Trending Towards the Tribulation: 7 Indicators To Watch

[StormsMom]

Was thinking about this, if people will be buying and selling as in normal life, with the way the economy and food supply are being destroyed, wouldn't we have to go before there is nothing left to buy or sell?

It has occurred to me lately, given what is happening around the world and how most people (especially countries outside the US)
are no longer living normal lives, that the people referred to here are the global elite. I have not found it a particularly comforting thought as it means things could get a whole lot worse for us before He comes to take us home. Thoughts?

 

[Salluz]

It has occurred to me lately, given what is happening around the world and how most people (especially countries outside the US)
are no longer living normal lives, that the people referred to here are the global elite. I have not found it a particularly comforting thought as it means things could get a whole lot worse for us before He comes to take us home. Thoughts?

My thoughts are we might have to learn the secrets of being content in both good times and bad and to count it joy when we experience trials. It can be hard to keep an eternal perspective (I don't want hard times at all. I'd love to "die at a good age, full of days, riches, and honor.") but we are told the reward is worth the difficulties. Our light and momentary suffering is eclipsed by an eternal weight of glory

 

[Cross Talk]

Can you please then provide us with the scripture that confirms without a doubt that the church will  not be present after the formation of the OWG.

Thank you

The Lord mentioned a general timeframe in that "Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.”
29 Then He spoke to them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. 30 When they are already budding, you see and know for yourselves that summer is now near. 31 So you also, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near." Lk 21:28-31

Of course it could be before that.....
"Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect." Mt. 24:44

 

[RobinMc]

"To despair is the position of unbelief.”

This is what my coworker is going through, because she doesn't believe, she is in despair. We both see what's happening to the world, but she doesn't know why.

People sitting in my Sunday school class every week don't understand what is happening and why. Some of us discuss it and they look at us like we're insane. Their only hope seems to be in the Nov election when the Republican landslide comes. No one knows what will happen in that election, will people overwhelmingly vote republican? will they even turn out to vote? will the election be honest? will we even have an election or will some new catastrophe happen that will make elections not happen?
My trust is not in the government but In Jesus. I personally think we're too far in for things to go back to normal, this thing is happening and people need to be ready and looking up for it.
Fear is of satan. He uses it to control people. God gives up freedom.

 

[Armor of Light]

The Lord mentioned a general timeframe in that "Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.”
29 Then He spoke to them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. 30 When they are already budding, you see and know for yourselves that summer is now near. 31 So you also, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near." Lk 21:28-31

Of course it could be before that.....
"Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect." Mt. 24:44

The fig tree parable and Mt. 24:43-44 are related to 2nd coming not the rapture.

 

[katt]

The fig tree parable and Mt. 24:43-44 are related to 2nd coming not the rapture.

Just like Christmas decorations in November means Thanksgiving is coming, so the Fig Tree Parable and Mt. 24:43-44 mean The Rapture is just around the corner.....

 

[Baby Yoda]

It has occurred to me lately, given what is happening around the world and how most people (especially countries outside the US)
are no longer living normal lives, that the people referred to here are the global elite. I have not found it a particularly comforting thought as it means things could get a whole lot worse for us before He comes to take us home. Thoughts?

Had not thought of it that way!

 

[katt]

When I read the end time prophecies..and look at what's going on in our big cities..I see what Jesus meant when he said there will be no natural affection..when I saw that woman screaming at the top of her lungs "kill the baby!!" while she beat on a doll..I thought..she's insane..then I wondered..when Jesus and all those prophets and new testament writers were warning us..were they talking about the USA? Because I see no insaness like this anywhere else in the world..there are insane happenings..but the terrorists have many excuses.. our people have no excuse at all..our people are not interbred and taught wrongly nor do they follow a religion that teaches it..our fanically insane are just plain evil...

 

[Tall Timbers]

when I saw that woman screaming at the top of her lungs "kill the baby!!" while she beat on a doll..I thought..she's insane..then I wondered..when Jesus and all those prophets and new testament writers were warning us..were they talking about the USA? Because I see no insaness like this anywhere else in the world..there are insane happenings..b

In some other countries there isn't the pushback from Believers like their is in the USA. The battle still wages in the USA whereas in some other countries they're more advanced in a some of the evil like the murder of babies.

 

[Cross Talk]

The fig tree parable and Mt. 24:43-44 are related to 2nd coming not the rapture.

It's true that the Rapture was still a mystery at the time of Christ, but everyone will know when Christ returns 3 1/2 years after the abomination of desolation in the Temple. Dan. 12:11-12

 

[Jaybird]

Abortion is allowed in most European countries except Poland and the UK. I agree with TT in that Believers in Europe are almost nonexistent. The churches that do exist are mostly hollow and apostate. I was surprised to learn that it is also allowed in Russia. Countries with a strong Islamic influence ban it totally. China also allows it. I can't think of anything more worse than killing innocent babies. This has to be more wicked than what happened in the days of Noah and Sodom & Gomorra. The Rapture is closer than we think - I hope!!!

 

[katt]

Abortion is allowed in most European countries except Poland and the UK. I agree with TT in that Believers in Europe are almost nonexistent. The churches that do exist are mostly hollow and apostate. I was surprised to learn that it is also allowed in Russia. Countries with a strong Islamic influence ban it totally. China also allows it. I can't think of anything more worse than killing innocent babies. This has to be more wicked than what happened in the days of Noah and Sodom & Gomorra. The Rapture is closer than we think - I hope!!!

In China..when they only allowed one baby to a family..they made it illegal for the parents to know the gender of the baby..because the parents kept aborting the girls..on the other side of the coin..they forced the abortion of babies who's parents already had a child...I hope many babies of Christian parents in that country were born on the sly..no prove of that..just what I would have done had it been me..

 

[JoyJoyJoy]

has occurred to me lately, given what is happening around the world and how most people (especially countries outside the US)
are no longer living normal lives,

I know our country hasn't been *normal* since the virus hit...probably the same in a lot, if not most countries.

But we have adapted and life goes on. We buy, sell, marry, etc..

Your post made me wonder how much the people of the ancient world had to *adapt* to the constant evil? Lot obviously had grown accustomed to the depravity of his fellow citizens, he still sat at the city gate.

I guess as time goes on and evil increases, we as Christians will find ways to adapt and live lives as normal as possible.

Lot and them didn't have the presence of the Holy Spirit on earth or indwelling them, did they? I imagine without His sweet presence, evil really did abound.

@StormsMom...good post. You gave me something to chew on for a while♡♡♡♡

 

[glc11]

It has occurred to me lately, given what is happening around the world and how most people (especially countries outside the US)
are no longer living normal lives, that the people referred to here are the global elite. I have not found it a particularly comforting thought as it means things could get a whole lot worse for us before He comes to take us home. Thoughts?

I dwell on this too. I am always paying close attention when TT and Andy are discussing if the OWG will be in place before the Rapture. Trying to analyze scripture for answers as well.

I want to believe we will be out of here before.

I know that all of us have been on pins and needles since 2020 because of how fast things have spiraled to this point. And as Jan says… it’s all pointing to “any day now”

I’m finding myself having a hard time calming my anxiety sometimes. Like I don’t know what to do with myself. There are long term plans to make here in my household if it’s not going to be soon, but then it seems like it has to be soon. I get confused trying to figure out what to focus on because I don’t want to waste time on planning and developing for life before the rapture if the rapture is like this year. Then I think …. Geez. Shouldn’t it have been yesterday by now?

I know, I know…. In God’s time…. But as one who is watching and trying to not be “asleep”… some days I feel like I am going to jump out of my skin.

 

[Kerbluey]

It has occurred to me lately, given what is happening around the world and how most people (especially countries outside the US)
are no longer living normal lives, that the people referred to here are the global elite. I have not found it a particularly comforting thought as it means things could get a whole lot worse for us before He comes to take us home. Thoughts?

I think it means that life will go on with the majority focused on or distracted by earthly things and only a remnant considering eternity. Even in the concentration camps during WW2 people were having romances, marrying, trading, bartering, having babies despite living in one of the most dangerous and stressful environments ever. God made us remarkably adaptable.

 

[alisani]

I dwell on this too. I am always paying close attention when TT and Andy are discussing if the OWG will be in place before the Rapture. Trying to analyze scripture for answers as well.

I want to believe we will be out of here before.

I know that all of us have been on pins and needles since 2020 because of how fast things have spiraled to this point. And as Jan says… it’s all pointing to “any day now”

I’m finding myself having a hard time calming my anxiety sometimes. Like I don’t know what to do with myself. There are long term plans to make here in my household if it’s not going to be soon, but then it seems like it has to be soon. I get confused trying to figure out what to focus on because I don’t want to waste time on planning and developing for life before the rapture if the rapture is like this year. Then I think …. Geez. Shouldn’t it have been yesterday by now?

I know, I know…. In God’s time…. But as one who is watching and trying to not be “asleep”… some days I feel like I am going to jump out of my skin.

praying for your anxiety and no judgment for it sweets! These are unusual times and our faith isn't going to ever be perfect this side of eternity. Many here have those same battles!

 

[athenasius]

I dwell on this too. I am always paying close attention when TT and Andy are discussing if the OWG will be in place before the Rapture. Trying to analyze scripture for answers as well.

I want to believe we will be out of here before.

I know that all of us have been on pins and needles since 2020 because of how fast things have spiraled to this point. And as Jan says… it’s all pointing to “any day now”

I’m finding myself having a hard time calming my anxiety sometimes. Like I don’t know what to do with myself. There are long term plans to make here in my household if it’s not going to be soon, but then it seems like it has to be soon. I get confused trying to figure out what to focus on because I don’t want to waste time on planning and developing for life before the rapture if the rapture is like this year. Then I think …. Geez. Shouldn’t it have been yesterday by now?

I know, I know…. In God’s time…. But as one who is watching and trying to not be “asleep”… some days I feel like I am going to jump out of my skin.

Whether the Rapture is in 5 minutes, 5 years or 50 we need to be about the Master's business, and occupy till He comes. Luke 19:10-13

That means fulfilling the Great Commission that Jesus left us with in Matthew 28: 18-20 and Acts 1:6-11 as He ascended.

But what does that MEAN in relation to us, at our point in history, when the Rapture seems so close?

It means taking care of the business that God has entrusted to us. That is looking to retirement- preparing for it so that we are not a drain on others when the time comes to retire, it means making sure our children have the means to make a good living and work hard to support their families. It means getting enough rest, eating properly, getting exercise so our bodies aren't worn out too soon.

Reading the Word of God faithfully so He can teach us, and we can grow up in spiritual maturity. It means getting out of debt so that we can give freely to missions, or working hard to be able to take time off to do missions work. It might mean speaking to a friend, family member or stranger at the supermarket about salvation. It might mean working hard at the job you have to be a good witness of Christ in you to those around you.

In these ways we fulfill the Great Commission, faithfully serving God in the fields that He planted us in. We do that to be commended by our Lord, hearing the words "well done thou good and faithful servant" and we know that someday whether He calls us home in death, or up in the Rapture, there will be a reward to be found doing the will of our Lord and Master.

There are always signs of His return, and they have been getting louder, more frequent, and more severe, just like labour pains. We don't know when, just that we are in that season of His return. To be found doing what He asked, is the best way to be watching and looking up.

Luke 19:10-13
10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
11 And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear.
12 He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return.
13 And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come.


Matthew 28:18-20
18 Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Acts 1: 6-11
6 So when the apostles were with Jesus, they kept asking him, “Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?”
7 He replied, “The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
9 After saying this, he was taken up into a cloud while they were watching, and they could no longer see him. 10 As they strained to see him rising into heaven, two white-robed men suddenly stood among them. 11 “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!”

In order to do the things Jesus asks of us, we need to take care of our resources entrusted to us, whether health, finances or raising of families as well as working on that great commission.

Watching for His return doesn't mean stressing about the details, being afraid to take our eyes off prophecy related topics.

It means doing the things that God asks of us, not just knowing and understanding the scriptures especially those relating to His return for us.

Paul addressed a big fear that was tearing up the church in the Thessalonian church after some fear monger launched a fake letter from Pail alleging that they had missed the Rapture. The same comfort that Paul gives at the end of that chapter applies to us who anxiously await His Return.

It's odd to notice how the enemy takes a promise by God (the Rapture) and somehow turns it into an anxiety for the Christian. You are NOT ALONE in this battle.

2 Thessalonians 2​

1 Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to him, we ask you, brothers and sisters, 2 not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by the teaching allegedly from us—whether by a prophecy or by word of mouth or by letter—asserting that the day of the Lord has already come. 3 Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way,.......

so we see that Paul was dealing with fears relating to the Rapture. Down in verse 15 Paul gives us a comforting message.

15 So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.
16 May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, 17 encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.

I'm drawn to the way Paul mentions standing firm and holding fast to the teachings he had given them, in other words, spending time in the Word so that they might be encouraged in the Lord, and strengthened for both good deeds and words.

To me that speaks of the Great Commission again. Being faithful in the small things that God has given us to do, not worrying about being super Christians, just trusting that when the fulness of time has come -- He will return for us as He promised, in the meanwhile, occupy till He comes.

I regularly take breaks from the news. When I start to feel anxious, I know that my balance of reading the Bible to watching the news is off.

There have been times when even this forum gets too much focused on politics or other worries of the day. I take time off, go for walks, get outside, see the beauty of His creation and how He cares for the smallest of His creation. I breathe fresh air, meditate on His word, talk to Him about my anxieties.

Just lately I've been on a cruise in Alaska and looking at a glacier fills me with praise to God. At the same time as it seems to scare the dickens out of the climate warming people.

In the last 2 years there has been way too much attention and speculation even in Christian circles of how some things will come to pass. Arguments over what might happen rather than looking to the Lord to keep us thru the various troubles that lead up to the Rapture.

It's fun to discuss things--but when it stops being fun, when it starts being filled with anxiety, it's time to step away, refocus on the Lord, on His character, His promises and His ability to care for each of us.

Don't feel bad about taking time off to rest, refocus, spend time in the Word, walk and talk with the Lord. Adam walked in the garden in the evening with the Lord before the fall. Now that we are restored to fellowship with God thru Christ, it's an essential part of staying sane and healthy in a fallen world.

 

[GoldenEagle]

Whether the Rapture is in 5 minutes, 5 years or 50 we need to be about the Master's business, and occupy till He comes. Luke 19:10-13

That means fulfilling the Great Commission that Jesus left us with in Matthew 28: 18-20 and Acts 1:6-11 as He ascended.

But what does that MEAN in relation to us, at our point in history, when the Rapture seems so close?

It means taking care of the business that God has entrusted to us. That is looking to retirement- preparing for it so that we are not a drain on others when the time comes to retire, it means making sure our children have the means to make a good living and work hard to support their families. It means getting enough rest, eating properly, getting exercise so our bodies aren't worn out too soon.

Reading the Word of God faithfully so He can teach us, and we can grow up in spiritual maturity. It means getting out of debt so that we can give freely to missions, or working hard to be able to take time off to do missions work. It might mean speaking to a friend, family member or stranger at the supermarket about salvation. It might mean working hard at the job you have to be a good witness of Christ in you to those around you.

In these ways we fulfill the Great Commission, faithfully serving God in the fields that He planted us in. We do that to be commended by our Lord, hearing the words "well done thou good and faithful servant" and we know that someday whether He calls us home in death, or up in the Rapture, there will be a reward to be found doing the will of our Lord and Master.

There are always signs of His return, and they have been getting louder, more frequent, and more severe, just like labour pains. We don't know when, just that we are in that season of His return. To be found doing what He asked, is the best way to be watching and looking up.

Luke 19:10-13
10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
11 And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear.
12 He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return.
13 And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come.


Matthew 28:18-20
18 Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Acts 1: 6-11
6 So when the apostles were with Jesus, they kept asking him, “Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?”
7 He replied, “The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
9 After saying this, he was taken up into a cloud while they were watching, and they could no longer see him. 10 As they strained to see him rising into heaven, two white-robed men suddenly stood among them. 11 “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!”

In order to do the things Jesus asks of us, we need to take care of our resources entrusted to us, whether health, finances or raising of families as well as working on that great commission.

Watching for His return doesn't mean stressing about the details, being afraid to take our eyes off prophecy related topics.

It means doing the things that God asks of us, not just knowing and understanding the scriptures especially those relating to His return for us.

Paul addressed a big fear that was tearing up the church in the Thessalonian church after some fear monger launched a fake letter from Pail alleging that they had missed the Rapture. The same comfort that Paul gives at the end of that chapter applies to us who anxiously await His Return.

It's odd to notice how the enemy takes a promise by God (the Rapture) and somehow turns it into an anxiety for the Christian. You are NOT ALONE in this battle.

2 Thessalonians 2​

1 Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to him, we ask you, brothers and sisters, 2 not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by the teaching allegedly from us—whether by a prophecy or by word of mouth or by letter—asserting that the day of the Lord has already come. 3 Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way,.......

so we see that Paul was dealing with fears relating to the Rapture. Down in verse 15 Paul gives us a comforting message.

15 So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.
16 May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, 17 encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.

I'm drawn to the way Paul mentions standing firm and holding fast to the teachings he had given them, in other words, spending time in the Word so that they might be encouraged in the Lord, and strengthened for both good deeds and words.

To me that speaks of the Great Commission again. Being faithful in the small things that God has given us to do, not worrying about being super Christians, just trusting that when the fulness of time has come -- He will return for us as He promised, in the meanwhile, occupy till He comes.

I regularly take breaks from the news. When I start to feel anxious, I know that my balance of reading the Bible to watching the news is off.

There have been times when even this forum gets too much focused on politics or other worries of the day. I take time off, go for walks, get outside, see the beauty of His creation and how He cares for the smallest of His creation. I breathe fresh air, meditate on His word, talk to Him about my anxieties.

Just lately I've been on a cruise in Alaska and looking at a glacier fills me with praise to God. At the same time as it seems to scare the dickens out of the climate warming people.

In the last 2 years there has been way too much attention and speculation even in Christian circles of how some things will come to pass. Arguments over what might happen rather than looking to the Lord to keep us thru the various troubles that lead up to the Rapture.

It's fun to discuss things--but when it stops being fun, when it starts being filled with anxiety, it's time to step away, refocus on the Lord, on His character, His promises and His ability to care for each of us.

Don't feel bad about taking time off to rest, refocus, spend time in the Word, walk and talk with the Lord. Adam walked in the garden in the evening with the Lord before the fall. Now that we are restored to fellowship with God thru Christ, it's an essential part of staying sane and healthy in a fallen world.

…can’t agree with this post enough!!

 

[Andy C]

Whether the Rapture is in 5 minutes, 5 years or 50 we need to be about the Master's business, and occupy till He comes. Luke 19:10-13

That means fulfilling the Great Commission that Jesus left us with in Matthew 28: 18-20 and Acts 1:6-11 as He ascended.

But what does that MEAN in relation to us, at our point in history, when the Rapture seems so close?

It means taking care of the business that God has entrusted to us. That is looking to retirement- preparing for it so that we are not a drain on others when the time comes to retire, it means making sure our children have the means to make a good living and work hard to support their families. It means getting enough rest, eating properly, getting exercise so our bodies aren't worn out too soon.

Reading the Word of God faithfully so He can teach us, and we can grow up in spiritual maturity. It means getting out of debt so that we can give freely to missions, or working hard to be able to take time off to do missions work. It might mean speaking to a friend, family member or stranger at the supermarket about salvation. It might mean working hard at the job you have to be a good witness of Christ in you to those around you.

In these ways we fulfill the Great Commission, faithfully serving God in the fields that He planted us in. We do that to be commended by our Lord, hearing the words "well done thou good and faithful servant" and we know that someday whether He calls us home in death, or up in the Rapture, there will be a reward to be found doing the will of our Lord and Master.

There are always signs of His return, and they have been getting louder, more frequent, and more severe, just like labour pains. We don't know when, just that we are in that season of His return. To be found doing what He asked, is the best way to be watching and looking up.

Luke 19:10-13
10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
11 And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear.
12 He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return.
13 And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come.


Matthew 28:18-20
18 Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Acts 1: 6-11
6 So when the apostles were with Jesus, they kept asking him, “Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?”
7 He replied, “The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
9 After saying this, he was taken up into a cloud while they were watching, and they could no longer see him. 10 As they strained to see him rising into heaven, two white-robed men suddenly stood among them. 11 “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!”

In order to do the things Jesus asks of us, we need to take care of our resources entrusted to us, whether health, finances or raising of families as well as working on that great commission.

Watching for His return doesn't mean stressing about the details, being afraid to take our eyes off prophecy related topics.

It means doing the things that God asks of us, not just knowing and understanding the scriptures especially those relating to His return for us.

Paul addressed a big fear that was tearing up the church in the Thessalonian church after some fear monger launched a fake letter from Pail alleging that they had missed the Rapture. The same comfort that Paul gives at the end of that chapter applies to us who anxiously await His Return.

It's odd to notice how the enemy takes a promise by God (the Rapture) and somehow turns it into an anxiety for the Christian. You are NOT ALONE in this battle.

2 Thessalonians 2​

1 Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to him, we ask you, brothers and sisters, 2 not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by the teaching allegedly from us—whether by a prophecy or by word of mouth or by letter—asserting that the day of the Lord has already come. 3 Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way,.......

so we see that Paul was dealing with fears relating to the Rapture. Down in verse 15 Paul gives us a comforting message.

15 So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.
16 May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, 17 encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.

I'm drawn to the way Paul mentions standing firm and holding fast to the teachings he had given them, in other words, spending time in the Word so that they might be encouraged in the Lord, and strengthened for both good deeds and words.

To me that speaks of the Great Commission again. Being faithful in the small things that God has given us to do, not worrying about being super Christians, just trusting that when the fulness of time has come -- He will return for us as He promised, in the meanwhile, occupy till He comes.

I regularly take breaks from the news. When I start to feel anxious, I know that my balance of reading the Bible to watching the news is off.

There have been times when even this forum gets too much focused on politics or other worries of the day. I take time off, go for walks, get outside, see the beauty of His creation and how He cares for the smallest of His creation. I breathe fresh air, meditate on His word, talk to Him about my anxieties.

Just lately I've been on a cruise in Alaska and looking at a glacier fills me with praise to God. At the same time as it seems to scare the dickens out of the climate warming people.

In the last 2 years there has been way too much attention and speculation even in Christian circles of how some things will come to pass. Arguments over what might happen rather than looking to the Lord to keep us thru the various troubles that lead up to the Rapture.

It's fun to discuss things--but when it stops being fun, when it starts being filled with anxiety, it's time to step away, refocus on the Lord, on His character, His promises and His ability to care for each of us.

Don't feel bad about taking time off to rest, refocus, spend time in the Word, walk and talk with the Lord. Adam walked in the garden in the evening with the Lord before the fall. Now that we are restored to fellowship with God thru Christ, it's an essential part of staying sane and healthy in a fallen world.

Excellent post sister, and welcome back from your cruise.

I dont get worked up anymore, worrying about when the rapture will happen. It can be fun, challenging, and at times frustrating trying to decipher what is a birth pang, or just a normal event. Many times what others view as “signs”, I think is more wishful thinking, or their trying to force pieces to fit in the prophetic puzzle - I know I have also been guilty of this.

I make long term plans, not knowing if we will be here much longer or not. Failure to plan long term is a mistake I think many make. Even through all the distress in the world these last few years, nothing has had an impact on me either financially or physically. I feel truly blessed, but also feel guilty for not feeling the pain many families have recently experienced.

Agree, politics is a topic I try to avoid on this forum, and IMO, is given to much emphasis on a daily basis.

Yes, we are to always be about doing what we know is pleasing in His sight, and confessing our sins when we do that which we desire not to do.

In summary, are we trending towards the tribulation? All I can say with confidence is we are closer to the rapture today than we were yesterday, and we are in the season. If a day is like a thousand years to Him, I wonder how long a season is?

 

[alisani]

Whether the Rapture is in 5 minutes, 5 years or 50 we need to be about the Master's business, and occupy till He comes. Luke 19:10-13

That means fulfilling the Great Commission that Jesus left us with in Matthew 28: 18-20 and Acts 1:6-11 as He ascended.

But what does that MEAN in relation to us, at our point in history, when the Rapture seems so close?

It means taking care of the business that God has entrusted to us. That is looking to retirement- preparing for it so that we are not a drain on others when the time comes to retire, it means making sure our children have the means to make a good living and work hard to support their families. It means getting enough rest, eating properly, getting exercise so our bodies aren't worn out too soon.

Reading the Word of God faithfully so He can teach us, and we can grow up in spiritual maturity. It means getting out of debt so that we can give freely to missions, or working hard to be able to take time off to do missions work. It might mean speaking to a friend, family member or stranger at the supermarket about salvation. It might mean working hard at the job you have to be a good witness of Christ in you to those around you.

In these ways we fulfill the Great Commission, faithfully serving God in the fields that He planted us in. We do that to be commended by our Lord, hearing the words "well done thou good and faithful servant" and we know that someday whether He calls us home in death, or up in the Rapture, there will be a reward to be found doing the will of our Lord and Master.

There are always signs of His return, and they have been getting louder, more frequent, and more severe, just like labour pains. We don't know when, just that we are in that season of His return. To be found doing what He asked, is the best way to be watching and looking up.

Luke 19:10-13
10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
11 And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear.
12 He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return.
13 And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come.


Matthew 28:18-20
18 Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Acts 1: 6-11
6 So when the apostles were with Jesus, they kept asking him, “Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?”
7 He replied, “The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
9 After saying this, he was taken up into a cloud while they were watching, and they could no longer see him. 10 As they strained to see him rising into heaven, two white-robed men suddenly stood among them. 11 “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!”

In order to do the things Jesus asks of us, we need to take care of our resources entrusted to us, whether health, finances or raising of families as well as working on that great commission.

Watching for His return doesn't mean stressing about the details, being afraid to take our eyes off prophecy related topics.

It means doing the things that God asks of us, not just knowing and understanding the scriptures especially those relating to His return for us.

Paul addressed a big fear that was tearing up the church in the Thessalonian church after some fear monger launched a fake letter from Pail alleging that they had missed the Rapture. The same comfort that Paul gives at the end of that chapter applies to us who anxiously await His Return.

It's odd to notice how the enemy takes a promise by God (the Rapture) and somehow turns it into an anxiety for the Christian. You are NOT ALONE in this battle.

2 Thessalonians 2​

1 Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to him, we ask you, brothers and sisters, 2 not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by the teaching allegedly from us—whether by a prophecy or by word of mouth or by letter—asserting that the day of the Lord has already come. 3 Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way,.......

so we see that Paul was dealing with fears relating to the Rapture. Down in verse 15 Paul gives us a comforting message.

15 So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.
16 May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, 17 encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.

I'm drawn to the way Paul mentions standing firm and holding fast to the teachings he had given them, in other words, spending time in the Word so that they might be encouraged in the Lord, and strengthened for both good deeds and words.

To me that speaks of the Great Commission again. Being faithful in the small things that God has given us to do, not worrying about being super Christians, just trusting that when the fulness of time has come -- He will return for us as He promised, in the meanwhile, occupy till He comes.

I regularly take breaks from the news. When I start to feel anxious, I know that my balance of reading the Bible to watching the news is off.

There have been times when even this forum gets too much focused on politics or other worries of the day. I take time off, go for walks, get outside, see the beauty of His creation and how He cares for the smallest of His creation. I breathe fresh air, meditate on His word, talk to Him about my anxieties.

Just lately I've been on a cruise in Alaska and looking at a glacier fills me with praise to God. At the same time as it seems to scare the dickens out of the climate warming people.

In the last 2 years there has been way too much attention and speculation even in Christian circles of how some things will come to pass. Arguments over what might happen rather than looking to the Lord to keep us thru the various troubles that lead up to the Rapture.

It's fun to discuss things--but when it stops being fun, when it starts being filled with anxiety, it's time to step away, refocus on the Lord, on His character, His promises and His ability to care for each of us.

Don't feel bad about taking time off to rest, refocus, spend time in the Word, walk and talk with the Lord. Adam walked in the garden in the evening with the Lord before the fall. Now that we are restored to fellowship with God thru Christ, it's an essential part of staying sane and healthy in a fallen world.

Awesome post! Kick that proverbial pig up the road!