Title August 2021

There are many reasons God may seem silent in our lives. Sometimes, it’s due to spiritual immaturity, disobedience, lack of faith, or even divine testing. But today, I want to focus on a profound and often overlooked reason one that can close the door to divine communication altogether:

Pretending Not to Know When You Actually Do.

This is a spiritually dangerous form of hypocrisy. It’s when someone knows the truth of God’s Word but chooses to ignore it or pretends ignorance while still seeking answers from God in prayer. This heart posture can cause God to withhold further revelation or communication.

Let’s explore this through Scripture.

The Question of Authority

Mark 11:27–33 (NIV)

27 They arrived again in Jerusalem, and while Jesus was walking in the temple courts, the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders came to him.
28 “By what authority are you doing these things?” they asked. “And who gave you authority to do this?”
29 Jesus replied, “I will ask you one question. Answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things.
30 John’s baptism was it from heaven, or of human origin? Tell me!”
31 They discussed it among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will ask, ‘Then why didn’t you believe him?’
32 But if we say, ‘Of human origin’…” (They feared the people, for everyone held that John really was a prophet.)
33 So they answered Jesus, “We don’t know.”
Jesus said, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.”

Here, the religious leaders weren’t ignorant; they were evasive. They knew the truth but refused to acknowledge it out of fear and pride. As a result, Jesus refused to engage them further. This is a clear warning: when we suppress the truth we already know, God may choose not to reveal anything more.

Accountability to Known Truth

The Bible teaches that once we’ve received knowledge of the truth, we become responsible for responding to it with obedience. Ignoring it or pretending not to understand is a form of rebellion.

James 4:17 (NIV)

“If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.”

God does not take lightly the rejection of known truth. In fact, continuing to seek divine direction while ignoring His already-revealed will can be dangerous it can lead to spiritual deception.

2 Thessalonians 2:10–12 (NIV)

“…They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.
For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie,
and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness.”

When we turn our ears away from God’s Word, we may inadvertently open ourselves to deception even from false visions, dreams, or spiritual impressions that seem divine but are not.

God’s Word Is Already Clear

Many seek answers through prayer and fasting over things that are already clearly addressed in Scripture. For example:

1 Corinthians 6:9–10 (NIV)

“Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God?
Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men,
nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.”

There is no need to pray for “confirmation” that drunkenness, fornication, idolatry, or sexual immorality are sins they are already condemned in Scripture. Pretending uncertainty here is spiritual self-deception.

Hebrews 10:26 (NIV)

“If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left.”

God expects us to obey what we already know before He gives us more.

Your Body Is the Temple of the Holy Spirit

1 Corinthians 6:19–20 (NIV)

“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?
You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”

This means living in purity not polluting your body through immorality, addictions, or defiant behaviors. To knowingly violate this truth and still expect God to speak is to mock His holiness.

The Word of God Is the Primary Voice of God

Many Christians chase dreams, prophecies, or feelings, hoping to “hear from God,” yet neglect the Bible God’s living and active Word.

Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)

“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword…”

2 Timothy 3:16–17 (NIV)

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,
so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

If you’re not hearing God speak, go back to His written Word. He has already spoken.

Conclusion: Obedience Precedes Revelation

If you desire a deeper relationship with God and clearer direction from Him, start by obeying what He has already revealed. Don’t pretend ignorance when His Word is clear. Submit to His truth and live it out.

John 14:21 (NIV)

“Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father,
and I too will love them and show myself to them.”

May the Lord help us not to walk in hypocrisy or pride. Let us honor His Word, obey His commands, and live lives worthy of His calling.

Maranatha! (The Lord is coming soon.)

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The Bible speaks clearly about two ultimate destinies for humanity: SALVATION or JUDGMENT. Every person will inevitably fall into one of these two categories (John 3:16-18, Hebrews 9:27).

But before we go further, consider these important questions:

Does God choose a person before they are born? Does He already know that person’s eternal destiny  whether they will dwell with Him in heaven or be condemned to eternal separation (often described as the lake of fire)?

The answer is found in Scripture: God is omniscient (all-knowing). He knows every detail of our lives from beginning to end (Psalm 139:1-4). The Apostle Paul writes that God “chose us in him before the foundation of the world” (Ephesians 1:4, ESV), indicating that God’s election of individuals is from eternity past.

God knows the ultimate destiny of every person  whether they will be saved or lost (Romans 8:29-30). This knowledge does not negate human free will but reveals God’s sovereign plan (Romans 9).

No human being, no matter how holy, can know the eternal fate of another person; that knowledge belongs solely to God (Matthew 24:36).

How can we know if we are destined for eternal life or judgment?

Let’s examine the biblical prophecies about both groups, starting with those who will be judged.

Judgment of the Dead
Revelation 20:12-13 (ESV):

“And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done. And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done.”

This passage describes the Great White Throne Judgment, where every person is judged based on their deeds recorded in the books, as well as whether their name is written in the Book of Life. Those not found in the Book of Life face eternal punishment (Revelation 20:15).

God’s knowledge and sovereign plan mean He already knows every person who will stand before this judgment. This prophecy is certain to be fulfilled.

Now, consider those who will be saved:

The Great Multitude in Heaven
Revelation 7:9 (ESV):

“After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands.”

This vision reveals the diversity of those who will be saved  from every nation and background, united before God’s throne. Their salvation is evidenced by their purity (white robes) and victory (palm branches). This multitude represents those who have received salvation through faith in Jesus Christ (Revelation 7:14).

God knows each individual in this group, though He has not revealed their names to us (Luke 10:20).

How do we know if we will be part of the saved or the judged?

The Bible makes it clear that our present life and choices reveal our destiny.Obedience and Faith: Salvation comes by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, evidenced by repentance, baptism, receiving the Holy Spirit, and living a holy life (Ephesians 2:8-10; Acts 2:38; Galatians 5:22-25).Holding Fast to Grace: Perseverance in faith and obedience ensures we remain in God’s grace (Hebrews 3:14; Revelation 2:10).

If we reject salvation and die in that state, we will face judgment and eternal separation from God (Hebrews 10:26-27; Revelation 21:8).

The Choice Is Yours

Jeremiah 21:8 (ESV):

“And say to the people of the land: ‘Thus says the Lord: Behold, I set before you the way of life and the way of death.’”

Deuteronomy 30:15 (ESV):

“See, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil.”

God invites you to choose life  eternal life in fellowship with Him.

Which prophecy will you fulfill?

Will you embrace salvation and life, or will you reject it and face judgment?

May the Lord bless us all.

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Understanding the Power of Intimacy in Revelation
Scripture Reference: Matthew 24 (NKJV)

Throughout Jesus’ earthly ministry, His disciples often heard Him teach profound truths sometimes through parables, sometimes in direct instruction. On several occasions, they asked for clarification immediately. But there were critical moments when they chose to wait and approach Jesus in private.

This deliberate move toward intimate conversation wasn’t out of fear, but out of reverence and a desire for deeper understanding especially on matters related to the end of the age.

Why Ask in Private?

The disciples recognized that some spiritual truths require not just hearing but contemplation, stillness, and undivided attention. They understood that some answers could only be received in moments of quiet communion with the Lord, away from the distractions of the crowd (Mark 4:34, Luke 9:18).

Likewise, for believers today, seeking the Lord in solitude is key to understanding divine mysteries. God still speaks but often in the “still small voice” (1 Kings 19:12), not in the chaos of daily noise.

Matthew 24:1–3 – The Setting

“Then Jesus went out and departed from the temple, and His disciples came up to show Him the buildings of the temple.
And Jesus said to them, ‘Do you not see all these things? Assuredly, I say to you, not one stone shall be left here upon another, that shall not be thrown down.’
Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying,
‘Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?’”
(Matthew 24:1–3, NKJV)

In this passage, the disciples asked three critical eschatological (end-times) questions:

1. When will these things happen?

2. What will be the sign of Your coming?

3. What will be the sign of the end of the age?

Each of these questions relates to the prophetic unfolding of God’s redemptive plan His second coming, judgment, and the establishment of His eternal kingdom.

Let’s explore each one, theologically and scripturally.

1. “When Will These Things Happen?”

(Matthew 24:3; answered in verses 36–44)

This question was about timing the human desire to pinpoint when Jesus would return and God’s plan would be completed. Jesus responded:

“But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.”
(Matthew 24:36, NKJV)

Key Theological Truth:
Even Jesus, in His incarnate state, voluntarily limited His divine knowledge (Philippians 2:6–8) to demonstrate complete submission to the Father. This emphasizes that no human or angelic being has been given the calendar date of Christ’s return.

Instead of focusing on when, Jesus called them to watchfulness and readiness:

“Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”
(Matthew 24:44, NKJV)

Practical Application:
The Church is called to live in a state of readiness, not complacency knowing that the day of the Lord will come “as a thief in the night” (1 Thessalonians 5:2).

2. “What Will Be the Sign of Your Coming?”

(Matthew 24:3; answered in verses 4–28)

Jesus gave a detailed list of events that would characterize the season of His return, though not the exact time.

“Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name… and you will hear of wars and rumors of wars… and there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places.”
(Matthew 24:4–7, NKJV)

Key Theological Insight:
These signs align with birth pains (Romans 8:22) an escalation of chaos as creation groans under the weight of sin. Yet, they are not to produce fear but awareness.

Notably, false prophets, increasing lawlessness, persecution of the saints, and the global preaching of the Gospel are all listed as indicators (Matthew 24:11–14).

“And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.”
(Matthew 24:14, NKJV)

Fulfillment in Our Time:
Most of these signs are visible today: global evangelism, geopolitical unrest, moral decline, pandemics (e.g., COVID-19), and rising deception in the church all pointing to the nearness of Christ.

3. “What Will Be the Sign of the End of the Age?”

(Matthew 24:3; answered in verses 29–31)

This refers to the final consummation of history the moment when time, as we know it, ends, and God’s eternal kingdom is established.

“Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light… Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven… and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.”
(Matthew 24:29–30, NKJV)

Key Eschatological Truths:

• Jesus will return visibly, bodily, and gloriously (Acts 1:11, Revelation 1:7).

• Cosmic disturbances will accompany His coming fulfilling prophecies from Joel 2:31, Isaiah 13:10.

• The final judgment will follow (Matthew 25:31–46), separating the righteous from the wicked.

Judgment Day will be fearful for the unprepared (Revelation 6:15–17), but glorious for those in Christ (Titus 2:13).

So What Does This Mean for You Today?

We live in a generation that has seen nearly all prophetic signs fulfilled. That means the return of Christ is imminent it could happen at any moment.

The question is not “When?” but rather “Are you ready?”

Jesus warned that His coming would be sudden and unexpected. Two will be in the field one taken, one left (Matthew 24:40–41). There will be no warning, no last-minute signs, no dramatic pause.

“Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming.”
(Matthew 24:42, NKJV)

How Should You Respond?

1. Repent and believe the Gospel (Mark 1:15)

2. Receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior (John 1:12)

3. Be baptized in water, in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38)

4. Walk in holiness and readiness, keeping your lamp burning (Matthew 25:1–13)

Need Prayer or Baptism?
If you’re ready to surrender your life to Christ, or if you need help being baptized, please call or message us at 0693036618. We would be honored to pray with you and help you take the next step in your faith.

The Lord bless you.

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Key Verse

Proverbs 22:1 (NKJV)
“A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, Loving favor rather than silver and gold.”

Introduction

In a world where wealth and material success are often seen as ultimate goals, Scripture offers a different standard: a good name  a reputation of integrity, godliness, and moral uprightness  is of greater value than financial gain. God’s Word calls us to prioritize character over possessions because our name reflects who we are before both God and man.

1. What Is a “Good Name”?

Biblically, a good name refers to a positive reputation rooted in righteousness and consistent moral conduct. It is not just what people think of us, but what we really are when tested by the standards of God’s holiness.

Ecclesiastes 7:1 (NIV):
“A good name is better than fine perfume, and the day of death better than the day of birth.”

In ancient Israel, perfume was extremely valuable. Comparing a good name to fine perfume illustrates its preciousness and influence  just as perfume spreads fragrance, a good name spreads favor and trust.

2. Wealth Isn’t Evil  But It Is Secondary

The Bible does not condemn wealth itself. In fact, God blesses some with wealth (e.g., Abraham, Job, Solomon). The problem lies in prioritizing wealth over righteousness.

1 Timothy 6:10 (NIV):
“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”

It is not money that is evil, but the love of it  when it leads one to compromise values, sin, or damage their witness.

3. The Cost of Choosing Wealth Over a Good Name

A. Compromising for Money

• Some people choose jobs (e.g., bars, casinos, dishonest businesses) just because of the financial return.

• Even believers may abandon their calling  such as leaving worship ministry to pursue secular fame  all for fast money.

This reflects misplaced priorities and damages not just one’s reputation but also their witness for Christ.

Matthew 16:26 (NIV):
“What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?”

4. A Good Name Reflects Christlikeness

Jesus Himself grew in favor with both God and man  a testimony of His sinless character and obedience.

Luke 2:52 (NIV):
“And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.”

This shows us the model: growing in moral, spiritual, and relational favor should be the goal of every believer.

5. God Uses Those with Good Testimony

God often chooses people with a good name for special assignments:

• Cornelius: Though a Gentile, he was “respected by all the Jewish people”   God sent Peter to preach the Gospel to him.

Acts 10:22 (NIV):
“The men replied, ‘We have come from Cornelius the centurion. He is a righteous and God-fearing man, who is respected by all the Jewish people.’”

• Ananias: Described as a devout man with a good reputation.

Acts 22:12 (NIV):
“A man named Ananias came to see me. He was a devout observer of the law and highly respected by all the Jews living there.”

• Stephen: Chosen for leadership in the early church due to his good character.

Acts 6:3 (NIV):
“Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom.”

6. A Good Name Honors God and Builds Trust

People are drawn to those who live with integrity. A good reputation opens doors of influence for ministry, business, and relationships.

Matthew 5:16 (NIV):
“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

This means our actions and reputation should point people to God.

7. Practical Applications

• Not every service should be charged for   generosity builds goodwill and reflects God’s love.

• Churches should avoid entangling themselves in politics for gain — this taints their identity and spiritual influence.

• Believers should aim to be known for their compassion, honesty, and faithfulness, not just their achievements.

Conclusion: Choose the Eternal

We live in a culture that glorifies wealth, but as believers, we are called to live for something greater: a testimony that honors God. A good name may not fill your bank account, but it fills your life with eternal value.

Proverbs 10:7 (NIV):
“The name of the righteous is used in blessings, but the name of the wicked will rot.”

Let us seek to be known as faithful servants of God, like Jesus, Cornelius, Ananias, and Stephen. In doing so, we gain favor not only with people but with God Himself.

May the Lord bless you.
Please share this message with others.

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Answer:
The common idea that heaven is a place where we will be singing non-stop forever is a misunderstanding of what the Bible actually teaches. While worship including singing will certainly be part of our heavenly experience, Scripture paints a much richer and fuller picture of eternal life with God.

Jesus Himself spoke clearly about heaven not just as a place of praise, but as a home a place being prepared for those who love Him.

John 14:1–3 (NIV)

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.
My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”

Jesus refers to His Father’s house as having many rooms, emphasizing that heaven is a vast, welcoming, and purposeful place not a stagnant or monotonous one. The Greek word translated “rooms” (μονή, monē) implies a dwelling place or abode. This suggests activity, relationship, and meaningful existence not just singing.

What Will We Do in Heaven?
According to Scripture, those in heaven will:

1. Serve God (Revelation 22:3)

“The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him.”

Worship in heaven includes service. This could mean a variety of joyful tasks and roles work without toil or frustration.

1. Reign with Christ (2 Timothy 2:12; Revelation 22:5)

“And they will reign for ever and ever.” (Rev. 22:5)

Reigning implies responsibility, authority, and purpose. Heaven is not an idle eternity but one filled with meaning and divine purpose.

1. Fellowship and learn (1 Corinthians 13:12)

“Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.”

Heaven will be a place of ever-deepening knowledge of God, unending fellowship with the saints, and perfect understanding.

• Experience unimaginable joy

(Psalm 16:11)
“You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”

Yes, singing and worship will certainly be part of heaven, as seen in Revelation 5:11-13, where multitudes of angels and believers praise the Lamb. But this is not the only thing we’ll do.

Heaven: Beyond Human Imagination
Paul explains how heaven surpasses anything we can currently comprehend:

1 Corinthians 2:9 (NIV)

“However, as it is written:
‘What no eye has seen,
what no ear has heard,
and what no human mind has conceived’
the things God has prepared for those who love him.”

The joys of heaven will far exceed anything experienced on earth. If even in this broken world we find joy in relationships, creativity, and worship how much more abundant will life be in God’s perfected kingdom?

How Do We Get to Heaven?
There is only one way to enter this eternal home: through faith in Jesus Christ.

John 14:6 (NIV)

“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'”

The path begins when we believe in Jesus as Lord and Savior, repent of our sins, are baptized according to the Scriptures (Acts 2:38), and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This marks the beginning of our journey toward the eternal kingdom.

Acts 2:38 (NIV)

“Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'”

Maranatha.

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Question:
We know from Scripture that the prophet Elijah was taken up to heaven in a whirlwind. However, years later, we read that he sent a letter to King Jehoram concerning his illness (2 Chronicles 21:12). How is that possible?

Answer:
Let’s take a closer look.

2 Chronicles 21:11-15 tells us that King Jehoram led the people of Judah into idolatry and immorality, much like the kings of Israel. Then verse 12 says:

“Jehoram received a letter from Elijah the prophet, which said: ‘This is what the Lord, the God of your father David, says: Because you have not followed the ways of your father Jehoshaphat or of Asa king of Judah, but have instead followed the ways of the kings of Israel… the Lord is going to strike your people, your sons, your wives, and all your possessions with a severe blow. You yourself will suffer a lingering disease of the bowels, until the disease causes your bowels to come out.’”

This prophecy clearly took place after Elijah had already been taken up to heaven. So how could Elijah have sent a letter from heaven?

The answer is he didn’t. Elijah did not send this letter from heaven. Instead, he wrote it before he was taken up. God revealed to him prophetically that a king named Jehoram would rise and commit terrible sins. Elijah was instructed to write down God’s judgment in advance. That letter was likely entrusted to Elisha or another servant to be delivered when the time came.

And indeed, the letter was preserved until Jehoram became king and committed the wickedness that Elijah had foreseen. The prophecy was fulfilled exactly as written: Jehoram contracted a painful intestinal disease, and eventually his bowels came out. He died in misery, and unlike his predecessors, he was not honored at his death.

2 Chronicles 21:18-19 says:

“After all this, the Lord afflicted Jehoram with an incurable disease of the bowels. In the course of time, at the end of two years, his bowels came out because of the disease, and he died in great pain. His people made no fire in his honor, as they had for his ancestors.”

So, Elijah did not return or send a message from heaven he simply wrote it beforehand, under divine instruction.

We see a similar case with a prophecy about King Josiah. Over a century before Josiah was born, a man of God prophesied in 1 Kings 13:1-2:

“By the word of the Lord, a man of God came from Judah to Bethel. Jeroboam was standing by the altar to make an offering. The man cried out against the altar: ‘Altar, altar! This is what the Lord says: A son named Josiah will be born to the house of David. He will sacrifice the priests of the high places here and burn human bones on you.’”

That prophecy was written and preserved for over 100 years until Josiah was born and fulfilled it precisely, as recorded in 2 Kings 23:16–20.

The same pattern is seen again in the prophecies of Isaiah, who foretold the coming of King Cyrus of Persia long before his birth. Isaiah even wrote that Cyrus would help rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. These words were fulfilled generations later. You can read the prophecy in Isaiah 44:28 and Isaiah 45:1, and its fulfillment in Ezra 1:2.

What Can We Learn from This?
God knows the future. His Word never fails. If He could declare the rise of Jehoram and Cyrus long before they were born and everything happened exactly as He said then we must also take His warnings seriously.

The Bible says in Galatians 5:19–21:

“The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.”

These are not idle threats. God’s Word is true and unchanging He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

If you haven’t yet surrendered your life to Jesus Christ, now is the time. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Take a few moments to sincerely repent of your sins. Seek baptism by full immersion in water in the name of Jesus for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, who will guide you into all truth.

Maranatha.

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If the Lord Jesus were to return today, every person would fall into one of three categories three spiritual “groups” that reflect how people relate to God’s redemptive plan. These groups mirror the lives of Enoch, Noah, and Lot. Understanding which group you belong to is crucial because your response to God today determines your future when Christ returns.

Many believe that simply confessing Jesus guarantees them a place in the Rapture. But the Bible teaches that not all who claim the name of Christ will be taken when He comes for His Bride (Matthew 7:21-23). These are sobering truths meant to awaken us to genuine faith and holiness in these last days.

1. The Group of Enoch  The Raptured Church (The Bride of Christ)

Theological Context:
Enoch represents a group of believers who walk so closely with God that they are taken directly to heaven without experiencing death. In typology, Enoch prefigures the Church that will be raptured (caught up) before the Great Tribulation (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).

Hebrews 11:5 (NIV)

“By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death… For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God.”

Genesis tells us Enoch “walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away” (Genesis 5:24, NIV). He lived in a corrupt world yet maintained a life of holiness and communion with God for 300 years.

In this present age, this group corresponds to the faithful, watchful Church those who walk in obedience and intimacy with Jesus Christ. These are the wise virgins in the Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1–13). They keep their lamps (lives) filled with oil (the Holy Spirit) and are ready when the Bridegroom returns.

Revelation 3:10 (NIV)

“Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth.”

These are the believers who will participate in the First Resurrection and rule with Christ in His Millennial Kingdom (Revelation 20:6). Their eternal home is the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:2), and they are described as kings and priests of God (Revelation 1:6).

2. The Group of Noah  The Remnant of Israel Preserved Through Tribulation

Theological Context:
While Enoch was taken before judgment, Noah was preserved through judgment. He is a type of the faithful Jewish remnant that will be protected during the Great Tribulation. These are not raptured but are sealed and preserved by God through supernatural means.

God has not forgotten His covenant with Israel. Paul says:

Romans 11:25-26 (NIV)

“I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery… Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in, and in this way all Israel will be saved…”

The Book of Revelation describes 144,000 Jewish believers 12,000 from each tribe sealed by God and protected from harm (Revelation 7:3-8). They are later seen standing with the Lamb on Mount Zion (Revelation 14:1).

They will be taken to a place of safety, much like Noah’s ark, during the time of God’s wrath.

Revelation 12:14 (NIV)

“The woman was given the two wings of a great eagle, so that she might fly to the place prepared for her in the wilderness, where she would be taken care of… out of the serpent’s reach.”

This group will survive the Tribulation and enter the Millennial Kingdom in their natural bodies (Zechariah 14:16-19), fulfilling God’s promises to Abraham’s physical descendants.

3. The Group of Lot  Lukewarm Believers Who Miss the Rapture

Theological Context:
Lot was not taken before destruction like Enoch, nor preserved in a shelter like Noah. He was rescued only after heeding an urgent warning and barely escaped with his life. He represents lukewarm or compromised Christians those who believe, but are entangled with the world and spiritually unprepared for Christ’s return.

Genesis 19:17 (NIV)

“As soon as they had brought them out, one of them said, ‘Flee for your lives! Don’t look back, and don’t stop anywhere in the plain! Flee to the mountains or you will be swept away!’”

Lot’s wife, looking back at what she was leaving behind, was turned into a pillar of salt (Genesis 19:26). This speaks of those who hesitate to fully separate from the world.

Jesus warned of this:

Luke 17:32-33 (NIV)

“Remember Lot’s wife! Whoever tries to keep their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life will preserve it.”

These believers are the foolish virgins of Matthew 25 who lacked oil when the Bridegroom came. They knocked on the door after it was shut, but were not allowed in (v. 10–12).

During the Tribulation, they will face horrific suffering, and many will have to die as martyrs to prove their faith.

Revelation 16:8-9 (NIV)

“The fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and the sun was allowed to scorch people with fire… They were seared by the intense heat and they cursed the name of God… but they refused to repent and glorify Him.”

Even those who endure and refuse the mark of the beast (Revelation 13:16–17) will enter the Kingdom with little to no reward, having lost everything like Lot.

So, Which Group Are You In?

If your heart is fixed on the things of this world…
If holiness, prayer, and obedience are not priorities in your life…
If talk of the end times doesn’t interest you, but you get excited about financial or personal prophecies…
Then you are not walking in the path of Enoch.

Learn from Enoch. He walked faithfully with God, and God revealed to him the future judgment:

Jude 1:14-15 (NIV)

“Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied… ‘See, the Lord is coming with thousands upon thousands of his holy ones to judge it”

Maran atha.

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