Israel news from within Israel

[Soldier4Christ]

Olmert is Warned: 'Talk About Jerusalem - Break the Law'
 
Two Jerusalem organizations have sent a letter to Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, reminding him that discussions with US President Bush or PA Chairman Abbas regarding a possible division of Jerusalem are in violation of Israeli law.

A prominent lawyer for the Victims of Arab Terror (VAT) and Twenty-Four Shifts organizations penned the letter, warning Olmert that if he does not announce an end to all talks over the future of Jerusalem, he will be considered in violation of the law.

In his letter, Attorney Baruch Ben-Yosef makes the point that Clauses 5 and 6 of one of Israel's cardinal laws - Basic Law: Jerusalem, Capital of Israel - mean that Jerusalem's status as the united and sole capital of Israel may not be compromised.

The first clause of the law in question, passed in 1980 under Prime Minister Menachem Begin and President Yitzchak Navon, states, "Jerusalem, whole and united, is the capital of Israel."  Clause 5 stipulates the precise area of Jerusalem, while Clause 6 states, "No authorities relating to the area of Jerusalem and that is in the legal purview of the State of Israel or the Municipality of Jerusalem shall be transferred to any foreign political or governmental element, whether permanently or for a set period."

Clause 7 states that Clauses and 5 and 6 may not be changed except if another Basic Law is accepted by the majority of the Knesset.

The Warning to Olmert
"According to frequently-published statements by you and some of the ministers in your government," the letter to Olmert states, "you intend to negotiate with Israel's enemies - including Mr. Abu Mazen, the Chairman of the Palestinian Authority - regarding the re-division of Jerusalem and the ceding of parts of the city - in violation of Clauses 5 and 6 of this law."

"The very mention of dividing the city and giving up parts of it, while the Basic Law on Jerusalem is still in effect and/or Clauses 5-6 have not been nullified, is a violation of the Basic Law.  If you wish to hold negotiations with a foreign element, and especially with an enemy of Israel such as Abu Mazen, then you must act in accordance with the law's Clause 7 - i.e., nullifying and/or changing [Clauses 5 and 6] via a majority vote in the Knesset."

Attorney Ben-Yosef explains why his warning is timely: "Given that you and/or ministers in your government are liable to wage such negotiations during and after the visit of US President Bush, you are hereby required to declare immediately that you will observe the Basic Law and that you will not wage any negotiations over the future of Jerusalem while the above law and/or its clauses are still in effect."

"If by next Sunday, the 28th of Tevet 5768 (January 6), I do not receive this declaration by return email, my clients will act immediately to obtain a court order preventing you from waging such negotiations."

[Soldier4Christ]

Israelis form great human chain to express support for united Jerusalem

Jan Markell, the founder and director of Olive Tree Ministries, is praising the thousands of Israeli citizens who, on the eve of a visit by President Bush, created a human chain around the old city of Jerusalem in demonstration of their support for a free and united city. Israel supporter Gary Bauer, meanwhile, suggests there are more pressing matters the president should be concerned about than dividing up the Holy City.



The human was staged one day before President Bush arrived in Israel on his first presidential trip there, where he will meet with Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and top Israeli officials in Jerusalem and visit with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in the West Bank town of Ramallah. On the trip, Bush is to begin talks with Israeli and Palestinian negotiators on the region's most contentious issues -- including the division of Jerusalem. But thousands of Israelis braved cold and rainy weather to protest that idea, forming a human chain of solidarity.

Markell accuses world leaders of being delusional in their repeated efforts to make peace with the Muslims. "I think that all nations of the world -- including America, for some reason -- are seduced and deluded into believing that if we just give the Muslim-Arab world what they want, and part of that is dividing Jerusalem, [that] there will be world peace," says Markell.

"So will it ever happen?" she asks. "I'm not so sure God will let it happen. But on the other hand, we have the Zechariah verse playing out that Jerusalem will be the 'burdensome stone' for the whole world [Zechariah 12:3]. So, it could happen."

America could face severe judgment, the ministry leader believes, if it helps bring about a divided Jerusalem. "I believe there is a correlation, and it's all based on Genesis 12:3 where God says 'I will bless those who bless you Israel, I will curse those that curse you,'" she maintains. "And I just don't want America, our beloved America to come under any kind of further judgment beyond what we're already getting."

Bauer: Bush placing 'undue pressure' on Israel

Meanwhile, evangelical leader Gary Bauer -- a leading pro-Israel activist in America and member of the executive board for Christians United for Israel -- believes President Bush is pursuing the wrong objectives with his current Mideast peace tour. The prominent Christian Zionist contends Bush and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice should not be calling on Israel to freeze settlement construction.

"The president and Condoleezza Rice have taken a real turn here in recent months," Bauer shares. "I think they're putting undue pressure on the state of Israel to make more concessions. I think that's a dangerous, dangerous thing to do that will not only harm Israel, but ultimately harm the United States."

Bauer wishes Bush would "back off of his obsession ... with a Palestinian state" and, instead, focus on more pressing issues -- such as confronting the threat from Iran's nuclear ambitions and its aggression, which was on display Sunday when Iranian boats threatened to blow up U.S. Navy vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. He says it is unfortunate the U.S. vessels did not fire on the Iranians.

"I think we were being tested," observes Bauer. "And I think it's much more likely that we are going to lose a U.S. naval vessel in the future because of the lessons that Iran learned in this incident this past weekend."

According to Bauer, "The biggest threat facing the U.S. Navy in the Persian Gulf and the strategic Strait of Hormuz is a 'swarm attack' by dozens or even hundreds of small Iranian vessels loaded with explosives." He notes that "it only took one such boat to disable the USS Cole and kill 17 sailors in October 2000."

[Def]

Israelis form great human chain to express support for united Jerusalem

Jan Markell, the founder and director of Olive Tree Ministries, is praising the thousands of Israeli citizens who, on the eve of a visit by President Bush, created a human chain around the old city of Jerusalem in demonstration of their support for a free and united city. Israel supporter Gary Bauer, meanwhile, suggests there are more pressing matters the president should be concerned about than dividing up the Holy City.



The human was staged one day before President Bush arrived in Israel on his first presidential trip there, where he will meet with Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and top Israeli officials in Jerusalem and visit with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in the West Bank town of Ramallah. On the trip, Bush is to begin talks with Israeli and Palestinian negotiators on the region's most contentious issues -- including the division of Jerusalem. But thousands of Israelis braved cold and rainy weather to protest that idea, forming a human chain of solidarity.

Markell accuses world leaders of being delusional in their repeated efforts to make peace with the Muslims. "I think that all nations of the world -- including America, for some reason -- are seduced and deluded into believing that if we just give the Muslim-Arab world what they want, and part of that is dividing Jerusalem, [that] there will be world peace," says Markell.

"So will it ever happen?" she asks. "I'm not so sure God will let it happen. But on the other hand, we have the Zechariah verse playing out that Jerusalem will be the 'burdensome stone' for the whole world [Zechariah 12:3]. So, it could happen."

America could face severe judgment, the ministry leader believes, if it helps bring about a divided Jerusalem. "I believe there is a correlation, and it's all based on Genesis 12:3 where God says 'I will bless those who bless you Israel, I will curse those that curse you,'" she maintains. "And I just don't want America, our beloved America to come under any kind of further judgment beyond what we're already getting."

Bauer: Bush placing 'undue pressure' on Israel

Meanwhile, evangelical leader Gary Bauer -- a leading pro-Israel activist in America and member of the executive board for Christians United for Israel -- believes President Bush is pursuing the wrong objectives with his current Mideast peace tour. The prominent Christian Zionist contends Bush and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice should not be calling on Israel to freeze settlement construction.

"The president and Condoleezza Rice have taken a real turn here in recent months," Bauer shares. "I think they're putting undue pressure on the state of Israel to make more concessions. I think that's a dangerous, dangerous thing to do that will not only harm Israel, but ultimately harm the United States."

Bauer wishes Bush would "back off of his obsession ... with a Palestinian state" and, instead, focus on more pressing issues -- such as confronting the threat from Iran's nuclear ambitions and its aggression, which was on display Sunday when Iranian boats threatened to blow up U.S. Navy vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. He says it is unfortunate the U.S. vessels did not fire on the Iranians.

"I think we were being tested," observes Bauer. "And I think it's much more likely that we are going to lose a U.S. naval vessel in the future because of the lessons that Iran learned in this incident this past weekend."

According to Bauer, "The biggest threat facing the U.S. Navy in the Persian Gulf and the strategic Strait of Hormuz is a 'swarm attack' by dozens or even hundreds of small Iranian vessels loaded with explosives." He notes that "it only took one such boat to disable the USS Cole and kill 17 sailors in October 2000."

the third world war will start at sea.

[Soldier4Christ]

the third world war will start at sea.

I think that the third world war has actually already started and it started on land. The war on terror has been going for some time now and it does indeed include the entire world.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Religious Jews in Israel are asking President Bush, "Is he Nebuchadnezzar or Cyrus?"

A coalition of religious Jews including Torah scholars, political leaders and members of the Sanhedrin have prepared a scroll to be delivered to President Bush during his visit to Israel calling on the US President to choose to be remembered as Cyrus and not Nebuchadnezzar.

This historic document, transcribed on parchment paper in the shape of a scroll, is addressed to the leader of the West reminding President Bush to declare to the world that he will honor God's Word and act towards settling the Jewish people throughout their entire land. The scroll reminds the president of the fact that Nebuchadnezzar destroyed the Jewish state and Cyrus put it back together according to the Biblical record.

The visit by US President George W. Bush to Israel can either follow the pattern of King Nebuchadnezzar or King Cyrus, either way the Bush visit has great prophetic significance according to Bible prophecy.

When any world leader visits the Jewish state of Israel, it is very newsworthy and almost always history making, thus is the case as George W. Bush makes his very first visit as President of the US to Israel at a very critical time in history. As a follow up to the peace conference last November in Annapolis, President Bush's visit to Israel is an effort to give direction for a resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. President Bush's demands to uproot the Jewish settlements have been met with a scroll to be presented to the president that ask him does he want to be like Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar who destroyed the Jewish state or would he rather be like the Medo-Persian king, King Cyrus who was used by God to rebuild the Jewish nation of Israel and to rebuild the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem. Both have approaches have great prophetic significance according to the scenario that can be found in the Bible for the Last Days.

President Bush's historic visit to Israel will indeed set the stage for Bible prophecy to be fulfilled.

[Def]

I think that the third world war has actually already started and it started on land. The war on terror has been going for some time now and it does indeed include the entire world.

When China and Japan gets involved you "can call it third world war."
 for now it is a scatter cheap war of religion that is causing life to be lost and taking the strength of the supper power and his allies
.soon there will be that "third world war" from"the new supper power" and that one" we "who believe in Christ Jesus we will not see because of the mark of the beast that the new supper power will demand
.Egypt and all their friends and  China and soon  Russia against Jerusalem
.for now; meaning the" present super power"they really did it with the terrorists to give them so much power for  it was a head to head war and allies had to joined..what a diversion...young men dying losing their life .be prepare it is going to be much worse when the veil comes down. and we don't have any more young man to sacrifice.
the terrorist  war is not a world war believe me it is fear  fear fear and it was working
   The real thing is coming very soon. WORLD WAR THREE..Sweet Jesus pick us up AMEN

[Def]

When China and Japan gets involved you "can call it third world war."
 for now it is a scatter cheap war of religion that is causing life to be lost and taking the strength of the supper power and his allies
.soon there will be that "third world war" from"the new supper power" and that one" we "who believe in Christ Jesus we will not see because of the mark of the beast that the new supper power will demand
.Egypt and all their friends and  China and soon  Russia against Jerusalem
.for now;meaning "the present super power" they really did it with the terrorists to give them so much power for  it was a head to head war and allies had to joined..what a diversion...young men dying losing their life .be prepare it is going to be much worse when the veil comes down. and we don't have any more young man to sacrifice.
the terrorist  war is not a world war believe me it is fear  fear fear and it was working
   The real thing is coming very soon. WORLD WAR THREE..Sweet Jesus pick us up AMEN

[Soldier4Christ]

The war on terror is a world war and China and Russia are in fact already involved. Yes, it will become much worse as this war that is already started escalates to much worse violence than it is now.

[nChrist]

Brothers and Sisters,

It does appear that the time is near for Bible Prophecy to unfold. NO man knows - it could be days, months, or years. However, the RAPTURE OF THE CHURCH COULD HAPPEN AT ANY TIME.

Every man and woman left living on this earth will experience horror during the 7 Year Tribulation Period. This world has never seen such terrible things, nor have they been able to imagine how bad things will be. In comparison, World War II was a picnic. We are beginning to see conditions develop that are similar to what's been recorded in the Holy Bible for thousands of years. There is no doubt at all that these things will most definitely happen. The only remaining question is, "WHEN?" Many Christians also disagree about whether THE CHURCH WHICH IS THE BODY OF CHRIST will go through any or all of the Tribulation Period. This last question already has several large threads devoted to it on the forum, so you're welcome to read them and decide for yourself. I personally believe that the CHURCH WHICH IS THE BODY OF CHRIST will be RAPTURED HOME WITH JESUS CHRIST before the beginning of the Tribulation Period. I think that we'll find out soon enough, and that will be GOD'S TIME.

Much of the world is already a powder keg, and it wouldn't take much to lite the fuses. Every action or inaction could be the missing ingredient. Regardless, it will start and finish at GOD'S Appointed Times. There are many details in the Holy Bible, and we already know how the Tribulation Period will end. It will end with the SECOND COMING OF CHRIST in GREAT AND RIGHTEOUS WRATH. JESUS CHRIST will kill many millions of evil men and take HIS THRONE - the Throne of David in Jerusalem for 1,000 years. GOD'S Will be DONE!, and it Will Be!

Love In Christ,
Tom

Revelation 16:1-21 NASB
Then I heard a loud voice from the temple, saying to the seven angels, "Go and pour out on the earth the seven bowls of the wrath of God." So the first angel went and poured out his bowl on the earth; and it became a loathsome and malignant sore on the people who had the mark of the beast and who worshiped his image. The second angel poured out his bowl into the sea, and it became blood like that of a dead man; and every living thing in the sea died. Then the third angel poured out his bowl into the rivers and the springs of waters; and they became blood. And I heard the angel of the waters saying, "Righteous are You, who are and who were, O Holy One, because You judged these things; for they poured out the blood of saints and prophets, and You have given them blood to drink. They deserve it." And I heard the altar saying, "Yes, O Lord God, the Almighty, true and righteous are Your judgments." The fourth angel poured out his bowl upon the sun, and it was given to it to scorch men with fire. Men were scorched with fierce heat; and they blasphemed the name of God who has the power over these plagues, and they did not repent so as to give Him glory. Then the fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and his kingdom became darkened; and they gnawed their tongues because of pain, and they blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores; and they did not repent of their deeds. The sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river, the Euphrates; and its water was dried up, so that the way would be prepared for the kings from the east. And I saw coming out of the mouth of the dragon and out of the mouth of the beast and out of the mouth of the false prophet, three unclean spirits like frogs; for they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the whole world, to gather them together for the war of the great day of God, the Almighty. ("Behold, I am coming like a thief. Blessed is the one who stays awake and keeps his clothes, so that he will not walk about naked and men will not see his shame.") And they gathered them together to the place which in Hebrew is called Har-Magedon. Then the seventh angel poured out his bowl upon the air, and a loud voice came out of the temple from the throne, saying, "It is done." And there were flashes of lightning and sounds and peals of thunder; and there was a great earthquake, such as there had not been since man came to be upon the earth, so great an earthquake was it, and so mighty. The great city was split into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell. Babylon the great was remembered before God, to give her the cup of the wine of His fierce wrath. And every island fled away, and the mountains were not found. And huge hailstones, about one hundred pounds each, *came down from heaven upon men; and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail, because its plague *was extremely severe.

[Soldier4Christ]

Bush predicts completion of Mideast treaty

President Bush on Thursday predicted that a Mideast peace treaty would be completed by the time he leaves office. He said he's convinced that both Israeli and Palestinian leaders understand "the importance of democratic states living side by side" in peace.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, standing alongside Bush, called on Israel to fulfill its commitments to a Mideast peace plan, and said he hopes "this will be the year for the creation of peace."

Even though it's Bush's first trip to the Palestinian West Bank, it generated little excitement among Palestinians, who are largely skeptical of his promises to try to move along Israeli-Palestinian peace talks. The U.S. is perceived in the Palestinian areas as a staunch ally of Israel, at the expense of the Palestinians, but Abbas said Bush's visit "that gives our people great hope," Abbas said.

Bush is on a three-day visit to Israel and the West Bank to show support for renewed Israeli-Palestinian peace talks following seven years of violence.

[Soldier4Christ]

 President Bush is Calling for Israel to End its Occupation of Arab Lands

After talking to Israeli and Palestinian leaders during his visit to Israel, President Bush has called for the Jewish state to end the occupation of Arab lands taken in 1967, so that a viable Palestinian state can be created. Many political pundits are saying that this is the first public statement by Mr. Bush calling for Israel to give up what he termed “occupied land”. While at the time, Bush reaffirmed US commitments to an Israel inside secure and defensible borders.

The President believes that the two sides will be able to sign a peace deal before he leaves office in January, 2009.

Israeli giving up land to create a Palestinian land would be a precursor to the fulfillment of Bible prophecy. On his trip to the Middle East, President Bush called for Israel to give up what he called “occupied Arab land” so that there could be a Palestinian state.

In fact, the US President said, “Israel must give up land so that a viable Palestinian state can be created.” The operative word being “created”. There has never been a Palestinian state in the land area known as Israel today.

Leviticus 25 reveals that God said that the land is His land, and that He makes the choices as to whom will live on the land. The Land Covenant of Deuteronomy 30 reveals that God has given the land in question to the Jewish people. Ezekiel 34 states 18 times that God will gather the Jews from around the world and give the land of their forefathers to the Jewish people. Ezekiel 35:22 says that God does this “for His holy name’s sake”.

In a quest for peace, President Bush is calling for Israel to give up what he calls “occupied land”, and in doing so, sets the stage for Bible prophecy to be fulfilled.

[Def]

President Bush is Calling for Israel to End its Occupation of Arab Lands

After talking to Israeli and Palestinian leaders during his visit to Israel, President Bush has called for the Jewish state to end the occupation of Arab lands taken in 1967, so that a viable Palestinian state can be created. Many political pundits are saying that this is the first public statement by Mr. Bush calling for Israel to give up what he termed “occupied land”. While at the time, Bush reaffirmed US commitments to an Israel inside secure and defensible borders.

The President believes that the two sides will be able to sign a peace deal before he leaves office in January, 2009.

Israeli giving up land to create a Palestinian land would be a precursor to the fulfillment of Bible prophecy. On his trip to the Middle East, President Bush called for Israel to give up what he called “occupied Arab land” so that there could be a Palestinian state.

In fact, the US President said, “Israel must give up land so that a viable Palestinian state can be created.” The operative word being “created”. There has never been a Palestinian state in the land area known as Israel today.

Leviticus 25 reveals that God said that the land is His land, and that He makes the choices as to whom will live on the land. The Land Covenant of Deuteronomy 30 reveals that God has given the land in question to the Jewish people. Ezekiel 34 states 18 times that God will gather the Jews from around the world and give the land of their forefathers to the Jewish people. Ezekiel 35:22 says that God does this “for His holy name’s sake”.

In a quest for peace, President Bush is calling for Israel to give up what he calls “occupied land”, and in doing so, sets the stage for Bible prophecy to be fulfilled.

I have a feeling that he is inviting the Lord to come now.

[nChrist]

I have a feeling that he is inviting the Lord to come now.

Hello Sister Def,

YES - I think you are right. However, there are a few things that Christians must know.

The RAPTURE OF THE CHURCH WHICH IS THE BODY OF CHRIST could happen at any time. CHRIST will catch up HIS CHURCH to meet HIM in the clouds. CHRIST will not come all the way down to earth for the RAPTURE.

The SECOND COMING OF CHRIST is at the end of the 7 Year Tribulation Period, the worst and most horrible time in human history. CHRIST will come all the way down to the earth in GREAT, HOLY, RIGHTEOUS WRATH! The best way to describe the Tribulation Period is unimagined horror, blood-shed, and death. The SECOND COMING OF CHRIST will also involve great blood-shed and death. CHRIST HIMSELF will kill many millions of evil men. CHRIST will defeat evil and claim HIS Throne in Jerusalem to rule and reign over the earth for 1,000 years. Before CHRIST takes HIS Throne, 75% of the earth's population will die during this 7 year period of time.

I believe that the Bible teaches the CHURCH will be RAPTURED Home to Glory before the beginning of the Tribulation Period, but many disagree. I don't say this to start an argument, especially considering that there are several highly detailed threads already debated on the forum. So, please consider this as a very brief statement not made for argument. The Tribulation Period was pronounced against Israel most specifically. Israel will be restored after the SECOND COMING OF CHRIST. THE CHURCH was not formed for wrath, RATHER FOR RESCUE. THE CHURCH and Israel are two distinct and unique entities. GOD made Promises to each individual entity, and this must be a primary consideration when studying Bible Prophecy. THE CHURCH is NOT Israel, and Israel is NOT THE CHURCH. Both entities have unique Promises made to them by GOD, and these Promises will be kept perfectly.

I want to give just two major issues to consider when studying the RAPTURE:

1 - The Tribulation Period is a time of WRATH any way you look at it, and THE CHURCH was not formed for WRATH. Israel rejected CHRIST, and the Tribulation Period will be used to purify Israel prior to Israel's restoration after the SECOND COMING OF CHRIST.

2 - THE RAPTURE OF THE CHURCH WHICH IS THE BODY OF CHRIST AND THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST are two separate and distinct events that do NOT happen at the same time. CHRIST does NOT come all the way down to the earth during the RAPTURE OF HIS CHURCH. Further, the RAPTURE is a matter of love and Home-Bringing for CHRIST'S CHURCH. As a stark contrast, CHRIST comes all the way down to the earth at HIS SECOND COMING in GREAT WRATH. There will be armies of Heavenly Hosts riding behind HIM into battle against evil, and I believe that HIS CHURCH will be part of the Heavenly Hosts following HIM.

Brothers and Sisters, I didn't mention the above for argument as I've already stated. You are most welcome to read highly detailed debates on this subject already on the forum, and you can make your mind up for yourself. Regardless of the timing of the RAPTURE, Christians have been Promised Eternal Life with JESUS CHRIST and a Glorified Body that is fit for the inheritance that awaits us. How and when we physically die really doesn't make much difference. If we physically die before the RAPTURE, we will be absent from the body and present with the LORD. Our bodies will be raised and changed at the RAPTURE. If we are alive at the RAPTURE, we will be caught up in the clouds alive and changed in the twinkling of an eye. As an obvious result, Christians should not fear physical death in the way that the lost do. Our physical death simply means a new and glorious Eternal Life, exactly as GOD Promised.

Love In Christ,
Tom

RAPTURE

KEEP LOOKING UP!

THE RAPTURE WILL BE A REALITY!

1 Thessalonians 4:13 NASB  But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope.

1 Thessalonians 4:14 NASB  For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 4:15 NASB  For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep.

1 Thessalonians 4:16 NASB  For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.

1 Thessalonians 4:17 NASB  Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord.

1 Thessalonians 4:18 NASB  Therefore comfort one another with these words.

____________________________


1 Corinthians 15:50 NASB  Now I say this, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable.

1 Corinthians 15:51 NASB  Behold, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed,

1 Corinthians 15:52 NASB  in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.

1 Corinthians 15:53 NASB  For this perishable must put on the imperishable, and this mortal must put on immortality.

1 Corinthians 15:54 NASB  But when this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written, "DEATH IS SWALLOWED UP in victory.

1 Corinthians 15:55 NASB  "O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR VICTORY? O  DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR STING?"

1 Corinthians 15:56 NASB  The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law;

1 Corinthians 15:57 NASB  but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 15:58 NASB  Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.

[Def]

Hello Sister Def,

YES - I think you are right. However, there are a few things that Christians must know.

The RAPTURE OF THE CHURCH WHICH IS THE BODY OF CHRIST could happen at any time. CHRIST will catch up HIS CHURCH to meet HIM in the clouds. CHRIST will not come all the way down to earth for the RAPTURE.

The SECOND COMING OF CHRIST is at the end of the 7 Year Tribulation Period, the worst and most horrible time in human history. CHRIST will come all the way down to the earth in GREAT, HOLY, RIGHTEOUS WRATH! The best way to describe the Tribulation Period is unimagined horror, blood-shed, and death. The SECOND COMING OF CHRIST will also involve great blood-shed and death. CHRIST HIMSELF will kill many millions of evil men. CHRIST will defeat evil and claim HIS Throne in Jerusalem to rule and reign over the earth for 1,000 years. Before CHRIST takes HIS Throne, 75% of the earth's population will die during this 7 year period of time.

I believe that the Bible teaches the CHURCH will be RAPTURED Home to Glory before the beginning of the Tribulation Period, but many disagree. I don't say this to start an argument, especially considering that there are several highly detailed threads already debated on the forum. So, please consider this as a very brief statement not made for argument. The Tribulation Period was pronounced against Israel most specifically. Israel will be restored after the SECOND COMING OF CHRIST. THE CHURCH was not formed for wrath, RATHER FOR RESCUE. THE CHURCH and Israel are two distinct and unique entities. GOD made Promises to each individual entity, and this must be a primary consideration when studying Bible Prophecy. THE CHURCH is NOT Israel, and Israel is NOT THE CHURCH. Both entities have unique Promises made to them by GOD, and these Promises will be kept perfectly.

I want to give just two major issues to consider when studying the RAPTURE:

1 - The Tribulation Period is a time of WRATH any way you look at it, and THE CHURCH was not formed for WRATH. Israel rejected CHRIST, and the Tribulation Period will be used to purify Israel prior to Israel's restoration after the SECOND COMING OF CHRIST.

2 - THE RAPTURE OF THE CHURCH WHICH IS THE BODY OF CHRIST AND THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST are two separate and distinct events that do NOT happen at the same time. CHRIST does NOT come all the way down to the earth during the RAPTURE OF HIS CHURCH. Further, the RAPTURE is a matter of love and Home-Bringing for CHRIST'S CHURCH. As a stark contrast, CHRIST comes all the way down to the earth at HIS SECOND COMING in GREAT WRATH. There will be armies of Heavenly Hosts riding behind HIM into battle against evil, and I believe that HIS CHURCH will be part of the Heavenly Hosts following HIM.

Brothers and Sisters, I didn't mention the above for argument as I've already stated. You are most welcome to read highly detailed debates on this subject already on the forum, and you can make your mind up for yourself. Regardless of the timing of the RAPTURE, Christians have been Promised Eternal Life with JESUS CHRIST and a Glorified Body that is fit for the inheritance that awaits us. How and when we physically die really doesn't make much difference. If we physically die before the RAPTURE, we will be absent from the body and present with the LORD. Our bodies will be raised and changed at the RAPTURE. If we are alive at the RAPTURE, we will be caught up in the clouds alive and changed in the twinkling of an eye. As an obvious result, Christians should not fear physical death in the way that the lost do. Our physical death simply means a new and glorious Eternal Life, exactly as GOD Promised.

Love In Christ,
Tom

RAPTURE

KEEP LOOKING UP!

THE RAPTURE WILL BE A REALITY!

1 Thessalonians 4:13 NASB  But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope.

1 Thessalonians 4:14 NASB  For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 4:15 NASB  For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep.

1 Thessalonians 4:16 NASB  For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.

1 Thessalonians 4:17 NASB  Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord.

1 Thessalonians 4:18 NASB  Therefore comfort one another with these words.

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1 Corinthians 15:50 NASB  Now I say this, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable.

1 Corinthians 15:51 NASB  Behold, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed,

1 Corinthians 15:52 NASB  in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.

1 Corinthians 15:53 NASB  For this perishable must put on the imperishable, and this mortal must put on immortality.

1 Corinthians 15:54 NASB  But when this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written, "DEATH IS SWALLOWED UP in victory.

1 Corinthians 15:55 NASB  "O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR VICTORY? O  DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR STING?"

1 Corinthians 15:56 NASB  The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law;

1 Corinthians 15:57 NASB  but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 15:58 NASB  Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.

Hello Brother Tom.
I believe too that we will be rapture before the tribulation
 us who believe in Christ
Jesus will pick us up into the air
Wow that is fine with me
I have my white dress on
ready to go me and my little dog(HEHE)
If I could click my heals and go up now  Hallelujah i would  right  now..
you see I want to come back with Him at His second coming
I know how to ride and I earned my White stallion
and I am one of His soldier
I am a soldier of the Cross.
I O JESUS! my Lord
 I have no fear  for I will be with Him If He wants me along.
move over
 believe me I can furiously ride with discipline  and ease.
Bye bye Tom 
 I can ride bare back too.
Love in Jesus Def

[Shammu]

1,000 Terrorists Down, 20,000 to Go
January 13, '08   

(IsraelNN.com) IDF and other Israeli security forces have killed approximately one thousand terrorists in Gaza alone over the past year, according to a report by the General Security Service (Shin Bet). Security chief Yuval Diskin told cabinet ministers at the weekly Sunday morning meeting, however, that at least 20,000 terrorists still live in Gaza.

US President George W. Bush reportedly gave Prime Minister Ehud Olmert a "green light" last week to authorize a large-scale ground operation into Gaza in order to end the constant mortar and Kassam rocket attacks on Jews in the western Negev. Bush insisted, however, that Israel take steps to ensure that no civilians would be harmed in the process.  American troops in Iraq have been unable to achieve such a feat in the almost five years they have been stationed in Iraq.

1,000 Terrorists Down, 20,000 to Go