I was going to keep this a one post blog, then I added two more posts, then I went back to a one post blog. (I'm wishing I'd kept them now.) But in church yesterday I saw this passage in Romans. I am compelled to post regarding it.
In Romans 8:35a Paul asks: "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?" Two verses previously to that Paul asks "Who shall bring a charge against God's elect?" We know that is what Satan is doing at the present time. He has access to heaven and is bringing condemnation against God's elect. Christ as our Intercessor continually reminds our Adversary that His blood has covered every sin that we've ever committed or will commit.
Romans 8:35: "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?"
Though Paul is speaking in the present tense, it makes me think of the time of unprecedented persecution that is coming upon Israel and God's elect during the great tribulation spoken of in Mt. 24. I'm sure he had that time in mind as well when he wrote this passage. Continuing...
Romans 8:36-39: "Just as it is written, 'FOR THY SAKE WE ARE BEING PUT TO DEATH ALL DAY LONG; WE WERE CONSIDERED AS SHEEP TO BE SLAUGHTERED.' But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come (the great tribulation!), nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
We don't know yet if we are the generation that is called to face Satan's wrath on Israel and God's elect during the great tribulation, after Michael and his angels thrust him out of heaven. But Beloved, now is the time to hide these wonderful words in our hearts. Take courage and strength knowing "we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us!"
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13 comments:
Kathy,
A wonderful post, that not only offers the facts, but the comfort of a loving God. Because God will never leave us, or forsake us. Even in times of tribulation, it's wonderful to know that man can only kill the body, but God protects our spirits, and the 'real us.' We are His, forever, and forever!
Are we the generation that will live to see all the end time events play out? (however we believe that they'll happen) I truly believe that we are that generation. And we all need to walk as close to our Savior, and Lord Jesus Christ, as we can, IMO.
It's the best place to be, in troubled times, or not :)
I really appreciate your mature, and loving spirit, Kathy. Because I know your heart and motivation behind your sharing with fellow Believers. However, it does appear that Joel's Blog is pre-trib, and that's about it. Although, you're not alone in not being the only one that has a few 'ideas' other than the traditional pre-trib position. Me, included. But, I wouldn't allow a few negitive comments to chase you away from posting your opinions, there. After all, there are quite a few subjects discussed there, besides the end times, etc. But, I understand how you could feel that way. I really don't post there too much myself, these days. In fact, I have to say, I haven't been home much for the past few days/evenings. I helped one of my sons, who was sick (single) with his shopping, housework, dogs, etc., besides my house, and working the last three afternoons/evenings in a row, too.
I just went to my own Blog this evening, and saw where you'd posted.
I love you, and may God bless your new blog, too! Just keep walking in the love of God, and you'll continie to be a happy, and blessed Believer! Because, "there's no disappointment in Jesus,
He's all that He promised to be......" (lyrics to the song)
And that is the bottom line :) I base my life on that fact.
As always Marge, the great encourager. I'm thankful to the Lord that our paths crossed. I look forward to meeting you in person someday!
Love from Kathy
Kathy, thanks for inviting me to visit this blog.
While it is true that Christians are redeemed from the wrath of God which consists of the Second Death, Christ was delivered up to sinful men to endure persecution, and he prophesies that we too will have to take up our cross and follow him. Mark 13:9-13 [9] But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them. And the gospel must first be published among all nations. But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost. Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son; and children shall rise up against their parents, and shall cause them to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
Teresita,
If you read my first post, you will see that we are in agreement. There is also another aspect of God's wrath spoken of in the book of Revelation. It's His wrath that falls on those that take the mark of the beast after the elect are gathered. There is coming a time of unprecedented persecution directed at Israel and then the true Church. Christ also talks about it in Mt. 24, the parallel passage to Mk. 13 which you cite. Believers here in the States live a relatively persecution free life. It's not so in other parts of the world. It's coming though. Antichrist's persecution which Revelation refers to as Satan's wrath in 12:12 will begin with Israel. Once AC can no longer get to the ones that flee into the wilderness and are protected by God, the beast (AC)will go after the true Church. (See Rev. 12.) Now is the time to be preparing, by hiding God's Word in our hearts.
Thanks for dropping in.
Kathy
Katherine,
Good answer. Indeed, there will be a time of severe judgment referred to as the Day of the Lord or Day of Wrath or Day of Vengeance. People often confuse this period with the Great Tribulation Period. Here is the distinction: First, the Great Tribulation Period begins with the Abomination of Desolation, which occurs in the middle of Daniel's 70th Week. During the Great Tribulation Period is when the Church is most severly persecuted by the anti-christ and as such is also referred to as his indignation. Then, at an unknown date and hour, the Great Tribulation Period is cut short for the sake of the elect(the Church), the celestial sign appears and instantly the Rapture occurs. Once this happens, the Day of the Lord(Wrath, Vengeance) gets underway. This is when God's judgment is poured out on the unbelievers on earth. So, to recap, during the Great Tribulation Period, the Church is persecuted by the anti-christ. Whereas during the Day of the Lord Period, the unbelievers are severly judged by God. The Bible makes that distinction quite clearly. And once you accept that truth, then you can begin to construct a more biblical Rapture view. It definitly was the key for me.
Just my thoughts, Raul- the burrito man
Kathy and Teresia,
I had to stop on by to see if you're reading the 'newest' Holy War going on, at Joel's Blog, by the usual suspects, for the most part. My goodness, can't we all just walk in love, as Christ commanded? It seems like such a simple request, doesn't it? And didn't Jesus say, "that whoever wasn't against Him, was FOR him?"
Hmmmm. Anyhow, such a lovely day in Western WA. Sunny and almost 70 degrees :) Much too beautiful a day to join in on one's political views, and Denomination, don't you think? Anyway, that's my 'take' on things. And I'm posting it here, because I really don't want to be viewed in a harsh and negitive light. Not today, at least. Maybe tomorrow, ha, ha!
Love to you both, and welcome Teresia to Joel's Blog. You'll find it handy to wear a 'crash helmet' there, though. Although, I'm from WA. State, and regard such 'goings on,' much like a duck. (and let it roll on off, LOL)
Remember God loves you, and keep smiling! Love covers a multitude of errors. And keep looking to Jesus, the author and the 'finisher' of our Faith, amen?
Hi Raul,
You have such a gift of communicating God's truth so clearly. Do visit often.
Kathy
ps...(I like my burritos with extra cheese! I have to watch the hot sauce though, it gives me heartburn.)
Marge,
I love your visits! You are always gracious and encouraging. I too am enjoying our wonderful weather. Yes, I've been peeking in at Joel's. I like your crash helmet comment. So true! Thick skin also helps, but mine is pretty thin. I'm getting ready to post again regarding a question by one of Joel's readers.
Lots of love from Kathy
ps...Visitors, I'll be pretty busy for the next two days so if you post a comment it may be a bit of time before I can get back to you.
Kathy,
God speed! And remember to wear that crash helmet :)
Teresita,
I'm so sorrry, I misspelled your name! I had to come back and say I'm truly sorry about that :( However, I often mispell names, and such, I must admit. I need to be more careful.
Much love! And God bless you both!
Katherine,
Thank you for your gracious compliment. I grew up in a household where my parents spoke only Spanish. I then spoke only English in school. Ever since I was a young boy, I had to interpret(translate) for both of them in a variety of situations. At about the age of 10 or 12, I accompanied my parents to the bank to ask for a loan. Can you imagine a child at that age discussing interest rates and other financial jargon? As such, I had to learn to understand, interpret, and convey difficult concepts in a clear yet concise manner. I've been doing this type of thing for about 30 years so I guess it has carried over to communicating biblical truth as well.
But, back to understanding biblical eschatological truth, I can't stress enough the importance of correctly understanding the Day of the Lord Period. Because, it is the key to unlocking a proper understanding of the chronology of end-time events. Just my thoughts, Raul-the burrito man
Speaking of burritos, we have some great ones here in El Paso, TX
Marge,
Got that crash helmet on!
Raul,
Well, the Lord is certainly using the communication skills you acquired in your youth!
You said: "I can't stress enough the importance of correctly understanding the Day of the Lord Period. Because, it is the key to unlocking a proper understanding of the chronology of end-time events."
YOU ARE EXACTLY RIGHT!!
(I can't have onions either, sigh.)
hey grammy! i am at school, and making sure to coment! i totally am with you when it comes to being shepperded...luv ya!
Daisy!!
How fun to see you drop in and say hi! Is the wind blowing there at school? It's getting very blustery here.
We do have a wonderful Shepherd, don't we?
I love you!
Grammy
If you click here it will take you to my other blog that I use all the time. I hope you will leave a comment there too!
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