Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 7, 2017 13:47:47 GMT -6
Here is a tough question:
If we really believe in the pre-trib rapture and if we believe that rapture is a full (not partial) rapture. Than why do we spend any time studying any events after the rapture?
My potential answers are:
1. Just plain curiosity.
2. We think it will help us understand God better.
3. We can use it to warn others or witness.
4. We aren't sure we believe in a pre-trib, full rapture, so we want to recognize events that might indicate we are in the tribulation.
I'd like to hear from others. My response to my own answers are:
1. I get that, but seems like a complete waste of time than.
2. Does it though? It is all pretty technical and seems to cause more confusion among the body than unity.
3. How many of us are actually warning others anyway (about the tribulation). Don't we tend to warn about even more serious consequences than the tribulation?
4. This, I buy.
Just saying, if we aren't going to be here anyway - aren't we wasting a bunch of time? I ask this question a bit facetiously - I want to hear others thoughts and opinions.
In love!
SK
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Post by mike on Oct 7, 2017 13:59:53 GMT -6
From my standpoint I like many others hoped to be removed from this place Sept 23. In the building up to that the thought of "this may not actually be the rapture" came in to being (for me and likely many others). With that #4 started to make more sense to me.
As others like Sam had put out to us perhaps we should look for the 70th week to commence rather than the rapture. While I do not want to be here for any portion of a Tribulation I am starting to think there is a possibility that we will be for some.
Looking at the world around now and the convergence of signs, we appear to be on the doorstep of the 70th if not already in it.
Will we understand God better? There have been some "ah-ha" moments but I don't think that we have made any progress collectively in understanding the timing of the rapture.
Warning others about the tribulation in my opinion is a slippery slope. I think we invite the naysayers when "predictions" don't come to fulfillment. There are many ways to interpret what we see. Hurricanes, Earthquakes, wars, rumors or wars all happen and have always happened is usually the response. However, when we point out these things we must point to the One who warned us of these things coming upon us before the end. This is my opinion. When I say we, I mean me but others may feel similarly
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wasp
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Post by wasp on Oct 7, 2017 19:11:35 GMT -6
I'm sure #4 plays a role in a lot of our thinking; after all, we get bombed from all sides...and if the Pre-Trib doctrine were such a slam-dunk certainty, there would be a lot more on our team.
But for me, I generally look to see how likely it appears for something to literally happen soon...because if the Rapture does indeed occur first, it assures me the Blessed Event is even that much closer.
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Post by galen on Oct 7, 2017 19:53:24 GMT -6
I'm not good at explaining to unbelievers but leaving material for when I'm gone explaining what's happened and warning what's to come.
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Post by whatif on Oct 7, 2017 21:29:52 GMT -6
My potential answers are: 1. Just plain curiosity. 2. We think it will help us understand God better. 3. We can use it to warn others or witness. 4. We aren't sure we believe in a pre-trib, full rapture, so we want to recognize events that might indicate we are in the tribulation. I would go with all four of the answers, just speaking for myself, but also I would add a 5th answer:
Because when we learn what is to happen in the tribulation, it helps us to see the signs of the times increasing all around us. For example, by studying the book of Revelation we know there will be a mark given to those who worship the Beast, and that in turn gives us insight as to what we are seeing today in the news about chips, tattoo-type technology, and many other things that are quite possibly leading up to that mark. The study of the tribulation shows us the nearness of Jesus' return at the rapture event as we see the world heading toward that moment.
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Post by whatif on Oct 7, 2017 21:32:55 GMT -6
Welcome to the forum, wasp! I see you are a new member!
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Post by sawdy on Oct 7, 2017 21:54:53 GMT -6
1. There is a lot of things we can waste time on. My 33 year old brother livestreams Minecraft. I'd personally rather learn a little bit about what is to come so that I can continue to be compelled enough to remeber why all of this is important.
2. There is a lot of disunity because of Satan helping to create disunity. I have come to learn even more about what is means to show the fruits of the spirit by seeing those fruits modeled though the conversations on this board. Look at any Facebook feed, reddit post YouTube comment section and you'll see a whole lot of rotten fruit. We come to know Christ better by learning that he is not a vengeful God, or a benevolent creator that will let all go to heaven. By having and reading what is to come allows us to see him as he is, a loving compassionate father, but like a earthly father will eventually cut the cord if we fail to accept his gift of salvation.
3. It is definitely a challenge to be a witness for Christ. It is even harder to witness regarding what is to come. That doesn't mean we are all poor at this. Perhaps God has used this knowledge to bring even just one believer to his flock. And that is the important part. Sometimes we get discouraged by watching and waiting when we should be thankful that God is still doing his work and using us and bringing more people into a relationship with him.
4. The Bible doesn't have a clear chapter entitled "Rapture begins here". The timeline is a mystery that has clues to unlock. The information provided won't necessarily make sense to all reading it at all points since it was written. Even the people who heard it from those who wrote it probably didn't necessarily understand what it said. Because people have chosen to spend their time studying what is before and what is after, they are also able to kindly recorrect those who misquote scripture out of context (No one knows the day nor the hour). Because of the commitment to educating by people like Gary, I am able to be calm and take my troubles to God about what is to come. I am able to definitively know that he is in control, no matter what happens. I came to belief in Pre-Trib from beginning to believe in pre-wrath. But I couldn't find any decent information until God directed my search here. I now believe in Pre-Trib but there are many who don't. If God had left out that part of Revelation, what would those who are left behind have to look at to provide them with information? If we are unable to spend time trying to unlock some of the mysteries, how can we expect for those remaining to know how to deductively read their scriptures? It isn't easy for many of us to understand, how is it going to be for those who never believed or never picked up a bible, heard a sermon, attended a bible study, and are unaware of how to look up the original greek or Hebrew meaning? Through the efforts here and by others elsewhere, we are helping to do our part in a bigger picture that we are unable to fathom, let alone understand.
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wasp
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Post by wasp on Oct 7, 2017 22:34:34 GMT -6
Welcome to the forum, wasp! I see you are a new member! Thank you! Been a lurker for awhile, but was finally online when my wife was around and could tell me how to access our email...I'm woefully inept at techno stuff. I know what I need to know at work, and that's about it. Unsealed has been a great inspiration for me, in all respects. I love the fellowship and wanted to get on board. Maranatha! |
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Post by mrdlaw4jc on Oct 8, 2017 10:32:38 GMT -6
Here is a tough question: If we really believe in the pre-trib rapture and if we believe that rapture is a full (not partial) rapture. Than why do we spend any time studying any events after the rapture? My potential answers are: 1. Just plain curiosity. 2. We think it will help us understand God better. 3. We can use it to warn others or witness. 4. We aren't sure we believe in a pre-trib, full rapture, so we want to recognize events that might indicate we are in the tribulation. I'd like to hear from others. My response to my own answers are: 1. I get that, but seems like a complete waste of time than. 2. Does it though? It is all pretty technical and seems to cause more confusion among the body than unity. 3. How many of us are actually warning others anyway (about the tribulation). Don't we tend to warn about even more serious consequences than the tribulation? 4. This, I buy. Just saying, if we aren't going to be here anyway - aren't we wasting a bunch of time? I ask this question a bit facetiously - I want to hear others thoughts and opinions. In love! SK |
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Post by mrdlaw4jc on Oct 8, 2017 10:39:30 GMT -6
Hello all!
I have had an interest in eschatology for many years now so for me it is just a burning desire to know as much about our Lord as I can.
He never fails to amaze me with His Word! As with all of Gods Word I feel like there is always something for everyone to glean from it
even if at the time it seems irrelevant.
In Christ,
Mrdlaw4jc
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Post by whatif on Oct 8, 2017 13:37:52 GMT -6
Welcome to the forum, mrdlaw4jc! I'm so glad you've joined us!
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Post by linda on Oct 8, 2017 17:19:28 GMT -6
Here is another reason:
Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near.
Revelation 1:3
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Post by whatif on Oct 8, 2017 19:58:58 GMT -6
Here is another reason: Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near. Revelation 1:3 Linda, I'd give you 20 thumbs up for that excellent reminder if it were possible! |
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brian
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Post by brian on Oct 8, 2017 22:46:53 GMT -6
My potential answers are: 1. Just plain curiosity. 2. We think it will help us understand God better. 3. We can use it to warn others or witness. 4. We aren't sure we believe in a pre-trib, full rapture, so we want to recognize events that might indicate we are in the tribulation. I would go with all four of the answers, just speaking for myself, but also I would add a 5th answer:
Because when we learn what is to happen in the tribulation, it helps us to see the signs of the times increasing all around us. For example, by studying the book of Revelation we know there will be a mark given to those who worship the Beast, and that in turn gives us insight as to what we are seeing today in the news about chips, tattoo-type technology, and many other things that are quite possibly leading up to that mark. The study of the tribulation shows us the nearness of Jesus' return at the rapture event as we see the world heading toward that moment.
I agree with this, its a little bit of all of them. 1. Definitely curious, and there are much worse ways to waste time. 2. God reveals Himself through His word, and all scripture is valuable. 3. True I may not be on the corner with a 'the end is near' sign, but the more I know the better I can respond if someone does ask about my beliefs. Also I got the great idea from this site to write a letter for those left behind in hopes of giving loved ones a last fighting chance. 4. Because God is the only one who knows exactly how His plan will play out, of course we will question whether our interpretations of His word are accurate. I cant say studying the word is a waste of time, no matter what part of it you are studying. Some people are fascinated by the gospels, some by the old testament miracles, some by end times prophecy. I believe God gave us our unique curiosities for a reason, who knows maybe after we have gone home someone will stumble across this site and these conversations and God will use our written words to inspire and save. I would like to think that whatever I leave behind can help others in ways I may have failed to while here. Good post silentknight, good question, makes you think. |
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 8, 2017 23:10:04 GMT -6
I cant say studying the word is a waste of time, no matter what part of it you are studying. Some people are fascinated by the gospels, some by the old testament miracles, some by end times prophecy. I believe God gave us our unique curiosities for a reason, who knows maybe after we have gone home someone will stumble across this site and these conversations and God will use our written words to inspire and save. I would like to think that whatever I leave behind can help others in ways I may have failed to while here. Well put, brian! 2 Tim 3:16 came to mind: All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness
If we take this seriously, then we have no excuse. Skipping any scripture is IMO equivalent in relinquishing the blessing. As church history tells. Even today. |
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