PROPHECY: BIBLE PROPHECY-DoWeKnow studies 
    BIBLE PROPHECY by looking at Old Testament Prophecy and New Testament Prophecy-seeing how they relate to today's churches 
    and seeing how many of today's churches are fast fulfilling those Biblical prophecies, especially the prophecies concerning 
    the end-time apostate churches.

____?______WROTE:

Hi brother Don

If you will please turn to Rev.1:1 you will fine a tool to understand Rev. If I may read from the New King James ---- The Revelation of Jesus Christ which GOD gave Him to show his servant- thing which must [shortly take place ] thing about the future not the past Israel was all ready a nation ect. Rev. is a book on what going to happen SHORTLY thing in the future, not on what all ready took place.

May God bless You

Love your Brother in Christ

EveryLasting Word Ministries

DON WROTE:

Hello:

Thanks for taking the time to WRAP with us. Revelation 1:1 does read:

Rev 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:

However, as with all of the Scriptures, it must be read in its context and compared to the whole of the Scriptures to be understood.

For example, let’s look at the term "which must shortly come to pass." Did John mean shortly, like in a day or two? in the next year or so? in his life time? in the first century AD? As you study prophecy you will see that certain terms are given special meanings and this is one of them. Prophetically, "shortly" enters into God’s time wherein a day is as a thousand years. (See II Pet. 3:8.) This means that it has been only two days, His time, since Jesus was resurrected and taken up to heaven to sit at the Father’s right hand to intercede for the believers. When taken with verse three of this chapter, the term takes on more significance.

Revelation 1:3
Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.

In this verse the prophetic term "at hand" is referring to the next major event on God’s timeline. Because the Age of Grace with its New Testament Church had already been ushered in when John was writing this, the next major prophetic events would be those things associated with the end of our age and the Kingdom Age. (For the particulars, go to our book THE CLOCK OF THE AGES [a study of Matthew 24 & 25] and to our study of REVELATION.) Consequently, in God’s time the things prophesied in Revelation to shortly come to pass were at hand in John’s day: i.e., the things that will bring our age to a close as well as the things associated with the Kingdom Age. John was looking past the time when Israel would be scattered among the Gentiles and no longer be a nation—looking to the time that the fig tree (Israel) would once again bud (become a nation—Mt. 24:32). For this reason, her being a nation was a part of the prophecy given to John and the prophets.

Also, while we’re considering the "overview nature" of Bible prophecy, it might be helpful to consider the prophetic essence of time. The time to which we are confined has a least one Scriptural purpose: i.e., it gives the many, many people of the ages opportunity to accept or reject the love of God. Think about it. There is no way that the earth could contain all of the people of all the ages at one time. Hence, time gives each of us our time to be a player on the stage of life. This explains in part the prophetic seven churches of Revelation which refer to the seven ages of the earth’s existence, for the things prophesied in Revelation concerns all men and women of all the ages because all of mankind will play a part in the doings prophesied in Revelation. The faithful of all the ages up to the Kingdom Age will return with King Jesus to help Him establish His thousand-year rule on the earth; and, of course, the citizens of His kingdom will be alive at the time. Also, the unbelieving, ungodly lost of all the ages will have their final time of judgment at the Great White Throne Judgment at the end of the Kingdom Age before they are cast into the Lake of Fire.

And while we’re on a roll, let’s also apply this "overview nature" of Bible prophecy to the end-time signs that our Lord left for the end-time Church. Just recently I had a friend ask me if I was aware of the things we were to look for that would let us know that Jesus’ coming was imminent. When I inquired just what things he meant, he said, "You know, those things prophesied in the Book of Revelation." This was a teachable moment for I got to explain that the dreadful things prophesied in Revelation will not take place until after Jesus comes for His Church, and that the prophetic signs associated with our Lord’s return were given to us by Jesus Himself in Matthew 24 & 25. Then I got to explain to him how there wouldn't be many "new" things associate with Christ’s return, but a magnification of things those things with which we are already familiar.

For example, Jesus said that as it was in the days of Noah so would it be when He returns. What does the Bible tell us about the days of Noah and the time of the flood? Actually, we’re told very little: only that believers and unbelievers were intermarrying which would account for the unbelief at the time (The Bible warns against such marriages explaining that the bully spirit of the unbeliever will water down the faith and zeal of the believer.), that the every imagination of those in the world were evil continually; and that the world was filled with violence (See Genesis 6,7, and 8). Throughout our age there have been men and women who were "unequally yoked," there have been people controlled by evil thoughts, and there have been violent people. But when will these kinds of people be the rule and not the exception?

Jesus also told His disciples that as it was in Sodom and Gomorrah in the days of Lot, so would it be when He comes again. How was it in those cities in Lot’s day? Apparently, except for Lot and his family, there were no believers in the cities and the cities were known for their homosexual behavior. Again, throughout our age there has been cruel, ungodly people and some have practice homosexuality, but when will these things reach prophetic/Sodom and Gomorrahic proportions? (For a complete look at these and similar things that Jesus predicted for the end of our age, go to our book THE CLOCK OF THE AGES.)

Then I explained from the Scriptures that there would be some new things to take place just prior to the Lord’s second coming; but that Jesus did not see fit to tell us just what those "new things" would be.

Mt. 24:
21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.
22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.

29 Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:
30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

These verses have spawned much speculation in the minds of men. Could the things that would bring about this horrible tribulation be things that man would one day invent? Could Jesus have not told John what was coming because the descriptions would be meaningless to John who had no frame of reference? To this generation that is well past the atomic age and into the space age, it is not hard to imagine some scenarios that would bring about such tribulation in the world. Could we be the generation that sees all of this come to pass? Only God knows. However, we do know that we are to love with all our hearts, minds, and souls the God who created us and lavished on us the many good gifts that we enjoy. We do know that we are to love our neighbor as ourselves and share our faith in the Christ that has so gloriously saved us. These are constants. They haven’t changed. And if ever there was a generation that needs to hear about these constants and see them in the Church that has been called to bear the name of its Savior, surely this is the one. Let’s pray one for another that the world will see something in His Church that will give it reason for hope in the hour to come when men’s hearts will be failing them for fear.

Luke 21:
25 And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;
26 Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.
27 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.

CHURCH, IT IS TIME FOR US TO UNITE IN OUR CONCERN FOR THOSE WITHOUT CHRIST! IT IS TIME FOR US TO PRAY ONE FOR ANOTHER THAT OTHERS MAY SEE JESUS IN EACH OF US!

RAZIA WROTE:

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as though you were working for the Lord and not for men."(Col.3: 23)

"JESUS IS COMING SOON"

Dear,

"If you love those who love you, what reward will you get?………"

Thanks for your faithful prayers. Dear last night when US attack on Afghanistan the Muslims are feeling very bad. They told that this war is between Muslims and Christians. They blocked the roads and also built rallies against Christians as usual. But don’t worry Lord is our Shepherd He protect His own people from every danger. We all are happy to know that Christians wants to destroy the entire terrorist from the world. That’s mean our people want peace for the world. I think we can say this war is in favor of peace.

Jesus is our savior, power, love, He is unlimited God. He can do every thing for us if we all gathered for peace and pray to God we can hope with faith our Lord have a power He change the people’s mind.

Jesus said:

"If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do the others as you would have them do to you. If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you?…"

US government is in favor of war, but we all have needed to pray for Muslims and Taliban that almighty God change their hearts and minds and convert them in favor of peace.

We all are Christians and we are one in Jesus Christ, so we have proud for this and our God is unlimited God. He is the God of miracles. And our religion is based on love not war. So we all have needed to pray for the Muslims and Taliban. If you think we are right then please join us and pray for the entire terrorist that Lord Jesus Christ bless them and use them in right way.

Thanks and God bless you all.

Younger Sister,

Razia

B'ANN WROTE:

Dear Little Sister:

You have no idea how precious your Email is to me. I was wondering if I would hear from you again. I am so sorry you are near the fighting and sorry that it became necessary for the U.S. to bomb the terrorists. I don’t know why we call them "terrorists." The people in the U.S. are not reacting with "terror" because even though we have people that do not go to church or profess to know Jesus, they still have an assurance in their hearts. This is one of the good things about living in a free country where children have heard from their grandparents, parents and other caring people that Jesus does love them. You can often see John 3:16 on signs along the highways. Sometimes "Jesus loves you" can be seen on huge billboards. It can constantly be heard on TV and radio and seen in books that can be freely bought, etc. So, most of our people have had a chance to know about Jesus and know how to get closer to Him if they so desire. It is so sad when people have been raised to "by-pass" the Only Begotten Son of God" in preference to some religion. Believing in Christ is not a religion; it is a faith walk. It is as the Bible says: Jesus is the Door and no man can come to Father God except through Him. He is the door to God’s heart!

John 10:

1 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.
2 But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.


4 And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.
5 And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.
6 This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them.
7 Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.

…..
9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have [it] more abundantly.
11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
14 I am the good shepherd, and know my [sheep], and am known of mine.
15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.

It would seem that the basic difference between Islam and Christianity can be seen in John 10:10. A Christian should always make the place where they live a better place. This could be as simple as keeping the house clean; wearing clean clothes; visiting the sick; washing a little child’s face; taking care of an elderly person…etc. Never in our Christian faith are we commanded to kill or given permission to steal, lie, or destroy. Do people who say that they are Christians do such things? Yes, I am sorry to say that they do. But Jesus taught that there is a judgment to come for such people.

Mt. 7:
20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

While Jesus was here on earth, walking with His disciples, He instructed them in this manner concerning their bodily needs and weapons.

Mark 6:
8 And commanded them that they should take nothing for [their] journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in [their] purse:
9 But [be] shod with sandals; and not put on two coats.
10 And he said unto them, In what place soever ye enter into an house, there abide till ye depart from that place.
11 And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.

However, when He knew He was not going to be with them in person, He gave them another set of rules: i.e., the "right to bear arms" to protect themselves and those they love. Do we advocate having rules of government by which society can punish evil doers? Yes, for God knew there would have to be ways to "isolate" and deter criminals/terrorists. As to the Believers having the right meet their daily needs and to protect themselves, His Son was explicit.

Luke 22:
35 And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing.
36 Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take [it], and likewise [his] scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.

Now as to the war that is currently occurring, we have prayed a special prayer that we feel will bring about a change in the "gang mentality" that seems to have taken the Muslim religion to a "fanatic" stage of action. We know that all Muslims do not advocate "terror tactics" but we also know that they do not give Jesus His place as the Only Begotten Son of God. The prophet Mohammed is a voice to which they will listen. They do this to keep from acknowledging that Jesus was the Son of God. Also, here is where Israel is still leading the world away from God. They, meaning the orthodox Jews, do not believe that Jesus was the Son of God, born of a virgin, and this causes great confusion in the world. The reason the Israeli's did not accept Jesus was because they wanted Him to come back to earth and be the "king" of their nation. This would have enabled them to become a great world power once again as they had been during Solomon and David’s time. However, God had said that His next Kingdom would be a heavenly kingdom, not an earthly one (i.e., the kingdom of God in a mystery Mk. 4:9-11, Col. 1:9-29 cf. Eph. 5:25-33). This was unacceptable to them because it removed all control from them and put it all back in God’s hands. The turmoil and trouble all through the Old Testament was simply because the Hebrews would not accept His rule under the theocratic government that He wanted to establish for Israel.

We will soon know if our prayers concerning this war have been answered because it will literally take an "act of God" to bring peace to this situation. We must have God’s intervention for truly Satan would love to hurry up and end the Age of Grace. The longer the Age of Grace, the more people there will be who accept Christ and go to heaven.

You will do what you have to do for Jesus. Of this I am confident. However, I feel I need to remind you and myself about what a Christian really is…We see the high profile TV preachers and the loud talking evangelists, but I am reminded of the "harvesting" that Jesus talks about. The process of sowing the seeds is a quiet, tiresome process. Pulling the weeds is slow, back-aching work. Then getting in the harvest is heavy, physical work, also. Most farmers go quietly and silently about their work until the harvest in finished. Never do we see a good farmer talking loudly, waving his arms, or bringing attention to himself. When did we decide that being a Christian had to be a loud, attention getting life? I say all this to assure you that you can go quietly about your life as a Christian, giving a Scripture here and there, a sure word of comfort at another place, and you will be just as effective as that farmer. I feel frustrated here because there is so much I would like to teach you about "works" and the "gifts" in the Bible. We have too many people that want to be charismatic, "movie star" Christians and who never want to get "dirty and dusty" in the harvest.

John 4:35
Say not ye, There are yet four months, and [then] cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.

Remember, our Lord has given us permission to "buy a sword": i.e., in the natural we are given permission to have weapons of warfare to protect ourselves, our families, our neighbors, etc. But in our personal, spiritual walk we are to "turn the other cheek." And in the Holy Spirit we have the weapons we need to fight the spiritual warfare. Here in these next Scriptures, Paul is writing to the church at Corinth, not to a civil government, and is telling the Church members / Body of Christ, what weapons are to be used. In Corinth, the church members were fighting among themselves as to which one had the greatest gift, place, or honor among the people or with God. Paul was trying to tell them that if they were not obedient to the lifestyle of Christ, how could they possibly ever be an example to the disobedient (non-Christians). We have a sure promise in these Scriptures. If we have been "obedient," we can apply these weapons of "peaceful intervention through God" to those around us. We can apply them to our family, friends, and neighbors. If we are part of a church that has been obedient to these Words, we can apply them to our neighborhood. And if we are part of a nation that adheres to these Scriptures, we can apply them to the nations around us.

II Cor. 10:
3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
4 (For the weapons of our warfare [are] not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
6. And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.
7 Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? If any man trust to himself that he is Christ's, let him of himself think this again, that, as he [is] Christ's, even so [are] we Christ's.

...
16 To preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man's line of things made ready to our hand.
17 But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
18 For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.

Stay peaceful and do not give any one an occasion to hurt you. Your ministry is a ministry of "helps" and not one of "conflict." Continue to serve and help those around you and people will see your peace and hope in this time of conflict. If we live through this troublesome time, we can continue to share the simple message of faith which is John 3:16. We can continue to try to lift the heavy burdens of finance, disease and confusion from each person we meet. If we die, we will be immediately present with the Lord. I leave you with this salute from the Lord.

Rom. 15:
13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
14 And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.

I Tim. 2:
1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

DON WROTE:

To our cyber visitors--some thoughts on the

RELIGIONS OF THE WORLD

The dictionary’s definition of religion=a cause, principle or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith.

The common thread in most religions is one of man trying to satisfy or appease a god or gods—although some are so turned in on "self" that they don’t include a god in their practices and rituals.

They are too many religions in the world to even try to mention them all. Here in alphabetical order are a few of the major ones.

Baha’i
Christianity
-Catholicism
-Protestantism
Confucianism
Eastern religions
-Taoism
-Sikhism
-Hinduism
-Buddhism
Islam
Judaism

(For an easy-to-understand commentary on each of the major religions of the world, click on the "treasure chest" of Bible study aids on our home page and go to the on-line encyclopedia and type in "major religions of the world.")

It is not my purpose here to explain the intricacies of each religion, but to delve into some of the ways that Christianity stands apart from the rest of the religions of the world.

  1. For beginners, Christianity is the only religion with the claim that its founder is deity that has made any impact on the world. (That is, God came to the world in the person of His Only Begotten Son Jesus Christ.) Further, it is presented as the only religion whose founder came from heaven to be crucified on the Cross for the sin of the mankind that He created and Who was then resurrected from the dead, the living hope of mankind.
  2. Further, Christianity is not based upon an eye for an eye, or a tooth for a tooth. Because it is based on the teachings of Jesus, it is the only religion that would have its members to love their neighbors as themselves, to put other’s needs ahead of their own, and to love their enemies and do good to those who despitefully misuse them.
  3. Although, like so many other religions, it teaches its followers to live with eternity in mind, it does so teaching that treasures are laid in heaven by loving and helping their fellowman; for this is the way that one loves and serves God.

With these things in mind, surely any other "religion" on this planet has to take a second place to Christianity. However, we need to keep in mind that the Christianity upon which the world’s Christian cultures are built is only a religion. It is a great religion, to be sure, because it is built upon the teachings of the Son of God, but yet, it is only a religion. To be a part of this great religion, one need only to be born in a country that adheres to its principles or to adopt those principles as an individual because of their superiority over all others. However, Jesus taught that to be born into a great religion is not sufficient.

John 3:
1 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:
2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.
3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?
5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
9 Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be?
10 Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?

In this passage we see Jesus talking to a renown leader of the Jews in his day, a man who felt himself to be alright with God—if not in good standing with Him—because he had happened to be born into the Jewish culture. Nicodemus was a man who could trace his pedigree back to Abraham, the friend of God. He was a man who had studied and taught the Word of God that had been given to Moses, the very special servant of God. And he was a man who had been elevated to a position of leadership because of his dedication to his religion. Yet we find that none of this had made him to be acceptable to God, that all he had received by virtue of his natural birth did not make him to be acceptable to God. We know this to be so because the Son of God brushed all of this aside and told him that to be accepted by God he had to be "born again" in his spirit by the Holy Spirit of God. Consequently, if this man Nicodemus who was born of Abraham’s posterity and who had conscientiously studied the true Words given by God to Moses fell short of the criteria needed to be accepted of God, then should anyone born into any religion feel confident that they are received of God by virtue of their natural birth and upbringing? Obviously, the answer is NO! AND THIS ANSWER APPLIES TO THOSE WHO ARE BORN IN A CHRISTIAN CULTURE AS WELL AS ANY OTHER! As great as it is to be born into a Christian culture with all the accompanying benefits, God has no grandchildren—only children.

At this point, let me insert a word of testimony. When I came to Christ, it was not because someone had carefully explained to me about being born again, or about the spirit-filled life. I came to Christ with a burden of sin and guilt; and I did this because in our Christian culture in the U.S., we were taught as children that Jesus loves everyone and that He died on the cross for our sin. Consequently, when I by faith received God’s forgiveness and His gift of eternal life, I was very much shocked when I was born anew into the Kingdom of God by His Holy Spirit who also made my body a temple in which he now dwells and will dwell forever.

John 14:
15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.
16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

1 Corinthians 6:
19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

Because of my experiences with God, I devoured His Word with a thirst to know everything that I could about Him and His purposes. As I gave myself to a study of His Word, it became apparent to me that there are two sides to the gift of salvation that God offers. For those who receive it there is the more abundant life in this existence and an eternal life of bliss in the existence to come. But for those who reject this gift, there is eternal damnation.

Mark 16:16
He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be
damned.

This eternal damnation bothered me, for in my "new man" I wanted no one to be eternally damned! As I read more in the Word, I found that this was also the heart of God for He wants none to perish and He commands all men everywhere to repent and to receive His Son the Lord Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

Then I came across another passage that bothered me. These are the Words of Jesus.

Mt. 7:
13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

This bothered me because I wanted everyone to know the joy that I had found in Christ and the hope that I had for eternity. But then as I began trying to share with others what I had found in Christ, I soon realized God’s only limitation, for like Him, I had to resign myself to the free will of others. But then I found in the Scriptures how that God is perfect in His holiness, and how that He is Light and in Him is no darkness at all. In all of this the Holy Spirit kept taking me back to the cross. In this I learned that when I’m to the point that nothing makes sense, go to the cross; for there we find the heart of God, the purpose of God, the will of God, and the Son of God dying there to bring all the good things of God to "whosoever will."

I’m saying all of this to let you know that no matter where you are or what state you are in, God loves you with the love of the Cross. Are you in sin and sick of it? Then come to the Cross where Jesus died for those sins so that you, too, can know the forgiveness of God. Are you born in a culture filled with hate whose teachings leaves your soul barren, at the least, and possibly full of bad feelings and guilt? Then come to the Cross and leave your confusion and burdens and let Him fill you with His goodness and His peace. Just come to the Cross and be assured that He will meet you there. He did that for me when all I had were problems and despair. He’s done that for countless of individuals down through the age—and He will do that for you.

I’m putting this up on the web in the hope that it will bring some light to the bewildering situation that the world now finds itself in: i.e., people killing other people in the name of some religion. Just remember that a religion is a set of rules and practices established by men—not by God. However, to complicate the situation, the founders of the different religions all claim to be speaking for God. Throughout the centuries the proponents of peace have found religions to be a formidable foe. In part, this is due to the fact that religions grow and are perpetuated on mother and grandmother’s knees. Consequently, it is hard to explain to someone that their religion is in error for to do so comes across as insulting one’s mother or grandmother. If you are convinced that there should be peace in the world, then pray for the world’s leaders that God will do a work in their hearts for this is an area wherein God alone can prevail. Also, if you find that your religion, whatever it is, does not bring you peace and that you have little reason for joy; let me point you to the Cross of Christ.

And if as an individual, you simply feel unloved and unlovable and without hope, let me point you to these Words of the Lord Jesus.

John 3:
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

In response to a WRAP from Robert...who wants to stay after the Rapture to preach to the people left on the earth.

B’Ann Wrote:

I have chosen to answer in front of your writings because of the urgency of the matter. We need to study the Scripture so that we can rightly divide the Word of Truth. The Bible is firstly divided up into two testaments. The dictionary defines "testament" as:

1. a covenant between God and the human race

2. an act by which a person determines the disposition of his or her property after death

The first testament in the Bible was called the "old testament" (not to be confused with the Old Testament: i.e., the books of the Bible from Genesis to Malachi), and it was under a dispensation call "Law." The "second testament" is the one that we now live under. It is called the "new testament" and it is known by the grace and unmerited favor of God that sheds abroad to whosoever will receive His Only Begotten Son as their Lord and Savior. Both of these testaments are effectual because of the death, burial, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus--the animal sacrifices of the Law pointing forward to the Cross. (The dispensation that will come when we are gone [after the coming event called the Rapture and the events associated with it] will be the dispensation of the Kingdom Age and it will be different from the two preceding it. Although it will also have a covenant between God and man, it will actually be the beginning of the fulfilling of the old and new testaments.) However, the event that will bring to a close the dispensation of the "new testament" of our age will be the taking up of the Church and at this time The Holy Spirit will go up to heaven (dispensationally) with the saints when they are Raptured.

I Corinthians 15:51
51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

II Thessalonians 2:
7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.
8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:

The representatives (?) left on earth (the people who will have heard but didn’t accept Christ’s sacrifice and too late, realized their folly) will not be under the auspices of the Age of the Law, or of the Age of Grace, nor of the Kingdom Age, which will still be some 3 ½ years away. What will they be under? It will not be Law or Grace, but Judgment. Even if some Grace-Age believers could be left as per Robert's WRAP, they would most certainly frustrate the people with some heavy intermingled, conglomerate of Law and Grace similar to the hodgepodge being taught today. But the people that are left behind will need something more straightforward and to the point. That is why any "gospel" to be preached at the time will be heavily orchestrated by angels. Remember, it is no light thing that people hear of the death of God’s Only Begotten Son on the Cross and not act upon it. (Those who have persisted to do so during our age and "died in their sins," doomed their souls to eternal damnation.) Consequently, those who are left behind that have had ample time to respond to God’s love, and have steadfastly refused to accept the Gift of the Cross, are on dangerous ground. How will people be "saved" during this time after the Rapture? Only those who are willing to die for their faith in Christ, only those who will reject allegiance to the "beast" even to the cost of their lives will be accepted by God. (Also, from the judgment of the nations in Matthew 25, we learn that Jesus will separate the nations like sheep from goats, the sheep will go into the Kingdom Age with Him while the "goats" will be cast into hell. The "sheep" will be the nations that helped Israel during its time in the wilderness, while the goats will be those who hate and want to kill Abraham's seed through Isaac. Undoubtedly, these "sheep" will be comprised of those who oppose the end-time beast and are willing to die for their faith in Christ Jesus.)

In the following passage from Hebrews, the writer clearly describes what happens to the individuals that reject the Sacrifice of God’s only Son. There will be no more sacrifice and each person will have to be their own sacrifice; thus, we see the teaching about refusing the mark of the beast coming into play.

Hebrews 10:
12 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;
13 From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.
14 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.
15 Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before,
16 This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;
17 And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.
18 Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.
19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,
20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;
21 And having an high priest over the house of God;
22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)
24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.
28 He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:
29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?...

31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

That the time of the beast / the day of God’s Judgment and Wrath will be heavily ministered by angels is evident in these Scriptures. Also note that like all Scriptures, these Scriptures must be rightly divided so that we can understand if they apply to the time of judgment at the end of our age, or to the time of judgment at the end of the Kingdom Age. (See our study of Revelations for more detail.)

Revelation 16:
1 And I heard a great voice out of the temple saying to the seven angels, Go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth.
2 And the first went, and poured out his vial upon the earth; and there fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast, and upon them which worshipped his image.
3 And the second angel poured out his vial upon the sea; and it became as the blood of a dead man: and every living soul died in the sea.
4 And the third angel poured out his vial upon the rivers and fountains of waters; and they became blood.

Revelation 19:20
And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.

Revelation 15:7
And one of the four beasts gave unto the seven angels seven golden vials full of the wrath of God, who liveth for ever and ever.

Revelation 17: 1
And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vial stalked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters:

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 13:1, 4-9
And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.

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4 And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?
5 And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months.
6 And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven.
7 And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.
8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
9 If any man have an ear, let him hear.

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11 And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon.
12 And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.
13 And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men,
14 And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.

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16 And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:
17 And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.
18 Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.

During the periods of God’s Judgment upon the earth, we see the angels visiting people. For example, they visited Mary and Joseph during the transition period from Law to Grace. Of course, Mary and Joseph were visited because of their faith and the call of God on their lives; but any at the end of our age who have a living faith like theirs will be raptured with the Church. So, just what role the angels will play with those who refuse the mark of the beast is not clear. The angels have been used as God’s instruments of judgment during other times of transition when the earth was moving from one age/dispensation to another. They will visit again in the transition period between Grace and the Kingdom Age. We do know that many people had to die for their faith during Jesus’ Visitation and immediately after He ascended back to heaven. However, as bad as it was, that was not a time of judgment and wrath such as will occur after the Rapture; that was a time of sacrifice / martyrdom. It will be much worse during the transition period after the "Rapture" and the mystery of it is tied up in the following Scriptures. (Note that the word "twice" refers to the Age of Law; plus the Age of Grace.)

Job 33:14-15
For God speaketh once, yea twice, yet man perceiveth it not.

Job 40: 4-6
Once have I spoken; but I will not answer: yea, twice; but I will proceed no further.

Bottom line!!! If you are the Lord’s, you will be Raptured. You have no choice for all who have been born again and have the Spirit of Christ will go up when the Spirit goes up with the Church. It seems to be human nature to "frustrate the Grace of God" by continually trying to place ourselves back under the "Law." If we really had a say in things, we Grace people would somehow mess up the Judgments and the next dispensation. Please accept God’s gift of Grace and mercy. You are crying out as Paul did, but Jesus was "accursed" and we cannot presume to try to make His death more perfect or less than it is.

Romans 9
1 I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost,
2 That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart.
3 For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh:

It is commendable that you would be willing to miss the Rapture so that you might help or even die for those left behind. But Scripturally, that is impossible, and not necessary; for Christ, the perfect Lamb of God—the only One Who could die for the sins of man, has shed his blood for the remission of our sin, and He has done so ONE TIME FOR ALL TIME. I am praying that you will turn your zeal toward a study of the Scriptures for it is obvious that you do have a zeal, but take heed lest like the Hebrews of Paul’s day, that zeal be without knowledge.

Romans 10:
1 Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.
2 For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.
3 For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.
4 For Christ [is] the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.

Robert Wrote:

We ask for prayer for the following:

We have sincerely prayed that the Lord Jesus, who is Christ, and the only begotten son of God the Most High, that we be the ones which will stay behind some call it "Left Behind" and preach the Gospel to those who are also "Left Behind" when those who would be "Raptured" before the last Trumpet call,.....are gone... mystically before the appointed time.

Revelation 10:7
7: But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets.

and we will share in ...

Revelation 20:4-5
4: And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
5: But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.

and we know...

Romans 10:14-18
14: How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?
15: And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
16: But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?
17: So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
18: But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.

and we know our rewards will be as...

Revelation 7:14-15-16-17
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.
15: 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.
16: They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat.
17: For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.

And.......

Revelation 20:6
6: Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

So...

Our Request

is to:

Yourself and all of those who would be "Raptured" before the last Trumpet sounds...To stay with us and preach the Gospel to those who have not heard the word.

14: How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?

We understand by the word of God the Most High that we will have to sacrifice our lives, for the testimony and the witness of Jesus

Revelation 7:13-14
13: And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they?
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.

Revelation 12:11
11: And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

The sacrifice will be a small price to pay, your flesh lives, but we know that you as great ministers love the Lord Jesus, because you profess, Lord, Lord and we know that you will see that there will be many in the Great Tribulation who will need a preacher which will preach the truth as it is written, and we are confident that at this invitation, you will go and tell your congregation, to go and leave without you, for out of your love for the Lord Jesus, and you love not your lives unto the death, that you will stay behind and preach the gospel and give testimony and witness for Jesus Christ the Lord.

We will be making this offer starting soon, by e-mail, to all of those who teach this mystical "Rapture" But..... If you choose not to stay on earth as a preacher for those who will be "Left Behind", after what you have preached, and that is that the Holy Spirit will be taken out of the world, and you feel much stronger to leave with your flock and forsake those who God will pour out his spirit too, during this great tribulation...

We request....

Since, most of you have built tremendous empires of wealth and luxuries: Television Stations around the world, Luxury automobiles, summer and winter homes, mansions, gold and diamonds, airplanes, Merchandises, money, real estate, stocks and bonds, corporations, in short, all the wealth which this world can offer....

And....

you are all certain that Jesus is coming before the son of perdition is revealed and you will no longer need these luxuries,.....

Then

Daniel 11:32
And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.

We request that we get proper attorney's to draw up all of the legal documents which will donate legally all of the above, to be divided unto those who stay behind and do great exploits for the Lord of Lords, Jesus Christ who is the Lord of Lords and the son of God the Most High, the saints. We are certain, that these professed of Jesus the Lord, will obey his word and do so accordingly. Please respond.

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PROPHECY: BIBLE PROPHECY-DoWeKnow 
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