Hidden In Plain View

End Times Series Part 6

As those who walked with Jesus started on their spiritual path, their world view was assailed by new thoughts, questions and dilemmas challenging their spiritual growth. The same may hold true for many of us. The closer to the Holy Trinity of God one chooses to be, the more perplexingly simple the path can be.
 
When Jesus was asked, “Which is the greatest commandment?” (Mt 22:37) He replied “Love God first and most" and “Love your neighbor as yourself.” “On these two hang all the laws and the prophets.” With this brief answer He encapsulated for his listeners and for us the core, or essence of a relationship with God first, and then with those who come into our lives.
 
If this ‘end times’ series was condensed to a single essential thought and action the takeaway would be; “the Rapture will occur, be part of it!” From today until the day you pass through death’s door, know that the Rapture will take place and you want to be part of it should you still be alive when it occurs. Upon this one prophetic announcement hang all the subsequent consequences of the 'end times' or 'last days' realities for those taken in the Rapture, as well as those 'left behind'.
 
Whether it happens at the beginning, middle, or end of the Tribulation seven-year period the Rapture will be real, and its action will remove believers in Jesus (as the Christ/Messiah) from the horror and devastation that is about to occur (‘Pre Trib’) or is occurring (‘Mid Trib’) or has occurred (‘Post Trib’). No matter if you believe in the veracity of the Rapture or you don't, and whether or not you believe it will occur "Pre, Mid, or Post" tribulation, there will be only one (1) Rapture event.  How do we prepare for and insure our inclusion in this once-in-a-lifetime event? The answer; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 or Romans 10:9-10.
 
The Rapture will be an ascent to heaven of believers when Jesus comes for His followers. The whole world will witness this event, for first the dead in Christ will rise, followed by those still alive who believe in their hearts and testify with their mouths that Jesus is Lord and savior.
 
‘Pre-Trib’ Rapture believers think this phenomenon will coincide with the “confirmed signing” of a ‘Peace and Security’ / 'Peace and Safety' Treaty between Israel and ‘the nations.’ This treaty will spark the beginning of the seven-year long Tribulation.
 
At least three other events will be initiated by the signing/acceptance of this treaty: The ‘Third Jewish Temple’ will be built (possibly as part of the treaty) or, will have been built or will be under construction, or will have been started or completed. Again, the timing of the Third Temple construction is unknown but there will be a Third Jewish Temple in use by the Mid-Trib point.
 
Also, with this “Peace and Security/Safety” treaty signing, a ‘Trumpet blast’ from heaven will be heard around the world. Next, God’s “Two Witnesses” (Moses and Elijah) will start sharing, from the steps in front of the Third Jewish Temple complex, the ‘Good News’ of Jesus Christ (Acts 5:41). They will also begin announcing God’s coming tribulation judgments. Again, ‘Pre-Trib Rapture’ believers think the Rapture will happen simultaneously with these events, thus removing believers from the earth prior to the judgments associated with the remaining five Trumpet blasts.
 
‘Mid-Trib’ Rapture believers trust this ascension event will happen at the half-way point in the seven years, and ‘Post-Trib’ Rapture believers combine the Rapture event with Jesus’ ‘Second Coming’ return to earth. No matter which appeals to you, trust and believe in its prophesied truth of impending occurrence. No matter when it happens, don’t be among those “left behind.” If you’ve seen movies or read books/articles about being ‘left behind’ believe me, what you’ve seen or read doesn’t come close to the terror, death and destruction that will occur. (Mt 24:21–22)
 
For a moment, imagine the immediate emotional, physical and psychological ‘fallout’ when the Rapture takes place. When it happens ‘Jesus believers’ will be gone. Think of all those who will be piloting/driving/commanding any type of vehicle in motion, and suddenly they’re gone. The death and destruction that will coincide with the disappearance of Jesus’ followers will be horrific and difficult for many to cope with. This is not stated to frighten you, but to enlighten you! 

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The most important things to know about the Rapture are; 1. It will happen, 2. It will happen Pre, Mid or Post Tribulation, and 3. You and your family can be part of the Rapture by knowing and believing in your heart the truth of your profession of faith described in our two scripture references (1 Corinthians 15:3-4, Romans 10:9-10). Trust me on this one, you and your family don’t want to miss the Rapture!
 
As we’ve noted the Tribulation period lasts for seven years. It’s divided into two periods of three and one-half years each, with a ‘midpoint’ flurry of activities. During the first 3 ½ year span, Moses and Elijah will ‘call down’ from heaven different judgments or ‘plagues’ on the earth and its inhabitants. Each judgment will be heralded by a Trumpet blast from heaven. All will cause apocalyptic death and destruction.
 
Again, we should remember that one purpose of end times events and the tribulation years is to bring people to, and/or back to Christ through repentance for spiritual forgiveness. Now that we have broached the other more well know end times events; the “Tribulation and Second Coming” let’s look at each. As stated, the Tribulation period of seven years will be like nothing ever seen, known or experienced by humankind. It will be a time of God’s intervention into world affairs in ways and to extents that men, women and children will see with their own eyes the power and presence of God and His Word.
 
Believe me these will be terrible days, months and years, which will test everyone alive on multiple levels. If you are not part of the Rapture (should it occur at the first Trumpet) or, if it happens at ‘Mid-Trib’ and you are still alive during this first three and one half years, you and your loved ones will need to be prepared to survive in a world you would never have dreamed of.
 
These initial 3 ½ years of the Tribulation are often referred to as the ‘Wrath of Jesus Christ’ due to their severity and deaths. Those alive most likely will be on their own or will need to band together with a limited number of other people for survival. Government institutions at every level will most likely be severely hampered or nonexistent in response times and aid capabilities. The first four Trumpets will herald cosmic and/or natural disruption/calamity upon the earth. The final three Trumpets will bring additional unimaginable death and destruction.

The next section is extremely important.
If you have somehow managed to survive during this first 3 ½ years of turmoil and destruction, it’s incumbent that you and your family are now on the side of Christ as believers, and hold him to be your Lord and savior by this ‘Mid-Trib’ half way point!
 
One of the greatest blessings in a spiritual relationship with the Holy Trinity of God is that He is always ready to accept and welcome us just as we are, whenever we are ready to turn to Him, accept Him for who He is, and accept what He has done for us as the remedy for ‘sinful’ participation in a morally corrupt and ethically bankrupt world.

The moment we voluntarily choose to make God the directional goal of our spiritual path and the crown of our heart, our soul and spirit will be liberated and we will start to recognize every opportunity to embrace truth. The greatest aspect of a spiritual walk with God; Father, Son and Spirit is the closer our steps take us to Him, the more Christ-like one can become.
 
If you’re still alive at the ‘Mid-Trib’ point, you’ll need all the protection God’s Spirit can give. Throughout the first 3 ½ year period havoc and chaos will reign. Whatever governments exist most likely won’t be helpful or will have limited reach. Whatever resources they do have or that may still exist could be used against people. At this midpoint of the seven-year Tribulation period several events you may have heard about in the ‘end times’ will start coming true.
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As each Trumpet is heard from heaven throughout the first 3 ½ years, the two witnesses at the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem will be announcing to the world the impending arrival of Jesus Christ’s judgments. For this reason, the world will hold the ‘two witnesses’ responsible for the global troubles and tumult during these years.
 
Stepping back for a minute let’s look at some of the prominent characters/people of these coming years. I know you’re most likely familiar with the names ‘Satan and Antichrist.’ Satan is the Devil and the Antichrist is his human emissary. Although the man who will become the Antichrist may be alive and active in world politics today, we will know him for sure when the “Peace and Security” Treaty between Israel and her enemies is brokered and signed. The man who accomplishes this Treaty’s signatory agreement will be the same man who becomes the Antichrist at Mid-Trib.
 
You may be asking, ‘how does this happen?’ Remember, this man is an active politician/world leader. He will be heralded for his efforts and accomplishments in the Israeli “‘Peace and Security’/ ‘Peace and Safety’ Treaty” agreement. Much of his energy in this first half of the tribulation years will be spent harnessing and gaining greater political, religious and business alliances and partners.
 
So here we are, at the Mid Tribulation point. Several ‘do or die’ events will be taking place simultaneously or in close order and proximity over a 33½ day period at the end of the first 3½ year [‘Wrath of Jesus Christ’] Tribulation period. The first six Trumpets will have sounded, and the ‘plagues’ associated with each of those trumpet blasts will have scourged the earth and its people. Now the worst and most unimaginable ‘off the rails’ death and destruction begins.
 
Join me for Part 7 when the 7th Trumpet blast from heaven at Mid-Tribulation changes everything!

Whether you believe me or not, believe this:
1 Corinthians 15:3-4  and  Romans 10:9-10 & 17 
Share this with someone in your life.
 
Questions always welcomed and answered.
You’re invited to read my works here, or at my Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube channel.


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