The Rapture Generation

[makeupgirl]

Ok, so this was the thread in Rapture Ready where it's agreed that we might be the rapture generation, especially the way things are going now. What do yall think?

 

[makeupgirl]

No responses, hmmmm.....I will post my response.

Ok, so I believe we are the rapture generation based on the events around us. I'm only 28 but I don't see the next 50 years in my future here on earth. However, if I'm wrong, ok I'm bad, but this world has become so corrupted and everything ungodly is coming out of the woodworks in full throttle that it makes be believe that we are the generation to be raptured.

 

[Sharpened]

It's possible, but many of us will die during the Tribulation before it happens. Matthew 24 (and Mark 13) is the timeline Jesus gave.

 

[discobiscuits]

no because

...no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows.

 

[SvelteVelvet]

Mark Ch 13 v20 And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect's sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days.

Also skip down to verses 28-30
28. Now learn a parable of the fig tree; when her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near;
29. So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors.
30. Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass till all these things be done.

To answer the question, yes I believe we are the rapture generation. I'm definately watching and praying.

 

[blazingthru]

bump

 

[blazingthru]

I do not believe in the rapture but this is something that needs to be discussed, this is the last generation.

 

[bauderlady]

I have been a member of long hair care forum for a very, very long time and I rarely comment on anything however I did happen to see this thread and wanted to say that it has definitely been in my spirit for a very long time that this is the last generation and that we are alive now for such a time as this. I feel it in my spirit and I rarely put anything out unless I am sure of what I am feeling. Not everyone will feel it if it is given to you or in your spirit. It was so strong on me a few months ago that I mentioned it on Facebook and there were crickets there also. This lets me know that is just the way I'm being dealt with and for me to get my house in order and to do what has been in my spirit concerning God's people and who he wants me to minister to or whatever He has placed in me to do.

 

[mensa]

There is "something in the air isn't it? And everyday, we get closer and closer to the end where "time shall be no more." The Bible says that, Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not. (Luke 12:40)

There are strange things happening all over the world. Jesus also warns us about there being such evil, suffering and trouble everywhere. For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. (Matthew 24:21)

Thanks for reminding us that whether our Lord comes to receive us unto Him through death or the rapture, we have to be ready to meet Him face to face and not give up fighting the "good fight of faith." And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. (Galations 6:9)

 

[momi]

The way things are falling into place I believe we will see the rapture or the Gog/Maygog war very soon.

The rapture is preeminent and could happen at any time. We just need to make sure we are ready with oil in our lamps!

Thanks for bumping the post.

 

[Godsdaughter001]

When you all say very soon, do you mean within the next year or the next five or ten years? I was talking with my grandmother and they were saying the same things when she was a teenager. How the rapture was coming soon and how she probably was the last generation. She's 89 now.

 

[blazingthru]

This truly is the last generation and with the new law permitting homosexual marriage, l strongly believe it is a catalysis for the trouble that is coming ahead.

I do not believe in the rapture (nor does the bible support it) because it is false hope that God will deliver his people so they would not see trouble, but the entire word of God is preparing us to face this trouble. Though we true Christians will not endure the plagues, we will endure much from those suffering from it.

Use the Israelite as your example of what they endure in Egypt. They were not touched, and those who obeyed did not lose their first born. The entire word of God is our example of what we need to be doing.

I have been studying night and day. Because I am amazed at all the things I didn't know, yet had some feeling about it in one form or another, give up that gospel music, all music that has drums in it. Jazz all of it throw it out. I watched a Church program where they were breaking and destroying all their CDS and DVD's I just threw mine in the trash now I know I should have broken them. Im deleting what I have on my cell phone and IPod and tablets - movies too. Its a lot Satan is in everything and I truly didn't know it. I'm a vegetarian but really I shouldn't say that. I am not vegan but I do not eat dairy of any kind. I'm working on eggs. I was out and had no ideal what to order at WAWA's so I ordered an egg sandwich without thinking. I don't eat eggs, just forgot for a minute. No chocolate, no chips, no junk food the only thing I still have is pretzels and I do not have a love for pretzels. but if I want a snack I grab a handful, but I skip days it doesn't interest me.

So what happen to me when I gave up all of that. I wanted to pray all the time, it became easy for me to talk to God. I was shocked at that. I thought my prayer life was OK, but its magnified now. Anything that you feel would be a sacrifice you have to give it up, pour out your heart to God to help you overcome. It is my prayer everyday that anything that hinders my relationship with God for him to get rid of it. EVERYTHING. I even sit and think what do I love so much i hate to give it up. then I give it up. I wake up with a clear mind. I use to be befuddled in the morning and it takes me a while to actually get out of the bed, but no more. I am up and ready to get started. This world is not our home. I'm looking forward to the home that God has prepared for me. So I'm not going to lie, its pretty scary. but I am building up my faith to be prepared to endure or escape which ever comes first.

 

[momi]

When you all say very soon, do you mean within the next year or the next five or ten years? I was talking with my grandmother and they were saying the same things when she was a teenager. How the rapture was coming soon and how she probably was the last generation. She's 89 now.

Hi @Godsdaughter001 - if you read 2 Thessalonians Chapter 2 Paul is encouraging the believers who also thought they'd missed Christ's return. Honestly I believe every generation thinks they are the last. He may not come in our generation but we are closer today than we have ever been for sure!

I also think some believers equate the destruction of a nation to the rapture and this shouldn't be the case. As much as it hurts - I strongly believe that we are seeing the end of America as a great nation and with that the end of the "cultural Christianity" many of us have enjoyed. Remember the early church thrived and grew under persecution, just as we will by God's grace.

 

[blazingthru]

When you all say very soon, do you mean within the next year or the next five or ten years? I was talking with my grandmother and they were saying the same things when she was a teenager. How the rapture was coming soon and how she probably was the last generation. She's 89 now.

MHO, I think as Christians we need to look at it as thought it would happen at this very hour, because we do not know if we will be alive in the next five minutes. but there has been signs since the mid 1800's and they have increase rapidly since, now you can not turn on the TV or radio or open the internet without hearing of something strange happening to the earth and many people and animals dying. its becoming the norm its so horrible. It has only gotten worst and worse still is to come its not getting better.

 

[blazingthru]

Also, remember Noah. Matthew 24:37 For the coming of the Son of Man will be just like the days of Noah. He and his family and some other folks built the Ark, he preached during that time, he warned folks the rain was coming. After a period of time they started mocking him and some said oh well, we'll wait until we see the rain and then we will go in. Well God shut the doors to the Ark, but IT DID NOT RAIN FOR 7 DAYS. the door was shut. No one knew it, except those inside.
Matthew 24:38
For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark
Hebrews 11:7
By faith Noah, being warned by God about things not yet seen, in reverence prepared an ark for the salvation of his household, by which he condemned the world, and became an heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.

When the rain came they came running to try and get in and Noah would have opened the door but God shut the door, he could not. So it shall be for us. We have the warnings we must obey and heed them for we will see the "rain" coming but it will be to late for some of us.

2PETER:3

Know this first of all, that in the last days mockers will come with their mocking, following after their own lusts and saying, Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep (died, strong indication that there is no hell created yet, for death is sleep), all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation. For when they maintain this, it escapes their notice that by the word of God the heavens existed long ago and the earth was formed out of water and by water. through which the world at that time was destroyed, being flooded with water. But by his word the present heavens and earth are being reserved for fire, kept for the day of judgement and destruction of ungodly men. But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.

 

[mensa]

When you all say very soon, do you mean within the next year or the next five or ten years? I was talking with my grandmother and they were saying the same things when she was a teenager. How the rapture was coming soon and how she probably was the last generation. She's 89 now.

But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father. (Mark 13:32)

 

[Galadriel]

I don't really hold to a rapture (once Jesus returns, that's going to be it), BUT I do think we are in the End Times. This doesn't mean I'll necessarily see the End of Days in my lifetime, but God gave us certain signs to look for so that we know what season we're in.

 

[momi]

Also, remember Noah. Matthew 24:37 For the coming of the Son of Man will be just like the days of Noah. He and his family and some other folks built the Ark, he preached during that time, he warned folks the rain was coming. After a period of time they started mocking him and some said oh well, we'll wait until we see the rain and then we will go in. Well God shut the doors to the Ark, but IT DID NOT RAIN FOR 7 DAYS. the door was shut. No one knew it, except those inside.
Matthew 24:38
For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark
Hebrews 11:7
By faith Noah, being warned by God about things not yet seen, in reverence prepared an ark for the salvation of his household, by which he condemned the world, and became an heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.

When the rain came they came running to try and get in and Noah would have opened the door but God shut the door, he could not. So it shall be for us. We have the warnings we must obey and heed them for we will see the "rain" coming but it will be to late for some of us.

2PETER:3

Know this first of all, that in the last days mockers will come with their mocking, following after their own lusts and saying, Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep (died, strong indication that there is no hell created yet, for death is sleep), all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation. For when they maintain this, it escapes their notice that by the word of God the heavens existed long ago and the earth was formed out of water and by water. through which the world at that time was destroyed, being flooded with water. But by his word the present heavens and earth are being reserved for fire, kept for the day of judgement and destruction of ungodly men. But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.

@blazingthru - thank you for introducing the Genesis passage about Noah!
I've read through the passage a few times this morning and my interpretation is that Noah and his family entered and THEN The Lord shut the door after 7 days meaning the people still had time to enter for that brief period - but reading your position it makes sense as well. I'll continue to look into this. Thanks!

 

[momi]

But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father. (Mark 13:32)

Absolutely! However the wise are able to discern the times and seasons.

He said to the crowd: “When you see a cloud rising in the west, immediately you say, ‘It’s going to rain,’ and it does.55 And when the south wind blows, you say, ‘It’s going to be hot,’ and it is.56 Hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky. How is it that you don’t know how to interpret this present time? Luke 12

 

[mensa]

Absolutely! However the wise are able to discern the times and seasons.

He said to the crowd: “When you see a cloud rising in the west, immediately you say, ‘It’s going to rain,’ and it does.55 And when the south wind blows, you say, ‘It’s going to be hot,’ and it is.56 Hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky. How is it that you don’t know how to interpret this present time? Luke 12

You speak the truth!

 

[Godsdaughter001]

But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father. (Mark 13:32)

Thank you, @mensa. That was precisely the point I was getting at. A lot of people try to predict, but truly, no one knows.

 

[PinkPebbles]

Hi @Godsdaughter001 - if you read 2 Thessalonians Chapter 2 Paul is encouraging the believers who also thought they'd missed Christ's return. Honestly I believe every generation thinks they are the last. He may not come in our generation but we are closer today than we have ever been for sure!

I also think some believers equate the destruction of a nation to the rapture and this shouldn't be the case. As much as it hurts - I strongly believe that we are seeing the end of America as a great nation and with that the end of the "cultural Christianity" many of us have enjoyed. Remember the early church thrived and grew under persecution, just as we will by God's grace.

@momi

I agree that we are seeing the end of America as a great nation.

NASA confirmed that a comet or asteroid is predicted to hit earth that will possibly split America in half. As a culture, we are not prepared because we have become spoiled and entitled and think that nothing disastrous can happen on our soil.

On the other hand, China and Russia are partnering to form an Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. They know that the American currency will no longer be used as the reserve currency of the world.

As Christians, we have to be watchful and prayerful.

 

[momi]

@momi

I agree that we are seeing the end of America as a great nation.

NASA confirmed that a comet or asteroid is predicted to hit earth that will possibly split America in half. As a culture, we are not prepared because we have become spoiled and entitled and think that nothing disastrous can happen on our soil.

On the other hand, China and Russia are partnering to form an Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. They know that the American currency will no longer be used as the reserve currency of the world.

As Christians, we have to be watchful and prayerful.

Mercy! You are right we are not prepared as a nation for sure. And yes we need to watch, pray, and encourage one another more than ever.

I'm going to look into the NASA information - sounds like one of the seal judgements.

 

[blazingthru]

But you know what we can actually do the math and find out that we are in the exact time when Jesus is to arrive, The only thing is we cannot know the day and the hour because God has not given us a date when sin began. But he has given us his number which is 7 we are somewhere right before the 7 thousand years. The earth is going to rest in the 7 thousand years. there is so much to this study. We are going to see some major changes within the next few months. This would be the year of Atonement to repent, to stop doing what you been doing forever and changed your ways and turn your heart fully to God. God in his mercy has sound the alarm.

 

[kanozas]

People can drive themselves and others into a frenzy concerning the "last days," particularly when there is theological error. Be careful. Every day is the day to repent, not just because we're alive and fearing for our country now. Nations have come and gone throughout these millennia. I think our duty is to be faithful each moment. Don't give into fear. Your last day is when you transpire.

 

[blazingthru]

People can drive themselves and others into a frenzy concerning the "last days," particularly when there is theological error. Be careful. Every day is the day to repent, not just because we're alive and fearing for our country now. Nations have come and gone throughout these millennia. I think our duty is to be faithful each moment. Don't give into fear. Your last day is when you transpire.

To some degree, I would agree with you, but we are required to know the signs and prepare accordingly. Everyday you should have be repenting but by now you should have come to the point where you are not sinning. We can get to that point, where those old sins are no longer plaguing us and if they are then knees should be sore. Christ is our example of what we should be doing at this late hour, praying earnestly, not just for ourselves but for our fellow man.

We should be digging in the scriptures to see if you are doing the things that God has ask of us and not following a minister, pastor, layperson whatever. Night and Day. every sin must be confessed before the Lord, not man, but God. Because God alone can forgive sins, no man can forgive sins. Only our Father in heaven. Study out the sanctuary, its an incredible study. I think I will post it so everyone can see it. It is a study satan does not want anyone to know. IF you know you'll understand .

 

[kanozas]

http://www.askelm.com/essentials/ess025.htm

Almost all Christians are interested in prophecy. This is especially true if the prophecies show what will happen to Christians themselves. There is nothing wrong in desiring such personal knowledge. Even our Lord gave a considerable amount of teaching about the circumstances to befall His people at the end of the age (Matthew 24:22–25). We all share a common concern in wanting to know about the participants, the chronology, and the geography of those prophecies. To comprehend the full knowledge of them it is obvious that all relevant statements of our Lord and His apostles must be properly interpreted and placed in a coherent order.

Many Christians have attempted to do this. As a consequence, the doctrine of the Rapture has arisen. So important has it become to many that the teaching is now sanctioned in some circles as the prime revelation from God to show what will happen to members of His ekklesia just before and during the Second Coming of Christ. Some of the greatest friends of the Holy Scriptures have accepted this teaching (and they teach this false doctrine even by mistranslating the phrase “first resurrection” as “the former resurrection” in Revelation 20:5). If one translates the word correctly as “first,” then it means the resurrection of Christians occurs after the Tribulation, and the Pre-Tribulation Rapture Theory is shown to be false. 1

The Pre-Tribulation Rapture Theory, however, is a menacing doctrine that perverts the plain language of the text of the New Testament. Some preachers today look on the doctrine as the heart and core of present Christian expectations in regard to prophetic truth for the near future! Many believe this false teaching is the principle hope of the Body of Christ for their redemption and safety during the Great Tribulation. We need to look at this teaching carefully.

The Doctrine of the Rapture
First understand that the word “Rapture” is not found in the King James translation. There is also no single word used by biblical authors to describe the prophetic factors that comprise the doctrine. Its formulation came about by means of inductive reasoning. Certain biblical passages concerning the Second Coming, and the role Christians will play in that event, were blended together inductively to establish the teaching.

The modern expression “Rapture” has been invented to explain the overall teaching and the term suits the subject well. The basic tenets of the doctrine are simple. It purports that Christ will come back to this earth in two phases. He will first return secretly to rapture His church away from this world so that they might escape the Great Tribulation to occur at the end of the age. Christ then returns in a visible advent to dispense His wrath on the world’s nations. This is the general teaching.

Many details concerning these prime factors are hotly debated. There is especially much argument over the chronological features associated with it. Some think the time lapse between the two phases will be 3 ½ years, others say 7 years. Some feel that the Rapture of the ekklesia occurs before the Tribulation, others about mid-way through. Many suggest that the saints of God will be taken to heaven for protection, while others suggest a geographical area on this earth (as I have shown in various articles). 2 Some feel that only part of the ekklesia will escape, while others say all will be rescued.

These variations and others have multiplied the interpretations among those holding the belief. But all are unanimous on one point: the central theme of the “Rapture Theory” (as it is normally called in the theological world) shows that Christ will return to earth in two phases. They think Christ will come at first secretly for His saints and then He will come visibly with His saints returning with Him from heaven at the actual Second Advent. In this book, when I use the term “Rapture” standing alone, I always mean the “Rapture Theory” of the pre-tribulation theorists.

The Newness of the Doctrine
It may come as a surprise but the doctrine of the Rapture is not mentioned in any Christian writings, of which we have knowledge, until after the year 1830 C.E. Whether the early writers were Greek or Latin, Armenian or Coptic, Syrian or Ethiopian, English or German, orthodox or heretic, no one mentioned it before 1830 (though a sentence in Pseudo-Dionysius in about 500 C.E. could be so interpreted). Of course, those who feel the origin of the teaching is in the Bible would say that it ceased being taught for some unknown reason at the close of the apostolic age only to reappear in 1830. But if the doctrine were so clearly stated in Scripture, it seems incredible that no one should have referred to it before the 19th century.

The lateness of the doctrine does not necessarily mean the teaching is wrong (only the plain statements of the Bible can reveal that). It does show that thousands of eminent scholars over seventeen centuries (including the most astute “Christian Fathers” and those of the Reformation and post-Reformation periods) must be considered prophetic dunces for not having understood so fundamental a teaching. This lapse of seventeen centuries when no one elaborated on the doctrine must be viewed as an obstacle to accepting its reliability.

The Beginnings of the Doctrine
The result of a careful investigation into the origin of the Rapture was published in 1976. This was in an excellent research book that deserves to be read by all people interested in the subject. Its title: The Unbelievable Pre-Trib Origin by Dave MacPherson. 3 He catalogs a great deal of historical material that answers the doctrine’s mysterious derivation. I wish to review the results of his research.

In the middle 1820’s a religious environment began to be established among a few Christians in London, England which proved to be the catalyst from which the doctrine of the Rapture emerged. Expectations of the soon coming of our Lord were being voiced. This was no new thing, but what was unusual was the teaching by a Presbyterian minister named Edward Irving that there had to be a restoration of the spiritual gifts mentioned in 1 Corinthians chapters 12–14 just before Christ’s Second Advent. To Irving, the time had come for those spiritual manifestations to occur. Among the expected gifts was the renewal of speaking in tongues and of prophetic utterances motivated by the spirit.

Irving began to propagate his beliefs. His oratorical skills and enthusiasm caused his congregation in London to grow. Then a number of people began to experience the “gifts.” Once this happened, opposition from the organized churches set in. It resulted in Irving’s dismissal from the Presbyterian Church in 1832. His group established themselves as the Catholic Apostolic Church and continued the teachings of Irving. These events were the beginnings of what some call present day Pentecostalism. Some church historians referred to Irving as “the father of modern Pentecostalism.”

What does this have to do with the origin of the Rapture doctrine? Look at what happened in the year 1830 — two years before Irving’s dismissal from the Presbyterian Church. In that year a revival of the “gifts” began to be manifested among some people living in the lowlands of Scotland. They experienced what they called the outpouring of the Spirit. It was accompanied with speaking in “tongues” and other charismatic phenomena. Irving preached that these things must occur and now they were.

On one particular evening, the power of the Holy Spirit was said to have rested on a Miss Margaret Macdonald while she was ill at home. She was dangerously sick and thought she was dying. In spite of this (or perhaps because she is supposed to have come under the “power” of the spirit) for several successive hours she experienced manifestations of “mingled prophecy and vision.” She found her mind in an altered state and began to experience considerable visionary activity.

The message she received during this prophetic vision convinced her that Christ was going to appear in two stages at His Second Advent, and not a single occasion as most all people formerly believed. The spirit emanation revealed that Christ would first come in glory to those who look for Him and again later in a final stage when every eye would see Him. This visionary experience of Miss Macdonald represented the prime source of the modern Rapture doctrine as the historical evidence compiled by Mr. MacPherson reveals.

The Influence of John Darby
Many people have thought that John Darby, the founder of the Plymouth Brethren, was the originator of the Rapture doctrine. This is not the case. Darby was a brilliant theologian with outstanding scholarly abilities. Even those who disagreed with his teachings admit that he, and many associated with him, helped cause a revival in biblical learning throughout the evangelical world which has perpetuated down to the present day. All who love biblical research ought to be thankful for what Darby and especially his associates accomplished for biblical scholarship. These early men helped pave the way particularly for the renewal of modern lexical studies in the biblical languages.

This renewal of language studies was not the only thing they produced. The doctrine of “dispensationalism” was also a teaching they brought to the attention of the Protestant world. And then, there was this new doctrine termed the “Rapture.” While many Christians long thought the Rapture doctrine originated with John Darby, it is now known that this was not true. Darby did popularize it. Scofield and others took it over. But Darby provided the intellectual mantle that helped make it respectable. Many of those in the evangelical sphere of Christianity today are so certain of its veracity that it is accepted as the absolute truth of God. The fact is, however, John Darby received the knowledge of the doctrine from someone else. His source was Margaret Macdonald.

The studies of Mr. MacPherson show that her sickness during which she received her visions and revelations occurred sometime between February 1 and April 14, 1830. By late spring and early summer of 1830, her belief in the two phases of Christ’s coming was mentioned in praise and prayer meetings in several towns of western Scotland. In these meetings some people were speaking in “tongues” and other charismatic occurrences were in evidence. Modern “Pentecostalism” had its birth.

These extraordinary and strange events so attracted John Darby that he made a trip to the area to witness what was going on. Though he did not approve of the ecstatic episodes that he witnessed, it is nonetheless significant that Darby, after returning from Scotland, began to teach that Christ’s Advent would occur in two phases. MacPherson shows good evidence that Darby even visited Miss Macdonald in her home. There can hardly be any doubt that the visions and spiritual experiences of Miss Macdonald are the source of the modern doctrine. But belief in such paranormal experiences is dangerous, especially when they are contrary to scriptural teachings.

Visions and Dreams
While it is possible that visionary revelations can come from God, it is always prudent to be cautious in such matters. Near the same time Miss Macdonald was receiving her visions, Joseph Smith in America was experiencing his apparitions that brought Mormon doctrines to the world. John Wilson also had his dreams that were the spark that started the false teaching of British-Israelism. Not long afterwards, Ellen G. White received her visions that resulted in many Seventh Day Adventist teachings. And remarkably, all these individuals received revelations of doctrines supposedly from God that were much at variance with one another and contrary to biblical teachings. Such incidents bring to mind the warning that God gave to Moses.

“If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and gives you a sign or wonder, and the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spoke unto you, saying, ‘let us go after other gods, which you have not known, and let us serve them’; you shall not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the Lord proves [tests] you, to know whether you love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.”

• Deuteronomy 13:1–3
  

In regard to the teachings of visionaries, recall what the apostle John commanded Christians.

“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” 4

• 1 John 4:1
  

And though some refer to the prophecy of Daniel that “knowledge shall be increased” (Daniel 12:4) as proof that the revival of doctrinal truths will occur at the end of the age, this is not what Daniel meant. If you read the prophet carefully you will find Daniel was speaking that “the knowledge” of his prophecies will be increased, not the revival of general doctrines. In the original text of Daniel, the definite article occurs before the word “knowledge.” Daniel said “THE knowledge will be increased,” and the text shows he meant “the knowledge of his prophecies.” Daniel was in no way speaking about a renewing of doctrines at the Time of the End.

A further admonition is necessary concerning the origins of visionary teachings that might emerge near our own time. It is by the apostle Paul and we should pay close attention to it.

“Now the Spirit speaks expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.”

• 1 Timothy 4:1
  

These warnings from God’s word are a reminder that we should exercise caution in accepting the truthfulness of visionary revelations, particularly those near the end of the age, and which are contradictory to one another and to the Bible. The Pre-Tribulation Rapture Theory is such a doctrine; a teaching with no scriptural warrant. After all, the Holy Scriptures makes it plain that the first resurrection (when Christians from the past have their resurrections and we are caught up to heaven with Christ) occurs after the Tribulation is over (Revelation 20:5). And though a number of people within the Body of Christ have taken up with this false doctrine, it is time to jettison it from Christian belief.

The truth is, we will be protected from the evils of the Antichrist system (and the judgments of the Great Tribulation) by a mantle of safety from God that will protect us on earth. There is only one Second Advent of Christ and that is the moment (for all of us then living) we will be changed into immortality and the resurrection of the dead takes place. That is when all of us will meet Christ in the clouds (1 Thessalonians 4:13–18). We can believe this teaching with full assurance and faith. Remember, God cares for you and all the Body of Christ.

1 To prevent people from understanding this natural meaning of the word, even the Concordant Version incorrectly translated the word as “former.” This is sad! This departure from the principles of true translation is against the very principles of proper translation that Concordant Version correctly endorse. The Concordant Version is in most places, however, an excellent translation of the New Testament. The lapse in this Version shows how strong doctrinal beliefs can be and how they influence translators to mistranslate texts of the Scriptures to support their false theories. All of us must reject this type of approach. ELM

2 See Dr. Martin’s articles “The Place of Safety” at http://www.askelm.com/prophecy/p971116.htm and “Personal Safety During End-Time Prophecy” at http://www.askelm.com/prophecy/p991123.htm. DWS

3 An updated edition of this work by David MacPherson is retitled, The Rapture Plot (Simpsonville, SC: Millennium III Pub, 1995). ELM

4 This verse is also saying that false prophets have a relationship (in various and sundry ways) with spirits. DWS

 

[blazingthru]

I totally would not agree with that, I have spoke to many people who are totally not interested in prophecy and don't believe in it, ministers included. They believe they are going to be rapture as I once did, but I wanted to read it for myself to make sure I would not be left behind. The problem was I could not find it. but its not even that its a sense of preparing, who's doing that. Remember for those who diligently study the word they know there is going to come a time when you cannot buy or sell unless you have the mark, everyone seems to know this. But who is studying it? studying how to avoid it? As the passing of new laws that throw more truth to the ground Jesus is coming the problem is those who are not saved and those who are saved who are not doing anything who think they are secure and they are not.

 

[LadyPBC]

What's the dealio with gospel music (which I love) and destroying CDs?

I have been studying night and day. Because I am amazed at all the things I didn't know, yet had some feeling about it in one form or another, give up that gospel music, all music that has drums in it. Jazz all of it throw it out. I watched a Church program where they were breaking and destroying all their CDS and DVD's I just threw mine in the trash now I know I should have broken them. Im deleting what I have on my cell phone and IPod and tablets - movies too. Its a lot Satan is in everything and I truly didn't know it. I'm a vegetarian but really I shouldn't say that. I am not vegan but I do not eat dairy of any kind. I'm working on eggs. I was out and had no ideal what to order at WAWA's so I ordered an egg sandwich without thinking. I don't eat eggs, just forgot for a minute. No chocolate, no chips, no junk food the only thing I still have is pretzels and I do not have a love for pretzels. but if I want a snack I grab a handful, but I skip days it doesn't interest me.

So what happen to me when I gave up all of that. I wanted to pray all the time, it became easy for me to talk to God. I was shocked at that. I thought my prayer life was OK, but its magnified now. Anything that you feel would be a sacrifice you have to give it up, pour out your heart to God to help you overcome. It is my prayer everyday that anything that hinders my relationship with God for him to get rid of it. EVERYTHING. I even sit and think what do I love so much i hate to give it up. then I give it up. I wake up with a clear mind. I use to be befuddled in the morning and it takes me a while to actually get out of the bed, but no more. I am up and ready to get started. This world is not our home. I'm looking forward to the home that God has prepared for me. So I'm not going to lie, its pretty scary. but I am building up my faith to be prepared to endure or escape which ever comes first.

 

[blazingthru]

What's the dealio with gospel music (which I love) and destroying CDs?

The drums the symptomatic beat that makes you want to stomp your feet and bob your head, makes you want to dance, and many folks do. But the problem is when we worship, we tend to do what we like and what we think is worship, not finding out or realizing that it is to God we worship and we send our praise, and he has a standard that he wishes for us to honor in worshiping him. I was talking to my son. I said now you know me, So now I am sick in the hospital and you love hard metal(he doesn't) and you want to come and bless me and so you bring that hard metal up in my room and put it on. I couldn't finish because he was laughing because he knew right then and there that that would not be a blessing to me at all. Well God has said the same thing to us, he is not in our worship service, the holy angels are not singing with us. Because God wants a certain type of praise. He requires certain types of musical instruments. So our example is David - his actions caused a man to be struck down by God. So David took some time to think about what just happen. He discovered that only the Levi's carry the ark and they carried it a certain way and they had certain people sing and certain people play certain instruments, the correct ones. Drums are fine, every instrument is fine in of itself but not in worship services, neither is dancing. Its not acceptable in worship services, but folks do it and then they dance together, where we have no scripture stating that that is acceptable. David danced, well he jumped up and down but he was NOT in the Sanctuary. Its the deep studying that teaches us how to have a true relationship with the Lord. I didn't know that talking, carrying a cellphone that is on, eating candy is disrespectful in the house of the Lord, you know better you do better, that ended that day. No more of that. I do not use tablets or my cellphone, I only use the written word to research the scriptures in service. I am looking at service in a whole new light.
(I loved, Loved Gospel music too until I watched those videos I posted and started searching the scriptures to see what was what. that was the end of it. If I must listen to something from the old days it has no music attached to it.)