WHEN IS JESUS COMING AGAIN, ACCORDING TO THE SCRIPTURES?
Billy
There has been much confusion over the past years on this question. Is there an answer? Must we all continue to guess? Aside from our relationship with Jesus Christ, this is perhaps the most important question we could ask today, When is Jesus returning?
One minister says one thing, another, something else. There are theories, doctrines, and teachings galore. Are they all, right? Which Preacher, or, denomination is telling the truth? They all, say they are! While looking at the March 28th 2000 issue, of the "Pentecostal Evangel" an Assembly of God publication, I was almost awestruck at the title of The conversation with Tim LaHaye, on page 6. Titled:
LAHAYE'S PROPHECY-BASED FICTION
Quite a title for an interview, especially in the Assembly magazine. As I read the article about three times, I thought, A very appropriate name for the "secret rapture" that is supposed to take place at any second. "Prophecy-based fiction." Our Brother, had also written another rapture thriller, called "Left Behind." LaHaye, has written, "Tribulation Force" "Soul Harvest" "Apollyon, and Assassins." As Brother LaHaye was being interviewed, he was asked this question: Evangel: Where did the idea for the "Left behind series" originate? LaHaye: While I was on an airplane flight in the 1980s, I got the idea for a novel about the Rapture. The idea percolated for years. I needed a novelist. My agent put me in touch with Jerry Jenkins, whose more than one hundred books, include, biographies of Hank Aaron, Meadowlark, Lemon, Nolan Ryan, and Billy Graham. I gave Jerry the outline of the scripture for each book, and he hangs the story on the outline. Evangel: The books have stayed on Christian best seller charts, and have climbed to the tops of lists kept by the New York times, USA today, Wall Street Journal etc. Why do you think this series has been so successful? LaHaye: Left behind is the first fictional portraitof events that is true to the literal interpretation of Bible prophecy. They are written for anyone who loves gripping fiction! On page 7, we have the scenario, of "people being raptured, or, snatched away on an Airplane," and, the explanation of the "Blessed Hope" at the bottom of the page, which states: The "Left behind series," is a fictional account of events after the rapture of the Church.
WHAT'S THE POINT?
The point being dear ones, that this "fictional book" along with thousands of videos, and movies, is being received by the majority of Christians today as the TRUTH, not fiction! The secret "snatching away" of the Christians, while all the world suffers untold persecution under the anti-god, and, anti-Christ system, is a teaching as false and full of fiction, as the LEFT BEHIND SERIES of our dear Brother, LaHaye. Incidentally, this "Left Behind" will be at the movies in the near future, further confusing Millions of Christians who will not study their Bible for themselves.
I am going to show you, "according to the scriptures" when our Lord is going to return. He will return THEN, and not before. One of the reasons these "gripping fiction" books, and films are so "hazardous" is, they are exactly as LaHaye describes them: FICTION! I fear for the poor misguided souls, who will not read their Bible today, but trust these "off the wall movies" like, "Omega Code," (I read the entire book) which is as fictitious as a three dollar bill. Is it any wonder, Paul Crouch of TBN, is proclaiming "Hollywood's" great approval of "The Omega Code"? For it is as phony as Hollywood itself! I could name numerous Ministries, who have made absolutely "millions" of dollars, on these phony books, and videos. Good plots, and fictitious stories, do NOT THE TRUTH MAKE! A little leaven, leaveneth the whole lump! A partial truth, is more dangerous than a complete lie!
BUY YOUR VIDEO TODAY!
We are told by leading TV Ministers, that when the "Church is raptured" if, you or, a loved one do not make the rapture, because of backsliding, luke warmness, or refusing Christ as Savior, just pop in one of the latest "Left Behind" videos, and, then be true to God, don't take the mark of the beast, be faithful until death, accept the persecution coming, and then you will be saved! Beloved, are we so blind? Can a man, or woman, who will not attempt to live for Christ now, with no persecution, no trials, no mark of the beast, or, any pressure from any quarter, still have all the strength and courage, to face the persecution of the anti-Christ? Many can't make it to Church if it rains, they are to stubborn to give their heart to God now, how in the name of Heaven, can they (all at once) after watching Hagee's, Van Impes, and, other pre-trib rapture videos, suddenly be the giants of faith, to go through the kind of tribulation that is coming upon this whole world? Dear one I say this to you, and, to your loved ones: If you won't, or can't, live for Christ now, you sure won't stand in the time of persecution, regardless of all of your "The Day After" videos. Many of these Ministers know, that these Videos are worthless, but they keep churning them out, as long as the gullable Christians keep buying them. The sleeping giant (The Church) is still looking for an easy out, and, someone who will lie to them and tell them what they want to hear. Some of the stories being pushed by TV Evangelist today, put "Star Trek" to shame. Satan, wants you to believe, that IF you should miss the "first coming of Christ" just wait for the second! The devil is smarter than most Christians in that respect. If he can have some "well meaning minister," preach the doctrine of the second pickup, or, the second return of Christ, (after the secret rapture) he will have millions in his grasp. Satan, only wants to fool you ONCE! The next time, it is his move!
Why is the return of Christ so important? For many reasons, but one reason is, if you know what to expect, you know what to prepare for. One of the false teachings by the Catholic Church, is the doctrine of Purgatory. The doctrine of Purgatory, is the doctrine of the second chance. Another false teaching is: Jesus, is coming in the clouds, to rapture all of His children, just before the anti-Christ steps on the scene! We will then all be in Heaven, while every one else will be going through tribulation on earth. The scripture used to support this teaching is: "We are not appointed to wrath"! The tribulation, is not the wrath of God, but the wrath of the anti-Christ. He goes all out, to try and destroy the true Church for the last time. More about this later. God, is behind the WRATH of God, but, it is two distinct happenings, the WRATH of God, and, the tribulation.
LISTEN UP CHRISTIANS!
Christian friend pay close attention: There have been more persecutions, and more martyrs, IN THIS CENTURY, (than in all the years since Christ's returned to the Father)! Fourteen hundred prisons in China alone, (and growing) full of believers! Pastors, Christians in home churches, (Bible smugglers), and any other type of Christianity. It is not like Christian Television tells us! The Christian, is on the open market in many parts of Africa, especially in the Sudan! Churches are being burned, Pastors slaughtered, Christians are being killed, and the carnage goes on and on. In Indonesia, every week, Christians are being killed, and Churches burned, NOW, RIGHT NOW! As supposedly intelligent, and as Christians, (why do you think in many parts of the world today, such as India, Pakistan, Arabia, and many, many more countries), that we Christians in America will escape persecution?
Do you think in Rawanda, Africa, where they had almost total genocide, as men, women and children were decapitated, and slaughtered beyond human description, do you think, that they believe a tribulation is coming in the future? In Indonesia, Christians are killed daily. With the hundreds of thousands loosing their lives in other parts of the world for Christ, do you think that they might believe that: Tribulation is coming in the future?
CAN WE BE HONEST?
Do you think God has two Bibles? One for THEM, and one for US! In our bible it reads: That before anything bad happens to us, God will "rapture us" away to Heaven, while the rest of the World, goes through absolute Hell on earth! Is that what it says Christian? Tel-evangelists, are robbing many people blind, as well as many Pastors, by telling the people WHAT THEY WANT TO HEAR, instead of what the Word of God teaches, and declares! Although I am white, God has assured me that He cares for me no more, than the Ethiopian of Phillips day. When Jesus said: Go into all the world and preach the gospel, Jesus was not just referring to the good old USA, because, He was not IN the good old USA. You, and I, will have the same future problems, as our Brothers and Sisters across the waters who are suffering for their faith right now. How did this "secret rapture" get started in the first place? Does the Bible teach such a doctrine? If so, WHERE? We will attempt to piece together this tangled web of misquotations, so it will make some sense. Let us begin, in the much preached, and talked about passage of scripture in the Bible, MATTHEW 24.
GODS WORD!
Matthew 24:3 and as He, (that is Jesus) sat upon the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately saying, tell us, WHEN shall these things be? .. and, WHAT shall be the SIGN of thy coming, AND the end of the world?
The disciples asked, three distinct questions, we will then look at each one to see how Jesus answered them. If we will then be honest with ourselves, we can see the absurdity today of this teaching of the "secret rapture" theory! The disciples asked simple questions, and received simple answers. Jesus first stated, before answering their questions directly. TAKE HEED THAT NO MAN DECEIVE YOU. If it were not possible to be deceived on this all important issue, Jesus would not have said so!
DECEPTION!
Jesus said: many shall come in my name, AND SHALL DECEIVE MANY! Not just a few, but MANY! They are doing it today on television beyond belief. And, to supposedly Bible believing Christians! Jesus did not want his disciples to be deceived, as to His return! We must not misinterpet the teaching on the Second coming of Christ. I have been in Churches lately, where the prophecies come forth like rain! One Pastor gave this prophecy often, in the last few months: I'M COMING SOON! I'M COMING SOON, the Pastor would say, with head bowed low in apparent great reverance. Assuming that it was Jesus, that was (supposed to be speaking), through the Pastor, there was this great scriptural problem to deal with. Jesus said in Mark 13: 32 that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in Heaven, NEITHER THE SON, but the Father.
So, it could not have been Jesus speaking, for He said: The SON DIDN'T EVEN KNOW OF HIS RETURN! Why did he prophecy? It certainly wasn't Jesus, or, the Holy Spirit, since the Spirit and the Word agree. Nor was it God! Take heed, let no man deceive you, Jesus said so! In this Church, the Pastor was never challenged, (although he was going against the very teaching of Jesus Himself). A Pastor, that will prophecy lies, will do anything else to build his, or, her kingdom! Our Churches are going on a "prophecy rampage." It is sad to say, but most of the prophecy I hear from the Pulpit today, is complete nonsense. Can man deceive? You bet he can. File this message away somewhere, and read it again, and again. It is that important! Beloved, this is more than just some doctrine that we can agree, or, disagree with. A momentous situation is about to break on this old world, and you need to be informed of every thing that Jesus said would take place (before His return)!
TELL US!
Matt. 24:6 and ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars: See that ye be not troubled: For all these things must come to pass, but, the end is not yet. One of the questions asked Jesus was: when is the end of the world? Jesus didn't say: Men, you have it all wrong, all you need to be concerned about, is the "rapture," for you certainly won't be here near the end of the world! (7) and Nation shall rise against Nation, and Kingdom against Kingdom, and there shall be famines and pestilences, and earth quakes in divers places. (8) All these are the beginnings of sorrows. Just the beginning friend! Sorrow, is so rampant in our land today, I hesitate to mention it. The world around us, is as it were in it's death throes. Noah's day, was like a picnic in comparison. Even the, God said: The world was filled with violence! What would He say today?
TROUBLED TIMES!
Russia, has continued her war games. Our Leadership (if you call it that) is at an all time low. Satan is setting America up! We have little, or, no defenses. Our President has decided (on his own) that we will first absorb a first strike nuclear attack, before we retaliate! God help such total insanity! Reader's Digest, and some of our News Stations, tell us that we are more vulnerable now from an attack from the enemy, than anytime in the last 25 years! Many of our Pulpits, which should be "flaming torches," are frozen zombies. Telling the congregation, don't worry, you are about to be raptured! READ MY LIPS PASTOR!
God Almighty, is going to hold you responsible, for your misleading of God's people! Sleep on my little ones, give those tithes, bring them in to the "storehouse." Listen to Pastor, I wouldn't tell you wrong. Would I? One Radio Minister in Texas, describes it like this: There will be a Nuclear war he said, and, just as the Missiles hit the earth, THE CHURCH IS RAPTURED! I must say, I haven't read anything that even remotely resembles such a scripture.
THE DAKE BIBLE!
Dake, states, that in Matthew 24: 9-14, that these scriptures deal only with Israel. Look closely now: When they deliver you up to be afflicted, and kill you, and you are hated of all nations (10) And many shall be offended and betray one another (11)many false prophets shall rise and deceive many, (is this only Israel?) (12) and, because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. (is this only Israel?) Dear one, when 250.000 Christians are killed each year, (and it is climbing), is this only Israel? I have heard hundreds of times thundered from the pulpit, (because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold)? Is this only Israel? If it is, why are we always quoting it as the present day Church? You can't have it both ways. Many Preachers are telling the flock, that "they must endure until the end." Why should we endure until the end, WHEN WE WON'T BE HERE ANYWAY? Why should we be faithful till death, if we won't be here to die? In most of the 24th Chapter of Matthew, Dake inter-changes Israel with the Church at will. If it's a bad situation It is Israel! If it's a rapture, It is the Church! VERY CONVENIENT! (14) And the gospel of the Kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations, and then shall the end come. Does ALL the world, mean only Israel? If so, why are we preaching today? We will try one more of Dake's explanations. Watch closely, how Dake handles this. The next 5 verses are called:
THE SECOND ADVENT!
The Second coming of Christ! He is absolutely correct in saying so, but, we must remember, that somewhere, between verse 3 and 21, Some how, some way, and some place, a rapture took place! How, or where, they do not know, but as one good Baptist told me: You have to read between the lines! I said: That is the reason the (lines) are there, there is nothing between them! How could you take a doctrine as important as the coming of Christ, and just say: Well, He came somewhere, between verse 3 and verse 21? It is almost unbelievable, that the doctrine of the "silent, secret, snatching away Rapture" is taught today, and you can't even find it? Many Ministers, use verse 27, for their rapture. What does it say? As the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west, so shall also the coming of the Son of Man be. Beloved, that says absolutely nothing, about a "secret rapture," it only states that when He does return, He will return swiftly! We are about to see for the first time clearly, when JESUS IS COMING BACK! Let us read verse 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 be shaken: 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.
IS IT NOT PLAIN?
The Disciple's, asked (3) questions. Here, two are answered if you accept the Word of God!What is the sign of your coming, andof the end of the world? Jesus said: (29) immediately after the tribulation of those days . (30) And then shall appear the sign of the Son of Man from 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. Dear child of God, you need not be a bible scholar, a bible teacher, or Preacher, to understand what Jesus was saying. He said: He would return "in the clouds of Heaven" just like your Pastor teaches, with the exception of the truth that Jesus states: I will come immediately after the tribulation of those days.. To teach other wise, is to make Jesus a liar. When are you coming back Jesus, the disciples asked? He just told them! He told you also, if you will accept His Word over the teachings of man, and denominations today. I must say, ALL THE TRIBES OF THE EARTH, do not just pertain to Israel! Jesus said also: immediately after the tribulation, you will also see the sign of the Son of man, following the shocking display of the stars, moon and Sun. Some teach, this pertains to Israel only. If so, why do we teach here in America, that He is coming back in the clouds? I will tell you this my friends, with all the love I can: You will not leave this earth by a rapture, UNTIL AFTER THE TRIBULATION. You may go by the grave, old age, nuclear blast, war, or a hundred other ways, but you will not be raptured into the Heavens on the clouds, until you ride the same clouds Jesus spoke of, and that one comes only, AFTER the tribulation, not before! If your church, or denomination teaches otherwise, it is false! And you won't find one Scripture to back up your theory. Some Ministers tell their flock: There are some folks that want to go through a tribulation! Friend, I haven't found anyone yet! A man would have to be a fool, to WANT to go through a tribulation. I sure don't want to. But what I want, and what the Word of God says, is many times "poles" apart. You will never hear anyone, that believes in a Post-trib return of Christ, that wants to go through a tribulation. I want to settle that thought right now!
MAY I ASK A QUESTION?
If all power was given to Jesus by the Father, as (Jesus said it had been given), I have all power in Heaven and, in earth Jesus said . May I ask, why, does Jesus have to sneak back to this earth, (morning, noon, or night as we sing) and steal away His children from the devil? May I ask another question? If He is going to sneak back with a quiet rapture, why in the name of Heaven, is He going to return in 1st thess. 4:16 with a Shout, the voice of an Archangel, and the trump of God? If you believe this is a silent rapture, I would like to sell you some "ocean front property" here in West Virginia. Even if there were a secret rapture, what would be the purpose? There are many good books on the market today, that tells of the origin of the "rapture teaching" but I will not speak of them at this time. I want to mention something also that is very important, especially to those of you WHO ARE NOT MINISTERS! Remember, child of God, in the church where you go, there are bylaws, rules, and teachings of that particular organization, should it be the Church of God, the Assemblies of God, and many others. THEY MUST STICK STEADFAST TO THEIR BYLAWS, AND THEIR TEACHINGS! To not do so, they say, they would not be in "unity." For a Minister to deviate in any of these main doctrines, is cause to loose their ministerial license immediately! I have talked to Ministers in both of the groups I have just mentioned, some have told me: Brother, I don't believe this secret rapture teaching, but, if I say anything, I am out of the organization in a hurry! Some Ministers, have been in the organization's for years, and, they wait for their pension. So the rest of their ministerial life, they continue to teach a lie, or, repress what they really believe to be the truth. That is the power and Organization can hold on a minister. So, I must teach what the organizations books say teach, Ministers tell me.
WHEN IS HE RETURNING?
Jesus said in verse 33. When ye see all these things, know that it is near, even at the door. What was He talking about? He was saying, that when the signs of versed (29) and (30) take place, that His coming was near. Notice again: This takes place AFTER the tribulation. Then, Jesus went on to give another example of the times in which we live today. He told His disciples in (33) when ye shall see (it is rather obvious that the disciples will not see these things come to pass), but our generation will! If we would not be here, how could we see anything? There is a major misunderstanding among many ministers, on verse (37). Here is another example of teaching what you want to teach, and leaving the rest alone. In this passage of scripture, we are told by modern day preachers, of the many millions getting saved after the rapture. Here is how they handle it: Just as it was in the days of No'e, so shall it be in the coming of the Son of Man. They say: We are living in the days of No'e, (or Noah) but they don't tell you all that happened in the days of Noah! Right now, things are all set for the rapture, they teach. Let's see what the Bible really says! What Jesus said would take place, is THE EXACT OPPOSITE OF WHAT IS BEING TAUGHT TODAY! But as the days of No'e were, so shall also the coming of the Son of Man be. (38) for as the days that were before the flood they were eating drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that No'e entered the ark, (39) and knew not until the flood came, and took them all away: So shall also the coming of the Son of Man be. Now let us do a little study: What did Jesus really say?
WHAT REALLY HAPPENED IN NOAH'S DAY?
Jesus said: If I may paraphrase a little. It will be just like the days of Noah, when I return. They were eating drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that No'e entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of Man be. Can you see this yet friend? NO ONE WAS SAVED like the preachers are teaching today! My what a contradiction of the Word! Jesus said: IT TOOK THEM ALL AWAY! If it took them ALL away, who was left to get saved? Where will you're Van Impe videos be then? These Video's, are a curse on our generation, giving people second hope, on a total impossibility. Someone is going to be responsible "big time" for all the finance made on these poor lost souls. Notice also; it wasn't seven years after the rapture took place, Jesus said: THE SAME DAY NO'E ENTERED THE ARK, THE FLOOD CAME AND TOOK THEM ALL AWAY. REMEMBER THAT PREACHER, THE NEXT TIME YOU ARE EXPOUNDING THE WORD!
To late for the videos then, to late for the cassettes from your favorite preacher. If you have been reading God's Word, you can be prepared for the days ahead. Let me say this. You don't have to be "raptured" to be saved! God can save you, (if that is His plan), "in" your problem, He does not have to deliver you from it. Daniel was not saved "from" the Lions den, he was saved in it! The three Hebrew children, were not saved "from" the fiery furnace, God saved them "while still in it" to show His power! Noah was not saved from the flood, he was saved while in it! Dear friend, the same water that destroyed the world, kept Noah afloat, and safe!
WHAT DOES LUKE SAY?
Luke 18:28 likewise also as it was in the days of Lot, they did eat, they drank, they bought they sold, they planted, they builded, (29) but the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from Heaven, and destroyed them all. (30) even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of Man is revealed. If we will remember who is teaching here, It is the Son Of God. Jesus said again: THAT THE SAME DAY, that Lot came out of Sodom, fire came down from Heaven and destroyed them all. Jesus said: it would be like that again when He comes. Just like the days of the Sodomites, (and we are there)! If it is like that time, WHO GETS SAVED? Who, watches the videos, to tell them what to do "the day after"? It will be to late to play their LEFT BEHIND tape by Tim LaHaye. It will be burned up. Friend, this is no fun and games, your soul is at stake, who do you believe, the Word of God, or your favorite TV Evangelist? For the many of you who go by the teachings of your Church, and, who lean heavy on the DAKE ANNOTATED BIBLE, let us see how Rev. Dake handles this, in Luke 21:36 On page 86 in your Dake Bible
Rev. Dake tells us how to interpet the Bible: When it is a literal saying, it should be taken literally. Dake, first makes (his own prediction) at the heading of the verse, by stating: Promise of a rapture before the second advent. Notice that it is Brother Dake's heading. (36) Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man. Dakes main purpose for his own heading is: to escape all these things! The things of Matthew 24 Mark 13th Chapter, and, Luke 21: ch. They all have the same context.
HOW DO WE ESCAPE?
It is very important to notice, Dakes own statement in the right column of verse 36. Dake says: This is the "first" plain reference in "all the scripture", to the rapture! Notice! Dake himself states: THAT THIS IS THE FIRST PLAIN REFERENCE, IN ALL THE SCRIPTURE, TO A RAPTURE. He did not say (one more), but, "the first" plain reference. How they were to escape, if they met conditions was: To stand before the Son of Man! Now Dake ask's this question: How could all worthy ones go before Him, (if not by rapture), as stated in John 4:1-3 Friends, the facts is, Jesus is not saying anything about a rapture, He is simply stating, that: In His Fathers house are many mansions, and. He will return again! To stretch the point beyond that, as some secret rapture, is implying something that the scripture does not say. Dake says also: 1st Thess. 4: 13-18 pertains to the rapture. We mentioned before, that this is an impossible "silent secret rapture" using these scriptures, due to the Lord shout, the voice of Archangel, and the blowing of the trumpet. SECRET RAPTURE? I think not. Remember, anytime you ask your own questions, and give your own answers, you will ALWAYS get the desired answer. Could I add something? Since the "secret rapture teaching" is so prevelant today, why did Jesus try to hide it somewhere in His Word? Why did He try to keep it secret? He didn't, He told us clearly when He would return again! Immediately "after the tribulation of those days," and not before!
BELOVED, PAY ATTENTION!
Dear child of God, on the false teaching on the "secret rapture," it is so important for you to know the truth! It is a teaching of the "second chance." The devil knows, that if you miss the second coming of Christ, that He is NOT coming back again like all the Evangelists are telling you. If you miss the Next coming of Christ, there will BE NO MORE RETURNS! You will be lost for all eternity, regardless of what any Minister tells you. I have already shown you, that NO ONE, was saved in Noah's time, once he went into the ark. Likewise, NO ONE was saved in Lot's time, the day he left Sodom, the rest were destroyed. Jesus said, it would be the same way when He returns, Do you believe that? Beloved, I have studied the Coming of Christ, and the rapture teaching, for a good 28 years. I didn't just hear about it yesterday. Through God's mercy, I found out what I was being taught, was as false as a "snow storm" in July, on this "secret rapture" theory. It is taught today by some very large Ministries, and, denominations, that the Lord is going to return "in phases"! One Church of God, (Cleveland Tenn.) District Overseer, in Illinois, told me that Jesus is actually coming back 4 times. In phases he said. I said: The bible teaches no such thing as a return in phases! Jesus said: He would return again. He didn't say, He would return again, again, and again.
HALF SCRIPTURES USED!
Preachers make much of the "falling away" today, but they only read part of the scripture! In the book of 2nd Thessalonians, 2:1-4 Now we beseech you brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto Him, (2) That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as the day of Christ is at hand. (3) Let no man deceive you by any mans; (AS MANY ARE DOING TODAY) emphasis mine, for that day shall not come, except there be a falling away first I left of reading that for a purpose. That is where most preachers stop reading. Why? Because the rest of the verse, tears down their rapture teaching, Many preachers like to teach, that the Church is raptured BEFORE the anti-Christ comes on the scene. But, that is a false teaching! Preacher, read all of the verse to your flock! Shall we continue with the rest of the verse now? And that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; (4) Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. My friends, these scriptures all go together. You will not get away from the anti-Christ, unless God sees fit to take you home sooner. Even now, he is working full time, in the United States Of America among our ungodly leadership today! You hear nothing from the pulpits today on the anti-Christ, because it completely destroys the teachings of the church being raptured before he appears. You might ask about now, why don't our spiritual leaders tell us these things? There are many reasons, but here are a few. (1) If it is in their denominational minutes, or, bylaws, THEY MUST TEACH IT, or get fired from their Pastorate, and that is the truth! (2) Some ministers, could care less. They don't read the Word of God, so, they just teach what they hear the next preacher preach, be it right, or wrong! (3) The "secret rapture teaching" IS A MONEY MAKER! Not many people in America, want the real truth! So, the preacher gives them what they want, and, he gets what he wants, and they are both happy.
ANOTHER IMPOSSIBLE RAPTURE SCRIPTURE!
While continuing to talk to my District Overseer friend, I asked him: Do you want to make the first resurrection? He said: Of course! I said let me hear you clearly now, you do want to make the "first resurrection" correct? He again said: Yes! I said my dear Brother, do you know who made it in the first resurrection? I said lets read the Bible and see. I then showed him Revelation, Ch. 20:4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgement 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 best, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands, and they lived a 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. (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. I said Brother, if these tribulation Saints made it in the FIRST RESURRECTION, which was stated "twice," how can there be another resurrection, before the FIRST RESURRECTION? Nothing, comes before the first, or, it wouldn't be the first! The only way to make the first resurrection, was to do the same thing the tribulation Saints did, refuse the mark, refuse to worship the Image, or the beast. Then, and only then, do you qualify. I want to share another scripture with you. In the book of John. Lazarus had been dead for 4 days. When Jesus came on the scene, in 11th Ch., V. (23). Jesus saith to her, thy Brother shall rise again. (24) Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again, at the resurrection at the last day. Would he not be raised dear friend, at the "same resurrection" as with the tribulation saints? Remember, they made it in the FIRST RESURRECTION! Dear Christian, try as you may, and believe what you want, the days ahead will be trying days for ALL OF US! None of us will be exempt from what lies ahead. We need to pray, and hold each other up in prayer, rather than to try to believe, and hide behind some doctrine that is not true . Believing it will not make it so!
ANOTHER BLOOPER!
In the Dake Annotated Bible, Dake teaches that in Rev. Ch.4:1 He sees the raptured Saints. Incidently, the Dake Bible, is to the Pentecostal, Full Gospel groups, as, the C.I. Scoffield Bible, is to many of the Baptist groups. If Dake said it, THAT IS GOSPEL! Keep in remembrance , that if you ask yourself the question, You get the answer you desire. After telling John about the 7 churches in Chapter 3, he continues in Chapter 4:1.
After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in Heaven: and the first voice which I heard, was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said , come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter (I have just finished watching Jac van Impe Presents) the date being 7-6-2000. Jack gives his big smile and says: I can't wait until I hear Christ say: Come up hither Rev. 4:1, Just as Dake is teaching here. Dake, has this as HIS heading, at the beginning of Ch. 4. THE THINGS WHICH SHALL BE HEREAFTER, AFTER THE CHURCHES, OR, AFTER THE RAPTURE. (4:1 - 22:5)
As Dake speaks of the throne room in V (4) and round about the throne were four and twenty elders, sitting clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crown's of gold. On the left column of the Dake Bible, and, on page 289 (since all Dake bibles are the same), under (a) Dake states: that the word "elders" IS PROOF that they represent the "raptured Saints," or, THE CHURCH. He further states in the same column.
(1) Elder, is never used of angels.
(2) They are distinguished from the Angels.
(3) They have crowns and thrones, which were promised to redeemed men.
(4) They wear white raiment, which is used only of Christ and the saints.
(5) It is clear from 1:1 5: 5-7 7: 13-15; 19; 10:22 8-9, that one of these elders is the person showing John the Revelation, and, that he is a redeemed man.
Dake states: that if one of them is a man, then all 24 are men. Since they are redeemed men and in Heaven on thrones all through the time of the fulfillment of Rev. 4-22 THEN THEY MUST HAVE BEEN RAPTURED BEFORE THAT! I suppose that Rev. Dake would think someone would ask the question: Why do you pick out 24 Elders? So, this is his answer.
WHY 24 ELDERS?
Dake says, the answer is not stated! But 2 things are clear, he states.
(1) The whole priesthood of old, was represented by 24 elders!
(2) The names of the twelve tribes of Israel, and the twelve Apostles, are written on the holy city New Jerusalem (21-24).
Are the 24 Elders, the Church? You decide, I have giving you irrefutable proof, of the "first resurrection" and, many other scriptures that were not even completely read.
I have written this message, to show you to what great lengths many will go, to either preserve their special doctrine, or, to perpetuate a new one. One of the most powerful Scriptures in the Word of God, is found in: Rev. 1:3. BLESSED IS HE THAT READETH, AND, THEY THAT HEAR THE WORDS OF THIS PROPHECY, AND KEEP THOSE THINGS THAT ARE WRITTEN THEREIN: FOR THE TIME IS AT HAND. Do you mean to tell me friend, that with this great admonition from the very Son of God Himself, that the majority of this great book is useless, (since the Church is seen in the 4th chapter). If we are raptured, as Dake states, why be concerned about any of the other chapters, especially, since we supposedly will be in Heaven looking down on this world in tribulation? HOW MUCH OF THIS PROPHECY DID JESUS SAY TO KEEP, IN VERSE THREE? I believe, that when Jesus said: TO KEEP THOSE THINGS THAT ARE WRITTEN THEREIN, that He meant all of it! Why, and how, could we READ, HEAR, AND KEEP those things that are written therein, IF WE WON'T BE HERE? Jesus, has placed 18 chapters in Revelation, that is of absolutely no concern to Christians, if what Dake teaches is true! All the important information that God wants you and I to know, is contained within the TWENTY TWO CHAPTERS OF REVELATION! I shudder to think, that a minister of the gospel, (whoever they may be) would try to deceive, (on purpose, or ignorantly) anyone on the ONLY BOOK IN THE BIBLE, THAT GOD HAS PROMISED A BLESSING, IF WE WILL HEAR, READ, AND KEEP IT!
Why, would God in Rev. chapter 2 & 3 warn the Church, REPEATEDLY, they must live an "overcoming life if the Church is not going to be here? Such reasoning is senseless. Jack van Impe, LaLonde, Hal Lindsay, and a host of others, may have "blood dripping from their hands" when the folks that are supposed to be "sneaked away" are not "sneaked away," in one of the biggest frauds ever perpetrated on the Church. In her famous book, Tramp for the Lord, Corrie Tim Boom had these scathing remarks to make, on this teaching of "the secret rapture." She stated: One of the biggest lies ever perpetrated on the Church is: the doctrine of THE SECRET RAPTURE. Corrie stated, having been in Germany's prison death camps, that thousands of Christians put up no resistance, or, tried to get away from the death squads, because their Pastor had told them: (Just like today), DON'T WORRY, YOU WILL BE RAPTURED BEFORE ANYTHING HAPPENS TO YOU! Friend, nearly 6 million people were not raptured, as they marched them off into the ovens, of Dachau, Triblinka, Auswhitz, and more. I don't know how many were Christians, but, the Christians believed they would be saved, (because their Pastor told them so). Listen to me friend! If your Pastor tells you to take a mark, in your forehead, or hand, because, he tells you: This can't be the mark of the beast, because Jesus has not come yet. Jesus will rapture you, before you have to take the mark. WILL YOU TAKE IT? This is a warning! Your very soul is at stake!
MY LAST PROOF FOR THE PENTECOSTALS!
Having been a Pentecostal for nearly 32 years now, I know of what I speak. I have heard three times as many "prophecies" as there are books in the Bible. I have heard warning prophecies, blessing prophecies, guidance prophecies, personal prophecies, etc.
We Pentecostals are a tough breed. We don't like for anyone to show us where we might be wrong. But what I share with you in this last portion of the message, IS TRUE, and, it can be taken, or left, it's up to you.
One night in Chicago, after a good "Church of God" service, I was invited to the Pastors house for a meal. Knowing how I believed about the false rapture teaching, he told me this: Brother Bill, I can't see how you could not believe in a rapture at any moment! I smiled, and then asked: Brother, was that prophecy you gave tonight of the Lord? Of course it was, he stated. I said: do you mean to tell me then, that under the anointing of the Holy Spirit, you were led to give that prophecy? Again he replied in the affirmative. I said, if that being the case, I don't see how Jesus could possibly come back tonight! You prophecied to the whole Church, that God was going to bless the Church, that the Church was going to grow, I said: How can God bless the Church, and the Church begin to grow, if Jesus could come tonight? He looked at me and said: I hadn't thought about that! I said, you need to think about it, the next time you feel a prophecy coming on. Probably ninety percent of the prophecies given today in Churches, are not of the Lord. They are simply of the flesh.
THE T.B.N. NETWORK!
In the years I have watched the TBN Network, I have heard Paul crouch, speak of waiting for the "rapture" many times. One night, or, on several nights, I heard the Evangelist who was speaking that night on Praise The Lord, call Paul over and gave him a prophecy, that went something like this! Paul, God has called you for a work, and He is not through with you yet. There are many things that you must do, and God is going to be with you. He will protect you, and supply what is needed for His work. God is not only going to bless you, but your children, and your grand children! I have heard all kinds of prophecies on TBN, but my point is: If this is a real Prophecy, and I do not know if it is, or isn't, If God said those things through a prophecy, (word of knowledge) what ever, HOW IS IT POSSIBLE, FOR JESUS TO COME BACK AT ANY MOMENT, UNTIL THOSE THINGS BE FULFILLED? HOW IS IT POSSIBLE, FOR GOD TO BLESS PAUL'S CHILDREN, AND GRANDCHILDREN, WHEN HE COULD COME AT ANY MOMENT? Those prophecies, and thousands more that are being given in Churches each week, how can they be fulfilled, if the Lord can come back at any moment? The answer is simple: They can't! As I said: THIS IS FOR THE PENTECOSTALS! Many other groups do not believe in the gifts of the Spirit, so this is not for you. How can God say, He is going to do one thing, and then send His Son back to earth any second? It is an impossibility! Will there be a "any moment rapture?" The question is up to you! You may believe what you wish, but only what the Bible teaches will come to pass!
I close with this. If you are not praying, giving, and working in the "Harvest Fields" for Christ, YOU DON'T BELIEVE HE IS COMING EITHER, no matter what your Church doctrine teaches! If you believe there is a literal Hell, where men, women, boys, and girls go that do not know the forgiveness of sins, and you are not making some attempt to warn them, YOU don't believe He is coming back either, regardless of your Church teachings.
WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE?
My job is finished with this message. I am sure it could have been written in a more scholarly manner, and with much more insight, (For there are volumes of information on this (false teaching to those who are interested) but I have shared with you not only from my heart, (but from the Word of God) what Jesus had to say about His return. I beg you, to read your Bible, and believe what He says, and to forget other teaching's of man! It is only the Word of God, that will stand, not our man made doctrines! Again I ask you. WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE? I pray the God of Heaven, will somehow take the words of this message, and cause you to search the scriptures yourself, (to see if these things be so). If you DO believe, He is coming at any moment, ARE YOU READY?
Are you working for him? Child of God, the days ahead are indeed going to be dark. Know for yourself what the Bible says about His coming. The enemy is preparing an attack on our Nation, even as you read this. China, and Russia, hate the United States of America with a wicked passion! I urge you to forget the videos, cassettes, and books of all the LEFT BEHIND SERIES, which are out there by the millions, to make more millions. See what Jesus has to say about His return, AND BELIEVE IT! The web site you are now watching, wasn't put there by accident. You can get much Spiritual strength, by following every message to it's conclusion. Study them all! Then ask God for great discernment, He will give you all the wisdom necessary to study His Word. May His richest blessings rest upon you, as you believe His word. In His Service, Chaplain Billy