My parents were divorced when I very young so money was always in short supply. My mother was a registered nurse, however, back then nurses didn't get paid a completive salary as is they do today. My mom was a good seamstress and made lots stylish clothes for me and then later I learned to be a decent seamstress myself. I was one of the best dressed kids in school. As superfluous as this was, it demonstrates that I was always well cared for. I also survived near drowning and a fairly severe case of polio.
I did three things way too young; got married, had two children and was divorced. And the end of my freshman year of college I remember sitting in court and having the divorce judge ask me what my plans were. “To graduate from college of course” was my answer. The judge asked me how I planned to do it and I said something to the effect it would work out.
Three years later I petitioned the same judge to get the court’s permission to move by children out-of-state as I was graduating from college and had a good job promised to me in another state. Now decades later I’m retired and live on a fixed income. I had the foresight to downsize my life-style and lead a comfortable life. I just always knew that all would be well, I intuitively trusted in God.
As for our churches, the three I associate with are evangelical and are more likely to spend money on the local food banks then on vestments. However, I've been exposed to the both the Lutheran and the Catholic Churches my mother has attended in the last three decades. The Lutheran Church always was raising funds for something to do with the church’s property.
The Catholic Church she now attends has a seating capacity of 1400 and often overflows this capacity during their several weekly services. Certainly they have plenty of money in the coffers, however, the head priest asked my mom's 85 year old friend to pick up older women and bring them to church in her car. And of course this would include handling wheelchairs. Now surely with their revenue the church could afford to have their own van. It just seems like so much money in today's churches goes to window dressing and royal regalia.
There are so many “Name it and claim it” prosperity type churches promoting books and seminars that, IMO, have little to do with the Word.
I think of how simple Jesus’ ministry was. Ali he needed was a sturdy pair of sandals and perhaps a spare robe. Surely the mega prosperity churches of today could learn from the humble ministry of Jesus, a ministry that has had such a tremendous effect on the world for nearly 2000 years.
Monday, August 12, 2013
Ezekiel prophesied using visual models or demonstrations as instructed. If God told you to act out what He has placed on your heart, what would it look like? 521-1 -3-3
Like Israel, this country has fallen far from being "The city on the Hill" lauded by President Ronald Reagan in his farewell address January 1989 to a sin filled nation. Even in the heady years of the Reagan Administration it seems that our fall was long in play. However, it seems that with each generation the slide into the point of no return is greater. In these end days we are even more to be "Watchmen on the wall;" to spread the Good News while there is still time.
watchman on the wall’s was tasked with prophesying the down-fall of Judah by play acting the events to his fellow captives. Israel was under God’s judgment and was to be patience and wait out the years of her captivity. Otherwise Jerusalem would be destroyed. His message was ignored and Jerusalem was destroyed.
I have long been driven to be a watchman on the wall and often share my belief that the signs of the last days are all around us. I feel like I should be standing on the street corner like that thought to be crazy man holding up a sign saying “Repent the end is near.” Sometimes I think I've worn out the patience of friends and families with my insistence that Jesus is coming and they should be prepared.
Often I feel like I'm negligent in witnessing, however, today something really timely and wonderful happened. I was shopping and start looking through a rack of T-shirts. I almost fell over when I saw a red shirt with a heart inscribed with “Jesus loves me.” I immediately added the shirt to my cart and then I found the perfect witnessing T-shirt. It is printed “Property of Jesus” with a sign of the fish and XXL. I was absolutely taken back and added it to my cart as well. Of course I had to mention to the checkout clerk what XXL meant and how it proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that Jesus was exactly who he said he was. As it turned out, the sales lady was also a believer. Hopefully when I wear my T-shirt I'll be asked what XXL stands for. That will open the door wide to witnessing.
What makes finding these T-shirts so unique is that I am in Quartzsite, AZ, a dusty little desert town that pretty much dries up by the end of March. During the winter Quartzsite is alive with hundreds of thousands of people who come in for the winter markets. However, this time of year the town is nearly closed down. There is very little selection to be found this time of year which made my finding these T-shirts all the more special. Who would have thought that what God had placed on my heart would be witnessing tools in the form of T-shirts.
watchman on the wall’s was tasked with prophesying the down-fall of Judah by play acting the events to his fellow captives. Israel was under God’s judgment and was to be patience and wait out the years of her captivity. Otherwise Jerusalem would be destroyed. His message was ignored and Jerusalem was destroyed.
I have long been driven to be a watchman on the wall and often share my belief that the signs of the last days are all around us. I feel like I should be standing on the street corner like that thought to be crazy man holding up a sign saying “Repent the end is near.” Sometimes I think I've worn out the patience of friends and families with my insistence that Jesus is coming and they should be prepared.
Often I feel like I'm negligent in witnessing, however, today something really timely and wonderful happened. I was shopping and start looking through a rack of T-shirts. I almost fell over when I saw a red shirt with a heart inscribed with “Jesus loves me.” I immediately added the shirt to my cart and then I found the perfect witnessing T-shirt. It is printed “Property of Jesus” with a sign of the fish and XXL. I was absolutely taken back and added it to my cart as well. Of course I had to mention to the checkout clerk what XXL meant and how it proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that Jesus was exactly who he said he was. As it turned out, the sales lady was also a believer. Hopefully when I wear my T-shirt I'll be asked what XXL stands for. That will open the door wide to witnessing.
What makes finding these T-shirts so unique is that I am in Quartzsite, AZ, a dusty little desert town that pretty much dries up by the end of March. During the winter Quartzsite is alive with hundreds of thousands of people who come in for the winter markets. However, this time of year the town is nearly closed down. There is very little selection to be found this time of year which made my finding these T-shirts all the more special. Who would have thought that what God had placed on my heart would be witnessing tools in the form of T-shirts.
What do you think it means to have a “famine of God’s Word?” Have you ever experienced this? What’s the difference between famine and dryness? 521-1 - 4- 4
Throughout history there was been a famine of the word of God. Going back thousands of years ago the word of God had to be copied by hand onto scrolls. An improvement was the use of codices. Now the reader didn't have to unroll and re-roll a lengthy scroll, rather he could flip through pages similar to a modern-day book. Until the invention the movable type press by Johannes Gutenberg and the publication the Gutenberg Bible the rarity of the Word was understandable. However, access to the Word was not due only to lack of technology but to the ambition and greed of Nicolaitanes. During the Dark Ages the laity was not allowed to read the Word, rather the priestly caste read the people the church’s interpretation of the Word combined with the dictates of the current Pope. Today owning a Bible in many countries can result in imprisonment and/or death.
I remember at the end of the millennium Johannes Gutenberg was voted Time magazine’s person of the millennium. Truly Johannes Gutenberg’s invention brought the Bible and books in general within the reach of more people.
With the Internet and all the electronic gizmos currently marketed dozens of versions of the Bible are readily available. As an example, I have several versions of the Bible on both of my computers, IPhone, NowBible MP3 player and Kindle Fire Tablet. I can both listen and read along with the Bible if I so choose. Or I can listen to the Bible while driving or in my sleep. No famine of God's Word here.
Sadly enough today it seems that there is a famine of God's word. It certainly is not due to the unavailability of the printed word, rather it is the rejection of God's word. The mention of intelligent design can destroy an academic career. Many ministries have strayed far from Biblical Truths and present a message as predicted by Paul in. 2 Timothy 4:3, “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;”
With thanks to Wikipedia, “A famine is a widespread scarcity of food,[1] caused by several factors including crop failure, population unbalance, or government policies. This phenomenon is usually accompanied or followed by regional malnutrition, starvation, epidemic, and increased mortality.” Dryness as a medical condition would be when there is a decrease in normal lubrication, often of the skin.
To me the difference between famine of God's Word and dryness would be when the Word is as readily available as it is today but the interest seems to be drying up. I've often use the example of the Gaither Singers versus many of today's concert idols. If one watches the Gaithers on TV the singers seem to have a glow about them. In contrast the more popular groups rely on pyrotechnics and often lewd on stage behavior with their less than pleasant music. No glow here, only a dryness.
Added Later:
As a child I memorized scripture, however, today I rely more on being able to look them up. I remember during the KI course, The Spiritual Disciplines - Part 1, we were told to be "Making deposits" into a sort of scripture saving account. Electronic gizmo's or not I often find myself quoting scripture when talking to people.
If we were to experience a severe EMP I'm going to be in deep trouble. That said, I have hard copies of the Bible and I've spent enough years studying the Bible to remember a fair amount of scripture. However, I would sure miss having a wealth of scripture contained on a tiny flash drive.
I remember watching the special dealing with the POW in Vietnam and their sharing of remembered Scripture. After the start of te tribulation that will likely be the mode of Bible study available to those who come to faith at that time.
I remember at the end of the millennium Johannes Gutenberg was voted Time magazine’s person of the millennium. Truly Johannes Gutenberg’s invention brought the Bible and books in general within the reach of more people.
With the Internet and all the electronic gizmos currently marketed dozens of versions of the Bible are readily available. As an example, I have several versions of the Bible on both of my computers, IPhone, NowBible MP3 player and Kindle Fire Tablet. I can both listen and read along with the Bible if I so choose. Or I can listen to the Bible while driving or in my sleep. No famine of God's Word here.
Sadly enough today it seems that there is a famine of God's word. It certainly is not due to the unavailability of the printed word, rather it is the rejection of God's word. The mention of intelligent design can destroy an academic career. Many ministries have strayed far from Biblical Truths and present a message as predicted by Paul in. 2 Timothy 4:3, “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;”
With thanks to Wikipedia, “A famine is a widespread scarcity of food,[1] caused by several factors including crop failure, population unbalance, or government policies. This phenomenon is usually accompanied or followed by regional malnutrition, starvation, epidemic, and increased mortality.” Dryness as a medical condition would be when there is a decrease in normal lubrication, often of the skin.
To me the difference between famine of God's Word and dryness would be when the Word is as readily available as it is today but the interest seems to be drying up. I've often use the example of the Gaither Singers versus many of today's concert idols. If one watches the Gaithers on TV the singers seem to have a glow about them. In contrast the more popular groups rely on pyrotechnics and often lewd on stage behavior with their less than pleasant music. No glow here, only a dryness.
Added Later:
As a child I memorized scripture, however, today I rely more on being able to look them up. I remember during the KI course, The Spiritual Disciplines - Part 1, we were told to be "Making deposits" into a sort of scripture saving account. Electronic gizmo's or not I often find myself quoting scripture when talking to people.
If we were to experience a severe EMP I'm going to be in deep trouble. That said, I have hard copies of the Bible and I've spent enough years studying the Bible to remember a fair amount of scripture. However, I would sure miss having a wealth of scripture contained on a tiny flash drive.
I remember watching the special dealing with the POW in Vietnam and their sharing of remembered Scripture. After the start of te tribulation that will likely be the mode of Bible study available to those who come to faith at that time.
Friday, June 14, 2013
Discuss why CM suggests that Daniel 8:24 is after the rapture. Provide Scriptural references for your answer. 522 - 14-2
Daniel 8:23-26, “And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up. And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practise, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people. And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand. And the vision of the evening and the morning which was told is true: wherefore shut thou up the vision; for it shall be for many days.
Daniel 8:24 is referring to the Anti-Christ who derives his power from Satan himself. The Anti-Christ “shall destroy the mighty and the holy people” is referring to that period known as “The Great Tribulation” or “The Time of Jacob’s Trouble. This is the last three and a half years of the 70th week of Daniel. At that time the Anti-Christ breaks the seven year covenant he made with Israel. At that time he will make Hitler look like a choir boy as he hunts down and kills Jews. This follows the abomination of desolation that Jesus warned of in Matthew 24:15-16, “So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination that causes desolation,’ spoken of through the prophet Daniel—let the reader understand then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.”
“Are the Saints in the Tribulation?” By Tom Stephens
This well documented article addresses the question of who are the saints mentioned in Revelation.
http://www.raptureready.com/soap/stephens34.html
Mr. Stephens makes a good case for the fact that the Church will be rapture before the start of seven-year tribulation period, or more properly called the 70th week of Daniel. Some prophecy experts believe that the Church will go through at least part of the tribulation because saints are mentioned in the book of Revelation several times. However, one of the mentions of saints is referring to those who have washed their robes in the blood of the lamb during the tribulation period. They are the martyrs that were murdered for their beliefs. Had they developed a personal relationship with Jesus a few years earlier they would be, as CM says, “Watching the proceedings from the mezzanine.” Unfortunately, through their earlier lack of belief they been left behind and they're in the middle of the tribulation.
In his article Mr. Stephens makes several scriptures that definitely lean towards a rapture of the church before the start of Daniels 70th week Including:
Ephesians 1:5; 1:13; 1:20; 2:16; 3:10; 4:30
2 Corinthians 11:2; 1:22
1 Thessalonians. 4:18; 2 Thessalonians 2:17
1 Peter 2:9
Added Later:
To further flesh out this DQ and for my own understanding, I copied and pasted the verses cited above by Mr. Stephens. We are sealed and adopted by Jesus and I would think therefore under His protection and will be removed before those horrific days.
Ephesians 1:5, "Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will"
Ephesians 1:13, "In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise"
Ephesians 1:20, "Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places"
Ephesians 2:16, "And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby"
Ephesians 3:10, "To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God"
Ephesians 4:30, "And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption."
2 Corinthians 1:22, "Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts."
2 Corinthians 11:2, "For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ."
1 Thessalonians. 4:18, " Wherefore comfort one another with these words"
2 Thessalonians 2:17, "Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work."
1 Peter 2:9, "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;"
Daniel 8:24 is referring to the Anti-Christ who derives his power from Satan himself. The Anti-Christ “shall destroy the mighty and the holy people” is referring to that period known as “The Great Tribulation” or “The Time of Jacob’s Trouble. This is the last three and a half years of the 70th week of Daniel. At that time the Anti-Christ breaks the seven year covenant he made with Israel. At that time he will make Hitler look like a choir boy as he hunts down and kills Jews. This follows the abomination of desolation that Jesus warned of in Matthew 24:15-16, “So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination that causes desolation,’ spoken of through the prophet Daniel—let the reader understand then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.”
“Are the Saints in the Tribulation?” By Tom Stephens
This well documented article addresses the question of who are the saints mentioned in Revelation.
http://www.raptureready.com/soap/stephens34.html
Mr. Stephens makes a good case for the fact that the Church will be rapture before the start of seven-year tribulation period, or more properly called the 70th week of Daniel. Some prophecy experts believe that the Church will go through at least part of the tribulation because saints are mentioned in the book of Revelation several times. However, one of the mentions of saints is referring to those who have washed their robes in the blood of the lamb during the tribulation period. They are the martyrs that were murdered for their beliefs. Had they developed a personal relationship with Jesus a few years earlier they would be, as CM says, “Watching the proceedings from the mezzanine.” Unfortunately, through their earlier lack of belief they been left behind and they're in the middle of the tribulation.
In his article Mr. Stephens makes several scriptures that definitely lean towards a rapture of the church before the start of Daniels 70th week Including:
Ephesians 1:5; 1:13; 1:20; 2:16; 3:10; 4:30
2 Corinthians 11:2; 1:22
1 Thessalonians. 4:18; 2 Thessalonians 2:17
1 Peter 2:9
Added Later:
To further flesh out this DQ and for my own understanding, I copied and pasted the verses cited above by Mr. Stephens. We are sealed and adopted by Jesus and I would think therefore under His protection and will be removed before those horrific days.
Ephesians 1:5, "Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will"
Ephesians 1:13, "In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise"
Ephesians 1:20, "Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places"
Ephesians 2:16, "And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby"
Ephesians 3:10, "To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God"
Ephesians 4:30, "And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption."
2 Corinthians 1:22, "Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts."
2 Corinthians 11:2, "For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ."
1 Thessalonians. 4:18, " Wherefore comfort one another with these words"
2 Thessalonians 2:17, "Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work."
1 Peter 2:9, "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;"
There are many different “saints” described in Scripture. Please name four of these “saint” categories with Scriptural references. 522 - 14-6
Believing Old Testament saints, Daniel 12:1-2a, “ And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life”
Dead in Christ saints who will be raptured before those still alive, 1 Thessalonians 4:16, “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:”
The believers (Church) are called saints, the elect and partakers. 1 Thessalonians 4:17 “Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.”
As an aside, Jesus called His contemporary believers “those whom thou hast given me.” John 17:11-12, “And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are. While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.
Tribulation saints, Revelation 20:4b, “I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. Revelation 17:6, “And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration.” Revelation 7:14, “And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”
Dead in Christ saints who will be raptured before those still alive, 1 Thessalonians 4:16, “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:”
The believers (Church) are called saints, the elect and partakers. 1 Thessalonians 4:17 “Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.”
As an aside, Jesus called His contemporary believers “those whom thou hast given me.” John 17:11-12, “And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are. While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.
Tribulation saints, Revelation 20:4b, “I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. Revelation 17:6, “And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration.” Revelation 7:14, “And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”
Compare and contrast the different “judgments” that will occur in the future. Use scriptures to support your response. 534-2 -17-4
Bema Seat Judgment starts with the house of the Lord after the Rapture. Those facing this judgment include:
The Raptured Church : 1 Thessalonians 4:17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.”
Those who passed believing in Christ, 1 Thessalonians 4:16, “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:”
Tribulation saints raised at Christ’s return, Revelation 20:4b, “I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.”
Believing Old Testament saints, Daniel 12:1-2a, “ And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life”
The Bema Seat Judgment determines rewards and inheritance. To quote CM there will be “a difference between ‘Entering’ Heaven and having an ‘Inheriting’ when you get there.” “An invitation to my home allows you to enter it, but not to rearrange the furniture. You can ‘enter’ a hotel; but that doesn't mean you ‘inherit’ it. Inheritances (privileges) will be widely variable, as rewards… And many, when they ‘get to heaven,’ will be disappointed! (Glad to be there, of course, but upset because they will realize the opportunities that they have missed…).”
The “Sheep and Goat Judgment” will come after the Second Coming of Christ and will include those who survived the Tribulation.
Matthew 25:32 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.” And Genesis 12:3, “And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.
The White Throne Judgment occurs at the end of the Millennium and will include all the wicked dead to be judged.
Daniel 12:2b, “and some to shame and everlasting contempt.”
There will be numerous judgments during the Tribulation.
Added Later:
More about “The “Sheep and Goat Judgment:"
This judgment will occur after the Second Coming of Christ and will include those who survived the Tribulation and will deal with their treatment of Jesus’ brethren.
Matthew 25:32-34, “And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world"
Matthew 24:41 “Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:”
No one can claim that he or she was not warned thousands of years ago. Genesis 12:3, “And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.”
The Raptured Church : 1 Thessalonians 4:17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.”
Those who passed believing in Christ, 1 Thessalonians 4:16, “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:”
Tribulation saints raised at Christ’s return, Revelation 20:4b, “I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.”
Believing Old Testament saints, Daniel 12:1-2a, “ And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life”
The Bema Seat Judgment determines rewards and inheritance. To quote CM there will be “a difference between ‘Entering’ Heaven and having an ‘Inheriting’ when you get there.” “An invitation to my home allows you to enter it, but not to rearrange the furniture. You can ‘enter’ a hotel; but that doesn't mean you ‘inherit’ it. Inheritances (privileges) will be widely variable, as rewards… And many, when they ‘get to heaven,’ will be disappointed! (Glad to be there, of course, but upset because they will realize the opportunities that they have missed…).”
The “Sheep and Goat Judgment” will come after the Second Coming of Christ and will include those who survived the Tribulation.
Matthew 25:32 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.” And Genesis 12:3, “And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.
The White Throne Judgment occurs at the end of the Millennium and will include all the wicked dead to be judged.
Daniel 12:2b, “and some to shame and everlasting contempt.”
There will be numerous judgments during the Tribulation.
Added Later:
More about “The “Sheep and Goat Judgment:"
This judgment will occur after the Second Coming of Christ and will include those who survived the Tribulation and will deal with their treatment of Jesus’ brethren.
Matthew 25:32-34, “And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world"
Matthew 24:41 “Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:”
No one can claim that he or she was not warned thousands of years ago. Genesis 12:3, “And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.”
Twelve areas of judgment are mentioned in this study. Pick 5 and discuss what “grade” you might get in those areas at the Judgment Seat. Concerning these areas, what can you do to improve your “final grade?” 534-2 - 17-5
2) How we exercise our authority over others
The verses cited were little different than what I expected. I thought this would have more to do with how I would treat a subordinate. Back in my working days I treated those reporting to me with respect and all progressed in their jobs. Grade a B+.
The verses cited were little different than what I expected. I thought this would have more to do with how I would treat a subordinate. Back in my working days I treated those reporting to me with respect and all progressed in their jobs. Grade a B+.
3) How we employ our God-given abilities
1 Corinthians 12:11, “But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.”
I used to be very proud of my accomplishments such as graduating from college while a divorced mother of two toddlers and always holding down pretty decent jobs. Actually I was not giving credit to whom it was due, the abilities that God gave me. Now I give God the glory for everything I accomplish. So I think I moved up to a C+.
4) How we use our money
While I was still working I started investing in Native American crafted jewelry. I was already beginning to see fleamarkets and swap meets as a kind of 401 plan for after retirement. So I laid up stores where moths could get them and people could steal them. In this economic downturn moderately priced jewelry is not selling very well. So here I am with thousands of dollars of inventory that is like an albatross around my neck. It's worth much too much money to ignore so wherever I go I have to drag my inventory around with me. I'm still selling some jewelry and buying far less inventory. Today I'm working much harder on storing my inventory of good works with God including tithing. B-
9) How many souls we witness to and win to Christ
Daniel 12:3, “And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever”
Although I'm still a reticence about witnessing to people, I try to whenever the opportunity presents itself. I maintain a blog that is seems to be getting a few thousand page views a month. As for how many individuals are brought into the Kingdom, I'm not sure but it's then read virtually throughout the world. Grade B.
11) How much the doctrine of the Rapture means to us
2 Timothy 4:8, “Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. “
Here I would have to give myself an A+. I go to sleep in the hope of being caught up during the night. When I wake in the morning I'm disappointed because I'm still in my bed on planet Earth.
As for improving my "final grade," I just want to please God and be a light and never a stumbling block to others.
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