Summary of Bible references on the Rapture
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1Jn 2:1-13 -- They are trying to lead you astray
1 My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. 2 He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.
I think that there are many Christians who have been duped. But even if that is true, when we realize we have been duped we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus made His sacrifice for our sins, simply confess and repent. I am constantly reminded of a time when I was fully duped. We were at Boy Scout camp during the summer. Someone went into the tent of the Scoutmaster and dumped his bed off the side of a small bluff. The scoutmaster was sure it was a member of my patrol so I was involved as an advocate for him. He fully convinced me he was innocent and so I was very strong to defend him. Finally, the scoutmaster promised amnesty, no penalty, just wanted to know the truth. Instantly this kid confessed it was him, I had been duped, and I felt like an idiot.
3 We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. 4 Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. 5 But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: 6 Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.
So then how do we discern a liar? In the case of a Christian you can claim to know Jesus, but it isn’t based on what you say, but what you do. We have seen all kinds of people claim to be “prophets of God” and “great evangelists”, etc. But when we see they don’t keep the commandments of the Lord we know they are a liar. The same is true of any liar, the thing to focus on is what they do, not what they claim. How many times have politicians promised to do something in a campaign but then did nothing when they were elected. The Lord said you would know them by their fruits, by what they do, what they produce. Not by what they promise to produce.
7 Dear friends, I am not writing you a new command but an old one, which you have had since the beginning. This old command is the message you have heard. 8 Yet I am writing you a new command; its truth is seen in him and in you, because the darkness is passing and the true light is already shining. 9 Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness. 10 Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble. 11 But anyone who hates a brother or sister is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness. They do not know where they are going, because the darkness has blinded them.
That is the key point. If you are filled with hate you are in darkness. On Nov 5th, we were still sorting out the Presidential election held on Nov. 3, I got this text from a person who will remain anonymous “(Don’t let the door hit your fat a** on the way out, you repulsive orange turd of a human slab of garbage.) Oh and take your ugly family of F**tards with u, vile filth” [I have modified some of the language with the * so that this post is not flagged]. We may not know who, or what or how we got deceived, but if you are filled with hate like this, know that you are in darkness.
12 I am writing to you, dear children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name.
I have seen that it is particularly young people who spend a lot of time on Twitter, Tik Tok, and Facebook who are the most extreme in their expression of hate. So know this, your sins have been forgiven, plead the Lord’s blood, confess and repent and you will receive this forgiveness.
13 I am writing to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning.
I have noticed that the older people, even those with very strong political beliefs one way or the other are much more cautious about this kind of hate speech. Perhaps it is our experience of being duped in the past that has made us more prudent. Again, referring to this example of an election I know that neither candidate is without sin and I also know that tomorrow I could learn something totally horrifying about either one. I have come to learn there is only one Savior, Jesus Christ, and His ways are not my ways. When you purify gold or silver you melt it with extreme heat, and then the impurities which are light and less dense float to the top, where they can be skimmed off. The end of the age is an extreme case of this process where God has to sort out the faithful believers from the seeds that the evil one planted.
I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one.
At this time there is clearly a warfare going on. We all hopefully want the results to be valid. We don’t want China or Russia to come in and steal the election so that some person who has been compromised by them is running our country. A person like that might hand Afghanistan over to our enemies, might even equip them with our weapons and hand out kill lists of Americans. A person compromised by a foreign country might renegotiate treaties with Iran so that they could build nuclear weapons, or they might cripple the US oil industry so that Russia could sell more oil. We want the truth, we want to walk in the light, we want to have love for our fellow brothers and sisters. Light overcomes darkness, love overcomes hate, truth overcomes lies. Overcome depression with the word of hope. This is the time for young men of faith to stand strong.
1 My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. 2 He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.
I think that there are many Christians who have been duped. But even if that is true, when we realize we have been duped we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus made His sacrifice for our sins, simply confess and repent. I am constantly reminded of a time when I was fully duped. We were at Boy Scout camp during the summer. Someone went into the tent of the Scoutmaster and dumped his bed off the side of a small bluff. The scoutmaster was sure it was a member of my patrol so I was involved as an advocate for him. He fully convinced me he was innocent and so I was very strong to defend him. Finally, the scoutmaster promised amnesty, no penalty, just wanted to know the truth. Instantly this kid confessed it was him, I had been duped, and I felt like an idiot.
3 We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. 4 Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. 5 But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: 6 Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.
So then how do we discern a liar? In the case of a Christian you can claim to know Jesus, but it isn’t based on what you say, but what you do. We have seen all kinds of people claim to be “prophets of God” and “great evangelists”, etc. But when we see they don’t keep the commandments of the Lord we know they are a liar. The same is true of any liar, the thing to focus on is what they do, not what they claim. How many times have politicians promised to do something in a campaign but then did nothing when they were elected. The Lord said you would know them by their fruits, by what they do, what they produce. Not by what they promise to produce.
7 Dear friends, I am not writing you a new command but an old one, which you have had since the beginning. This old command is the message you have heard. 8 Yet I am writing you a new command; its truth is seen in him and in you, because the darkness is passing and the true light is already shining. 9 Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness. 10 Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble. 11 But anyone who hates a brother or sister is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness. They do not know where they are going, because the darkness has blinded them.
That is the key point. If you are filled with hate you are in darkness. On Nov 5th, we were still sorting out the Presidential election held on Nov. 3, I got this text from a person who will remain anonymous “(Don’t let the door hit your fat a** on the way out, you repulsive orange turd of a human slab of garbage.) Oh and take your ugly family of F**tards with u, vile filth” [I have modified some of the language with the * so that this post is not flagged]. We may not know who, or what or how we got deceived, but if you are filled with hate like this, know that you are in darkness.
12 I am writing to you, dear children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name.
I have seen that it is particularly young people who spend a lot of time on Twitter, Tik Tok, and Facebook who are the most extreme in their expression of hate. So know this, your sins have been forgiven, plead the Lord’s blood, confess and repent and you will receive this forgiveness.
13 I am writing to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning.
I have noticed that the older people, even those with very strong political beliefs one way or the other are much more cautious about this kind of hate speech. Perhaps it is our experience of being duped in the past that has made us more prudent. Again, referring to this example of an election I know that neither candidate is without sin and I also know that tomorrow I could learn something totally horrifying about either one. I have come to learn there is only one Savior, Jesus Christ, and His ways are not my ways. When you purify gold or silver you melt it with extreme heat, and then the impurities which are light and less dense float to the top, where they can be skimmed off. The end of the age is an extreme case of this process where God has to sort out the faithful believers from the seeds that the evil one planted.
I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one.
At this time there is clearly a warfare going on. We all hopefully want the results to be valid. We don’t want China or Russia to come in and steal the election so that some person who has been compromised by them is running our country. A person like that might hand Afghanistan over to our enemies, might even equip them with our weapons and hand out kill lists of Americans. A person compromised by a foreign country might renegotiate treaties with Iran so that they could build nuclear weapons, or they might cripple the US oil industry so that Russia could sell more oil. We want the truth, we want to walk in the light, we want to have love for our fellow brothers and sisters. Light overcomes darkness, love overcomes hate, truth overcomes lies. Overcome depression with the word of hope. This is the time for young men of faith to stand strong.
1Jn 2:14-29 All of you know the truth
14 I write to you, dear children, because you know the Father.
I understand the hateful reaction the young children are showing in the streets and on social media. They know a God of love and what is being portrayed is not Him. I would encourage you to stand for righteousness and justice by imitating the God of love and light that you know.
I write to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning.
As older individuals, we must utilize our experiences not only to avoid deception but also to aid those who may be deceived. Through my encounters with false prophets, I have learned that their foundation relies on a "fabricated story" intended to exploit individuals. This often takes the form of an "origin story" centered on individual achievement. Examine this narrative closely to determine if it is legitimate and recognize how it may be used to exploit people. In the case of the BLM foundation, several of its founders have purchased million-dollar homes with donated funds, indicating a scheme to monetize people.
I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one.
While there are wonderful people online who exhibit strength, such as Bannon, I am encouraged by their resilience in the face of adversity. Although many long for a peaceful past, I see the current events as the championship game between light and dark. On one side, those with the word of God standing strong, and on the other, false prophets fighting tooth and nail, knowing it is do or die for them. This is more exhilarating and meaningful than the NBA or NFL.
15 Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. 16 For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. 17 The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God Lives forever.
Everything in the world passes away. From the viewpoint of eternity 100 years is a blink of the eye. It is a wisp of smoke, it is a vanity. No one will remember or care who won what Super Bowl, but the battle we are now in, that does matter. They will care about this for eternity.
18 Dear children, this is the last hour; and as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come.This is how we know it is the last hour. 19 They went out from us, but they did not really belong to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us; but their going showed that none of them belonged to us.
There are numerous antichrists, not just one individual known as "the antichrist." In every instance, it is observed that "they went out from us." The antichrist is not an outsider but rather someone who was once part of the group but has now stepped outside of its boundaries. For instance, a cult leader may subtly deny Jesus, who redeemed us, by adding another requirement for being a Christian. This additional requirement negates the Lord who redeemed us and consequently denies Jesus. In the case of politicians, they may go beyond the bounds of the constitution and deny it. In the recent election, there was much discussion about Trump's appointment of Amy Coney Barrett and the Senate's confirmation of her. However, none of these actions breached the constitution's provisions, and upon close examination, they did not violate precedent. Conversely, they stated that they would gain power in this election and "pack the court" by nominating 11 or 13 instead of nine Supreme Court justices. This is clearly a violation of precedent, and although it does not breach the letter of the constitution, it certainly violates its spirit. The Constitution's spirit is that the Supreme Court should not be swayed by political allegiance, and packing the court would do that and turn it into a farce as each new administration would follow suit, resulting in twenty or thirty justices.
20 But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth. 21 I do not write to you because you do not know the truth, but because you do know it and because no lie comes from the truth.
We must exercise caution as some believe that lying is a quick and effective way to achieve their goals, relying on the belief that the end justifies the means. They convince themselves that their actions are justified as they believe they are doing it for the greater good. During the debate, Kamala Harris referenced a similar event to RBG's death that occurred before Lincoln's reelection, implying that it set a precedent not to nominate someone before an election. However, this interpretation ignores the fact that in the 1800s, the Senate had already adjourned and left for their home states, making it impossible to confirm a nominee in such a short time. Lincoln merely stated his intention to nominate a person if he was reelected, which motivated many senators to campaign for his reelection. We must remember that no lie originates from the truth, and it will eventually backfire.
22 Who is the liar? It is whoever denies that Jesus is the Christ. Such a person is the antichrist—denying the Father and the Son. 23 No one who denies the Son has the Father; whoever acknowledges the Son has the Father also.
Neither Biden or Trump will save us. Neither one is the savior, neither one is holy and true, neither one is the incarnated word of God. The spirit of Antichrist is rebellion against Jesus being Lord. To deny the authority of Jesus or the authority of the Bible is the spirit of antichrist.
24 As for you, see that what you have heard from the beginning remains in you. If it does, you also will remain in the Son and in the Father. 25 And this is what he promised us—eternal life.
The battle is to knock us out of the Son. Do not let anything knock you out of being “in Christ”. Make sure that the word you have heard from the beginning remains in you and that you remain in Christ. Our goal is eternal life, not something ephemeral of the world.
26 I am writing these things to you about those who are trying to lead you astray. 27 As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in him.
You need to realize that they are trying to lead you astray. No one in this country should be naive anymore, we have heard for four years that Russia and China have been using social media to lead us astray. We watched as the CEOs of the cigarette companies tried to lead this country astray. We saw that the NFL tried to lead this country astray concerning CTE. We saw Tik Tok used as a tool of China to disrupt this election. We have seen Twitter and Facebook censor news to affect the election. We have seen that the polls were not used to reflect voter sentiment but rather to affect it. They are trying to lead you astray, but you have an anointing. Can you hear the Lord’s speaking, that is the real question.
28 And now, dear children, continue in him, so that when he appears we may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming.
At the Lord’s coming we want to see all the Lord’s people standing strong. They are standing in truth, in light, and in love. The Lord said that He would come at an hour that you did not expect if you were not watching. In that case you would be ashamed at His coming.
29 If you know that he is righteous, you know that everyone who does what is right has been born of him.
Do the right thing. Speak truth in love.
14 I write to you, dear children, because you know the Father.
I understand the hateful reaction the young children are showing in the streets and on social media. They know a God of love and what is being portrayed is not Him. I would encourage you to stand for righteousness and justice by imitating the God of love and light that you know.
I write to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning.
As older individuals, we must utilize our experiences not only to avoid deception but also to aid those who may be deceived. Through my encounters with false prophets, I have learned that their foundation relies on a "fabricated story" intended to exploit individuals. This often takes the form of an "origin story" centered on individual achievement. Examine this narrative closely to determine if it is legitimate and recognize how it may be used to exploit people. In the case of the BLM foundation, several of its founders have purchased million-dollar homes with donated funds, indicating a scheme to monetize people.
I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one.
While there are wonderful people online who exhibit strength, such as Bannon, I am encouraged by their resilience in the face of adversity. Although many long for a peaceful past, I see the current events as the championship game between light and dark. On one side, those with the word of God standing strong, and on the other, false prophets fighting tooth and nail, knowing it is do or die for them. This is more exhilarating and meaningful than the NBA or NFL.
15 Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. 16 For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. 17 The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God Lives forever.
Everything in the world passes away. From the viewpoint of eternity 100 years is a blink of the eye. It is a wisp of smoke, it is a vanity. No one will remember or care who won what Super Bowl, but the battle we are now in, that does matter. They will care about this for eternity.
18 Dear children, this is the last hour; and as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come.This is how we know it is the last hour. 19 They went out from us, but they did not really belong to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us; but their going showed that none of them belonged to us.
There are numerous antichrists, not just one individual known as "the antichrist." In every instance, it is observed that "they went out from us." The antichrist is not an outsider but rather someone who was once part of the group but has now stepped outside of its boundaries. For instance, a cult leader may subtly deny Jesus, who redeemed us, by adding another requirement for being a Christian. This additional requirement negates the Lord who redeemed us and consequently denies Jesus. In the case of politicians, they may go beyond the bounds of the constitution and deny it. In the recent election, there was much discussion about Trump's appointment of Amy Coney Barrett and the Senate's confirmation of her. However, none of these actions breached the constitution's provisions, and upon close examination, they did not violate precedent. Conversely, they stated that they would gain power in this election and "pack the court" by nominating 11 or 13 instead of nine Supreme Court justices. This is clearly a violation of precedent, and although it does not breach the letter of the constitution, it certainly violates its spirit. The Constitution's spirit is that the Supreme Court should not be swayed by political allegiance, and packing the court would do that and turn it into a farce as each new administration would follow suit, resulting in twenty or thirty justices.
20 But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth. 21 I do not write to you because you do not know the truth, but because you do know it and because no lie comes from the truth.
We must exercise caution as some believe that lying is a quick and effective way to achieve their goals, relying on the belief that the end justifies the means. They convince themselves that their actions are justified as they believe they are doing it for the greater good. During the debate, Kamala Harris referenced a similar event to RBG's death that occurred before Lincoln's reelection, implying that it set a precedent not to nominate someone before an election. However, this interpretation ignores the fact that in the 1800s, the Senate had already adjourned and left for their home states, making it impossible to confirm a nominee in such a short time. Lincoln merely stated his intention to nominate a person if he was reelected, which motivated many senators to campaign for his reelection. We must remember that no lie originates from the truth, and it will eventually backfire.
22 Who is the liar? It is whoever denies that Jesus is the Christ. Such a person is the antichrist—denying the Father and the Son. 23 No one who denies the Son has the Father; whoever acknowledges the Son has the Father also.
Neither Biden or Trump will save us. Neither one is the savior, neither one is holy and true, neither one is the incarnated word of God. The spirit of Antichrist is rebellion against Jesus being Lord. To deny the authority of Jesus or the authority of the Bible is the spirit of antichrist.
24 As for you, see that what you have heard from the beginning remains in you. If it does, you also will remain in the Son and in the Father. 25 And this is what he promised us—eternal life.
The battle is to knock us out of the Son. Do not let anything knock you out of being “in Christ”. Make sure that the word you have heard from the beginning remains in you and that you remain in Christ. Our goal is eternal life, not something ephemeral of the world.
26 I am writing these things to you about those who are trying to lead you astray. 27 As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in him.
You need to realize that they are trying to lead you astray. No one in this country should be naive anymore, we have heard for four years that Russia and China have been using social media to lead us astray. We watched as the CEOs of the cigarette companies tried to lead this country astray. We saw that the NFL tried to lead this country astray concerning CTE. We saw Tik Tok used as a tool of China to disrupt this election. We have seen Twitter and Facebook censor news to affect the election. We have seen that the polls were not used to reflect voter sentiment but rather to affect it. They are trying to lead you astray, but you have an anointing. Can you hear the Lord’s speaking, that is the real question.
28 And now, dear children, continue in him, so that when he appears we may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming.
At the Lord’s coming we want to see all the Lord’s people standing strong. They are standing in truth, in light, and in love. The Lord said that He would come at an hour that you did not expect if you were not watching. In that case you would be ashamed at His coming.
29 If you know that he is righteous, you know that everyone who does what is right has been born of him.
Do the right thing. Speak truth in love.
Verse 1: They're trying to lead you astray With their lies and their games they play But all of you know the truth Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed
Chorus: Like a thief in the night They come to steal and take what's right The devil's playbook, in plain sight So, it begins, the expectancies of war
Verse 2: The apostasy is on a collision course With our faith, our hearts, and our source Their poisoned food, we must refuse For it only leads to destruction and abuse
Chorus: Like a thief in the night They come to steal and take what's right The devil's playbook, in plain sight So, it begins, the expectancies of war
Bridge: We must stand firm and hold the line For truth and justice, we must shine With hope and love, we'll overcome The lies and darkness that they've begun
Chorus: Like a thief in the night They come to steal and take what's right The devil's playbook, in plain sight So, it begins, the expectancies of war.
Chorus: Like a thief in the night They come to steal and take what's right The devil's playbook, in plain sight So, it begins, the expectancies of war
Verse 2: The apostasy is on a collision course With our faith, our hearts, and our source Their poisoned food, we must refuse For it only leads to destruction and abuse
Chorus: Like a thief in the night They come to steal and take what's right The devil's playbook, in plain sight So, it begins, the expectancies of war
Bridge: We must stand firm and hold the line For truth and justice, we must shine With hope and love, we'll overcome The lies and darkness that they've begun
Chorus: Like a thief in the night They come to steal and take what's right The devil's playbook, in plain sight So, it begins, the expectancies of war.
Verse 1: The Horrible debate, we witnessed the hate
Words thrown like daggers, it sealed our fate
But there is no new thing under the sun
This darkness has been here since time begun
Chorus:
This is the FINAL CALL
A vision and a warning to us all
Israel Attacked, America sends Troops
Turning the tables, we're caught in the loop
Verse 2: What we are seeing, it's hard to believe in
The Apostasy is on a collision course
The Trampling of God's people, it's a remorse
But we must be careful that no man deceive us
Chorus:
This is the FINAL CALL
A vision and a warning to us all
Israel Attacked, America sends Troops
Turning the tables, we're caught in the loop
Bridge:
We ask in His name, for guidance and truth
To break free from Devil's Playbook, we must rebuke
The Penalty is high, but we have to try
To stand for what's right, and not to comply
Chorus:
This is the FINAL CALL
A vision and a warning to us all
Israel Attacked, America sends Troops
Turning the tables, we're caught in the loop
Outro:
We must hold on, for the victory is won
Like a thief in the night, when we see the rising sun.
Words thrown like daggers, it sealed our fate
But there is no new thing under the sun
This darkness has been here since time begun
Chorus:
This is the FINAL CALL
A vision and a warning to us all
Israel Attacked, America sends Troops
Turning the tables, we're caught in the loop
Verse 2: What we are seeing, it's hard to believe in
The Apostasy is on a collision course
The Trampling of God's people, it's a remorse
But we must be careful that no man deceive us
Chorus:
This is the FINAL CALL
A vision and a warning to us all
Israel Attacked, America sends Troops
Turning the tables, we're caught in the loop
Bridge:
We ask in His name, for guidance and truth
To break free from Devil's Playbook, we must rebuke
The Penalty is high, but we have to try
To stand for what's right, and not to comply
Chorus:
This is the FINAL CALL
A vision and a warning to us all
Israel Attacked, America sends Troops
Turning the tables, we're caught in the loop
Outro:
We must hold on, for the victory is won
Like a thief in the night, when we see the rising sun.
Verse 1: You search the scriptures
To questions that weigh you down
But every time you look around
chaos and confusion abound
Listen to what the Lord is telling us here.
Behold the signs that are clear.
Like the sign of Jonah, given today.
How can you turn away?
Chorus: Is this a heavy burden we bear?
Or have we strayed so far we don't care?
Why do we make this so hard?
When the yoke is so easy?
Religion will kill your heart
If it's not rooted in love from the start.
Verse 2: Is this what the church in the US has become?
You left your first love and hate has won?
Why is there no aversion from what is evil?
Have we lost our way, is this the devil's sequel?
The Lord has turned the tables so love the truth
And ask in His name for a vision and a warning, anew
Chorus: Is this a heavy burden we bear?
Or have we strayed so far we don't care?
Why do we make this so hard?
When the yoke is so easy?
Religion will kill your heart
If it's not rooted in love from the start.
Bridge: The penalty for ignoring His voice
Is the trampling of God's people by choice
Let's heed the call, the final call
Before it's too late and we fall.
Chorus: Is this a heavy burden we bear?
Or have we strayed so far we don't care?
Why do we make this so hard?
When the yoke is so easy?
Religion will kill your heart
If it's not rooted in love from the start.
Outro: What is the Lord telling us here?
The Sign of Jonah, loud and clear.
To questions that weigh you down
But every time you look around
chaos and confusion abound
Listen to what the Lord is telling us here.
Behold the signs that are clear.
Like the sign of Jonah, given today.
How can you turn away?
Chorus: Is this a heavy burden we bear?
Or have we strayed so far we don't care?
Why do we make this so hard?
When the yoke is so easy?
Religion will kill your heart
If it's not rooted in love from the start.
Verse 2: Is this what the church in the US has become?
You left your first love and hate has won?
Why is there no aversion from what is evil?
Have we lost our way, is this the devil's sequel?
The Lord has turned the tables so love the truth
And ask in His name for a vision and a warning, anew
Chorus: Is this a heavy burden we bear?
Or have we strayed so far we don't care?
Why do we make this so hard?
When the yoke is so easy?
Religion will kill your heart
If it's not rooted in love from the start.
Bridge: The penalty for ignoring His voice
Is the trampling of God's people by choice
Let's heed the call, the final call
Before it's too late and we fall.
Chorus: Is this a heavy burden we bear?
Or have we strayed so far we don't care?
Why do we make this so hard?
When the yoke is so easy?
Religion will kill your heart
If it's not rooted in love from the start.
Outro: What is the Lord telling us here?
The Sign of Jonah, loud and clear.
[The screen is black, and a low, ominous sound is heard]
Narrator (in a deep, serious voice): In the city of Hollywood, a darkness has spread. Blasphemy and pride have taken hold, and the Lord has heard their revilings.
[The screen shows images of Hollywood, but they are dark and shadowy, almost sinister. The music grows more intense.]
Narrator: Set your face against them, the Lord commands. Prophesy against it. Say unto it. Behold, the Lord is against thee.
[The music grows even more intense, and images of Hollywood's sins flash across the screen. There are shots of greed, lust, and envy.]
Narrator: But Hollywood mocks the calamity coming for their brothers. They think they are untouchable. But the Lord sees all, and He will not be deterred.
[The music reaches a crescendo, and the images become even darker. There are shots of violence, destruction, and chaos.]
Narrator: For the Lord will make Hollywood a desolation, an astonishment to the whole nation. He will fill its mountains with its slain. In thy hills and in thy valleys and in all thy watercourses shall they fall.
[The music abruptly cuts off, and the screen goes black again. The narrator speaks in a low, ominous voice.]
Narrator: And so, the Lord will do unto Hollywood as He said He would. For the Lord's will cannot be subdued or cowed.
[The screen shows a final image of Hollywood, now completely destroyed and in ruins.]
Narrator: Will you heed the Lord's warning, or will you too be consumed by the darkness? The choice is yours.
[The screen goes black, and the sound of a low, ominous laughter is heard.]
Narrator (in a deep, serious voice): In the city of Hollywood, a darkness has spread. Blasphemy and pride have taken hold, and the Lord has heard their revilings.
[The screen shows images of Hollywood, but they are dark and shadowy, almost sinister. The music grows more intense.]
Narrator: Set your face against them, the Lord commands. Prophesy against it. Say unto it. Behold, the Lord is against thee.
[The music grows even more intense, and images of Hollywood's sins flash across the screen. There are shots of greed, lust, and envy.]
Narrator: But Hollywood mocks the calamity coming for their brothers. They think they are untouchable. But the Lord sees all, and He will not be deterred.
[The music reaches a crescendo, and the images become even darker. There are shots of violence, destruction, and chaos.]
Narrator: For the Lord will make Hollywood a desolation, an astonishment to the whole nation. He will fill its mountains with its slain. In thy hills and in thy valleys and in all thy watercourses shall they fall.
[The music abruptly cuts off, and the screen goes black again. The narrator speaks in a low, ominous voice.]
Narrator: And so, the Lord will do unto Hollywood as He said He would. For the Lord's will cannot be subdued or cowed.
[The screen shows a final image of Hollywood, now completely destroyed and in ruins.]
Narrator: Will you heed the Lord's warning, or will you too be consumed by the darkness? The choice is yours.
[The screen goes black, and the sound of a low, ominous laughter is heard.]
In a world divided against itself, a war is brewing. The enemy is invisible, but its effects are felt everywhere. The US is under attack, and its people are praying for a miracle. But is it too late?
Produced by God the Father, Directed by Jesus Christ, "This House Can't Stand" is a gripping war film that will take you on a journey through the cracks of division. When a devil is cast out, the people wonder, but some accuse the hero of working with the enemy.
As the country faces censorship, weaponization of the DOJ, war, inflation, famine, pestilence, and corruption, the signs of Satan's kingdom divided against itself are everywhere. But is this evidence of the finger of God casting out the devils, or is it all part of a larger plan?
In a battle for the soul of a nation, a stronger force has come to overcome the US. Its armory of manufacturing, currency, and way of life have all been taken away. Can the people unite against this invisible enemy, or will they fall like a house divided against itself?
Starring an all-star cast of both saints and fallen angels, "This House Can't Stand" is a war film that will leave you on the edge of your seat until the very end. Don't miss it in the news this summer.
Produced by God the Father, Directed by Jesus Christ, "This House Can't Stand" is a gripping war film that will take you on a journey through the cracks of division. When a devil is cast out, the people wonder, but some accuse the hero of working with the enemy.
As the country faces censorship, weaponization of the DOJ, war, inflation, famine, pestilence, and corruption, the signs of Satan's kingdom divided against itself are everywhere. But is this evidence of the finger of God casting out the devils, or is it all part of a larger plan?
In a battle for the soul of a nation, a stronger force has come to overcome the US. Its armory of manufacturing, currency, and way of life have all been taken away. Can the people unite against this invisible enemy, or will they fall like a house divided against itself?
Starring an all-star cast of both saints and fallen angels, "This House Can't Stand" is a war film that will leave you on the edge of your seat until the very end. Don't miss it in the news this summer.
Judgment is coming
As the fifth seal is opened, a chilling scene unfolds before my eyes. I see the saints, their blood crying out from beneath the altar, pleading with the Lord to avenge their deaths. And the Lord responds, granting them white robes and telling them to wait, for the rest of his servants will also be killed.
But then, the Lord gives them a sign. A sign that will send shivers down the spine of every evil and adulterous soul on this earth. A sign that will show them that they rejected the preaching of a greater than Jonah and that their judgment has come.
For centuries, the Bible and Christian believers have stood as a great sign of the power of the resurrection. The enemy has tried to destroy them, but persecution has only made them stronger. False prophets like Balaam and Jezebel have tried to curse them, but the church still stands strong.
But now, the Lord is about to open up the graves and the saints will rise in victory in the rapture. And when the graves are opened and the saints are raptured all over the world, that will be the sign. A sign that the evil and adulterous age will never forget. For it will be the sign that their judgment has come, and that they rejected the preaching of a greater than Jonah. Where will you be when the trumpet blows?
As the fifth seal is opened, a chilling scene unfolds before my eyes. I see the saints, their blood crying out from beneath the altar, pleading with the Lord to avenge their deaths. And the Lord responds, granting them white robes and telling them to wait, for the rest of his servants will also be killed.
But then, the Lord gives them a sign. A sign that will send shivers down the spine of every evil and adulterous soul on this earth. A sign that will show them that they rejected the preaching of a greater than Jonah and that their judgment has come.
For centuries, the Bible and Christian believers have stood as a great sign of the power of the resurrection. The enemy has tried to destroy them, but persecution has only made them stronger. False prophets like Balaam and Jezebel have tried to curse them, but the church still stands strong.
But now, the Lord is about to open up the graves and the saints will rise in victory in the rapture. And when the graves are opened and the saints are raptured all over the world, that will be the sign. A sign that the evil and adulterous age will never forget. For it will be the sign that their judgment has come, and that they rejected the preaching of a greater than Jonah. Where will you be when the trumpet blows?
You Will Know Them by Their Fruit
Matthew 7:16 states, "By their fruits, ye shall know them." Even if we are convinced that something is true based on witness accounts and its alignment with the word of God, we must also examine the fruit of the teaching. Galatians 5:22-23 teaches that the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control. On the other hand, Galatians 5:19-21 warns us that the works of the flesh are fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousies, wraths, factions, divisions, parties, envyings, drunkenness, revellings, and similar things. If we see that the fruit of a teaching is the works of the flesh, then we can be sure that it is of the flesh and not of God.
This leads to another question: suppose we have the full assurance that a ministry is of God and speaks the pure word of God. Can that assurance change, and if so, why?
Consider a family that has been drinking water from the same well for generations, and the water has always been pure. Can that change? Of course, it can. After fracking, many wells became contaminated, and if you live in East Palestine, Ohio, it is best to avoid drinking from your well. Similarly, there is a very real spiritual attack on believers and ministries, and Satan goes about as a lion seeking whom he may devour. The Bible contains accounts of people backsliding, betraying the faith, and returning to their old ways. The greater a preacher's reputation, the more attention Satan will give that person. We are on a battlefield, and it is not wise to raise our heads above the trench and bring attention to ourselves. Therefore, a preacher with a great reputation is just another way of referring to a saint who is a target of the enemy.
Matthew 7:16 states, "By their fruits, ye shall know them." Even if we are convinced that something is true based on witness accounts and its alignment with the word of God, we must also examine the fruit of the teaching. Galatians 5:22-23 teaches that the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control. On the other hand, Galatians 5:19-21 warns us that the works of the flesh are fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousies, wraths, factions, divisions, parties, envyings, drunkenness, revellings, and similar things. If we see that the fruit of a teaching is the works of the flesh, then we can be sure that it is of the flesh and not of God.
This leads to another question: suppose we have the full assurance that a ministry is of God and speaks the pure word of God. Can that assurance change, and if so, why?
Consider a family that has been drinking water from the same well for generations, and the water has always been pure. Can that change? Of course, it can. After fracking, many wells became contaminated, and if you live in East Palestine, Ohio, it is best to avoid drinking from your well. Similarly, there is a very real spiritual attack on believers and ministries, and Satan goes about as a lion seeking whom he may devour. The Bible contains accounts of people backsliding, betraying the faith, and returning to their old ways. The greater a preacher's reputation, the more attention Satan will give that person. We are on a battlefield, and it is not wise to raise our heads above the trench and bring attention to ourselves. Therefore, a preacher with a great reputation is just another way of referring to a saint who is a target of the enemy.
What man among you doesn't do this?
2 And both the Pharisees and the scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.
3 And he spake unto them this parable, saying, 4 What man of you, having a hundred sheep, and having lost one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?
I used to assume this was a rhetorical question, but when you read the gospels I wonder if this isn't really a question that is a double edged sword. Obviously if this is your flock of sheep you would do this but apparently the Pharisees were hired hands, not very conscientious about their job and they don't do this.
However, in NYC public school we have an attendance officer, he will see the children who are absent and he is supposed to call the homes and even visit the homes of those who are frequently absent. All teachers are also supposed to be on top of this and several times a year we meet with the principal to discuss the situation with each student that is failing or in danger of failing.
2 And both the Pharisees and the scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.
3 And he spake unto them this parable, saying, 4 What man of you, having a hundred sheep, and having lost one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?
I used to assume this was a rhetorical question, but when you read the gospels I wonder if this isn't really a question that is a double edged sword. Obviously if this is your flock of sheep you would do this but apparently the Pharisees were hired hands, not very conscientious about their job and they don't do this.
However, in NYC public school we have an attendance officer, he will see the children who are absent and he is supposed to call the homes and even visit the homes of those who are frequently absent. All teachers are also supposed to be on top of this and several times a year we meet with the principal to discuss the situation with each student that is failing or in danger of failing.
They that despise me shall be lightly esteemed
This is a word spoken by the Lord regarding Eli and his two sons.
30 Therefore Jehovah, the God of Israel, saith, I said indeed that thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now Jehovah saith, Be it far from me; for them that honor me I will honor, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed. 31 Behold, the days come, that I will cut off thine arm, and the arm of thy father’s house, that there shall not be an old man in thy house. 32 And thou shalt behold the affliction of my habitation, in all the wealth which God shall give Israel; and there shall not be an old man in thy house for ever. 33 And the man of thine, whom I shall not cut off from mine altar, shall be to consume thine eyes, and to grieve thy heart; and all the increase of thy house shall die [q]in the flower of their age. 34 And this shall be the sign unto thee, that shall come upon thy two sons, on Hophni and Phinehas: in one day they shall die both of them. 35 And I will raise me up a faithful priest, that shall do according to that which is in my heart and in my mind: and I will build him a sure house; and he shall walk before mine anointed for ever. 36 And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left in thy house shall come and bow down to him for a piece of silver and a loaf of bread, and shall say, Put me, I pray thee, into one of the priests’ offices, that I may eat a morsel of bread.
This is a sad statement about the situation today. There are many who despise the Lord. They think they can cut off the Lord's arm, they try to prevent the gospel going out, they shut down the church meetings, in China they must have Xi's portrait hanging in the sanctuary and sing the national anthem during the meeting. Those are not "priests" of the Lord, but everyone in authority has been placed there by God. Meanwhile we see many apostate churches and pastors take this attitude. There are also many "charitable" organizations which are less than ethical. Eli's two sons are examples unto us all. Right now we have many signs concerning the end days taking place, some believers are sounding the alarm, some believers are confused and unclear what is going on, and still others are being very forceful and assured that no one should listen to or heed these warnings. You can be sure that the rapture will separate out the two so that those who are confused but genuinely seeking will have no problem knowing who was speaking the truth and who should be lightly esteemed.
This is a word spoken by the Lord regarding Eli and his two sons.
30 Therefore Jehovah, the God of Israel, saith, I said indeed that thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now Jehovah saith, Be it far from me; for them that honor me I will honor, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed. 31 Behold, the days come, that I will cut off thine arm, and the arm of thy father’s house, that there shall not be an old man in thy house. 32 And thou shalt behold the affliction of my habitation, in all the wealth which God shall give Israel; and there shall not be an old man in thy house for ever. 33 And the man of thine, whom I shall not cut off from mine altar, shall be to consume thine eyes, and to grieve thy heart; and all the increase of thy house shall die [q]in the flower of their age. 34 And this shall be the sign unto thee, that shall come upon thy two sons, on Hophni and Phinehas: in one day they shall die both of them. 35 And I will raise me up a faithful priest, that shall do according to that which is in my heart and in my mind: and I will build him a sure house; and he shall walk before mine anointed for ever. 36 And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left in thy house shall come and bow down to him for a piece of silver and a loaf of bread, and shall say, Put me, I pray thee, into one of the priests’ offices, that I may eat a morsel of bread.
This is a sad statement about the situation today. There are many who despise the Lord. They think they can cut off the Lord's arm, they try to prevent the gospel going out, they shut down the church meetings, in China they must have Xi's portrait hanging in the sanctuary and sing the national anthem during the meeting. Those are not "priests" of the Lord, but everyone in authority has been placed there by God. Meanwhile we see many apostate churches and pastors take this attitude. There are also many "charitable" organizations which are less than ethical. Eli's two sons are examples unto us all. Right now we have many signs concerning the end days taking place, some believers are sounding the alarm, some believers are confused and unclear what is going on, and still others are being very forceful and assured that no one should listen to or heed these warnings. You can be sure that the rapture will separate out the two so that those who are confused but genuinely seeking will have no problem knowing who was speaking the truth and who should be lightly esteemed.
Ezekiel 36:32-38 Lord Jesus, Glorify your Name.
32 Not for your sakes do I this, saith the Lord Jehovah, be it known unto you: be ashamed and confounded for your ways, O house of Israel.
What a wonderful and encouraging word! Imagine if in 1948, Israel had been a lush and beautiful garden of Eden. The transformation wouldn't have been so glorious. Instead, the people who had ruled over it prior to Israel's return had turned it into a wasteland. Now, seventy years later, it's hard to believe anyone would want to return it to those evil rulers. Similarly, the Earth will be turned into a wasteland before the millennial reign. During the millennial reign, it will be transformed into a glorious paradise of God's creation. This is yet another way to shame the enemy. The Lord is not doing this because of who you are now, but rather because once you have been transformed by His spirit, He will be glorified.
I used to live in NYC, and the subway system there is horrible and despicable. However, in Moscow, it's beautiful and a work of art. A subway system doesn't have to be nasty, dirty, and dangerous. Instead, it can be beautiful and uplifting. In the US, they say that the school system ranks 18th in the world. But in reality, for about 80% of the country, the school system ranks about 30th. For about 10% of the country, it ranks among the top four. There are many things we could do to improve our school system nationwide, without spending a dime of taxpayer money. For example, we should stop forcing everyone to go to college. If someone wants to be a mechanic, they would be much better off having three years of technical school working with and studying engines after 9th grade. If they later decide to become an engineer, their knowledge of the engine will be helpful. The same applies if they want to be a truck driver, plumber, or electrician. Spending $240,000 on a liberal arts education for a job as a Walmart cashier is a terrible waste of money. Instead, someone who learns to be a plumber could spend $100,000 on a van and tools and, after four years, be making $100,000 a year.
33 Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: In the day that I shall cleanse you from all your iniquities I will also cause the cities to be inhabited, and the waste places shall be builded. 34 And the desolate land shall be tilled, whereas it was a desolation in the sight of all that passed by. 35 And they shall say, This land that was desolate is become like the garden of Eden; and the waste and desolate and ruined cities [are] fortified [and] inhabited. 36 And the nations that shall be left round about you shall know that I Jehovah build the ruined places [and] plant that which was desolate: I Jehovah have spoken, and I will do [it].
Amen, Lord. There are many saints in all professions who can offer suggestions for improvement simply by eliminating the crooks in charge. For example, in our school in Brooklyn, if we had $60,000 for after-school tutoring, we would have seen a significant boost in performance. Unfortunately, we didn't have that money. Instead, the Mayor spent $500,000 on new desks and chairs for our school. There was nothing wrong with our old desks and chairs, and no teacher had requested new ones. These new triangle desks were impractical because they could only be used if four students sat together. The doctrine that it's beneficial for kids to learn to work together is sound, but making this the exclusive approach in every classroom is foolish. Why did the Mayor do this? He wanted to award the contract to someone who had donated to his campaign. While $500,000 is small potatoes for our school, we were only a tiny fraction of the NYC school system. It's likely that the full contract was worth over $50,000,000. Donate $5 million to the Mayor's campaign and get a $50 million contract. Then have someone defend it.
37 Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: I will yet for this be inquired of by the house of Israel, to do it unto them; I will increase them with men like a flock.
38 As the holy flock, as the flock of Jerusalem in her set feasts, so shall the waste cities be filled with flocks of men: and they shall know that I [am] Jehovah.
How about that! He will yet be inquired of to increase the flock during the tribulation. We are going to see a great revival in the land. That is why Satan will have no choice but to chop heads off.
32 Not for your sakes do I this, saith the Lord Jehovah, be it known unto you: be ashamed and confounded for your ways, O house of Israel.
What a wonderful and encouraging word! Imagine if in 1948, Israel had been a lush and beautiful garden of Eden. The transformation wouldn't have been so glorious. Instead, the people who had ruled over it prior to Israel's return had turned it into a wasteland. Now, seventy years later, it's hard to believe anyone would want to return it to those evil rulers. Similarly, the Earth will be turned into a wasteland before the millennial reign. During the millennial reign, it will be transformed into a glorious paradise of God's creation. This is yet another way to shame the enemy. The Lord is not doing this because of who you are now, but rather because once you have been transformed by His spirit, He will be glorified.
I used to live in NYC, and the subway system there is horrible and despicable. However, in Moscow, it's beautiful and a work of art. A subway system doesn't have to be nasty, dirty, and dangerous. Instead, it can be beautiful and uplifting. In the US, they say that the school system ranks 18th in the world. But in reality, for about 80% of the country, the school system ranks about 30th. For about 10% of the country, it ranks among the top four. There are many things we could do to improve our school system nationwide, without spending a dime of taxpayer money. For example, we should stop forcing everyone to go to college. If someone wants to be a mechanic, they would be much better off having three years of technical school working with and studying engines after 9th grade. If they later decide to become an engineer, their knowledge of the engine will be helpful. The same applies if they want to be a truck driver, plumber, or electrician. Spending $240,000 on a liberal arts education for a job as a Walmart cashier is a terrible waste of money. Instead, someone who learns to be a plumber could spend $100,000 on a van and tools and, after four years, be making $100,000 a year.
33 Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: In the day that I shall cleanse you from all your iniquities I will also cause the cities to be inhabited, and the waste places shall be builded. 34 And the desolate land shall be tilled, whereas it was a desolation in the sight of all that passed by. 35 And they shall say, This land that was desolate is become like the garden of Eden; and the waste and desolate and ruined cities [are] fortified [and] inhabited. 36 And the nations that shall be left round about you shall know that I Jehovah build the ruined places [and] plant that which was desolate: I Jehovah have spoken, and I will do [it].
Amen, Lord. There are many saints in all professions who can offer suggestions for improvement simply by eliminating the crooks in charge. For example, in our school in Brooklyn, if we had $60,000 for after-school tutoring, we would have seen a significant boost in performance. Unfortunately, we didn't have that money. Instead, the Mayor spent $500,000 on new desks and chairs for our school. There was nothing wrong with our old desks and chairs, and no teacher had requested new ones. These new triangle desks were impractical because they could only be used if four students sat together. The doctrine that it's beneficial for kids to learn to work together is sound, but making this the exclusive approach in every classroom is foolish. Why did the Mayor do this? He wanted to award the contract to someone who had donated to his campaign. While $500,000 is small potatoes for our school, we were only a tiny fraction of the NYC school system. It's likely that the full contract was worth over $50,000,000. Donate $5 million to the Mayor's campaign and get a $50 million contract. Then have someone defend it.
37 Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: I will yet for this be inquired of by the house of Israel, to do it unto them; I will increase them with men like a flock.
38 As the holy flock, as the flock of Jerusalem in her set feasts, so shall the waste cities be filled with flocks of men: and they shall know that I [am] Jehovah.
How about that! He will yet be inquired of to increase the flock during the tribulation. We are going to see a great revival in the land. That is why Satan will have no choice but to chop heads off.
Does Lazarus rising from the dead prefigure the pre-tribulation rapture?
There are a lot of watchmen looking at this so we need to spend some time with this, particularly because it takes place around March 18th which is also Purim which is next week.
Let's consider the first 12 chapters of John. I am going to look at this assuming that Lazarus prefigures the pre-tribulation rapture.
Chapter 1 — Jesus is revealed as both God and Man, as light overcoming darkness, as the eternal Son and the Lamb of God.
Chapter 2 — Two events that introduce this — there is a wedding “before Jesus’ time” and there is the cleansing of the temple. I would say that Jesus’ time refers to “The Day of the Lord” which refers to the last 7 years of this age. The cleansing of the temple is like the rededication of the temple in Hanukkah and will be fulfilled during the tribulation. So then we see the pre-tribulation rapture followed by the first half of the tribulation.
Chapter 3 — Nicodemus — a baby is born — the man child.
Chapter 4 — Samaritan woman — We are sinners saved by Grace and living water will flow out of our innermost being.
Chapter 5 — Lame man at Bethesda pool rises and walks and takes up his bed. We go from being sinners saved by grace to walking with the Lord in ministry.
Chapter 6 — we discover that Jesus is the manna from heaven, the true bread that we can feed on every day.
Chapter 7 — Feast of tabernacles is where we are heading, at that time we will be able to drink pure living water from the springs of life.
Chapter 8 — Woman caught in adultery — this is the condition of the church at the end of the age during the apostasy. They don’t just listen to the Lord but they listen to the government, worry about their tax status, put pictures of Xi up in the sanctuary, etc.
Chapter 9 — The man born blind is healed and kicked out of the synagogue. At this time we see a persecution on the true believers, a “cancel culture” that accuses the Bible of being sexist, homophobic, and condemnatory. There is a polarization of the people of God with the official religion persecuting and shunning Jesus and His believers.
Chapter 10 — More on the man born blind — Jesus leads us out of organized Christianity and the apostasy. We discover all kinds of saints around the world on Youtube and the internet. The watchmen talking about the signs of the Lord’s imminent return are no longer welcome in organized religion.
Chapter 11 — Lazarus (Eleazar) is raised with the bride. Jesus is revealed as the resurrection and the life during the rapture before the tribulation.
Chapter 12 — Jesus meets with the church in Bethany to eat dinner. The humiliated religious leaders plot on how to kill the disciples during the tribulation.
The first thing I'd point out is that chapter 1 is an introduction to the whole book, which means we could look at this as 1 chapter and 20 chapters. The first ten chapters culminate in Lazarus being raised just like the rapture would be a culmination for the believers in the pre-tribulation rapture. You don't see a tribulation prior to this but you do see an apostasy and a cancel culture. Saints are ostracized and "led out of the sheepfold" by Jesus. So then we see a difference, before Lazarus is raised the saints who follow him are only a small fraction, most stay with the "sheepfold" of the organized religion. But after Lazarus is raised the leaders say the whole world is following Him.
Now if we go back to chapter 2 we see two things -- wedding in Cana where the water is turned to wine and we see the cleansing of the temple. The pre-tribulation rapture is where the water is turned to wine, think of 1% following the Lord, then after the rapture you have the other 98% and this stampede helps cleanse the temple.
The other thing I'd point out is that I was always taught you want to be in the pre-tribulation rapture, it is like being the valedictorian or salutatorian at graduation. OK, but graduation includes the other 98 students as well. If you look at the gospel of John it would appear that this is a two pronged strategy. It is like a military campaign where you begin with the navy seals and rangers, but then follow that up with the marines, navy and army.
There are a lot of watchmen looking at this so we need to spend some time with this, particularly because it takes place around March 18th which is also Purim which is next week.
Let's consider the first 12 chapters of John. I am going to look at this assuming that Lazarus prefigures the pre-tribulation rapture.
Chapter 1 — Jesus is revealed as both God and Man, as light overcoming darkness, as the eternal Son and the Lamb of God.
Chapter 2 — Two events that introduce this — there is a wedding “before Jesus’ time” and there is the cleansing of the temple. I would say that Jesus’ time refers to “The Day of the Lord” which refers to the last 7 years of this age. The cleansing of the temple is like the rededication of the temple in Hanukkah and will be fulfilled during the tribulation. So then we see the pre-tribulation rapture followed by the first half of the tribulation.
Chapter 3 — Nicodemus — a baby is born — the man child.
Chapter 4 — Samaritan woman — We are sinners saved by Grace and living water will flow out of our innermost being.
Chapter 5 — Lame man at Bethesda pool rises and walks and takes up his bed. We go from being sinners saved by grace to walking with the Lord in ministry.
Chapter 6 — we discover that Jesus is the manna from heaven, the true bread that we can feed on every day.
Chapter 7 — Feast of tabernacles is where we are heading, at that time we will be able to drink pure living water from the springs of life.
Chapter 8 — Woman caught in adultery — this is the condition of the church at the end of the age during the apostasy. They don’t just listen to the Lord but they listen to the government, worry about their tax status, put pictures of Xi up in the sanctuary, etc.
Chapter 9 — The man born blind is healed and kicked out of the synagogue. At this time we see a persecution on the true believers, a “cancel culture” that accuses the Bible of being sexist, homophobic, and condemnatory. There is a polarization of the people of God with the official religion persecuting and shunning Jesus and His believers.
Chapter 10 — More on the man born blind — Jesus leads us out of organized Christianity and the apostasy. We discover all kinds of saints around the world on Youtube and the internet. The watchmen talking about the signs of the Lord’s imminent return are no longer welcome in organized religion.
Chapter 11 — Lazarus (Eleazar) is raised with the bride. Jesus is revealed as the resurrection and the life during the rapture before the tribulation.
Chapter 12 — Jesus meets with the church in Bethany to eat dinner. The humiliated religious leaders plot on how to kill the disciples during the tribulation.
The first thing I'd point out is that chapter 1 is an introduction to the whole book, which means we could look at this as 1 chapter and 20 chapters. The first ten chapters culminate in Lazarus being raised just like the rapture would be a culmination for the believers in the pre-tribulation rapture. You don't see a tribulation prior to this but you do see an apostasy and a cancel culture. Saints are ostracized and "led out of the sheepfold" by Jesus. So then we see a difference, before Lazarus is raised the saints who follow him are only a small fraction, most stay with the "sheepfold" of the organized religion. But after Lazarus is raised the leaders say the whole world is following Him.
Now if we go back to chapter 2 we see two things -- wedding in Cana where the water is turned to wine and we see the cleansing of the temple. The pre-tribulation rapture is where the water is turned to wine, think of 1% following the Lord, then after the rapture you have the other 98% and this stampede helps cleanse the temple.
The other thing I'd point out is that I was always taught you want to be in the pre-tribulation rapture, it is like being the valedictorian or salutatorian at graduation. OK, but graduation includes the other 98 students as well. If you look at the gospel of John it would appear that this is a two pronged strategy. It is like a military campaign where you begin with the navy seals and rangers, but then follow that up with the marines, navy and army.
How do the pews sit solitary
(Modified from Lamentations 1:1-11)
How do the pews sit solitary, once filled with many a soul,
Her glory did depart, a widow no longer whole.
Great among the nations, a light upon the hill,
But now a lowly serf, who for her dinner doth shill.
She weeps sorely in the night, her tears streaming down her face,
No friends to comfort her, all have left, gone without a trace.
Her allies have dealt treacherously, turned into bitter foes,
The apostate church like a caged bird, her misery knows.
She dwells among the nations, finding no respite or rest,
Persecutors overtake her within the streets, leaving her distressed.
The ways of Zion mourn, for none come to the solemn assembly,
All her gates desolate, her priests sigh, her saints in misery.
Her enemies are now the head, her adversaries prosper,
The Lord afflicted her for her transgressions, she suffered disaster.
Her young children taken captive before in the public school,
All her majesty departed, her princes weak, no longer cool.
The church remembers in her affliction, her pleasant things of old,
Yet no help came, and the adversaries mocked at her desolate fold.
Grievously hath she sinned, become an unclean thing to all,
Despised by those who once honored her, her nakedness they now call.
She sighs and turns backward, her filthiness found in her skirts,
Forgetting her latter end, she has come down from her former heights.
Wonderfully she falls, with no comforter to aid her in plight,
The adversary spreading his hand upon all her pleasant things, to smite.
All her people sigh, seeking bread, giving up their pleasant things for food,
The nations have entered her sanctuary, against her Lord's commandment, crude.
O Lord Jesus, behold our affliction, for the enemy has magnified himself,
The church has become abject, left with nothing, not even her wealth.
(Modified from Lamentations 1:1-11)
How do the pews sit solitary, once filled with many a soul,
Her glory did depart, a widow no longer whole.
Great among the nations, a light upon the hill,
But now a lowly serf, who for her dinner doth shill.
She weeps sorely in the night, her tears streaming down her face,
No friends to comfort her, all have left, gone without a trace.
Her allies have dealt treacherously, turned into bitter foes,
The apostate church like a caged bird, her misery knows.
She dwells among the nations, finding no respite or rest,
Persecutors overtake her within the streets, leaving her distressed.
The ways of Zion mourn, for none come to the solemn assembly,
All her gates desolate, her priests sigh, her saints in misery.
Her enemies are now the head, her adversaries prosper,
The Lord afflicted her for her transgressions, she suffered disaster.
Her young children taken captive before in the public school,
All her majesty departed, her princes weak, no longer cool.
The church remembers in her affliction, her pleasant things of old,
Yet no help came, and the adversaries mocked at her desolate fold.
Grievously hath she sinned, become an unclean thing to all,
Despised by those who once honored her, her nakedness they now call.
She sighs and turns backward, her filthiness found in her skirts,
Forgetting her latter end, she has come down from her former heights.
Wonderfully she falls, with no comforter to aid her in plight,
The adversary spreading his hand upon all her pleasant things, to smite.
All her people sigh, seeking bread, giving up their pleasant things for food,
The nations have entered her sanctuary, against her Lord's commandment, crude.
O Lord Jesus, behold our affliction, for the enemy has magnified himself,
The church has become abject, left with nothing, not even her wealth.
Hear the tale of the Apostate church
The curtain opens to a desolate church, once bustling with life, but now empty and silent. A lone figure stands in the center, looking out at the empty pews.
How doth the church sit solitary, That was full of people! She is become as a widow, That was great among the nations! She that was a princess among the provinces Is become tributary!
The figure bows their head in sorrow, as the audience hears the weeping and wailing of the city's inhabitants. Gang violence, children killed in the streets, they see the poor, the single mothers, and the rich corrupt officials abusing the people.
She weepeth sore in the night, And her tears are on her cheeks; The church cut deals, looked the other way, took money in exchange for not speaking on sin or hell. Among all her lovers she hath none to comfort her: All her friends have dealt treacherously with her; They are become her enemies.
The figure turns to look at the audience, pleading with them to hear the tale of the apostate church.
She is gone into captivity because of affliction, And because of great servitude; She dwelleth among the nations, She findeth no rest; All her persecutors overtook her within the streets. If she speaks at the school board meeting she is labeled a terrorist, if she protests abortion the SWAT team breaks her door down, if she stays open during the pandemic she is hauled away in chains.
The figure's voice rises with the lament of the city's people.
The ways of Zion do mourn, Because none come to the solemn assembly; All her gates are desolate, Her priests do sigh: Her members are afflicted, And she herself is in bitterness.
The figure falls to their knees in anguish as the audience hears the taunts of the city's enemies. Accusing her of hate speech.
Her adversaries are become the head, Her enemies prosper; For Jehovah hath afflicted her For the multitude of her transgressions: Her young children are gone into captivity Before the adversary. The public school teachers groom them to become sexually deviant and to despise their parents.
The figure stands again, their voice filled with grief as they speak of the city's downfall.
And from the daughter of Zion all her majesty is departed: Her princes are become like harts that find no pasture, And they are gone without strength before the pursuer.
The figure looks out at the audience once more, calling out to them to remember the city's former glory when the church was at the center of life.
The church that was a light upon a hill remembered in the days of her affliction And of her miseries all her pleasant things That were from the days of old when she was the light and the salt. She remembers when she bound up the wounds, poured in oil and wine, yet when her people fell into the hand of the adversary, none do help her, The adversaries saw her, they did mock at her desolations.
The figure's voice breaks with sorrow as they speak of the apostate church's sin.
Jerusalem hath grievously sinned; Therefore she is become as an unclean thing; All that honored her despise her, Because they have seen her nakedness: Yea, she sigheth, and turneth backward. In her arrogance she despised the word of God to make friends with the world.
The figure falls to their knees once more, calling out to the Lord for help.
Behold, O Lord Jesus, my affliction; For the enemy hath magnified himself.
The curtain falls as the audience is left with the haunting sound of the figure's voice echoing through the empty sanctuary.
The curtain opens to a desolate church, once bustling with life, but now empty and silent. A lone figure stands in the center, looking out at the empty pews.
How doth the church sit solitary, That was full of people! She is become as a widow, That was great among the nations! She that was a princess among the provinces Is become tributary!
The figure bows their head in sorrow, as the audience hears the weeping and wailing of the city's inhabitants. Gang violence, children killed in the streets, they see the poor, the single mothers, and the rich corrupt officials abusing the people.
She weepeth sore in the night, And her tears are on her cheeks; The church cut deals, looked the other way, took money in exchange for not speaking on sin or hell. Among all her lovers she hath none to comfort her: All her friends have dealt treacherously with her; They are become her enemies.
The figure turns to look at the audience, pleading with them to hear the tale of the apostate church.
She is gone into captivity because of affliction, And because of great servitude; She dwelleth among the nations, She findeth no rest; All her persecutors overtook her within the streets. If she speaks at the school board meeting she is labeled a terrorist, if she protests abortion the SWAT team breaks her door down, if she stays open during the pandemic she is hauled away in chains.
The figure's voice rises with the lament of the city's people.
The ways of Zion do mourn, Because none come to the solemn assembly; All her gates are desolate, Her priests do sigh: Her members are afflicted, And she herself is in bitterness.
The figure falls to their knees in anguish as the audience hears the taunts of the city's enemies. Accusing her of hate speech.
Her adversaries are become the head, Her enemies prosper; For Jehovah hath afflicted her For the multitude of her transgressions: Her young children are gone into captivity Before the adversary. The public school teachers groom them to become sexually deviant and to despise their parents.
The figure stands again, their voice filled with grief as they speak of the city's downfall.
And from the daughter of Zion all her majesty is departed: Her princes are become like harts that find no pasture, And they are gone without strength before the pursuer.
The figure looks out at the audience once more, calling out to them to remember the city's former glory when the church was at the center of life.
The church that was a light upon a hill remembered in the days of her affliction And of her miseries all her pleasant things That were from the days of old when she was the light and the salt. She remembers when she bound up the wounds, poured in oil and wine, yet when her people fell into the hand of the adversary, none do help her, The adversaries saw her, they did mock at her desolations.
The figure's voice breaks with sorrow as they speak of the apostate church's sin.
Jerusalem hath grievously sinned; Therefore she is become as an unclean thing; All that honored her despise her, Because they have seen her nakedness: Yea, she sigheth, and turneth backward. In her arrogance she despised the word of God to make friends with the world.
The figure falls to their knees once more, calling out to the Lord for help.
Behold, O Lord Jesus, my affliction; For the enemy hath magnified himself.
The curtain falls as the audience is left with the haunting sound of the figure's voice echoing through the empty sanctuary.
The smoke rises after the rapture
The church lies in ruins, and the people of Jerusalem mourn for their loss. The prophet weeps as he sees the devastation and destruction wrought by the Lord's anger. The daughter of Zion is covered with a cloud, and the Lord has cast down the beauty of Israel from heaven. The Lord has not remembered his footstool in the day of his anger, and he has swallowed up all the cities of the US without pity.
The strongholds of the apostate church that had once boasted great things have been thrown down in the Lord's wrath, and the US and its princes have been profaned. The horn of Israel, their strength and influence, has been cut off in fierce anger, and the Lord has burned up the nominal chrisitians like a flaming fire that devours all around it.
The Lord has bent his bow like an enemy and stood with his right hand as an adversary, slaying all that were pleasant to the eye. In the tent of the apostate church, he has poured out his wrath like fire. The Lord has become an enemy and has swallowed up the US, destroying all her palaces and strongholds. He has multiplied mourning and lamentation in the denominations.
The Lord has violently taken away his tabernacle, destroying his place of assembly. Looters and rioters burn down the meeting halls. He has caused solemn assembly and Sabbath to be forgotten in Zion and has despised in the indignation of his anger the President and the priest. The Lord has cast off his altar and abhorred his sanctuary, giving up the walls of her palaces to the enemy. They have made a noise in the house of Lord, as in the day of a solemn assembly.
The Lord has purposed to destroy the wall of the apostate church, stretching out the line and not withdrawing his hand from destroying. He has made the rampart and wall to lament, and they languish together. The gates of the cities are sunk into the ground, and the bars are destroyed and broken. The felons flood the streets. The king and the princes are among the nations where the law is not, and the prophets find no vision from Jehovah.
The elders of the daughter of Zion sit upon the ground in silence, casting dust upon their heads and girding themselves with sackcloth. The christians hang down their heads to the ground. The prophet's eyes fail with tears, his heart is troubled, and his liver is poured upon the earth because of the destruction of the church. The young children and the sucklings swoon in the streets of the city, and they ask their mothers where the grain and wine are. The cities fall into the hands of roving gangs.
The prophet testifies to the denominations, asking what he shall liken to her that he may comfort her. Her breach is great like the sea, and who can heal her? Her prophets have seen false and foolish visions for her and have not uncovered her iniquity to bring back her captivity. Instead, they have seen false oracles and causes of banishment for her.
All who pass by clap their hands at her, hissing and wagging their heads and saying, "Is this the USA that men called The perfection of beauty, The joy of the whole earth?" All her enemies have opened their mouth wide against her, hissing and gnashing their teeth, saying that they have swallowed her up. This is the day they looked for, and they have seen it.
The Lord has done that which he purposed, fulfilling his word that he commanded in the days of old. He has thrown down without pity and caused the enemy to rejoice over her, exalting the horn of the globalists and one world religion. The people cry out to the Lord, asking for tears to run down like a river day and night and giving themselves no respite. They lift up their hands toward him for the life of their young children who faint for hunger at the head of every street.
See, O Lord, and behold to whom thou hast done thus! Shall the women eat their fruit, the children that are dandled in the hands? Shall the priest and the prophet be slain in the sanctuary of the Lord? Every day the news is filled with violent gangs murdering Christians in the churches and even stories of cannibalism as people starve to death.
The youth and the old man lie on the ground in the streets; My virgins and my young men are fallen by the sword: Thou hast slain them in the day of thine anger; thou hast slaughtered, and not pitied. The streets are filled with dead bodies.
Thou hast called, as in the day of a solemn assembly, my terrors on every side; And there was none that escaped or remained in the day of Jehovah’s anger: Those that I have dandled and brought up hath mine enemy consumed.
The church lies in ruins, and the people of Jerusalem mourn for their loss. The prophet weeps as he sees the devastation and destruction wrought by the Lord's anger. The daughter of Zion is covered with a cloud, and the Lord has cast down the beauty of Israel from heaven. The Lord has not remembered his footstool in the day of his anger, and he has swallowed up all the cities of the US without pity.
The strongholds of the apostate church that had once boasted great things have been thrown down in the Lord's wrath, and the US and its princes have been profaned. The horn of Israel, their strength and influence, has been cut off in fierce anger, and the Lord has burned up the nominal chrisitians like a flaming fire that devours all around it.
The Lord has bent his bow like an enemy and stood with his right hand as an adversary, slaying all that were pleasant to the eye. In the tent of the apostate church, he has poured out his wrath like fire. The Lord has become an enemy and has swallowed up the US, destroying all her palaces and strongholds. He has multiplied mourning and lamentation in the denominations.
The Lord has violently taken away his tabernacle, destroying his place of assembly. Looters and rioters burn down the meeting halls. He has caused solemn assembly and Sabbath to be forgotten in Zion and has despised in the indignation of his anger the President and the priest. The Lord has cast off his altar and abhorred his sanctuary, giving up the walls of her palaces to the enemy. They have made a noise in the house of Lord, as in the day of a solemn assembly.
The Lord has purposed to destroy the wall of the apostate church, stretching out the line and not withdrawing his hand from destroying. He has made the rampart and wall to lament, and they languish together. The gates of the cities are sunk into the ground, and the bars are destroyed and broken. The felons flood the streets. The king and the princes are among the nations where the law is not, and the prophets find no vision from Jehovah.
The elders of the daughter of Zion sit upon the ground in silence, casting dust upon their heads and girding themselves with sackcloth. The christians hang down their heads to the ground. The prophet's eyes fail with tears, his heart is troubled, and his liver is poured upon the earth because of the destruction of the church. The young children and the sucklings swoon in the streets of the city, and they ask their mothers where the grain and wine are. The cities fall into the hands of roving gangs.
The prophet testifies to the denominations, asking what he shall liken to her that he may comfort her. Her breach is great like the sea, and who can heal her? Her prophets have seen false and foolish visions for her and have not uncovered her iniquity to bring back her captivity. Instead, they have seen false oracles and causes of banishment for her.
All who pass by clap their hands at her, hissing and wagging their heads and saying, "Is this the USA that men called The perfection of beauty, The joy of the whole earth?" All her enemies have opened their mouth wide against her, hissing and gnashing their teeth, saying that they have swallowed her up. This is the day they looked for, and they have seen it.
The Lord has done that which he purposed, fulfilling his word that he commanded in the days of old. He has thrown down without pity and caused the enemy to rejoice over her, exalting the horn of the globalists and one world religion. The people cry out to the Lord, asking for tears to run down like a river day and night and giving themselves no respite. They lift up their hands toward him for the life of their young children who faint for hunger at the head of every street.
See, O Lord, and behold to whom thou hast done thus! Shall the women eat their fruit, the children that are dandled in the hands? Shall the priest and the prophet be slain in the sanctuary of the Lord? Every day the news is filled with violent gangs murdering Christians in the churches and even stories of cannibalism as people starve to death.
The youth and the old man lie on the ground in the streets; My virgins and my young men are fallen by the sword: Thou hast slain them in the day of thine anger; thou hast slaughtered, and not pitied. The streets are filled with dead bodies.
Thou hast called, as in the day of a solemn assembly, my terrors on every side; And there was none that escaped or remained in the day of Jehovah’s anger: Those that I have dandled and brought up hath mine enemy consumed.
The Sun rises as those left behind seek mercy and hope in the Lord
The curtain rises to reveal a solitary figure, a man who is the speaker of these words. He stands in the center of the stage, illuminated only by a single spotlight. His voice is low and heavy with emotion.
"I am the man that hath seen affliction by the rod of his wrath," he declares. "He hath led me and caused me to walk in darkness, and not in light."
The man speaks of the repeated cruelty he has suffered. "Surely against me he turneth his hand again and again all the day. My flesh and my skin hath he made old; he hath broken my bones. He hath builded against me, and compassed me with gall and travail. He hath made me to dwell in dark places, as those that have been long dead."
He laments his captivity, saying "He hath walled me about, that I cannot go forth; he hath made my chain heavy." He describes the futility of his prayers, saying "Yea, when I cry, and call for help, he shutteth out my prayer."
Despite all this, the man finds hope in the knowledge that the Lord is faithful. "It is of Jehovah’s lovingkindnesses that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness. Jehovah is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him."
He calls upon the audience to turn to the Lord and seek his mercy, saying "Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to Jehovah. Let us lift up our heart with our hands unto God in the heavens."
The man's sorrow is palpable as he speaks of his enemies' mistreatment of him. "They have chased me sore like a bird, they that are mine enemies without cause. They have cut off my life in the dungeon, and have cast a stone upon me."
But in the end, the man finds solace in the Lord's promise of justice. "Thou wilt render unto them a recompense, O Jehovah, according to the work of their hands." The curtain falls, leaving the audience to contemplate the man's powerful words and the promise of hope that they contain.
The curtain rises to reveal a solitary figure, a man who is the speaker of these words. He stands in the center of the stage, illuminated only by a single spotlight. His voice is low and heavy with emotion.
"I am the man that hath seen affliction by the rod of his wrath," he declares. "He hath led me and caused me to walk in darkness, and not in light."
The man speaks of the repeated cruelty he has suffered. "Surely against me he turneth his hand again and again all the day. My flesh and my skin hath he made old; he hath broken my bones. He hath builded against me, and compassed me with gall and travail. He hath made me to dwell in dark places, as those that have been long dead."
He laments his captivity, saying "He hath walled me about, that I cannot go forth; he hath made my chain heavy." He describes the futility of his prayers, saying "Yea, when I cry, and call for help, he shutteth out my prayer."
Despite all this, the man finds hope in the knowledge that the Lord is faithful. "It is of Jehovah’s lovingkindnesses that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness. Jehovah is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him."
He calls upon the audience to turn to the Lord and seek his mercy, saying "Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to Jehovah. Let us lift up our heart with our hands unto God in the heavens."
The man's sorrow is palpable as he speaks of his enemies' mistreatment of him. "They have chased me sore like a bird, they that are mine enemies without cause. They have cut off my life in the dungeon, and have cast a stone upon me."
But in the end, the man finds solace in the Lord's promise of justice. "Thou wilt render unto them a recompense, O Jehovah, according to the work of their hands." The curtain falls, leaving the audience to contemplate the man's powerful words and the promise of hope that they contain.