I just found an old friend on Facebook and her comment really surprised me. She was always a good Christian so I assumed she knew that we are living in the last days, but then she writes this comment after I posted the youtube video from Pastor Sandy Armstrong about the Tribulation starting in 2010:

Her comment: When christiians stop trying to figure out how and when the world will end they will start trying to stop it by insisting their government be peacemakers not warmongers. Christians are not the least concerned about being good stewards of the earth and fellow man because they are so wrapped up in trying to figure out how to be "raptured". Getting wrapped up in conspiracy theories about "concentration camps" designed by FEMA is absolute nonsense!

This is my reply: I for one posted this to warn others to make sure they are right with God. We can bury are head in the sand and choose not to see the signs or believe what the bible says or we can do our job and witness to others and sound the alarm. Our government is so corrupt. It goes even beyond the puppets in office. It's the Illuminati & the Bildebergs that ... See Morehave been working for years & years to have a New World Order. The NWO is on the horizon just as the Bible says. We are not going to change what was already prophesied in the Bible so the best thing we can do is pray for our country and leadership and warn as many as we can.

And here is her reply:The government including the CIA has been corrupt since WWII. When the world falls apart why does God get the blame forthe actions and consequences greedy evil men who are constantly lying and taking america and the world to war?
Revelation cannot be interpreted literally. I have heard doomsday "Preaching" all my life and I am really tired of it. If it helps you and makes your life more happy I am happy for you. it always left me wondering why these" prophets" have to project the angry and death and destruction God onto other people's worldview. It is pretty arrogant to take a book as confusing as revelation and claim you have the symbolic language all figured out.

Ok, so after reading this and baffled how a christian does not see what we see. Is it because they love the world that they are blinded or choose to not see the signs that we are in the last days? She thinks if we all protest war then we can live in peace. Has she not read the part of the bible that says there would be wars in the last days and they will not cease until God comes back and fights Satan. UGH! I'm so frustrated with my friend.

"Ok, so after reading this and baffled how a christian does not see what we see. Is it because they love the world that they are blinded or choose to not see the signs that we are in the last days? She thinks if we all protest war then we can live in peace. Has she not read the part of the bible that says there would be wars in the last days and they will not cease until God comes back and fights Satan. UGH! I'm so frustrated with my friend."

I know exactly how you feel Darlene - how, if they DO read the Bible at all --- they can't see what is going on right before their eyes??

Darlene dear Sis,

It is very sad, do not feel bad.

It also tells in the bible many other stories-
The thief in the night
Love will grow cold
The sleeping virgins
etc etc

You can only warn and pray.

Hopefully your friend will think about your words and the Holy Spirit changes her way of thinking. Maybe she will start to see some signs been fulfilled.

Love ybiC / Paul

This is what I just replied to her:

You are right the governemnet has been corrupt for that long maybe even longer. The Federal Reserve isn't even part of the Federal Government they are no more federal than UPS. They are just a private company yet we have been made to believe they are part of the government. I do not blame God for the actions & consequences of greedy men...I ... See Moreblame Satan. He is the one that we war against and many have made covenants with him which is why our country is the way it is. That is not God's fault. Satan is the one that comes to Steal, Kill , & Destroy. He knows his time is drawing to a close. The bible tells us how the story ends we win & Satan looses. That is great news! I for one can't wait to get away from the sin of this world and all the corruption so it does make me happy to know I have a Savior that will rescue his children before the tribulation. That is great news as we are not appointed to wrath.

I completely understand what you are going through Darlene. Your friend and others like her are either completely blinded as to what is going on in the world, or they love this "World" more than they love Jesus Christ. It also shows the lack of their knowledge of the Bible, when they say that Revelation is too confusing to understand. All of us here at RITA are studying Revelation, Daniel, Ezekiel, Isaiah, Psalms, and other books of the Bible, and we are understanding the prophecies better as each day goes by. We are studying God's word, and sounding the alarm to the unbelievers, because we see that the time is short. It is frustrating to see other Christians living as though Jesus will never return, but we know the truth.

Kevin

Email: hogwoodk@gmail.com

Darlene,

Here is a thought-

Why dont you copy and paste some of "Mark's" post from today and email to your friend.

All the signs and fulfillments of the end times

Love ybiC / Paul

Darlene, I understand your frustration. I've had the same response bounced back to me by believers and unbelievers alike.

What I have noticed in both cases is that they're so caught up in the cares of the world, and the goodies that the world has to offer, that they don't want to believe that the Lord is coming soon. I honestly believe that's the bottom line.

Pray for your friend, because I think that's very sad to cling to the world and not being to see the soon return of our Lord. If they could only see the "things that eye has not seen, and ear has not heard, nor has entered into the heart of man what God has prepared for those who love Him." 1 Corinthians 2:9

I just don't know what happened to her. I had lost contact with her for 5 yrs but now doesn't even seem like she is christian. Her Facebook says she is Christian-Protestant...not sure what protestants believe. She also states she is a Progressive Democrat...sounds like a liberal to me. Also sounds like she is totally into women's lib, ending wars, and totally for reformed healthcare. She may even like Obamacare...not sure. UGH, what happened to her?? Crazy!

'Scoffers will come in the last days and say'Where is the promise of HIS coming"? For all things are the same basically as they were from DAY 1 to your friend!
She's heard all the prophecy warnings and can't be bothered to read Revelation in alarm , since you've pointed things out to her..I'd sure be running to get my Bible out and researching things in a hurry --IF I WAS CONVINCED AND CONCERNED ABOUT WHAT GOD SAYS IS COMING TRUE. SHE IS NOT CONVINCED or has been given any revelation by GOD to her spirit as to the signs of the times. She is ignorant of the times in which we live. Perhaps one of the 5 foolish virgins?
It makes you wonder why Jesus says there's a special crown for those who joyously look for and await HIS appearing. She certainly is at a loss as to what is going on around her.
You cannot argue or convince people like her..She has a defensive answer for everything she disagreeswith!! I can really sense something is wrong with her ability to discern the signs of the times.Something with her spiritually is not right I sense in my spirit.
We have the holy Spirit witnessing to our spirits about the times we live in. Something is amiss with her .

Email: steffiefree@rogers.com

Darlene,
Tell your friend that Jesus interprets the bible literally and He is it's author.

Matthew 24:15-16
“So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination that causes desolation,’ spoken of through the prophet Daniel — let the reader understand —

then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.

There is no other way to read this text then literally. If you allegorize away the things you don't understand it doesn't mean anything. Since we know that God's word is not void, if He says He will do something He is going to do it.

Isaiah 48:11
"For My own sake, for My own sake, I will act; For how can My name be profaned? And My glory I will not give to another.

Did the bible prophesy that Jesus would be born in Bethlehem? (Micah 5:2) Yes and it was fulfilled literally. Did the bible prophesy that the nation of Israel would be reborn in a single day? (Isaiah 66:8) Yes and it was fulfilled literally. Did the bible prophesy that their would be mockers and scoffers in the last days, who would say that people have been saying these kinds of things for years and things will continue as they have from the beginning of creation? (2 Peter 3:3-4) Yes and it has been fulfilled literally!

Bottom line. Israel becoming a nation after 2000 years of dispersion is not as it has always been. Jerusalem becoming a city of worldwide prominence and concern is not as it has always been. Seeing the world economy collapse is not as it has always been. Seeing the world on the path to World War III is not as it has always been. The move towards a one world government, one world religion, one world currency is not as it has always been.

She is angry probably because she is too much in love with the things of this world. If she won't listen, then you shake the dust off your feet and move on. Don't even waste your time trying to convince those who have their heads buried deep in the sand.

I am sure there were plenty of people mocking Noah when he was building the ark and Noah telling them that water was going to fall from the sky and drown the world. For they had never seen rain before the Flood. Until the day the flood waters came and the deeps below were opened and then it was too late.

Darlene, it looks like she "left her first love" and went back into the world. A backslidden Christian can sound like an unbeliever...sometimes you can't tell the difference.

But there is a difference. There is nobody more misersble than a backslidden Christian. They can't be around other Christians because they know their hearts are not right with God and they feel convicted, but they can't fully go back into the world, either, because the Lord is dealing with them and they know deep down inside they belong to Him. It's a misersble state of affairs to sit on the fence.

She needs prayers to "return to her first love."

AMEN Knight Michael! I wish Darlene's friend could read what you just posted. Things today are not at all like they've always been. If anyone reads the world headlines today, how could anyone have hope in this world? This world is sinking like the Titanic. I'm looking for my savior every day now, because this world has no hope.

Kevin

Email: hogwoodk@gmail.com

I just copied what you wrote Knight Michael and posted it for her. Of course I took out the paragraph about her being angry. LOL
Hope she wakes up, but I think it will just cause her to get angry. Probably lost a friend. It's so hard nowadays to have friends.

Dear brother Paul,

You and me both! The reason I could describe it so well is because I know how miserable I felt when I was backslidden years ago.

I can totally relate to what you just said, especially with the statement, "WHY DID I EVER TURN MY BACK ON HIM WHEN HE WAS EVERYTHING THAT I EVER DESIRED?"

Amen, dear brother! I couldn't have said that better myself. I thank God that He never gives up on us. We may let go of His hand, but He never lets go of ours.

Dear Lisaleenie . . It is sad when 'christians' refuse to take what God says literally, and declares God's Word symbolic, not meant to be understood.

It's so true, . . the Holy Spirit didn't write His Book for Himself, but for us to understand.

God's wisdom and knowledge and inspired Truth not understood surely opens the door for all kinds of confusion.

Yes, what's more miserable than a lukewarm christian once on fire for the Lord having left their first Love.

Praying your friend is convicted and realizes the clutches of a double-minded soul is in torment. Living a life that refuses to be accountable to a God of Mercy and Justice is tragic . .

The Word is our final Authority, amen . .

. . "Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do" . . James 1:8.


. . . "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded" . . James 4:8.

As our Lord says in Isaiah 1:18 . . "though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool".

Dearest Darlene - all my brothers and sisters here at RITA have some excellant advice for you about your friend - here's the part that should scare your friend - the very fact that she is scoffing is fulfilling bible prophecy! She is one of the scoffers described in the bible in the last days - bet she doesn't even know it - that is scary! I too have had people laugh and scoff at me warning them about what time it is in relationship to the rapture - but you know, they were laughing at Noah - they laughed and called him crazy - the whole time Noah invited them to join him on the ark - they just laughed at him even harder - then the rain came and it was too late - that sounds EXACTLY like what is happening now - the ark is a picture of the rapture. People better wake up - I see rain clouds on the horizon!

I know how you feel...my wife tells me that the world won't end in our lifetime and I should live in the moment.

WRONG!!!

I am looking forward to leaving any moment now. I pray for her, but ultimately, as a watchman, I cannot deny what I see and will enter the "ark," with or without her...

I continue to look up, knowing it will be very soon!

MARANATHA!

I want to caution everyone about condemning or judging others' motives if they don't believe the rapture is soon. I know many Christian friends, who are genuinely Jesus followers, who don't even give it a thought because they simply haven't been taught. I have expressed my frustration at their willingness to give it consideration many times on this board, but I don't even start to consider that they are backslidden or love this world more than Jesus.

Many people have grown up under "dominion theology" which teaches that the church has replaced Israel in God's plan. They didn't make this up, but it is in their DNA since it has been taught all their lives. I was this way, until I started studying in earnest at about age 19. Thirty five years later, I have found precious few with whom I come in contact who are of the same belief as I am. Yet they love Jesus, and love others--of this I have no doubt.

Let's leave the judging of their hearts to the One who can see their hearts, okay?

Dearest Don - you have brought something to my mind and heart that I haven't even thought of - you are right for pointing this out and I am so sorry if I have offended anyone. Thank you for your dear, loving heart dear Don. Your sister in Christ, Ms. Victor

Don.

I agree with you. I have some great spirit-filled believer friends who just aren't worried about the rapture. They say that when God wants it to happen, it will, but all my worrying about it won't change a thing.

They all know how I feel about it and they think I am the weird one LOL

Mrs. V, think nothing of it. I just got through with an e-mail exchange with a dear brother who thinks I am nuts, and sent me an article on Revelation for my digestion and thoughts. I gave them to him, and he still thinks I'm nuts, but ended the exchange with a "Love ya bro" feel.

I understand the frustration with people who simply won't open their eyes. I get really irritated with people saying it can't be when they don't really have a studied opinion, they are just saying they haven't heard this before, so it can't be. Those are the people who get under my skin. But you know what, there is no one who is right on everything, and if it took that to get to heaven, it would be a pretty lonely place with Bill O'Reilly and Harry Reid the only occupants, because they ARE right on everything, you know. I just have to keep reminding myself of that.

1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you,

for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.

While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.

But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief.

You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness.

So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled.

For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night.

But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.

For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.

He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him.

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

Do you really want your Christian friends and family to be surprised when the Rapture happens. Especially if they are backslidden and asleep? We should be speaking out all the more. The Lord is serious about repentance. He is serious about judgment. The Rapture is not a topic that Christians should be indifferent about. We are commanded to watch. Being spiritually asleep is not a good place to be when that trumpet blows.

So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled.