Greg (15 Sep 2012)
"TO CARL WORLINE RE: CALM BEFORE THE STORM"

 
Hi Carl,
 
You said in your post:  http://www.fivedoves.com/letters/sep2012/carlw914-1.htm 
 
"The Bible says that people will be saying "peace and security" just before the rapture takes place."
 
I'm not saying one way or another, but what if "Peace and safety" is meant to mean: when the church believes the Rapture will come on Rosh Hashanah, then sudden destruction....?  
 
With all the craziness going on in the world, with the global economy, and everything else, it's a possibility that this sudden destruction could come (within a month?) on the heels of Rosh Hashanah, and if the Rapture doesn't come then, what are we to think?  I'm hearing reports that "they" plan on collasping the U.S. economy by the 3rd week of Oct., so to cancel November elections to keep BHO in power (Rev. 13: 5).
 
There's only so much time left to end the election process so BHO can continue in power.  I believe his last 42 months coincides with the start of the tribulation (Rev. 6: 2); and if the Rapture doesn't come then, what are we to think, since many believe the Rapture will come prior to the tribulation (pre-trib)?
 
If the Rapture doesn't come before BHO begins his 42 months (whenever that is, as he could resume his power before the elections), then, I would think, we would have to prepare our hearts and mind to suffer persecution, even to death for Christ.  Remember, scripture says that he will move quickly because he knows he has but a short time (Rev. 12: 12).
 
So I think the big question we must ask ourselves is, if (and I mean if) the church is not Raptured till a later time in Daniel's last seven years, are we willing to give our life for Him?  Are we building up our inner man and inner woman, or are we living like there's nothing to worry about, saying peace and safety, presuming everything is fine?  We should be living as though our lives could be taken at any moment.  I really believe that if the church is to go through this time coming, we will not, nor cannot, do this by our own strength, but only by the power of the Holy Spirit!  Therefore it's imperative that we make sure we examine ourselves to know if we are in the faith or not, having the Spirit to endure, if we are called to that.
 
I only say these things to encourage us, so not to let anyone or anything (like if the Rapture doesn't come when expected) take away our crown (lose hope and faith), which could lead to compromise and the taking of the mark of the beast, or not be willing to suffer for Him.  The Bible says many will be offended.  Could this offense be referring to when many in the church believe they will not have to endure persecution and death, thinking the Rapture will keep them from it? 
 
I have my personal convictions.  I do hope the Raptue does come pre-trib, but I'm preparing my heart and mind for a dfferent scenario.  I hope we all do the same.
 
In Christ,
Greg