I really appreciated what you had to say in "The Grand
Insult" ...
http://www.fivedoves.com/letters/sep2017/stevec910.htm
In 1977 when my spouse and I got Born Again, we couldn't
wait for the Rapture to happen. Little did we know
that we would have to wait at least another 40 years.
But we hung in there for the long haul.
Revelation 3:10 says that because we have kept
the word of His patience, He will keep us from the
global temptation: (taking the 666 Mark of the Beast for
survival).
In other words, we will be raptured before the 666
Mark of the Beast is required.
So we are Greatly rewarded for holding out against the
tides of time. Those who are half-hearted Believers will
have to face that extreme temptation. I'm glad that I
won't.
There are four referrals in the New Testament to
encourage all of us to watch and be excited about the
Rapture.
1. Hebrews 9:28
We are encouraged to look for our Savior Who not
only saves us spiritually, but also Physically (from all
that is coming upon the world ..Luke 21:36).
2. Hebrews 10:37
Here we are encouraged to not lose hope but rather to
Trust that He will not only come, but that
He will come just in time, or as
Industry calls it "JIT".
He is not dragging His feet. He is fulfilling a Grand
Plan that we cannot see in full perspective.. Isaiah 55:
8,9.
3. Hebrews 11:6
Here we are encouraged to diligently seek the One Who is
a Rewarder...Someone who WANTS to see us rescued
for the sheer motive of His love for those who
consistently obey the voice of the Holy
Spirit. That is the manifestation of our
Faith.
4. 2 Timothy 4:8 -- the Jewel Hope
"Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of
Righteousness, which the Lord --the Righteous
Judge--shall give me at that day.
And not to me only but to all those who LOVE (are
excited about) His appearing."
It can't get any plainer than that. God loves and
Rewards those who ardently love Him in every way.
Some brethren need the Great Tribulation in order
to repent and then to whole-heartedly
serve the Lord. They will strongly
desire to be delivered, and they can be...much later.
Pre-wrath Rapture ...Rev. 16:15
http://hopetotheend.com/ch5sheaves.html
So, although it seems like the least we can do, it is
actually the Most we can do, and that is to pray that
those who resist the wooing of the Holy Ghost now,
will be smitten enough to yield to His compelling voice
later, after they miss the Midnight Rapture.
Here is a good prayer for us to pray for our
half-hearted brethren: Ephesians 3:14--19 .. to
strengthen their spirit in the inner man.
And then--because we believe that God's arm is not
short, that He cannot save (Isaiah 54:1) --we will see
Him "do exceeding abundantly ABOVE all we
could ask or think."
Ephesians 3:20.
Let's all of us hang on just a little bit longer.
Thank you again,
Seeker