Are WE really THE generation to be Raptured?

[FloridaDave]

[QUOTE=jonshaff;2274676]Well before we get the pitch forks let's agree that this was a very thought provoking OP.

> Well before we get the pitch forks

OUCH!


> let's agree that this was a very thought provoking OP.

Thanks.

[mbrown1219]

http://bible.cc/luke/18-8.htm

Luke 18:8

Whether we die young, grow old and die, or get raptured, we are told to be ready and to have faith.

I believe we were also told to watch expectantly when we see certain things happening with greater intensity. I have no doubt in my mind that every generation has had their hope in the Lord and thought that they were "it" but we have more reason to hope than any before us.

And if we are wrong and the Lord tarries, He will continue to hold us in His loving care and purpose until He does call us home. We can count on Him to fulfill all of His promises.

And if He comes soon, He will find faith on this earth. His people are hurting right now, but we are watching the eastern skies and counting on Him to either rescue us or give us new wind beneath our wings.

[iSong6:3]

Dave, in case you haven't read them yet, here are the posting rules: http://rr-bb.com/showthread.php?t=2

While you're in that area you might want to check out our mission statement.

We want a place to gather for pre-Tribbers, we do not debate with those who are not. There are other boards for that.

What you take as something else is only folks who see you don't seem to be in compliance with that due to your first post here.

Asking questions is fine, promoting a stance other than pre-Trib is against the posting rules.

[FloridaDave]

Acts5:41 has told her testimony countless times on this board, just do a search.

Our new members are asked to first go to Welcome New Members and introduce themselves to the board and give their testimony. It's how we do things here. Please do.




I believe I see part of your motivation for being here by these words.

By *what if we're right* she just means we who believe we're living in the last days and that the Rapture is a signless, imminent event.

> Acts5:41 has told her testimony countless times on this board, just do a search.

I never asked her for her tetimony. She asked for mine.



> Please do.

As I previously stated...will do.


> I believe I see part of your motivation for being here by these words.

My motivation? I believe these things as well...but I do have questions. And by her saying "what if were right" simply tells me she didnt understand what I was actually saying, and apparently took it personally...as an attack of some sort. I was simply saying, what if these things dont happen tomorrow! Like I said in my OP, "what if Jesus tarries longer than expected." What part of that makes me an unbeliever or argumentative? WOW!

I guess those who ask questions here are looked at with suspicion. I feel like I am back at a JW hall!

[FloridaDave]

Dave, in case you haven't read them yet, here are the posting rules: http://rr-bb.com/showthread.php?t=2

While you're in that area you might want to check out our mission statement.

We want a place to gather for pre-Tribbers, we do not debate with those who are not. There are other boards for that.

What you take as something else is only folks who see you don't seem to be in compliance with that due to your first post here.

Asking questions is fine, promoting a stance other than pre-Trib is against the posting rules.

What makes you think i am not a pre-tribber? Nothing in my OP says anything differnet. I am not debating anything, simply asking questions as to what folks will do if Jesus tarries longer than expected. Your accusations are completely unfounded.

Nothing I said was anti-pre trib. Nor was it argumentative. The rapture (or its timing) was never even mentioned!

This is bizarre...almost cultic behaviour to honest and open discussion.

[iSong6:3]

You will stop with the baseless, false insults or you will stop having posting privileges.

[waiting1]

This "Generation" shall not "Pass" (Die) till all these things are accomplished. That "Generation" started in 1948. Things right now are coming to a close for humanity.
When the Rapture happens at some point the Treaty of Daniel 9:27 shall be fullfilled shortly there after:

Daniel 9:27 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.

Upon the signing of the Treaty mankind will then have Seven 360 day years till the return of Christ to establish His 1,000 Year Millenium.

Just looking at mankind's plight right now with all the bad things going on around the globe they are looking for someone who has all the answers and "who Does Not come in The Name Of The Lord Jesus Christ"

Mankind pretty much loves their sin so much they want all vestige of God removed from the planet, many will be glad that we are gone when the Rapture happens.

[Jlutz]

just some things for the OP to consider...

no other generation has seen the things we have seen involving fulfillment of end times prophecy. Consider just the prophecy about Israel.

1. Israel became a nation in 1 day

2. Israel regained controll of Jerusalem

3. Etheopean Jews brought back to Israel in 1 day

4. The fertility of the land of Israel. (it was a huge wasteland now it is fertil soil)

5. The Hebrew language revived

These are only a few of the signes of the end times and we are the only generation in the history of the world to have seen them come to pass. We ARE the generation. There are many more signes than this for people that want to see them.

[HeIsEnough]

I am not debating anything

Oh I don't know about that, you sure were quick to pounce back when you were questioned, parrying posters responses. So yes, I see you debating. Be honest about it.

simply asking questions as to what folks will do if Jesus tarries longer than expected. Your accusations are completely unfounded.

What men have done since Christ ascended, wait and keep watching. Its the same thing you were told to do, its what the Apostles did. You have two choices, watch with earnest expectation, or think your Lord is tarrying a long time and start partying and beating your hired help, its up to you. I assume you understand the reference.

We've dealt with your questions before, so don't think the 'escapism' thing is new here. This board has been around for 14 or so years, it will be here another 14 if necessary, Lord willing.

This is bizarre...almost cultic behaviour to honest and open discussion.

Ya, thats strike one.

Open and honest means you are to be open and honest. Starting with a testimony of Christ. If you do or do not believe in the end times as in the board guidelines, rules and mission statement detail, then by all means, be open and honest about it with yourself and with others. We don't 'demand' anybody believe as we do. That is what we ask from all members, this is a fellowship of like minded believers. I think you are perhaps not 'getting' that point, it is a fellowship of like minded believers, we've never claimed otherwise. Throw out the charge of 'cultic' behavior again and you are done here.

[Buzzardhut]

just some things for the OP to consider...

no other generation has seen the things we have seen involving fulfillment of end times prophecy. Consider just the prophecy about Israel.

1. Israel became a nation in 1 day

2. Israel regained controll of Jerusalem

3. Etheopean Jews brought back to Israel in 1 day

4. The fertility of the land of Israel. (it was a huge wasteland now it is fertil soil)

5. The Hebrew language revived

These are only a few of the signes of the end times and we are the only generation in the history of the world to have seen them come to pass. We ARE the generation. There are many more signes than this for people that want to see them.

correct, signs pointing to an imminent rapture:
Nuclear Iran
Plans for the third temple and construction underway
World economic crisis
Politics becoming spiritual

http://www.buzzardhut.net/index/htm/ProphecyRapture.htm

http://www.arewelivinginthelastdays.com/

[jonshaff]

Unfortunetly I can feel the dissension the OP is creating. Otherwise, this thread had a fruitful outlook. I can still say that many good points have been made from other posters and I personally thank them for their well thought out responses!

[Bubbeto4]

correct, signs pointing to an imminent rapture:
Nuclear Iran
Plans for the third temple and construction underway
World economic crisis
Politics becoming spiritual

http://www.buzzardhut.net/index/htm/ProphecyRapture.htm

http://www.arewelivinginthelastdays.com/

I will repeat what I said in an earlier post: Birth Pangs

Buzz just listed how things are progressing as well. These things weren't happening years ago when I started waiting on His return. I might add neither did the "departing from the faith" as we see so many churches doing now,

Just an honest question: Why would you join a "Rapture Ready" website? Meaning aren't we "ready for the rapture"?

I know we love our grandparents, but you said he discouraged you (is he a Christian as well or JW?). It may well be he is unaware of what is going. My kids don't even know everything-he may not want to listen as neither do my kids. We all have been watching since the diciples were with Jesus.

Those folks who give up and wait are not doing so by scripture. Many false date setting contributed to this too. But scripture tells us to

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

[Acts5:41]

Another point, who said we didn't have lives?

I am personally acquainted (as in, I can hug them) with 3 other posters. Two of whom are active, one is a reader. All of us have vibrant lives with lots of love, friends, and family. We work and contribute to society. I keep my very disabled husband out of a nursing home, help him run a business, do evangelism, manage my home, online activities, etc.

I got saved at age 8. Jesus is my Lord and Savior. I do everything in my power to share Him with everyone I meet (see photo). He is my Rock. I love Him with all my soul.

I haven't heard you say that He's the Lord of your life.

If not, I'm praying for you.

1 John 4:2-3

"2 By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, 3 and every spirit that does not confess that[a] Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world." NKJV

[Tesseract]

I have three points I would like to add. Jesus never said to sit on our hands waiting for Him to take us out of this world. That's an escapism mindset. Instead, he told us to "occupy until I come." Luke 19:13 As for those in the past who have looked for His Return, but died before it happened, their anticipation was not in vain. Christ promises a Crown of Righteousness to all who love His Appearing. 2nd Timothy 4:8 So while it is possible Christ may yet to return for many more decades, he could also return before you finish reading this paragraph. We just don't know and are told to keep watch.

My final point is birth pangs. Yes, all of those events happened in the past, but Christ was pointing to events that were not new in history. People have been intimately familiar with earthquakes and natural disasters, plagues and pandemics, economic downturns, war and death, and the collapse of civilizations. The main difference between what has happened in history and what Christ told us to look for was the analogy of birth pangs. All of these things would not only increase in frequency and intensity, they would all occur together in concert with each other. Many of those events you listed happened over many decades and centuries prior whereas now it's only a few years to a few months.

[RWSchilz]

When Will We Be Raptured?

The question of when we will be raptured is also tied closely to when Armageddon or the end of the world as we know it, will occur. So lets consider first when Armageddon will occur.

• Armageddon Clues
Since Adam and Eve were driven out of the garden, man has been trying to figure out when the end of the world would occur. God has spoken through the Prophets in the Old Testament to give us clues. Jesus Christ himself and other biblical authors have also given us clues in the New Testament. Jesus also warns, that no man knows the day or hour of the end, this is known only to (God) the Father in Heaven. So why then should Jesus and other biblical authors give us clues?
The reason for the clues is, so that we gain some understanding of how close or far we are from the end. As Armageddon approaches, we should be motivated to do more to spread the Gospel. As the end draws near, we should also better prepare ourselves by reading, listening to and sharing the Word of God. One example of what I mean by this is Jesus states that we (believers) should gather together more often as we see the day approaching. This instruction is to help us fight against the increase in evil and deception in the latter days.

• Sodom & Gomorra
There are two times in history when God poured out his wrath due to sin and evil in the world. The first was the “Great Flood” and the second was the destruction of Sodom & Gomorra. I believe that Sodom & Gomorra is a clearer example as to why God was forced to pour out his wrath.
Most people simply think that Sodom & Gomorra was filled with sinners, as if to say that other areas of the world were not. The truth is that we are all sinners and so were all of the people at that time, no matter where they lived. I will not go into it at this time, but if you read the New Testament you will soon realize that there are really only two categories of people. You are either a sinner with your sins washed away (a believer), or a sinner with no covering for your sins (an unbeliever). Either way you are still a sinner. Whether you commit small or large sins, you are still a sinner!
So if we can conclude, as I believe we can, that all of the people at that time were sinners, then why did God choose to only destroy Sodom & Gomorra. One reason is because there were no laws against sinning there. Worse and more importantly, the people of Sodom & Gomorra did not feel that what they were doing was wrong. Therefore there was no condemnation or remorse for their sins. Without remorse or condemnation no one would ever be motivated to “Repent”. Without repentance, no one would look for a savior to cover his or her sins.
Why is this important? Well just look at how the laws and people’s opinions have changed about abortion, homosexuality, fornication, pornography and the list goes on and on. If God judged Sodom & Gomorra for lack of condemnation and remorse, won’t he also judge us? I believe he will and it won’t be too long from now.

• The Tower of Babel
Another interesting time when God was forced to intervene in human history was the “Tower of Babel”. This was man’s attempt to build a tower high enough to reach God. What’s wrong with that, you might ask. Well if God wanted man to reach him in that manner he would have provided a tower, or would have instructed man to build one. At that time in history the method of reaching out to God was through a High Priest. It’s kind of like someone climbing your fence in order to see you, rather than ringing the bell that you provided at the gate.
In order to prevent man’s attempt to reach God or any other plan that man might come up with, God decided to cause man to speak in different languages, so they could not understand each other. This was because man’s ability to work together made him too powerful. Too powerful for God, absolutely not, but maybe I should say more powerful than God had intended man to be in his fallen state.
Why is this important? Well it’s interesting that in all countries today, English is either spoken as the primary language or is a required course in school. The driving factor for speaking and understanding English is money, but everyone will soon speak and understand English. The other interesting thing of late, is the Internet. This is a technology that allows the whole world to work together in real time.
One example of something man is attempting to do that I believe God will not allow, is human cloning. If God did not want man in his fallen state to work together before, why would he accept it now? I believe we are becoming too powerful and God will soon intervene.

• What Does the Bible Say?
The Bible say’s that we will know the time is near when we see; wars and rumors of wars, an increase in natural disasters, people becoming increasingly selfish, children no longer respecting their parents or other adults, people having little regard for human life, sin abounding.
If you haven’t noticed these things, you have either been asleep, or live alone in a hut somewhere.

• Other Signs
Scientist are stating that unless something drastic happens, we will soon see the end of the world due to things like overpopulation, pollution, reduced food supply, depletion of the ozone layer or a cataclysmic war.
The Bible states that we will have a “Mark” in our hand or in our forehead that includes some reference to “The Beast” (The Antichrist world leader). It also states that we will not be able to buy or sell anything, or be employed without it.
Technology which includes things like; increased computer power, the Internet, bar codes and such, has now progressed to the point where we could easily keep track of everyone in the world via a number imbedded in the skin.

• When Will We Be Raptured
Let’s look at what God did the two times that he was forced to evoke his vengeance. In the case of Sodom & Gomorra, God first warned Lot to leave before he destroyed the cities. In the case of the “Great Flood”, God first warned Noah to build a boat before flooding the earth. In both cases God allowed “The Righteous” to be spared from his vengeance. I think it reasonable to believe that he will also spare “The Righteous” from Armageddon.

As all signs point to the tribulation and Armageddon coming soon and as the Rapture must happen before that, then the rapture must be soon. How soon will it be? As I stated in the beginning of this writing no one knows exactly, but I am 57 and unless I die unexpectedly, I believe it will definitely be in my lifetime.

My thoughts,
Goodboy

Very good! I'm also 57 and have been watching and waiting since I was 21 for the rapture to occur. I cannot agree more with your post, both my parents are alive and well at 84 years of age I pray that they will not pass away before the rapture, but even if I'm 84 when the Lord comes in the clouds for His Church it would still be a short amount of time to wait. There is still much work for all of us left to do.

[BlueSkye]

> Acts5:41 has told her testimony countless times on this board, just do a search.

I never asked her for her tetimony. She asked for mine.



> Please do.

As I previously stated...will do.


> I believe I see part of your motivation for being here by these words.

My motivation? I believe these things as well...but I do have questions. And by her saying "what if were right" simply tells me she didnt understand what I was actually saying, and apparently took it personally...as an attack of some sort. I was simply saying, what if these things dont happen tomorrow! Like I said in my OP, "what if Jesus tarries longer than expected." What part of that makes me an unbeliever or argumentative? WOW!

I guess those who ask questions here are looked at with suspicion. I feel like I am back at a JW hall!

I almost agree. I am a lurker and I too would like to discuss things but I noticed you are pretty much shut down. Not something that should happen in the bride of Christ:/ We are here to learn and share

God Bless!

[Jan51]

I have three points I would like to add. Jesus never said to sit on our hands waiting for Him to take us out of this world. That's an escapism mindset. Instead, he told us to "occupy until I come." Luke 19:13 As for those in the past who have looked for His Return, but died before it happened, their anticipation was not in vain. Christ promises a Crown of Righteousness to all who love His Appearing. 2nd Timothy 4:8 So while it is possible Christ may yet to return for many more decades, he could also return before you finish reading this paragraph. We just don't know and are told to keep watch.

I very much agree with the above post (I added bolding). Being a Christian is like having a split personality. Half of me is ready to drop everything and go right now, and is anxiously hoping this very thing happens. The other half of me is planning to live out the rest of my days here in case it doesn't come about. That half of me makes and implements plans, even while wondering if they will even come about, and hoping they don't.

Sometimes that mentality is hard to balance, and I feel like not starting or following through on some of my plans. Some of those plans I really struggle with starting on, since it seems such a waste of time and energy if it's not really going to pan out. That is wrong and is disobeying Jesus' command to "occupy till I come." We are to be faithful until the moment He calls us up. Just because some Christians have not understood that or not obeyed that doesn't make it a bad thing. They just made some bad decisions, and we can learn from that. Jesus told us watch the signs, but He didn't say that if the end looks near, to quit "running the race," because no matter how near it looks, we just don't know. Instead of doing less, maybe we should do more. I want to be faithful and make the most of what little time I have left.

[Meier]

To be honest when i here a train near by or a semi goin down the interstate blowing horns. i get up immediately thinking gabriel is sounding the call...lol but we are to be preaching of His soon return to each other and non believers. it brings hope to us and wakes them up.

[HeIsEnough]

I almost agree. I am a lurker and I too would like to discuss things but I noticed you are pretty much shut down. Not something that should happen in the bride of Christ:/ We are here to learn and share

God Bless!

Ok, lets do this. A little background first perhaps, this is sort of what I think when I see a post in this forum.

I assume you are a believer, else you should not even be posting in this area of the board.
I assume you believe in the imminent return of Christ to take His Bride in the Rapture, else you should not post your alternative view, including snide comments, veiled accusations or passive aggressive postings. (plenty of other places on the net for that)
I assume you will not date set or date frame, and your desire and earnestness to be with the Lord is not dependent upon whether the rapture happens today, or years from now.

All in the rules for posting, or implied, btw.

You already have testimony of long time watchers, and I am another, none of us folded back when it didn't happen in 88, 84, 76, or even some dates earlier that I can't remember.

I also expect that if someone, brand new, comes here and challenges the board, they will have the guts to defend what they say, and not get whiney or angry. You would not stand for someone new coming to your church and causing havoc in the fellowship, not that this thread is that, but you get the idea. We are upfront, honest and dedicated to keeping this board a safe haven for those of us who long for His appearing. Lots of people ask questions on this board, all kinds of questions on all kinds of subjects. A few who come here think most here are just 'escapists', which is so pathetic its not worth arguing. Its more the accusation, rather than an admonition. Admonitions are (usually) ok, accusations are not. It seems the OP implied an admonition.

Now, what are your questions? We have many informed believers here who want to help those who are honest and sincere in seeking answers.

[ByFaithIFly]

correct, signs pointing to an imminent rapture:
Nuclear Iran
Plans for the third temple and construction underway
World economic crisis
Politics becoming spiritual

http://www.buzzardhut.net/index/htm/ProphecyRapture.htm

http://www.arewelivinginthelastdays.com/

Great links Buzz but I'd like to add one myself.40 years ago I began studying prophecy after reading Hal Lindsey's book,"The Late Great Planet Earth".I' am now 71 yrs young and have been witness to all the signs and their increasing INTENSITY.

I recently read one of the most POWERFUL articles on RR by Carl Worline.He has described the closeness of our Lord's return.Anyone reading the article will see that we are definately at the end of the season that Jesus said to look for.

I have sent it out and printed it out for many of my family and friends and also made it part of my :Left Behind" kit.

Read it!!! You won't be disappointed.

http://raptureready.com/soap/worline4.html