It’s not a bothersome endeavor to those of us who take the Bible literally. There are no more prophets. God has chosen to speak to us in His holy Word and nowhere in the pages do I see Jesus instructing us to listen for a three day heads up. What He does command us to do is to love one another, not badger one another because we don’t see eye to eye on an insignificant topic. Seems to me that the special privilege of being raptured off this planet is enough. Certainly more than any other generation ever received beside the one that was blessed by His first advent. If the Body of Christ is going to take sides on such a small matter as this then how are we any different from the world and why would any thinking person want to join us? I have a new idea which wasn’t well received! I have expressed my feelings on the matter! Short of any other inquiries, I consider the matter closed!!! Will I still consider the possibility personally, until the Rapture, yes! For it is the Rapture I look forward to, not any related details! Humbly yours, TR MyWhiteStone, I am of the same opinion concerning Matthew 24-25. The main context is the second coming. However, the part about "thief in the night" I believe is a reference to the Rapture. The reason I say that is: 1. When Jesus returns in power and glory it will not come as a surprise, in fact the armies of the earth are coming to do battle with Jesus. 2. The moment the Antichrist confirms the covenant, it starts a countdown. You will know the day and hour Jesus steps foot on the earth after that event. I am of the opinion the "covenant" is not necessarily a peace agreement. 3. The Rapture event has no warning or signs preceding the event. The fact we're seeing all the pieces falling into place for the "big show", proves this event can happen at any moment. I do share Tenderreed's frustration, in the fact that I would've guessed it should've happened by now. My finite mind thinks we're overdue. God Bless Geri9, I understand the "idiom" POV concerning the phrase. Shavuot for example is also used in the same context, not knowing the day or hour. I am an anytime rapture believer, but I think if it were to land on a feast day, Shavuot makes the best sense. (In my brain that is, lol) For me, I'd be breathlessly overjoyed to know the day ~ ~ ahhhhhh ~ To watch or not watch To share this gift . . or not ~ ~ ~ Though we do get tired ~ ~ Do we let expire our gifted desire? ~~ Surely our God sees and hears our sighs, our tears ~ Watching for Our Lord's return? OH, Jesus , we shall never give up We do long to see You YESSSSSSSSSS ~ ~ face to Face up close, within Christ’s embrace ! ~ . . how much more then Our Lord’s Heart stays ~ ~ patiently yearning Calming our hearts amidst our churning ~~ ~~ ~ We’ve lost count, how often, Lord You calm Your Bride, by Your Word, to be at your Side ~ Til then, we can't 'wait' to hear You say, “Arise My Bride ~ For me, I’d LOVE to know the day to finally experience the rapture ride . we lean on You, Your Word, Lord with stayed encouragement, even admonished and, blessedly astonished, til then, over Your Spirited nourishment ~ If the Lord should so gift us Donna, I would receive it! But not to be made a point of division! To each his own! TR T.R. . . having waited over 4 decades I can't begin to imagine not clinging to this waiting no matter how long . , , . . for me, this longing has kept me with a thankful anticipation and a peace looking up ~ ~~ I so understand what you are saying as well . . ~ ~~ ~ Even if I don't hear the fat lady singing, I'll know it's time to go when they turn on the lights! TR Since coming to the realization after the fact, that the Rapture was hidden on types and shadows throught scripture! I can easily see a double entendre to the parable of the ten virgins! We can neither read into or be legalistic with our understanding of bible interpretation, apart from the basic tenants of salvation! Rightly dividing His word, not ours! TR I can still hear in my head Don Meredith singing “turn out the lights, the party’s over!” on Monday Night Football. ?
