In the past few weeks, I have witnessed the most unloving and critical spirit in the body of Christ.  I believe that this grieves our Lord greatly.

I am not going to use any names in this article.  Many who read this will know of whom I speak.  I am also not inferring that people who are harsh towards others are not saved.  The Bible says that the Lord disciplines those whom He loves.

He has spoken to me through the Holy Spirit when I am in error.  What an amazing thing to be corrected by the Creator of the Universe!  We are still in this flesh, and as long as we are in these corruptible bodies, we will make mistakes and even sin.

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness”  (1 John 1:9)

Because we are not perfected yet, we are able to err in our interpretation of God’s Word.  I do not believe that this would be considered sin unless a person knows better, yet still insists on the errant interpretation.

“Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin” (James 4:17).

We must correct a person who is teaching a different way to be saved. There is only one way, and our Lord Jesus tells us clearly:

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6).

We must repent (agree with God that we are sinners in need of a Savior) and trust the Lord Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of our sins.

Anyone who teaches a different way to be saved and does does not repent and believe, should be completely avoided.  They are not a brother or sister in Christ.

We are to Love one another

“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all [men] know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another”  (John 13:34-35).

Is is obviously of great importance to the Lord that we love one another. The world is watching us, and if we treat one another in love – according to the Scripture above, the world will know that we belong to Jesus.  And conversely,  if we bite and devour one another – those unbelievers who are watching will not see the love of Christ within us.

Eschatology is not a Salvation issue

Many of us are very passionate about what we believe the Word says about the timing of the Rapture.  I am not going to go into the various beliefs; but this I will say:  It is NEVER ok to tell a brother or sister in Christ that because they do not agree with your timing of the Rapture – that they are not saved!  This is very hurtful and divisive.  Discussing your view, and supporting it with Scripture is a good thing.

The Word “Apostasia” in 2 Thessalonians 2:3

There has been much confusion regarding the meaning of this word. There are a few Bible teachers who have been teaching that the word actually means “Rapture.” If the Rapture was meant in this verse, then the word “Harpazo” would have been used.  The word “Apostasia” means a falling away from the faith as in ‘Apostasy.’

One of our favorite End Times teacher

Although I am not naming him, most of the readers will know of whom I speak. He is a humble man and loves the Lord and His Word so much.  He has many followers because of his humility and warmth and love for Jesus. He had seen the teaching about Apostasia meaning the Rapture, and had taught that to his people. But upon realizing that this was in error, he announced on his Bible Prophecy update that it is not the Rapture – but is a falling away from the faith.  I have so much respect and love for this man.

Brethren, we must show love and respect for one another.

“If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?” (1 John 4:20).

I believe that time is short.  We must be sharing the Gospel with the lost.  Let’s also be good examples of those who love and follow Christ.  Let us not become a stumbling block for others.

Shalom b’Yeshua

MARANATHA