Over the next couple of days, what we're reading in Luke is prophecy and it's not always that easy to understand. One thing that can be difficult is time frames. In Luke 21, for example, some of the things have already taken place (physical destruction of the temple and Jerusalem) and others are yet to happen (coming of the Son of Man). And then, there are some passages where it seems to be both, like Luke 21:10-19. This passage talks about wars, earthquakes, famines, persecution. All things that have happened in the past, are happening right now, and will continue in the future, only they will get much worse as we approach end times.
So as you're reading, keep in mind that this is prophecy and maybe come at it a little differently. And, hey, if you have questions, that's what we're here for. We'd love to talk through them with you. Happy Monday! Tami W.
P.S. If you're interested in end times and have some time, take a look at Revelation. It's full of end times prophecy and pretty amazing.
Reading this passage is like reading Matthew 24 and I found it rather stunning, because we see so many of these things happening in our day even now.
You mentioned persecution in the video, and I have to say that worldwide Christian persecution is more than it has ever been. I can't remember if I told you, but I'm the Editor for the Voice of the Martyrs persecution blog and we write about it daily. Check it out at http://www.persecutionblog.com if you'd like.
Keep up the great work :)
Hi Tammy, As I am reading I get confused regarding the Rapture of the Church. We are The c Church raptured before the Antichrist comes in to the picture?
Sue,
Tami asked me to respond to your question, and I'm happy to do so.
Not everyone agrees when the rapture will take place. Some believe it will happen in the middle of the Tribulation (the time of the Antichrist), others believe it will be after the Tribulation. Back to the Bible holds a pretribulation position. This means the Church will be raptured before the Antichrist comes into power. Here are some reasons why we believe this is true:
1. The verses that tell us to watch for the return of the Lord to remove the church do not tell us to watch for the Tribulation first (1 Thess. 5:4‑6; Titus 2:13).
2. The Tribulation is neither destined nor intended for the Church. It is to come upon Israel and the world. The term "Jacob's trouble" (Jer. 30:7) refers to Israel’s experience of the Tribulation, not the Church
3. The church is not appointed to the wrath of God, but for salvation (1 Thess. 5:9; 2 Pet. 2:9).
4. In many passages of Scripture, we read about Christ's coming for the Church or with the Church (saints). Christ cannot come with His saints until He has come for them (1 Thess. 4:14).
5. Believers will already have passed from death unto life; and after their examination at the Judgment Seat of Christ (2 Cor. 5:10), there will be no further judgment for them. They will, therefore, be saved from the wrath to come (Rom. 1:18; 5:9; 1 Thess. 1:10).
6. Christians live in light rather than darkness; they are referred to as "children of light." The "night" of Tribulation is a type of this darkness (1 Thess. 5:1‑5).
7. The Lord has committed Himself to keep the Church from the hour of Tribulation (Rev. 3:10).
Allen, Biblical Correspondent at Back to the Bible