TAKE YOUR PICK

Time with Jesus - Thursday, 25 October 2012

Hi all,

Today’s topic is a bit controversial. We are paying a brief visit into the dangerous realm of eschatological opinion. I’ve tried to be as neutral as possible. This will offend some. I’ve expressed the three major views in humorous language. It’s the only way to present differences impartially. It’s worked for me. How about you?

Blessings,

Jim & Phyllida Strickland

Matt 10:8 Freely you received, Freely give		Time with Jesus – Thursday, 25 October 2012			Matt 10:8 Freely you received, Freely give
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INTRODUCTION			DAILY LIGHT EVENING SCRIPTURES	TAKE YOUR PICK
The Great Tribulation. One thing all Christians agree is that it will happen. Jesus made this very clear: 21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be. Matthew 24:21 ESV According to Strong, the Greek word is thlipsis (thlip'-sis) which means “pressure (literally or figuratively) such as afflicted, (-ion), anguish, burdened, persecution, tribulation, trouble.  Eugene Peterson translates the same verse: This is going to be trouble on a scale beyond what the world has ever seen, or will see again. It follows it’s not something any of us should look forward to. It’s going to be very tough! Now if that was all there was to it, Christians would agree. They know it will happen. The question is, “when”? That’s when things get decidedly murky! The disagreement focuses around the none-biblical word “Rapture”. The Bible talks about our being “caught up” (1 Thess. 4:17) to meet the Lord in the air. The disagreement is whether the “rapture” will occur before, during or after the tribulation. Of course this is an over-simplification. Tomes thick enough to choke a donkey have been written attacking and defending each author’s opinion concerning “when”. But which one is correct? That’s the $1 000 000 question! The most popular view in Western Christianity is the pre-tribulation rapture. It is comforting to think that when the big trouble comes, you and I will not be here. We will be having a party in the sky somewhere with Jesus and all the saints who have gone before us. This may not be theologically correct. But who wants to be here when God pours out His wrath? Any volunteers? Personally, not me. The reason is because I don’t fancy being “tribulated”! I’m also not entirely convinced the Scripture supports this view. But that’s just me! The view of the Church Fathers was the post-trib rapture. i.e. Jesus will come for His saints afterwards. This view was held by all the Church up to about 1820. Changes came about as a result of some of the thoughts of J N Derby. Along with others he rediscovered many forgotten Biblical truths. The idea was taken to the USA and promoted by Dr C I Scofield, a brilliant man and preacher. In 1909 a KJV Bible with his notes was published. This included pre-trib theology. It was and is hugely popular. In USA this view is almost universally accepted. The other view; the mid-trib rapture, is not extensively supported. It may be little more than a place to settle between pre-and post trib thinking. Ultimately it’s up to you to decide. What is sad is that most Christians seem to have forgotten the protective power of God. He can still protect His people. He is greater than the tribulation. He preserved His people during the Babylonian invasion. He still can! Jim & Phyllida Strickland			7 The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. 1 Peter 4:7 ESV 11 Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them. Revelation 20:11 ESV 7 And by the same word, the present heavens and earth have been stored up for fire. They are being kept for the day of judgment, when ungodly people will be destroyed. 2 Peter 3:7 NLT To the choirmaster. Of the Sons of Korah. According to Alamoth. A Song. 1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah Psalms 46:1-3 ESV 6 You will hear of wars and rumours of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Matthew 24:6 TNIV 1 We know that the earthly tent we live in will be destroyed. But we have a building made by God. It is a house in heaven that lasts forever. Human hands did not build it. 2 Corinthians 5:1 NIrV 13 But we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth. Godliness will make its home there. All of this is in keeping with God's promise. 14 Dear friends, I know you are looking forward to that. So try your best to be found pure and without blame. Be at peace with God. 2 Peter 3:13-14 NIrV	Pre-trib, mid-trib, post-trib. Which one do you prefer? Not matter what folk want to think, it causes quite a stir! It hasn’t reached the stages yet, of grabbing by the throat. But folk who think that they are right just sit around and gloat. “I’m going with the first batch; the day the dead will rise. I‘m sorry, I don’t want to see the sorrow in the eyes, Of those who didn’t get it right. For I can guarantee, That when the tribulation comes, nobody will find me. I’m going to the party, with Jesus in the sky. And all those sort of fun and games will simply pass me by. The Lord thinks I am special, so I will go ahead, And leave the unbelievers to suffer ‘til they’re dead!” “You’ve got it wrong!” mid-trib replies, “it happens in the middle. And through the comfy, early bit, you’re going to have to fiddle. You’ll have to stay and watch it and hope you won’t get caught. For if they get their hands on you, your prospects equal naught. So we will miss the first bit; before things get real bad. And then we’ll take the fast train and be with Jesus’ Dad!” “I’m sorry, you are both wrong!” Post-trib to them declares. “Better dig a basement and fire-proof the stairs. You will have to hide away till tribulations done. Then listen for the trumpet call announcing that God’s Son, Is calling you to glory; to join Him in the sky. Hopefully the worst of it will simply pass you by. Have you heard these arguments? Which one appeals to you? It really doesn’t matter. The Living God will do, That which He intended before time was begun. Pre-trib; mid-trib; post-trib; before you turn and run, Could it be that some of you are also incorrect? Have you all forgotten, that Father will protect, Those who will be faithful? So let the tempest rage. He will do what He has done in each and every age. Of course you may be martyred. Do not be filled with fear. Jesus Christ has promised that He is ever near. You will be rewarded; it will be worth the pain. And you will get a special crown, when Jesus comes again. Jim Strickland – written 25th October 2012