Not provided as we are looking at Scripture, not mans theories.

The Bible is very clear that God’s people will have to go through times of hardship and suffering, as Jesus did on the cross and as all the disciples, except John (he was only boiled in oil!), did for their faith.

It is the call of disciples to suffer hardship whether it be physical martyrdom as were the original 12 (The 11 left + Paul), emotional or spiritual rejection, financial, or many other ways…..

This certainly has been my experience! Through two bankruptcies where we lost everything and, at times, through spiritual rejection by those we looked up to, Kathy and I have been ‘through the wars’ in our walk with Jesus. For me personally, I have come closer to the Lord in the bad times more easily than the good, for He was the only one left to share my misery and pain. It actually is the same for all of us.

After not being understood for many years in the revelation the Lord had given me, I wondered if I really wasn’t hearing from the Lord at all. Then, on a ministry trip to I Africa, I went to Capetown in South Africa, where I mat a group of apostolic gifted people from round the world to whom the Lord had given similar understanding. Was I relieved! In talking with them, the uniting factor was that all, without exception had experienced very hard times in their lives, which the Lord used to refine and teach them. Suddenly I understood! The truly sold out disciple will have to make the sacrifice of their life, spiritual, physical, or both, in order to enter the kingdom.

Obviously this does not line up with the ‘easy Christianity’ rapture theory which is designed by satan to mislead people into thinking that sacrifice is not required, because we will be zapped out of here when the going gets too tough. Satan is the deceiver, the seat of lies, the destroyer of the church, keeping it ineffective, depicting a ‘Father Christmas’ God who will make life easy for us, then rapture us when the world’s situation gets too hot to handle!

This is tough, I know. But all those I know who have a genuine kingdom understanding and desire to follow their Lord with 100% submission, without exception, reject the rapture theory as it is taught today. This is clearly explained in Romans …..

We will now look at three verses that are often used to justify rapture theory, but actually refute it, as we misinterpret or misunderstand the words.

Firstly....... protect them

Secondly....... keep you

Thirdly....... out of it

The highlighted words, often used as justifications for the rapture, are translated from the same Greek words, tereo ek. These words mean to be kept from falling - not giving way under pressure and temptation, not physical rescue or protection.

So, in fact, the reverse is true! We are to be protected THROUGH, NOT FROM the promised tribulation at the end of the age.

We will continue with the (many more) Scriptures negating the rapture teachings.

The principle of 'sacrifice' is not a popular one in the church today. But if we look back through the history of the church, persecution and sacrifice are historical facts, and indeed, generally lead to church growth.

May we not forget the lessons of HIS-story!

ANCIENT PHILISTINES & OX CARTS

The ox carts pictured would be similar to that used by the Philistines to transport the Ark of the Covenant back to Israel.

Source: http://www.bible-history.com