Mix-ups in terminology can be harmful in any field, including our study of biblical prophecy and the End Times. Over the years i’ve noticed on particular misunderstanding that occurs regularly and often hinders the way people grasp God’s prophetic plan: confusing the Rapture and the Second Coming. Many who read Scripture lump those two occurrences into the same moment – they think of Christians being caught up in the Rapture even as Christ descends from heaven to bring judgment on the earth. In reality, these are two separate terms that describe two distinct events.
As we’ll see, there are many similarities between the Rapture and the Second Coming, and so the confusion is understandable. But in order to have a firm grasp of God’s prophetic plan for the future, we need to notice the distinctions between these two events.
Let’s dig deeper by exploring four ntoable differences tat will help us separate these two appearances of Christ.
God has given us many assurances of His abiding presence.
Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.”
Hebrews 13:5 NLT
God’s presence is absolutely unchanging, but the evidence of His presence is not. On some occasions God may purposely alter the evidences of His presence to bring the most benefit from our experience. Sometimes we receive the most benefit from seeing many visible “prints” of His invisible hands during a difficult season. Other times we profit most from seeing fewer evidences. God does not love us less when He gives us fewer evidences. He simply desires to grow us up and teach us to walk by faith and not by sight.
Christ’s presence is the basis for courage in our storms. He did not say, “Take courage! I am calming the storm. Don’t be afraid.” Instead, with the winds still raging, He said, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you. O Israel, the one who formed you says, “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. I gave Egypt as a ransom for your freedom; I gave Ethiopia and Seba in your place. Others were given in exchange for you. I traded their lives for yours because you are precious to me. You are honored, and I love you. “Do not be afraid, for I am with you. I will gather you and your children from east and west. I will say to the north and south, ‘Bring my sons and daughters back to Israel from the distant corners of the earth. Bring all who claim me as their God, for I have made them for my glory. It was I who created them.’”
Isaiah 43:1-7 NLT
Christ does not always immediately calm the storm, but He is always willing to calm His child on the basis of His presence. We’ll probably never learn to enjoy our storms, but we can learn to enjoy God’s presence in the storm!
Scripture declares God never abandons His children. He is always there. When it all comes down, we either choose to believe or disbelieve God. He promised us He is always with us. Once we choose to accept His presence as a fact, we can be free to go on to enjoyment.
I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence! If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there. If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me. I could ask the darkness to hide me and the light around me to become night— but even in darkness I cannot hide from you. To you the night shines as bright as day. Darkness and light are the same to you.
Psalms 139:7-12 NLT
Intimacy with God grows through sharing every realm of experience. I want God to be the greatest reality in your life. I want you to be more assured of His presence than any other you can see or touch. Yes, this can be your reality. This is your right as a child of God. We were destined for this kind of relationship with God, but the enemy has tried to convince us that the Christian life is sacrificial at best and artificial at worst.
You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.
Psalms 16:11 NLT
Commit yourself entirely to God that He may set you free to be everything He planned. We must not allow intimidation or fear to imprison us in any area. Remember, Satan can presume no authority in your life. “The one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world” (1 John 4:4).
His peace should not be an infrequent surprise but the ongoing rule of our lives.
Peace can be possible in any situation, but we cannot simply produce it on demand. In fact, we cannot produce it at all. It is “fruit of the Spirit” (Gal. 5:22). We have Christ’s peace. It has already been given to us if we have received Christ. We just don’t always know how to activate it.
The key to peace is authority. When we allow the Prince of Peace to govern our lives, peace either immediately or ultimately results. Peace accompanies authority.
For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen!
Isaiah 9:6-7 NLT
You can have the peace of Christ, believer, no matter what your circumstances; but you must believe, bend the knee, and learn how to receive. You may never feel like giving your circumstance, hurt, or loss to Him; but you can choose to submit to His authority out of belief and obedience rather than emotion. Obedience is the mark of authentic surrender to God’s authority in any matter.
As Lord, He will never ask anything of us that is not right, good, and open to the light. He is perfect and undefiled. He is Redeemer, the One who bought us from sin’s slave master so we could experience abundant life. He bought us to set us free.
This is what the Lord says— your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is good for you and leads you along the paths you should follow. Oh, that you had listened to my commands! Then you would have had peace flowing like a gentle river and righteousness rolling over you like waves in the sea.
Isaiah 48:17-18 NLT
God inspired His Word with great care and precision. When He said we could have peace like a river in Isaiah 48:18, He wasn’t drawing a loose analogy. He meant it. What does it take? Paying attention to God’s commands (by obedience) through the power of the Holy Spirit within us. Why should we obey? Because God is incapable of making mistakes with our lives. Isaiah 48:17 tells us He teaches us only what is best for us. Obedience to God’s authority not only brings peace like a river but righteousness like the waves of the sea. Not righteous perfection. Righteous consistency.
You see, God’s way is the right way. And the only peaceful way in a chaotic world. You can begin a life of authentic peace today. Right now. Bend the knee to His trustworthy authority. Surrender every part of your life and every concern of your heart to the all-powerful, all-sufficient, all-knowing Creator of heaven and earth. “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts” (Col. 3:15).
Now may the Lord of peace himself give you his peace at all times and in every situation. The Lord be with you all.
“Is anyone thirsty? Come and drink— even if you have no money! Come, take your choice of wine or milk— it’s all free! Why spend your money on food that does not give you strength? Why pay for food that does you no good? Listen to me, and you will eat what is good. You will enjoy the finest food.
Isaiah 55:1-2 NLT
The Bible uses the word soul in a number of ways. One way is to refer to the non-material part of us. When I speak of soul hunger, I mean our need of spiritual satisfaction. Few people find this subject comfortable, but it’s time to let the truth break the locks off the closets of our secret dissatisfaction.
What do you think being satisfied with something means? Is your soul, your spirit, your own inmost place, the real you, entirely satisfied with Christ?
This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel, says: “When I bring them back from captivity, the people of Judah and its towns will again say, ‘The Lord bless you, O righteous home, O holy mountain!’ Townspeople and farmers and shepherds alike will live together in peace and happiness. For I have given rest to the weary and joy to the sorrowing.”
Jeremiah 31:23-25 NLT
In Jeremiah 31:25 the Hebrew word for satisfy is male, meaning “to fill, accomplish, the filling of something that was empty … the act of replenishment as well as the experience of satiation.” The word for faint is da’ab meaning “to pine” (Strong’s). We can easily be led into captivity by seeking other answers to needs and desires only God is equipped to meet. A crucial part of liberation in Christ means allowing Him to fill our empty places.
The filling only Christ can give does not automatically accompany our salvation. I was in my early 30’s before I understood the huge difference between salvation from sin and satisfaction of the soul. Salvation secures our lives for all eternity. Soul satisfaction ensures abundant life on earth. God often teaches us spiritual truths by paralleling physical realities.
When you’re hungry, you seek what will meet your need. If you ignore your physical needs long enough, not only will you be miserable but you will soon be ill. You can easily recognize the signals the body gives, but great wisdom lies in learning to discern your spirit’s signals.
The most obvious symptom of a soul in need of God’s satisfaction is a sense of inner emptiness. The awareness of a “hollow place” somewhere deep inside. The constant inability to be satisfied.
We can positively assume that our soul is hungry and thirsty for God if we have not partaken of any spiritual food or drink in a long while. Return to the Bread of Life and the Living Water! “Taste and see that the Lord is good” (Ps. 34:8).
God can satisfy your yearning soul. Satisfying your innermost places with Jesus is a benefit of the glorious covenant relationship you have with God in Christ.
Open the door, Beloved! He waits to satisfy your hungry soul.
O God, listen to my cry! Hear my prayer! From the ends of the earth, I cry to you for help when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the towering rock of safety, for you are my safe refuge, a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me. Let me live forever in your sanctuary, safe beneath the shelter of your wings! Interlude For you have heard my vows, O God. You have given me an inheritance reserved for those who fear your name. Add many years to the life of the king! May his years span the generations! May he reign under God’s protection forever. May your unfailing love and faithfulness watch over him. Then I will sing praises to your name forever as I fulfill my vows each day.
Patriotism is somewhat of a difficult term to define, but this picture is worth a thousand words.
“This afternoon I was coming up my street and I noticed a stopped USPS truck across from my house. It wasn’t until I was at my driveway that I realized the USPS driver was not in the truck, but rather standing at attention next to it, saluting the flag my neighbor was raising. I stopped right there and grabbed my camera off the seat next to me, took off my hat, and captured the moment. Many thanks to retired U.S. Army sergeant Robert Franklin, who is still serving his country, rain sleet or snow. He is the manifestation of true patriotism, and I am proud to have met him.”
The more I study God’s glory, the more I’m convinced it is almost indefinable. God’s glory far exceeds anything we can comprehend in human terms. It’s the way He makes Himself known or shows Himself mighty. God’s glory is how He shows who He is.
The Greek word for glory in these New Testament references (doxa) is “the true apprehension of God or things. The glory of God must mean His unchanging essence. Giving glory to God is ascribing to him His full recognition …The glory of God is what He is essentially.” Doxa comes from another wonderful word, dokeo, meaning “to … think or suppose.” God’s glory is the way He makes Himself recognizable.
“Do not be afraid, for I am with you. I will gather you and your children from east and west. I will say to the north and south, ‘Bring my sons and daughters back to Israel from the distant corners of the earth. Bring all who claim me as their God, for I have made them for my glory. It was I who created them.’”
Isaiah 43:5-7 NLT
God desires to be recognizable in us in all we do! A life that glorifies God is a life that reveals God. If you’re like me, you’re probably overwhelmed by the enormous responsibility of such a calling. We’re imperfect creatures! How do we help others recognize something about God just from watching our lives and knowing us?
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
Romans 3:23 NIV
Paul announced the mystery that Christ Himself dwells in every believer. Romans 8:9 tells us that “if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.” The moment we received Christ as our Savior, the Holy Spirit of Christ took up residence in our inner being.
Do you see the key? We have no hope whatsoever of God being recognizable in us if the Spirit of Christ does not dwell in us. If we are not occupied by the Holy Spirit, we have nothing of God in us for Him to show.
Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness— the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people. To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
Colossians 1:24-27 NIV
We glorify God to the degree that we externalize the internal presence of the living Christ. A life that glorifies God is not something we suddenly attain. People living out the reality of liberation in Christ (Gal. 5:1; 2 Cor. 3:17) progress in an “ever-increasing glory.” As they grow in spiritual maturity, the Spirit of Christ becomes increasingly recognizable in them. So when Christ is not recognizable in a redeemed life, we want to identify and allow God to treat that area of captivity. God makes us aware of hindrances so He can set us free!
Learning to dialogue with God in very personal ways is a crucial part of the freedom process. Share with Him your sincere response to today’s devotional.
Pop star Taylor Swift has come under fire following the release of a surprise 31-song double album, titled “The Tortured Poets Department,” last Friday (April 19). Some have criticized Swift, who has described herself as a Christian, for her “self-worshipping” lyrics that include biblical imagery.
One person who has sounded the alarm on Swift’s new album is Shane Pruitt, the Southern Baptist Convention’s (SBC) Director of Next Gen Evangelism for the North American Mission Board (NAMB). Pruitt emphasized in a recent social media post that “LYRICS MATTER.”
“Disclaimer, I’m definitely not the minister or parent that has the ‘no secular music’ stance. Also, I fully realize unbelievers are going to act like unbelievers,” said Pruitt, who used to listen to Swift’s albums.
“HOWEVER,” he added, “there is a difference between being secular, and being ANTI-CHRISTIAN.
Pastor Shane Pruitt then posted – The other day I made a social post simply sharing a few lyrics from the new Taylor Swift album, and asking a few questions for us to consider.
Since then I’ve been flooded with messages that started with “I am a Swiftie… then, much further down in the message… I am also a Christian.”
Maybe, that is the root issue. Our identities are out of order.
If you’re a Christian, your PRIMARY identity is found in being a disciple of Jesus, not a pop star. He is the One who paid for your sins. He is the One who gives you eternal life. He is the One who gives real hope and meaning to your life. He is the One who gets you through difficult days. He is the only One worthy of worship.
Our primary calling is to be ambassadors for Christ (2 Cor 5:20), not ambassadors for celebrities.
Another friend posted this image
If you can’t see it. I pray the veil be lifted from your eyes and your ears closed to this music
It’s not Swifties vs Christians… 🙅🏼♀️
What it’s REALLY about is being reminded that our words have power…. ✝️ 💀
•God spoke the earth into existence in Genesis. •Jesus spoke and calmed a raging storm in Matthew.
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” Proverbs 18:21
Lyrics are words 🎶 🗣️
When we listen to specific lyrics and sing specific lyrics we are allowing the power of our tongue to bring life or death to our spirit, mind, soul, emotions, etc.
Fruit is the result of something… not all fruit is good and can actually be curses for our lives, our families, and future blessings.
Have you ever thought about the biggest book of the bible and what it actually is??? The book of Psalms has 150 chapters and they are all songs!!!
Out of all the things God could have added to the Bible He chose to have the biggest book of the Bible serve as a songbook for God’s people. Over half of Psalms was written by King David, who God said was a man after His own heart (1 Samual 13:14).
If lyrics didn’t matter to God or to our Christian walk then why would God make such a big deal about it??
Lyrics do matter to God!
So, yes… to the other bloggers who argue Taylor is old enough to write whatever songs she wants. You’re correct.
But, as Christians we have the choice to support it or not, to listen to the songs or not, to buy the concert tickets or not, to protect our daughters or not also!
God kept a whole generation of people from the Promise Land because they talked negatively against God. Would you choose to sacrifice future blessings just to listen to lyrics mocking God?? For me and my house, we will not!
What we will do though…
Is pray for Taylor and every swiftie to have such a personal encounter with God that they choose to use their power, gifts and talents to glorify God instead of mock him. 💜🙌🏻
Isaiah’s glorious thesis on captives set free describes God’s benefits this way:
Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him.
~ Isaiah 64:4
God wants to do for you what your eyes have never seen, your ears have never heard, and your mind has never conceived. But just as the Babylonians held the children of Israel captive, areas of captivity can keep us from living out the reality of Isaiah 64:4. Here’s our definition of captivity: “A Christian is held captive by anything that hinders the abundant and effective Spirit-filled life God planned for her.”
One of the most effective ways to detect captivity is to measure whether we are enjoying the benefits God intends for every child of God. Ask yourself: Am I experiencing the benefits of my covenant relationship with God through Christ, or do the benefits I read in Scripture seem more like warm, fuzzy thoughts?
According to the Book of Isaiah, God has graciously extended the following benefits to His children.
To know God and believe Him
To glorify God
To find satisfaction in God
To experience God’s peace
To enjoy God’s presence
These benefits and their scriptural references will serve as a road map to lead you home when you’ve been carried away captive. Benefit 1 is “To know God and believe Him.”
“But you are my witnesses, O Israel!” says the Lord. “You are my servant. You have been chosen to know me, believe in me, and understand that I alone am God. There is no other God— there never has been, and there never will be. I, yes I, am the Lord, and there is no other Savior. First I predicted your rescue, then I saved you and proclaimed it to the world. No foreign god has ever done this. You are witnesses that I am the only God,” says the Lord. “From eternity to eternity I am God. No one can snatch anyone out of my hand. No one can undo what I have done.”
~ Isaiah 43:10-13
One of your chief purposes is to know God intimately and with reverent familiarity.
God not only desires for us to know Him, He also wants us to believe Him! Many variables in our lives affect our willingness to trust God. A loss or betrayal can deeply mark our level of trust.
Trusting an invisible God does not come naturally to any believer. A trust relationship grows only by stepping out in faith and making the choice to trust. The ability to believe God develops most often through pure experience. “I found Him faithful yesterday. He will not be unfaithful today.”
Rejoice that Christ wants to set us completely free to know Him and believe Him. Part of the process will be acknowledging that something is holding us back and learning to identify what it may be.
I am immeasurably thankful for your willingness to join me on this freedom trail. I am praying for you daily.
There are many times when silence is a powerful witness to the facts, and that’s true when it comes to the Rapture of the chruch and the events of the Tribulation as we find them in the book of Revelation. So far, we’ve already established our conviction that the Rapture occurs before the Tribulation. The “curious incident” of dead silence regarding the church in the core chapters of Revelation comes alongside that conclusion and helps corroborate it.
