Amen!

Psalm 119

Petro,

I'm with you brother about anticipating the return of the Lord. That is, his bodily return to earth when He stands on the Mt. Olives. (Zech 14:4)

I never could understand how the pre-trib view had Him coming back twice....it never made sense.

The main thing is that we are able to stand in whatever lies ahead.

Psalm 119

Petro,

I used to believe that it reallly didn't matter as to whether one is pre, mid, or post trib.....but over the years I have seen the rotten fruit of the pre trib view.

Many that adhere to the pre-trib view have an escapism mentality. Many believe they will never suffer persecution, or even martyrdom....that it's a very remote chance....since  they will be gone when it all occurs.

This doctrine flies in the face of the millions of Christians who have been martyred for their faith in the past century. They were not raptured out....maybe it's because they're not Americans? It's like American Christians are somehow immune to persecution or martyrdom....unless you go to the mission field in some foreign country.

I know this isn't a salvation issue, but sound doctrine does matter. If one does not believe that he could be persecuted or martyred, could that make one a possible canidate for the "great falling away?

We should hope for the best (in the Lord) but be prepared (spiritually) for the worst case scenario .(actually receiving a martyr's crown would be an honor)

Blessings,
Psalm 119

Sanvan,

I'm so thankful that you are no longer part of the JW's. Although they have some truth ( realizing the paganism behind holiday's and such), however,they lack "The Truth" that Jesus is God in the flesh. Praise God you have been delivered!

Now you must be on guard that you are not deceived by seducing spirits. You don't want to go from one untruth to another.

It's amazing the traditions that many Christians cling to that have no biblical foundations.However, many are founded on paganisim....that's another topic.

Petro, thank you for your insight and some clarification on some of the historical background of the rapture. ( although it sounds by the article on the link that the author is still convinced otherwise....or justifiy it...I'll reread it to make sure.)

I appreciate your imput.

Psalm 119

Ambassador of Christ,

You did not answer the question whether someone could point me to any Christian publication where the word rapture was used...prior to 1850.

I just found an interesting quote from the beloved and widely known Corrie tenBoom. She stated in the Logos Journal, Nov-Dec 1974; "The rapture doctrine is a false teaching that Jesus warned us to expect in the latter days."
 
From my understanding a woman named Margaret McDonald of Port Glasgow, Scotland is the first person to get this new doctrine of the rapture(1830's). Then a man named John Darby organizer of the Plymouth Brethern movement. Then Edward Irving of the Catholic Apostolic Church, then C.I. Scofield.

Supposedly, there were no Christian churches, congregations or fellowships existing prior to 1830 proclaiming a rapture doctrine, and all accepted the Biblical truth that Christians would be on the earth during the time of great tribulation. Before 1830, the single rapture scriptures of 1 Thess 4:13-18 were accepted as resurrection verses.

Isn't it interesting for the first 1800 years of the life of the Church there was no secret rapture. Yet, in the 1830's a woman (Margaret McDonald) was given this secret revelation.

I politely ask again, is there anyone who can direct me to any Church literature prior to 1850 ( actually 1830) that states otherwise.

Sincerely,
Psalm 119

Could anyone direct me to any Christian publication that mentions the word "rapture" prior to 1850?

Are you a Christian woman who has regretted/repented over tubaligation sterilization. Would you like to contact a ministry that helps fund reversals? If you would like more information contact:   http://home.swbell.net/birons/blessed.htm

Psalm 119

Sharptee,

Your message is on target!( the date could vary a year or two though)

What's  so sad to see ,is the naive "escapism mentality" of many American Christians.

Millions of Christians worldwide have died this past century for the sake of the Gospel. Were they "raptured" before the tribulation? No, they received a better reward; the crown of life.

Will American Christians escape the tribulation and persecution that lies ahead? I don't believe so. It is through persecution that the "sheep and the goats" will be separated. Those who have a true and abiding faith will stand in the face of adversity.

Psalm 119

Brother Love,

Thank you for reminding us of our heritage that we have in this great nation.

Psalm 119

Dear Whitehorse,

You may want to read the book of 2 Timothy when you get a chance. Persecution for a Christian is a Bible promise. If you do not receive persecution, something may be lacking.

Also,sometimes the Lord will allow persecution to come, just to test us to see what's in our heart. And sometimes it's not real pretty what comes out.

Love those who persecute you, and stay close to Jesus!

Love,
Psalm 119

Tibby,

As a former member of both an independent and Southern Baptist Church here are a few insights.

1) The Independent Baptist Church is legalistic in many ways.... yet they do have some truth. The three sermons I always heard were on the "rapture", tithing, and eternal security. There was real no emphasis on personal holiness, rather outside appearances. The "Old" Testament was treated more as an historical document ,than having applicabilty for today (doctrine of dispensationalism) Much of their doctrine is based on the book of Romans ("The Romans Road"). Many Independent Baptist Churches have Pastor's that lord it over the congregation; rather than having a servants heart. Many Pastor's lack personal and corporate responsibility.( However, there is one Independent Baptist pastor in Georgia that is probably the best preacher I have ever heard....he preaches in the style of preachers like Jonathan Edwards, and the Puritan type preachers. He is the exception not the rule)

2) The Southern Baptist Church for the most part is liberal. They do require new members in their denomination to be baptized ( even if you were born again and baptized previously). It's like your not "officially saved" until you're baptized into their denomination. Again you will hear alot of sermons on the "rapture", tithing, and eternal security.....along with the "Romans Road". The SBC has had several "homosexual congregations" (or those who accept the radical homosexaul agenda) disfellowshipped. There appears to be a continued spiritual decline in the SBC, although there are a few churches that are serious about their walk with God.

3) The American Baptist Church is a member of The World Council of Churches ( a marxist organization). They are pro-abortion and pro-homosexuality. There are no fitting words for them....except they do not belong to the Church of the Living God.

It is correct that the Baptists have never considered themselves Protestants. They were not part of the reformation. But with most denominations....whether Church of God, Church of Christ, Baptists, etc. there is an arrogance that they are the true Church.

The real truth is that there are so many denominations because there are parts of the Scripture that people have chosen to dismiss. Such as accepting the "New" Testament as being valid for today, but not the "Old" (thus you have the Church of Christ) Or those who baptize babies.....yet there's no Scripture to back this practice.

Wouldn't it be great if those who love Jesus could just be called Christians....as they were first called in Antioch?

Psalm 119

Dear Ladies,

Many women love Pampered Chef products. Unfortunately, Warren Buffet who now owns Pampered Chef  gives millions to pro-abortion organizations. Please read the following article:

http://headlines.agapepress.org/archive/6/162003c.asp

Please read the following link regarding the road map to peace. Is this a viable solution? Or a road map for the destruction of Israel? ( those plotting against Israel will be in for a big surprize)

http://www.ddolan.com/new/docs/current/updMay2903.shtml

I recently read In the Presence of my enemies by Gracia Burnham. Gracia and her husband Martin were taken hostage by the Abu Sayaff Islamic terrorist group in the Philippines in May 2001. Gracia survived after a year of captavity, Martin did not.

I highly recommend this book to all Christians, and non-Christians alike. It will help one to understand the militant Islamic mindset, and make you more appreciative of your creature comforts living on American soil.

Psalm 119

Bronzesnake,

You are absolutely right....we in the United States are next in line for SARS. Just think about all the sodomites that will travel to Toronto, get "married" and return to the U.S.

Yes we are in deep doo doo!