THE BORN AGAIN RAPTURE Dear John and all beloved Doves!!    Many wonderful dates have come and gone and I know we are all feeling a bit weary of watching and waiting.  On October 28th, when I woke up and a bit disappointed that I was still here, the Lord placed a message on my heart that not only gave me encouragement, but also gave me a whole new look at the fulfillment of the Rapture.  So, for all those that may be feeling like I did, I would like to share this message in hopes that it will lift your spirits as it did mine. We all know that there are different layers of fulfillment for many prophecies in the Bible. I believe that when we are born again we enter the Kingdom of God and our spirits and souls are taken in rapture.  This rapture happens in an instant and know man knows the day or hour of when this will happen for them.  We become instant citizens in the Kingdom of God.  We are now in the Kingdom and the Kingdom is now in us via the Holy Spirit.  Let's look at some Bible verses that show this relationship and how it comes to be. In Mark 1:15 we find Jesus, Himself, preaching the gospel of the Kingdom of God: " And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye and believe the gospel."  Jesus is telling them that the way into the Kingdom of God is right in front of them.  He is the Way, and by the divine sacrifice of his earthly life and body, He would provide a way to save our spirits and souls while we are still in our bodies. The words "at hand" have a meaning in Greek which is: G-1448, "coming close, approaching, drawing near".  Thus, it was going to happen soon, and did happen when the Holy Spirit was sent at Pentecost. Another example of this idea is also found in Mark 9:1 "Some standing here that which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the Kingdom of God come with power".  This power is the power of the Holy Spirit that enabled one to be born again from above and become a citizen of God's Kingdom. We are in this world but we are not of it!  As soon as we are born again this world is just where our flesh bodies reside, but our spirits and souls reside in the kingdom of God. In Luke 17 verses 20 and 21 we see how Jesus reinforces this concept. "And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you."  We already reside in the Kingdom of God and have a personal relationship with Him through Jesus!!  The only thing we are waiting for is to have our physical life and body of flesh reside in the same place. Also in Romans 5:5 we are shown that God resides in our hearts; "And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us."   When we are born again we are taken in a Rapture...the most important and eternal parts of us are already  where we are to live eternally.  That is why Jesus stresses the crucial importance of being born again!!  If we are not born again, we will not be raptured into the kingdom of God while in this world, or taken to the Kingdom of heaven in the resurrection. I believe that the only death that occurs for a born again Christian is the death to the self.  When we are born again from above we have no fear of our bodies dying as we are assured of a resurrection.  Our greatest blessed hope is to be born again!!  If we are born again then we are assured of a permanent residence in Heaven with our Lord and King.  So, until the Rapture of the Bride we can rejoice daily that we already live in the Kingdom of God. When I really thought about this and realized what it meant, my spirit was lifted and I was able to rejoice in the fact of my blessed assurance and live each day for the Lord with an uplifted heart, and uplifted hands.  If he tarries, it must mean that He has a purpose for us to fulfill here, and by fulfilling that purpose it adds to His Glory. Let us celebrate each day with the awesome knowledge that we are already His and our hearts are in Him and He is in us!!!  Go out into each day and share that with others and no matter when He comes for us we will be ready and full of joy.  We will have the oil in our lamps and a spring in our steps!! I love you all!!  You are so precious to me. As far as voting...I want this evil world to come to an end, so do not have much hope for any worldly candidate...I am a citizen of the Kingdom of God and my vote is for Jesus, and for Him to come and take us out of this place.  I have no faith whatsoever in man.  If this election happens it will have served its purpose of keeping the populous distracted and divided.  We as born again Christians need to keep focused on what is truly important. Agape love to all!! Your sister in Christ, Patti C.