Tuesday, August 12, 2025

​Proof scriptures that support a Post Tribulation Rapture of the Church

Google AI mode created the following information 
that supports a Post Tribulation Rapture of the Believers.
And while some of the points could be expanded 
( and have been in other posts in this BLOG ),
I find myself in agreement with this summary.
A key difference in understanding the timing of the rapture (the taking up of believers to meet Christ) depends on the interpretation of various scripture passages related to the Tribulation, a period of intense persecution and upheaval prior to Christ's return
. The post-tribulation rapture view, in contrast to the pre- or mid-tribulation views, holds that the church will go through this period of tribulation before being caught up to meet Christ at his Second Coming. 
Here are some scripture passages that are often cited to support a Post-Tribulation Rapture:
  • Matthew 24:29-31: This passage describes Jesus' return immediately after the Tribulation, mentioning cosmic disturbances and then the sending out of angels with a trumpet to gather the elect. The language implies a direct connection between the end of the Tribulation and the gathering of believers.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:51-52: This passage speaks of the rapture occurring "at the last trumpet," when the dead will be raised incorruptible and the living will be changed. Post-tribulationists argue that this "last trumpet" aligns with the seventh trumpet in Revelation, which sounds at the end of the tribulation period.
  • 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17: Paul describes the Lord descending with a shout, the voice of an archangel, and the trumpet of God, at which time the dead in Christ will rise first, and then the living will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air. This passage, when viewed through a post-tribulation lens, aligns with the timing of Christ's return after the Tribulation, as implied in Matthew 24.
  • Mark 13:24-27: This passage is a parallel to Matthew 24, also describing cosmic disturbances and the gathering of the elect after a period of distress or tribulation,.
  • Revelation 20:4-5: This passage speaks of the "first resurrection" occurring after the tribulation events described in the preceding chapters, where believers are persecuted and then live and reign with Christ for a thousand years.
  • Daniel 7:21-25: This passage describes the Antichrist warring against and wearing out the saints, suggesting that believers will be present during a time of intense tribulation.
  • Revelation 13:7: This verse also indicates that believers will be involved in a battle with the forces of evil during this period. 
In essence, the Post-Tribulation Rapture view integrates the Tribulation period into the church's experience, arguing that Christ's return to gather believers occurs after they have endured the tribulation, according to The Berean Christian Bible Study Resources and other sources. 


Sunday, August 3, 2025

No gap between Daniel's 69th and 70th week

Text generated by Google AI 
response = August 3rd, 2025
Textual arguments against a gap between the 69th and 70th week of Daniel's prophecy are often rooted in a closer examination of the Hebrew language and grammar of Daniel 9:24-27. 
Here are some key points:
 
1. Grammatical structure and unity of the 70 weeks
  • Hebrew word for "weeks": The Hebrew term "shabuwaʿ" used for "weeks" (or "sevens") throughout Daniel 9:24-27, especially with the masculine plural ending in verse 24, can imply a sum total and unbroken span of time, according to Digital Commons @ Andrews University.
  • Consecutive nature: The angel Gabriel presents the seventy weeks as a continuous, unbroken period for Jerusalem and the Jewish people. To suggest a gap goes against this implied sequence and the stated purpose of the 70 weeks in Daniel 9:24.
  • No textual indication of a gap: The passage does not explicitly indicate or warrant inserting a significant gap in time between the 69th and the 70th week.
  • Parallelism in verses 26-27: Some scholars suggest that verses 26 and 27 utilize a Hebrew poetic device known as repetition with elaboration or synonymous/synthetic parallelism, where verse 27 repeats and expands upon the ideas presented in verse 26. If this is the case, events described as occurring "after" the 69th week (v. 26) are further elaborated as occurring "in" the 70th week (v. 27), rather than after a gap. 
2. Fulfillment of the goals in Daniel 9:24
  • Messiah's work: The traditional, continuous interpretation understands the cutting off of the Messiah (v. 26) as referring to the crucifixion of Jesus, which occurred during the 70th week.
  • Fulfilling the six goals: The six goals outlined in Daniel 9:24, including "to finish the transgression," "to make an end of sin," and "to bring in everlasting righteousness," are seen as having been fulfilled through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ within the 70-week period.
  • End of sacrifices: The phrase that "he will put an end to sacrifice and offering" in the middle of the week (v. 27) refers to the termination of the need for the temple sacrificial system due to the once-for-all sacrifice of Christ on the cross, according to Ministry Magazine. 
3. The timing of Jerusalem's destruction
  • Destruction after the 69th week: Daniel 9:26 states that the city and sanctuary would be destroyed "after the sixty-two weeks" (which, combined with the initial seven, marks 69 weeks). This was fulfilled in AD 70 with the destruction of Jerusalem by the Roman army.
  • Connected to Messiah's work: The destruction of Jerusalem is seen as a direct consequence of Israel's rejection of the Messiah's mission, connecting it to the time immediately following the 69 weeks and the events surrounding the 70th week. 
In conclusion, textual arguments against a gap in Daniel's 70 weeks emphasize the linguistic and grammatical cues suggesting a continuous timeframe, the fulfillment of the prophecy's goals through the Messiah's work within the 70 weeks, and the historical fulfillment of Jerusalem's destruction following the 69 weeks and related to the 70th week, according to Sam Storms. 

*** Youtube on the subject,

Daniel 70 weeks with No 7 Year GAP

here:

Wednesday, July 23, 2025

What are metaphors for the Church?



Answers gathered by Google AI
In Christian theology, particularly within the New Testament, various metaphors are used to describe the nature and role of the Church, highlighting different aspects of its relationship with God and its purpose in the world.
The Body of Christ
  • This is one of the most prominent metaphors, emphasizing the organic unity and interdependence of believers with Christ as the head.
  • Just as a human body has many parts that work together, so too the Church is made up of diverse members who are unified in their purpose and mission, dependent on Christ as their head. 
The Bride of Christ
  • This metaphor focuses on the intimate and loving relationship between Christ and the Church.
  • It highlights the Church's purity, devotion, and faithfulness to Christ, ultimately looking forward to a joyful union at the marriage supper of the Lamb. 
The Household/Family of God
  • This image emphasizes the Church as God's spiritual family, where believers are adopted as sons and daughters of God and are brothers and sisters in Christ.
  • It underscores the importance of loving relationships, care, and support among believers, who are united by the Holy Spirit. 
The Temple of the Holy Spirit
  • This metaphor portrays the Church as the dwelling place of God's presence on earth.
  • It emphasizes the Church's holiness and its role as a spiritual house where God dwells by His Spirit, a place of worship and spiritual sacrifice. 
The Flock of God
  • This metaphor emphasizes the Church's need for guidance, care, and protection, with Christ as the Good Shepherd who leads and nurtures His sheep.
  • It also highlights the vulnerability and dependence of believers on Christ and the importance of leadership that serves and protects the flock. 
The Vine and the Branches
  • This metaphor emphasizes Christ as the source of life and vitality for believers, who are connected to Him as branches to a vine.
  • It illustrates the necessity of abiding in Christ to bear fruit (transformed character and actions) and the consequences of being cut off from the source of life. 
The Army of God
  • While less frequently used than some other metaphors, the image of the Church as an army emphasizes its role in spiritual warfare against evil.
  • It highlights the need for unity, equipping believers for service, and using spiritual weapons to overcome spiritual strongholds. 
The Pillar and Buttress of Truth
  • This metaphor describes the Church's role in upholding and defending the truth, especially the truth of the gospel.
  • As the Church faithfully obeys Scripture and lives out the truth, it supports and reflects the truth of God to the world. 
These metaphors work together to provide a holistic and rich understanding of the Church's identity, purpose, and relationship with God and the world.


​Is the Church the Bride or Body of Christ?

Answer provided by Google AI 
In Christian theology, the Church is understood as both the 
Bride of Christ and the Body of Christ. These are two distinct but complementary metaphors that describe different aspects of the relationship between Jesus Christ and believers. 
The Bride of Christ
This metaphor emphasizes the intimate, loving relationship between Christ and the Church, similar to a husband and wife in marriage. 
  • Love and commitment: Christ's sacrificial love for the Church is likened to a husband's love for his wife, giving himself up for her to make her holy and blameless.
  • Purity and devotion: The Church, as the Bride, is called to live a life of purity and devotion, remaining faithful to Christ and rejecting spiritual idolatry.
  • Eschatological hope: The image of the marriage supper of the Lamb in Revelation symbolizes the future consummation of this relationship, a joyful union between Christ and his Bride.
  • Preparation: Just as a bride prepares for her wedding, the Church is being prepared by Christ to be presented to him as a glorious Church, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, . 
The Body of Christ
This metaphor highlights the unity and interconnectedness of believers in Christ, functioning as a single organism with Christ as the head. 
  • Unity and function: Each member of the Church, regardless of their background or gifts, is a vital part of the Body and contributes to its overall function and mission.
  • Christ as the Head: Christ is the Head of the Body, guiding and directing its members in fulfilling his purposes in the world.
  • Physical representation: The Church, as the Body of Christ, serves as Christ's physical representation in the world, embodying and extending his presence through their actions and ministries.
  • Interdependence: The analogy emphasizes the interdependence of believers, where the suffering or honor of one member affects the entire Body. 
In essence, while the "Bride of Christ" emphasizes the Church's intimate and loving relationship with Christ and its future hope, the "Body of Christ" emphasizes the Church's unity, functional diversity, and role as Christ's continuing presence in the world. 

Saturday, July 19, 2025

Protection Promised but Not a Rapture Escape

The most popular teaching on the End Times 
includes a secret Rapture of believers
before a 7 year tribulation.
While appealing,
it is not supported by scripture.
There is literally no place in the Bible that states
that Jesus comes half way back to Earth,
to remove the believers and take them to heaven.
I know the passages that are sometimes used 
to support this theory,
and I've discussed them in greater detail,
in many of the videos on this channel.

Today I'm going to focus on the reasons
a believer should NOT be afraid 
of the coming time of Tribulation.

First off I'd like to point out 
nowhere in the Bible will you find
the Great Tribulation as being 7 years in length.

The Bible repeatedly tells us 
in Daniel and Revelation
that it will only last for 3 and half years, 
or 42 months,
or 1260 days.
7 years is not mentioned.

So, where did the idea 
that the Great Tribulation
is to last 7 years 
come from?
Most agree that it started with 
the teachings of John Nelson Darby
and later from people reading 
the Scofield reference bible
that popularized Dispensationalism 
at the beginning of the 20th century.
Others have continued to teach this theory 
for the last 150 years.
The theory is based on how dispensationalists 
interpret the 70 weeks of Daniel. 
And divide God's dealings with Israel and the Church.
I've gone into more depth in other videos 
on why I disagree.
A good one to review would be = 
Is There a 2,000 Year Gap in Daniel's 70 weeks

Or just simply read Daniel chapter 9 verses 25-27 yourself,
for what it says, 
without trying to read anything into it 
that is not actually being said.

Another point I'd like you to consider is that
God's wrath is directed to the unbelievers,
and not the true Christians.

We, as Christians should not be afraid
of the tribulation period 
or the antichrist's kingdom.

As Paul points out in Romans chapter 8,
we are children of God,
and nothing can separate us from His Love.
In chapter 8 verse 35 - 39
We read
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? 
Shall tribulation, or distress, 
or persecution, or famine, 
or nakedness, or peril, 
or sword? 
As it is written:
"For Your sake 
we are killed all day long;
We are accounted 
as sheep for the slaughter."
Yet in all these things 
we are more than conquerors 
through Him 
who loved us. 
For I am persuaded that 
neither death 
nor life, 
nor angels 
nor principalities 
nor powers, 
nor things present 
nor things to come, 
nor height 
nor depth, 
nor any 
other created thing, 
shall be able to separate us 
from the love of God 
which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.


It is true that suffering and death 
may come to many believers 
during the Great Tribulation,
but you must realize, 
This is already true for Christians today 
in many parts of the world,
and has always been the case 
throughout the ages.

Jesus tells we should to be 
of good cheer - 
undaunted -
to have courage 
in John 16:33
He said,
These things I have spoken to you, 
that in Me you may have peace. 
In the world you will have tribulation; 
but be of good cheer, 
I have overcome the world."

We are told in many places 
and in many different ways,
throughout the Bible,
that we should not be troubled or afraid.
Instead we are to be trusting in God.

For Example,
In the book of Isaiah chapter 41 and verse 13,
we find this promise

For I, the Lord your God, 
will hold your right hand,
Saying to you, 
'Fear not, I will help you.'

In the New Testament we are told 
to not worry about anything, 
but to pray 
in Philipians chapter 4 verses 6 and 7

In 1 Peter 5:7, 
we read
casting all your care upon Him, 
for He cares for you.

What I am trying to point out is,
that no matter what is going to happen
we have nothing to fear.
God can provide and protect you 
if you ask Him for help.

I would like to point out that
when death comes to a Christian,
That is something we can be happy about.
We are to be looking towards 
our future with Christ.
Death is just like a doorway 
we will be passing through.
Our new life starts when 
Jesus resurrects 
the believers who have died, 
and transforms those who are still alive 
upon His return.
This is the promise 
found in I Thessalonians 4:13-18
and chapter 15 of 1st Corinthians.

For more on the coming Resurrection 
and our new Bodies,
see this video = 
When Do Believers Get Their New Bodies?

The Bible is full of examples of God 
providing for His people.
The more you read and study them,
the stronger your faith will grow. 
Also by praying 
about everything.
Then God will show Himself strong and active 
in your life today.
The more you learn to rely upon God 
as your Father 
who loves you, 
the more you will find
your fears 
replaced by His peace.
 
Whatever problems you are facing today,
He wants to help you.
And whatever happens in the future,
Even the events foretold in the book of Revelation,
you can rest in the knowledge that 
nothing will separate you 
from the love of Christ.
He knows your every need.
Which really boils down to just two things,
Food and Clothing.

If we should find ourselves
in the Great Tribulation,
we are to be getting excited that 
the return of Jesus
is at hand.

This is a time when we can remember
passages like Psalm 46 verses 1 - 3,
which says,

God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear,
Even though the earth be removed,
And though the mountains be carried 
into the midst of the sea;
Though its waters roar 
and be troubled,
Though the mountains shake 
with its swelling.

In closing I would ask you
to please consider 
and take to heart,
the words of Jesus 
found in Luke chapter 21 verses 25 - 28
we read,

"And there will be signs in the sun, 
in the moon, 
and in the stars; 
and on the earth distress of nations, 
with perplexity, 
the sea and the waves roaring; 
men's hearts failing them from fear 
and the expectation of those things 
which are coming on the earth, 
for the powers of the heavens 
will be shaken. 
Then they will see the Son of Man 
coming in a cloud 
with power and great glory. 
Now when these things begin to happen, 
look up and lift up your heads, 
because your redemption draws near."

Thanks for making it to the end of this video.
If you liked it, please check out some of the other
videos posted on this channel.
Until next time,
Maranatha

--
Saved by Grace,
Andrew Cross

"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. 
And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 
not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, 
but exhorting one another, 
and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
Hebrews 10:23-25


Sunday, June 22, 2025

A House Not Made With Hands


When Do Believers Get Their New Bodies?

Paul tells us to expect a new body,
once we leave our current bodies.
And that once we leave our current bodies
we will be present with the Lord.
This is all spelled out in 
2nd Corinthians chapter 5 verses 1 - 8.
we read

For we know that if our earthly house, 
this tent, is destroyed, 
we have a building from God,
a house not made with hands, 
eternal in the heavens.
For in this we groan, 
earnestly desiring to be clothed
with our habitation which is from heaven,
if indeed, having been clothed,
we shall not be found naked.

For we who are in this tent groan,
being burdened,
not because we want to be unclothed, 
but further clothed,
that mortality may be swallowed up by life.
Now He who has prepared us for this very thing is God,
who also has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.
So we are always confident, knowing
that while we are at home in the body
we are absent from the Lord.
For we walk by faith, not by sight.
We are confident,
yes, well pleased
rather to be absent from the body
and to be present with the Lord.


Many would say this passage is teaching 
that the moment a believer dies,
that they go to heaven 
to be with the Lord.
And if this was the only passage
talking about our New Bodies,
I think I would be inclined to agree.
HOWEVER, this same Paul 
had previous explained to the Corinthians
WHEN
the dead should expect to receive 
their new incorruptible bodies.
At the time of Jesus's return.

The passages in 
1st Corinthians chapter 15 verses 35-58
are very clear on this subject.
With verses 50 - 53 telling us the when,
what and who gets these new bodies.
we read,

Now this I say, brethren, 
that flesh and blood cannot inherit 
the kingdom of God; 
nor does corruption inherit incorruption. 
Behold, I tell you a mystery: 
We shall not all sleep, 
but we shall all be changed— 
in a moment, 
in the twinkling of an eye, 
at the last trumpet. 
For the trumpet will sound, 
and the dead will be raised incorruptible, 
and we shall be changed. 
For this corruptible must put on incorruption, 
and this mortal must put on immortality.

And this all ties in with 
the most famous RAPTURE passage,
1 Thessalonians chapter 4 verses 13 - 18
Where Paul wrote,

But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren,
concerning those who have fallen asleep,
lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. 
For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again,
even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.
For this we say to you by the word of the Lord,
that we who are alive and remain
until the coming of the Lord
will by no means precede those who are asleep.
For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven
with a shout,
with the voice of an archangel,
and with the trumpet of God. 
And the dead in Christ will rise first.
Then we who are alive and remain
shall be caught up together with them in the clouds
to meet the Lord in the air.
And thus we shall always be with the Lord.
Therefore comfort one another with these words.

From these passages,
one could conclude that we get our new bodies
when Jesus returns to earth.
And it is at that time 
we would be in the presence of the Lord.
This is why some teach that 
when we die, 
that we are asleep,
and not conscious of the passage of time,
until the Last Trumpet referenced in these and other passages.

Please let me know in the comments section
if there are other passages on this topic
you would like to see discussed on this channel.
Until next time,
Maranatha.