Is it possible that when Jesus shows up, it might be a very sad moment for Christians? Can’t be, right? When Jesus returns, it will be glorious celebration. Except that’s not what the Bible says. In 1 Thessalonians chapter 5, verses 1–4, Paul writes, “Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do notContinue reading “Jesus’ return might be a very bad thing for Christians – 1 Thessalonians 4:13–5:4, Part 4”
Tag Archives: rapture
Why I no longer emphasize the rapture (something else is far more important) – 1 Thessalonians 4:13–5:4, Part 3
What will happen to people who are still alive when Jesus returns? Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 4, verse 15, “According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep.” Paul is talkingContinue reading “Why I no longer emphasize the rapture (something else is far more important) – 1 Thessalonians 4:13–5:4, Part 3”
The sleeping kind of death versus the sickness unto death – 1 Thessalonians 4:13–5:4, Part 1
Have a listen to the Johnny Cash song, “Ain’t No Grave.” What is it about? Is Cash’s song about zombies? Turn in your Bibles to 1 Thessalonians 4:13–5:4. Paul writes, “Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like theContinue reading “The sleeping kind of death versus the sickness unto death – 1 Thessalonians 4:13–5:4, Part 1”
Did Jesus return last year? – 1 Thessalonians 4:13–5:4, Preview
I just googled it and found that people are predicting that Jesus will return in 2024, 2030, and 2033. Yes, I mentioned 2024. Yes, I know that was last year. Did Jesus return last year, and I missed it? Remember the hype of Y2K, or the end of the Mayan Calendar, or 2012? Remember rapture-bombing? HereContinue reading “Did Jesus return last year? – 1 Thessalonians 4:13–5:4, Preview”
How to be ready for Jesus – 1 Thessalonians 2:1–3:5, Part 4
When you travel, you pack, you get ready to leave. You’re thinking about where you are going. You might need transportation like plane tickets. You might need a passport. You might need clothing for a different climate. You have an intinerary including lodging and meals. Everything is focused on where you will be going, andContinue reading “How to be ready for Jesus – 1 Thessalonians 2:1–3:5, Part 4”
How an ancient case of identity theft can help us get ready for Jesus’ return – 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12, Part 3
We hear about identity theft frequently, and more than likely, you’ve experienced it yourself. A couple years ago, a person created a fake Gmail account, impersonated me, and emailed my staff, asking them to send gift cards to help a needy person. Thankfully, my staff questioned the veracity of this, alerted me, and we contactedContinue reading “How an ancient case of identity theft can help us get ready for Jesus’ return – 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12, Part 3”
What is “The Rapture”? (and why I think that is the wrong question) – 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12, Part 2
Do you believe in the rapture? Maybe you’re reading this and wondering, “What is the rapture?” In our Advent 2021 study of 2 Thessalonians, we’ve learned that Paul is teaching the Thessalonian Christians about the second advent of Jesus. He describes it in 2 Thessalonians 2, verse 1 as a day in the future whenContinue reading “What is “The Rapture”? (and why I think that is the wrong question) – 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12, Part 2″
Doge Coin, NFTs, GameStop and the end of the world! – Ezekiel 7, Part 1
Economists look back over the last year or so reporting that, in addition to Covid, it has been a unique financial year in other ways. For example, have you heard of Doge Coin? It is a cryptocurrency, a digital form of money, which I don’t have the time or knowledge to try to explain. ThereContinue reading “Doge Coin, NFTs, GameStop and the end of the world! – Ezekiel 7, Part 1”
Are we living in the “last times”? – Jude 17-25, Part 1
Have you ever been in a gathering or meeting where someone is talking, and you think to yourself, “I don’t know what this guy is talking about”? You’re hearing his words, but you’re not understanding him. Maybe he’s using jargon you’re not really familiar with. But here’s the thing, no one in the group listeningContinue reading “Are we living in the “last times”? – Jude 17-25, Part 1″
Feeling fine about the end of the world
The end is near! Remember the predictions of the end of the world that we’ve had in recent years? There was the mayhem of January 31st, 1999. Even if the apocalypse didn’t hit the earth when the clock struck midnight (and of course that was going to be in the Eastern time zone!), remember theContinue reading “Feeling fine about the end of the world”
Engaging Scripture 