It sounds like the mid tribers and post tribers would have us believe there is some sort of pre rapture "purgatory" in the first half or all of the tribulation that we must endure before the rapture. Thankfully, there are substantial proofs in the epistles and Revelation that we will be raised in the rapture before the tribulation begins. :bible There is a huge difference between tribulations caused by mankind and us living in a sin filled world and the Tribulation which is full of God's wrath on the inhabitants of the earth. This is my answer when people say this. So Phil and Kolleen thank you for that wonderful song. I first heard it for the first time from Sandi Patti and I actually found two renditions from her. One in 1983 and one in 9 months ago w/the Gaithers. A later version is even more powerful as life gave it reality Thanks Tammie, Sandi has a wonderful voice. The first time I ever heard We Shall Behold Him was when I used to sing in a Methodist church choir years ago. A lady soprano soloist in the choir sang it and I was so impressed with this wonderful song full of truth. Unfortunately, most people in this church didn't believe in eternal security or having the assurance of salvation. This liberal congregation was probably clueless as to what this song really meant. I even once heard this one church member ridicule the idea of someone believing they were saved. I am pretty sure most members there never heard of the pre trib rapture or would have believed in it. We sometimes sang "Amazing Grace" there but they didn't know what this song meant either. In disgust I finally left this clueless church in 1996. They, like most "protestant" churches, are just a "reformed" redo of Roman Catholicism, just without all the smoke and ceremonies. Phil I know Phil — it is so very sad and heartbreaking (to the Father most of all) how “the church” has become so cold. There are a few and very far in between bodies of believers that still hold to the simple faith of the gospel and watch for His coming. I know that when on several mission trips to Belarus back in the mid to late 1990’s the body of believers there was truly amazing to worship with, so genuine and heart felt. I think of many of them now and pray for them as with the Russian take over the pastors will once again be imprisoned for their faith and standing for Christ. On our last trip over there, the pastors and believers had started seeing persecution related to favoritism in job offers, if you served “mother Russia” you got the great jobs, if you where an outcast (Christian) and spoke against the Russian Orthodox Church you could be penalized. One service my husband preached in, we were told later how many KGB attended and they actually could point them out to us. At least they heard a gospel message. We have no excuse in this country, we have squandered the opportunity given to us to proclaim God’s salvation to the masses. Now those of us who are awake, who are aware of the events unfolding, and who remain watchful for our Bridegroom can only grieve for the lost and pray for one more door to open as a witness … the time is so very short, soon it will be too late for them Anyway, Phil — soon you will again sing with the heavenly choir in our home on high ….. :yahoo: The magazine "Prophecy in the News" had a great picture of the elders representing the redeemed the church, and angels all forever singing praise to God before the throne according to Revelation 5. I think this was on the cover of the Dec. 1996 issue. I still have a copy of this magazine, don't know if this pic is available online. Christ showed John the picture of the raptured church in Rev 4 and 5 to give us knowledge and comfort as to the joy that awaits all the redeemed in Christ. :amen: Phil But some churches are doing some good. Churches Across US Build Tiny-Home Villages Amid Worsening Affordability Crisis: AP News says churches are using spare land to build tiny home communities to accommodate the homeless. On vacant plots near their parking lots and steepled sanctuaries, congregations are building everything from fixed and fully contained micro homes to petite, moveable cabins, and several other styles of small-footprint dwellings in between. Church leaders are not just trying to be more neighborly. The drive to provide shelter is rooted in their beliefs — they must care for the vulnerable, especially those without homes. -AP Donald Whitehead, director of the National Coalition for the Homeless, told AP the move by churches across the country to build tiny-home communities is a “great emergency option” amid today’s economy that hasn’t worked for everyone.
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