical questions, in search of a startling truth of such a confusing entity as each group proclaim to have found the perfect way.  There must be a logical answer. 

To facilitate a deeper understanding of the Word of God, when asking questions we must be prepared for an answer that do not fit our indoctrinated  narrative. It is only through that approach we will find the truth.  I ask you to seriously entertain a few questions, as true knowledge can only be obtained through the asking of questions. Keep reading and prepair to be shocked.  We know Revelation is not the Revelation of John. Revelation 1:1  The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:  It was sent to the church to put their mind at ease and answer all of the questions pertaining to the coming Kingdom.

Matthew 25:1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.  This event seems to coincide with 1st Thessalonians 4:16-17) and is a type of reward ceremony for the righteous only.  Is there scripture proof that states, only the Bride of Christ will be a part of his kingdom?  John 3:29 refers to another group known as the friend of the bridegroom.  Revelation speaks of different groups and huge numbers.  I am inclined to believe that there is a deeper message hidden in this parable and that the true message is often overlooked for the sakes of motivating and  emotionalizing.  For further enlightenment, read, "The Five Judgments", a five part study.  

Nearly all religious scholars agree that the church is depicted within the Holy Scripture  as the bride of Christ.   We also know that five were wise, and five were foolish.  Five were caught up or went in with the bridegroom and five were left behind to endure tribulation. 
Visualize the church as a bride.  In a marriage ceremony the “bride” imply a special closeness to the “bridegroom”.   “Bride” is used as a metaphor within the scripture to depict this special closeness that the church have with the “Lord of the household”, or Jesus Christ which is referred to as “the bridegroom”.   The bride enjoys a special position in the building of a marriage and home, the same as with the kingdom.  For most it is easy to relate to a marriage ceremony and how the bride, full of joy,  will have spent her time preparing for the day of her marriage.  A true bride will not be distracted and will proceed with oneness of purpose, whereas a false bride will be filled with pretense and her concerns will be more about herself than the position that she is about to enter.  After the completion of the bridal ceremony the bride and the groom is transformed into a single entity, they are no longer two but one.  Jesus often used the marriage ceremony to describe what the position of the church was to the establishment of the Kingdom. 

The Kingdom of Heaven is one of the least preached about subjects, yet it is the cornerstone  of our religious heritage. Somewhere along the way we have strayed away from the true concept of the Kingdom of Heaven and replaced it with our concept of Heaven.  It is impossible to understand the word of God based upon a flawed concept of Heaven.   The Catholic Pope, leader of one of the largest denominations of Christianity says he can only “hope” that he will go to heaven when he dies. He doesn’t know for sure.  A statement of this type does not inspire “faith”.  Western  authors speak of Heaven as a place where we go and sit on clouds.  Yet, the scripture speaks of the establishment of the Kingdom of Heaven on earth in simple terms.  Scholars have used long and confusing words to define the Kingdom and the knowledge of the Kingdom has decreased.   Jesus came as a broker of a plan of salvation, he preached the Gospel of the Kingdom, saying, “Repent for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand”.

What has been cast aside is the knowledge that a kingdom is a form of government.  There is a King and there are those who have been selected to rule with the King.   In the scripture these are referred to as the elect of God. Then there is the army, those who will fight with the King when he return to establish his Kingdom.  A problem arises when we attempt to combine the church, the elect of God and the 'number that no man could number' within the same group of people.  There are many different positions available in the kingdom the same as in an earthly kingdom.  There is also the cabinet positions that include the four and twenty elders.  Mark 10:37-40 tells the story of John and James asking for special position.  

Jesus attempted to give us a clear insight into the establishment of the Kingdom in Matthew, chapter 25.  A complete reading of the chapter will provide an insight into the positions offered in the kingdom. In Matthew 22, he seems to be speaking of a selection process.  Matthew 22:14  For many are called, but few are chosen.  Matthew 25:23  His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. Therefore, when the Bible speaks of the Kingdom of God or The Kingdom of Heaven, it is unlikely that he is speaking of a place where we sit on clouds, sing songs and shout Holy, Holy all day long.    The Bible supports the idea that Jesus is coming back to establish his Kingdom, here on earth after it has been renovated by fire.  This is unacceptable to mankind, because he views his own ruler ship as being perpetual. 

The Book of Revelation began with Jesus’s message to the churches that is often overlooked.  Chapter 1 thru 3 is filled with warnings and exhortations, and John sees Jesus walking among the “candlesticks”.   Chapter 4 began with John being summoned by a trumpet to to come on up.  Revelation 4:1  After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter. The rest of the Book of Revelation is John’s view from Heaven, the church is not mentioned again as being on earth. 

Now, in conclusion lets pose the rhetorical questions.  Have the event depicted in in John’s vision, Revelation 4:1 already taken place?  Remember, Revelation 1:1  The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which “must shortly” come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:  ‘Must shortly come to pass’; seems to indicate that these events were scheduled to begin during John’s lifetime or soon after.  Is it possible that the event portrayed in 1st Thessalonians 4:16-17) took place before the church became embroiled in confusion and splits and the tribulation has already begun?  Are the trumpets of God sounding and the world is ignoring them? 

The Bible promotes the thesis through recurring prophecies that in the End of Times, Christ will be rejected by an entire generation. This rejection is evident today as the social media expands and more and more people are voicing their objection to God’s Word. Our leaders, including the Supreme Court  have cast aside the teaching of the Bible and proceeded to enact laws that are contrary to God’s word.  Members of our younger generation respond with indignation and proclaim the Bible to be an outdated book filled with hate.  The indoctrination of old that once held this nation together is being shredded.  The fear of God that once prevailed throughout the land has disappeared.  

Next

The Tribulation

Have We Been Left Behind? (Part 1 of 3)

Is The Rapture A Real Event?

During an impromptu bible discussion centered around the introduction of my latest book, “Understanding The Word of God”, I was asked, “In  view of the events taking place in our country and around the world, do you think we are going through the tribulations spoken of in Revelation, and if so, have we been left behind?”  Being left behind is a concept of the Rapture doctrine that is said to not exist before John Darby invented it in 1830. The Rapture doctrine which is based upon 1st Thessalonians 4:17, “Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.”  To most, the Rapture doctrine is a confusing entity, there seems to be a lack of knowledge as to what happen next.  There are those who believe in it and there are those who do not believe in it.  Those who believe are divided into at least four groups, pre-tribulation, mid-tribulation, post- tribulation and those who say, “I don’t know, I just want to be ready when he comes”.

Quite a few years have passed since I had seen the movie series, Left Behind, and the questions that the movies stirred still remain fresh in my mind.  My search for answers caused me to engage the minds of pastors, ministers and mostly anybody that was willing to engage in a discussion of the subject of being Left behind, or the Rapture.  Regardless of the position chosen, pre-Trib., mid-Trib., or Post-Trib., they all used the Bible to support their belief.  Some denominations teach that there is no scripture support of the “Rapture” taking place, past, present or future.  To place a seal on the subject, many pious prelates are content in stated that the word rapture could not be found in the bible.  Furthermore, any discussion of whether the Rapture is a real event or that it has happened or will happen does not fit the narrative of the modern day churches. 

The proliferation of the churches allows for these diverse doctrines and interpretation.  A doctrine, a set of beliefs that is taught by the church is often more important to the articles of faith than in depth Bible Studies.  Many of us who grew up reading a certain translation of the Bible is appalled that certain Bible publishers are editing the Bible to make it politically correct.  Yet, this is nothing new.  In the early 1500’s Martin Luther preformed a major edit of the Bible, and from his works emerged the King James Bible.  Thus began the division or separation of the Catholic and Protestant Bibles.  Through all of man’s attempts to water down, to shape, and twist the Word of God, it still emerges with power and conviction to those who are willing to lay aside their indoctrination, open up their hearts and study.

Now, there are those who hold the belief that as long as the church is present here on earth God’s wrath will be restrained.  It is after the events portrayed in 1st Thessalonians 4:16-17 have transpired, that the trumpets of Heaven will continue to sound.  According to Revelation the trumpets indicates that the wrath of God is being poured out.  The bases of this belief are, God always protects his own the same as he did in the day of Noah.   Using the church as a marker unfortunately opens the door to a much deeper and divided discussion.   What church is being referenced?  In view of the great proliferation of the church, to use the cliché, the church exists within the heart seemed a bit out of place.  Now the question emerges, did Christ come back and call the church out long before it became a confused and divided body?  Jesus’s message to the seventh or the final church of the church age, (Revelation 3: 14-22) is a message  of rebuke to an apostate church.  The closing of his message is an indication that he is no longer speaking to the churches, he is speaking to the individual.  Revelation 3:22  He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches

1 Thessalonians 4:15-18  For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.  For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 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. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

These verses seem to make reference to a time when Christ comes back in the clouds; not setting foot on the earth, but calling the saints to meet him in the air.  This reference an event known in the English language as the “Rapture”.  True, the word “Rapture” is not found in the Bible, neither is computers or coffee, but for certain known or unknown reasons, it is a point of contention for many of the different doctrines that make up the realm of Christendom. .  The phrase “CAUGHT UP” is in the Scripture and  “Caught up” means the same thing as “Rapture.”  The same argument used to invalidate the Rapture can be used to invalidate many of the biblical prophecies.   The Bible is filled with prophecies, and it is these prophecies that disturb mankind.  If changing the meaning or eliminating certain words or verses will change the meaning of a prophecy, then this is the route humanity tends to follow. 

The question that plagues many who ascribe to the Rapture doctrine is, can people repent and be saved after the Rapture?  The Bible teaches that millions will repent and come to Christ for salvation during the time following the Rapture of the church.   John was given a vision of that time after the church had been caught up, he saw millions of people wearing dazzling white robes standing before the throne of God. There were so many that they couldn’t be counted by man. An "elder" in Heaven asked John, who these people were. John didn't know, but knew that the one asking did know. Revelation 7.14: "And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, these are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb."

Matthew 24:7-14  For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows. Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake. And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.

The Bible is explicit in its prediction of the destruction that is to befall this earth before the end of time.  The doomsday scriptures are often overlooked in favor of scriptures that seems to predict peace, love and tranquility.  As I stated earlier, there is a consensus among many Christians that the wrath of God will not be poured out until the church is safe in Heaven.  Now, again, I have injected the word ‘church’ into this discussion, a word  whose modern day definition is dubious at best.  The prophecies of destruction are upon us, and the church with its changing manifestos does not seem to be a haven of protection from the wrath of God.   Where is that glorious church that Jesus spoke of, that church that Jesus said the gates of hell would not be able to stand against?  It has split into more than 30,000 denominations worldwide, each containing varying rules, laws, taboos, rituals, commandments, and doctrines. 

  Luke 21:11  And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven. Revelation 6:15  And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; Revelation 6:17  For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?  Daniel 12:4  But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased. 

There is no doubt that the age of ungodliness and destruction is upon us.  The scoffers and the intellectuals will agree that this is nothing new.  Rather than trying to establish our own timeline and relativity, maybe we should ask, “how long has it been since the true church was caught up?”  After a moment of reflection and contemplation It is easy to conceded that it seems as if the tribulation spoken of in the Bible is upon us, and maybe, just maybe, we have been left behind.

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A Church Left behind

Revelation 3:14-22