Pharmakeia

Two weeks ago today there was a disturbing article in the Valley News reporting a significant drug bust on the corner of Dana and Maple streets. What is most alarming about this incident is the fact that this happened just a block away from our church, which is in a fairly safe, residential neighborhood. A couple was arrested and charged with possession of heroin - 700 small bags to be precise.

Although the Bible has quite a bit to say about the dangers of alcohol, there is not an abundance of scripture regarding the use of drugs. In the new Testament there is a Greek word pharmakeia used in various forms which is defined by Strong's as meaning medication, drugs or poison. This word is most often used in the Book of Revelation and pertains to the "last days."

Galatians chapter five not only lists the "fruit of the Spirit" but also catalogs the "works of the flesh" in the preceding verses. Please note that the word witchcraft is translated from this same word pharmakeia. Drug abuse, probably not as prevalent in the 1600's, was associated with the divinations of false religion and mystics of Bible times.

"Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God." Galatians 5:19-21

We see this word used again in various forms repeatedly used in Revelations translated as the word sorcery.

"And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk: 21 Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts." Revelation 9:20&21

The scene described takes place during the Great Tribulation, Daniel's 70th week. Notice the correlation between the "sorcery" (drug use) and false worship. It is evident by this and other passages that Satan uses drugs to deceive his victims in the end times.

Revelation chapter 18 depicts the destruction of the one world system referred to as "Babylon the Great." Drug abuse is cited here as being the agent of deception.

"And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived." Revelation 18:23

Chapter 21 is the start of eternity with a new Heaven and a new earth without sorrow, pain, death or tears for all those who believe. However, verse eight plainly declares that the "second death" is the judgment that awaits those who have not put their faith in the crosswork of Christ and repented of their sins. Drug users will be together in the lake of fire along with the murders and whoremongers according to God's Holy Word.

"And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. 7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. 8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death." Revelation 21:6-8 (sorcerers = pharmakeus)

There may drugs in your home or at your school. There are drugs in prison as well. But there won't be any drugs in Glory. Neither will the drug abusers be allowed through the gates.

"Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. 15 For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie." Revelation 22:14&15 (sorcerers = pharmakos)

My dear friend, many years ago as a young man the devil deceived me into addicting my flesh to the daily use of so-called "recreational drugs." At the time I did not understand and neither could I see how this sinful practice was changing my personality and degrading my behavior. When I repented and trusted Christ as my Savior, He delivered me and forgave me of all my sins and made a new person out of me, free from the bondage of drugs and alcohol. He will do this for you if you will only come as a sinner, turn from your sin, and trust Jesus as your Savior. You will be "born again" and sealed by God the Holy Spirit. Then and only then will you truly be set free.

"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." John 1:12

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." II Cor 5:17

Preacher Dan

He Preached in black lizard skin boots. His towering Texas voice permeated our auditorium as a Stetson "crown" was proudly perched on a seat behind.

Evangelist Dan Meaders from Houston Texas was our Revival Speaker from Sunday, October 8th through Thursday Evening, October 12th. Preacher Dan stirred our hearts with Bible messages intended to enhance our spirituality as well as our walk and relationship with the Lord. Each message brought us into His power and presence and reminded us about our calling and purpose.

The meetings closed on Thursday night with a wonderful sermon on Job's life. Although Job loved God and had a testimony of being perfect & upright, he defended his righteousness throughout his trial. God tenderized Job's heart through all of that suffering. When he was humbled, God blessed him twice as much as before. The key is verse five. Thank you Preacher Dan!

I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee. Job 42:5

Salt

Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Matthew 5:13

"I wish that the Lord would come today. I don't know how much more I can take!"

This is the unfortunate attitude of some Christians today. Their lives have become so miserable that they are crying out to be Rescued. The "Blessed Hope" of the believer is no longer a yearning to be with Jesus, which Paul says, "is far better," but has become a doctrine of desperation to some because of their own unfavorable life circumstances. A few take responsibility for their plight, others blame God and most look to blame others.

We are to walk with God in this life as saved believers that experience God's peace and joy even through the trials of this life. The key to having the proper outlook is found right here in Matthew 5:13. We need to realize that we are Salt.

Salt was used as a preservative and often enhances the flavor of our favorite foods. Jesus said that we are to be salt to the unsaved of this world in order to preserve and enhance their lives through the ministry of the Gospel. We must realize primarily that we are put in very tough places or situations to be their salt or the positive factor in making things better through our hope and faith in the Lord as we extend those things to others. Our walk with God and testimony before men are of utmost importance. The reality very often reveals that we allow the circumstances to get the better of us by not exercising the spiritual resources that we are given. WE become "trodden under foot" and join the ranks of the defeated instead of enjoying victory through our Savior. Israel was delivered from the bondage of Egypt with the mighty hand of God and preserved for two generations in the wilderness. Yet, while God's blessings were upon them they became a "stiffnecked & rebellious" people and earned God's disappointment because of their constant "murmuring & complaining."

It is a shame that we often find ourselves as Christians complaining about the lot that God has dealt us instead of being thankful and content. It is often a struggle to go to work and not take part in the latest gossip of the breakroom or run down the boss along with everyone else. Some Christians murmur about their home life and carry on about their wives and children. These are the exact times that we must remember that we are salt. We are part of the solution and not victims of the circumstances. God is still in control and we must trust him to work and even use us in the process. Prayer beats pouting every time.

Work - We are to be the salt of our workplace. We should be on time, work hard. follow instruction and be loyal to those that God uses to provide our livelihood. Being lazy, gossiping, demeaning our supervisor and resisting to perform our job is not being good salt. We need to guard against becoming the salt that has lost its savour. In Genesis 39, Joseph was wrongly put into prison. He did not become depressed because of his unfair situation but immediately went to work as the salt of the prison house.

But the LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison. 22 And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph's hand all the prisoners that were in the prison; and whatsoever they did there, he was the doer of it. 23 The keeper of the prison looked not to any thing that was under his hand; because the LORD was with him, and that which he did, the LORD made it to prosper. Genesis 39:21-23

Life - Life is never fair! We shouldn't expect it to be. We need to be the salt of our family, friends and neighbors. Many Christians are unhappy with their marriages and children. We may or may not be the cause of the problems but still need to deal with these issues nonetheless. Complaining about your wife or husband at work or to your friends only makes you look bad. Why did you choose or agree to share your life with them if they are that bad? "Oh, you don't understand, they have changed." I know. I have changed a lot too. Maybe we need to be the salt of our marriage and ask the Lord to help us to work hard and love unconditionally to get back the passion and desire that we once cherished in our marriage relationship.

Perhaps our children are the way they are because we have neglected to love them enough to parent them. The Bible says that children are a blessing from the Lord, yet they seem to suck the life right out of us. Being salt to our children means making the daily effort to love them and parent them. Neglecting them or giving them everything that they want will only lead to disaster. Spend time with them, pray for them and with them, set their boundaries and provide a disciplined routine for their lives, love them and let them have a little liberty in the environment that you have built around them and you may see a much better attitude and brighter future.

Being a pastor is like being "the old woman who lived in a shoe." it is very difficult to meet the needs of many people at one time. I believe that Moses was the greatest pastor that ever lived. Even when the children of Israel chided with him, rebelled against him and wanted to stone him to death, he still got on his face before God and pleaded for Jehovah to take his life and not theirs although God was angry with them for their behavior. Moses was surely the salt of Israel.

And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses said unto the people, Ye have sinned a great sin: and now I will go up unto the LORD; peradventure I shall make an atonement for your sin. 31 And Moses returned unto the LORD, and said, Oh, this people have sinned a great sin, and have made them gods of gold. 32 Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin--; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written. Exodus 32:30-32

Church - Like our homes, our church should be a place of peace and refuge for the believer. However, there are many places of worship that have become tough and grisly and in need of salt. Politics and contention often take over when the Spirit of God is not leading. We should be excited about attending church services and fellowship with the saints of like precious faith. We should be like salt on fries as we look forward to each opportunity to worship. Many Christians are easily offended and find it easier to move on than to stay and be the salt of the local church. They may find that a new place has the old problems. It is better to be where God has called you and look to Him to help you make your church a better place to worship. The church at Corinth had a lot of problems. These issues needed to be identified and corrected. If everyone simply quit and moved on we would not have been given the wonder instructions by the Apostle Paul who shows us even today how to be the salt of the church in I & II Corinthians.

We salt the foods that we love and should also salt the ones we love with love.

And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. I Peter 4:8

Baptism - September 17, 2006

Each year our church holds a special baptismal service at Storrs Pond in Hanover, NH. Immediately after our Morning Service we all head up to the pond and gather on the shore. I preach a brief message explaining baptism from the water as the many onlookers anticipate the actual baptizing of the individuals who are making a "public" declaration of their faith in Christ. As my voice echoes over the water and permeates the corners of the park, it reminds me of Jesus preaching from a small ship in the Gospels. At least I am sure that everyone will have the opportunity to hear God's saving message of the death, burial, and resurrection of our Savior.

This year we had two of our young men, Andy Kalacinski and Don White come forward for baptism. It was a perfect day as we witnessed these two men publicly affirm their faith. After the Baptism there was a special time of fellowship. There was a cookout provided by our people and we all enjoyed our time in the Lord. Special thanks to Gene and Anna Yeager and their crew.

The message was regarding the "Signs of Salvation." Colossians 2:12 says, "Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead." Baptism is a "sign" or picture of salvation for it represents the death, burial and resurrection of not just our Lord Jesus Christ, but of all who have repented of their sins and received Him into their hearts by faith and have been born again of the Holy Ghost. We see this more closely in Romans 6:3-5, "Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection." So then we see that baptism has 3 purposes. First we do it out of obedience to the one who died for us and freed us from our sin, delivering our souls from eternal damnation. Secondly, we are making a public declaration that we have been saved and that our hope for eternity lies soley on the crosswork of Christ at Calvary and does not rely upon our own sinful flesh. And lastly, we become an open object lesson, revealing the picture of baptism by being "immersed" in the water (representing death & burial) and rising again forshadowing our resurrection from the dead.

When the religious crowd asked Jesus for a sign in Matthew 12:38-40, He responded by giving them another sign of salvation. "An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas: 40 For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth."

Another sign of salvation was given by Jesus in John 12:24, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit." This too is a picture of the gospel of our salvation. We are not to try and make our lives better through religion and good works, we are to receive Christ and a new life in Him. First we must die to self, and when we live unto Him, only then will we experience true religion and serve him with our works after we are saved.

Jesus warned us about seeking after a "sign." We shouldn't be seeking a sign but seeking salvation. This salvation is found in His shed blood on the cross. He loves you. He died for you. You must repent and receive Him by faith and like Nicodemus, you will be born again.

Romans Road

God loves you
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. John 3:16

We are all sinners
As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one. Romans 3:10
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23

Christ died for you
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

Salvation is a free gift
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 6:23

You must trust Christ as your Savior
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Romans 10:9&10

Your Salvation is Secure
He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. I John 5:12&13

Sufferings

The Lord Jesus Christ plainly told his disciples that the Christian life is one that is filled with tribulation, suffering and trials. He also promised fellowship, deliverance, growth, strength and victory through those times. God builds our faith, wisdom and understanding by the adversity He allows to permeate our lives. He is always in control (i.e. Job) and brings us into His power and presence not just through His Word and His Spirit, but also by the experiences that test our character and Christian walk. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul exemplifies this idea in the most stunning way. We admire his grit and spiritual understanding, but would most probably not be willing to consecrate our lives with the intensity in which he displayed throughout the Book of Acts. Here is a catalogue of his sufferings for Christ:

I say again, Let no man think me a fool; if otherwise, yet as a fool receive me, that I may boast myself a little. 17 That which I speak, I speak it not after the Lord, but as it were foolishly, in this confidence of boasting. 18 Seeing that many glory after the flesh, I will glory also. 19 For ye suffer fools gladly, seeing ye yourselves are wise. 20 For ye suffer, if a man bring you into bondage, if a man devour you, if a man take of you, if a man exalt himself, if a man smite you on the face. 21 I speak as concerning reproach, as though we had been weak. Howbeit whereinsoever any is bold, (I speak foolishly,) I am bold also. 22 Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites? so am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? so am I. 23 Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. 24 Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. 25 Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; 26 In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; 27 In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. 28 Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches. 29 Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not? 30 If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities. 31 The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for evermore, knoweth that I lie not. 32 In Damascus the governor under Aretas the king kept the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desirous to apprehend me: 33 And through a window in a basket was I let down by the wall, and escaped his hands. II Cor 11:16-33.

Our Savior clearly marked out the path for this great man of God by shewing him the cost of serving the Most High and receiving an abundance of revelations. The question is - are we willing to pay?

But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: 16 For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake. Acts 9:15-16.

The problem with the things of life like death and suffering is that we don't always look at these things in the same way that God does. I would like to show you the Biblical perspective regarding suffering as laid out in our New Testament. You will soon realize that our Lord is blessing us with these things that we often detest and reject.

1. Rejoice - The early church disciples saw the ultimate joy in suffering for Jesus. As worthy servants, their sufferings only motivated them to serve and worship with greater enthusiasm. We too often exhibit the opposite reaction when we are mocked or persecuted for our Lord. We fall prey to being overcome with fear and shame and our effectiveness for Christ is easily neutralized when we suffer for His name.

And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41 And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. 42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ. Acts 5:40-42.

2. Glory - We not only suffer for Jesus, we suffer with Him. It is sharing in Christ's sufferings that enable us also to share in His Glory. Even if we were to suffer like our beloved Paul, our suffering could never pretend to compare to the suffering of our Savior. He suffered for us because He loved us. If we love Him, we should glory in suffering for Him. Our suffering in this present evil world and in this brief life will never retain the eternal value of our promised glory to come.

The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. 18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Romans 8:16-18.

3. Choice - If we could actually chose between suffering or not, my choice would most likely be not. After all, no one enjoys suffering. The pain and heartache that accompany trials often seem defeating and eternal. They seem to lead us to despair and uncertainty and cause us to question why our loving God permits such hardships in our lives. Perhaps if we looked at suffering the way that God does we would realize the benefit of God's blessings. (no pain, no gain?)

By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; 25 Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; 26 Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward. Hebrews 11:24-26.

4. Example - The most important example revealed by our suffering is our testimony of faith in exercising patience. Trials never seem to be shortlived. We must prepare at the start of our suffering as if it were to last a good long while. Each moment of suffering seems to last an eternity. It is important to start out in prayer, trusting the Savior to give us faith, patience, comfort and encouragement. We must ask for His will to be done not our wishes, He knows best. He doesn't always deliver us from a trial, but always walks with us through the trial on to the victory side. I like to focus on that victory from the very start. It is exciting to witness God's hand at work in our lives. It is mystifying to observe how he maneuvers our world on our behalf. It is exhilarating to experience the outcome; often beyond our most lofty expectations. Yes, it is possible to have real joy in suffering.

Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. 8 Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. 9 Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door. 10 Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. 11 Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy. James 5:7-11.

5. Patience - It is the most difficult task of all to endure a trial patiently. Especially knowing that life is never fair and rarely do we think that we deserve it. In fact, no matter what adversity develops in our lives, we deserve to be in hell for all eternity because of our sins. It is only by God's infinite grace that he loved us and saved us by the shed blood of our Savior, Jesus Christ. No matter what we are called to go through; it is still far better and briefer than being in hell. We can never have enough divine lessons in patience. Suffering helps us more than we will ever admit. Why should we think that we are any better than our Savior, who suffered but never sinned?

For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. 20 For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. 21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: 22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth. I Peter 2:19-22.

6. Establish - Our faith and testimony in Christ Jesus is something we ought to value, cherish and protect. The devil is only interested in destroying the things that glorify Christ. We should always be faithful and committed and put the Lord first in our lives. Our Christianity needs to be founded on some foundations that cannot be rocked or shaken by Satan himself. Are you established in your faith? Does it mark and define your life? Are you living for Christ and eternity? Make your foundations sure. Be established by His word and empowered by His Spirit. Suffering is actually good for us and really only lasts a little while. Our faith and foundation in Christ, however, will never tarnish throughout all eternity.

Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
and to all to be sober, watchful, and firm in the faith
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, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. 10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. I Peter 5:7-10.


Ask the Lord to help you to deal more biblically with sufferings and to benefit from them. This was Paul's secret. He was not only equipped to deal with sufferings, he understood the spiritual benefits derived from suffering. He relished the joy and victory from God through his suffering. How about it, are YOU ready???

We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; 10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. 11 For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. II Cor 4:8-11.

Premie

We believe that the Bible teaches that all believers in this present church age will be raptured or "snatched away" by the Lord Jesus upon His return. This is the next great prophetic event and may happen at any moment.

But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words. IThes 4:13-18

The second advent of Christ takes place in two stages. First He returns to meet us "in the air" at the Rapture. Seven years later, we return with Him at the end of the Great Tribulation to set up His earthly kingdom, that was promised to Israel. This Kingdom is a literal thousand year reign of Christ we refer to as the millennium.

It is not my purpose in this article to expound upon the prophetic sequence of events in a detailed and comprehensive method, but to focus the scope of this discussion on the answer to a most important issue. When does the Rapture take place? We are Premies, that is, we believe that the Rapture is pre-millenial and pre-tribulational.

With regard to the Millenial Kingdom, there are those that believe that it is not literal and they are referred to as Amillenialists. The "A" in front of the word negating its literal meaning. There are others that believe that the "Church" is the Kingdom of God or that the church age believers are responsible for bringing in the kingdom. We believe that God will keep His Biblical promise to Israel and give them a literal 1000 year kingdom here on earth.

The Great Tribulation, Daniel's 70th Week, immediately precedes the Kingdom age.We believe that the Rapture immediately precedes the Tribulation. Some believe in a mid-trib or post-trib rapture. In my opinion, there are two problems associated with these views. They negate the imminentcy of the Rapture as stated in the Epistles to the Thessalonians well as other scriptures. These theories also nullify Biblical promises from God to save us from the wrath to come.

The paramount prophecy of the OT which reveals to us God's prophetic sequence of events is found in Daniel chapter nine. Seventy sets of seven years unfold Biblical history that pauses after the 69th week, when Christ is crucified. The Church age, of an undetermined amount of time, has carried us forth to this day while we look for the Savior to appear. Then, God will resume his dealings with Israel in the final seven year period known as the Tribulatiuon where He will deal with Israel regarding the Messiah. Notice that six things are determined in verse 24. Three were fulfilled at the cross and three are yet future. The Messiah is "cut off" in verse 26 at the cross of Calvary. Verse 27 exclaims how the antichrist will work during his week of seven years. The church age is inbetween.

Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy. 25 Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times. 26 And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined. 27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate. Daniel 9:24-27

1. We see in the Old Testament how God spared "just" Lot. The NT reveals that Lot was "saved" in spite of his wretched testimony. Lot had chosen Sodom and had become a city Elder (sat in the gate). He failed to have any influence on the townspeople although they had quite a negative impact on him. His married daughters did not believe and chose to stay. His son-in-laws laughed at him when he told them about Jehovah and the coming destruction. He offered his two unmarried daughters to a group of depraved men that surrounded his house wanting to defile the angels lodged within. Lot's wife left her heart in that wicked city and turned into a pillar of salt as the angels escorted the family from God's wrath. Lot became drunk and impregnated his two daughters which had escaped with him.

And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked? 24 Peradventure there be fifty righteous within the city: wilt thou also destroy and not spare the place for the fifty righteous that are therein? 25 That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right? 26 And the LORD said, If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare all the place for their sakes. 27 And Abraham answered and said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord, which am but dust and ashes: 28 Peradventure there shall lack five of the fifty righteous: wilt thou destroy all the city for lack of five? And he said, If I find there forty and five, I will not destroy it. 29 And he spake unto him yet again, and said, Peradventure there shall be forty found there. And he said, I will not do it for forty's sake. 30 And he said unto him, Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak: Peradventure there shall thirty be found there. And he said, I will not do it, if I find thirty there. 31 And he said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord: Peradventure there shall be twenty found there. And he said, I will not destroy it for twenty's sake. 32 And he said, Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak yet but this once: Peradventure ten shall be found there. And he said, I will not destroy it for ten's sake. Gen 18:23-32

Abraham's concern was obviously directed toward Lot and his family. God delivered Lot from the judgment of Sodom just as He will deliver us from His judgment upon the earth during the Tribulation.

2. We are not waiting for tribulation and judgment. We are waiting to be delivered from the wrath to come. The Rapture is the "Blessed Hope" of the believer in this age according to Titus 2:13. When Jesus plainly told us that we would experience tribulation in this world, I believe that he was refering to trials and tribulations of our daily Christian walk and not the Great Tribulation.

For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; 10 And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come. I Thes 1:9&10

3. The Bible tells us that the Lord views us as being "seated in the Heavenlies." We have the righteousness of Christ and have been washed in His blood. He took our "punishment" upon himself that we should not be smitten. He is coming for us and although we can't know when, we have a divine appointment.

But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. 2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. 3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. 4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. 5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. 6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. 7 For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. 8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. 9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ. I Thes 5:1-9

4. The Bible reveals to us that we will be gathered together with Christ at His coming and that the Antichrist will be revealed. I strongly believe that verse seven speaks expressly of the Holy Ghost. "He who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way." The Holy Spirit gives way to the antichirst when the Holy Spirit is removed at the Rapture. He is taken out because, although he is omnipresent, he chiefly resides in the Believers who will be snatched away at the Rapture. Verse eight says, "And then shall that Wicked (one) be revealed only to be destroyed by the Lord at His return to earth to set up His Kingdom. Verses 10-12 also reveal that those who have heard the gospel and rejected Christ will believe the lie of the antichrist and follow him to eternal destruction.

Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, 2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.
and shows that there will be rebellion as the man of lawlessness appears
3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; 4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. 5 Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? 6 And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. 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 Thes 2:1-12

5. The Bible tells us in Revelation that we are to be kept from the time of judge which comes upon the whole earth during Daniel's 70th week.

Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. Rev 3:10&11

6. Perhaps the strongest evidence in the Bible supporting the pre-millenial, pre-tribulational Rapture theory is found in the chronology of the book of Revelation. Chapters 2&3 are the messages to the seven churches speaking of the church age. Chapter 4 is a prophecy of the Rapture as John goes through the door of Heaven after hearing the shout, "come up hither." Chapters 5-18 tell about the seal, trumpet and vial judgments as well as the antichrist and the harlot church among other aspects of the Tribulation. The "Church" does not appear again until Chapter 19 when we return to earth with the King to set up his Millenial Kingdom.

After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter. 2 And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne. 3 And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald. 4 And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold. 5 And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God. 6 And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind. 7 And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle. 8 And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come. 9 And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever, 10 The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, 11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. Rev 4:1-11

Let me close with these promises from God's Word that show us His mercy in passing us by with condemnation.

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. Romans 8:1

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. John 5:24