Bible Questions Answered: Perfection

Bible Questions Answered:

Matthew 5:48 says..”Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.”
How can we have victory over sin if we are not, perfect?
Gerold P./ Natchitoches, Louisiana

Bible Answer;

Victory over sin, the flesh and the devil, does not mean sinless perfection (sanctification), something strived for but never fully met in this world.

The old saying use to be, “You can't stop a bird from flying overhead, but you can stop him from making a nest in your hair!”

Romans 12:1,2
[1] I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
[2] And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

II Corinthians 3:18 “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” (A daily process in faith, and faithfulness to the Lord.)

Growing in Grace, more and more like the Lord, here, then one day....
in His presence, sanctified, forever to be totally like the Lord, for eternity.

I Corinthians 15:49 “And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.

Bible Questions Answered: Cloud Of Witnesses

Bible Questions Answered:

In Hebrews 12:1 “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,”

Who are these people, this cloud of witnesses?
Sharon A./ Pittsfield, Massachusetts

Bible Answer:
Well to be sure, they are Believers and the Heroes of Faith mentioned in chapter 11. and the many Angelic Beings that watch over the affairs of men.

Called the “Wachers.”

Mighty Angelic beings that watch over the affairs of men and often decide their fates, as they did with arrogant Nebuchadnezzar.

e.g.
Daniel 4:13,17,23
13 I saw in the visions of my head upon my bed, and, behold, a watcher and an holy one came down from heaven;

17 This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men.

23 And whereas the king saw a watcher and an holy one coming down from heaven, and saying, Hew the tree down, and destroy it; yet leave the stump of the roots thereof in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let his portion be with the beasts of the field, till seven times pass over him;

Jeremiah 4:16 KJV
Make ye mention to the nations; behold, publish against Jerusalem, that watchers come from a far country, and give out their voice against the cities of Judah.

Acts 7:51-53 KJV

[51] Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.
[52] Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers:
[53] Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it.

Hebrews 2:1-3 KJV
[1] Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.
[2] For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward;
[3] How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard Him;

Favorite Bible Verses: Protection

Favorite Bible Verses:

My wife pasted this verse on my truck dashboard, and I keep it there.
Jeremy L. / Dwight, Illinois

Psalm 121:7,8 “[7] The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: He shall preserve thy soul.
[8] The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.”

Bible Questions Answered: Christian Correction

Bible Questions Answered:
We have a lady who is a terrible gossip in our church. If she doesn't know something juicy, she makes something up. What can my friends and I do?
Lucy K./ Alexandria, Louisiana

Bible Answer:
Seeing how you are a member of a church, the first thing always that you must do is to talk to your pastor and alert him to the situation.

He may, or may not want you to handle the situation. He may consider this an infringement of his duties, and if so, let him take care of the situation.

If however you are not a member of a church, and this is a person who you know in your neighborhood, on the job etc. follow this example given to us by the Lord Jesus.

Matthew 18:15-17 NLT
15 If another believer sins against you,go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back.
16 But if you are unsuccessful, take one or two others with you and go back again, so that everything you say may be confirmed by two or three witnesses.
17 If the person still refuses to listen, take your case to the church. Then if he or she won't accept the church's decision, treat that person as a pagan or a corrupt tax collector.

Galatians 6:1,2 NLT
1 Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself
2 Share each other's burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ

Be sure to enter any situation in prayer and guidance from the Holy Spirit.

Bible Questions Answered: Christian Practice

Bible Question:
My boyfriend and I are having a debate about wether or not Christians are to show any of their spiritual beliefs, like some religions do.
Carolyn J./ Jackson, Mississippi

Bible Answer:
Christian Practice In Public:

Matthew 6:5,6 NIV
5 And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.
6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Oh how the enemy of our souls is a alive and well, trying his best to trip up the Christian.

His goal is to get one too far to the right/ or too far to the left.

So righteous he is no earthly good to anyone, completely evil so as to only be a curse to mankind.

Matthew 7:13,14 NIV (Very important words of Jesus.)
13 "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.
14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

Our enemy, longs to get us “Off-Center." Too far to the right, or too far to the left.
Our Lord, has called us to the Narrow Road, the road that is straight down the middle of His will.

The Pharisees (exhibitionists) loved to say their prayers in public, so that they would appear more devoute than others. And the church has lost many things over the years because of these kind of individuals, who wreck good things for everyone else. (more could be said, but enough.)

We can't allow the actions of a few misguided individuals, who we will have with us until the end, to ruin what is good and right in the church and in our lives!

But you may say, didn't Jesus say we are to do our praying in the closet? Yes, He sure did, but let us remember that He was talking about “Devotional Praying.”

Christian people, we are loosing.
Loosing ground to the enemy.
Worldly individuals, wouldn't recognize a Christian, if they saw one. And whose fault is that?
Why of course, it is our fault and no one elses!

I Thessalonians 5:18 “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

The feeding of the five thousand.

Matthew 14:19 NIV “And He directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, He gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then He gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people.”

Jesus prayed publically!

Luke 9:26 “For whosoever shall be ashamed of Me and of My words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when He shall come in His own glory, and in His Father's, and of the holy angels.”

Matthew 5:14-16
[14] Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
[15] Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
[16] Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Everyday we open our newspapers, or turn on our T.V's to see other people in their religious beliefs, bowing down to the ground, in respect and awe of their god. And everyday, we hear of one more group, “Coming-Out-Of-The-Closset,” all the while Christian people are seemingly running in to hid.

God help us, what have we become, what are we afraid of?

Pray before you eat... (II Timothy 1:7 “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”)

Pray at home or when you go out to eat, bow your heads and give thanks to the Lord!

My friends and I do this one better, we have a scripture box, and we each pull out a verse and read it before we pray and eat!

Here is one you probably didn't know.

Deuteronomy 8:10 “When thou hast eaten and art full, then thou shalt bless the LORD thy God for the good land which He hath given thee.”

One of the most fond memories I have is, (no some 40 years later) when my wife and I had gone out to eat in a restaurant, we saw a group of ladies, who after they had eaten, took each others hands and sang, quietly, a song of thanksgiving to the Lord.

Christian, where is the world's example of how Christians live? Is it fond on T.V., the movies, the theater?

Witnessing, ...(II Timothy 1:7 “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”)

Christian you are called to be a witness of your Saviour!

Romans 10:10 “For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”

Matthew 10:32 “ Whosoever therefore shall confess Me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.”

Luke 9:26 “ For whosoever shall be ashamed of Me and of My words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when He shall come in His own glory, and in His Father's, and of the holy angels.”

Take the Bible...(II Timothy 1:7 “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”)

Christian, when was the last time you took your Bible downtown with you, for all to see?
What are you afraid of?
Take your Bible with you, read it on the bus, the train, the air plane.

Read it on your lunch break on the job.

Romans 1:16 “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

II Timothy 1:8 “Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord,...”

II Timothy 1:12 “... I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day.”

I Peter 4:16,17
16...if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.

17 For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?”

I John 2:28 “ And now, little children, abide in Him; that, when He shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before Him at his coming.”

Bible Questions Answered: Secular Conformity

Bible Question:
Is it so wrong to be and act like Non-Christians?
Kelly P./ Pueblo, Colorado

Bible Answer:
It seems that everyday there is more and more peer pressure to emulate worldly individuals. But the life of a Christian is to be different than the lives of the lost world.

Exodus 23:2 “Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil...”

The enemy of our souls wants everyone to “Follow-The-Leader,” “Conform-To-Be-Like-Everyone-Else.”

The Word tells us just the opposite...
II Corinthians 6:17,18

[17] Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
[18] And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

Christians are to be a separated people, going against the evil current of our day.

The Apostle Paul wrote the Corinthian believers...
Romans 12:1,2
[1] I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
[2] And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

And again, The Apostle told the Galatians....

Galatians 6:14 “...God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.”

I John 2:15-17 NLT

15 Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you.

16 For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world.

17 And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.

Bible Questions Answered: Christian Work

Bible Question:
I want to work for the Lord, but I don't know how or where.

Shelly K./ Marshfield, Wisconsin

Bible Answer:
Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

Mark 16:15-20

[15] And He said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
[16] He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
[17] And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
[18] They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
[19] So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, He was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.
[20] And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.

It is the calling of every Christian, to be a witness of the Lord! (See section named “Personal Gifts.”)

My father though a businessman, for many years of his life, in the state of California, was a lay-preacher. He would show slide presentations on astronomy-- “[1] The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth His handywork.[2] Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge.” Psalms 19:1,2

My mother would play the piano, and many souls were brought to the blessed Lord Jesus.

Through prayer and willingness, there is no limit to what a Christian can do, for his Lord.

Witnessing:
I grew up as a kid, helping out at something called “Street Meetings,” anyone old enough to remember them? A group of Christian people would pick a location downtown and on a street corner hand out gospel tracts, and witness, and yes sing wonderful gospel songs.

My grandfather, who had done street meetings for many years, went on to be with the Lord one summer afternoon, while holding a street meeting downtown Mpls in the 1950's.

Today, one would need a permit for such actions (if it could be obtained.)

Even malls and depots, etc. seemingly are cracking down on any witnessing today. Several years ago a friend, who worked for a large computer firm, told me that his manager had announced, no one could wear any kind of religious symbols to work, the cross on his lapel that he had worn for years, as his witness for the Lord Jesus, had to come off.

Friends, let's get busy for the Lord, let's do what we can for as long as we can, and do it with prayer!

Home Bible studies:
Sometimes a church pastors requires any member to tell him of any home bible studies. The reason behind this is not sinister, it is because some who do not know how to correctly handle the Word of the Lord, can end up teaching half truths, if not total misconceptions, and can lead to untold misery, for individuals and a church.

There is also the trouble of neighborhoods. Having a Bible study at your house, (a good idea, for sure) but if it means that people will be coming and parking their cars at your house or on the street, causing some parking problems for others....cities have closed down some home Bible studies for these reasons.

If your church has an assistant pastor, or youth pastor, they may love to hold a Bible study at your house (You pick the subject). Be sure to have a love offering for them.

If you are not a church member, and you wish to hold one yourself, be sure you are an avid student of prayer and the Bible.

Prayer Services:
This like Bible studies, may be subject to city codes, regarding excessive parking...etc.... Oh how we need Christian people who will on a regular basis, pray. Pray for their families, their loved ones, our country and it's leaders, their employers, faithful soldiers at war, for peace in our world, etc..etc...etc..

Rest Home Services:
Oh how the rest homes in your area are so desperately looking for anyone who will come and speak and or play music, etc... Many a wonderful friend I have found doing rest home services. (Again, if a church member, you should check with your pastor first.)

Matthew 10:42 "And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward."

Hospital Visitation:
If you are a member of a church, check with your pastor if there are people from your church, that he thinks you should visit and pray for. If he thinks this is his job, ask him if it is ok, to pray for people not from your church. Again if the answer is no, than that is that. If you are not a member of any church, check with the hospital staff, usually there are scores of elderly people who never receive any visits from anyone, who would so appreciate your kindness and prayers. Again as always, prepare by being a student of prayer and the Word.

Communion Services:
Again, if you are a church member, check first with you pastor to see if he has any objections, if you are not, do everything prayerfully as unto the Lord. (No you do not have to be a pastor to hold a Communion service in your home!)

Baptismal Service:
As has been said before....if you are a church member, check first with you pastor to see if he has any objections, if you are not, do everything prayerfully as unto the Lord. (No you do not have to be a pastor to hold a Baptismal Service.) But be sure you know what the scriptures say concerning water Baptism!

Printing Gospel Tracts:
Today all you need is a desire to serve the Lord, and to sit down at your computer, using it's word processor. Many word programs easily show you how to print brochures. Do you have a wonderful testimony of what the Lord has done for you? Don't sit and wait for some publisher, write and print it out yourself, and share it with as many people as you can!

Gospel Sing:
I remember years ago, oh the fun many had with gospel music. They'd hear a gospel song on the radio, write it down and sing it for anyone who would have the time to listen.

Today, that person could be finding himself in jail.

Yes, as hard as it is to believe, you can't write out someone's song, from radio, records, tapes etc...etc....and use that at church, or any place else.

Today, that is thought to be robbing someone of their royalty rights from a song book of theirs, etc..etc..

There are people, visiting churches today, just looking for choirs, or individuals who do that, to slap them with some kind of litigation.

Oh, how things have changed over the years. (This is not true of all Christian song writers.)

But, be that as it may, one may certainly use hymnals, or other published song books with no problem at all. (And of course any and all songs you may write, for the Lord)
(remember again, the parking situation.)

Radio Broadcasts:
Especially small town radio stations are looking for programing all the time.
And it's not all that hard to get started. Check with your local radio station, what times are open and at what cost.

If there is much interest, we can write a short manual on this subject.

Christian Web Site:
For your church, or your own, telling the wonderfulness of our risen Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ. What you could do is limitless! (Encourage yourself and do it! If you don't have thee expertise, do you know those who could help you?)

Christian Author:
No you don't have to be anyone special, to sit down and write Christian stories, for children (which there is a big demand), or adults. Again if you have had a special experience to share as a Christian, here's your chance, to write a book or booklet.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Well, this list can grow, and perhaps later we will add more things.
Whatever you do as a Christian, be sure of one thing....

I Corinthians 10:31 “...whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”

Bible Questions Answered: Communion/Who/ How Often

Bible Question:
Who should take communion and how often should they take it.

Merwin L./ Raleigh, N.C.

Bible Answer:
Communion or the Lord's Supper

I Corinthians 11:23-32

[23] For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which He was betrayed took bread:
[24] And when He had given thanks, He brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is My body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of Me.
[25] After the same manner also He took the cup, when He had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in My blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of Me.
[26] For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till He come.
[27] Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.
[28] But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.
[29] For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.
[30] For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep (die).
[31] For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.
[32] But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.

A) The reason for the Lord's Supper:

Memorial:

Our Lord said....Luke 22:19 “This do in Remembrance of Me.”

Not a means of salvation in itself, but ...a remembrance of the Lord and what He has done for us.

II Corinthians 5:21 “For He (God the Father) hath made Him (the Lord Jesus Christ) to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.”

Communion:

Not with each other, but fellowship with the risen Lord.
James 4:8 “Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you....”

Edification:
Colossians 2:6,7
[6] As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him:
[7] Rooted and built up in Him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.

B) Who is the Lord's Supper for:

The Lord's Supper was a central theme to the early church.

Acts 2:42 NLT “All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord's Supper*), and to prayer.”

The Lord's Supper is for the Christian Church/ Born Again Believers.

I Corinthians 1:2 “Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:”

C) How often should Christians partake of the Lord's Supper?:

Acts 20:7 (The custom of the early church) “On the first day of the week, we gathered with the local believers to share in the Lord's Supper.* Paul was preaching to them,...”

Church history tells us that for the first 700 years, this was the church custom.

Later it was changed, but John Calvin stated, “the change was a contrivance of the devil.”

John Wesley told his people to celebrate the Lord's Supper every week.

Bible Lessons: Resisting The Enemy

Standing Firm Against The Enemy

The enemy comes to resist (fight against) the child of God, he resisted the Lord Jesus ( Matthew 4:1-11), and he comes to oppose us.

He will tell us that we are not saved, we are not healed, we are not in the Lord's Way, etc..etc..etc...

But he is a liar and the father of all lies (John 8:44 KJV “When he (the devil) speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it....”

The Word of the Lord, tells us that we are not to believe our enemy...Ephesians 4:27 KJV “Neither give place to the devil.”.....but we are to.....

James 4:7 KJV Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Proverbs 18:10 KJV The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.

I John 5:4 NIV “For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.”

Revelation 12:11 KJV “And they overcame him (the devil, the enemy of our body, soul, and spirit) by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony;...”

Nothing But The Blood (Robert Lowry)

This is all my hope and peace

Nothing but the Blood of Jesus

This is all my righteousness

Nothing but the Blood of Jesus

Oh! Precious is the flow That makes me white as snow;

No other fount I know, Nothing but the Blood of Jesus.

I Peter 5:8,9 KJV “ [8] Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
[9] Whom resist stedfast in the faith,...”

Luke 10:19 “Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.”

II Timothy 1:7 KJV “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but (God has given to us the Spirit..) of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. “

Mark 11:22-24 KJV “ [22] And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.
[23] For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.
[24] Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

Galatians 6:9 KJV “ And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”

Bible Questions Answered: End Times Signs

Bible Question:
What are the signs of end time things?
Andy L./ Peoria, Ill.

Bible Answer: Future Things Coming On Earth

Last Day Deception:

Revelation 6:1,2 “ And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four living creatures saying, Come and see.
[2] And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.

(This is not the Lord Jesus,as some have supposed. First of all check the company (in Rev. chpt. 6) he is with, Famine, War, and Death. These are the four horsemen of the Apocalypse, they are a group bent on devastation.)

There is coming a last day deceiver conqueror, coming world dictator (the Anti Christ).

Revelation 13:13

And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, (The Ant-Chrit's false prophet.)

II Thessalonians 2:7-12 KJV

[7] For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only He who now letteth will let, until He be taken out of the way.
[8] And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of His mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of His coming:
[9] Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,
[10] And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
[11] And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:
[12] That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

II Corinthians 11:13-15

[13] For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
[14] And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
[15] Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

Famine:

Revelation 6:5,

5] And when He had opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand.
Then I heard what sounded like a voice among the four living creatures, saying,
[a] "A quart of wheat for a day's wages,
[b] and three quarts of barley for a day's wages,
[c] and do not damage the oil and the wine!"

War:

Revelation 6:3,4 3] And when He had opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature say, Come and see.
[4] And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword.

Death:

Revelaltion 6:7,8 [7] And when He had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature say, Come and see.
[8] And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth.
One fourth of the earth, people will be killed by war, by hunger and by beasts.

Other End Time Signs:

Earthquakes and astronomical signs:

Revelation 8:7-12

[7] The first angel sounded, and there followed hail and fire mingled with blood, and they were cast upon the earth: and the third part of trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up.
[8] And the second angel sounded, and as it were a great mountain burning with fire was cast into the sea: and the third part of the sea became blood;
[9] And the third part of the creatures which were in the sea, and had life, died; and the third part of the ships were destroyed.
[10] And the third angel sounded, and there fell a great star from heaven, burning as it were a lamp, and it fell upon the third part of the rivers, and upon the fountains of waters;
[11] And the name of the star is called Wormwood: and the third part of the waters became wormwood; and many men died of the waters, because they were made bitter.
[12] And the fourth angel sounded, and the third part of the sun was smitten, and the third part of the moon, and the third part of the stars; so as the third part of them was darkened, and the day shone not for a third part of it, and the night likewise.

Revelation 9:3-11

[3] And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth: and unto them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power.
[4] And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads.
[5] And to them it was given that they should not kill them, but that they should be tormented five months: and their torment was as the torment of a scorpion, when he striketh a man.
[6] And in those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it; and shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them.
[7] And the shapes of the locusts were like unto horses prepared unto battle; and on their heads were as it were crowns like gold, and their faces were as the faces of men.
[8] And they had hair as the hair of women, and their teeth were as the teeth of lions.
[9] And they had breastplates, as it were breastplates of iron; and the sound of their wings was as the sound of chariots of many horses running to battle.
[10] And they had tails like unto scorpions, and there were stings in their tails: and their power was to hurt men five months.
[11] And they had a king over them, which is the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue is Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue hath his name Apollyon.

Revelation 9:16-18

[16] And the number of the army of the horsemen were two hundred thousand thousand
(200 Million): and I heard the number of them.
[17] And thus I saw the horses in the vision, and them that sat on them, having breastplates of fire, and of jacinth, and brimstone: and the heads of the horses were as the heads of lions; and out of their mouths issued fire and smoke and brimstone.
[18] By these three was the third part of men killed, by the fire, and by the smoke, and by the brimstone, which issued out of their mouths.

Revelation 11:13

] And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven.

Revelation 16:6-12

[6] For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and thou hast given them blood to drink; for they are worthy.
[7] And I heard another out of the altar say, Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are thy judgments.
[8] And the fourth angel poured out his vial upon the sun; and power was given unto him to scorch men with fire.
[9] And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, which hath power over these plagues: and they repented not to give him glory.
[10] And the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the seat of the beast; and his kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain,
[11] And blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and repented not of their deeds.
[12] And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared.

Revelation 16:18-21

[18] And there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great.
[19] And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of His wrath.
[20] And every island fled away, and the mountains were not found.
[21] And there fell upon men a great hail out of heaven, every stone about the weight of a talent (One Hundred Pounds in weight): and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; for the plague thereof was exceeding great.

John 3:16-21

[16] For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
[17] For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved.
[18] He that believeth on Him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
[19] And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
[20] For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
[21] But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

John 1:12 But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name:

Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him...”

Bible Questions Answered: Known By Fruits

Bible Question:
I know the bible tells us to recognize people and their actions by being good or evil, where is that?
Shelly K./ Albany NY

Bible Answer:

Matthew 7:20 (Our Lord taught us...) "Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them."

There are of course no more or no less than two kinds of fruits. Good fruits that bless, strengthen and heal, and evil fruits that curse, weaken and kill.

Now wherever you are in the world, you will find these fruits. Yes, in the world, and or the church. Always be ready to recognize, and know them for what they are.

Evil Fruits:

Evil Fellowship: Ephesians 5: 3-11

[3] But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;
[4] Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.
[5] For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
[6] Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.
[7] Be not ye therefore partakers with them.
[8] For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:
[9] (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)
[10] Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.
[11] And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.

II Timothy 3:1-5 NLT (The Apostle Paul warns young Timothy of "seemingly, religious, people.")
1 You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times.
2 For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred.
3 They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good.
4 They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God.
5 They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly (The Blood of Jesus Christ). Stay away from people like that!

Galatians 5:19- NLT19
19 When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures,
20 idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division,
21 envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

Galatians 5:22-23 (mentions good fruit, but here we will consider their antithesis.)

Love, (the opposite of which is) Hate-Hatred

Joy, - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Sadness, Sorrow

Peace- - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - Melancholy, Despair

Longsuffering - - - - - - - - - - Short Tempored

Gentleness - - - - - - - - - - - - Harshness, Cruelness

Goodness - - - - - - - - - - - - - Evil

Faith - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Doubt, Despair, Melancholy

Meekness - - - - - - - - - - - - - Brashness, Boldness, Impetuous, Offensiveness

Temperance - - - - - - - - - - - Without Self Control, Lawless

Ephesians 5:9

Righteousness- - - - - - - - - - - - Sinfulness, Evil

Truth - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Lies

Always, we must check "our-actions," by the list above!
Our ego, would tell us that "we," never could fall under such categories!
But the Word of God would remind us....

Jeremiah 17:9 KJV "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?"

Evil Fruit-continued

James 4:4 “Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.”

I John 2:15 KJV “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.”

I Corinthians 15:33 RSV “Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.”

II Corthians 6:17,18
[17] Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and
I will receive you,
[18] And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be My sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.


Good Fruit:

Galatians 5:22,23
[22] But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
[23] Meekness, temperance (self-control): against such there is no law.”

Ephesians 5:9 JKV “For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;”

Matthew 7:20 KJV “Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.”

Hebrews 12:12-14 KJV
[12] Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees;
[13] And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.
[14] Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:

Matthew 7:13-23 KJV
[13] Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
[14] Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
[15] Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
[16] Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
[17] Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
[18] A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
[19] Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

(Sham Religion, Religious acts and service, out of an inward call to do so, but from a rebellious, unyielding life, of rebellious sin.
A facade of Religiosity, with out the Redeemer.
A Most Damnable Sin, Because It Leads Innocent Victims Into Its Pit Of Spiritual Death.)

[20] Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
[21] Not every one that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord (Religious, False Piety, but “not, under the blood of Christ.”), shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
[22] Many will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord (Religious; supposed Servants, for “Lord means-Master,” but “not, under the blood of Christ.”),
have we not prophesied in thy name (Religious; seemingly Charismatic, but “not, under the blood of Christ.”)?
and in thy name have cast out devils (Religious; seemingly Charismatic, but “not, under the blood of Christ”)?
and in thy name done many wonderful works (Religious; seemingly men of Faith, but “not, under the blood of Christ”)?
[23] And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from Me, ye that work iniquity.

(Sham Religion, Religious acts and service, out of an inward call to do so, but from a rebellious, unyielding life, of rebellious sin.
A facade of Religiosity, with out the Redeemer.
A Most Damnable Sin, Because It Leads Innocent Victims Into Its
Pit Of Spiritual Death.)

Ephesians 2:8-10 KJV
[8] For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves :
it is the gift of God:

[9] Not of works,(not by false, empty religious works of piety, by a people who do not know or serve the Lord Jesus Christ.) lest any man should boast.

[10] For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Bible Questions Answered: Personal Gifts

Bible Question:
I want to work in my church, but I wouldn't make a janitor, what can I do?
Sunshi W./ Kyoto, Japan

Bible Answer:
There is surely a job for every believer in the church. The Apostle Paul tells us about this in....

Romans 12:4-8 New International Version

4.Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function,

5.So in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.

6.We have different gifts, according to the grace given us.

If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith.

7.If it is serving, let him serve;

if it is teaching, let him teach;

8.if it is encouraging, let him encourage;

if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously;

if it is leadership, let him govern diligently;

if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

The Apostle Paul, here lists some SEVEN, ministries of love within the church. God has given every member one or more of these gifts to build up the House of God.

What are your gifts? Pray and ask the Lord to reveal them to you.

1. The gift of Prophesy: This gift is verbal inspiration from the Holy Spirit/ and or Inspired Preaching (which also is prophecy), this category belongs surely to the Pastor of the church. Most churches have only “one,” pastor. If you have this calling, ask the Lord, where He will lead you to have your own church.

2. Serving: Some people without a doubt love to serve others. It may be in the kitchen of the church, how many a dear soul, men and women, have labored year after year to feed all who come to church. Or it may be serving as a janitor, usher, etc...etc...etc..

3. Teaching: This office in most churches, is filled when a qualified person, has meet with the pastor and or church board, with a heart to teach young or old the wonderful Word of God.

4. Encouraging: What a wonderful gift of the Lord! Many a dear saint with the pastor's guidance and blessing has spent hour after hour with those in rest homes, and hospitals, praying with and encouraging them in the Lord. (what a reward is coming! Matthew 10:42 And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in nowise lose his reward. )
   

5. Contributing: (Proverbs 19:17 He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will He pay him again.)
   What a blessing it is to help those who are in need!
   

6. Leadership: Deacons, and Trustees, are in places of responsibility within the church, and how the church needs Godly called leaders!

7. Mercy: Many a wounded soul comes under the roof of the church. Many hurting from the wounds of a sinful world. A lecture they do not need. People of Love and Mercy, yes. (Matthew 5:7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.)

Friend, humbly pray, and ask the dear Lord Jesus, what are the gifts that you have been given. Then wait upon Him, so that you will have the strength and the wisdom to apply those gifts in the church.

Bible Questions Answered: Predestination

Bible Question:
Does God “elect” some to be saved, and others to be lost?
June C. / Mansfield, Louisiana

Bible Answer:

The doctrine of “Election,” founded by John Calvin (1509-1564 Protestant Reformer), says in part that God “Elects,” who is to be saved, and who will be lost.

Here is what the Word of God says:

Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

No one is ever denied salvation, it comes by choice.

John 1:12,13 “But as many as received Him (not her, some man, or they, only the Lord Jesus Christ.), to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name:
[13] Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

Acts 16:30,31 (the Jailer who had jailed Paul and Silas, said,......”...Sirs, what must I do to be saved?
[31] And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

I Timothy 2:3,4 [3] For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
[4] Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

(How many?....All Men!)

John 3:15-18

[15] That whosoever believeth in Him (the Lord Jesus Christ), should not perish, but have eternal life.
[16] For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
[17] For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved.(all of humanity!)
[18] He that believeth on Him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

God has chosen all, but all have not “chosen,” Him, and consequently, they are lost.

Now God in His foreknowledge, knew from the beginning of the world, who would choose Him, and who would reject Him.

Romans 8:28-30

[28] And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.
[29] For whom He did foreknow,

He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.
[30] Moreover whom He did predestinate, them He also called: and whom He called, them He also justified: and whom He justified, them He also glorified.

God who knew from the beginning of the world, who would choose Christ as their Saviour, elected them to Justification (now), and glorification (yet to come.)

(The Foreknowledge of God: Jn. 6:64/ Jn. 13:1/ Jn. 13:11/ Jn. 18:4/ Jn. 19:28)

God does not roll some kind of celestial dice, to see who will be saved, and who will be lost, not by a God of love and mercy.

Men choose for themselves, their eternal destiny.

Bilbe Questions Answered: The Rapture

Bible Questions Answered:

A lady friend I have at work, doesn't believe in the return of Jesus to the church. What scripture can I give her?
Lidya K./ Montreal,Canada

Bible Answer:

One cannot read the New Testament and not know of the return of Christ for His Church, for some 350 times it is mentioned.

Please note, and so many get this confused, the Secret Catching Away of Christ's Bride (The Blood washed Church,) is not the Second Coming!

The Secret Catching Away of the Bride of Christ, or The Rapture (as is so commonly called by the Church,) is a secret soon coming event. Christ does not come to the earth, but to its atmosphere, to meet His ascending Bride. This is the Marriage of the Lamb. A great marriage supper (Celebration) is planned in heaven.

Revelation 19:6-9

[6] And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.
[7] Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to Him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and His wife (The Church) hath made herself ready.
[8] And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.
[9] And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.”

This marriage was prophetically foretold in the Old Testament:

Isaiah 54:5 For thy Maker is thine husband; the LORD of hosts is His name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall He be called.

Isaiah 62:5 For as a young man marrieth a virgin, so shall thy sons marry thee: and as the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, so shall thy God rejoice over thee.

Jeremiah 3:14 Turn, O backsliding children, saith the LORD; for I am married unto you: and I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion:

Hosea 2:19,20 [19] And I will betroth thee unto me for ever; yea, I will betroth thee unto me in righteousness, and in judgment, and in lovingkindness, and in mercies. [20] I will even betroth thee unto me in faithfulness: and thou shalt know the LORD.

Christ gave a parable about His secret coming ....

Matthew 22: 1-14

[1] And Jesus answered and spake unto them again by parables, and said,
[2] The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son,
[3] And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come.
[4] Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage.
[5] But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise:
[6] And the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them.
[7] But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city.
[8] Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy.
[9] Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage.
[10] So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests.
[11] And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment:
[12] And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless.
[13] Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
[14] For many are called, but few are chosen.

Matthew 25:10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.

Jesus said that He would come again, to receive His own.

John 14:1-6

[1] Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
[2] In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
[3] And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
[4] And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.
[5] Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?
[6] Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

The Apostle Paul mentions this Secret Catching away of the Church.

I Corinthians 15:51-55

[51] Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
[52] In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
[53] For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
[54] So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
[55] O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?

I Thessalonians 4: 13-18 NLB

13 And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died* so you will not grieve like people who have no hope.

14 For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns (Secret Catching Away of the Church), God will bring back with Him the believers who have died.

15 We tell you this directly from the Lord: We who are still living when the Lord returns will not meet Him ahead of those who have died.

16 For the Lord Himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the Christians who have died* will rise from their graves.

17 Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever.

18 So encourage each other with these words.

All this having been said, who is the Lord coming for in this Secret Catching Away?

Hebrews 9:28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

Hebrews 12:14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:

John 1:12,13 [12] But as many as received Him (Christ the Saviour), to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name:
[13] Which were born, not of blood (Earthly Nobility), nor of the will of the flesh (Ecclesiastic Bestowal), nor of the will of man (Religious Works), but of God.

When will this “Catching Away,” occur?

Matthew 24:6 But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.

Matthew 25:13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

Hebrews 10:37 For yet a little while, and He that shall come will come, and will not tarry.