13 Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, 15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, 16 having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. 17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.
1 Peter 3:13-17 ESV
Perhaps the best way of meditating on God’s Word I have found is to try to write something beneficial for others. Since I started blogging in 2017 I have spent no doubt hundreds of hours thinking about what I was going to write next. And it has made me more attentive to sermons and my Bible reading, as I’m always looking for something on which to write. By giving assignments to write, I’m encouraging students to also experience this wonderful method of meditation. 😊
Suppose someone says to you,
Why do you believe in a pre-tribulation rapture? John Nelson Darby invented the pre-tribulation rapture doctrine around 1830 AD.
Assignment: Write a short response defending the pre-tribulation rapture. Aim for something that can be read out loud in 30 seconds to 1 minute. Put your response on paper and/or electronic media, such as social media or in an email to yourself.
If you don’t need any help, great! Start writing! If you’re unsure about the pre-trib rapture or want links refuting the claim about Darby scroll though these pretty pictures. 😊
Is there a pre-tribulation rapture?
Yes. Jesus said I should pray to be counted worthy to escape all that will come to pass. Also, Jesus promises the Philadelphia church that it will be kept from the hour of trial coming on the whole world. That settles it for me. Jesus already took God’s wrath for me. I will not come under God’s wrath during the tribulation. I will either have died or been raptured before the tribulation.
34 “But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. 35 For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 Watch therefore, 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 21:34-36 NKJV
10 “Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth. 11 I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown.”
Revelation 3:10-11 ESV
Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need to have anything written to you. 2 For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3 While people are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. 4 But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief. 5 For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness. 6 So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, are drunk at night. 8 But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. 9 For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him. 11 Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.
1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 ESV
Related posts.
| 4 – 22 | Why I Believe in (At Least) the Pre-Tribulation Rapture | Bible prophecy I think I understand |
| 4 – 22 | The Rapture in Isaiah 57 | “The righteous vanishes” |
Was the pre-tribulation rapture doctrine invented in the 1830’s?
No, the pre-tribulation rapture doctrine dates to the early days of the church. Please see these posts.
| 12 – 22 | Video: “Was the Rapture taught before 1800’s & Darby? YES!” | The doctrine of the rapture dates from the early days of the church |
| 11 – 19 | 4th Century Mention of the Rapture in a Sermon | Not a doctrine invented in the 1800’s |
Jesus is coming very, very soon. Be ready!
4 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. 5 You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. 6 Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober.
1 Thessalonians 5:4-6 NKJV
32 “Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. 33 So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near—at the doors! 34 Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place. 35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.”
Matthew 24:32-35 NKJV
34 “But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. 35 For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 Watch therefore, 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 21:34-36 NKJV
Has the rapture happened? You can still be saved and go to heaven! --- Are you following God's plan for your life? You should. Your plan is not going to work. It is a really, really bad plan. Please come to Jesus to escape your plan! Most people are WRONG! WRONG! WRONG! Jesus is coming. Are you ready to meet Him? Give your life to Jesus Christ. Time is running out.
Lift Up Your Eyes! 