Hello Brother Fred
Hello Brother Fat likewise, and peace be with you in the name of LORD JESUS CHRIST.
Could you please give me the scriptures to back this up? Sounds like you're a mid trip rapture guy, but I don't get the reference to half of the Christians and the first tribulation.
i am not a Scripture quoting talent believer, but one in given wisdom talented, according to the sound doctrine of the New Testament. i can plainly tell what JESUS said and the Scriptures you have learned will come into mind, thank you...
'mid-trip rapture guy', am not, but what JESUS said in simple understanding. Like He said that the reign of Anti-CHRIST supposedly is to be 7 years. As it is also called the Tribulation period for saint, being punished and persecuted for their faith. But due to the atrocity He, the false prophet and the world inflicts against the Christian saint and because of their faith in CHRIST JESUS our LORD, not to give in and join them, and moreover for them not to give up in faith, JESUS said GOD shortened it to 3&1/2 years. The time was not shortened for the world, but for the 'very elect', whom the beast shall deceive.
Christian saints will be tested for their faith, and it has happened historically, and GOD allowed it to test in order to divide between the 'pure faith', who would lay down their lives for the Kingdom and their brethren. And 'nominal faith', who will be on the neutral side, by being the good guy. Moreover the 'fake faith', immediately denies one's faith and join the winning side. For example, GOD's test already started with the MASTER in His time, from Herod to the Priest and leaders of Israel, inflicting tribulation and persecution towards believers in faith, even aided by Saul himself in zeal until to the outskirts of Jerusalem until his conversion in Damascus. And it continue still from Jerusalem until Rome, to Nero and more in power and authority. Then, from Constantine to the Pope through to the Crusaders, and too from the Protestant themselves, to the islamic prophet and islamic leaders, and through out the world till today, reported or unreported, even through media. And finally, in the reign of the 'Beast' worldwide for 3&1/2 years, even with the aid of the world, who will be deluded themselves in lies, and be on his side to do his wretched work, as seem righteous in delusion. For all of this has taken place and taking place, as well going to take place, where for now we nominal don't inflict it, since being neutral with the world for now, but will come. It has been said by the LORD JESUS CHRIST in the beginning, and as the Apostles for Him testify to the churches. That in conclusion to one's genuine faith and as how gold is reheated again and again, refined to it's purity, Apostle Paul said that, 'Every foundation will be tested with fire.'
And this also come in conjunction to what JESUS said about the ascension, where two men will be working in the field, one will be taken, and two women in the house, where one will be taken. Isn't that in a scale comparison of 'half of them will be taken', while the other 'half left behind'?
Did you mean to say doors shut and not doors locked?
Am sorry, the Scripture quotes,
....shut thy door.... Perhaps also locking, for not to be seen by anyone, who might come in, thinking the room is empty, beyond all odds possible....? You do not want while your door is shut and you are praying to GOD in secret, someone assuming the room is empty or accidentally opens the door, to be seen by others right?
This is absolutely not so! We see the parable the Christ gave to us to demonstrate that he was talking about humbling yourself in front of God, and not being a show off in front of man. Both men stood in the synagogue while they prayed.
Luke 18
10. 'Two men went up to the temple to pray, the one a Pharisee, and the other a tax-gatherer;
11. the Pharisee having stood by himself, thus prayed: God, I thank Thee that I am not as the rest of men, rapacious, unrighteous, adulterers, or even as this tax-gatherer;
12. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all things -- as many as I possess.
13. 'And the tax-gatherer, having stood afar off, would not even the eyes lift up to the heaven, but was smiting on his breast, saying, God be propitious to me -- the sinner!
14. I say to you, this one went down declared righteous, to his house, rather than that one: for every one who is exalting himself shall be humbled, and he who is humbling himself shall be exalted.
In that parables JESUS also include the natural hypocritical act of the Pharisees and as teachers and leaders of the people of Israel, and the person who prayed behind him in unworthiness naturally act as their leaders do.... JESUS also said and commanded His disciples, even referring to the acts of the Pharisees, which is,
"Learn from them, but do not do what they do."And too from them to the church who are born again from above and born of the HOLY SPIRIT and are spirit, He teaches them likewise the act from above which pleases GOD, that when they pray, to do/practice and abide according to Matthew 6:5-8, and also among many other things JESUS taught....
Therefore brother, your justification of absolutely not so, is untrue, and likewise your parables defeats Matthew 6:5. For, as JESUS refers Pharisees as a lesson to us Christians, even 'standing' and praying in our meeting places and every street corner is an act of 'hypocrisy', just to be seen by others
Thanks
Fat
Also thank you, and may GOD the FATHER of our LORD JESUS CHRIST bless HIS church with HIS kindness and peace.
fred