Blessings brother Wes:

 

Wes stated:

 

"Remember that all scripture is God's truth, regardless of who wrote it. If there is an apparent contradiction, then the problem lies with the reader, not with scripture."

 

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my reply:

Amen!

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Wes stated:

"Revelation 3:10 states "Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world to test those who! live on the earth." Jesus Christ states emphatically that the faithful will not have any part whatsoever of the Tribulation Period."

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my reply:

 

No, Jesus tells the church in Philadelphia that he will keep them from the hour of trial. Philadelphia is only one of seven different Churches/Candlesticks/Spirits. Why did you choose Philadelphia and not Smyrna or Laodicea? You could just have easily had said, "Jesus states emphatically that (Revelation 2:10) ... the devil shall cast [some] of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life." Seeing that we are in the "Last Days", maybe Laodicea would be a more logical "random choice." Jesus states emphatically ...that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked!

 

Why do we treat the scriptures as if! they are the supermarket? We pick one of these versus and two of those versus, and mix them anyway we like until they match our own preconceived ideas. Isn't this what the Pharisees were doing and our modern-day lawyers and politicians do today?

 

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Wes stated:

"Revelation 4:1 states "After this I looked and there before me was a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said 'Come up here and I will show you what must take place after this' (my emphasis). This is Jesus speaking, and this is the Rapture of believers, followed by the Tribulation Period."

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my reply:

 

! Yes, Jesus is the one who is saying "Come up here."

Rev 1:9 I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.

Rev 1:10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,

Rev 1:11 Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last:

 

Rev 4:2 And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven,

 

But Jesus is speaking to John specifically, and you might notice that John does not mention a "multitude" or other human believers or church with him. Why would such a significant a! nd miraculous happening be omitted? It is omitted, because John is not describing the "Rapture" in this verse.

 

Again, we are trying to force the scripture to match our preconceived ideas. This works great for selling books and getting people emotionally worked up, but it definitely is not rightly dividing the Word of God.

 

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Wes stated:

"It is impossible for two dispensations to be occurring at the same time. The Dispensation of Grace cannot take place with the Dispensation of Jacob's Trouble."

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my reply:

 

oikonomia (Strong's 3622)

 

1) the management of a household or of household affairs

a) specifically, the management, oversight, administration,! of other's property

b) the office of a manager or overseer, stewardship

c) administration, dispensation

AV - dispensation 4, stewardship 3; 7

 

1Cr 9:17 For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation [of the gospel] is committed unto me.

 

Eph 1:10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; [even] in him:

 

Eph 3:2 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:

 

Col 1:25 Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;

 

Merriam-Webster

http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/dispensation

dispensation

 

Pronunciation: "dis-p&n-'sA-sh&n, -"pen-

Function: noun

 

1 a : a general state or ordering of things; specifically : a system of revealed commands and promises regulating human affairs b : a particular arrangement or provision especially of providence or nature

 

2 a : an exemption from a law or from an impediment, vow, or oath b : a formal authorization

 

3 a : the act of dispensing b : something dispensed or distributed

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It is not impossible for two dispensations, stewardship's, administrations, etc., to occur at the same time. Now, it may be impossible in some man-made system/theory, but it is not impossible for God or even man. (Being governed under the county, state, federal governments, and God at the same time. That is four dispensations at once.). Now some dispensational theory may be of some benefit to understand some "concept," but let's not restrict God by man's concepts.

 

Now please don't think that I am being critical of Wes. I am simply using his post as an excellent example. At one time I also believed the same way as he does. Then I realized how these preconceived ideas where "infecting" my scripture reading. It would seem as if these "concepts" would insert themsel! ves in the scriptures as I read. Then one day I realized that many scriptures did not say what I thought they said. I was substituting the concepts or traditions of men, in place of what the Holy Spirit was really trying to teach me. I feel that this is extremely important and the number one sign of Jesus coming and the end of the world.

 

I believe that Jesus was serious when he answered the disciples in Matthew 24. He would also emphasize the most important parts. The first thing that Jesus answered was:

 

Mat 24:4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.

 

Then he repeated the same warning three more times:

 

Mat 24:5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.

 

Mat 24:11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.

 

Mat 24:24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great

signs and wonders; insomuch that, if [it were] possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

 

The number one sign of the end times is not wars and earthquakes. The number one sign is deception! And because of this deception the 10th verse will be fulfilled within many believers.

 

Mat 24:10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.

 

These beli! evers will be offended because prophecies will not be fulfilled in the same manner as all the movies, novels and "experts" have taught and promised. This will also add to the "falling away" and persecution of the " persevering " believers. This is nothing new, and has occurred in many countries when they were taken over by communism. And it will occur again.

 

Go ahead and enjoy your novels and movies, but understand that they are not the scripture but merely a man's creation. You may speculate as you discern the times, realizing that it is merely "speculation." Study, follow, and trust only in the pure Word of God according to the Holy Spirit's leading.

 

Do not be deceived!

 

Shalom, John