Freelance writer Lupie Riley

Thought:  Many of us have read the book (1995) or saw the movie (1914) “Left Behind” by Tim LaHaye and Jenkins.  It centered around the biblical account in 1st Thessalonians 4:15-18, about Christians that are evacuated from planet Earth before the 7 year tribulation begins, spoken of in the book of Revelations.

Paul went on to explain to Thessalonian believers, that the tribulation had not yet begin as there was confusion in the church because of Spiritual leaders that had proclaimed it was upon them. Paul told them several things had to happen before the beginning of this judgment.   One of these events is the peace treaty between the Anti-Christ and Jerusalem. 

The rapture is prior to this event.  The tribulation account is described in Rev. chapter 6 through 19 with no mention of the church (body of Christ) composed of  Christians who have asked Jesus into their lives.  They have been taken out and up to meet Christ in the air before this judgment begins. 

Most of prophecy described in Timothy and Mathew have already taken place or in the process right now.  Just to mention a few, would be a falling away from God, false prophets, false Messiahs, war’s in numerous places, famines, earthquakes and rampant sin.  Jesus admonishes us to be alert and “watch for His return” for we don’t know the day or hour He will come to take us to the home He has prepared for us.  

Examples of the rapture in the Bible is Enoch. A faithful man who was taken up into God’s presence.  Elijah was also taken out in a fiery chariot.  When the universal flood happened, Noah and his family of 8 were safe from the destructive flood that came upon the world.  We see prophecy being fulfilled right before our eyes. 

What kind of testimony will you leave behind for your loved ones that have yet to make that commitment to Jesus? There will be those who make that decision during the tribulation, but it will probably cost them their lives. Let them know right now, about Jesus love, forgiveness and gift of eternal life before it’s too late.  Christian have the HOPE of better days ahead in a restored Earth with Jesus as King for 1,000 years.  It couldn’t get any better for the believer. 

Prayer:  Father God, what a glorious hope I have that something better is waiting in my future.  I’m looking forward to meeting Jesus in the air to be with him for an eternity and with those who have gone on before me.  Amen

Verse:  I Corinthians 15:46-49, v.53. “First, then, we have these human bodies and later on God gives us spiritual, heavenly bodies.  Adam was made from the dust of the earth, but Christ came from Heaven above.  Every human being has a body just like Adam’s, made of dust, but all who become Christ’s will have the same kind of body as his—a body from heaven.  Just as each of us now has a body like Adam’s, so we shall some day have a body like Christ’s. v. 53 For our earthly bodies, the ones we have now that can die, must be transformed into heavenly bodies that cannot perish but will live forever.”

Married 58 years, four children, nine grandchildren and three greats.  I've been a freelance writer for over 40 years.  Working on a book at the present.  My priorities are God first, family, country. Look me up on Google search by my name Lupie Riley, click on first link. Faithwriters.com