Questions about Revelations like God abandoning america, us fighting with God...etc

[NothingIsImpossible]

So admittedly when I was younger I didn't read Revelations alot. Mostly because I was confused. And to some degree because it was scary since I didn't fully understand where I would be when it happened. Though obviously I understand now I won't be here. Which might I add before I go any further, I realize there are MANY views on Revelations so I expect there to be disagreements. Especially about when the "rapture" is.

So with that said I read a great book called "Middle East Burning" which I think came out in 2011/2012. It was about Revelations and the middle east. Some things in it I never knew or really made me think. Feel free to address any of these or whatever you like. Just looking to discuss things.

1. One thing I always wondered was where is America in the end times. I figured we were wiped out by nuclear war. Or maybe our economy crashed...etc. But they brought up a very good point. It talks about other powerful countries, but not us so we must lose our superpower status. And they attribute it to the rapture. Since there are a ton of christians in america, when the rapture happens we disappear and america falls into chaos and crumbles since it cannot maintain itself anymore. Which made perfectly good sense.

2. God will not abandon america because He already has. As much as we want to say America is great and pray for the best, He has left our country to bath in its sin. They pointed out how much america has left behind any real good christian morals. Our country is so full of terrible morals and laws now that God left us. Which makes alot of sense to me. I've been saying for years now our country is the new Sodom and Gammorah.

3. Islam is the religion that will take over more and in the end and attack Israel. I sort of figured this since they are the religion that surrounds the middle east. Though China and Russia (kingdoms of the north and east) aren't islamic so they just join in for any reason I assume since they must hate Israel too.

4. The anti-christ will likely be a christian from Europe. It says he will be loved by many and he way be made/want to feel like a deity. He is who makes the 7 year peace treaty, then breaks it. I already know who I think it is but cannot say for obvious reasons of calling a christian out is something I don't want to get in trouble for. Though I am not sure if this person is in the right position just yet. Though I feel he is likely alive currently.

5. We need to pray for the alot of the people of the middle east to become born again christians. I honestly never really thought of that. I tend to think of them as "enemies of God". But I forget they will not go to heaven unless saved. I'm not sure how to reach out to them, but prayer I guess is my only answer.

6. One thing I'm a but confused about is when Jesus comes down to use supernatural power to destroy the armies, it says the angels will be with Him and us christians who were raptured. BUT if I read it right we won't be fighting. So why are we coming down then? Is it to observe the battle? Or is it to show the people left on earth that God is the one and only True God?

7. Why is there a 1,000 year reign? For some reason it escaped me that after all the bad things happen, there will be a 1,000 year reign. What is this for? Where are at this point? What happens to the remaining people on earth during this time? ANd what happens when He destroys everything after the 1,000 years? Do they go to heaven/hell?

8. I'm also curious about the Jews in all of this. I realize He will save them and I am assuming they then believe everything and go to heaven when they die? What about those who die during the attacks?

9. When He returns it says the first to go up will be the dead of the past. Then us. What does that mean exactly? When Paul (for example) died, does that mean he went to heaven or that hes in the ground? Why would they need to go up to heaven if they are there? I have never really done many bible studies because of my brain injury and I have a hard time understanding things sometimes.

Those are just some of the things I am interested in talking about. This book really was great for me. It really opened my eyes up to some things which made me realize how much useless junk I focus on that really is not important since we are close to His return. Like focusing on the president or debates...etc. Which is why I am focusing more on saving others and on my marriage. And I now more then ever look forward to all these things happening and seeing them.

Lastly, I really hope no one is offended. I know many believe diffrent things but I am asking questions with intent on getting peoples feedback. Its hard to post these questions knowing some may be hurt. But I wasn't sure where else to post this that woule be safe.

 

[vinsight4u]

/nvm

 

[vinsight4u]

/nvm

 

[vinsight4u]

/nvm

 

[fm107]

So admittedly when I was younger I didn't read Revelations alot. Mostly because I was confused. And to some degree because it was scary since I didn't fully understand where I would be when it happened. Though obviously I understand now I won't be here. Which might I add before I go any further, I realize there are MANY views on Revelations so I expect there to be disagreements. Especially about when the "rapture" is.

So with that said I read a great book called "Middle East Burning" which I think came out in 2011/2012. It was about Revelations and the middle east. Some things in it I never knew or really made me think. Feel free to address any of these or whatever you like. Just looking to discuss things.

One thing I always wondered was where is America in the end times. I figured we were wiped out by nuclear war. Or maybe our economy crashed...etc. But they brought up a very good point. It talks about other powerful countries, but not us so we must lose our superpower status. And they attribute it to the rapture. Since there are a ton of christians in america, when the rapture happens we disappear and america falls into chaos and crumbles since it cannot maintain itself anymore. Which made perfectly good sense.

Pure speculation. I believe churches today are like laodecia - Luke warm - a mixture of the genuine believers and false converts. I think there are far less christians than you think there are! Scripture indicates this, so in the case of America, only a very few are true believers:

Matthew 7:13-14
"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

That is the ratio. Believers vs mere professors and unregenerate.

2. God will not abandon america because He already has. As much as we want to say America is great and pray for the best, He has left our country to bath in its sin. They pointed out how much america has left behind any real good christian morals. Our country is so full of terrible morals and laws now that God left us. Which makes alot of sense to me. I've been saying for years now our country is the new Sodom and Gammorah.

UK too. Both countries were built on christian principles and the Bible. That has since been abandoned.

Good is now called evil and evil good.

3. Islam is the religion that will take over more and in the end and attack Israel. I sort of figured this since they are the religion that surrounds the middle east. Though China and Russia (kingdoms of the north and east) aren't islamic so they just join in for any reason I assume since they must hate Israel too.

Isalm is spreading but will not take over the world. More and more people are becoming atheists and so fourth. Scripture says many will take the mark of the beast.

Rev 16:12
The sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up to prepare the way for the kings from the East.

I think Islamic nations will attack the beast (Iran, Iraq, etc), potentially backed up by an oriental nation(s).

4. The anti-christ will likely be a christian from Europe. It says he will be loved by many and he way be made/want to feel like a deity. He is who makes the 7 year peace treaty, then breaks it. I already know who I think it is but cannot say for obvious reasons of calling a christian out is something I don't want to get in trouble for. Though I am not sure if this person is in the right position just yet. Though I feel he is likely alive currently.

The anti-christ will be an apostate Jew, not a christian!

Daniel 11:37
He will show no regard for the gods of his ancestors or for the one desired by women, nor will he regard any god, but will exalt himself above them all.

5. We need to pray for the alot of the people of the middle east to become born again christians. I honestly never really thought of that. I tend to think of them as "enemies of God". But I forget they will not go to heaven unless saved. I'm not sure how to reach out to them, but prayer I guess is my only answer.

1 Timothy 2:4
[God] wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

6. One thing I'm a but confused about is when Jesus comes down to use supernatural power to destroy the armies, it says the angels will be with Him and us christians who were raptured. BUT if I read it right we won't be fighting. So why are we coming down then? Is it to observe the battle? Or is it to show the people left on earth that God is the one and only True God?

It's a glorious coming, the whole world will see it. We are there share in his glorious coming!

That's right, we will not be fighting because the Bible says he will destroy the enemies with a word.

7. Why is there a 1,000 year reign? For some reason it escaped me that after all the bad things happen, there will be a 1,000 year reign. What is this for? Where are at this point? What happens to the remaining people on earth during this time? ANd what happens when He destroys everything after the 1,000 years? Do they go to heaven/hell?

The law was given to Israel to show man that man cannot meet it. It was hopeless! The millennium reign will now show man that even when living under near perfect circumstances, the old nature is still there and is totally unable to be mended.

8. I'm also curious about the Jews in all of this. I realize He will save them and I am assuming they then believe everything and go to heaven when they die? What about those who die during the attacks?

Only the Jews who trust in their messiah and repent will be saved and be brought into the millennium Kingdom. The nation will be saved, but not every Jew. Only a remnant, representing the nation, will be saved. They are those who repent and believe in the Lord and call on him. Then, in that day, he will answer them in their distress and come and save them from their enemies (most likely Russia), the enemy from the North.

9. When He returns it says the first to go up will be the dead of the past. Then us. What does that mean exactly? When Paul (for example) died, does that mean he went to heaven or that hes in the ground? Why would they need to go up to heaven if they are there? I have never really done many bible studies because of my brain injury and I have a hard time understanding things sometimes.

This is before the tribulation period. When the rapture of all believers takes place. The believers who have died will be raised up first, followed by those still living who are true christians. The Lord will come and take us to be with him before the tribulation begins.

1 These 4:16-17
For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.

Revelation 4, the 24 elders are representative of the Church (by this time, raptured) and in Heaven with the Lord.

 

[LoricaLady]

So admittedly when I was younger I didn't read Revelations alot. Mostly because I was confused. And to some degree because it was scary since I didn't fully understand where I would be when it happened. Though obviously I understand now I won't be here. Which might I add before I go any further, I realize there are MANY views on Revelations so I expect there to be disagreements. Especially about when the "rapture" is.

So with that said I read a great book called "Middle East Burning" which I think came out in 2011/2012. It was about Revelations and the middle east. Some things in it I never knew or really made me think. Feel free to address any of these or whatever you like. Just looking to discuss things.

1. One thing I always wondered was where is America in the end times. I figured we were wiped out by nuclear war. Or maybe our economy crashed...etc. But they brought up a very good point. It talks about other powerful countries, but not us so we must lose our superpower status. And they attribute it to the rapture. Since there are a ton of christians in america, when the rapture happens we disappear and america falls into chaos and crumbles since it cannot maintain itself anymore. Which made perfectly good sense.

2. God will not abandon america because He already has. As much as we want to say America is great and pray for the best, He has left our country to bath in its sin. They pointed out how much america has left behind any real good christian morals. Our country is so full of terrible morals and laws now that God left us. Which makes alot of sense to me. I've been saying for years now our country is the new Sodom and Gammorah.

3. Islam is the religion that will take over more and in the end and attack Israel. I sort of figured this since they are the religion that surrounds the middle east. Though China and Russia (kingdoms of the north and east) aren't islamic so they just join in for any reason I assume since they must hate Israel too.

4. The anti-christ will likely be a christian from Europe. It says he will be loved by many and he way be made/want to feel like a deity. He is who makes the 7 year peace treaty, then breaks it. I already know who I think it is but cannot say for obvious reasons of calling a christian out is something I don't want to get in trouble for. Though I am not sure if this person is in the right position just yet. Though I feel he is likely alive currently.

5. We need to pray for the alot of the people of the middle east to become born again christians. I honestly never really thought of that. I tend to think of them as "enemies of God". But I forget they will not go to heaven unless saved. I'm not sure how to reach out to them, but prayer I guess is my only answer.

6. One thing I'm a but confused about is when Jesus comes down to use supernatural power to destroy the armies, it says the angels will be with Him and us christians who were raptured. BUT if I read it right we won't be fighting. So why are we coming down then? Is it to observe the battle? Or is it to show the people left on earth that God is the one and only True God?

7. Why is there a 1,000 year reign? For some reason it escaped me that after all the bad things happen, there will be a 1,000 year reign. What is this for? Where are at this point? What happens to the remaining people on earth during this time? ANd what happens when He destroys everything after the 1,000 years? Do they go to heaven/hell?

8. I'm also curious about the Jews in all of this. I realize He will save them and I am assuming they then believe everything and go to heaven when they die? What about those who die during the attacks?

9. When He returns it says the first to go up will be the dead of the past. Then us. What does that mean exactly? When Paul (for example) died, does that mean he went to heaven or that hes in the ground? Why would they need to go up to heaven if they are there? I have never really done many bible studies because of my brain injury and I have a hard time understanding things sometimes.

Those are just some of the things I am interested in talking about. This book really was great for me. It really opened my eyes up to some things which made me realize how much useless junk I focus on that really is not important since we are close to His return. Like focusing on the president or debates...etc. Which is why I am focusing more on saving others and on my marriage. And I now more then ever look forward to all these things happening and seeing them.

Lastly, I really hope no one is offended. I know many believe diffrent things but I am asking questions with intent on getting peoples feedback. Its hard to post these questions knowing some may be hurt. But I wasn't sure where else to post this that woule be safe.

We have all been western centric while looking at who Mystery Babylon is. The Bible is middle eastern centric and Israel centric. All the enemy countries of Israel in the Bible are now Islamic! In Revelation we see that believers' heads are being chopped off. Does Rome do that? Does New York? We see that Mystery Babylon is located on 7 hills in a desert by the sea. That's Mecca folks, the biggest purveyor of the harlot/false religion, in the world.
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We see that Mecca, described correctly as fabulously wealthy, is destroyed by the beasts she rides upon, and that merchants on the sea watch and throw dust on their heads. (Iran and other Islamic countries hate Mecca because her nation sells oil to the west and, some Iranians in particular, have publicly said they will destroy her.) Muslims grieve that way.
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We are told in Revelation that the last beast/empire gets its head (leadership) cut off and later comes back to life. The great Islamic Empire was destroyed in WW1. But it's rebuilding right now. I'm not saying the RCC will not play a role, however.
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I didn't think up all these things on my own, folks. See this vid and have your eyes majorly opened with Bible verses that suddenly come alive and seem obvious when, before, they were mystifying.

I believe you will find your OP questions to be pretty well answered.

And P.S. I personally no way believe in the Pre Trib rapture. The only way it is defended is by saying "Well, this means this and that, and that means this - when you look and read between the lines the way we tell you to."
90,000 Christians were slaughtered by Islam next year. They weren't raptured out of here.

 

[NothingIsImpossible]

Usually I quote stuff but it isn't working for some reason. Thanks for the replies so far. Sadly yes, few will enter. It used to make me nervous until someone pointed out some things to me and I felt much better about being one of the few. As I look around the christians in america today I rarely see one that you can tell is a christian. I am not perfect by any means, none are.

But to many of the people I see are doing the same things they did before becoming saved. Its as if nothing has changed. There are no real fruits growing on the tree to harvest. They swear, the look at inappropriate content, the judge, they hate, they approve of everything that unbiblical. Its why sometimes I assume they are atheist and it turns out they are christian. Its like they have the title but not the walk nor the talk.

Considering my rebellious past and the massive changes that took place coming back to the Lord again, I see others who are rebellious but don't seem to notice anything wrong with their lives. One guy I knew years ago was a pastor and says he and his wife look at inappropriate content together for excitement. It blew my mind. Again I cannot judge them since only God knows their heart. But when I feel down I look around and realize I'm doing much better then I realize.

As for the alot of what I said in the opening post, I do realize many have different views. The biggest being rapture. And to some degree many will fight tooth and nail to defend their view. I don't see it worth arguing about to much because its not like God will deny entry if you think rapture is post or pre trib. Jesus is still in your heart even if you don't understand the verses correctly.

I'm not to worried about what happens in revelation because I know God is real and it blows my mind all that He can do and will do at that time.