Let's Start From the Very Beginning

Out among formless water and darkness, God created the earth and the heavens. "The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters." Genesis chapter 1, verse 2. This is what creationists believe in. God created matter with absolute precision. "...'Let there be light'; and there was light...and God divided the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness He called Night. So the evening and the morning were the first day." Genesis chapter 1, verses 3 thru 5. Is it possible to create matter with absolute precision randomly? "Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters...thus God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament...." Genesis chapter 1, verses 6 thru 8 . Can science duplicate or discredit Creationism? Humans delve too much on baggage; and can be easily veered away. "Let the waters under the heavens be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear...And [our Creator] called the dry land Earth (our galactic biosphere)." Genesis chapter 1, verse 9 and 10.

Meanwhile...
As born-again Christians, there are three essentials to incorporate into our daily lives:

1. Obedience to God and His commandments: "... You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets." Matthew chapter 22, verses 36-40. "For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. 1st John chapter 5, verse 3. "Owe no one anything except to love one another for he who loves another has fulfilled the law. For the commandments 'You shall not commit adultery'. 'You shall not murder.' 'You shall not steal.' 'You shall not bear false witness.' 'You shall not covet.' And if there is any other commandment, are all summed up in this saying namely, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore, love is the fulfillment of the law. Romans Chapter 13 verses 8 thru 10.
2. Enact on God's Great Commission: "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Matthew chapter 28 verses 19 and 20. Even if you find it impossible to serve on the mission field as missionaries, there are other options available to you. The IMB has an array of programs for people of all ages. College students can even volunteer to serve on some of these short-term missions; some even overseas. And the cost for travel, room and board usually minimal compared to the cost of an overseas holiday trip. Plus, on these short-term mission adventures, you get to know and learn the local culture first-hand and meet new Christian brothers and sisters in the process. "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned." John chapter 16, verses 15 and 16. ''And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.'', Matthew 24:14
   
3. Keeping up with the good fight of faith; believing in His Word, God's promises of salvation, eternal life, and the abundant life: "...The fight that as a Christian, I am called upon to fight is the good fight of faith." 1st Timothy chapter 6 verse 12. "For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world - our faith. 1st John ch. 5 verse 4.

DISCLAIMER: The World's Attitude Toward Believers in Christ If the world hates you [and me], you know that it hated Me [Jesus] before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I [Jesus] chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I [Jesus] said to you, "A servant is not greater than his master." If they persecuted Me [Jesus] they will also persecute you [and me]. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. But all these things they will do to you for My name's sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me. Matthew 15: 18-21




To be a true born again, one must be truly brave and truly love the Creator. God is giving all a choice.

The Abundant Life

In John chapter 10, verse 10 Jesus said to some of the Pharisees who were present when He healed a blind man and ministered to those who wanted to learn more about Him [during Jesus's public ministry, He healed and fed the multitudes]. Jesus said, "...I have come that they [you] may have life, and that they [you] may have it more abundantly."

So, what is the abundant life?

The abundant life is not something you have to work your fingers to the bone for. It is not immense material wealth. It is not that well-paying job which most people dream of nor is it that perfect man or woman to share your life with. The abundant life as born again Christians is the "abundant, God-kind of life". The first step to an abundant life is believing Jesus is the Son of God (by faith), to receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior, and to privately ask Jesus to forgive your transgressions.

For many of us, before we became believers, we were oblivious of the fact that God, since the fall of the human race, have set things in motion to reconcile us back to Him. But we, as a human race have ignored Him and in some instances, forgotten Him. And for many of us, we were living life without God who completes us.

"God wants you to prosper in your spirit, in your soul (which is your will and the mental and emotional part of your personality) and in your body. Abundant life includes spiritual fulfillment, mental and emotional peace and physical healing and prosperity. Sometimes Christians are given the false impression that poverty, lack, oppression, sickness and tragedy in the life of a Christian are signs of spirituality. This idea proposes that in His sovereignty God afflicts a Christian with abuses so the Christian will demonstrate more nobility and humility than he [or she] would have if his [or her] had been one of blessing and abundance. Maybe you've heard believers saying things like, 'The Lord is using this disease to teach me something.' 'God must have had a reason for allowing us to have that accident.' 'This tragedy is God's way of getting my attention.' Insurance companies even call tornadoes, hurricanes and natural disasters 'acts of God'. The Bible does not teach that." [reference or source: "Getting a Grip on the Basics: Building a Firm Foundation For the Victorious Christian Life", written by Beth Jones, copyright 1994 by Beth Ann Jones P.O. Box 555 Richland Michigan 49083, Published by Harrison House, Inc. P.O. Box 35035 Tulsa, Oklahoma 74153, ISBN-13: 978-1-57794-826-1; ISBN-10:1-57794-826-2; formerly ISBN 0-89274-625-4].

Philippians Chapter 4, verses 11-13 (spoken by Apostle Paul): Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content. I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

"He wants us to be content in all circumstances. We are to expect and look forward to God's great blessings while being content with our current lot in life. This is not always easy. Trust God for an increasing measure of the abundant life, and don't allow yourself to grumble with discontent in your present status in life." [reference or source: Getting a Grip on the Basics: Building a Firm Foundation For the Victorious Christian Life, by Beth Jones, copyright 1994 by Beth Ann Jones].

Proverbs Chapter 10, verse 22: The blessing of the Lord makes one rich. And He adds no sorrow with it.

Psalm Chapter 68, verse 19: Blessed be the Lord, who daily loads us with benefits. The God of our salvation!

Psalm Chapter 103, verses 1 thru 5: Bless the Lord; O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits; Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases. Who redeems your life from destruction. Who crowns you with loving kindness and tender mercies. Who satifies your mouth with good things. So that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

Romans Chapter 5, verse 17: For if by the one man's offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.

Romans Chapter 8, verse 37: Yet in all these things, I am more than a conqueror through Him who loves me.

3rd Epistle of John Chapter 2: Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.
Philippians Chapter 4 verse 13: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Philippians Chapter 4 verse 19: God shall supply all my need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Luke Chapter 1, verse 37: For with God nothing will be impossible.
2nd Corinthians Chapter 2 verse 14: Now thanks be to God who always leads us [me or you] in triumph in Christ, and through us [me or you] diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.
Matthew Chapter 6 verse 25: Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?
Matthew Chapter 6 verse 33: But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added to you.
Matthew Chapter 7 verses 7 thru 11: Ask, and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!
1st Timothy Chapter 6, verse 17 thru 19: Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.
Gifting money is easy. The sharing of riches include one's time, talents, and Spiritual gifts require more from a person. Also try to remember that we are fighting and resisting an invisible foe in this imperfect world. The human mind is the Devil's favorite battleground. So, those of us who believe in preventive medicine, we seek Divine intervention, guidance, and wisdom from our Lord through prayers, helping others in need (e.g. feeding the homeless, initiating something like a neighborhood watch program in your area, keeping children safe from road hazards, taking in and caring for stray cats, helping injured victims or stranded highway travelers when their cars break down in the middle of nowhere....), spending alone time in His Word (reading the Bible daily), growing in knowlegdge of our Lord (and He knows a lot).
Deuteronomy Chapter 28, verses 1 thru 14: Now it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe carefully all His commandments which I command you today, that the Lord your God will set you high above all nations of the earth. And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the Lord your God; Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the country, Blessed shall be the fruit of your body, the produce of your ground and the increase of your herds, the increase of your cattle and the offsprings of your flocks. Blessed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl. Blessed shall you be when you come in, and blessed shall you be when you go out. The Lord will cause your enemies who rise against you to be defeated before your face; they shall come out against you one way and flee before you seven ways. The Lord will command the blessing on you in your storehouses and in all to which you set your hand, and He will bless you in the land which the Lord your God is giving you. The Lord will establish you as a holy people to Himself, just as He has sworn to you, if you keep the commandments of the Lord your God and walk in His ways. Then all peoples of the earth shall see that you are called by the name of the Lord, and they shall be afraid of you. And the Lord will grant you plenty of goods, in the fruit of your body, in the increase of your livestock, and in the produce of your ground, in the land of which the Lord swore to your fathers to give you. The Lord will open to you His good treasure, the heavens, to give the rain to your land in its season, and to bless all the work of your hand. You shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow. And the Lord will make you the head and not the tail; you shall be above only, and not be beneath, if you heed the commandmets of the Lord your God, which I command you today, and are careful to observe them. So you shall not turn aside from any of the words which I command you this day, to the right or the left, to go after other gods to serve them."

Deuteronomy Chapter 8, verse 18: And you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day.

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I believe as born-again Christians, God has given each and everyone of us a purpose in our lives and has equipped us with what we need in this present life - whether as servants of God, missionaries, secular fields, or parenthood. We each have a role. You might recall one of Jesus's parables "the parable of the talents":

For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his good to them. And to the one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey. Then he who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents. And likewise he who had received two gained two more also. But he who had received one went and dug in the ground, and hid his lord's money. After a long time the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them. So he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying "Lord, you delivered to me five talents; look, I have gained five more talents besides them.' His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord'. He also who had received two talents came and said, 'Lord, you delivered to me two talents; look, I have gained two more talents besides them'. His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant, you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord'. Then he who had received the one talent came and said, 'Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed. And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours'. But his lord answered and said to him, 'You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed. So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest. Therefore take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents. For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away. And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'" Matthew chapter 25, verses 14 thru 30.

This parable is analogous to the final days of the prophecy described in the book of Revelation. "And they were judged, each one according to his works."
I learned that the first step of becoming a Christian bearing much fruit is accepting Jesus as my [and your] Lord and Savior. Be vigilant in your faith. If you believe that you are called to serve the Lord in the mission field, pray about it, seek the counsel who is in the service of the Lord (e.g. church pastor). And perhaps, consider going on a short-term mission trip. Keep in mind, that even if you are not called to serve as a missionary, you still have a purpose, responsibility as a Christian.

"Now as to the love of the brethren, you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another; for indeed you do practice it toward all the brethren who are in all Macedonia. But we urge you, brethren, to excel still more, and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business and work with your hands, just as we commanded you; so that you may behave properly toward outsiders and not be in any need." 1st Thessalonians chapter 4, verses 9 thru 12.

The Good Fight of Faith

1st Timothy Chapter 6 verse 12: My opponent seeks to rob me of my faith in God's Word. Recognize that I am in an invisible wrestling match, but I must remember, Satan is a defeated foe. Jesus Christ, in His death, burial, and resurrection, overcame and defeated Satan. The fight that as a Christian, I am called upon to fight is the good fight of faith.

1st Peter Chapter 5 verses 8 thru 10: Be sober, be vigilant because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him steadfast in the faith knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. But may the God of all grace who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.

1st John Chapter 4 verse 4: You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he [the devil] who is in the world.

Luke Chapter 10 verses 18 thru 20: And He [Jesus] said to them "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven."

Mark Chapter 16, verses 16 thru 18: He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name [in Jesus's name] they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues: they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.

John Chapter 14, verses 13 and 14: And whatever you ask in My [Jesus'] name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My [Jesus'] name, I will do it.

John Chapter 15, verses 6 thru 14: If anyone does not abide in Me [Jesus], he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples. As the Father loved Me [Jesus], I also have loved you, abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends. You are My friends if you do whatever I [Jesus] command you.

Ephesians Chapter 6 verse 12: For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against power, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

Ephesians Chapter 2 verses 5 thru 6: ... [God] ... made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved) and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 2:8 "For by grace, you have been saved through faith and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God."

2 Corinthians Chapter 10 verses 4 and 5: For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.

James Chapter 4 verse 7: God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. Therefore submit to God, Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

Matthew Chapter 21 verses 21 and 22: Assuredly, I [Jesus] say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but also if you say to this mountain, "Be removed and be cast into the sea"; it will be done. And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.

Mark 11:22,23 And Jesus answered saying to them, 'Have faith in God.' Truly I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be taken up and cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says is going to happen, it will be granted him."

1st John 2:27 "But the anointing [of the Holy Spirit] which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him."

Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strenghtens me."

Romans 1:17 "...as it is written, 'BUT THE RIGHTEOUS MAN SHALL LOVE BY FAITH.'"

2 Corinthians 5:7 "For we walk by faith not by sight."

Hebrews 11:1 "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."

Matthew 9:21,22,27-29 "...Take courage. Your faith has made you well."

James 1:5-8 "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind."

James 5:15 "and the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him."

Hebrews 11:6 "...without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him."

Mark 9:23 "...All things are possible to him who believes."

Romans 10:17 "So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ."

Romans 10:8,9,10,11 "But what does it say? 'THE WORD IS NEAR YOU, IN YOUR MOUTH AND IN YOUR HEART' - that is, the word of faith which we are preaching, that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. For the Scripture says, 'WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED.'

Now, How About the Ending

[This version was shortened on March 13, 2010 to highlight Biblical Scripture as the only source of truth to deeper insight into God's love and our purposeful life.]

You might have heard Christians comparing today's busy, modern lifestyle with the beginning of the end. Although, the so called end times is no laughing matter for those who do not believe Jesus is the Son of God. Our Creator has told us in advance what to expect in the future (for He is the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End); whether it be near or distant. "But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only." Matthew chapter 24, verse 36.

Then there's the phenomenon called the rapture. The belief is, born again Christians will be gathered up into heaven before the Tribulation and the reign of the Beast and False Prophet.

However, I side with the literal interpretive view that the Rapture occurs when the "Son of Man" comes again after the Great Tribulation begins. Scripture suggests Jesus's return will cut short the Tribulation (Matthew 24:21). [Some] Scholars believe the Rapture will take place 3.5 years after the Great Tribulation begins. The book of Daniel chapter 12 offers a timeline in terms of days. This time Jesus returns with great power and glory..

[Here we go again. There will be differing viewpoints about how we're going to get there, but the point is, no matter how you look at it, we will be renewed. We will reside on the new earth. And more importantly, God will dwell among us again someday. For the serious and inquisitive who want to delve deeper into the study of eschatology, LOGOS software offers a wealth of information].

I FEEL THIS VERSE CONFLICTS WITH DISPENSATIONAL PREMILLENIALISTS. IT WAS SPOKEN BY JESUS AND RECORDED IN THE NEW TESTAMENT. PERHAPS JESUS WAS ADDRESSING TO THE PEOPLE OF THE FUTURE WHO STILL HAVE A CHANCE AT REDEMPTION (POST-RAPTURE OF THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH TIME PERIOD):
"Immediately after the great tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory...Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left [i.e., left behind]. Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left. Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming....Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect." Matthew chapter 24, verses 29, 30, 40, 41, 42, and 44. Is it possible? Is Jesus saying to those nations of the future who were left behind (not raptured) that they can still be redeemed and be saved?

When that day does come [the day of Jesus's return], God has described in clear and in details what to expect before the second coming of our Lord during the last days or end times.

THIS WAS A MESSAGE ABOUT THE FUTURE THROUGH DANIEL:
....The fourth beast shall be a fourth kingdom on earth which shall be different from all other kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, trample it and break it in pieces. The ten horns are ten kings who shall rise from this kingdom. And another shall rise after them; he shall be different from the first ones, and shall subdue three kings. He shall speak pompous words against the Most High, shall persecute the saints of the Most High, And shall intend to change times and law. Then the saints shall be given into his hand for a time and times and half a time." Daniel 7:1-28.

SOME OLD TESTAMENT VERSES APPLY STRICTLY TO THE NATION OF ISRAEL AND NOT TO US.

I NOW BELIEVE THIS IS A MESSAGE TO THE NATION OF ISRAEL:
Daniel 12

THE TRIBULATION PERIOD:
"And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; men's hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near."Luke 21:25-28

THIS IS A GENERAL MESSAGE TO EVERYONE:
"But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come:
For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power.....
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2nd Timothy 3:1-17

VIEWS DIFFER ON THIS HORRIFIC SCENE: SOME CALL IT IMAGERY AND NOT NECESSARILY LITERAL:
"...and a third of the trees were burned up, and all green grass was burned up." Revelation chapter 8, verse 7. "... and something like a great mountain burning with fire was thrown into the sea, and a third of the sea became blood. And a third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed." Revelation chapter 8 verses 8 and 9. "... And a great star fell from heaven, burning like a torch, and it fell on a third of the rivers and on the springs of water ... and many men died from the water, because it was made bitter." Revelation chapter 8, verse 10 and 11. "A third of the sun was struck, a third of the moon, and a third of the stars, so that a third of them were darkened. A third of the day did not shine, and likewise the night. Revelation chapter 8, verse 12.

The phenomenon of the universe imploding/exploding (however you want to look at it) or purging of the heavens and the earth is [MIGHT NOT BE] part of the Great Tribulation. However, the Great Tribulation will be shortened by Jesus's return. His return will coincide with the Rapture of Christian believers. "And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved, but for the elect's sake those days will be shortened" Matthew 24:21. WHOSE FLESH?
IT DEPENDS ON WHOSE INTERPRETIVE VIEW YOU SIDE WITH. IF GOD HAD CHOSEN NOT TO SHORTEN THOSE DAYS, HOW LONG WOULD IT HAVE BEEN? (WHICH CAME FIRST, THE CHICKEN OR THE EGG?)


The truth is found only in His Word -printed in the Holy Bible. The Devil seeks to steal that from us, our faith in God's Word. For Satan's domain includes this world for he goes to and from the earth "walking back and forth on it". Job chapter 1, verse 7

"My opponent seeks to rob me of my faith in God's Word. Recognize that I am in an invisible wrestling match, but I must remember, Satan is a defeated foe. Jesus Christ, in His death, burial, and resurrection, overcame and defeated Satan. The fight that as a Christian, I am called upon to fight is the good fight of faith." 1st Timothy chapter 6, verse 12.

So Then What Happens After Jesus is Here Again?

• Armageddon: "And I saw the beast, the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against Him [the Lord] who sat on the horse and against His army. Then the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who worked signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who received the mark of the beast and those who worshipped his image. These two were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone." Revelation chapter 19, verses 19 and 20.
• the Devil is Bound and Locked Away for 1000 Years: "Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. He laid hold of the dragon, the serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years; and he cast him [Satan] into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal on him, so that he should deceive the nations no more til the thousand years were finished. But after these things he must be released for a little while." Revelation chapter 20, verses 1, 2, and 3.
• the Kingdom Age: "...Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshipped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished..." Revelation chapter 20, verses 4 and 5.
• After the 1000 Years Pass: "Now when the thousand years have expired, Satan will be released from his prison and will go out to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth...to gather them together to battle, whose number is as the sand of the sea. They went up on the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city. And fire came down from God out of heaven and devoured them. The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever". According to 2 Peter 3:10-18, after the Rapture, some horrible phenomenon from the heavens will cause fervent heat, melt the elements, and "burn up" the earth and the works in it. Is the prophesy of 2 Peter 3:10-18 describing the same future event as Revelation 20:7-10? And how can humans and animals survive that?
  
  "But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless; and consider that the long suffering of our Lord is salvation - as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you, as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures. You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever, Amen. " 2 Peter 3:10-18 " The Purging of the Heavens and the Earth" [this is not a parable]
  
• The White Throne Judgment: "And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire... And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire. Revelation chapter 20, verses 12 thru 15.
  
• The New Heaven, the New Earth, and the New Jerusalem: "Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband." Revelation chapter 21, verses 1 and 2. ..."And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away. Then He [the Lord] who sat on the throne said, 'Behold I make all things new.' And He said to me [John], 'Write, for these words are true and faithful.' And He said to me [John], 'It is done!' I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts. He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son. But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death." Revelation chapter 21, verses 4 thru 8. The Last Message in the Holy Bible from Jesus: "Behold, I [Jesus] am coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book...And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last. I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches, I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star....Surely I am coming quickly."
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  "...and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass and to stand before the Son of Man." Luke 21:36
  The above verse Luke 21:36 in a different translation also says to pray that you will have the strength to escape all these things that will come to pass.... which suggests, that we should pray that we will be physically, emotionally, and psychologically able to escape the Great Tribulation, if the foretold prophesy should occur during our own lifetime.
  In the last days, even leading up to the end times, there will be scoffers, disbelief of the prophesy. "...knowing this first, that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts." 2 Peter 3:3-9
  Can all these things come to pass before the "Rapture" of believers, of the Christian church?
  
  1. Another siege of Jerusalem - SOMETHING HAPPENS THAT CALLS FOR A COVENANT (WHETHER BEFORE THE RAPTURE OR AFTER, DON'T KNOW FOR CERTAIN)
  2. The Great Tribulation which includes those things which are coming on the earth from the heavens (Luke 21:25-28). - PERHAPS NOT AND MAYBE YES. DEPENDS ON WHICH VIEW YOU SUPPORT.
  
  
  TRIVIA:
  NASA and world renowned astronomers watch the heavens including Near Earth Objects (NEOs). There's even a NASA website categorizing these observed and known NEOs. So far, none of these NEOs have been classified as ominous enough to doom and destroy the entire earth. Our planet also emits a natural "force field" due to our earth's own electromagnetic radiation/field to protect our planet from intense solar flares and as we all know, objects from the heavens disintegrate as it passes through our atmosphere (or at least they have been in the past anyways).

We do not know when the Great Tribulation will take place. If you want to know more about the subject (not the NEOs), keep to the Word of God (Holy Bible) tenaciously. Jesus said He came so that we [you] may have life, have life more abundantly. Jesus states in John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." And He goes on to say in John 3:17 "For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved."

Other fine points about Jesus:

1. Jesus is the Son of God. He came to us in the flesh (like you and me) but the difference is Jesus did not sin. He experienced temptation like we do but Jesus did not give in to temptation (see Matthew chapter 4). "It is important to remember that temptation is not sin. To be tempted is normal for the Christian. Jesus was tempted by the devil in the wilderness, and yet, we know that He never sinned. When you are tempted, don't let the enemy make you feel as if you have already sinned. Resist the temptation, and you will not sin." [Reference: "Getting a Grip on the Basics Building a Firm Foundation for the Victorious Christian Life", by Beth Jones, Copyright 1994, Published by Harrison House, Inc.]
2. Under the old law, sacrificial offerings were made according to God's instructions found in the book of Leviticus of the Holy Bible. Through Jesus, these old laws in the book of Leviticus were no longer necessary as Jesus became the ultimate sin offering, the sacrificial lamb when He was crucified and died on the cross for us.
3. Jesus died, experienced the physical death, but was resurrected from the dead on the 3rd day. He is the only known prophet, religious leader, and teacher to ever come back from the dead three days later and ascend to heaven with over 500+ eyewitnesses present. Jesus rose from the dead on the 3rd day after He died on the cross.
4. After His ascension to heaven, as promised, the Holy Spirit came to those who followed Him. Today, the Holy Spirit will come to you upon conversion or transformation as believer in Christ (the book of Acts chapter 2: "When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, ... And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, ... and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit"). A gift, do not grieve the Holy Spirit. You will know with absolute certainty whether you do or do not have the Holy Spirit. Only through Jesus, can you receive the Holy Spirit. "Nevertheless I [Jesus] tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I [Jesus] go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you. And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment; of sin, because they do not believe in Me [Jesus]; of righteousness, because I go to My Father and you see Me no more; of judgment, because the ruler of this world [Satan] is judged. I [Jesus] still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. However, when He, the Spirit of truth [Holy Spirit], has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. He will glorify Me [Jesus], for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you." John 16:7-15. In other words, after Jesus ascended to heaven, Christ continues to reveal truth through the Spirit...

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The New Jerusalem: "Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I [John] heard a loud voice from heaven saying, 'Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God.'" REVELATION 21:2-3
"The city is laid out as a square; its length is as great as its breadth. And he measured the city with the reed: twelve thousand furlongs. its length, breadth, and height are equal." REVELATION 21:16
"And the nations of those who are saved shall walk in its light, and the kings of the earth bring their glory and honor into it. Its gates shall not be shut at all by day (there shall be no night there). And they shall bring the glory and the honor of the nations into it. But there shall by no means enter it anything that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb's Book of Life." REVELATION 21:24-27.
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Scofield's Notes About the Beast and False Prophet:

Animal imagery of the Anti-Christ:  head of a leopard, feet of a bear, and the mouth of a lion (edited on 11/24/2011)

• the distinguishing mark of the anti-Christ is hatred of God and believers
• Rome: final form of 4th world empire; the ten kings and the little horn (ref: Daniel 7:8 and Daniel 7:26)
• Daniel's 10 horns: "The whole vision is the last form of Gentile World power, a confederation of 10 nations which will be a revival of the old Roman Empire. Its sphere will probably reach out beyond the old boundaries since it is to be a world power (ref: Daniel 7:24 and Revelation 17:12). "The Beast is the final form of Gentile world power." "...the world empire will embrace all the areas of Christendom, which assuredly includes the Western Hemisphere. Revelation 13:1-3 refers to the ten-kingdom power...to its ruler who is emphatically the 'beast'".... "Fragments of the ancient Roman Empire have never ceased to exist as separate kingdoms. It was the imperial form of government which ceased; the one head 'had been mortally wounded'. What is written prophetically ... is the restoration of the imperial form as such, though over a federated empire of ten kingdoms. The head is 'healed', i.e., restored, there is an emperor again - the beast."
• Daniel's 10 horns: "Frequently in Scripture 'ten' is the number of kings or kingdoms designated as opposed to Israel in her past history or to be federated against Christ and the people of God in the future (ref: Genesis 15:19-21, Psalms 83:1-8, Jeremiah 46-51, Daniel 2:41&42, Daniel 7:7, 20, 24, Revelation 12:3, Revelation 13:1)
• Gentile World Power: "The times of the Gentiles is that long period that began with the Babylonian captivity of Judah, under Nebuchadnezzar, and is to be brought to an end by the destruction of Gentile world power by the stone 'cut out without hands'" (ref: Luke 21:24, Daniel 2:34&35, Daniel 2:44)
• "the end of Gentile world power: (1) in the beast vision (Daniel chapter 7), the fourth beast is declared to be the 'fourth kingdom,' i.e., the Roman Empire, the 'iron' kingdom of Daniel chapter 2. The 'ten horns' upon the fourth beast (Roman Empire) are declared to be 'ten kings who shall arise from this kingdom', answer to the ten toes of the image vision. The ten kingdoms, including the regions formerly ruled by Rome, will constitute, therefore, the form in which the fourth or Roman Empire will exist when the whole fabric of Gentile world domination is struck by the stone 'cut out of the mountain without hands,' i.e., Christ. But (2) Daniel sees a 'little horn' rise and subdue three of the ten kings. His distinguishing mark is hatred of God and believers. He is not to be confused with the little horn in Daniel chapter 8, a prophecy fulfilled in Antiochus Epiphanes (171-164 B.C.). In Revelation chapter 13 additional particulars of the little horn of Daniel chapter 7 are given"
• About the 1st Beast/anti-Christ of the future: "The dragon [Satan] gave him his power, his throne, and great authority. And I saw one of his [seven] heads had been mortally wounded, and his deadly wound healed. And all the world marveled and followed the beast... And he was given a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies, and he was given authority to continue for 42 months. Then he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His name, His tabernacle, and those who dwell in heaven. It was granted to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them. And authority was given him over every tribe, tongue, and nation...." (Revelation chapter 13).
• "In this unveiling of conditions on the earth at the end of the age, the following factors will be manifest: (1.) the world ruler is satanically energized; (2.) he and his image are worshipped; (3.) he is acknowledged as possessing supreme military power; (4.) he exercises a universal authority; and (5.) he persecutes the believers in Christ." The false prophet or second beast "is (1.) a deceiver, and (2.) he exercises economic dictatorship.

What the Bible Has on the False Prophet:
Animal imagery:  two horns like a lamb (edited on 11/24/2011).
it is believed the false prophet will exercise "all the authority of the first beast and causes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the 1st beast" (Revelation 13:12). He even performs great signs such as making fire come down from heaven on to the earth in the "sight of men" (Rev 13:13). He will "deceive those who dwell on the earth by those signs which he was granted to do in the sight of the beast telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast (1st beast) who was wounded by the sword and lived (Rev 13:14). The false prophet will be "granted power to give breath to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak and cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed" (Rev 13:15). The false prophet "causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads (Rev 13:16) that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast or the number of his name" (Rev 13:17).
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