Summary of Bible references on the Rapture
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Ezekiel 43:7 And he said unto me, Son of man, the place of my throne, and the place of the soles of my feet, where I will dwell in the midst of the children of Israel for ever, and my holy name, shall the house of Israel no more defile, neither they, nor their kings, by their whoredom, nor by the carcases of their kings in their high places. 8 In their setting of their threshold by my thresholds, and their post by my posts, and the wall between me and them, they have even defiled my holy name by their abominations that they have committed: wherefore I have consumed them in mine anger. 9 Now let them put away their whoredom, and the carcases of their kings, far from me, and I will dwell in the midst of them for ever. 10 Thou son of man, shew the house to the house of Israel, that they may be ashamed of their iniquities: and let them measure the pattern.
What "Take My Yoke" Really Means in Matthew 11
The picture is being yoked to the Lord Jesus. It is a perspective on being a disciple of Jesus.
My yoke is easy should be translated "My yoke is suitable". In other words the Lord's yoke is suitable to each of us. For one person preaching the gospel on the street to 1,000 people is suitable. To another spending four hours a day in the word of God is suitable.
Trying to serve the Lord like someone else can be burdensome, it can be crushing and it is slavery. Paul referred to Jews trying to make the Christians keep ceremonies as a "yoke of slavery". For example, consider the example of some churches. They have a "trunk or treat" event so kids won't feel left out of Halloween. This event takes a few days to set up, prepare for, and then to carry out. After that you have Christmas, which is a really big event. Some will spend months preparing a Christmas play and they might actually have two, a children's play and an adult play. Same thing with Resurrection Sunday (to avoid the worship of Easter, the Babylonian god of prostitution). Each event seems like a small thing, but taken together it is never ending slavery. While you are so busy decorating, preparing, serving, cleaning up, and then getting ready for the next you have no time to actually consider your commission to be a witness for the Lord.
Suppose you aren't good with decorating, this yoke would not be suitable for you.
Everyone has an opinion about these holidays and whether or not Churches should celebrate them and if so how so.
I would hope everyone could step aside from all those opinions and simply ask "what is the fruit?" A good tree brings forth good fruit. If the celebration or non celebration or whatever is the tree, what has been the fruit from that tree?
I was in a church for 20 years that did not celebrate Christmas. Instead they used the vacation time to spend ten days studying the word of God in a national conference called "a training". There was a lot of fruit from that, children understood, and the adults grew in grace and in the word of God.
I was in another church for 20 years that went all out for Christmas. They had a tremendous Christmas play with animals in the sanctuary. Although it always included a manger scene each year they had a new play relating how the modern world has become disenfranchised from the Lord. About 100 members would spend months preparing for this event. Many were in the play, many others were in the choir or the band. Still others served backstage or in the sound or audio visual. These events cost the church a lot of money. After 20 years I did not see any fruit. I did not know a single person whose testimony was that they came into the church because of the play. I did not find the plays edifying. The first one was very impressive, but year after year the theme and message was the same even though the script had been altered.
Anyway that is my very limited experience. I think it is valuable to reflect on the things we do to determine if they are bearing fruit, and if they are to be open to the Lord pruning them to bear more fruit, and if they aren't to be open to the Lord taking them away.
Addressing the issue with the calendars.
1. I believe that Jesus is Lord. The only reason for the confusion with the calendars is because the Lord allows it.
2. The word of God is a two edged sword and that is why I think there are multiple calendars. For example, Shemini Atzeret on the Hebrew and Gregorian calendar is Yom Kippur on the Julian Calendar.
So one day can have two meanings. Shemini Atzeret is when you complete the year's journey through the Bible and the next day you will start again. Meanwhile Yom Kippur is judgment day. For those who are raptured that would be "judgment day" for them while for those who are left behind it means they must start again from the beginning.
Luke 7:7 And he put forth a parable to those which were bidden, when he marked how they chose out the chief rooms; saying unto them. 8 When thou art bidden of any man to a wedding, sit not down in the highest room; lest a more honourable man than thou be bidden of him;
The Feast of Tabernacles is a wedding feast holiday. It depicts the wedding of the Lord. All of the believers have been invited to this wedding feast.
9 And he that bade thee and him come and say to thee, Give this man place; and thou begin with shame to take the lowest room.
This is what happens at the time of the rapture. All those who are raptured are brought in and given a place to sit. Those who are left behind will be put to an open shame.
When Jesus says "a more honorable man" that is a judgment, and would be made on Yom Kippur. However, having to leave and missing the wedding feast would indicate it is over, that is Shemini Atzeret, the 8th day.
10 But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee. 11 For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
Verse 11 is the key point, if you humble yourself, like John the Baptist, and say that you are nothing, then you can't be humbled any more. If I find the least honorable seat and sit in that then all that can happen if I am asked to move is I am asked to move to a more honorable seat. One reason I like to spend hours each day looking at what others are doing is because it impresses me how many really honorable believers there are. That humbles me. I am very impressed with Jonathan Cahn, look how many books he has written since the Harbinger and every one of them is revealing things that have not been spoken previously. Many books simply regurgitate what the other great Bible teachers already taught. Likewise Vicki Goforth Parnell. When she first started to minister I immediately saw her as someone walking on a tightwire who would have a lot of people taking shots at her. My thought was, I'll watch, because no one can do what she is doing for long unless the Lord is with them, and sure enough, she has continued regardless of the attacks. I know in my own experience I didn't want to do what she is doing, it seemed it would just be a magnet for attacks. So when I see these people, it humbles me. If I know of these two, how many more are there that I don't know about?
Anyway I share this story because it presents the two sides of the rapture, for some it means they must go to summer school and begin again to study while for others it is their entrance into the wedding feast of the Lord. This also gives new meaning to "No one knows the day or hour". When they were asking the Lord this question it was impossible to know for anyone in the church age whether the rapture would be "the day of judgment" for them, or "the day they enter the wedding feast".
As for the Enoch calendar it reminds me of the TV show Downton Abbey. Think of a calendar as a schedule of what you need to do and when. For a big event like a wedding the servants would have one "calendar" while the Earl and his family would have a different calendar. There was a schedule for decorating, and cooking, and making the cake, as well as a schedule for getting the dress, going to the church, etc.
1. I believe that Jesus is Lord. The only reason for the confusion with the calendars is because the Lord allows it.
2. The word of God is a two edged sword and that is why I think there are multiple calendars. For example, Shemini Atzeret on the Hebrew and Gregorian calendar is Yom Kippur on the Julian Calendar.
So one day can have two meanings. Shemini Atzeret is when you complete the year's journey through the Bible and the next day you will start again. Meanwhile Yom Kippur is judgment day. For those who are raptured that would be "judgment day" for them while for those who are left behind it means they must start again from the beginning.
Luke 7:7 And he put forth a parable to those which were bidden, when he marked how they chose out the chief rooms; saying unto them. 8 When thou art bidden of any man to a wedding, sit not down in the highest room; lest a more honourable man than thou be bidden of him;
The Feast of Tabernacles is a wedding feast holiday. It depicts the wedding of the Lord. All of the believers have been invited to this wedding feast.
9 And he that bade thee and him come and say to thee, Give this man place; and thou begin with shame to take the lowest room.
This is what happens at the time of the rapture. All those who are raptured are brought in and given a place to sit. Those who are left behind will be put to an open shame.
When Jesus says "a more honorable man" that is a judgment, and would be made on Yom Kippur. However, having to leave and missing the wedding feast would indicate it is over, that is Shemini Atzeret, the 8th day.
10 But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee. 11 For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
Verse 11 is the key point, if you humble yourself, like John the Baptist, and say that you are nothing, then you can't be humbled any more. If I find the least honorable seat and sit in that then all that can happen if I am asked to move is I am asked to move to a more honorable seat. One reason I like to spend hours each day looking at what others are doing is because it impresses me how many really honorable believers there are. That humbles me. I am very impressed with Jonathan Cahn, look how many books he has written since the Harbinger and every one of them is revealing things that have not been spoken previously. Many books simply regurgitate what the other great Bible teachers already taught. Likewise Vicki Goforth Parnell. When she first started to minister I immediately saw her as someone walking on a tightwire who would have a lot of people taking shots at her. My thought was, I'll watch, because no one can do what she is doing for long unless the Lord is with them, and sure enough, she has continued regardless of the attacks. I know in my own experience I didn't want to do what she is doing, it seemed it would just be a magnet for attacks. So when I see these people, it humbles me. If I know of these two, how many more are there that I don't know about?
Anyway I share this story because it presents the two sides of the rapture, for some it means they must go to summer school and begin again to study while for others it is their entrance into the wedding feast of the Lord. This also gives new meaning to "No one knows the day or hour". When they were asking the Lord this question it was impossible to know for anyone in the church age whether the rapture would be "the day of judgment" for them, or "the day they enter the wedding feast".
As for the Enoch calendar it reminds me of the TV show Downton Abbey. Think of a calendar as a schedule of what you need to do and when. For a big event like a wedding the servants would have one "calendar" while the Earl and his family would have a different calendar. There was a schedule for decorating, and cooking, and making the cake, as well as a schedule for getting the dress, going to the church, etc.
"To whom much is given much is required"
It always hit me that the angels had no opportunity to repent.
Jude 6 And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day. 7 Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.
Salvation is given to man, but not to the angels. That to me indicates that man is "given a lot". Not only so, but the Nephilim (the children of the fallen angels which were mixed DNA) have no opportunity for salvation because they are not made in the image and likeness of God. This also indicates that much has been given to man. Now consider the word of God, and the blood of Jesus, these were both given to man to save them, feed them, and transform them.
The Bible says that we are each given an angel to guard us, and Paul says the law was like a tutor to lead us to Christ. We have been given all of these things. Were the angels given the law? Were they given angels to protect them?
Now the bible is filled with the judgments on the Nephilim and on the fallen angels and demons. But they never received as much as man has received, therefore it seems that more will be required of man than of the angels and demons.
My point is very simple, if the judgement on the angels is severe then what about for men who reject the gifts of God?
Hebrews 2:2 For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward; 3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;
It always hit me that the angels had no opportunity to repent.
Jude 6 And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day. 7 Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.
Salvation is given to man, but not to the angels. That to me indicates that man is "given a lot". Not only so, but the Nephilim (the children of the fallen angels which were mixed DNA) have no opportunity for salvation because they are not made in the image and likeness of God. This also indicates that much has been given to man. Now consider the word of God, and the blood of Jesus, these were both given to man to save them, feed them, and transform them.
The Bible says that we are each given an angel to guard us, and Paul says the law was like a tutor to lead us to Christ. We have been given all of these things. Were the angels given the law? Were they given angels to protect them?
Now the bible is filled with the judgments on the Nephilim and on the fallen angels and demons. But they never received as much as man has received, therefore it seems that more will be required of man than of the angels and demons.
My point is very simple, if the judgement on the angels is severe then what about for men who reject the gifts of God?
Hebrews 2:2 For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward; 3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;
Christianity has used a single verse in Acts 1 which says the ascension was when Jesus appeared to the disciples the 40th time to conclude that Jesus ascended 40 days after the resurrection. Based on that assumption they say Pentecost is Shavuot which is 50 days after the ascension.
Here is the problem with that, in the Gospel of John we are told that the first time Jesus appeared was on the day of Resurrection, the second time He appeared was one week later, and the third was at the Sea of Galilee when they went fishing.
The distance between the Sea of Galilee and Jerusalem ranges from roughly 70 miles (112 km) along the most direct path to 140 miles (225 km) via the longest coastal route. In ancient times, a typical person walking this journey would take 3 to 7 days depending on the route chosen, terrain, and pace. [1, 2, 3]
Historical Walking Routes
This means that the third time Jesus appeared was at least ten days after the resurrection. Now, this means there are only two ways to interpret the word in Acts 1. Either it simply means Jesus appeared a total of forty times and not for 40 consecutive days. Or it means from the Sea of Galilee Jesus appeared 40 consecutive days. Either way you have to conclude that the ascension was at Shavuot and that Pentecost was 50 days later.
Why is this important? Because Shavuot was when Moses ascended the mountain, that is a type of the ascension and it means Jesus ascension fulfilled Shavuot. This also means in Jesus first coming He was born on Feast of Trumpets (the longest day), circumcised on Yom Kippur, crucified on Passover, Rose from the dead on the First Feast of Firstfruits, the Feast of unleavened bread signified the entire church age, ascended on Shavuot, and then on the Feast of New wine the Spirit was poured out on the earth.
After Moses ascended he also was on the mountain top for forty days linking, but from Shavuot to Moses coming down, breaking the ten commandments, and then executing judgment on the 3,000 that had sinned was fifty days. So the 3,000 saved on Pentecost balances out the 3,000 killed when Moses came down.
This gives us a picture, think of the church being born on the 8th of Av, and the placenta being burned on the 9th of Av. The birth in the New Testament is likened to a baptism, and just like Jesus was baptized and then thrust out into the wilderness to fast for forty days, so it is with the church. So then the Feast of Trumpets announces "the coming of the king" and in this case it announces the coming of the Lord's ministry on Earth.
So Moses then goes back up for another 40 days on the mountain top, similar to Jesus being thrust out into the wilderness after He was baptized. When Moses returns the second time it is again a span of fifty days which brings us to Feast of Trumpets and Yom Kippur. This makes the Feast of New wine on the 8th of Av. This is important because according to Jewish tradition the three thousand were killed on the 9th of Av.
Consider the days of Noah, it took 150 days from when Noah enters the ark until it comes to rest on the mountains of Ararat. Traditional interpretation has this mountain's name sounding like the Hebrew for "reverse the curse".
Think of the tribulation as an operation where God is "reversing the curse". If Noah was around 35 years old when he got the vision from God of the coming judgment and then began to build the ark, that would align perfectly with when the Bible was first printed on the printing press. If you say that Noah "preached the gospel" for 120 years that would align perfectly with when the Gideon's began to distribute Bibles (they have given out 2.7 billion bibles, roughly 40% of all Bibles that have been printed).
Now consider this, Noah and his family enters the ark on the 17th day of the second month. The calendar he was using was six months off from the Hebrew calendar, but the 17th day of the second month would be resurrection day for second Passover. I think that is significant because it seems to me the two witnesses will be killed on second Passover and raised on the 17th day of the second month. So the salvation of the Jews as a nation is similar to the days of Noah, only in reverse.
Here is the problem with that, in the Gospel of John we are told that the first time Jesus appeared was on the day of Resurrection, the second time He appeared was one week later, and the third was at the Sea of Galilee when they went fishing.
The distance between the Sea of Galilee and Jerusalem ranges from roughly 70 miles (112 km) along the most direct path to 140 miles (225 km) via the longest coastal route. In ancient times, a typical person walking this journey would take 3 to 7 days depending on the route chosen, terrain, and pace. [1, 2, 3]
Historical Walking Routes
| Route Name | Approximate Distance | Estimated Walking Time | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central Route (Through Samaria) | 70–90 miles (112–145 km) | 3–4 days | The shortest and most direct path. It passed through mountainous terrain and Samarian villages. Some travelers avoided it due to historical tensions between Jews and Samaritans. |
| Eastern Route (Jordan Valley / Perea) | 90–120 miles (145–193 km) | 5–6 days | Followed the flat Jordan River Valley. Travelers crossed the Jordan River to walk through Perea to completely bypass Samaria. It was safer and very popular for holiday pilgrims. |
| Western Route (Coastal Plain) | 120–140 miles (193–225 km) | 6–7+ days | The longest path. It swept far west toward the Mediterranean coast to avoid both Samaria and the steep inclines of the Jordan rift. It was mostly used by commercial traders or military caravans. |
This means that the third time Jesus appeared was at least ten days after the resurrection. Now, this means there are only two ways to interpret the word in Acts 1. Either it simply means Jesus appeared a total of forty times and not for 40 consecutive days. Or it means from the Sea of Galilee Jesus appeared 40 consecutive days. Either way you have to conclude that the ascension was at Shavuot and that Pentecost was 50 days later.
Why is this important? Because Shavuot was when Moses ascended the mountain, that is a type of the ascension and it means Jesus ascension fulfilled Shavuot. This also means in Jesus first coming He was born on Feast of Trumpets (the longest day), circumcised on Yom Kippur, crucified on Passover, Rose from the dead on the First Feast of Firstfruits, the Feast of unleavened bread signified the entire church age, ascended on Shavuot, and then on the Feast of New wine the Spirit was poured out on the earth.
After Moses ascended he also was on the mountain top for forty days linking, but from Shavuot to Moses coming down, breaking the ten commandments, and then executing judgment on the 3,000 that had sinned was fifty days. So the 3,000 saved on Pentecost balances out the 3,000 killed when Moses came down.
This gives us a picture, think of the church being born on the 8th of Av, and the placenta being burned on the 9th of Av. The birth in the New Testament is likened to a baptism, and just like Jesus was baptized and then thrust out into the wilderness to fast for forty days, so it is with the church. So then the Feast of Trumpets announces "the coming of the king" and in this case it announces the coming of the Lord's ministry on Earth.
So Moses then goes back up for another 40 days on the mountain top, similar to Jesus being thrust out into the wilderness after He was baptized. When Moses returns the second time it is again a span of fifty days which brings us to Feast of Trumpets and Yom Kippur. This makes the Feast of New wine on the 8th of Av. This is important because according to Jewish tradition the three thousand were killed on the 9th of Av.
Consider the days of Noah, it took 150 days from when Noah enters the ark until it comes to rest on the mountains of Ararat. Traditional interpretation has this mountain's name sounding like the Hebrew for "reverse the curse".
Think of the tribulation as an operation where God is "reversing the curse". If Noah was around 35 years old when he got the vision from God of the coming judgment and then began to build the ark, that would align perfectly with when the Bible was first printed on the printing press. If you say that Noah "preached the gospel" for 120 years that would align perfectly with when the Gideon's began to distribute Bibles (they have given out 2.7 billion bibles, roughly 40% of all Bibles that have been printed).
Now consider this, Noah and his family enters the ark on the 17th day of the second month. The calendar he was using was six months off from the Hebrew calendar, but the 17th day of the second month would be resurrection day for second Passover. I think that is significant because it seems to me the two witnesses will be killed on second Passover and raised on the 17th day of the second month. So the salvation of the Jews as a nation is similar to the days of Noah, only in reverse.
Will the rapture happen on the LAST GREAT DAY? Shemini Atzeret, last day of the Feast of Tabernacles
"The Great Day" is only mentioned 4 times in the New Testament.
The last day of Feast of Tabernacles is called the Great Day
John 7:37 On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, 'If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink.
Judgment day is also called the Great Day
Jude 1:6 And the angels who did not keep their proper domain, but left their own abode, He has reserved in everlasting chains under darkness for the judgment of the great day;
Armageddon refers to "the battle of the Great Day"
Revelation 16:14: "For they are demonic spirits, performing signs, who go abroad to the kings of the whole world, to assemble them for battle on the great day of God the Almighty.
The rapture = the opening of the sixth seal is also called the Great Day
Revelation 6:17 For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?
Acts 2:20 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and notable day of the Lord come:
You're About to See the Full, Raw Power of the Angry God 10-4-26@11:26 AM
Isaiah 26:21 For, behold, the Lord cometh out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity: the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain.21 For, behold, the Lord cometh out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity: the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain.
What meaneth this?
Acts 2:1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. 5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. 6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. 7 And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? 8 And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? 9 Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, 10 Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, 11 Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God. 12 And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?
This is what the church age is supposed to look like. We are supposed to fill the world with testimonies of the wonderful works of God. In order to do that we need to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Not only so but we are supposed to be filled with wonder at the works of salvation done to those who receive the Holy Spirit. If we are filled with the Holy Spirit and speak then the place where we are should be shaken. Why not? Satan fills the heart of those who lie, why shouldn't Jesus fill the hearts of those who speak the truth boldly? Why shouldn't we fill Jerusalem and the whole earth with this doctrine? Yes, we intend to bring the blood of Jesus to the whole earth. Now the Jews will be filled with envy, so don't be surprised that they speak against the things of the Holy Spirit. Don't be surprised that they are contradicting and blaspheming. Meanwhile the disciples are the ones who should be filled with joy and so the world will be filled with confusion.
Acts 2:1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. 5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. 6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. 7 And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? 8 And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? 9 Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, 10 Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, 11 Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God. 12 And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?
This is what the church age is supposed to look like. We are supposed to fill the world with testimonies of the wonderful works of God. In order to do that we need to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Not only so but we are supposed to be filled with wonder at the works of salvation done to those who receive the Holy Spirit. If we are filled with the Holy Spirit and speak then the place where we are should be shaken. Why not? Satan fills the heart of those who lie, why shouldn't Jesus fill the hearts of those who speak the truth boldly? Why shouldn't we fill Jerusalem and the whole earth with this doctrine? Yes, we intend to bring the blood of Jesus to the whole earth. Now the Jews will be filled with envy, so don't be surprised that they speak against the things of the Holy Spirit. Don't be surprised that they are contradicting and blaspheming. Meanwhile the disciples are the ones who should be filled with joy and so the world will be filled with confusion.
Peter's Gospel Message (part 1)
13 Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.
Notice the pattern, everyone is speaking the wonderful works of God, this prompts a mocking response and that sets the stage for the gospel message. Peter understands the mocking for what it is, people are confused at what is going on and are trying to make sense of it.
14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:
The eleven includes Mathias who has replaced Judas. Peter denied the Lord, Judas betrayed Him, and the other disciples fled. This is a rag tag group, they are cast down, but not defeated.
15 For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.
It is 9 AM. This is a morning service. Notice how specific everyone is. They didn't simply accuse the disciples of being drunk, they didn't even simply say they were drunk on wine, they accused them of being drunk on "new wine". Peter debunks that assertion because it is "9 AM". This exchange only makes sense on one day, that is the feast of new wine. On that day many people would get drunk on "new wine" and so it is perfectly reasonable to say this, however, before anyone can drink new wine the priests must bless it at 9 AM, which makes Peter's debunking of this also perfectly reasonable. At no other day would saying that it is 9 AM be proof that people are not drunk on new wine.
Every gospel message needs this opening to set the stage. Think about the pandemic, there was a lot of confusion as people were trying to make sense of it, that was the perfect opportunity for someone to preach the gospel. Instead how many pastors were afraid to use that? In fact if you look at this blog there have been many, many events that would have made a great predicate for a gospel message. Halftime shows at the Superbowl, opening ceremony at the Olympics, 911 as a "harbinger event" of coming judgment, etc.
16 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;
This is the hook. People know the Bible has prophecies, but they don't know what they are. Begin with a prophecy being fulfilled to explain the confusing events.
17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:
Dreams and visions of the Lord are a fulfillment of prophecy.
18 And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:
The Lord's servants prophesying is a fulfillment of prophecy.
19 And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke:
Wonders in heaven, signs in the earth, natural disasters all speak of the Lord's coming, the day of the Lord, and the day of Judgment.
20 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and notable day of the Lord come:
A solar eclipse followed by a blood moon seems to be what is being prophesied. However, that is simply a sign and it happens frequently, just about yearly. So instead this can refer to a massive volcanic eruption, or eruptions. If the atmosphere is filled with volcanic dust it will block out the sun and cause the moon to appear as blood, not just for a few hours, but for days and weeks. The opening of the sixth seal is accompanied with a great, Biblical, apocalyptic earthquake. That would certainly involve volcanic activity as well. If a super volcano were to erupt it could precipitate a global famine and tribulation.
Peter doesn't begin his message with "Jesus loves you". He begins with prophecy being fulfilled in your sight pointing to the great day of judgement.
21 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Then he shares that calling on the name of the Lord will result in salvation. People want to know the truth, don't sugar coat that. If WW3 is coming, tell them. If it is going to be nuclear, tell them. If a great famine is coming, tell them. But the way of salvation is also the truth. Jesus is the truth. This is what it means to "speak the truth in love".
22 Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:
Look at the progression: this confusing event you don't understand is actually a fulfillment of prophecy, it points to the Last days which will conclude with God's judgement on sin and unrighteousness. However, salvation is simple, all you need to do is call on the name of the Lord. Which brings us to "hear the words of the Lord".
23 Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:
Corruption in high places is also something that will catch everyone's attention. Why is it that so many pastors were afraid to tackle Covid pandemic head on as a fulfillment of the prophecy in Joel? Could it be that they were afraid to do that because it would lead to pointing to the corruption of the government? There is a lot of jealousy and envy of those who were not afraid to tackle this and started Youtube channels and other forms of getting the message out. If the shepherds had not been worthless shepherds there would have been no opportunity for these channels. But Pastors were afraid and soon the unwritten rule was "don't talk about current events as a fulfillment of prophecy". This was epitomized in the statement "Normal isn't coming back, Jesus is". That was the response to all these people trying to ignore what was going on and pretending normal was going to come back if we just ignored everything going on in the world.
13 Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.
Notice the pattern, everyone is speaking the wonderful works of God, this prompts a mocking response and that sets the stage for the gospel message. Peter understands the mocking for what it is, people are confused at what is going on and are trying to make sense of it.
14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:
The eleven includes Mathias who has replaced Judas. Peter denied the Lord, Judas betrayed Him, and the other disciples fled. This is a rag tag group, they are cast down, but not defeated.
15 For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.
It is 9 AM. This is a morning service. Notice how specific everyone is. They didn't simply accuse the disciples of being drunk, they didn't even simply say they were drunk on wine, they accused them of being drunk on "new wine". Peter debunks that assertion because it is "9 AM". This exchange only makes sense on one day, that is the feast of new wine. On that day many people would get drunk on "new wine" and so it is perfectly reasonable to say this, however, before anyone can drink new wine the priests must bless it at 9 AM, which makes Peter's debunking of this also perfectly reasonable. At no other day would saying that it is 9 AM be proof that people are not drunk on new wine.
Every gospel message needs this opening to set the stage. Think about the pandemic, there was a lot of confusion as people were trying to make sense of it, that was the perfect opportunity for someone to preach the gospel. Instead how many pastors were afraid to use that? In fact if you look at this blog there have been many, many events that would have made a great predicate for a gospel message. Halftime shows at the Superbowl, opening ceremony at the Olympics, 911 as a "harbinger event" of coming judgment, etc.
16 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;
This is the hook. People know the Bible has prophecies, but they don't know what they are. Begin with a prophecy being fulfilled to explain the confusing events.
17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:
Dreams and visions of the Lord are a fulfillment of prophecy.
18 And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:
The Lord's servants prophesying is a fulfillment of prophecy.
19 And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke:
Wonders in heaven, signs in the earth, natural disasters all speak of the Lord's coming, the day of the Lord, and the day of Judgment.
20 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and notable day of the Lord come:
A solar eclipse followed by a blood moon seems to be what is being prophesied. However, that is simply a sign and it happens frequently, just about yearly. So instead this can refer to a massive volcanic eruption, or eruptions. If the atmosphere is filled with volcanic dust it will block out the sun and cause the moon to appear as blood, not just for a few hours, but for days and weeks. The opening of the sixth seal is accompanied with a great, Biblical, apocalyptic earthquake. That would certainly involve volcanic activity as well. If a super volcano were to erupt it could precipitate a global famine and tribulation.
Peter doesn't begin his message with "Jesus loves you". He begins with prophecy being fulfilled in your sight pointing to the great day of judgement.
21 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Then he shares that calling on the name of the Lord will result in salvation. People want to know the truth, don't sugar coat that. If WW3 is coming, tell them. If it is going to be nuclear, tell them. If a great famine is coming, tell them. But the way of salvation is also the truth. Jesus is the truth. This is what it means to "speak the truth in love".
22 Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:
Look at the progression: this confusing event you don't understand is actually a fulfillment of prophecy, it points to the Last days which will conclude with God's judgement on sin and unrighteousness. However, salvation is simple, all you need to do is call on the name of the Lord. Which brings us to "hear the words of the Lord".
23 Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:
Corruption in high places is also something that will catch everyone's attention. Why is it that so many pastors were afraid to tackle Covid pandemic head on as a fulfillment of the prophecy in Joel? Could it be that they were afraid to do that because it would lead to pointing to the corruption of the government? There is a lot of jealousy and envy of those who were not afraid to tackle this and started Youtube channels and other forms of getting the message out. If the shepherds had not been worthless shepherds there would have been no opportunity for these channels. But Pastors were afraid and soon the unwritten rule was "don't talk about current events as a fulfillment of prophecy". This was epitomized in the statement "Normal isn't coming back, Jesus is". That was the response to all these people trying to ignore what was going on and pretending normal was going to come back if we just ignored everything going on in the world.
Peter's Gospel Message (part 2)
24 Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.
Do you realize the fulfillment of prophecies spoken two thousand years ago by Jesus are akin to "God raising Him up". When Jesus told you what was going to happen two thousand years ago and yet the people who supposedly know Jesus have no clue about what is going on, and the people in the world who told you that Jesus as Lord of all is a myth are equally confused, then that is a strong testimony that God has raised up Jesus to the throne and that Jesus is indeed Lord and King of all.
Now think how that will help everyone focus. The signs are telling us the day of Judgment has arrived, and now Peter is revealing that trying to cover up what is going on, obfuscating and confusing the people makes you guilty of the Lord's blood. That is definitely a sin you want to be cleansed of immediately. The mockers set the stage for this gospel message and now Peter has shown them that their mocking is a sin that will make them guilty of the Lord's body and blood.
25 For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved:
Once again, conviction is followed up with the way of salvation. At a time when everyone and everything is being shaken it is nice to see the one on your right hand who will keep you from being moved.
26 Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope:
This is why we can talk about WW3, nuclear holocaust and horrible famine while still being glad, and resting in hope. Preaching the gospel doesn't mean we bury our head in the sand. We are not joyful because we are ignorant of what is going on, we are joyful because we see Jesus and He is on our right hand.
27 Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
We see this promise was fulfilled when Jesus rose from the dead and so we know the same promises to us can also be fulfilled when we are rescued out of this sin sick world.
28 Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.
Our joy is a testimony of our faith that the Lord will make known to us the ways of life. The world is marching down to hell, we need to turn around, get off the broad way that leads to destruction and find the narrow way that leads to life.
29 Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day.
Prior to prophecies being fulfilled Christian teachers will allegorize them. They did that with Israel, saying all the prophecies about Israel being at the center of end times events were simply allegorical because no one could visualize that happening until it happened. It is the same with all the prophecies. Jonathan Cahn has done a marvelous job showing us that the events of 911 were prophesied, and didn't just refer to ancient Israel. That is simply one example, all of his books do the same thing with different current events.
30 Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne;
David was a prophet
31 He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.
David realized that the hell he went through was simply a type, a foreshadowing of the hell that Jesus would go through. David's soul was not left in that state of corruption, but he was raised to the throne, in the same way he saw Jesus would also go from that very low state to the throne of God.
32 This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.
And now he has answered the initial question. What is going on? We are all witnesses. The dreams, the visions, the signs, the wonders, the fulfilled prophecies. This is the structure of Peter's gospel message.
33 Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.
Adonijah was having a banquet with all the leaders of Israel as they were all involved in a coup when they also heard a large celebration going on outside. They were confused, and they learned that Solomon had been crowned king. Then they realized this meant they were guilty of rebellion against the king and so they fled. This is what the gospel message should be, a trumpet blast exposing the world's rebellion to the King of Kings.
34 For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, 35 Until I make thy foes thy footstool.
This is exceedingly bold. Peter is openly proclaiming that those who rebelled against Jesus will be made into a footstool for His feet. Satan hates to hear this but the Lord loves this boldness.
36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made the same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.
No wimpy prayers, simply a bold proclamation.
37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
Peter does not have an altar call. His message pricks them in their heart and so they respond "what shall we do?"
38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
They have already believed, next step is to repent and be baptized. Notice how if you repent and are baptized you receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. There is no reason why you cannot receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit when you are baptized after having repented.
39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
This is what we all need to know, the promise is unto you and to your children and to all afar off.
40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
24 Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.
Do you realize the fulfillment of prophecies spoken two thousand years ago by Jesus are akin to "God raising Him up". When Jesus told you what was going to happen two thousand years ago and yet the people who supposedly know Jesus have no clue about what is going on, and the people in the world who told you that Jesus as Lord of all is a myth are equally confused, then that is a strong testimony that God has raised up Jesus to the throne and that Jesus is indeed Lord and King of all.
Now think how that will help everyone focus. The signs are telling us the day of Judgment has arrived, and now Peter is revealing that trying to cover up what is going on, obfuscating and confusing the people makes you guilty of the Lord's blood. That is definitely a sin you want to be cleansed of immediately. The mockers set the stage for this gospel message and now Peter has shown them that their mocking is a sin that will make them guilty of the Lord's body and blood.
25 For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved:
Once again, conviction is followed up with the way of salvation. At a time when everyone and everything is being shaken it is nice to see the one on your right hand who will keep you from being moved.
26 Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope:
This is why we can talk about WW3, nuclear holocaust and horrible famine while still being glad, and resting in hope. Preaching the gospel doesn't mean we bury our head in the sand. We are not joyful because we are ignorant of what is going on, we are joyful because we see Jesus and He is on our right hand.
27 Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
We see this promise was fulfilled when Jesus rose from the dead and so we know the same promises to us can also be fulfilled when we are rescued out of this sin sick world.
28 Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.
Our joy is a testimony of our faith that the Lord will make known to us the ways of life. The world is marching down to hell, we need to turn around, get off the broad way that leads to destruction and find the narrow way that leads to life.
29 Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day.
Prior to prophecies being fulfilled Christian teachers will allegorize them. They did that with Israel, saying all the prophecies about Israel being at the center of end times events were simply allegorical because no one could visualize that happening until it happened. It is the same with all the prophecies. Jonathan Cahn has done a marvelous job showing us that the events of 911 were prophesied, and didn't just refer to ancient Israel. That is simply one example, all of his books do the same thing with different current events.
30 Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne;
David was a prophet
31 He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.
David realized that the hell he went through was simply a type, a foreshadowing of the hell that Jesus would go through. David's soul was not left in that state of corruption, but he was raised to the throne, in the same way he saw Jesus would also go from that very low state to the throne of God.
32 This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.
And now he has answered the initial question. What is going on? We are all witnesses. The dreams, the visions, the signs, the wonders, the fulfilled prophecies. This is the structure of Peter's gospel message.
33 Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.
Adonijah was having a banquet with all the leaders of Israel as they were all involved in a coup when they also heard a large celebration going on outside. They were confused, and they learned that Solomon had been crowned king. Then they realized this meant they were guilty of rebellion against the king and so they fled. This is what the gospel message should be, a trumpet blast exposing the world's rebellion to the King of Kings.
34 For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, 35 Until I make thy foes thy footstool.
This is exceedingly bold. Peter is openly proclaiming that those who rebelled against Jesus will be made into a footstool for His feet. Satan hates to hear this but the Lord loves this boldness.
36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made the same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.
No wimpy prayers, simply a bold proclamation.
37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
Peter does not have an altar call. His message pricks them in their heart and so they respond "what shall we do?"
38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
They have already believed, next step is to repent and be baptized. Notice how if you repent and are baptized you receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. There is no reason why you cannot receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit when you are baptized after having repented.
39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
This is what we all need to know, the promise is unto you and to your children and to all afar off.
40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
What is the scope and purpose of this blog? Is this the only such bog on Christian Chat? Can there be others, by others? As for this on e by ZNP ... I would be interested in know more about you; what you background is; why you are doing this, for what focused reason? I would also, like to see the actual verse(s) you are starting with ... that way, it would be easier to tell what versions you are using, or if you are misrepresenting these verse, for some reason ... not castigating, just checking!
the purpose of the blog is I wanted to find out what the Bible said about the rapture, I felt that the subject was not covered comprehensively.
The scope is the Bible, any and all verses that could apply to the rapture. Not so much "when" but rather, who, what, where, why and how. Also, as Peter said, I wanted to look into what the days prior to the rapture would be like, what would be happening, what the precursor would be, what events would precede it, etc. Or as Joel says, what happens "nigh to the day of the Lord" or in the seven years preceding the tribulation.
This is my only blog on Christian Chat.
I don't have an agenda other than that. I shared links to others who were teaching based on a couple of criteria. First, it had to be based on the Bible and second it had to relate in some way to the rapture, and third it had to be "unique". In other words there were many, many links that were repeating or regurgitating things I had already posted on the blog. I did not post those.
I did not have to agree with a post in order to post it, often I would post something someone else shared and point out where I differed from them in the interpretation. But I felt it was important to be honest about the subject to present various interpretations. As a result I have not tried to support or debunk any particular doctrine on the subject. I go where the Bible verses go, I try not to go beyond any verse.
I could not tell you what translation I use as there is no single translation used for every post. I stick to King James a lot, I don't think you can find a single post in here that I made that would push some doctrine that was clearly contradictory to King James version.
But again, just because something is posted in this blog, particularly a link to someone else does not mean I agree with their interpretation. It simply means it fits those three criteria I have. It has been a major theme of this blog that "I am not the arbiter of truth". I didn't start this because I had all the answers, I started it because I wanted to learn more and understood there was a lot I didn't understand.
Still out of the 17,000 posts I would guesstimate that at least 10,000 were from my own reading of the Bible. I made this blog public because I thought that there might be as many as ten other people who would also be interested in this subject. So despite posting at least a thousand posts from others who are also interested in the subject, little has been added to this blog based on discussion with others. They have done their research and I have done mine on our own.
Another purpose has arisen as I have done this blog. I was surprised that so many people found it. So when I heard something I felt needed to be shared with others, like something from Vicki Goforth Parnell I would post it in this blog. I saw this as a way to broadcast those messages far and wide. Now I don't keep this secret, anyone who asks what I work on I will let them know, but I don't push this on anyone.
When I started I thought I would exhaust the subject in a few months. Clearly that has not happened. So one of the amazing subjects that is relevant to this is why has the rapture become "the third rail" of Bible doctrines, something that pastors and preachers don't want to touch? Over the last six years I have seen amazing prophetic fulfillment:
1. The Revelation 12 sign
2. The Writing on the Wall sign
3. The two calves from Pharaoh's dream
4. Joel's prophecy of what takes place seven years prior to the tribulation
I would have thought that all Christians should have been told what was going on and yet, few know of these things. On the one hand I saw the Lord's purpose in using church congregations as a "sheep fold" and saw that what the Pastors and preachers were teaching was designed for a specific purpose of helping these believers come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. But as my exposition of Acts 2:1-40 shows (Posts 17,095-17,097) I believe they are not preaching according to the pattern demonstrated by Peter. They avoid discussing current events, prophetic fulfillment, or any of the signs and wonders. Peter didn't shy away at all. The same thing with Paul, as 1 and 2 Thessalonians demonstrate.
As a result I think many of these church congregations are like those branches that are not abiding in the vine and are drying up. I don't tell anyone to "like and subscribe" to this blog, or to go share it with their neighbor, and yet 870,000 have come to the blog on their own. Why? I think it is because like me, they want to know what is going on and what does the Bible say about what is going on.