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TRUE WISDOM IN WORD AND DEED.

True wisdom in word and deed

God created an order in mankind so James goes on to say every kind of beasts, birds and serpents of the sea is tamed but he writes this with the purpose of explaining some points about the tongue. If this very small member of the body is used wrong no person can tame it because it is evil and has a very bad effect on other people.

James makes his point that Christians should bless God (people usually say God bless you) but he also explains that people were made after the similitude of God. Out of one month it is possible that both blessings and cursing can take place but the Apostle writes do not let this happen. Does a fountain produce both sweet and bitter water? Can a fig tree bear olive berries? No fountain brings forth both fresh and salt water at the same time.

We could ask ourselves a question --- who is wise in this internet fellowship and has knowledge among us because James asked the same question. The Apostle then urges us to be of good conversation and let him or her show works with meekness of wisdom.

(7) "For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: (8) But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. (9) Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. (10) Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. (11) Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? (12) Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh. (13) Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him show out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. " James 3: 7 - 13.

It is extremely difficult to govern the tongue. God did create an order in the universe but what James is driving at is so common that it is the norm with people in everyday life. The tongue is a small member but it can be worse than big creatures living on planet earth. For example big animals tend to be tamed through the good order of God but the tongue can run wild if not checked on a daily basis. This is not impossible but very difficult. We have to be aware and sometimes it will be with pain through prayer. This small member is as an unruly evil because the tongue breaks all the rules with the ability to spit out it's verbal poison to a person or other people. This is not to mention that heaven hears our foolish words. The only place that is jumping up and down are the demons surrounding our lives. It is very tempting to say something foolish in a heated conversation.

We should be speaking righteous words with our tongues in our faith and service to Jesus Christ. If we are giving glory and praise to God than we also have the ability to curse or slander other people. Perhaps we may even say words really high in a heated debate. It is possible to give reverence to God and then turn on other people with brawling language. It is interesting that James chimes in and says these things ought not so to be because when we feel like saying something stupid and damaging we should resist this temptation.

To fix this problem the Apostle James shows us two examples. A fountain does not bring forth fresh and bitter water nor does a fig tree produce olive berries. In like manner our tongues can be so destructive and this is not even remotely consistent with the love of God. If we speak words that hurt and try to witness about the grace of God through His Son Jesus Christ then the other person or group probably will not listen to us or our witness. It is somewhat similar to us living in sin and trying to portray the love of God is pure. True faith in Jesus Christ will not allow these contradictions in our life. This is why we as Christians should always be yielding to God because we are not perfect but deep down we desire to be without defect. True faith in Jesus Christ will season our words with salt and live in all matter of conversation (live righteous / holy). When both Godly words and a righteous life combined with each other are working in combination then our lives will be influencing other people because we will be pointing to the Son of God. 

We can pretend to live a Godly life but people can usually discern if we are hiding something dark or sinful. There is wisdom from above and wisdom from hades so we might as well make a decision now and perhaps start with what the Apostle James is writing about regarding our tongues. 

What is true wisdom from heaven? Godly knowledge is not in and of itself living a righteous life. If we make a proper application to that Godly knowledge this is true faith in Jesus Christ. These two truths must be working together (word and deed) to have true wisdom with God, ourselves and other people. If we have more wisdom than some people in our lives it will show up in our conversation. I believe we should not allow our words to be rough or prideful. Some people may say not talking "Rough" might be impossible but I would say just try your best to not speak rough. As I look back in my life very few people that spoke rough had any kind of influence on my life. The Christians that seasoned their speech with salt had a pretty strong direction in my life and my walk with Jesus Christ. If we really desire to make an impression on a person's spirit back up our words with a righteous life. This is what verse thirteen says so our faith in the Son of God should come out with proper words and deeds. Notice this is an advanced more specific study of faith without works is dead. Think well, talk right and live a holy life. 

The Apostle James goes on to write true wisdom in God will be recognized by the meekness of our spirit. If this is the case we will not lose our temper. It is wise to control our anger or bear patiently with another person's temper with a gentle spirit. In general I believe James is urging us to have a mild and calm disposition so we can be reasonable with our lives and other people. Wisdom produces meekness but it is a perpetual circle because meekness will increase wisdom. 

If you have never accepted the Lord into your life now may be a good time to accept Jesus Christ as your very own personal Savior and Lord by repenting of all your sins and inviting the Son of God into your life. I hope and pray you just made that all important eternal decision.

All Christians have a responsibility to live in good word and deed before God and other people. If we do this our conscience will be clear and clean rather than a rubber band going this way and in some other dark direction. We serve a merciful God so we can and should repent of our sins even as Christians. It is so much better to live our lives as God would have us to walk as opposed to living a lifestyle of sin in word (ungodly speaking) and deed (living our life in sin). Only we can make this choice before God. We need to make the right decision.

God Bless you,

Bob D. 

ONE SMALL MEMBER THAT IS VERY BIG

One small member that is very big



The Apostle starts out in James chapter three by saying ... "Be not many masters" meaning that there should not be to many Bible teachers because not only would there be confusion but expositors of the word of God will be judged in a more comprehensive way because they are representing Jesus Christ.

I have been lead to many projects for God but it was not until recently that I was called to be a teacher of the Bible. It took God almost 55 years to prime me for this position. I have to laugh at many of these people that are young and straight out of Bible college. These students think that because of this degree they are ready to preach. Sometimes I say to myself, " You have no idea." If I started teaching at age 25 I would have been kicked out of the door at age 26. Do not teach the Bible to other people unless God throws you in a closet and locks the door.

James then talks about control and the subject of offending other people. The Apostle then writes about how people put bits in the horses' months for the purpose of obeying us and of course the person has the ability to turn the horses' whole body. James writes this because he is trying to make a point about our tongues. 

Then James writes about a pilot being able to control his ship. They may be big, driven of fierce winds yet these ships are turned about with a very small helm. Once again the Apostle draws an analogy to make a point about our tongues. 

At this point the Apostle James talks about what he really desires to impart to his readers. He explains that the tongue is a little member but boasts great things. He likens our speech to ... "How great a matter a little fire kindleth." This passage actually says the tongue is a fire and a world of iniquity or sin. The tongue is a small member but has the ability to defile the whole body. The tongue can be evil and corrupt the soul. Let me just quote the original text so you can read the passage and perhaps make reference to it in this particular study of the Bible.

(1) "My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. (2) For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. (3) Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. (4) Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth. (5) Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! (6) And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell." James 3: 1 - 6. 

I wrote in my previous two articles that faith without works is dead. Emotions are funny because even as Christians we could loss our temper. That is just one example of what could happen but James urges us to censor our tongues. We certainly do not want to use our tongues as weapons over other people.

In verse one the Apostle writes about teachers and the basic tone of the words are do not teach your own sentiment to impart a message. What we think or feel is not necessarily what the Bible teaches. We need to speak or write with the spirit of humility as learners delivering a message to people. The reason I just used the word "People" is because you would be surprised as to who is listening in on the presentation of the Bible message.

If a preacher / teacher sets themselves up as judges and censures the word of God they will incur the greater condemnation. If the leader just desires to tickle the ears of their listeners and for all practical purposes throws the Bible out then they will be judged for misleading a group of people. By the way a singer or a television host can gather disciples and mislead a multitude of people. There are other types of areas that can also mislead but I thought I would list two to give you the general idea of what I am trying to portray to you in principle.

Think twice before you accept a leadership position because you have the ability to mislead people with your tongue away from God. Of course our judgment is going to be more strict and severe because we are called to a higher standard. On the other hand if we are teaching the word of God and are faithful, inspiring other people to give their hearts over to Jesus Christ then God will be well pleased with us; however, the standards are higher than most leaders understand.

We are all capable of sin and when a leader sees his own mistakes and offences before God he will be far less apt to judge other people. If leaders are not right with God in one way or another they are justifying their sins and are self - deceivers rather than gentle guiders of the Bible in word and deed. 

The reason we govern are tongues is to prove ourselves righteous before God and men. If we bridle our tongues we will have control over ourselves. If Christians do not offend others with their tongues (word) there is a good chance they will be seen as a sincere or advanced Christian. We must ask for wisdom and grace from God which enables us to rule our tongues. The result will be our responses to other people will be becoming for Jesus Christ.

If a huge horse has a small bit in his month this is a great example that we are large but the tongue is small and extremely powerful. Just like love and hate are powerful emotions our words can be pleasant or cause injury.

If a horse runs wild we will fall right off that animal. If we do not have control over our tongues we will hurt ourselves and other people. James also talks about the helm of the ship which is small. In like matter so is the tongue so the Apostle is trying to say our words govern the whole man.

If we make thirty to sixty thousand decisions per day we are saying a lot of words even if we are not verbally talking in a physical form. The key is to speak Godly words both silently and verbally. Our words form our soil to righteousness or a not so nice person. The tongue is a little member but it is capable of doing tremendous good or hurting someone in a very severe way. I have seen both examples and there is a vast difference. Think about this principle, we can make a huge difference in others for good or bad with our words (tongues).

Sometimes I can actually feel the demons when someone is talking to me and nothing but cursing comes out of his or her month. James uses terms such as ... "World of iniquity," ... "Defileth the whole body, ... "Setteth on fire the course of nature" and ... "Set on fire of hell." The whole body and soul can be thrust into transgressions by the tongue. I just listed four statements that James uses in this passage of the Bible. Almost anyone can figure out that these are very strong words to describe the damage our words can do to ourselves and other people. An entire country can be thrown into confusion by the tongues of people. Over here in America we have a divided nation to the depths I have never personally seen because of constant verbal fights (Tongues).

Demons are very tuned in to promoting bad words. The Apostle James uses the phrase, "And it is set on fire of hell" this was his way of saying the tongue / tongues can produce rage and hatred. This can only serve the purposes of the devil. We are here to serve the purposes of God.

If you do not feel you know the Lord in a personal way now may be a good time to accept Jesus Christ as your very own personal Savior and Lord by repenting of all your sins and inviting the Son of God into your life. If you just made that decision ask God to show you how to speak Godly words as you travel through life because although the tongue is small it can do big damage. On the other hand you can be a vessel for God by reading the Bible as hearers / doers of the word of God and be a tremendous blessing to others.

God Bless you,
Bob D.          

FAITH AND WORK WITH OLD TESTAMENT EXAMPLES

Faith and works with Old Testament examples

The Apostle James starts out by saying, "Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works." I like the last words --- I will show thee my faith by my works. Of course I will write about this in more depth after I quote the entire passage.

James goes into a different subject saying it is true that you believe in one God but so do the devils and they tremble so it would have to be overwhelmingly obvious that there is far more to the Christian life than believing in one God. Then James actually goes back to the original subject in essence writing you are a vain person if you just say there is one God with no works because it renders our faith as dead. Good point because demons are fearful at the name of Jesus Christ but are the most evil creatures in the universe.

James then goes into an example in the Old Testament regarding the life of Abraham because he stepped out in faith when he offered his son Isaac upon the alter. This is an example of faith and works together because it was his obedience (works) that made his faith perfect. He believed God and it was imputed unto him for righteousness and as a result he was a friend of God. A true Christian will be recognized and justified by his or her faith and works or obedience to God. I think it is ridicules when a person says, "I am a Christian" and does not talk about God nor does anything for Him. We will know a true believer in Jesus Christ by their fruits.

James also gives another example about the life of Rahab the harlot who was justified by her works (obedience) because she received the messengers and sent them another way for their own safety. Our body without our spirit is dead but in like matter our faith without works is dead. Let me quote the original text so you can read this passage and perhaps make reference to it in this particular study of the Bible.

(18) Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works. (19) Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. (20) But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? (21) Was not Abraham our Father justified by works, when he had offered I'-saac his son upon the alter? (22) Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? (23) And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. (24) Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. (25) Likewise also was not Ra'hab the harlot justified by works, when she had sent them out another way? (26) For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also." James 2: 18 - 26.

Some people are satisfied with a mere profession of faith and honestly believe they are truly saved in and through the Person of Jesus Christ. James is saying that this type of faith is false and their heart is dead to any real godliness. Does the word authentic come to your mind? If a faith is prideful in and of itself without works this is not only deceitful but selfish. It totally throws out the will of God and traces back to self which Jesus Christ Himself is opposed to because two of our characteristics need to be faith and obedience to God.

We need a faith in the Son of God because this is the steppingstone to works (obedience). Do you think we are going to be in heaven saying, "Yes I will do that but no I will not engage in this task?" The Bible says we need to be fit for the kingdom of God. Our life should reflect on what we will be engaged in for all eternity now while we are still on earth in these fleshly bodies. We do not even have to make a profession of our faith in Jesus Christ if true obedience is manifested in our lives as Christians. We can if we are talking the talk and walking the walk but if we do this always point to the Person of Jesus Christ. Our works will speak for our faith in Christ. This is one of the main themes of the entire Bible that people can judge themselves and others by the fruit they bear outwardly from their hearts. Jesus Christ will look at the outward evidence of our lives from our inward hearts and proceed with an exact measured judgment that will last forever.

The demons know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and yet they tremble at His name. If we have faith without works we would not be true Christians. Almost every time the word believe is used in the New Testament it is in the action tense.The true believer in Jesus Christ is going forward in obedience to God and His will. An intellectual belief alone is nothing more than mere words.We would be miserable if we did not have works that follow true faith in God. If we stopped at belief in Jesus Christ with no obedience according to this passage of Scripture we would be very similar to the devils from hell. They are not trembling because of a holy reverence and fear for God, they are hating and opposing the one true God on whom they believe but also understand that at a respectful command in the name of Jesus Christ they must flee. This is the real reason they are scared of the Son of God. If the Apostle James is using this very heavy example in comparison to our faith and works to God all the more reason we should have a deep respect for this biblical principle.

If  pride is involved in boasting of faith without works not only is this person foolish but condemned. I can guarantee you that this individual is speaking about an intellectual belief in Jesus Christ. That is as far as they want to go because there would be a cost to true faith in Jesus Christ.

Some people may be saying something to the order of count me out but at least I know where I stand in what the Bible says about a true Christian. I do not even have a clue where I would be as an unbeliever in Jesus Christ. All things would not work out for the good because I do not truly love God and I am not called to His purpose. I could die and certainly would not go to heaven because there would be no true relationship with Jesus Christ. If faith without works is dead then there is no proof that I am a believer in Christ nor have eternal life to look forward to in the afterlife. If you are reading this article I would not try and lie to myself but rather conform to what the Bible is saying regarding who a true Christian is because truth in Jesus Christ is way better than self deception. A justifying faith can not be without works but do it for the right reason of honoring God.

The first example that the Apostle James uses is a look at the life of Abraham because he truly believed God the proper way. The faith of this man was a working belief to him for righteousness and as a result he became a friend of God. In verse 24 the Apostle reiterates his point that a person is justified by believing and obeying God or having  faith that is productive of good works. People often say that they want the blessings of Abraham but to obtain this one must copy his faith because just being part of his seed has nothing to do with a real relationship to God. True faith is what God commands, not our own world which most people live in which is sad because not only is there self deception but there will be regret for all eternity.

If we engage in true faith in God it becomes perfect in the Person of Jesus Christ. It is the same principle in that confidence is acquired by doing. Engaging faith with good works for the kingdom of God for the right reasons will give us the privilege of being friends with God. 

James writes about a second example and her name was Rahab. Abraham lived a lifetime for God but Rahab did not yet she is mentioned in one of the two examples in the book of James. The moral is the strongest faith or the weakest belief must still have works because this is faith in action. Her life was in danger but she still made a decision to receive the messengers and send them out in another direction. She understood that her heart had many sins forgiven so Rahab engaged in self denial by ensuring the safety of others. She abandoned her past which was a lifestyle of sin and gave evidence of this new faith in God through her works.

The last verse is James 2:26 which says, "As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also." Do you think James is trying to make a point here? Trust me I am the one writing this article and he comes all the way home on this biblical principle many times. This principle also works in the opposite direction because we could have the greatest works with no faith in Jesus Christ and that would also be considered dead. If we do anything that glorifies God through works it is from the true root of our faith in Jesus Christ. Faith without works is dead because it is not producing Godly fruit. Good works are our fruit because of our faith in God. James is saying have faith and works but they must be working in combination with each other to produce the fruit of righteousness.

If you are reading this article and do not desire to count the cost of being saved through Jesus Christ consider an analogy that I believe is applicable to this principle. You are really hungry and you see a couple of warn out cookies on the table but someone calls you in to the other room and there is a full course steak dinner on the table. Are you going back to the old cookies or are you going to eat the steak dinner? My point is if we are not going to do this God's way then we are just eating stale cookies through our life but if we are willing to count the cost and live our life with true faith in Jesus Christ and works for the kingdom of God then that is choosing the full course steak dinner for our life and eternity. This decision is substantial because we will be in the will of God. Some may say eating stale cookies is easier but the devil offers you no guarantees because he can promise you nothing. If you do get a morsel from a demon I can already tell you there is some kind of a lie attached to what you received from the darkness of eternity.

Now may be a good time to accept Jesus Christ into your heart as your Savior and Lord by repenting of all your sins and inviting the Son of God into your life. I hope and pray you just made that all important eternal decision.

God Bless you,

Bob D

THE PRE-TRIBULATION RAPTURE

Wednesday, July 26, 2006

The pre-Tribulation Rapture

Scriptures showing that the Rapture is "PRE-Tribulation"

[2Thess 2:1] Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,

(The coming of our Lord Jesus, and our gathering together unto him is the rapture.)

[2Thess 2:2] That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.

("The day of Christ is at hand" refers not to the rapture, but to the day of wrath, the seven years of tribulation. {Amos 5:18 below}The church of Thessalonia must have gotten a letter that said they were living in the tribulation--which is shaking and troubling news. They could not have thought that they were living in the rapture, or that it was "at hand" or "now" because the rapture happens suddenly, instantaneously. And if the report was that the rapture was "soon to come", that would not be shaking or troubling, but glorious and wonderful. The only option, for the verse to make sense, is that they thought that the rapture had passed and that they were in the tribulation.)

They were fearing this: [Dan 7:21] I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints and prevailed against them;

What IS the "day of Christ" anyway, is it the rapture?

[Amos 5:18] Woe unto you that desire the day of the LORD! to what end is it for you? the day of the LORD is darkness, and not light.

(This "day of the Lord" cannot be the rapture, because we look forward to the rapture. There are many other scriptures that say the same thing. The day of the Lord is tribulation, also known as the time of Jacob's trouble, Isreal's trouble, the Days of Awe.)

[2Thess 2:3] Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day [tribulation--the day of Christ] shall not come, except there come a falling away [apostasy--or departure (some assume this means departure from the faith, but it can also mean departure from the earth, as in rapture)] first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;

(Now, if they were troubled that the rapture had passed, Paul is assuring the Church that they didn't miss anything, saying that that the tribulation that they feared is preceded by several important key events: First, the rapture, which reveals the antichrist...)

[2Thess 2:4] Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.

(who doesn't even sit in the temple until 3.5 years into the tribulation... See Rev (which they didn't know at the time)-- But this is why this point, of the AntiChrist being revealed after the rapture--who goes on to sit in the temple, is proof that they hadn't missed the rapture. There is no antichrist revealed yet.)

[2Thess 2:5] Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?

[2Thess 2:6] And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.

(In other words, the Christians in Thessalonia couldn't have missed the rapture, because there is no AntiChrist sitting in the temple, claiming to be God, who has yet to be revealed. And that the AntiChrist is still being held back by their presence in the world--since the rapture reveals the antichrist as in verse 3.)

[2Thess 2:7] For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.

(Christians are the "He" who letteth will let and will be taken out of the way. That is, whatsoever we bound on earth will be bound in heaven. And once we are removed/raptured, then the AntiChrist will have the freedom to fulfill his plans. After all, the gates of hell cannot prevail against the Church; (Mat 16:18), and the Church is not destined for wrath (verse))

[2Thess 2:8] And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:

[2Thess 2:9] Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,

[2Thess 2:10] And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

[2Thess 2:11] And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:

[2Thess 2:12] That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

[2Thess 2:13] But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:

[2Thess 2:14] Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

[2Thess 2:15] Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.

[2Thess 2:16] Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,

[2Thess 2:17] Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.

Finally, yes, the pre-tribulation rapture doctrine is accused of being a "comfort doctrine"... Well, it IS, the scriptures even say so. It's consolation, hope, comfort for believers.

To recap, and summarize by clarifying the verses with modern terminology:

1 I beg you, by the Pre-Tribulation Rapture promise of Christ,

2 That you don't worry if you "hear by letter" that you are in the 7 year Great Tribulation of God's wrath

3 Don't be decieved. The Tribulation doesn't come until after the world wide events of the Great resurrection and rapture, which removes the righteous and leaves only those in rebellion and apostacy, which allows for the revealing of the AntiChrist,

4 Who says he is God, and who will sit in the temple and declare claim to be God.

5 Don't you remember this doctrine I told you already?

6 And now you know why the AntiChrist is not yet revealed to the world

7 Yes, the AntiChrist is working, but not fully, because you are still here, preventing his works by your prayers, until the rapture, when you will be taken out of the way.

8 And then the AntiChrist will come out of hiding, and the Lord will destroy him.

I can hear Paul thinking to himself... how could my diciples have been so easily misled, decived and troubled that they missed the rapture? And by a mere letter? It's a world-wide gospel-promoting supernatural event that no person could miss who was looking forward to it! They know it includes people rising from the dead, the last trump, and all the rest. I told them that in my first letter to them in Chapter 4, in fact, it was the only doctrinal teaching in my entire letter! Sheesh! I'd better make another journey back to Thessalonia to set these guys straight and reassure them, just in case my letter doesn't do it!



Now, I'm not ignorant of the fact that post-trib rapture believers interpret 2 Thess 2 in the opposite way,

and use it to prove a post-trib rapture... here's how they do it.

[2Thess 2:1] Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,

(they say this is the rapture, correctly, but then say the next verse "day of Christ" refers to the rapture as well.)

[2Thess 2:2] That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.

(Obviously, the Post Tribulationists are afraid of the Rapture, because this is the only way that that verse makes any sense. Yes, fear of the Lord is a good thing, but you should not let it affect your theology to the point where you are praying for the Lord to not come until after 7 years of tribulation!.... Also, being a post tribulationist, if you disbelieve Christ's ability to cleanse you of sin, and believe you need further cleansing through tribulation, being a post-trib believer, there is plenty of extra time to repent, 7 years, and/or simply stand up for Christ and accept a beheading to achieve "trib saint status", which may give one a full licence to sin all they want until that time, since the imminence of the rapture, which comes first, is removed. Perhaps the post tribulationists feel they deserve punishment for their sins because they have a hard time accepting the free gift of salvation through Christ. I'm speculating that IF the post tribulationists really want to go through the tribulation, Christ may let them. After all, one may be able to disobey when the trumpet call goes out to "Come up here!")

[2Thess 2:3] Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day [rapture--which they fear] shall not come, except there come a falling away [they assume means "from the faith"--which, they say, includes false doctrine, such as pre-trib rapture teaching, which somehow leads one to worship Satan through complacency and laziness, but I've never seen how that is possible if one is truly focused on Christ and knows the Bible, since the Antichrist cannot deceive the elect--so their fears of the AntiChrist's deception are also baseless (man, these post-trib guys fear a lot... consider Rev which says the fearful have their lot in Hell)] first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;

[2Thess 2:4] Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.

[2Thess 2:5] Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?

[2Thess 2:6] And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.

[2Thess 2:7] For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.

(Since this further explanation of Christians being removed disproves what they are saying, they say the "he" is undefined, and may mean "Michael, the chief/arch angel, whose removal allows for the rising of the Antichrist, although there is no other scripture anywhere in the Bible to support this teaching, other than the fact that Michael is a strong and powerful Angel, able to aid the delivering of a message to Daniel.)

[2Thess 2:8] And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:



Now, as for mid-trib or pre-trib. If the rapture reveals the antichrist, is the antichrist revealed when he sits in the temple or earlier? Well, in Daniel, the antichrist is revealed when he acts in front of "many"

[Dan 9:27.6] And he [antichrist] shall confirm the covenant with many for one week [of years]: and in the midst of the week [of years] he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.

And in Rev. he breaks the covenant 3.5 years into it when he sits in the temple and says he is God and receives power to make war against the saints, and make the mark of the beast mandatory.

[Rev 13:5] And there was given unto him [antichrist] a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies;

and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months. [3.5 years]

[Rev 13:6] And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and

his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven.

And when does the antichrist reveive power to continue for 3.5 years?

[Rev 11:7] And when they [the two witnesses] shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit [antichrist/Satan Rev 9:11, 17:8, Rev 20:3] shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them.

The antichrist receives power after he kills God's two witnesses who prophesy for the first half of the 7 year trib, 1260 days...

[Rev 11:3] And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.

I believe that Satan is cast down to earth at the time of the beginning of the 7 year tribulation, after all, the antichrist is revealed after/at the rapture, and I don't think the rapture would occur while Satan is still in Heaven--we Christians, who will judge angels, would slaughter him (and the Bible never describes a heavenly conflict between the raptured humans and Satan in Heaven), so, instead, the angels throw him out, just in time for our arrival in Heaven.

[Rev 12:7] And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,

[Rev 12:13] And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child.

[Rev 12:6] And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days. [3.5 years]

[Rev 12:14] And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time [the other way to say 3.5 years], from the face of the serpent.

In other words, Satan cannot make war against these saints (Isreal, the woman, and all who obey the commandments) for the first half of the 7 year tribulation, before he has any real power to do so, and while the woman is still being protected by God.

So, therefore, since the antichrist is revealed at the 7 year covenant, and he will need the 3.5 years just to solidify his world political power as well, the rapture MUST take place prior to the confirmation of the 7 year covenant, which represents the 7 year tribulation, or final week of Daniel's prophesy, the 70th week:.

[Dan 9:24] Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.

[Dan 9:25] Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.

Satan receives power just as God's wrath is being poured out in full, the last half of the 3.5 years of tribulation...



Here are a few verses that show the rapture takes place *prior* to the wrath of the tribulation: (just in case the previous exposition was not enough to convince you). There are many more verses that talk about the rapture, but I'm only listing a few that show "PRE" tribulation below:

[Isa 26:20] Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee:

hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast.

[Isa 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.

[Isa 57:1] The righteous perisheth, and no man layeth it to heart: and merciful men are taken away, none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil to come.

[Mal 3:16] Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD

hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that

feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.

[Mal 3:17] And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my

jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.

[Pss 97:10] Ye that love the LORD, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints; he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked.

[Luke 21:36] Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.

[1 Thessalonians 1:10] And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.

[1 Thessalonians 5:9] For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,

[Rom 5:9] Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.

[2Pet 2:9] The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:

[Rev 2:22] Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.

[Rev 3:10] Because you have kept my word of patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial which is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell upon the earth.

[Revelation 4:1] After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.

[Rev 8:13] And I beheld, and heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, Woe, woe, woe, to the inhabiters of the earth [those not raptured?] by reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels, which are yet to sound!

[Rev 19:1] And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven [the raptured?], saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God:

Finally, read all of Psalm 27, which is supposed to be read daily, every day for 30 days, during the 30 day time period of repentance that come prior to the Feast of Trumpets, also known as 'the last trump' the 'day that no man knows but the father', the day that comes 'like a thief in the night', also known as the 'wedding of the messiah', --and the Church is the Bride of Christ (Ephesians 5)

[Pss 27:1] The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

[Pss 27:2] When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.

[Pss 27:3] Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.

[Pss 27:4] One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.

[Pss 27:5] For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.

[Pss 27:6] And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.

[Pss 27:7] Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me.

[Pss 27:8] When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek.

[Pss 27:9] Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.

[Pss 27:10] When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up.

[Pss 27:11] Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.

[Pss 27:12] Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty.

[Pss 27:13] I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.

[Pss 27:14] Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

And there are many, many more verses that show that God saves his people during all kinds of trouble and tribulation. In fact, you could say that God's mercy and deliverance is a major theme of the Bible. There are no less than 6 examples of the pre-tribulation rapture in Genesis alone; (Noah and Lot are only two).





Not to mention the examples from the stories and accounts of Joshua, Esther, Ruth, David, Sampson, Jacob, and more!

1. Joshua marches against Jericho with trumpets, and the walls fall down, and the people rise up to enter the city to conquer it, symbolic of entering New Jerusalem, or going up in the rapture. (Joshua 6)

2. Esther, the bride, marries king Mordechai, who, through marriage, is exalted, enabling her to aid and intercede on behalf of the Jews before their tribulation at the hands of Haman, who is defeated. (Esther)

3. Ruth, a woman/bride, a gentile, who is so dedicated to Naomi and says "whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: Thy people shall my people and thy God shall be my God

FAITH WITHOUT WORKS IS DEAD

Faith without works is dead


The Apostle James starts out by saying not to commit adultery or to kill but he gets more specific when he writes if you do not commit adultery but kill then you are a transgressor of the law. This is James 2:11 but remember in verse ten if we even offend in one point we are guilty of the whole law. This is why Jesus Christ had to come to planet earth to die on a cross. He conquered death by raising from the dead on the third day. All we initially have to do is accept the Son of God into our hearts by repenting of all our sins.

James then writes about speaking and doing and how we will be judged.

The Apostle then speaks some very tough words that a person will receive judgment without mercy if an individual shows no mercy on earth. The good news is mercy rejoiceth against judgment.

I always felt really good when a person put on mercy with me and some of my adverse circumstances because most people do not care about other people. We need to do our best in showing mercy even if we don't feel like reaching out because God and the other person will appreciate that extension on our part. We live in a world that is tired, angry, apathy and preoccupied with our own melodramas but this is all the more reason we should step out of our comfort zone and just let someone know that we care about them and their situation.

James then writes a person can not say he or she has true faith in God and not have any works because the two go hand in hand. James gives an example of seeing a brother or sister naked and destitute of daily food and warns us not to depart without at least trying our very best to meet their needs.

Faith without works is dead. Notice the word faith is mentioned first because true belief in Jesus Christ produces fruit. On the other hand a person can do good works and not be a believer in Jesus Christ. They just never came to know Jesus Christ in a personal way so the key to being in the will of God is first accepting His Son and then allowing the Holy Spirit to show us what to do for God.

I think James phrased it perfect when he said, "Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone." James 2:17. Let me just quote the entire text so you can read it and perhaps make reference to it in this particular study of the Bible.

(11) "For He that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law. (12) So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty. (13) For He shall have judgment without mercy, that hath showed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment. (14) What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? (15) If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food. (16) And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warned and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? (17) Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone." James 2: 11 - 17. 

Verse eleven is very similar to verse ten. Maybe I should say the same principle is evident in both verses. In verse ten if we even broke one point of the law we broke the whole thing because God gave this to man as a bundle for obedience. Verse eleven basically says if you do not commit adultery but kill someone this person becomes a transgressor of the law. I have a feeling James was trying to repeat his point in verse ten but in a more specific way to make his point. If we offend in one point we have contemn for the authority of God who gave the entire law thus we become guilty of all even if we commit one sin. This is not fairness because the proper word would be justice. If I were driving 150 miles down the road and a policeman pulled me over can I really say but I follow all the other laws?

The Apostle James encourages Christians to conduct themselves by the law of God but through the grace of Jesus Christ. The gospel is referred to as a law because it requires duty, gives comfort and most of all we must realize Jesus Christ is our King to rule, teach and intercede for us to His Father. We are under the law of liberty and this wonderful service is from God. This is the gospel of Jesus Christ and it is perfect freedom. This is the reason we should give it our best to obey God by faith because we are going to be judged by this law of liberty. If our temperament and conversation is Godly we are on the right path of righteousness.

James gets even more specific to be merciful to the poor. If we do not show mercy now we will not be granted mercy on the day of judgment. In simple terms the Apostle is saying if we show mercy now we will triumph at the bema seat which is a judgment for believers in Jesus Christ. 

A mere confession of the Christian faith does not make us a true believer in Jesus Christ. According to this particular text that is not true salvation in Jesus Christ. A person is not justified by faith only but by works in conjunction with belief in Jesus Christ. If you do not believe me read the text again because a refusal to move in the will of God is rebellion.

I can hear the questions. Why did the Apostle Paul say that we are justified by faith only and not by the works of the law. Paul is writing about a different type of work than James but not another sort of faith. Different work, same faith because Paul was speaking of obedience to the law of Moses and then gave the gospel of faith in Jesus Christ. James writes about obedience to the gospel after they got saved through Jesus Christ.

Both Apostles had a deep concern to magnify the belief in the gospel of Jesus Christ. This alone saves and justifies us in our salvation. The Apostle Paul was dealing with people that thought their merit or works were going to save them in the sight of God. The Apostle James was dealing with those that claimed to have faith in Jesus Christ but would not allow works to be used as evidence of their belief in the Son of God. The word belief in John 3:16 is in the present tense which simply means a continual faith in Jesus Christ. It is not a one time thing where we make a decision and then walk away from the faith and say, "O.K I did my part." True faith in Jesus Christ does not work that way. When we get to heaven we will be engaging in some sort of task for the kingdom of God.

The Apostle James was dealing with people who claimed faith in Jesus Christ but set aside the law. The Apostle Paul was dealing with people that did good works but laid aside faith in Jesus Christ. Both of these groups are wrong. Paul writes about being justified in Jesus Christ before God the Father. James is speaking of our faith being justified before other people. At the risk of repeating myself if the word believe in John 3:16 is a continual belief then it would only stand to reason that we as true Christians would be compelled to labor for Jesus Christ for the right reason of doing the will of God.

Working for God could mean being way in the background or in the front but it is for the purpose of getting the gospel of Jesus Christ out to a dying world. There is no profit anywhere if a person says he has faith but no works in response to his or her belief in Jesus Christ. My question to you is where is the faith? According to this passage it could not possibly be in Jesus Christ. I can say I am a millionaire but that does not make me a millionaire. Words without proper responses are destitute and empty.

Love is a biblical principle but so is faith in Jesus Christ. We can say we are a person of love but where is the works to prove our charity. Faith and fruits go hand in hand and are the same principle as love being demonstrated with our hearts to other people in a tangible way. If we have love we will respond with mercy which is evidence of our faith in Jesus Christ especially to the poor.

True faith produces fruit. If we just have a profession of faith and we stop there it is the same thing as saying we are a millionaire and not really having a million dollars. Faith without works is a dead heart and will eventually produce bad fruit. A trained eye will be able to spot faith without works but it will also be able to recognize faith in Jesus Christ with good works to follow which is obedience to God. 

If you never initially came to know Jesus Christ in a personal way now may be a good time to accept Jesus Christ into your heart as your very own Savior and Lord by repenting of all your sins and inviting the Son of God into your life. If you just made that all important eternal decision your life will take on a true purpose for God and the Holy Spirit will show you opportunities to do good works because of your new found belief in Jesus Christ. People complain of having no purpose all the time but true born again Christians have a purpose and place in the kingdom of God. All we have to do is follow with simple faith and obedience to God and respond accordingly to people with real needs.

God Bless you,
Bob D.    

THE RICH AND POOR LIVING FOR THE GLORY OF GOD

The rich and poor living for the glory of God

The Apostle James reminds his readers that God has chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith through Jesus Christ and heirs of the Kingdom which He has promised to them that love Him. It is true most true Christians around this world are poor. If I may when James says, to them that love Him this is very comforting to me because that is the main truth Jesus Christ desires to see in our lives.

James makes a deeper point that it is not even logical to despise the poor because rich people are the ones that tend to oppress you and take you to court. The Apostle also explains that they are in more of a position to slander you because they tend to have power in one way or another. James continues on the subject by urging his readers to fulfill the royal law that they should love thy neighbor as thyself. To put on love to the rich and poor is the answer to the question. 

James reminds them that if you have respect to persons you are committing a sin. I have a feeling that something of this reality was happening so the Apostle wrote this to his readers.

Then James quotes one of the most popular verses by saying, "For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all." Let me quote the original text so you can read this passage and perhaps make reference to it in this particular study in the Bible.

(4) "Are you not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts? (5) Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the Kingdom which He hath promised to them that love Him? (6) But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats? (7) Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called? (8) If ye fulfill the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself, ye do well: (9) But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors. (10) For whosoever shall offend in one point, he is guilty of all." James 2: 4 - 10. 

James tries to explain the gravity of this sin to his readers because some were engaging in this transgression. James was concerned that they would be partial in themselves and then he had a question for them which was have you not made a difference. This is a rare way to explain something but in that difference they were judging by a false rule and advancing in the situation with false measures. The respect of people is owing to the sin and injustice of thoughts because the next part says you have become judges of evil thoughts. A person that does this has unrealistic estimations which alters their opinions and was then invented to themselves. Outward hype can change in one day but inward grace will last forever. Rich men are seen when mercy should be the characteristic that is visible.

James mentions our evil thoughts because sin is never seen until the evil of our thoughts comes out in the form of a transgression against God. If we show respect of persons it is contrary to the will of God. If you judge those who are heirs of the kingdom you are against your brothers and sisters in Christ. Many of the poor in this world are chosen by God. In general those with external advantages do not have as much intrinsic worth as the poor but of course there are exceptions to this rule.

If you are poor in this world and rich in faith through the Person of Jesus Christ then you are in the will of God. What I am trying to say is the poorest may be the richest so why the discrimination. Remember there is time, talents and treasures. The rich is only under the category of treasures and the pastor better hope they are not cheap. Another point I would like to make is they may be far more prone to being stingy with their time and talents. It has been my experience that the poor is far more generous than the wealthy with their time and talents. Ideally the wealthy should be rich in giving and good works. The poor should be rich in their faith along with using their time and talents. They can not help with the expenses because --- no money. One more point in that everybody better be doing these things for God with the right motive. If Christians are doing tasks for the Lord with the wrong reasons involving self will rather than the will of God than it will be thrown out for all eternity.

If the rich or poor accepted Jesus Christ into their hearts they are both heirs to the kingdom of God. Both are in a position of divine love but the key is to love Jesus Christ through our faith and obedience in God. The Apostle James tells us in James 1:12 that there is a crown of life for Christians who engage in this practice throughout their life. We serve an everlasting God who directs an everlasting kingdom so isn't it pretty obvious that riches will fade away and die. If we respect the rich over the poor this sin in light of all the facts will make us look foolish because it will bring us down. We as Christians will not be honoring the worthy name of Jesus Christ.

We need to love our neighbors whether they be rich or poor as ourselves because we are to have constant regard for this rule. This is a lifestyle. This is written in the Bible but the real question is it settled in our hearts? This is coming straight from the King of Kings because it is a royal law. It should be honored without partiality because our judgment before Jesus Christ will be impartial. The rich person will not be able to help us at the judgment seat.

As I look back on my life the poor was far more willing to help me in my troubled circumstances. If we follow the golden rule we teach other people by example to have empathy for all people. Granted some individuals are so rebellious before God that they do not want our understanding but for those that do this it is an opportunity to minister to them with the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit working through our hearts. 

We can not love our neighbor as ourselves if we are giving special attention to the rich. "For whosoever shall offend in one point, he is guilty of all." James 1:10. This verse is in the context of treating the wealthy with special treatment so if you show partiality in one point then it would be impossible to truly love one another as ourselves to everybody.

I would be lacking if I did not quote this verse the way most Christians do which is if you even sinned one time in your life you broke the whole law. This is how serious God is regarding the subject of sin.

Imagine if you are hanging from a cliff with ten chains but just one breaks. What do you think will happen? You will fall to the ground. If you ever sinned even once in your life you broke the entire law and are a sinner separated from God for all eternity. This is why God sent His Son to planet earth to die on a cross and rise from the dead on the third day. Everybody sinned at least one time so we all need a Savior.

Now may be a good time to accept Jesus Christ as your personal Savior and Lord by repenting of all your sins and inviting the Son of God in your life. I hope and pray that you just made that all important eternal decision.

God bless you,

Bob D.