Rapture Cult

FOR THE RECORD:
Let's start here because there seems to be some confusion...

> Yes, I will readily admit that I could be wrong on several interpretations and positions I currently hold, and will gladly and humbly admit my error if (or once) I come to a new realization.
While I appreciate the persistent attempts to "correct" me, I think we should agree to disagree on this subject at least for now. I have a better idea. PRAY FOR ME if you are one of those who feels so strongly about my perceived "error" and blindness. Just let go and let God. Besides, it's not like I'm charged with being in error regarding a fundamental tenet of our SHARED faith. What I believe about the Rapture has absolutely no bearing on my salvation, which is firmly secured in the shed blood of my - - no, our - - Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, right? Proverbs 25:2 and 1 Corinthians 13:12 keeps me grounded in that sense. Oh yeah, as does 1 Corinthians 1, which seems quite appropriate during these Rapture studies.

> Yes, I believe in a literal Rapture event.
This is precisely why I've named this ministry the Look Up Fellowship. I don't hide that fact, and people know from the first time they sign on to the website what my belief on this subject is. If you choose to stop by willingly and of your own volition then it should be with the expectation that you're going to encounter some commentaries pertaining to my views on the Rapture.

> No, the word "Rapture" isn't in the Holy Bible.
Neither is the word "Trinity," but we believe in that, right? "Harpazo" (har-pad'-zo) is the Greek word which the New Testament translators have rendered as "caught up." That's in the Bible. Why is that important and relevant to this discussion? Again, let's look at the Holy Bible. "I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up [Greek, harpazo] to the Third Heaven" (2 Corinthians 12:2). "Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the LORD in the air: and so shall we ever be with the LORD" (1 Thessalonians 4:17). The word "Rapture" is taken from an obsolete French word, which means "abduction" or "to carry off." Though Greek scholars may refrain from using "Rapture" to translate "harpazo," I don't believe it is a wresting of Scripture for the honest Christian to see the connection between the two. "According to your faith be it unto you" (Matthew 9:29). Take this under prayerful consideration to our Lord.

> That being said, there have been several thought-provoking points made in the Comments Section, and I want you all to know that just because I don't respond directly doesn't mean I'm not reading them, taking them to heart under prayerful consideration, or that I don't appreciate them - - I do. That being said, someone made the point to the effect of "all in the Ark remaind on the Earth. Lot and his family remaind on the Earth. I'm not saying we will not escape, but we will remain on the Earth."
This is certainly a good thought, and it's certainly plausible. My thinking is that Jesus Christ is our "Ark" (an archetype - - "ark-type" [pun intended] - - of Noah's Ark). So, if that's the case, then wouldn't we need to go to Him, go to our "Ark," when it's time for our escape?

> To clarify, while I may have mentioned Enoch at times in the previous Rapture articles I do not believe that I ever once wrote that Jesus said "as in the days of ENOCH..." because that would've been a gross error on my part. If I did, I can assure you that it was a typo and I apologize for any confusion. We're PLAINLY told that it will be "as in the days of NOAH..." See Matthew 24:37 for reference.


JUST A FEW MORE THOUGHTS AFTER A WHIRLWIND OF A WEEK HERE...


Raise your hand if you're part of the "Rapture Cult" as it's been called by some. Yes, that's right, can I see a show of hands please?

I really don't mean to make light of something that has its roots in the Holy Bible (and something that's such an important topic for discussion with Christians worldwide), but sometimes you just need to step back and see the big picture.

By the way, if you could see me right now then you'd be viewing me with my hand straight up in the air as far as I can reach. Yes, I am a proud member of the "Rapture Cult" indeed. Hence, the name of this ministry - - Look Up Fellowship.

Look, I get that some of my Brothers and Sisters in Christ think that I am wrong about the Rapture - - wrong about it all. That's fine. I get why they want to try to correct me from what they perceive to be my "error." I'm the same with with family and friends about other issues. I get it. I do.

Why don't we just chalk it all up to this: I've made my point. You've made your point. We can agree to disagree. Let's let go and let God. He'll work it out in our own lives in His own perfect timing according to His own perfect will. All we can do is plant the seeds since He's the One who determines if and when they grow. Consider the seeds planted.

Don't get me wrong, there's a reason why I included a Comments Section to each article on this blog. I encourage everyone to share their views even if it conflicts with my own. Again, let's always remember Proverbs 27:17 and the "iron sharpens iron" truth. However, I do think there's a limit to it all. I mean, to continue the incessant back-and-forth seems like splitting hairs to me. After all, we're NOT talking about a fundamental tenet of the Christian faith like one's salvation, in which case I could totally understand a person's all out attempt to shake me free from the deception and delusion I had fallen under because it it were regarding something like that, then I'm not only putting my own soul at risk, but also the souls of tens of thousands worldwide. Needless to say, not good.

Quite honestly, this is why I do not have any desire whatsoever to debate my fellow Christian brethren. None whatsoever. I have a calm and peace in my spirit if that means anything. Surely, some will suggest that I'm taking the easy way out and not debating because I can't make my case. Friends, I feel I have made my case. My commentaries that I write here - - often times 3-4 separate ones each and every day - - are so detailed, so thorough, that if you can't see that I'm "making my case" in them then I'd have to say you're not reading what I wrote.

Besides, typically, there's not much more I can add to them once I'm finished. Come on, I know all of you can agree that those "War And Peace" type, lengthy columns are enough to leave anyone feeling spent afterwards. That's why I often apologize for not being able to respond to many of you in the Comments Sections or via email. There's simply not enough time! Between researching and writing these daily entries, trying to keep a small business open, spending time with my family when I'm not trying to provide for them, there's only so much this red-head can handle in a day, I'm sorry.

I feel the urgency to share my thoughts about this subject, but I'm just so burdened and overwhelmed sometimes by the amount of controversy and division it causes within the Body of Christ. I still have much to say about this topic though so I'm not abandoning it any time soon. My friendly advice would be that if my position is going to only aggravate and frustrate you then you might want to take a vacation from Look Up Fellowship for the next week, check back in later, and return to our regularly scheduled program.

My dear friends, also know that I am not proclaiming to speak for God. Never been arrogant enough to do that, and I never will. All I've done is write as honest, open, and transparent as I can with all of you about my own personal spiritual journey to date. That includes how I've arrived - - then left - - then came back - - then left again - - and now have returned again to various positions on the hotly contested "escape," which I see as being synonymous with what we commonly call the Rapture.

I'm sorry that some people don't like that. Last I checked, this was a Blog that I created in response to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. I've put my name on it rather than lurking behind an anonymous moniker at the risk of personal and professional alienation. That's how much I love our God.

It's ironic because the theme of the week for me here and outside of cyberspace has definitely been squarely focused upon my need to foster stronger bonds and relationships with family and friends without sacrificing what it is I truly believe in and stand for. I have quite a few unexpected "run-ins" with some family members this week that left me in tears. I'm sure many of you have had similar moments lately. My point is that you are all my Brothers and Sisters in Christ. You're my family too! We my be different in that we hold different views about the Rapture, and "Aliens"/Nephilim, and such but WE HAVE THE SAME FATHER! More, we believe in Him and of what He did for us!

That's our common ground. That's what really matters in the end. That's why I refuse to debate any more. The hour is too late. There's much to be done and written. The time is now. I thank you all for letting me "vent" a little this evening. I sincerely can't wait until we're all on the other side of Heaven and we embrace with a big smile and just laugh over these types of things.

Whether you believe in an "escape" or a "Rapture" or not - - keep looking up for Him! Please pray that you are counted worthy to escape the things to come.

MARANATHA!!!