tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736720231951988221.post1442201649351151918..comments2023-10-07T04:07:56.527-04:00Comments on The End Time: What, are you chicken? I double dog dare you to go through the Tribulation!Elizabeth Pratahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04341086233512507156noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736720231951988221.post-39464825857898445282013-02-20T06:32:09.671-05:002013-02-20T06:32:09.671-05:00Elizabeth, I'm with you on the Rapture being a...Elizabeth, I'm with you on the Rapture being an essential. I believe that how you interpret the Bible is directly related to what you believe about the end time events. Pastors take Matthew 24:40 and make it about the Rapture when it, chapter 24, is all about the events before the Second Coming. That is just one example of how putting the Church where it doesn't belong can be confusing. <br />As far as being a church member, it is really, really hard to find one that doesn't confuse. I've been praying and searching along with others who feel this way. It is very difficult. <br /><br />Pam Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736720231951988221.post-13126977241148617842013-02-20T05:49:17.690-05:002013-02-20T05:49:17.690-05:00Part 2
Second, though many pastors say that the t...Part 2<br /><br />Second, though many pastors say that the timing of the rapture is a "non-essential" and at least as it impacts salvation, it IS. However, I think proper exegesis on this topic is crucial for Christian living post-salvation. <br /><br />Paul and Peter and Jesus urged us to live a certain way with the knowledge that the Son of Man is returning and suddenly. If He is to return prior to the Tribulation, there seems to be one set of life-standards. (Godly living, encouraging, not forsaking assembling...) However, if we are to go thru the Tribulation, there would be another set of warnings, encouragements, and instructions. If a pastor believes this, he should be gleaning and mining the bible to unearth all the information he can so as to prepare us for this trial. I mean, it IS the biggest trial anyone on earth will ever go through, Jesus said!<br /><br />The reason pastors don't do this is that there are no instructions for the church, no revealed preparations we are supposed to make. Yet are we to believe that Jesus makes NO preparations for His Bride through the worst time on earth there shall ever be? This same Jesus who told us how to live down the minutest detail left absent verses on how to get through the Tribulation? Hmmm. Not hardly. That is because after chapter 4 in Revelation, the church is not mentioned on earth again, and we see the church starting in ch. 5 in heaven.<br /><br />I think that it's important to sit under a pastor who correctly interprets the timing because it reveals he is properly interpreting the bible and is also demonstrating a proper understanding of the bigger picture of what God is doing from Genesis to Revelation.<br /><br />But the timing of the rapture, as imminent as it is, is only a small part of holy living. I also think it is important to commit to a church that is nearby so that service and ministry becomes more immediate. I'd say to keep praying, settle on one church- and this will reduce your tug of war. Make a commitment to resolve these things in your heart thought the strength of the Holy Spirit and appeal to Him for how to proceed. He will help you. That is what He's there for :)<br />Elizabeth Pratahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04341086233512507156noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736720231951988221.post-33745942504755632442013-02-20T05:48:52.456-05:002013-02-20T05:48:52.456-05:00Hi Kelly,
I am so glad you're reading the bib...Hi Kelly,<br /><br />I am so glad you're reading the bible and learning more directly from His word. The Lord also raised up good men in former times and present times also, who wrote good commentaries and have put up good sermons. I'd trust anything by John MacArthur, Steve Lawson of First Baptist Mobile Alabama, Don Green of Truth Community Fellowship, Phil Johnson of the GraceLife Pulpit. In former times, Strong's Dictionary and Barnes Notes are also wonderful<br /><br />It is really hard, I know, when the church you feel doctrinally aligned with is far away. We are supposed to commit to a church and that means committing to the fellowship of believers- people. It's hard to serve our brethren when we're far away, but then again it's hard to sit in the pew and listen to things that the Spirit in you may be at odds with. It's a tough thing. <br /><br />John MacArthur has a good series on church-going here<br /><br />1. http://www.gty.org/Blog/B130114<br />2. http://www.gty.org/Blog/B130117<br />3. http://www.gty.org/Blog/B130118<br />4. http://www.gty.org/Blog/B130121<br />5. http://www.gty.org/Blog/B130123<br />6. http://www.gty.org/Blog/B130124<br />7. http://www.gty.org/Blog/b130128<br /><br />Membership is more than attending, it is serving, submitting, identifying, being loyal to, etc. That is what each of those essays above explore.<br /><br />Which church are you a member of? Committing to one church means you're voluntarily identifying with one body. The pastor is told in scripture that he is going to be judged more harshly because he is responsible for the leading of and discipleship of his flock. (James 3:1)<br /><br />On the other hand, people are going to be judged by what they say about the pastor, and how they respond to his leadership. The pastor's testimony about the members of his flock is going to come into play at the Judgment Seat of Christ. (Hebrews 13:17)<br /><br />If you attend two churches, to whom do you submit? How will the pastor know how to guide you? In attending two churches but not committing to either, you're actually making it harder for your pastor on Bema Awards day.<br /><br />Now, as for preaching post-tribulation, I have two things to say. First, a literal interpretation. For those who say we will be here through the Tribulation, then to be caught up and immediately return with Jesus (AKA the boomerang effect 1 Thess 4:17 and Rev 19:14), there is one big problem. If Jesus catches away His bride and immediately returns with them, who is left on earth to separate into two groups as sheep and goats? (Matthew 25:31-46). They're already separated.<br /><br />End part 1<br />Elizabeth Pratahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04341086233512507156noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736720231951988221.post-55453927498919238272013-02-20T00:51:12.930-05:002013-02-20T00:51:12.930-05:00Love your blog Elizabeth! I have been going throu...Love your blog Elizabeth! I have been going through a tug of war as of late. We go to two different churches from time to time. Our main church is very far away so when I don't get up early we go to the one that is just a hope skip and jump from our home. That is on Sunday morning then each Sunday night we go to the far away one. Silly I know but we just love church. Anyway, the two pastors don't see eye to eye. One believes we are going to be here for the trib then the rapture...apparently sees it as a one time event. The second pastor says we are out of here before the trouble starts or gets really bad that is like you say...clearly trouble has started already. I am a mess basically. lol I believe this then I believe that so what I am doing is reading the bible. And I am really truly trying to pay very close attention to what I am reading like never before. I understand your point and that is what I want to believe. Our regular pastor says Matthew 24:29 is his go to verse that says all these terrible things will happen then the Son in the clouds. I don't know! Right now I am in Psalm 120 so I am not there yet but to have these two so far apart on the truth is upsetting to say the least. You have given a good argument backed up with Scripture. I personally don't see it any other way except when I watched this movie called After The Tribulation from some pastor out in Tempe, AZ. So as you can see like I said before I am a mess here. Again, thank you so so very much for your blog. I read it each night, I have learned so much and I read it to the hubby. Take care.Kellyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09426653579430247461noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736720231951988221.post-46059720845670017752013-02-19T10:23:49.832-05:002013-02-19T10:23:49.832-05:00I never was good at taking double dog dares....
G...I never was good at taking double dog dares....<br /><br />Great exposition, Elizabeth, as usual!<br /><br />KimKimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15449934341845326322noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736720231951988221.post-19692849871175650612013-02-19T09:48:46.186-05:002013-02-19T09:48:46.186-05:00Another wonderful post with lots to think about! ...Another wonderful post with lots to think about! When I was reading the recent post about the Ural meteor damage it left me wondering what it would be like during the Tribulation. Apparently 10,000 rescue workers were sent to the area. That meteor shower was not even that bad compared to what will come at the end times, along with everything else. And people in those days are unlikely to have any help as systems and society crumble, and people’s real hearts are exposed. Without God’s Spirit in the world I don’t think there will be much love towards others. I am praying earnestly that God will awaken more people to see reality as it is and turn to him while it is day. Bless you, Elizabeth in this blog it is a real pleasure to read. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736720231951988221.post-26884593492332770242013-02-19T07:21:12.016-05:002013-02-19T07:21:12.016-05:00Even Jesus Himself asked God to take away the cup ...Even Jesus Himself asked God to take away the cup of suffering from Him. The tribulation is not summer camp. lol It is your worst nightmare come true. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736720231951988221.post-49294833939075358692013-02-19T06:49:24.000-05:002013-02-19T06:49:24.000-05:00My pleasure. God showed it to me.:)
Maranatha!My pleasure. God showed it to me.:)<br />Maranatha!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736720231951988221.post-61772371311183346122013-02-19T06:26:09.602-05:002013-02-19T06:26:09.602-05:00A very good thought, Pam. You're right, it is ...A very good thought, Pam. You're right, it is the time of Jacob's trouble! And then reading the promises that come in the verses subsequent, how the Lord will bless David their King and restore them to a rest and quiet where no one shall make them afraid (which is a prophecy future because that condition has never happened)....and after all, the title of the passage is "Restoration of Israel & Judah"<br /><br />Thanks for turning our attention to that important passage :)!Elizabeth Pratahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04341086233512507156noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736720231951988221.post-71615739198155958092013-02-19T06:17:12.205-05:002013-02-19T06:17:12.205-05:00Hey Elizabeth, I just had another thought about th...Hey Elizabeth, I just had another thought about this. Jer.30:7 talks of the time of JACOB'S trouble which is coming. Maybe those who want to say that the church is the "New Israel" might want to think about that prophecy. They want the promises to Israel but none of the cursings. Fortunately, God doesn't say that anywhere in His Word. Makes me know that being pre-trib, pre-mill, is the right way to interpret the Scriptures. Whew!! Thank you Jesus!!<br /><br />PamAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736720231951988221.post-52997063166374106592013-02-19T02:25:06.067-05:002013-02-19T02:25:06.067-05:00I am happy to be a big ol' chicken! The minute...I am happy to be a big ol' chicken! The minute I read that the Tribulation would be the worse time that the earth has ever seen, well that was enough for me; I don't want to be anywhere near it. Also this is the first time that I am hearing some Christians don't believe in a pre-tribulation stance. I wonder why this is even questioned when the bible makes it so clear and would anyone want to go through it? Again, I guess that is the chicken in me :) Great write up as usual Elizabeth.<br /><br />MarrellAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736720231951988221.post-77600862858111956372013-02-18T22:46:32.759-05:002013-02-18T22:46:32.759-05:00Excellent post as usual. In regards to those who b...Excellent post as usual. In regards to those who believe in a post tribulation being scared. I think some aren't because they believe God is going to put them in a safe location, to protect them. I've heard this preached. They are clearly showing a lack of understand of the scriptures. It's sad. :( <br /><br />J.L. J.L.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736720231951988221.post-90169780924728923512013-02-18T16:12:20.689-05:002013-02-18T16:12:20.689-05:00Excellent article Elizabeth and yes i dont think m...Excellent article Elizabeth and yes i dont think many realise just how bad its going to be here on earth through the Tribulation period, Luke 21:28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05136544436877110368noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736720231951988221.post-3178714865216733992013-02-18T15:02:19.745-05:002013-02-18T15:02:19.745-05:00Hi Never Forsaken,
Thanks so much for sharing- th...Hi Never Forsaken,<br /><br />Thanks so much for sharing- the comment AND the link! it is a good one, and also good to be reminded that Christians are not under judgment. It is a simple truth- the Tribulation is judgment, which Church Age Saints are blessed to scape thanks to the blood of Jesus and His resurrection, hallelujah!Elizabeth Pratahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04341086233512507156noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736720231951988221.post-17528213955548741332013-02-18T14:59:23.274-05:002013-02-18T14:59:23.274-05:00Chicken? Yep, me too!
~Birds of a feather, and all...Chicken? Yep, me too!<br />~Birds of a feather, and all that...A point to note is we do not try to minimize the tribulation that many Christians do endure all over the world today...martyrs are being tortured and killed for their faith in Jesus as I write this...But The GREAT tribulation is what is on the horizon. Something that the Bible says there is NO comparison to. So when a post tribber tries to say that it is the wrath of antichrist that the Christian must suffer through...The Great Tribulation is the wrath of GOD not Satan...Satan's wrath (as bad as it is)does not bring judgment. And the Christian is not under judgement (Christ already took our judgement upon himself.)<br />For more info about the 'Bema judgment' of the Christian Look Here:<br />http://bible.org/article/doctrine-rewards-judgment-seat-bema-christ<br /><br />(I respect your wanting to peruse links first Elizabeth, so I will leave that to you to include or not)<br />~God bless~ LisaNever Forsakenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04537083795724752514noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736720231951988221.post-73366251592799722342013-02-18T14:55:40.786-05:002013-02-18T14:55:40.786-05:00Hi Pam, shocked and relieved, I might venture to s...Hi Pam, shocked and relieved, I might venture to say! It is one case were being wrong will turn out oh, so right!Elizabeth Pratahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04341086233512507156noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736720231951988221.post-60461356123870585582013-02-18T14:50:50.938-05:002013-02-18T14:50:50.938-05:00Hey Elizabeth, won't some of our brother's...Hey Elizabeth, won't some of our brother's and sisters be shocked when we meet them in the air?<br />Looking for our Blessed Hope along with you!!!<br /><br />PamAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736720231951988221.post-11731804826143085922013-02-18T14:14:28.427-05:002013-02-18T14:14:28.427-05:00Hi Anonymous!
Sure, print and use to your heart&#...Hi Anonymous!<br /><br />Sure, print and use to your heart's content!<br /><br />These essays also defend pre-trib stance--I hope you may find them helpful too. :)<br /><br />More on the rapture will be pre-tribulation, from John MacArthur<br />http://the-end-time.blogspot.com/2011/01/more-on-rapture-will-be-pre-tribulation.html<br /><br />Why the rapture is biblically pre-tribulation. You don't have to wonder!<br />http://the-end-time.blogspot.com/2010/06/why-rapture-is-biblically-pre.html<br /><br />Thirty–Six Pre-Trib Rapture Texts<br />http://the-end-time.blogspot.com/2009/12/thirtysix-pre-trib-rapture-texts.html<br /><br />Why pre-tribulation rapture is doctrinally correct<br />http://the-end-time.blogspot.com/2009/11/why-pre-tribulation-rapture-is.html<br /><br />Rapture in the Old Testament<br />http://the-end-time.blogspot.com/2010/05/pre-tribulation-rapture-in-old.htmlElizabeth Pratahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04341086233512507156noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736720231951988221.post-86187191569978113112013-02-18T14:07:51.738-05:002013-02-18T14:07:51.738-05:00As my grandmother would say, "That'll pre...As my grandmother would say, "That'll preach!". Thank you for so concisely writing down the pre-trib position to use to answer my Christian friends when they look at me askance when finding out what I believe regarding rapture. Being a quiet person, I take no joy in debate or confrontation---I lose my 'voice' and can't of verses or reasonings until I'm out of the intense atmosphere. I, too, had to settle in my heart what I believed about the end times and the rapture some years ago. I don't understand the vitriol concerning pre-trib rapture; it is our wonderful hope. Please, may I print this out and keep for future use? God bless. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com