How Then Should We Live

1. HOW THEN SHOULD WE LIVE? BEING RAPTURE-READY, TRIBULATION-PREPARED

2. Preparation: In this study, we will: 1. Take a long hard look at the tribulation issue (we need to be spiritually, mentally and emotionally prepared to examine what the Bible teaches about this period) 2. We will review whether the pre-trib rapture view is the one taught by the Bible 3. WE WILL LOOK FOR DIRECTION AND COMFORT FROM THE WORD OF GOD

3. WE ARE DEFINITELY LIVING IN THE LAST DAYS 1. The established sharp increases in the incidence of natural calamities 2. Signs in the sun, moon, stars (solar flares, polar shifts, weather extremes, etc.) 3. The system of marking of the beast (the Anti-Christ) 4. The division of the land of Israel, the rebuilding of the Temple 5. Many, many other signs

4. Interesting note 1: 1. EVERY GENERATION of Christians from the first century to the present ALWAYS BELIEVED THAT CHRIST WAS COMING DURING THEIR TIME (2 Thess. 1:6-10) First-century Christians could see the day drawing near: 24 and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds,25 not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near

5. (1 John 2:18) 11it is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep; for now salvation is nearer to us than when we believed. 12 The night is almost gone, and the day is near. Therefore let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. (Rom. 13:11-12) Do not seek a wife. (1 Corinthians 7 24 Brethren, let each one remain with God in that state in which he was called. 25 Now concerning virgins: I have no commandment from the Lord; yet I give judgment as one whom the Lord in His mercy has made trustworthy. 26 I suppose therefore that this is good because of the present distress--that it is good for a man to remain as he is: 27 Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek to be loosed. Are you loosed from a wife? Do not seek a wife.

6. 28 But even if you do marry, you have not sinned; and if a virgin marries, she has not sinned. Nevertheless such will have trouble in the flesh, but I would spare you. 29 But this I say, brethren, the time is short, so that from now on even those who have wives should be as though they had none, 30 those who weep as though they did not weep, those who rejoice as though they did not rejoice, those who buy as though they did not possess, 31 and those who use this world as not misusing it. For the form of this world is passing away. (1 Thess 4:15) "We who are still alive" 1 Cor 10:11 that the end of the ages is upon us.

7. WHAT DO WE MAKE OUT OF THIS? 1. The apostles (Peter, Paul, James) MERELY ECHOED JESUS OWN INSTRUCTIONS TO WATCH AND BE READY because the Lord can come ANYTIME 2. This is the doctrine of the IMMANENT RETURN OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST (anytime) 3. The coming of the Lord now is both IMMANENT (anytime) and IMMINENT (near) THE RIGHT ATTITUDE OF THE CHRISTIAN IS TO BE READY AT ANYTIME NOW (immanent and imminent) FOR THE RETURN OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST.

8. Interesting Note 2: 2. YOU WILL NEVER FIND IN THE BIBLE A TEACHING THAT YOU MUST NOT MIND THE SECOND COMING and that you just do your usual ministry Luke 17: 7 "And which of you, having a servant plowing or tending sheep, will say to him when he has come in from the field, 'Come at once and sit down to eat'? 8 "But will he not rather say to him, 'Prepare something for my supper, and gird yourself and serve me till I have eaten and drunk, and afterward you will eat and drink'? 9 "Does he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I think not. 10 "So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, 'We are unprofitable servants. We have only done what was our duty to do.'"

9. Luke 12:35-36 35 Make yourselves ready, with your lamps alight; 36 And be like men who are waiting for their Master's return from his wedding, so that, when he comes and knocks, they may open the door for him at once.

10. Interesting Note 3: 3. END-TIME PREPAREDNESS IS A MARK OF THE PREPARED BRIDE OF CHRIST For our citizenship is in heaven, for which also we eagerly wait for our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Philippians 3:20 In Galatians 5:5, Paul describes the Christian as one who through the Spirit, by faitheagerly wait[s] for the hope of righteousness (ESV). In his opening words to the Corinthians, he commends them for not lacking in any spiritual gift, awaiting eagerly the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Cor 1:7).

11. In 1 Thessalonians 1:9 and 10, this is how Paul defines a Christian: one who turned to God from idols to serve a living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven. And of course, in that section of the believers future hope in Romans 8, in verse 23, Paul says, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body. And then in 2 Timothy 4:8, as Paul prepares himself to go to his execution, he looks forward to his heavenly reward and says, In the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.

12. SO NOW THE QUESTION IS: IF THE COMING OF JESUS IS GETTING NEARER AND MUCH NEARER WITH INCREASING CLARITY OF THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES, HOW THEN SHOULD WE LIVE? 1. Should students still finish their studies? 2. Should persons in love (man-woman) still get married? 3. Should businessmen still invest? 4. Should we still build a house or rent? Etc., etc., etc.,

13. RELATED TO THIS, ARE WE GOING THROUGH THE TRIBULATION PERIOD OR NOT? The popular view is we will not: RAPTURE takes place BEFORE the Tribulation period (meeting Jesus in the clouds of the air) And SECOND COMING (Jesus setting foot on Mount of Olives to enter the Temple in Jerusalem) AT THE END OF THE GREAT TRIBULATION PERIOD This is the classical, popular view. ARE WE 100% SURE OF THIS?....

14. IF THIS IS CORRECT Well and good, we have nothing to worry about anymore, we will avoid all those terrible events described in the tribulation and great tribulation period. BUT if pre-trib rapture timing turns out to be wrong, WE WILL BE MOST DISADVANTAGED. WE BETTER CHECK IT while we still have the time and the chance

15. PASSAGES THAT SHOW THAT the RAPTURE CANNOT BE PRE- TRIB:I THESS. 2:1-4 Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, 2 not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come. 3 Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, 4 who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. HERE, THE RAPTURE IS PLACED AT THE TIME THE ANTI-CHIRST IS REVELAED BY HIS ACT OF DESECRATING THE TEMPLE, WHICH IS A MID-TRIB EVENT.

16. JESUS OWN WORDS in Matthew 24: 21 "For then there will be GREAT TRIBULATION, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. 22 "And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; BUT FOR THE ELECT'S SAKE THOSE DAYS WILL BE SHORTENED. (MEANING, THE ELECT IS IN THE GREAT TRIBULATION PERIOD! The church is also called the ELECT.) 23 "Then if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or 'There!' do not believe it. 24 "For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. 25 "See, I have told you beforehand. 26 "Therefore if they say to you, 'Look, He is in the desert!' do not go out; or 'Look, He is in the inner rooms!' do not believe it. 27 "For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.

17. Mathew 24 29 "IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE TRIBULATION OF THOSE DAYS the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 30 "THEN THE SIGN OF THE SON OF MAN WILL APPEAR IN HEAVEN, AND THEN ALL THE TRIBES OF THE EARTH WILL MOURN, AND THEY WILL SEE THE SON OF MAN COMING ON THE CLOUDS OF HEAVEN WITH POWER AND GREAT GLORY. 31 "AND HE WILL SEND HIS ANGELS WITH A GREAT SOUND OF A TRUMPET, AND THEY WILL GATHER TOGETHER HIS ELECT FROM THE FOUR WINDS, FROM ONE END OF HEAVEN TO THE OTHER. (RAPTURE) 32 "Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. 33 "So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near- -at the doors! 34 "Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place. 35 "Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away. 36 "But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.

18. THAT IS WHY: WE MUST BE RAPTURE- READY, BUT TRIBULATION PREPARED!

19. Now. Just a side note: Is there a chance for the second coming of Jesus to occur in 2014? NO, because there are AT LEAST 6 THINGS THAT MUST HAPPEN FIRST BEFORE THE SECOND COMING:

20. List of Prerequisites to Jesus' Return 1. Great Tribulation According to Daniel 9:27 = Matthew 24:21, Jesus must return after a period of Great Tribulation. During this Great Tribulation the Antichrist will rule over the world for 42 months (Rev 13). He will force all the unsaved (Rev 13:8) to take a mark in their right hand or forehead during that time. Plainly, we are not in the Great Tribulation and no mark of the beast has been issued yet. 2. Abomination of Desolation The Great Tribulation starts 30 days (the 1290 - the 1260 days) after the Abomination of Desolation is stood up on the Temple Mount (Mk 13:14). The abomination refers to the Image of the Beast statue being erected for worship (Rev 13:14). Another unfulfilled prophecy, despite what many think the abomination is.

21. Pre-requisites to second coming: 3. Temple Mount Sacrifices Similarly, on the day of the Abomination, daily oblation morning and evening animal sacrifices are to be stopped on the Temple Mount (Dan 12:11). These sacrifices have not even started yet, so obviously that's a major problem for Jesus to come back soon. 4. Third Temple Several passages describe a Third Temple on the Temple Mount during the Great Tribulation (Rev 11:1-2; Mt 24:15; 2The 2:3-4). The Antichrist is even described as sitting in this end time temple as part of his declaration of himself as God (2Th 2:4). Obviously, there is as yet still no temple or even a construction project under way for one.

22. 5. The Sixth Seal If you read Revelation 6:12- 17 carefully you will see that it depicts the entire population panicking and running for cover in response to signs in the heavens and a tremendous global earthquake on earth moving every mountain and island out of place. It is obvious that nothing like this has happened since the First Century when it was written and when knowledge of the Lamb of God (named by those panicking: Rev 6:16) has arrived. 6. Psalm 83/Isaiah 17 War - Damascus Destroyed Before all the above events, a swift war is predicted in the Middle East between Israel and many of her neighbors. You do not need a Bible to tell you this as many secular sources expect one, due to the tensions between Israel and her Arab (and Persian) neighbors. The concern over Iran's nuclear program has only added to this. The outcome of this war will be the destruction of Damascus and several other major Arab cities and regions, along with much devastation in Israel. Obviously, the attack has still not happened because Damascus remains a city to this day.

23. SO NOW HOW THEN SHOULD WE LIVE?

24. THE ANSWER OF JESUS in Matthew 24 and 25: JESUS gives us FOUR PARABLES immediately after he tells us of the last days THESE PARABLES OR STORIES are a GUIDE ON HOW WE SHOULD LIVE

25. FIRST STORY: the faithful and wise manager (Matt. 24: 45-51) 45 "Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household, TO GIVE THEM FOOD IN DUE SEASON? 46 "Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing. (PROVIDING FOOD) 47 "Assuredly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all his goods. 48 "But if that evil servant says in his heart, 'My master is delaying his coming,' 49 "and begins to beat his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunkards, 50 "the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him and at an hour that he is not aware of, 51 "and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. (NKJV)

26. NOTICE THE ELEMENTS: The servant is described as: 1. FAITHFUL 2. And WISE He is measured in terms of his ability to PROVIDE FOOD FOR THE SERVANTS of the household AT THE PROPER TIME (In due season) v. 45 THIS SERVANT WILL BE BLESSED. V. 45 The Lord will make him RULER OVER ALL HIS GOODS. V. 47 SO be a FAITHFUL AND WISE MANAGER. START WITH WHAT YOU HAVE. MANAGE IT WELL TO PROVIDE FOOD.

27. SECOND STORY: the wise virgins (Matthew 25:1-13) "Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2 "Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 3 "Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, 4 "BUT THE WISE TOOK OIL IN THEIR VESSELS WITH THEIR LAMPS. 5 "But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept. 6 "And at midnight a cry was heard: 'Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!' 7 "Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their

28. 8 "And the foolish said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.' 9 "But the wise answered, saying, 'No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.' 10 "And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut. 11 "Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, 'Lord, Lord, open to us!' 12 "But he answered and said, 'Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.' 13 "Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming. (NKJV)

29. Notice the elements: 1. The 5 VIRGINs (alma Bethrothed, bride) are WISE 2. Because they took oil IN THEIR VESSELS (aside from their lamps) this is EXTRA OIL (vessel is the whole body or person, lamp is the spirit) 3. They TRIMMED THEIR LAMPS (fasted lifestyle) 4. They DID NOT GIVE to the foolish virgins POINT 1: BE FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT MORE THAN THE USUAL (seek for more, for extra!) POINT 2: No borrowing you have to seek supply for yourself (FILLING OF SPIRIT IS PERSONAL)

30. THIRD STORY: the good and faithful servant (Matt. 25: 14-30) master leaves talents to 3 servants and goes away --- v. 19 AFTER A LONG TIME THE MASTER COMES, and RECKONS WITH THEM (KJV) ELEMENTS: 1. The Master EXPECTS US to make INVESTMENTS 2. He expects us TO PRESENT RETURN OF INVESTMENTS (ROI) 3. For HIS KINGDOM (V. 27 I SHOULD HAVE RECEIVED MY TALENT BACK WITH INTEREST.) not for our kingdom but for His 4. The Master makes the WISE AND FAITHFUL SERVANTS RULERS 5. He casts away the worthless servant into outer darkness where there is weeping and gnashing teeth

31. FOURTH STORY: sheep nation (Matt. 25: 31-46) On judgment day, the Lord will separate the SHEEP NATION from the GOAT NATION; BASIS FOR THE SEPARATION? Mt 25:34 "Then the King will say to those on His right hand, 'Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 35 'for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; 36 'I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.' 37 "Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? 38 'When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? 39 'Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?' 40 "And the King will answer and say to them, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.'

32. ELEMENTS OF THE SHEEP in this passage: 1. The King is JESUS 2. The sheep are the BLESSED OF MY FATHER (v. 34) 3. The sheep HAD COMPASSION FOR THE DESTITUTE (hungry, thirsty, naked, homeless, and sick): a. Jews? b. physically destitute? c. spiritually destitute? 4. They did it as UNTO JESUS

33. SUMMARY OF THE FUNDAMENTALS AS JESUS TAUGHT:According to Jesus Himself, in waiting for Him, we MUST: 1. FAITHFULLY AND WISELY MANAGE WHAT WE HAVE to provide food for the servants of the household 2. Be FILLED to the extra with the HOLY SPIRIT) here, to each his own, no borrowing possible 3. INVEST OUR GIFTS, TALENTS with a view to ROI 4. SHARE, LOVE, BLESS!!!

34. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: 1. Christians must manage what they have well (begin with what you have) GOOD STEWARDSHIP AND WISE MANAGEMENT 2. WE MUST BE VERY OPEN to the HOLY SPIRIT now (EXTRA OIL) 3. Multiply what you have INCREASE MENTALITY (not ito na lang like the wicked servant!) 4. Share what you have! BLESSOR MENTALITY So businessmen do business! Students finish your schooling! NO ISOLATION, NO HIDING, NO DOOMSDAY BUNKERING advice given!

35. PART II. HOW ABOUT THE TRIBULATION PERIOD? A. are we not going to escape it? B. if we are going through it, how may we be prepared for it?

36. TRIBULATION OVERVIEW (from a casualties point of view) Seal Judgments: 1. The Antichrist appears (Revelation 6:1-2): 0 deaths 2. Worldwide war. (Revelation 6:3-4): unknown 3. Economic collapse. (Revelation 6:5-6): unknown 4. Death (famine, disease, crime, animal attacks). (Revelation 6:7-8): 1/4 of the world's population = 1.75 billion deaths 5. Martyrs cry out. (usually interpreted as Antichrist killing Christians) (Revelation 6:9-11): unknown 6. Earthquake which moves mountains and islands, multiple meteor strikes. (Revelation 6:12-14): unknown

37. Tribulation (casualties point of view) Trumpet Judgments 1. 1/3 of earth, trees, and plants burned. (Revelation 8:7): unknown 2. Asteroid impact in ocean - kills 1/3 of sea life and poisons 1/3 of ocean. (Revelation 8:8): unknown 3. Asteroid impact which poisons 1/3 of fresh water. (Revelation 8:10-11): "Many people died because the water was so bitter 4. Reduction of sun, moon, and starlight by 1/3. (Revelation 8:12): 0 deaths 5. Release of supernatural "locusts" (probably demons) which torment people for 5 months. (Revelation 9:1-11): 0 deaths 6. Deaths of people caused by 200 million war horses and fire, smoke, and sulfur - possibly nuclear war. (Revelation 9:13-19): 1/3 of world's population = 2.1 billion deaths 7. Earthquake, hail, lightning, thunder. (Revelation 11:19):

38. Great Tribulation: Bowl Judgements 1. Painful sores for people with Mark of the Beast. (Revelation 16:1-2): 0 deaths 2. All sea life dies, all oceans become like blood. (Revelation 16:3): unknown 3. All rivers and streams become like blood. (Revelation 16:4): unknown 4. Sun intensifies and scorches people. (Revelation 16:8): 0 deaths 5. Darkness on Antichrist's kingdom, painful sores on people. (Revelation 16:10): 0 deaths 6. River Euphrates dries up, battle of Armageddon. (Revelation 16:12-16): unknown 7. Worst earthquake of all history, 100 pound hailstones. (Revelation 16:17-21): unknown

39. Time of great persecution of Christians Beginning in Seal #5 the Antichrist will probably start to kill off the Christians who resist him. The beast (the Antichrist) "was allowed to fight against God's people and defeat (OVERCOME) them." (Revelation 13:7). Also "Everyone who refused to worship the idol of the beast was put to death."(Revelation 13:15). "I also saw the souls of the people who had their heads cut off because they had told about Jesus and preached God's message. They were the same one who had not worshiped the beast or the idol, and they had refused to let its mark be put on their hands or foreheads."(Revelation 20:4). John sees a vision of a "large crowd with more people than could be counted, from every race, tribe, nation, and language" (Revelation 7:9) in heaven who had "gone through the great suffering and washed their robes in the blood of the lamb"(Revelation 7:14).

40. Initial summation: Out of all these judgments, the Bible only mentions 1/4 of the world's population dying in Seal #4, and 1/3 of the world population in Trumpet #6. Put together, these two judgments alone kill 3.85 billion people (55% of today's world population). This is equivalent to the entire countries of China, India, and the United States [1], plus still 1 billion other people. Already, the chances of surviving these two judgments is less than 50%.

41. OBSERVATION FIRST: Pre-trib rapture believers say that the church is no longer in the tribulation period because the church is mentioned only in chap. 4, and not in chap 5 to 21 (which covers the tribulation and great trib period). WE HAVE ONE LITTLE PROBLEM WITH THAT HOWEVER: Rev. 22:16 "I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star." WHY WOULD JESUS TELL CHAPS. 5 TO 21 TO THE CHURCHES IF THE CHURCH WILL NOT BE THERE?

42. PASSAGES ABOUT TIMING OF THE RAPTURE: 2THESS. 2:1 Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, 2 not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come. 3 Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come UNLESS the falling away comes first, and THE MAN OF SIN IS REVEALED, the son of perdition, 4 who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.

43. From Jesus Himself: Matt. 24 29 "Immediately AFTER the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 30 "THEN the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming ON THE CLOUDS OF HEAVEN with power and great glory. (RAPTURE) 31 "And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will GATHER TOGETHER HIS ELECT FROM THE FOUR WINDS, FROM ONE END OF HEAVEN TO THE OTHER.

44. SO, it is PRETTY OBVIOUS the rapture CANNOT TAKE PLACE BEFORE THE TRIBULATION PERIOD. BESIDES, who are the SAINTS who are mentioned all throughout chap. 6 to 21 of the Book of Revelation? Saints Christians, church are MENTIONED at least 14 TIMES between chapter 6 to 21 of Revelation (describing tribulation and great trib period)

45. ALSO, THE ELECT ARE MENTIONED AS BEING IN THE TRIBULATION PERIOD: MATTHEW 24: 21 And there shall be GREAT TRIBULATION such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, nor ever shall be 22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened. 31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. THE ELECT ARE THE CHRISTIANS, NO OTHERS!!! 1Peter 1:2 Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.

46. SO IF THE RAPTURE SHALL EVER BE PRE- TRIB, THEN PRAISE THE LORD!!! BUT IT LOOKS LIKE THE RAPTURE CANNOT BE PRE-TRIB; it looks CERTAIN that the church will go THROUGH THE TRIBULATION PERIOD! SO NOW HOW DO WE PREPARE? WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO CHRISTIANS IN THE TRIBULATION PERIOD?

47. AN OVERVIEW OF THE REAL SCORE: In the Book of Revelation, THERE ARE BOTH PROMISES OF PROTECTION (SAFETY) as well as PERSECUTION (SUFFERING) for Christians. Let the Bible to speak for itself in chronological order the things that will happen to believers of the Lord (in chronological order in the Book of Revelations):

48. Tribulation begins in rev. chap. 6: 1. REV. 6:9-11 9 When He opened the FIFTH SEAL, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held. 10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, "How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?" 11 Then a white robe was given to each of them; and it was said to them that they should rest a little while longer, until both the number of their fellow servants and their brethren, who would be killed as they were, was completed.

49. Rev. 7:1-4 (Sixth Seal) 1 After these things I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, on the sea, or on any tree. 2 Then I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God. And he cried with a loud voice to the four angels to whom it was granted to harm the earth and the sea, 3 saying, "DO NOT HARM the earth, the sea, or the trees till we have SEALED THE SERVANTS OF OUR GOD ON THEIR FOREHEADS." 4 And I heard the number of those who were sealed. One hundred and forty-four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel were sealed: x x x x x x.

50. REV. 9 (Fifth Trumpet) Re 9:1 Then the fifth angel sounded: And I saw a star fallen from heaven to the earth. To him was given the key to the bottomless pit. 2 And he opened the bottomless pit, and smoke arose out of the pit like the smoke of a great furnace. So the sun and the air were darkened because of the smoke of the pit. 3 Then out of the smoke locusts came upon the earth. And to them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power. 4 They were commanded NOT TO HARM the grass of the earth, or any green thing, or any tree, but only those men who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads. (MEANING, THOSE WHO HAVE THE SEAL OF GOD ON THEIR FOREHEADS WILL NOT BE HARMED.) 5 And they were not given authority to kill them, but to torment them (the unsealed men) for five months. Their torment was like the torment of a scorpion when it strikes a man. 6 In those days men will seek death and will not find it; they will desire to die, and death will flee from them.

51. Rev. 11 (The two witnesses) Re 11:1 Then I was given a reed like a measuring rod. And the angel stood, saying, "Rise and measure the temple of God, the altar, and those who worship there. 2 "But leave out the court which is outside the temple, and do not measure it, for it has been given to the Gentiles. And they will tread the holy city underfoot for forty-two months. 3 "And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth." 4 These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands standing before the God of the earth. 5 And if anyone wants to harm them, fire proceeds from their mouth and devours their enemies. And if anyone wants to harm them, he must be killed in this manner. 6 These have power to shut heaven, so that no rain falls in the days of their prophecy; and they have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to strike the earth with all plagues, as often as they desire. 7 When they finish their testimony, the beast that ascends out of the bottomless pit will make war against them, overcome them, and kill them. (NKJV)

52. The two witnesses Re 11:11 Now after the three-and -a-half days the breath of life from God entered them, and they stood on their feet, and great fear fell on those who saw them. 12 And they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, "Come up here." And they ascended to heaven in a cloud, and their enemies saw them. 13 In the same hour there was a great earthquake, and a tenth of the city fell. In the earthquake seven thousand people were killed, and the rest were afraid and gave glory to the God of heaven. (NKJV)

53. Revelations12 Re 12:1 Now a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a garland of twelve stars. 2 Then being with child, she cried out in labor and in pain to give birth. 3 And another sign appeared in heaven: behold, a great, fiery red dragon having seven heads and ten horns, and seven diadems on his heads. 4 His tail drew a third of the stars of heaven and threw them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was ready to give birth, to devour her Child (man-child KJV) as soon as it was born. 5 She bore a man-child who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron. And her child was caught up to God and His throne. 6 Then the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, that they should feed her there one thousand two hundred and sixty days.

54. The woman and the man- child Re 12:7 And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, 8 but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer. 9 So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. 10 Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, "Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down. 11 "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death. (NKJV)

55. The woman, the man-child, and the rest of the offspring: Re 12:13 Now when the dragon saw that he had been cast to the earth, he persecuted the woman who gave birth to the man-Child. 14 But the woman was given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness to her place, where she is nourished for a time and times and half a time, from the presence of the serpent. 15 So the serpent spewed water out of his mouth like a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away by the flood. 16 But the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed up the flood which the dragon had spewed out of his mouth. 17 And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. (NKJV)

56. AN INTERESTING CLUE HOLD YOUR QUESTIONS FIRST ON REV. 12 BECAUSE THERE IS A VERY, VERY INTERESTING CLUE THERE WHICH I BELIEVE SUPPORTS MY UNDERSTANDING OF WHEN SOME OF THE RAPTURE MIGHT TAKE PLACE, but we will come back to that later Lets finish first the survey OF WHAT HAPPENS TO THE SAINTS IN THE TRIBULATION PERIOD

57. REV. 13 The Beast of the Sea and the Beast of the earth Re 13:1 Then I stood on the sand of the sea. And I saw a beast rising up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and on his horns ten crowns, and on his heads a blasphemous name. 2 Now the beast which I saw was like a leopard, his feet were like the feet of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion. The dragon gave him his power, his throne, and great authority. 3 And I saw one of his heads as if it had been mortally wounded, and his deadly wound was healed. And all the world marveled and followed the beast. 4 So they worshiped the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, "Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?" (NKJV)

58. Revelations13: Re 13:6 Then he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His name, His tabernacle, and those who dwell in heaven. 7 IT WAS GRANTED TO HIM TO MAKE WAR WITH THE SAINTS AND TO OVERCOME THEM. And authority was given him over every tribe, tongue, and nation. 8 All who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. 9 If anyone has an ear, let him hear. 10 HE WHO LEADS INTO CAPTIVITY SHALL GO INTO CAPTIVITY; HE WHO KILLS WITH THE SWORD MUST BE KILLED WITH THE SWORD. HERE IS THE PATIENCE AND THE FAITH OF THE SAINTS. NIV: verse10: IF ANY ONE IS TO GO INTO CAPTIVITY, INTO CAPTIVITY HE WILL GO. IF ANYONE IS TO BE KILLED WITH THE SWORD, WITH THE SWORD HE WILL BE KILLED. THIS CALLS FOR PATIENT ENDURANCE AND FAITHFULNESS ON THE PART OF THE SAINTS.

59. Rev. 14 (the mark of the beast) Re 14:9 Then a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, "If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand, 10 "he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. 11 "And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name." 12 HERE IS THE PATIENCE OF THE SAINTS; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. 13 Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, "Write: 'Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.'" "Yes," says the Spirit, "THAT THEY MAY REST FROM THEIR LABORS, AND THEIR WORKS FOLLOW THEM."

60. Revelations 20 Re 20:1 Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. 2 He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years; 3 and he cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal on him, so that he should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years were finished. But after these things he must be released for a little while. 4 And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. Then I SAW THE SOULS OF THOSE WHO HAD BEEN BEHEADED for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. 5 But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. 6 Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years. (NKJV)

61. Rev. 21 Re 21:1 Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. 2 Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. 4 "And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away."

62. Revelations 21 7 "He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son. 8 "But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.

63. NOW WHAT DO WE MAKE OUT OF THIS? 1. Some are protected, not harmed 2. Others are led to captivity 3. Others are killed 4. Others are beheaded. ALL ARE CALLED TO OVERCOME! IS THERE A WAY TO KNOW WHO WILL BE WHAT?

64. THIS IS HOW WE WILL ANSWER THAT QUESTION: 1. FIRST, I will show you WHAT SEEMS TO ME TO BE AN OVERWHELMING EVIDENCE FOR A MID-TRIB RAPTURE WHERE THE SAINTS ARE PROTECTED AND UNTOUCHED 2. We will explain the qualities of this group of Christians 3. Then we will look at THE MANDATED QUALITIES FOR ALL CHRISTIANS REGARDLESS OF WHAT, and THE RANGE OF POSSIBLE EXPERIENCES of Christians in the tribulation period

65. LOOK AT THESE FOLLOWING VERY, VERY INTERESTING FACTS:1. FIRST, there is an end-time church that is promised to ESCAPE the HOUR OF TRIAL the PHILADELPHIA CHURCH: Re 3:7 "And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write, 'These things says He who is holy, He who is true, "He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens": 8 "I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name. 9 "Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie--indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you. 10 "Because you have kept My command to persevere, I ALSO WILL KEEP YOU FROM THE HOUR OF TRIAL WHICH SHALL COME UPON THE WHOLE WORLD, TO TEST THOSE WHO DWELL ON THE EARTH.

66. Notice: 1. The HOUR OF TRIAL mentioned is coming upon the WHOLE EARTH, to TEST or TRY them that dwell upon the earth 2. There is a group called THE SYNAGOGUE OF SATAN who say that they are Jews but are not (this is the group of the ANTI-CHRIST who will run the temple in the tribulation period first part) 3. THE LAST HOUR (KJV: last time) is referred to by John as the hour when the ANTI-CHRIST has come (I JOHN 2:18) SO THE PHILADELPHIA CHURCH WILL BE KEPT FROM (not through) this HOUR OF TRIAL. THIS LOOKS LIKE A PROMISE TO BE TAKEN AWAY AT THE MID-TRIB, BEFORE THE GREAT TRIBULATION PERIOD.

67. SUPPORTING PASSAGES?? SCRIPTURA INTERPRETATUM SCRIPTURUM. (Let the Scriptures interpret Scriptures): LET US GO BACK TO THE WOMAN OF REVELATION 12 pursued by the dragon:

68. Revelations12 Re 12:1 Now a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a garland of twelve stars. 2 Then being with child, she cried out in labor and in pain to give birth. 3 And another sign appeared in heaven: behold, a great, fiery red dragon having seven heads and ten horns, and seven diadems on his heads. 4 His tail drew a third of the stars of heaven and threw them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was ready to give birth, to devour her Child (man-child KJV) as soon as it was born. 5 She bore a man-child who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron. And her child was caught up to God and His throne. 6 Then the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, that they should feed her there one thousand two hundred and sixty days.

69. LOOK AT THIS AGAIN!!! She bore a man-child who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron. AND HER CHILD WAS CAUGHT UP TO GOD AND HIS THRONE. (BUT THE WOMAN WAS NOT CAUGHT UP!!!) 6 Then THE WOMAN FLED INTO THE WILDERNESS, where she has a place prepared by God, that they should feed her there ONE THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED AND SIXTY DAYS. (THIS IS 3 YEARS, half of the 7-year tribulation period.)

70. WHO IS THIS WOMAN?? Who is the MAN-CHILD? Popular theories: 1. Woman is Mary, man-child is Jesus 2. Woman is Israel (because she has twelve stars on her head), man-child is Jesus because he will rule all nations with an iron scepter

71. VERY SERIOUS problems with these two views (WHY THEY CANNOT BE): 1. They DIRECTLY CONTRADICT the whole purpose of the Book of Revelations in CHAP. 1:1 Re 1:1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things WHICH MUST SHORTLY COME TO PASS; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:

72. MEANING: Revelations (including chap. 12) is FUTURE, not PAST!! (Mary and the birth of Jesus 1ST COMING, as well as Israel and Jesus, by the time of Revelations, were already past events). 2. SECOND BIG PROBLEM (of the two views) they cannot explain how the man-child was taken up to heaven while the woman was cared for 3 years.

73. SO WHO IS THIS WOMAN AND WHO IS THE MAN-CHILD? ANSWER: 1. The WOMAN is the CHURCH. 2. The MAN-CHILD IS THE MATURE WARRIOR CHRISTIAN IN THE LAST DAYS (V. 5) (child of the church), and 3. THE REST OF HER OFFSPRING (V. 17) (are the rest of the children of the church who are not so mature).

74. DEFENSES OF THIS VIEW: 1. The woman is CLOTHED WITH THE SUN (the greater light), and the MOON (the lesser light) is UNDER HER FEET LUKE 1:76 to 79 (Song of Zechariah at birth of John the Baptist) 76 And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, 77 to give HIS PEOPLE the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of THEIR sins, 78 because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the RISING SUN WILL COME TO US from heaven 79 to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.

75. Why the woman is the end-time church: 2. SHE IS CROWNED WITH TWELVES STARS Rev. 1:20 The mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand is this: the seven stars are the SEVEN ANGELS of the SEVEN CHURCHES THE TWELVES STARS crowning the woman ARE THE COMPLETE NUMBER OF ANGELS OVER THE COMPLETE NUMBER OF CHURCHES or of the people of God. The theme of this (twelve stars twelve angels) is the PROTECTION of the woman.

76. Why the woman is the end-time church (JEWS AND GENTILES): 3. She is attacked by the GREAT RED DRAGON, HAVING SEVEN HEADS AND TEN HORNS, and SEVEN CROWNS UPON HIS HEAD which is a picture of the Anti- Christ (Rev. 13:1 ff), which is an event at the GREAT TRIBULATION ONLY. Very clearly, Israel alone is not the only object of attack of the Anti-Christ, but the body of Christ as well (both Jews and Gentiles). The woman CAN ONLY BE the end-time church.

77. WHO IS HER MAN-CHILD? They say the man-child CAN BE JESUS, but JESUS IN REVELATIONS IS NOT GOING UP BUT COMING DOWN. There is ANOTHER MAN-CHILD in Revelations, who will also rule the nations with a rod of iron . The man-child of REV. 2:24-28:

78. REV. 2:26-29 (message to church in Thyatira) 26 "And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I WILL GIVE POWER OVER THE NATIONS-- 27 'He shall rule them with a ROD OF IRON; They shall be dashed to pieces like the potter's vessels' --as I also have received from My Father; 28 "and I will give him the morning star. 29 "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."' THE MAN-CHILD IS THE OVERCOMER WHO WILL RULE WITH CHIRST (the bright and morning star) IN THE MILLENIAL REIGN.

79. THIS MAN-CHILD IS A TRIBULATION GENERATION CHRISTIAN BECAUSE look at his brothers: Rev. 3:18-23 "And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write, 'These things says the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet like fine brass: 19 "I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first. 20 "Nevertheless I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols. 21 "And I gave her time to repent of her sexual immorality, and she did not repent. 22 "Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her INTO GREAT TRIBULATION, unless they repent of their deeds. 23 "I WILL KILL HER CHILDREN WITH DEATH, and ALL THE CHURCHES SHALL KNOW that I am He who searches the minds

80. NOW WHAT IS THE PROMISE FOR THE MAN-CHILD? (Rev. 12) 1 Now a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a garland of twelve stars. 2 Then being with child, she cried out in labor and in pain to give birth. 3 And another sign appeared in heaven: behold, a great, fiery red dragon having seven heads and ten horns, and seven diadems on his heads. 4 His tail drew a third of the stars of heaven and threw them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was ready to give birth, to devour her Child (man-child KJV) as soon as it was born. 5 She bore a man-child who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron. AND HER CHILD WAS CAUGHT UP TO GOD AND HIS THRONE. 6 THEN the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, that they should feed her there one thousand two hundred and sixty days. CAUGHT UP harpaz in Greek - IS THE SAME WORD IN 1 THESS. 4:17 TO BE SNATCHED AWAY VIOLENTLY WITH AN

81. WHEN WAS HE CAUGHT UP? 5 She bore a man-child who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron. AND HER CHILD WAS CAUGHT UP TO GOD AND HIS THRONE. 6 Then the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, that they should feed her there one thousand two hundred and sixty days. 1,260 days is 3 years. HALF POINT OF 7- YEAR TRIBULATION PERIOD. It looks like the MAN-CHILD is taken away BEFORE THE SECOND 3 YEARS, that is, BEFORE THE GREAT TRIBULATION PERIOD!

82. BUT NOTE!!!!: 1. The WOMAN the man-childs mother, IS LEFT BEHIND, but she is still taken care of in the wilderness for 31/2 years!! WHAT DOES THIS MEAN? That the institutional church that AT LEAST BORE AND GAVE BIRTH TO THE MAN-CHILD AND DID NOT OPPOSE OR RESTRICT HIS GROWTH AS MAN-CHILD, IS ASSURED OF PROTECTION, THOUGH LEFT BEHIND!

83. WHAT IS THE WILDERNESS? Revelation 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. Revelation 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, from the face of the serpent. WHERE IN THE WORLD IS THIS? CLUE: 1,260 days or 3 years is 42 months

84. Consider this amazing fact! The 42 months in Revelation 11:2 and 13:5 has been associated with the 42 DIFFERENT CAMPS OF ISRAEL ON THEIR WAY TO THE PROMISED LAND, listed in Numbers 33. They "pitched in Succoth;" ... "pitched in Etham;" ... "pitched before Migdol;" ... "pitched in Marah;" ... "came unto Elim ... and they pitched there;" ... "encamped by the Red sea;" ... "encamped in the wilderness of Sin;" ... "encamped in Dophkah;" ... "encamped in Alush;" ... "encamped at Rephidim;" ... "pitched in the wilderness of Sinai;" ... "pitched at Kibrothhattaavah;" ... "encamped at Hazeroth;" ... "pitched in Rithmah;" ... "pitched at Rimmonparez;" ... "pitched in Libnah;" ... "pitched at Rissah;" ... "pitched in Kehelathah;" ... "pitched in mount Shapher;" ... "encamped in Haradah;" ... "pitched in Makheloth;" ... "encamped at Tahath;" ... "pitched at Tarah;" ... "pitched in Mithcah;" ... "pitched in Hashmonah;" ... "encamped at Moseroth;" ... "pitched in Benejaakan;" ... "encamped at Horhagidgad;" ... "pitched in Jotbathah;" ... "encamped at Ebronah;" ... "encamped at Eziongaber;" ... "pitched in the wilderness of Zin, which is Kadesh;" ... "pitched in mount Hor;" ... "pitched in Zalmonah;" ... "pitched in Punon;" ... "pitched in Oboth;" ... "pitched in Ijeabarim, in the border of Moab;" ... "pitched in Dibongad;" ... "encamped in Almondiblathaim;" ... "pitched in the mountains of Abarim, before Nebo;" ... "pitched in the plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho;" ... "pitched by Jordan, from Bethjesimoth even unto Abelshittim in the plains of Moab."

85. My understanding: In the 42 months of the GREAT TRIBULATION PERIOD, the mother of the man-child (the conceiving and birthing church) SHALL BE PROTECTED: 1. First in her own fleeing 2. And will be ASSISTED BY ANGELS (wings of a great eagle) to EITHER A PERMANENT PLACE, OR SEVERAL DIFFERENT TEMPORARY PLACES of protection throughout the entire GREAT TRIBULATION period where she is nourished for 1,260 days

86. BUT WAIT!!!! There is A THIRD GROUP OF CHRISTIANS!!! Rev. 12:17 And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and HE WENT TO MAKE WAR WITH THE REST OF HER OFFSPRING, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. (NKJV)

87. So you have three groups here at the MID-TRIBULATION POINT: 1. The MAN-CHILD caught up to God and his throne (v. 5) 2. The WOMAN (MOTHER mother church?) (the conceiving and birthing church that produced the man-child) LEFT BEHIND, INITIALLY PERSECUTED (V. 13) BUT PROTECTED (v. 14) BY GIVING HER WINGS OF A GREAT EAGLE TO FLEE INTO THE WILDERNESS 3. And then THE REST OF HER OFFSPRING the other Christians which keep the commandments and the testimony of Jesus, against whom the Dragon MADE WAR (v. 17)

88. So now everybody wants to be the MAN-CHILD!! man-child HUIOS, meaning, son, aka junior), contrast to child, TEKNON; Huios means to have the same characteristics as the Father as in son of God, son of perdition, son of thunder; emphasizes likeness rather filiation Hebrew arrhen, or arsen a STRONG offspring (strong as for lifting of weights or burdens) -- OVERCOMER

89. DONT FORGET! Many of these man-child ARE WOMEN!! They are passionate for the Lord, they are overcomers, they seek the Lord with all their heart, they follow the Lamb wherever He goes! They are undefiled, they are blameless, they stand and kneel before the THRONE!

90. SO THE MAN-CHILD IS AN INTERESTING END-TIME CHRISTIAN, he/she escapes the GREAT TRIBULATION PERIOD But WAIT A MINUTE!!!! THERE IS ANOTHER INTERESTING GROUP that ALSO ESCAPES THE GREAT TRIBULATION PERIOD; And that is, THE OTHER 144,000 WITNESSES!

91. The FIRST 144,000 witnesses are popular and well-known: REVELATIONS 7:1-8 After these things I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, on the sea, or on any tree. 2 Then I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God. And he cried with a loud voice to the four angels to whom it was granted to harm the earth and the sea, 3 saying, "Do not harm the earth, the sea, or the trees till we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads." 4 And I heard the number of those who were sealed. ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY-FOUR THOUSAND OF ALL THE TRIBES OF THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL were sealed: 5 of the tribe of Judah twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Reuben twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Gad twelve thousand were sealed; 6 of the tribe of Asher twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Naphtali twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Manasseh twelve thousand were sealed; 7 of the tribe of Simeon twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Levi twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Issachar twelve thousand were sealed; 8 of the tribe of Zebulun twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Joseph twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Benjamin twelve thousand were sealed.

92. Important sidenote to this 144,000 Jewish witnesses: the tribe of DAN is excluded From early in Israels history, Dan was the center of idolatry for the kingdom (Judges 18:30-31). During the days of the divided kingdom, Dan was one of two centers for idolatry (1 Kings 12:28-30). And there is recorded in some non-Biblical Jewish writings that the Jews thought the anti-Christ would come out of Dan based on Genesis 49:17. POINT: DO NOT TAKE THE ISSUE OF IDOLATRY LIGHTLY ESPECIALLY IN THESE LAST DAYS

93. But there is ANOTHER 144,000 (Revelations 14) 14:1 And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on Mount Zion, and with him an HUNDRED FORTY [AND] FOUR THOUSAND, having his Father's name written in their foreheads. The Similarities of the Two Groups: Two basic reasons are usually advanced for considering the two groups similar: Both groups total 144,000, and Both groups have something written on their foreheads.

94. THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE TWO GROUPS: 1. The Revelation 7 group is specifically Jewish, 12,000 from each of the twelve tribes. The Revelation 14 group comes "from the earth" or "from among men. 2. The Revelation 7 group is sealed with the Father's seal. The Revelation 14 group has the name of both the Father and the Son. 3. The scene of chapter 7 occurs on the earth. Chapter 14 takes place in heaven, but ONLY HALFWAY THROUGH THE TRIBULATION. How do we know this? BECAUSE THE GREAT TRIBULATION IS DESCRIBED IN VERSES 6-9:

95. Rev. 14:6-9 Re 14:6 Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth--to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people-- 7 saying with a loud voice, "Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water." 8 And another angel followed, saying, "Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she has made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication." 9 Then a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, "IF ANYONE WORSHIPS THE BEAST AND HIS IMAGE, AND RECEIVES HIS MARK ON HIS FOREHEAD OR ON HIS HAND, SO THE SCENERY IN VERSES 1-5 WAS BEFORE THE BEAST, MEANING BEFORE THE GREAT TRIBULATION. MEANING, THIS OTHER 144,000 WAS ALREADY IN HEAVEN BEFORE THE GREAT TRIBULATION PERIOD.

96. SO WHO ARE THESE OTHER 144,000 WHO ARE ALREADY IN HEAVEN BEFORE THE GREAT TRIBULATION PERIOD? REVELATIONS 14:1-5 Then I looked, and behold, a Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with Him ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY-FOUR THOUSAND, having His Father's name written on their foreheads. 2 And I heard a voice from heaven, like the voice of many waters, and like the voice of loud thunder. And I heard the sound of harpists playing their harps. 3 They sang as it were a NEW SONG before the throne, before the four living creatures, and the elders; and NO ONE COULD LEARN THAT SONG EXCEPT THE HUNDRED AND FORTY-FOUR THOUSAND WHO WERE REDEEMED FROM THE EARTH. 4 THESE ARE THE ONES WHO WERE NOT DEFILED WITH WOMEN, FOR THEY ARE VIRGINS. THESE ARE THE ONES WHO FOLLOW THE LAMB WHEREVER HE GOES. THESE WERE REDEEMED FROM AMONG MEN, BEING FIRSTFRUITS TO GOD AND TO THE LAMB. 5 AND IN THEIR MOUTH WAS FOUND NO DECEIT, FOR THEY ARE WITHOUT FAULT BEFORE THE THRONE OF GOD.

97. Their characteristics: 1. THEY HAVE THE FATHERS NAME WRITTEN ON THEIR FOREHEADS v. 1 (compare with seal of God on their foreheads of the 144,000 Jewish witnesses, Rev. 7:3). WHAT IS THIS SEAL? WHO ARE GIVEN THIS SEAL? We have a very important clue from EZEKIEL 9:

98. The seal of Ezekiel 9: 1 Then He called out in my hearing with a loud voice, saying, "Let those who have charge over the city draw near, each with a deadly weapon in his hand." 2 And suddenly six men came from the direction of the upper gate, which faces north, each with his battle-ax in his hand. One man among them was clothed with linen and had a writer's inkhorn at his side. They went in and stood beside the bronze altar. 3 Now the glory of the God of Israel had gone up from the cherub, where it had been, to the threshold of the temple. And He called to the man clothed with linen, who had the writer's inkhorn at his side; 4 and the LORD said to him, "Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and PUT A MARK ON THE FOREHEADS OF THE MEN WHO SIGH AND CRY OVER ALL THE ABOMINATIONS THAT ARE DONE WITHIN IT." 5 To the others He said in my hearing, "Go after him through the city and kill; do not let your eye spare, nor have any pity. 6 "Utterly slay old and young men, maidens and little children and women; BUT DO NOT COME NEAR ANYONE ON WHOM IS THE MARK; and begin at My sanctuary." So they began with the elders who were before the temple.

99. Their other qualities: (1. The the Fathers Name written on their foreheads seal; seal of the intercessor for the land who weeps and wails for the sins of the land) 2. THEY SUNG A NEW SONG (Psalm 33, 48, 98) BEFORE THE THRONE (Rev. 14:3) a song which nobody else could sing except them (v. 3) THIS IS UNDERSTOOD AS THE SONG PASSION AND INTIMACY WHICH ONLY A BRIDAL CHRISTIAN CAN SING

100. Their qualities: (Rev.14) 3. They are FAMILIAR WITH THE THRONE ROOM they sing their new song before the beasts (cherub) and the (24) elders. V. 3 They are familiar with soaking in the presence of the Lord, which is a throne room experience. This can only mean they had a very strong prayer and worship life. 4. They were NOT DEFILED WITH WOMEN, for they were virgins V. 4 (which simply mans PURITY) can mean both celibate or married and faithful because Heb 13:4 Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge. (in v.4 the Greek word for "pure" is parthenos, lit., "virgin";) 5. THEY FOLLOWED THE LAMB WHEREVER HE GOES (WENT) v. 4B meaning THEY LIVED A COMPLETELY OBEDIENT

101. Their qualities (Rev. 14) 5. They were REDEEMED FROM AMONG MEN, BEING THE FIRSTFRUITS UNTO GOD AND TO THE LAMBV. 4c Seems to imply RAPTURED FIRST because THEY WERE BEFORE THE THRONE (WITH THE CHERUB AND THE ELDERS) unto God and the Lamb AND NOT DESCRIBED AS UNDER THE ALTAR THE SOULS OF THEM THAT WERE SLAIN FOR GOD (Rev. 6:9) -- also they were REDEEMED FROM MEN AND NOT REDEEMED FROM THE EARTH, IMPLYING A TAKING AWAY FROM THE COMPANY OF PEOPLE 6. In their mouth was found no guile (v. 5) ISAIAH 6 7. For they are without fault (blameless) before the throne of God (v. 5b) THE GLORIOUS CHURCH (BRIDE) EPH. 5

102. This can only fit the description of the Bridal Christian, the glorious Bride

103. SO NOTICE: THREE KINDS OF CHRISTIANS are described as being in heaven before the great trib: 1. The PHILADELPHIA CHURCH 2. The MAN-CHILD 3. The 144,000 of Rev. 14 THEIR RAPTURE IS NOT PRE-TRIB, BUT PRE GREAT TRIB. WHY DO WE SAY THIS? Because the 7 bowl judgments IS THE GREAT TRIBULATION PERIOD and it begins in CHAP. 15 and 16

104. Contrast this with the great multitude of Rev. 7:9-19 v. 7After these things I looked, (AFTER THE VISION OF THE 144,000 JEWISH WITNESSES) 8 and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands, 10 and crying out with a loud voice, saying, "Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!" 11 All the angels stood around the throne and the elders and the four living creatures, and fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, 12 saying: "Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom, Thanksgiving and honor and power and might, Be to our God forever and ever. Amen." 13 Then one of the elders answered, saying to me, "Who are these arrayed in white robes, and where did they come from? NOTE: THEY THESE ARE THE CONVERTS OF THE PREACHING OF THE 144,000 JEWISH WTINESSES

105. Rev. 7:14-19 14 And I said to him, "Sir, you know." So he said to me, "THESE ARE THE ONES WHO COME OUT OF THE GREAT TRIBULATION, AND WASHED THEIR ROBES AND MADE THEM WHITE IN THE BLOOD OF THE LAMB. 15 "Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple. And He who sits on the throne will dwell among them. 16 "They shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any heat; 17 "for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes." IN CONTRAST, THE 144,000 OF REV. 14 ARE NOT MENTIONED AS HAVING COME OUT OF THE GREAT TRIBULATION PERIOD. So they must have been raptured before it.

106. BUT WAIT!!! The Philadelphia Church, the man-child, the 144,000 believers of Rev. 14 are PRE-GREAT TRIB rapture Christians. DOES THIS MEAN THEY WILL GO THROUGH THE TRIBULATION PERIOD, (the first 3 years of the 7- year tribulation period)? John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. Acts 14:22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.

107. Tribulation: Romans 5:3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; Romans 8:35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Romans 12:12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; 2 Corinthians 1:4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. 2 Corinthians 7:4 Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation. 1Thess 3:4 For verily, when we were with you, WE TOLD YOU BEFORE THAT WE SHOULD SUFFER TRIBULATION; even as it came to pass, and ye know.

108. How about we will not suffer wrath? 1Th 1:10 and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come. 1Th 5:9 For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,

109. WHEN AND WHERE IS THE WRATH OF GOD? Rev. 14:10 "he himself (the beast) shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. Rev. 14:19 So the angel thrust his sickle into the earth and gathered the vine of the earth, and threw it into the great winepress of the wrath of God. Rev. 15:1 Then I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvelous: SEVEN ANGELS HAVING THE SEVEN LAST PLAGUES, for in them the WRATH OF GOD IS COMPLETE. Rev. 15:7 Then one of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels SEVEN GOLDEN BOWLS FULL OF THE WRATH OF GOD who lives forever and ever.

110. WHEN WILL THE WRATH OF GOD START? Revelations 6:12 I looked when He opened the SIXTH SEAL, and behold, there was a GREAT EARTHQUAKE; AND THE SUN BECAME BLACK AS SACKCLOTH OF HAIR, AND THE MOON BECAME LIKE BLOOD. (NOTE: THERE ARE FIVE OTHER GREAT EARTHQUAKES IN REVELATIONS, SIX IN ALL) 13 And the stars of heaven fell to the earth, as a fig tree drops its late figs when it is shaken by a mighty wind. 14 Then the sky receded as a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved out of its place. 15 And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains, 16 and said to the mountains and rocks, "Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and FROM THE WRATH OF THE LAMB! 17 "FOR THE GREAT DAY OF HIS WRATH HAS COME, AND WHO IS ABLE TO STAND?"

111. Note: there are 5 other earthquakes mentioned in Revelations Earthquake #2 -- is the opening of the 7th Seal as we can see and this is the announcement of the 7 Trumpets and the 7 Trumpets take you to the coming of our Savior and the Resurrection, and this takes us to two additional earthquakes. (Rev 8:5) Then the angel took the censer, filled it with fire from the altar, and hurled it on the earth; and there came peals of thunder, rumblings, flashes of lightning and an earthquake. Earthquake #3 -- this earthquake is obviously centered at Jerusalem, where the Two Prophets rise to meet their Savior. (Rev 11:12-13) Then they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, "Come up here." And they went up to heaven in a cloud, while their enemies looked on. At that very hour there was a severe earthquake and a tenth of the city collapsed. Seven thousand people were killed in the earthquake, and the survivors were terrified and gave glory to the God of heaven.

112. Earthquake 4 Earthquake #4 a great hailstorm accompanies this earthquake. (Rev 11:18-19) The nations were angry; and your wrath has come. The time has come for judging the dead, and for rewarding your servants the prophets and your saints and those who reverence your name, both small and great-- and for destroying those who destroy the earth." Then God's temple in heaven was opened, and within his temple was seen the ark of his covenant. And there came flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, an earthquake and a great hailstorm. Here we see this 4th earthquake accompanied by a great hailstorm, and for all of this we do not see mankind repenting. We as followers of the Word need to recognize these events and not be fooled by false teachers that have themselves been deceived by the sound of their own voice and writings, into following a doctrine that would blind us to the warnings coming. These warnings, or announcements, if you will, are punctuated with earthquakes and events only the Creator can control. No one will be able to give credit to mankind for this kind of power. Our Heavenly Father can put a stop, literally, to any plans men may have by merely shaking the earth to pieces.

113. Earthquake 5 Earthquake #5 Revelation 16:17-21, describes and earthquake never before seen even greater than the great quake of previous years. This is the punishment to fall on the Babylonian Beast system and the false Prophet. (Rev 16:16-17) Then they gathered the kings together to the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon. The seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and out of the temple came a loud voice from the throne, saying, "It is done!" (Rev 16:18-21) Then there came flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder and a severe earthquake. No earthquake like it has ever occurred since man has been on earth, so tremendous was the quake. The great city split into three parts, and the cities of the nations collapsed. God remembered Babylon the Great and gave her the cup filled with the wine of the fury of his wrath. Every island fled away and the mountains could not be found. From the sky huge hailstones of about a hundred pounds each fell upon men. And they cursed God on account of the plague of hail, because the plague was so terrible.

114. BUT THE WRATH BEGINS WITH THE SIXTH SEAL: PLEASE NOTE: After the sixth seal (REV. 6:12 FF): 1. The 144,000 Jewish witnesses are SEALED (REV. 7:1-8) (BUT THOSE WHO BELIEVE THEIR MESSAGE go through the great tribulation period Rev. 7:9-17) 2. The SEVEN TRUMPET JUDGMENTS FOLLOW (Rev. 8:6-13) 3. And the LOCUSTS (SCORPIONS) released AT THE FIFTH TRUMPET (Rev. 9:1-6) are told NOT TO HARM THOSE WHO HAVE THE SEAL OF GODS ON THEIR FOREHEADS 4. Rev. 10 angel who shouts no more delay 5. Rev. 11 two witnesses 6. Rev. 12 THE WOMAN AND THE MAN-CHILD WHO WAS CAUGHT UP IN HEAVEN (before the bowl judgments!!!)

115. MEANING: Whether your interpretation of the SIXTH SEAL is beginning of TRIBULATION PERIOD, or beginning of GREAT TRIBULATION PERIOD, the IMPORTANT THING IS: 1. YOU HAVE SEALED SERVANTS WHO ARE PROTECTED a. 144,000 JEWISH WITNESSES of Rev. 7, b. And those people who have THE SEAL OF GOD ON THEIR FOREHEADS Rev. 9:4), 2. and SERVANTS WHO ARE OUT OF THE WAY a. the MAN-CHILD of Rev. 12, b. and the OTHER SEALED SERVANTS 144,000 (Rev. 14:1-5) BY THE TIME IT HAPPENS! REMEMBER THE SEAL OF EZEKIEL 9!!!!

116. AND YET, THERE WILL BE CHRISTIANS WHO WILL BE LEFT BEHIND. IS IT BECAUSE THEY ARE BAD? IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THEM? ARE THEY BEING PUNISHED?

117. Corrie ten Boom: There are some among us teaching there will be no tribulation, that the Christians will be able to escape all this. These are the false teachers that Jesus was warning us to expect in the latter days. Most of them have little knowledge of what is already going on across the world. I have been in countries where the saints are already suffering terrible persecution. In China, the Christians were told, Dont worry, before the tribulation comes you will be translated raptured. Then came a terrible persecution. Millions of Christians were tortured to death. Later I heard a Bishop from China say, sadly, We have failed. We should have made the people strong for persecution rather than telling them Jesus would come first. Tell the people how to be strong in times of persecution, how to stand when the tribulation comes to stand and not faint.

118. Corrie ten Boom I feel I have a divine mandate to go and tell the people of this world that it is possible to be strong in the Lord Jesus Christ. We are in training for the tribulation, but more than sixty percent of the Body of Christ across the world has already entered into the tribulation. There is no way to escape it. We are next.

119. Corrie ten Boom In America, the churches sing, Let the congregation escape tribulation, but in China and Africa the tribulation has already arrived. This last year alone more than two hundred thousand Christians were martyred in Africa. Now things like that never get into the newspapers because they cause bad political relations. But I know. I have been there. We need to think about that when we sit down in our nice houses with our nice clothes to eat our steak dinners. Many, many members of the Body of Christ are being tortured to death at this very moment, yet we continue right on as though we are all going to escape the tribulation.

120. WHO WILL BE LEFT BEHIND?1. The CONVERTS OF THE 144,000 JEWISH WITNESSES (Rev. 7:9-17) -- they are from all over the world (from every tribe, people and language) 2. The WOMAN of REV. 12 SHE IS HOWEVER PROTECTED IN THE WILDERNESS (v. 6) Rev. 12:6 Then the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, that they should feed her there one thousand two hundred and sixty days. 2. THE REST OF THE OFFSPRING of the Rev. 12 woman (v. 17) Rev 12:17 And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

121. Those who are going through the great tribulation: 4. The CHURCH OF SMYRNA this is GOOD CHURCH!! A martyrs church; REVELATIONS 2: "And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write, 'These things says the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life: 9 "I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10 "Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, THAT YOU MAY BE TESTED, AND YOU WILL HAVE TRIBULATION TEN DAYS. BE FAITHFUL UNTIL DEATH, AND I WILL GIVE YOU THE CROWN OF LIFE. 11 "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death."'

122. OTHERS WHO ARE LEFT BEHIND: 5. CHURCH OF PERGAMUM (CONDITIONAL) Re 2:12 "And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write, 'These things says He who has the sharp two- edged sword: 13 "I know your works, and where you dwell, where Satan's throne is. And you hold fast to My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days in which Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. 14 "But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality. 15 "Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. 16 'Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth.

123. Those who will be left behind 6. CHURCH IN THYATIRA - (conditional) Rev. 2:18-25 18 "And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write, 'These things says the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet like fine brass: 19 "I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first. 20 "Nevertheless I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols. 21 "And I GAVE HER TIME TO REPENT OF HER SEXUAL IMMORALITY, AND SHE DID NOT REPENT. 22 "INDEED I WILL CAST HER INTO A SICKBED, AND THOSE WHO COMMIT ADULTERY WITH HER INTO GREAT TRIBULATION, UNLESS THEY REPENT OF THEIR DEEDS. 23 "I WILL KILL HER CHILDREN WITH DEATH, and ALL THE CHURCHES SHALL KNOW that I am He who searches the minds and hearts. And I will give to each one of you according to your works. 24 "Now to you I say, and to the rest in Thyatira, as many as do not have this doctrine, who have not known the depths of Satan, as they say, I will put on you no other burden.

124. Those who will be left behind 7. CHURCH IN SARDIS (Rev. 3:6) CONDITIONAL Re 3:1 "And to the angel of the church in Sardis write, 'These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: "I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, BUT YOU ARE DEAD. 2 "Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God. 3 "Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. THEREFORE IF YOU WILL NOT WATCH, I WILL COME UPON YOU AS A THIEF, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you. 4 "You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy. 5 "He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels. 6 "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the

125. What will happen to those who did not repent and were left behind? "I beheld, and the same horn (antichrist) made war with the saints (Living Christians), and prevailed against them; Daniel 7:21 KJV "And it was given unto him (antichrist) to make war with the saints (Living Christains), and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. Revelation 13:7 KJV

126. SUMMATION: There are several Christians in the tribulation/great tribulation period: THE GLAD GROUP: 1. Those taken out of the way (Philadelphia, man- child, 144,000 servants) 2. Those left behind but protected (woman of Rev. 12, the Rev. 9 intercessors) 3. Left behind to suffer for Christ and die for Him because it is their calling and glory (Smyrna church) THE SAD GROUP: 1. Left behind because they did not repent of their existing and continuing sins (Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Laodicea churches, and Ephesus?) 2. Left behind because they did not have the seal

127. FINAL APPEAL: We are doing our best to STAND IN THE GAP FOR THE LAND to intercede, to goshenize the land (will touch on that next lessons) BUT GOD WANTS TO SPEAK TO US INDIVIDUALLY RIGHT NOW. PLEASE LET HIS OWN WORD/S SPEAK TO US STRAIGHT:

128. Ezekiel 14:13-20 "Son of man, WHEN the land sins against me by trespassing grievously(great FALLING AWAY), then will I stretch out mine hand upon it, and will break the staff of the bread thereof, and will send famine upon it, and will cut off man and beast from it. Though these three men, NOAH, DANIEL, and JOB, were in it, they should but deliver their OWN souls by their RIGHTEOUSNESS, says God. If I cause noisome beasts to pass through the land, and they spoil it, so that it be desolate, that no man may pass through because of the beasts:

129. Ezekiel 14:13-20 Though these men were in it, (in the midst of it) as I live says God, they shall deliver NEITHER sons NOR daughters: they ONLY shall be delivered, but the land shall be desolate. Or if I bring a sword upon that land, and say, Sword, go through the land; so that I cut off man and beast from it: Though these three men were IN it, as I live says the Lord God, they shall neither deliver sons and daughters, but ONLY shall be delivered THEMSELVES. Or if I send pestilence into the land, and pour out my fury upon it in blood, to cut off from it man and beast: Though NOAH, DANIEL, and JOB, were IN it, as I live, says the Lord God, they shall deliver their

130. Philippians 2:12 "Wherefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not in my PRESENCE ONLY, but now MUCH MORE in my absence, work out YOUR OWN salvation with fear and trembling."

131. 1 Peter 4:17-19 "For the time is come that judgment must BEGIN at the HOUSE of God: and if it FIRST begin at US, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? And IF THE RIGHTEOUS SCARCELY BE SAVED, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? WHEREFORE let them that suffer according to the will of God COMMIT the KEEPING of their souls to him in well doing (righteousness),as unto a faithful

132. 2 Timothy 1:12, For the which cause I also suffer these things; NEVERTHELESS I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to KEEP that which I have COMMITTED unto him against that day (the second coming of Jesus).

133. 1Peter 5:8,9 Be sober, be vigilant: (why?), BECAUSE your adversary, the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, SEEKING whom he may devour: Whom RESIST STEADFAST in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world."

134. 1 John 5:18 "WE know that whosoever is born of God sins not: but he that is begotten of God keeps himself (from sin) and that wicked one (Satan, the devil) TOUCHES him NOT.

135. Psalm 91:8-12. verse 10 "There shall NO EVIL befall you NEITHER shall ANY PLAGUE come nigh your dwelling place."

136. Proverbs 1:33 But whoso hearkens unto me shall dwell SAFELY, and shall be quiet from the FEAR of EVIL. Look at 1 Peter 3:13 that tells us this, And who is he that will HARM you, IF you be followers of that which is good?

137. Proverbs 19:23 The fear of the Lord tends to life: and he that has it (the fear of the Lord) shall abide satisfied; he SHALL NOT BE VISITED WITH EVIL. Look at Proverbs 16:7. When a mans ways please the Lord, he makes EVEN his enemies to be at peace with him.

138. Exodus 15:25,26, And said, IF you will diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord your God, and will do that which is right in his sight, and will give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put (allow or permit)NONE of these diseases upon you, which I have brought (allowed or permitted) upon the Egyptians: for I am the Lord that HEALS you."

139. CHARACTER WORKS, NOT PERFORMANCE WORKS! Matthew 7:22,23, MANY shall say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in your name? And in your name cast out devils? And in your name have done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you, you that work INIQUITY (sin)."

140. Ezekiel 33:11-19 Say unto them, As I live says the Lord God, I have NO PLEASURE in the death of the wicked; but the wicked turn from his way and live; turn you, turn you from your evil ways, for why will you die, oh you house of Israel? 12. Therefore, you son of man, say unto the children of YOUR PEOPLE, the righteousness of the righteous shall NOT deliver him in the day of his transgression (sin): as for the wickedness of the wicked, he shall not fall thereby in the day he turns from his wickedness; neither shall the righteous be able to live by his righteousness in the day that he SINS.

141. Ezekiel 33 Verse 13 says, When I shall say to the righteous, that he shall surely live; if he trusts to his own righteousness, and commit iniquity (sin), ALL his righteousness shall NOT be remembered; BUT for his iniquity that he has committed, he shall die for it. verses 14 19 we read, "Again, when I say unto the wicked you shall surely die; if he turn from his sin, and do that which is lawful and right; If the wicked restore the pledge, give again that he robbed, walk in the statutes of life, WITHOUT COMMITTING INIQUITY (sin); he shall surely live, he shall not die. NONE of his sins that he has committed shall be mentioned unto him: he has done that which is lawful and right; he shall surely live.

142. Fair or unfair? Yet the children of your people say, the way of the Lord is not equal: but as for them, their way is not equal. When the righteous turns from his righteousness and commits iniquity(sin), he shall even die thereby. But if the wicked turn from his wickedness, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall live thereby.

143. WE MUST OVERCOME! Revelation 12:11, "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives unto death".

144. LET US REMEMBER: 1. The FAITHFUL AND WISE MANAGER 2. THE WISE VIRGIN 3. THE GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT 4. THE SHEEP NATION 5. THE PHILADELPHIA CHURCH 6. THE MAN-CHILD 7. THE 144,000 WITNESSES (Rev. 14) 8. The WOMAN WHO GIVES BIRTH TO THE MAN CHILD (Rev. 12) 9. THE SERVANT MARKED ON HIS FOREHEAD (Rev. 9, Ezekiel 9) THESE ARE THE FAITHFUL, WISE, PASSIONATE, OVERCOMING BRIDAL WARRIORS AND INTERCESSORS OF THE LAST DAYS. 9 IS THE NUMBER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. 9 FRUITS. 9 GIFTS.

145. THEY ARE HELD IN THE PALM OF HIS MIGHTY HANDS!!!!

How Then Should We Live

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Transcript of How Then Should We Live