Many people find themselves at a time where simply don’t know what to do next. Perhaps you’re a student who’s recently graduated, or perhaps in your 60s and just retired from work. Perhaps you’ve recently been laid off from work and are discouraged at having no job, but equally disheartened by the sort of work opportunities out there. In these times, we often look for an alternative course of action. An organization called DNA (dna-uk.org) are offering a “third way” - to make the most of your youth work gap year by joining a discipleship christian course.

DNA are providing an 11 month long experience of complete absorption into Christian Discipleship, ranging from October to August. This is seen as a practical experience, needing the enrollee to live inside a Christian environment - either inside your own church if you presently belong to one, or a specified church if you are not currently a fellow member of a church. Your regular day will involve assisting with the day to day projects of the church, and to be schooled by its members in bible studies. The course promises faith in action, so those who enroll can anticipate a really practical experience of Christian faith, and not simply the study of it.

Further advantages of the courses include:-

• being risky, radical and life altering
• helping 18 year olds upwards, with no age limit (they’ve trained people in their 60s!)
• it’s pragamatic; what you’ll learn is what you’ll actually do
• preparing you for church based leadership
• training you for the workplace
• your growth in character, skills and understanding

There are three types of course available : Track 1 is the most popular entry point to DNA - it is the richest DNA expereince. The overwhelming bulk of people select this as the best-fit selection for them. Track 2 is more appropriate to you if taking a whole “year-out” is not practically achievable. This could be for reasons such as job or family commitments. Track 2 consequently proffers some tractability. Track 3 provides individuals the chance of joining us for as many particular training sessions or days as they wish.

Numerous individuals find themselves at a time where the future is unclear. You might be a student who has recently graduated, or perhaps you’re recently retired from work. Possibly you’ve been laid off from work and feel discouraged at being unemployed, but equally disheartened by the sort of work opportunities available. In times like these, we frequently look for a different course of action. An organization called DNA (dna-uk.org) are proffering a “third way” - to spend your youth work gap year working for a Christian church.

DNA are providing an almost year long experience of total immersion into Christian Discipleship, ranging from October to August. This is seen as a pragmatic experience, needing the participant to live in a Christian surrounding - either inside your own church if you presently belong to one, or a designated church if you’re not currently a member of a church. Your regular day will require assisting with the everyday projects of the church, and to be schooled by its fellow members in bible studies. The course assures faith in action, so those who enroll can anticipate a really practical experience of Christian faith, and not only the study of it.

Further advantages of the placements include:-

• it’s practical; what you’ll learn is what you’ll actually do
• developing you for the workplace
• dependence on the person and power of the Holy Spirit in and through you
• providing an accredited programme through the National Open College Network
• relational, non religious Christianity; it’s fun!

There are 3 varieties of course open : Track 1 is the predominant entry point to DNA - it is the richest DNA expereince. The vast bulk of individuals decide that this is the best selection for them. Track 2 is more acceptable to you if taking a whole gap year is not practically achievable. This could be for issues such as your workplace or family commitments. Track 2 therefore proffers some tractability. Track 3 offers people the chance of joining us for as many particular training sessions or days as they wish.

Celebrations aplenty in Asia, South East Asia seems to have the pick of the crowd. As the name hints Thai Lanterns are from Thailand and are now advancing in popularity as they accomplish a larger audience.Yee Peng festival which follows the Buddhist Calendar and translates to month 12 is one of these festivals. November is when this occurs if your looking on a Western calendar. This Festival goes by the name of Loy Krathong throughout other parts of Thailand.Many customs are watched during this festival by the Thai masses.. Releasing the ‘Khom Loy’ or ‘Thai Lanterns’ is my most cherished piece of the event. It is truly charming to observe the sky alight with these shining globes. It is remembered that as the lanterns go away into th sky so too do your worries.. A happy and fulfilled life is said to be interpreted by the lanterns flame leading in the dark. This fun event tempts in even westerners although im not sure if they take it as gravely or just enjoy partaking in the festivities.The Thai Lanterns are biodegradable and are manufactured from Rice Paper and Bamboo for structure. Flight time is about 12 min and the Lanterns are notable to reach upward of 900 ft!Popularity has been on the rise (excuse the pun) and reduced airtraffic and airport warnings about possible turbine damage have even been made out by the Royal Thai AirForce.

The term Scripture uses to describe the activities of those who attempt to sell-out Israel comes to mind. “Treacherous!”

Prime Minister Ariel Sharon is being underhanded, deceptive, manipulative, and threatening. In other words, “treacherous” against his own citizens and Land! He is giving-in to the Palestinian’ demands, and is turning Israeli Land over to the enemies of G_d and of Israel. Daily, we hear of incriminating information as to how the Disengagement Plan came about, and the terrible manner in which it is to be implemented. Daily, and now hourly, innocent people are being threatened with arrests, incarceration, intimidation; and under the latest directive issued from Sharon, “whatever it takes,” which could include violence, and possibly civil war. And, his stance is against innocent men, women, and children, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who love the Torah, have faith in the L_RD, and love the Land. Treachery!

The prophet Isaiah speaks the Word of the L_RD for this very time!

Isaiah 24:13 When thus it shall be in the midst of the land among the people, there shall be as the shaking of an olive tree, and as the gleaning grapes when the vintage is done.

Isa 24:14 They shall lift up their voice, they shall sing for the majesty of the LORD, they shall cry aloud from the sea.

Isa 24:15 Wherefore glorify ye the LORD in the fires, even the name of the LORD God of Israel in the isles of the sea.

Isa 24:16 From the uttermost part of the earth have we heard songs, even glory to the righteous. But I said, My leanness, my leanness, woe unto me! the treacherous dealers have dealt treacherously; yea, the treacherous dealers have dealt very treacherously.

Isa 24:17 Fear, and the pit, and the snare, are upon thee, O inhabitant of the earth.

Isa 24:18 And it shall come to pass, that he who fleeth from the noise of the fear shall fall into the pit; and he that cometh up out of the midst of the pit shall be taken in the snare: for the windows from on high are open, and the foundations of the earth do shake.

Isa 24:19 The earth is utterly broken down, the earth is clean dissolved, the earth is moved exceedingly.

Isa 24:20 The earth shall reel to and fro like a drunkard, and shall be removed like a cottage; and the transgression thereof shall be heavy upon it; and it shall fall, and not rise again.

Isa 24:21 And it shall come to pass in that day, that the LORD shall punish the host of the high ones that are on high, and the kings of the earth upon the earth.

Isa 24:22 And they shall be gathered together, as prisoners are gathered in the pit, and shall be shut up in the prison, and after many days shall they be visited.

Isa 24:23 Then the moon shall be confounded, and the sun ashamed, when the LORD of hosts shall reign in mount Zion, and in Jerusalem, and before his ancients gloriously.

Notice the shaking of the olive tree, Israel, takes place in “the midst of the land among the people.” That means, Israel is a national entity when the treachery takes place.

The righteous are those who have repented, love the L_RD, and love Israel, and sing songs of praise to the L_RD from among the nations. This includes both Jews and righteous Gentiles. This cry from among those who love the L_RD with all their hearts is being heard from among both Jews and many Christians, who take G_d’s revealed Word as eternal truth. But meanwhile, the treacherous are dealing out their treachery even while this upholding of the truth in praise and glory to the L_RD is going forth.

The context here in Isaiah is not refering to ancient Israel, but rather refers to our time, because there were few righteous to glorify the L_RD in Israel in ancient times, ( that’s why the L_RD judged them,) and certainly far fewer among the other nations. The Word of the LORD had not gone out to all nations in ancient times, because Israel was disobedient to the L_RD at that time. But the Word of the L_RD has reached all nations in our time, and many glorify Him with singing from among all peoples.

But, we must also notice the context describes conflict, likely excalating into world-wide war, where all nations will be involved. But the L_RD Himself will bring the victory, and will reign in mount Zion, before all the “ancients gloriously,” indicating there will be a great resurrection and ingathering when Messiah comes.

There are two wars described in this passage in Isaiah chapter 14. The first conflict is described in verses 16-17. The second in verses 18-23. These come about primarily because of the treachery committed by Israel’s and the world’s leaders.

It would appear Ariel Sharon and his henchmen have possibly ushered-in the treachery!

But, the victory will be the L_RD’s!! No matter what transpires, keep your faith in the L_RD strong, because He has the last word!! Israel will be established forever, and ALL the Land of Covenant will be inhabited by the sons of Jacob! The time of Jacob’s Trouble may be on the horizon, but this time will also be short! The settlers will settle permanently in Yesha!

Victory is assured, not because of man’s doings, but because the L_RD will bring it to pass!

In light of the current situation in Israel, Isaiah chapter 14 is particularly interesting. Isaiah 14:29 “Rejoice not thou, whole Palestina, because the rod of him that smote thee is broken: for out of the serpent’s root shall come forth a cockatrice, and his fruit shall be a fiery flying serpent.” Isa 14:30 And the firstborn of the poor shall feed, and the needy shall lie down in safety: and I will kill thy root with famine, and he shall slay thy remnant.
Isa 14:31 Howl, O gate; cry, O city; thou, whole Palestina, art dissolved: for there shall come from the north a smoke, and none shall be alone in his appointed times.
Isa 14:32 What shall one then answer the messengers of the nation? That the LORD hath founded Zion, and the poor of his people shall trust in it.

Who is the serpent? He is described in this same chapter in verses 12-15 as being Lucifer, who fell from heaven, and came to weaken the nations because he has an ego problem. He has a plan and mission to exalt himself above G_d. Where does he choose to carry out this mission? Verses 13 and 14 of Isaiah 14 states, For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:
Isa 14:14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.

He launches his planned take-over from a position of authority, headquartered from “the Mount of the congregation, ” with the ultimate goal to rise above the clouds, and above the Most High in Heaven. Where is the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north? It is the Temple Mount! Who occupies the Temple Mount? The Muslims! So what religious orientation will produce the one who obviously will be indwelt by Lucifer? Islam! He is the “cockatrice” who arises from the “serpent” and becomes powerful as “the fiery flying serpent.” He will have a very brief time of power, but will be defeated by the L_RD. Why does this personage choose the Temple Mount? He is trying to usurp the rule and reign of the rightful Ruler, and King of Israel, Messiah. And, he does not recognize the L_RD G_D of Israel!! He does not recognize the claim of the Jews to Mount Zion, but rather wishes to eliminate any recollection of the Jews having any claim to the Land, or to the Temple Mount, or to Jerusalem. Is this not the stance of the Muslims even now?

The “treachery” is anyone in Israel giving any recognition to those who wish to perpetrate the diabolical plot, and in turning any portion of the Land over to such enemies! Ariel Sharon and his henchmen, both within Israel, and in concert with the international leaders, are on a very dangerous “Roadmap Plan!!”

But, notice who is not to rejoice. “Palestina”. Who is “Palestina?” Palestine. Where, and what, is “Palestine?” ‘Palestine” is the name the Arabs have chosen to identify the region of the Middle East that the Arab Palestinians claim is theirs, and wish to wrest from Israel, from the People of the Covenant. So, it is the Palestinians who are not to rejoice! Why?

To answer that question, back up to verse 1 of the Isaiah chapter 14. “For the LORD will have mercy on Jacob, and will yet choose Israel, and set them in their own land.” Keep in mind the context of the passage, which is regarding the restoration of Jacob to the Land forever, so is not ancient in prophetic orientation, but describes the re-establishment of Israel as a nation in the time of the end, which speaks to our generation.

It is how this restoration is to be accomplished that is prophetic for the period we now face. Isaiah indicated many people and nations, willingly, and unwillingly, will be involved in restoring the land of Israel to the Jews. This restoration of Israel has been, and continues to be, orchestrated by the L_RD Himself! In the course of the re-establishment of Israel as a nation, the opposition arises through a specific group of people who identify themselves with “Palestine.” These will believe they will have reason to rejoice, but just when they think their goals are achievable, the tables will turn!

However, if we read carefully, we realize the restoration of Israel includes much conflict. Israel is embroiled in this prophetic period of conflict right now! Since the Word of the L_RD through Isaiah the prophet is telling the Palestinians not to rejoice, there must be situations which, in human terms, could possibly give them reason to rejoice, except that G_d will not let their goals be permanently realized!

So, who is being “treacherous?” Ariel Sharon and his crew! Who is the enemy? The Palestinians and their allies. Who will win? The L_RD G_d of Israel!

Take heart. Strengthen your faith!

Marilynn Dawson on behalf of Maureen Metcalf who is author of “The Final Schedule Revealed: In the Fall Feasts and Festivals”
http://teshuvatrumpet.org

Scientology The New Cult of Lies. Before we begin lets look at
what this cult believes. Scientology; Philosophical religion
founded by Lafayette Ronald Hubbard, 1911–86, b. Tilden, Nebr.
Hubbard’s book Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health
(1950) first set forth the basis of his philosophy, offering an
alternative path to overcoming physical and mental stress. The
church believes that a person’s spirit can be cleared of past
painful experiences through a process called “auditing,” freeing
the person of the burdens that interfere with happiness and
self-realization. The first church was established in Los
Angeles in 1954. A prolific author, Hubbard wrote many works on
Scientology and is also noted for his science-fiction novels and
short stories. The church has confronted suspicions from many
sides during its history. The American Medical Association and
the American Psychological Association questioned the tenets of
Scientology during the 1950s, and in the 1960s, the governments
of England, Australia, and the United States opened
investigations into church activities, particularly for
suspected practices of tax evasion. The church’s status as a
religion was, however, ultimately established in those and many
other countries. The church has continued to face governmental
challenges, perhaps most notably in Germany, where it has been
accused of being anti-democratic and its members have
experienced personal discrimination. Some, including some former
members, view the church as an elaborate cult, a charge the
church and many religious scholars deny. In 1996 there were more
than 3,000 churches, missions, and groups worldwide, with
headquarters in Los Angeles. Gal 1:7-10 Which is not another;
but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel
of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any
other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you,
let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If
any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have
received, let him be accursed. For do I now persuade (To
convince by argument, or reasons offered; or to convince by
reasons suggested by reflection or deliberation, or by evidence
presented in any manner to the mind.)men, or God? or do I seek
to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the
servant of Christ. We as ministers of Christ are not in the
people pleasing business, just as Paul stated, but we are sent
into the world as sheep to preach the truth. Luke 10:3 Go your
ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves.
Scientology, as well as all other false religions are in the
business of pleasing man, offering an easy fix for all of
man-kinds problems. Scientology has taken the basic
fundimentials of the Bible and twisted it around to suite their
own agenda. Scientology takes the weaknesses of an individual
and prays upon them. The reason I decided to write to you about
this subject is for the simple reason that this cult is growing
like a cancer, decieveing the rich and the poor. Mat 7:15 Beware
of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but
inwardly they are ravening wolves. (Ref.Gal 1:8, Gal.1:9;
1Co.16:22; 2Co.11:13, 2Co.11:14; 1Ti.1:19, 1Ti.1:20; Tit.3:10;
Rev.22:18, Rev.22:19) L. Ron Hubbard is one of these false
prophets. I have read about this cult. Any Gospel that is not of
God is a cult and a deception. I am just an old country boy, and
when a dog has flees we say a dog has flees. This cult says when
a dog has flees it is a physiological problem that is in need of
restructuring of its mind to get rid of its problems. Paul
stated;”do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I
should not be the servant of Christ.” The statement states
plainly that we are not to please man but to please God. For by
us in an attempt to please mankind and His ideas of
sanctification we would become not the servants of God but the
servant of Satan. For you cannot serve two masters, you cannot
serve God and Satan. Scientology believes and teaches that for
any problem of the body or mine, doctors and medications are
detrimental to the security of the mind and body. Which is to
say that medications that people receive are harmful to the
individual. But we must look at one of the writers of the new
testament, Luke, The evangelist, was a Gentile. The date and
circumstances of his conversion are unknown. According to his
own statement (Luke 1:2), he was not an “eye-witness and
minister of the word from the beginning.” It is probable that he
was a physician in Troas, and was there converted by Paul, to
whom he attached himself. He accompanied him to Philippi, but
did not there share his imprisonment, nor did he accompany him
further after his release in his missionary journey at this time
(Acts 17:1). The last notice of the “beloved physician” is in
2Ti. 4:11. He is here mentioned as a physician, and in his
Gospel, and in the Acts , there are incidental evidences that he
was acquainted with the science of medicine, and that he
observed the events which he has recorded with the eye of one
who practiced the healing art. There are many passages in Paul’s
epistles, as well as in the writings of Luke, which show the
extent and accuracy of his medical knowledge. Paul wrote of
Luke; “Luke the beloved physician” (one of “my fellow workers
unto the kingdom of God which have been a comfort unto me”) is
distinguished from those “of the circumcision.” If being a sin
or detrimental to the health of mankind, Paul would have never
called him the beloved physician, nor would God have called Him
as a minister of the Gospel. Jesus also noted in Mat 9:12, But
when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, “They that be whole
need not a physician, but they that are sick.” Jesus never
stated that the physician was a demonic practice but He used
physicians as an example to explain the spiritual side of
mankind and his sickness of the spirit. As we look further into
this cult we find many rejections of the Bible in its belief.
Scientology comprises a body of knowledge which extends from
certain fundamental truths. Prime among these are: 1. Man is an
immortal spiritual being. 2. His experience extends well beyond
a single lifetime. 3. His capabilities are unlimited, even if
not presently realized. 4. Scientology further holds man to be
basically good, and that his spiritual salvation depends upon
himself and his fellows and his attainment of brotherhood with
the universe. 5. Scientology is not a dogmatic religion in which
one is asked to believe anything on faith. An individual
discovers for himself that Scientology works by applying its
principles and observing or experiencing the results. 6. The
ultimate goal of Scientology is true spiritual enlightenment and
freedom for the individual. Lets deal with these six statements.
1. Taken from the Bible. Gen 2:7 And the LORD God formed man of
the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the
breath of life; and man became a living soul. Mar 9:44 Where
their worm (Soul, Spirit, Immortality) dieth not, and the fire
is not quenched. 2. Contrary to Scripture. Heb 9:27 And as it is
appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: 3.
Contrary to Scripture. “Capabilities are unlimited.” 1Co 1:19
For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and
will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. 1Co 1:20
Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of
this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?
4. Contrary to Scripture “further holds man to be basically
good, and that his spiritual salvation depends upon himself ”
Mat 19:17 And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there
is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into
life, keep the commandments. 1Co 15:2 By which also ye are
saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye
have believed in vain. 5. Contrary to Scripture. “Scientology is
not a dogmatic religion in which one is asked to believe
anything on faith.” Heb 11:1 Now faith is the substance of
things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. The margin
here is, “ground or confidence.” There is scarcely any verse of
the New Testament more important than this, for it states what
is the nature of all true faith, and is the only definition of
it which is attempted in the Scriptures. Eternal life depends on
the existence and exercise of faith Mark 16:16, and hence, the
importance of an accurate understanding of its nature. The word
rendered “substance” hupostasis - occurs in the New Testament
only in the following places. In 2Co.9:4; 2Co.11:17; Heb.3:14,
where it is rendered “confident” and “confidence;” “Faith gives
reality or substance to things hoped for.” The word properly
means “that which is placed under”; then “ground, basis,
foundation, support.” Then it means also “reality, substance,
existence,” in contradistinction from what is unreal, imaginary,
or deceptive. “Passow.” It seems to me, therefore, that the word
here has reference to something which imparts reality in the
view of the mind to those things which are not seen, and which
serves to distinguish them from those things which are unreal
and illusive. 6. Contrary to Scripture. “is true spiritual
enlightenment and freedom” James 1:26-27 If any man among you
seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth
his own heart, this man’s religion is vain. Pure religion and
undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the
fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself
unspotted from the world. Wesley states;”The only true religion
in the sight of God, is this, to visit - With counsel, comfort,
and relief. The fatherless and widows - Those who need it most.
In their affliction - In their most helpless and hopeless state.
And to keep himself unspotted from the world - From the maxims,
tempers, and customs of it. But this cannot be done, till we
have given our hearts to God, and love our neighbor as
ourselves.” The choice is yours are you going to kill flees with
changing the mind of the dog or are you going to get some flee
powder? ARS

In this study we are going to look at tongues. Many churches use
tongues in their worship but is this what God wants?

1 Corinthians 14

1) Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather
that ye may prophesy.

2) For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto
men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the
spirit he speaketh mysteries.

3) But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and
exhortation, and comfort.

4) He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but
he that prophesieth edifieth the church.

5) I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye
prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that
speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may
receive edifying.

6) Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what
shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by
revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?

Paul tells us he wishes that we all spake in tongues but rather
that we prophesy. Why is this? He that speaketh in tongues
speaketh not unto men but unto God. This does not edify the
church. it edifies the man. We go to church to worship God not
to elevate ourselves.

Another problem with speaking in tongues in a church setting is
that when it is done it is rarely done in the proper manner.

26) How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one
of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a
revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto
edifying.

27) If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or
at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.

28) But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the
church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.

When you do speak in tongues it should be two or three at the
most and it should only be done if there is someone who can
interpret. If you have no interpreter you should be silent. This
rarely ever happens. If you speak in tongues and do not follow
this guideline you are in error.

What are tongues anyway? Tongues are a discernible language. A
tongue is not gibberish of garbled words. Gibberish only causes
confusion, God is not the author of confusion.

33) For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in
all churches of the saints.

The two words that are translated tongues in the New Testament
are.

Glossa - a language; one naturally unaquired (a foreign
language) Heteroglossos - man of other tongue

In most places where tongues are discussed it means a foreign
language. This is why Paul said he spoke more tongues than all.
He spoke many languages.

18) I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:

19) Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my
understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than
ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.

20) Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in
malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.

Notice he says in the church it is better to speak five words
with understanding than ten thousand in a tongue nobody
understands. Speaking in a manner nobody understands is of no
benefit.

21) In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and
other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that
will they not hear me, saith the Lord.

22) Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe,
but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for
them that believe not, but for them which believe.

23) If therefore the whole church be come together into one
place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that
are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?

24) But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth
not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of
all:

25) And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so
falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that
God is in you of a truth.

Here we are told why we should not speak tongues in the church.
If an unbeliever comes in he will think your crazy. That person
didn’t have the chance to receive God’s word because you are
speaking gibberish. However, if you prophecy an unbeliever
coming in is convinced of all because you are in harmony.
Tongues do not belong in the church unless you’re teaching
peoples of another language. Then it should only be done with an
interpreter so all are edified.

Acts 2

1) And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all
with one accord in one place.

2) And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing
mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.

3) And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire,
and it sat upon each of them.

4) And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to
speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

5) And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of
every nation under heaven.

6) Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together,
and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in
his own language.

7) And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to
another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans?
And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were
born?

I know it is commonly taught that those who are speaking in
tongues are filled with the Holy Spirit. I am not denying that
the tongues that were spoken on the day of Pentecost were of the
Holy Spirit. However, when these tongues were spoken every man
heard the tongue in his own language. It wasn’t a foreign
language like Paul talks about in 1 Corinthians 14:18 or a bunch
of gibberish that no one could understand. What we see today
does little more than elevate the person who is supposedly
filled with the Holy Spirit. Obviously they are not or everyone
would know what they are saying. This is a very simple teaching
that everyone can understand. We hope you have found this study
helpful. God Bless!

This article courtesy of The Rapture Rebuttal
www.rapturerebuttal.com

The teaching of the Rapture doctrine was first published about 1788 by Morgan Edwards (1722-1795). Before that time, it was unknown. Later, it was adopted about 1827 by John Darby, (1800-1882) and popularized by the Scofield Bible of 1909. However, today, since the 1970’s the doctrine has taken a serious and well-deserved beating.

Speculations abound concerning the Rapture. It is a system filled with contradictions some of which are noted below. The Rapture supposedly occurs at some time in the future before the alleged final return of Christ. It is alleged that Christians will be raptured out of this world before, (pre) during (mid) or after (post) the great tribulation. Of the three, the pretribulation position is most common.

Contradictions with Scripture and the Rapture Theories.
Every passage in the Bible strongly teaches or implies that no one was raptured before the second coming. The parable of the tares teaches that the Son of man sowed good seed in his field. But while men slept, the devil sowed tares. The servants wanted to perform a sort of rapture on their own by gathering up or separating the tares from the wheat. They were forbidden. The command was to leave them alone. “Let both grow together until the harvest, and at the time of the harvest I will say to the reapers, “First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn. (Matthew 13:29, 30)

Contrary to the Left Behind advocates, the scriptures teach that both the wheat (Christians) and the wicked were sown together in the world. Both would remain together in the world until the time of the harvest, stated to be the “end of the age,” (Matthew 13:40) at which time they would be cast into the lake of fire. Thus no separation or rapture of Christians takes place before the harvest (Christ’s second coming and time of the resurrection).

Confusion Over Where to Place the Millennium
There is a very clear starting point and ending point for the endtime scenario mentioned in the parable of the tares. Observe that the good seed are sown by the Son of Man. This refers to Christians who obey the gospel. During this same time, the wicked are sown by the devil. They are so for rejecting the message of the Messiah and his reign. (Psalms 110:1; Acts 2:34, 35; 3:22,23; John 8:44). Both grow together without interruption until the harvest.

Now the harvest is the second coming of Christ which follows both the millennium and the great tribulation. Since the wicked and the righteous both grow together until the end of the age, there is no rapture before or during the great tribulation which of necessity precedes the end. When Christ returned at the end of the age, the millennium was over. So both righteous and the wicked are on earth for the entire duration, through the great tribulation and through the millennium. They are not separated until the time of the harvest, the time millennialism and rapture advocates agree is the final endtime judgment.

Left Behind Gets The Behind Out Front
Next, observe that the servants wanted to “rapture” the wicked, not the righteous. “Do you want us then to go and gather them up?” (Matthew 13:28). While they are forbidden to prematurely gather wicked, the Lord does explain that the reapers who attend the end of the age gathers the tares first and the wheat afterwards. “First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn.”

This is directly in contradistinction to the Left Behind advocates. Most importantly, it is the righteous who are “left behind’ in the kingdom. After the wicked are cast into the lake of fire the scriptures read. “Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear.

In every text where Jesus speaks of his return, it is always the wicked who are taken and the righteous are the left behind. The writers of the Left Behind series along with other Rapture advocates have reversed God’s order. They want the Christians raptured, before the end the age while leaving the wicked behind. This does not accord with the text.

In our last example, Jesus offers an analogy of the endtime scenario from Noah. “For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.” (Matthew 24:38, 39.

From the above, we learn that it is the wicked who are the taken, “seized” (a meaning of the word rapture) being overcome in the flood while the righteous were left behind to repopulate the world.

This scenario would repeat at the Lord’s coming. “Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken [the wicked] and the other left. [the righteous], -just as in the days of the flood. (v. 40)

Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken [the wicked] and the other left [the righteous]. (v. 41)

Finally, the chronology of the rapture is its greatest miscalculation. The events of Matthew 13:37-43 occur at what is called the “end of this age.” That is not our current age. That was the Jewish age of the first century in which Jesus and his disciples then lived. Suffice it to say that Jesus died in the end of the age, (Hebrews 9:26). That certainly could not describe our present age, but refers to the first century.

What the Bible teaches about the second coming of Christ, the end of the age and the harvest, all occurred within the end of the Jewish age, which age ended in 70 A.D..

William Bell is a speaker on Covenant Eschatology and is the author of the Re-Examination, a critique of futurism. Learn more about these and other endtime subjects at http://www.allthingsfulfilled.com and http://www.rapture-rap.com.