I have a valid reason for no longer visiting Facebook. The platform makes it too tempting to compare myself with others, who often post about their exotic vacations, new vehicles, or various possessions in their homes.
And they are broke! They are stinkin' broke! It is understood that over 70 percent of Facebook users are in debt, a fact established by mathematical analysis. More than 70 percent have recurring credit card balances each month. Moreover, those in their 50s or 60s often lack substantial retirement savings. Check it out.
Despite being aware of the facts, we often succumb to the trap of comparison. An inner urge compels us to measure ourselves against others. Many Americans spend excessively on consumables in an attempt to appear a rung higher on the social ladder than their peers. Eventually, they realize that they cannot sustain such a pretentious lifestyle and end up overwhelmed with stress. Consequently, they resort to complaining on radio shows about the high cost of living. The advice often boils down to two actions: "Sell the car" and "Sell the house," which usually seems to be the right course of action.
Why can't they figure out what they need to do on their own? They can't understand a logical mindset because they are caught up in the comparison game. This looney radio host is basically telling each caller to get off the social ladder. They almost always come back with "this is our cheapest option, though". They are intoxicated with status.
In retirement, we will need to learn quickly to stay away from ladders. Both literally and metaphorically.
Indeed, a disciplined plan for allocating funds throughout our lives is essential, lest we face actual poverty. I refrain from comparing my financial strategy to others, as it's much like comparing apples to oranges.
Our goal is to drive our Highlander beyond 200,000 miles. At this stage, the purchasing decisions of others to boost their status are irrelevant to us. Adopting this mindset sooner rather than later, in my experience, leads to greater happiness. Similarly, we aim to take our Camry past the 200,000-mile mark. I was aware of a frustrating flaw when purchasing it. The Camry has been utterly reliable thus far, yet they tend to develop minor transmission issues between 70,000 and 100,000 miles. I understand the cause of this issue and the method to fix it, as well as the fact that the repair will cost around two thousand dollars. Embracing this mindset has significantly saved us money and reduced stress.
Now, many will act surprised when their vehicles break down. Not me. We are not puzzled because I study about everything that we buy and, in the process, irritate my wife. We buy cars that we can afford to purchase twice. In other words, if we cannot immediately replace the car we're driving with cash, then the car is too expensive for us.
It's just my way, and not for everyone. The only thing I want to worry about if a car is demolished is the occupant. Fortunately, there are a lot of good used cars out there, too. If we were in a pinch, I would purchase a 1997-2001 Camry with 200,000 miles or less (Put together in Japan). They last 300,000 miles with relatively inexpensive repairs. Also, I know how to maintain them.
In retirement, I view cars purely as means of transportation. Not to assert my financial standing. We could have saved a significant amount of money had I embraced this perspective sooner. To maintain this mindset, it's crucial to steer clear of comparing ourselves to others.
Adopting a mindset of contentment in all areas of our lives can lead to significant savings. This sense of satisfaction can also shield us from anxiety and stress. Overindulging in social media or what I call "the Deception Box" often leaves us feeling profoundly inadequate. It's also wise to avoid the company of perpetually insecure and discontent individuals who thrive on competition in every aspect of their existence. Allow them to follow their path while you gracefully detach.
The prevalence of pretense is notable. Recently, I observed a young woman in her twenties with a newborn, getting into a brand-new Toyota 4Runner at Costco. The vehicle boasted an attractive orange stripe. I concede that the vehicle is impressive. Yet, it's improbable that she could afford such a premium SUV without substantial wealth, as they're priced around $50,000, and this one appeared to be a limited edition with distinct words on the seats and unique rims, not to mention it was impeccably clean and shiny. It seems there's a considerable chance she's not genuine wealth, although it's also possible she works extremely hard to afford such a luxury.
It amuses me to see an 80-year-old man or woman pull up to the pump in a massive hyper-diesel truck. They may well afford it, but the sight is quite humorous and curious to me. Explain why they own such a rig in the comment section. What kind of work can they get done? Indeed, people are a source of entertainment.
But I digress............................
See what I mean with this comparison thing? Should we buy a 50,000-to-100,000-dollar truck to keep up? Not unless we a multi-millionaires. And there are only 1 million of these folks out of 360 million population. That fact means that 359 million of us cannot afford such a liability. I retired early and am diligently saving money to ensure my wife can also retire. Thus, no to expensive machines.
Indeed, it's not uncommon to see expensive trucks parked in front of inexpensive housing here. In our area, nearly every second vehicle on the road is a newer large truck. A front-wheel drive car equipped with quality tires can navigate our roads quite safely and effectively. Even those of us with four-wheel drive vehicles choose to stay home on certain winter days. Put simply, they are excessive.
The game of comparison leads to absurd situations where people possess far more than necessary yet remain dissatisfied. Indeed, these are often the angriest and most despondent individuals we encounter. It's the reason why a couple might occupy a 5-bedroom, 6-bathroom house, why there's a market for new cell phones annually, and why people purchase seven-dollar coffees.
In the scriptures this spirit is called covetousness. Christians are strictly forbidden to participate in these games. Instead, we are to be stewards of all we have and always generous. Unfortunately, this nonsense besets the best of us.
Observing that shiny truck yesterday led me to this line of thought about the importance of being mindful of our thinking patterns.
I explored Larry Burkett's financial teachings in the 90s. Later, in 2013, I discovered Dave Ramsey's books at the local library. Their teachings offer remarkable insights into escaping consumer debt. The pages contain some truly profound thoughts. Surprisingly, they also suggest committing to a new form of bondage. What the crud? I'll explain more in later blogs.
I read the book "Die Broke," and interestingly, similar to the previous two authors, the latter half of the book advocates the opposite of its title, focusing on how to preserve your wealth. I was under the impression that the goal was to have the check to the undertaker bounce, to pass away with nothing, akin to the film "Brewster's Millions." Alas, it seems the author had a compelling point initially.
I stumbled upon a blog by a Canadian finance guru. He had some impressive insights, but then he suggested riding a bicycle in freezing temperatures to "save the planet." Recently, a 34-year-old former student of mine was fatally hit by an SUV. I find both bicycles and SUVs to be problematic. Moreover, he advocates for extreme frugality, yet he bought a brand-new Tesla for $70,000! It's baffling. I'm curious about how he justifies this to his followers, but I detest reading comment sections. Perhaps it was an April Fool's joke. Regardless, I have no intention of navigating a 10-speed amidst traffic.
Chattel slavery, the ownership of another human being, is indeed condemned in scripture, unless it is misinterpreted as some ancestors did. Conversely, indentured servitude, which involves working for someone for a set period, is acceptable. According to scripture, the maximum duration was seven years, and the servant had the right to leave if treated cruelly. However, in America, the practice of indentured servitude has been taken to extreme levels.
If our livelihood depends on our job to the extent that we fear severe loss, then we are akin to indentured servants. These servants often drive the same vehicles and inhabit similar dwellings as the wealthy and independent persons, blurring the lines between classes. Imagine if all debts were called in tomorrow with the alternative being imprisonment; the result would be shocking. Only 23 percent of the country would remain free people. It's fortunate that debtor's prisons are a thing of the past, eh?
In America, there are innumerable overlords, and one of life's challenges is to avoid as many as possible. Although I'm not currently employed, I'm still subject to some local authorities. For instance, if we fail to pay $270 monthly in property taxes, we risk losing our townhouse. This wouldn't happen immediately, as there would be several annual warnings. For a while, it might seem like we're evading taxes. However, Wesley Snipes' experience shows the consequences of such an approach.
Transporting oneself over long distances can be costly, but to avoid navigating among fast-moving projectiles with inattentive drivers, one would need a metal protective transportation box. This safety equipment is also subject to taxation.
If we need fuel for our vehicle, then we also pay taxes for the roads we travel on. It may seem absurd, but it's part of the American Dream, isn't it? These are just a few of the living expenses that come to mind.
The tariffs in question were established by voters a century prior to our birth, and they appear inescapable. While living off the grid and cultivating our own food remains a possibility, it's debatable whether it constitutes an improvement over our present lifestyle. In the end, we probably find ourselves serving others, though some may be kinder than others. My resolve is to steer clear of the most tyrannical authorities that our nation continues to permit to rule.
The credit card overlords (Consumer debt): These companies are quite predatory. They entice you with their services at the start of college, offering low interest rates to buy almost anything within a set spending limit. However, this revolving interest rate is misleading and subject to change without notice. Before we knew it, we had been tied to their service for over a decade, and disentangling ourselves was challenging. We have family and friends who are still involved with these companies. Nevertheless, we have fulfilled our obligations and will not go back.
The moving metal overlords (Cars): Commercials are constantly broadcasted on television, showcasing individuals in their sleek, shiny cars, singing along to music. They seem joyful and attractive with sunglasses on, hair fluttering in the breeze, exuding wealth and freedom. Such imagery inspires us to emulate them, leading us to visit the local Car Dealership. Unfortunately, they don't have the high-status vehicle we desire, only a more affordable model. The sales team spends hours persuading us that this car will meet our needs perfectly, claiming that it's a sought-after item and we might lose the opportunity to own it.
After being persuaded that this gleaming status symbol was indispensable, they devised ways for us to acquire this amalgam of plastic and metal. For a term of 60 months at a 14 percent interest rate, we could operate this apparatus that promised to enhance our lives. Indeed, the company was correct, but only for the initial month.
We reveled in our elevated self-regard and the device's performance. However, it soon became apparent that the costs were higher than anticipated, and we sought to return this financial drain. We found ourselves ensnared, facing only undesirable choices. It turned out we had been misled regarding the transaction and the state of the shiny object. A 60-month contract for a service item felt like an eternity.
We've learned our lesson and won't purchase a vehicle in this manner again. It's absurd to become virtually enslaved to a device that requires as much upkeep from us as the service it provides. It's wiser to purchase mechanical devices outright and save funds for their maintenance. I refuse to be at the beck and call of a machine ever again. My hope is to use my current vehicle until it's no longer operable, and I've set aside funds for its replacement.
It's easy to sidestep these overlords since the transaction necessitates our physical presence and a writing tool. Exercise extreme caution when signing on the dotted line and maintain a distance from professional salespeople. They excel in their craft and should never be underestimated.
Countless times, I've stopped by "stealerships" just to look and found myself making a purchase. They are masters at selling status, a realization that often dawns on us much later. We will not serve car debt ever again. If you're a man under 40, they've already got you pegged. Don't boast about outsmarting the car salesman; the car was bought after all. So, who really outsmarted whom?
The property overlords (The Forever Home): The concept of a forever home may not apply to humans today unless we consider nursing homes, urns or 6 feet down. Our culture is nomadic, gravitating towards better opportunities. Our townhouse fits our current needs, but the future is uncertain. Significant changes, especially concerning the health of loved ones, could occur within the next five years. Moreover, my wife's job must become more manageable to prevent certain burnout.
Wood, sheetrock and paint are terrible masters. We have to mend the structure constantly or it will collapse. We have to keep the devices in our box functioning or depreciation will result. All human beings need four walls to protect us from the weather, but some people decide to be in bondage to their habitat for bizarre reasons.
The costliest mindset regarding our humble abode stems from the comparison trap. For instance, our countertops were installed in 2007. Since then, many have upgraded their culinary worktops to various woods or stones. The problem is, while our surfaces are in top-notch condition, they appear quite mundane next to the modern, gleaming stone slabs. What should be our next step?
This type of behavior to us is a total waste of funds. These types of changes are silly when what is already in place is perfectly serviceable. "If it ain't broke, don't fix it".
Securing a place to rest our heads is already costly. Yet, some choose to transform their homes into grandiose statements. White appliances have fallen out of favor, replaced by stainless steel ones that suggest culinary expertise. Despite this, my culinary skills extend to preparing spaghetti and meatballs from Costco.
We replaced our 18-year-old appliances as they had worn out. We're hopeful that the new ones will also last for 18 years. A decade from now, whatever the latest trend may be, it won't matter to us. As long as the dishwasher functions well, its appearance is of no concern.
But I digress...............................
We don't wish to be at the service of a house; rather, we want our costly structure to serve us. That's the reason we paid off the 'four walls' ahead of time and only replace things as necessary. And indeed, necessity does arise. In addition to new appliances, this residence required a new roof last year. Ouch!
Indeed, most homeowners find themselves replacing nearly every part of the structure after living in it for several decades. This includes even the floor surfaces. Yet, this scenario is often referred to as the "American Dream," the "Forever Home," or some such term.
Math enthusiasts have crunched the numbers on renting versus buying. Surprisingly, the long-term savings of owning a home over renting aren't as substantial as one might think. How is this possible?
Consider that every 15 years, a home typically requires a new roof, flooring or carpet, and appliances tend to reach the end of their lifespan. As a renter, these are concerns for the landlord. However, as a homeowner, these expenses fall squarely on your shoulders.
What are the benefits of investing in a plot of land with a box on it? Such a property can be sold for a substantial sum in times of need. The equity in our home provides financial flexibility for the future. It can be leveraged to fund long-term care. As someone who values frugality, I recognize significant savings by not frequently upgrading my residence for the sake of status.
Many people watch an excessive amount of television and are persuaded that a fully functional household item requires replacement. The pressure mounts when all the neighbors engage in this facade. Moreover, stainless steel in the kitchen is outdated, and "black stainless steel" is the current trend. And next year this trend may switch to "white stainless steel" or some such nonsense. The salespersons could bring back the orange, brown, and yellows of the 70s! Then what are we going to do?
Our 55-inch TV, with only a 4k resolution and 144-megahertz refresh rate, pales in comparison to the 65-inch model with a 240-megahertz refresh rate—or so they say. We really can't see the stark contrast since our eyes are wearing out and we watch reruns.
These are the three worst masters in America, in our opinion, since they demand so much time, money, and stress. Makes sure that the cars and houses serve you. There is no upside with predatory lenders like credit cards.
The Best Master in the World: The supreme master is the God of the 66 books of the Scriptures. We have devoted most of our lives to His service and can affirm His goodness. Although we were warned about the dreadful masters, we did not take heed of those cautions.
He advised us against borrowing money, likening it to slavery. Despite this, we continued to use credit cards and other forms of borrowing. In hindsight, He was absolutely right.
He advised us to be satisfied with what we have. Had I heeded this advice, we might only be on our third or fourth vehicle by now. It's disheartening to consider the amount of money we've squandered in transportation.
In our time on Earth, serving others is a universal calling. Choosing to serve only oneself often leads to negative outcomes, which is a common reason for the dissolution of marriages. Pursuing material possessions also tends to result in disillusionment and sorrow. Thus, the most fulfilling path is to devote oneself to serving the Creator and fellow human beings to the greatest extent possible.
I'm tired and my back hurts.................................................................later.
This question has troubled me since my youth. Where's the USA?
Firstly, the good news: if we love God, the following thoughts do not concern us. The early Christians were not terrified by the prospect of Rome's fall. They faced real and immediate dangers daily, not just theoretical ones. They were largely unafraid of what the world threw at them. Our nation's western liberal mindset often conflicts with the mindset prescribed by scripture. We are called to be a light, revealing who Jesus Christ is, regardless of where we are born or reside. We are to act as salt, preserving the moral integrity of the nation we inhabit from rapid moral decay. We are to strictly adhere to a biblical mindset.
Sadly, we are watching our elected servants stray from scriptural truth for relativism. That's not what bothers me the most. The United States of America is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, which is surprising given its historical support for Israel. Moreover, the U.S. military is considered to be significantly more powerful than that of other nations, boasting ten aircraft carriers compared to China's single, older one. The U.S. is also home to a large Christian population, with many Christians worldwide residing in the country. Known for its prosperity, the U.S. attracts many seeking work opportunities. Additionally, the American Church is recognized for sending numerous missionaries globally, and the country's intellectual athletic and cultural achievements are celebrated worldwide.
All of these facts, undisputed, the Bible says nada. What's going on? Here's a prime example. I've studied Ezekial's future prophesy and heard it preached. Why does God have to save Israel from a Russian-Iran alliance without America's help? (Ezekiel 36-39) This alliance which was improbable before 2010 has now come to full fruition. Where is America? We have policed the world for over a century, but when the Jews desperately need us-no involvement at all? According to this prophecy no nation comes to their aid.
I feel the answer is clear to my thinking, but for a patriot like me this reality is hard to wrap my head around. America as we know it is obviously missing, absent, gone! Not here! if biblical prophesies have anything to say about it.
What do you mean not here, Ted? The United States of America no longer exists sometime in the near future according to the Jewish prophets. That's if we believe this library of books has any truths in the pages at all. According to the prophet Daniel and the Apostle John the USA is a non-event, possibly. Or at least a hidden mystery. I suspect the latter.
I believe the United States of America was a gift of God for the nation of Israel and for His expanding church. But only for a short season. The world is shrinking rapidly, and the evils of the east are back in spades. There never was any stopping these spirits from old, only restraining for a time. And America is not as vigilant as we used to be. We allow worse evil acts to be done in this nation than when Manasseh was king of Israel. That's one of the reasons I'm saddened by the decisions we've made in the name of progress.
God cast his chosen people out of their promised land into Babylonian captivity under pagans because of their wicked king. What's the future of America? Our elected officials have promoted far worse than King Manasseh. Look him up on Wikipedia.
The tower of Babel is back with AI. In other words, languages are not an obstacle keeping the human race separated much longer. There is a new app called Babbel, I think. According to scripture, there will be nothing human beings will not be able to do and most likely destroy ourselves without the intervention of God.
The American education system has been promoting communism, fascism, democratic socialism, and secular humanism since I was a student. Most students know very little of the Bible, today. But they can rattle off all of the genders upon request. Most administrators and teachers are atheistic and teach atheistic concepts devoid of any scriptural truths. One of my last principals stated, "evolution is a fact, Ted, and not to be disputed." When did evolution move from theory to fact? In the schools I attended and taught, in my experience, I never met a single teacher or administrator that openly opposed abortion. Except me. If they did, I didn't know about it. My favorite teacher supported abortion. He let me know his belief after I sang at an anti-abortion rally in Montana. He let me know that he was angry with God after the tragic death of his brother.
The entertainment industry plays a significant role in influencing people's minds. Some Americans don't know if they are a man or a woman. They also present same sex couples in nearly every movie and tv sitcom as the American norm when they can't procreate. And now we need foreigners to come to our country to pick our food. And don't have enough population to support social security past 2034. Looks ridiculous on the written page, doesn't it, but there it is. Seems straightforward to my mind. Strong families mean strong communities and by default a strong country. Two men or two women can't produce a family. If 50 percent of our population is queer, like our entertainment purports our nation can't survive let alone thrive. It's all just so stupid.
But I digress..........................................
These ideologies are why some college students hate God and Israel. These young adults don't even know why they hate them. To them it inexplicable. A reporter asked them in an interview, and they really can't articulate it. That is why there are protests all over the United States on elite college campuses as I write. Biblical scholars know the reason. The true ruler of this present world system hates the descendants of Abraham Isaac and Jacob, vehemently. It is a worldly spiritual hatred. I think it is odd to hate a group of people when we don't know why, let alone the Jews. Remember WW2? Haven't they been hated enough, throughout history?
What was I thinking about? "Merica!!"..........................................
The only conclusion I can draw is that an event in the near future removes America from the global forefront. It seems America was a mystery in the scriptures and will be removed by a mystery disclosed by the Apostle Paul.
Just imagine for a moment that 50+ million people disappeared suddenly from America alone. I know I can't fathom the impact that would have on this country. The 9/11 attacks resulted in the loss of 3,000 lives and brought the nation to an almost complete standstill. The 2019 virus that spread globally indeed brought America to a standstill, and in my view, it prolonged that state excessively. It is only with hindsight that we recognize the extent of the overreaction.
I am referring to something Paul penned in Greek as "harpazo". It written as rapture in the Latin Bible, but modern translations say, 'caught up'. Most folks even in the church today do not fully comprehend the reality of such a sudden drastic event. I'm beginning to really ponder on it lately. I don't know why.
First of all, America has a 34 trillion-dollar deficit! That's 34 Trillion dollars in debt to others. A significant part of that debt is owed to communistic China. That's really uncomfortable to me.
Allow me to set a scenario here.
Who's going to disappear according to scripture? Snarky light is on. Those preachy weirdos. The "Nazarenes" or "little Christs" are often seen as rule followers, called to serve and assist others. They work so hard to please others and come across as the "Pollyanna" type. What are they trying to prove? Irritants! They don't drink smoke or chew or run with us who do. Snarky light off.
We just see what needs to get done and step in. That's all. Who else is going to do it? I choose to babysit my grandson instead of spending all day playing video games or doing as I please. Why? Because I'm driven to offer help whenever and wherever possible. Don't misunderstand; I do set limits, but assisting others brings me joy. That's the Spirit of Christ.
My wife, the director of nursing, receives over 20 phone calls daily, even on her days off. She answers because she feels a strong obligation to assist those who have questions.
I don't know if I will be counted worthy to be snatched up in the rapture of the worldwide church. I hope and pray so, but there are some days when I don't feel saintly. However, If she doesn't go, I don't know who will.
She is a Christian woman whose absence would be deeply felt. Many new nurses in her branch rely heavily on her wisdom. If she were to disappear, it would cause widespread confusion in Home Health and Hospice throughout our valley. Imagine then, the impact of missing workers like her on a national level.
People will be running around questioning everyone in listening distance. Where are my children? Where is my spouse? Where has the firefighter gone? Where are the police officers? Where is our pilot? Individuals will be missing from every aspect of daily life, and not just any individuals, but the most motivated workers among us. People will be frantic, searching for their children. My blog "Where are the Missing People?" answers this.
Friends, family, and colleagues will be present one moment and gone the next. This realization will bring a mix of fear, demoralization, and emptiness. I don't think a single event will utterly devastate America, but it may well be the initial domino to fall, starting a chain reaction.
Our military will be in disarray with persons missing from their posts. And just think of it. No other nation would be affected the way the USA would. A lot of "Jesus Freaks" in the US military service. Some countries might find the USA vulnerable and probably would not be able to pass up the opportunity for attack or plunder.
The economy that is already stressed to the limit with debt would implode. Industry and agriculture would be halted. There would be an economic depression that would make 1929 look like a walk in the park. There wouldn't be enough workers to keep the huge machine chugging along. I am probably naive to all of the ramifications that would happen in this arena.
Who remains to manage this situation? Atheistic folks, that's who! That have to explain why these troublemakers have vanished. I'm not sure what their answers will be, but they for sure will not give credit to God of the Jews or Church. Unfortunately, most American politicians will still be here, because they practice deceit for a living. The Bible states those that practice lying cannot inherit the Kingdom of God.
Would a marginalized America inflame WW3? Most Likely. I think it may have already started in the middle east. Would there be a major shift of power in the world? For sure. Would there be a nuclear incident? The prophets in the Bible describe events in the future that symbolize nuclear conflict to me. So, biblically, yes. But relax, these thoughts do not involve those that love God.
In fact, America is so powerful and technologically advanced, I cannot foresee any other event that would have enough impact to take America out of its current leadership role. There is the sovereignty of God, of course, but that is what I am basically musing about. Jesus Christ starts these events personally with the taking of His bride. That is basically what the rapture is. It's an interesting fact that Jesus started the events of His crucifixion speaking to Judas Iscariot in the upper room. It makes sense to me that Jesus will start a sequence of events to draw Israel back to Himself too.
Here's my thinking on this scenario of America being attacked. We would have to be significantly marginalized for anyone to dare attack us with nuclear weapons. That illogical move would be a zero-sum game. We would lay any nations involved a sea of glass which would make biblical prophesies about Israel impossible in the future. God has specific plans for almost every enemy of the US and Israel. The same nations really. Something would have to happen for our enemies to muster up the courage to attack us in the first place. If anyone reading this fully understands the size and power of the American military, they would be awestruck. I am not bragging on America, but just stating reality.
The other scenario that could cripple this country would be severe famine. However, America and Israel have amazing advances in producing food. Before a significant US famine something else would have to set this scenario up. The Israelis are masters at using drip irrigation to produce bountiful crops. It's interesting. Israel has made desert land flourish. America would most likely adopt these technologies if a significant drought happened. Furthermore, a large portion of our food comes from all over the world. This scenario just doesn't work, does it?
What about the scenario of our government burning the constitution and giving all power to a global power? Really? we won't even give up our firearms or gas guzzling lifted pickups. One of the #1 selling vehicles in America is the Ford F-150 pickup truck. After that it's the Toyota 4runner. The #1 vehicle is not the Toyota Prius no matter what anyone believes. Electric vehicles are a non-starter. What scenario would have to happen for the average American to allow the constitution to be discarded? Furthermore, give all authority over of our country to a Muslim politician from the region of Syria (ancient Assyria or Persia)? Those scholars that still think the anti-Christ will be from Europe haven't done their due diligence. In other words, "ain't gonna happen!" I can't see someone that drives a F-150 or 4Runner to 'Wendys' or 'Chick- Fila' liking this scenario one bit. There has to be a significant change from my perspective.
As for the willfully ignorant Hollywood elite, this brilliant politician's first order of business would be to round up all of the gays and gender confused for execution. The very folks that the Hollywood elite has an obsession with right now. Don't believe me that this could happen? History tends to repeat itself. Check out the people that were labeled with a pink triangle during WW2. Homosexuality is not a new idea created in the USA. There have been gays since the beginning of the human race. The Third Riech embraced them at first. Adolf Hitler was a brutal type of the anti-Christ, but America helped defeat him. I believe the devil always has a man ready to step up. The irony is that young adults attending elite colleges are protesting for people that truly hate them and their way of life.
So, this scenario seems impossible as of this writing. 50 percent of our country might accept this leader in the future through government coercion under a conglomerate of nations. However, we were raised in the world of Florida and Montana and there are 50 percent of this country that is definitely not ready for this scenario. We cherish our rugged individualism and good luck waiting for that attitude to change.
Even most western women aren't ready to be subjugated by a Muslim male leader and put under Sharia Law. To my thinking, this is the most unlikely scenario right now and guess what the scriptures say? This man of sedition comes first. And America is supposed to fall right under his rule? Yep, first, the man of peace (a false peace), next all out WW3, then famine, and finally a lot of people perishing. In fact, 1/3 of the planet's population. What's the population of the world right now? 8.1 billion! We are talking billions of people dead in three years, and it all starts with the world giving all power to this one man. This will not be allowed by the US voters without something much more significant preparing the way.
That leads me to my point. Something has to happen to the good ol' "US of A" for any of the above scenarios to unfold. America is problematic, especially those pesky Christians. We are not automatons following whatever the government prescribes for us to do. We must be made vulnerable and marginalized by God, Himself. And I think that is exactly what God will do. With all of our technology and nuclear weapons the United States will be taken down easily and quickly.
How will God weaken America? By a fire that He will send down to burn up the evil folks doing evil deeds. Nope, He really doesn't enjoy burning up His creation with fire. How about allowing our land to be nuked and become uninhabitable? Probably not with so many Noahs and Lots living in this land. After the Rapture, I'm not sure.
Remember, the angels had to get Lot and his wife out of the city. God provided a lot of time and a way for Noah and his family to be moved safely above the devastation that was going on below. These were the two specific analogies that Jesus used for believers when He returns as a thief in the night. Notice that they both went up and out of a place before the destruction. What's Jesus stealing? Those that belong to Him. My wife for sure. That's interesting, isn't it?
America must fall for the United Roman Empire and the Assyrian to rise. It's a sad thought, but otherwise the prophesies and promises concerning Israel don't make any sense to me.
All God will do is remove the salt and light from the world and the nations will collapse like a carefully placed row of dominos. And no one will see it coming. Except me.
That's why The United States of America is not mentioned in the entire Bible.
I'm depressed and tired..................................... later.
The pictures they have on the websites are hilarious. Here's the Greek word.
Growing up in the Florida Panhandle, I was frequently exposed to teachings about an event known as the 'Rapture,' often hearing about it at least once a month. It was never met with opposition in my experience. I went to various churches, particularly those that provided Vacation Bible School—a welcome break for our parents. The Bible summer camps I attended also covered this topic extensively.
Well, since I have moved northwest, I have been told some surprising information. There seems to be differing opinions on this subject.
I will admit. Someone who hasn't studied the Bible from cover to cover will think this subject matter is preposterous. For a Berean like me the study is par for the course. For Christians, the matter is no more ridiculous than a fourteen-year-old Hebrew virgin giving birth to God. How about God separating a deep sea and allowing millions of people to cross between the congealed water on dry land? How about a man living in the belly of a large fish for 3 days and nights?
The one claim the Bible makes, that folks really choke on in this enlightened day and age, is God created the present timeline. Yes, and He did it in six literal days! The Hebrew language goes further into the specifics. If we study biblical numerology, Adam and Eve were created only about 6000 years ago. We may have been deceived about how old the human race is. Surprisingly, the Bible does not reveal how old the planet is. We can only speculate, and I've read books and commentaries that are brilliant on this subject. Yet to me, the age of the earth is not a salvation issue.
But I digress...........................
However, when we start talking about Jesus coming back and snatching away His people who love Him. Well, logical folks think that this tenet is outrageous. It doesn't help that the movies about the topic are not at the top of their game. Even half of Christians scoff. Really!
Well, allow me to enlighten myself. There are a lot of raptures in the Bible from beginning to end. Enoch was taken out before the flood. Why? He walked with God. Elijah was taken by God because he got out of control with bringing down fire on the king's messengers. God really doesn't enjoy bringing down fire and destroying His creation. Anyone that teaches such is misled.
In the New Testament a whole lot of rapturin' is going on. Only the book of Matthew tells a strange story that's not mentioned again. Personally, I've heard it preached once. Any believing Jew would have known exactly what this event was about. Gentiles like us? No idea. Except me. Inquiring minds want to know.
When Jesus was resurrected, the recently deceased Jews also rose and entered Jerusalem to appear before their families. Their subsequent whereabouts are not detailed in scripture. However, understanding the "Festival of First Fruits" is key. They ascended with Jesus, representing the 'first fruits' of the eventual resurrection, essentially being part of the rapture.
Next, Jesus teleported in His flesh-and-bone body into locked rooms, startling His disciples. How do we know He was flesh and bone? Thomas, one of the disciples, was skeptical. Jesus permitted him to touch His side and the wounds in His wrists. Moreover, He consumed fish and honey in the presence of His disciples. It might seem like common knowledge, but spirits don't eat. The point is, bodies appearing and disappearing is trivial for God.
Moving on, Philip was in Northern Africa teaching the scriptures to an Ethiopian. God needed him somewhere else, so he raptured him north.
The apostles John and Paul were raptured out of their situations to be presented future events as they happened. How do we know that, Ted? They described future prophesies as if they are present and watching it happen. I suspect, the Bible has to be written outside of our timeline.
Another thought I have is that every individual who loves Christ experiences a personal rapture of their soul and spirit to heaven by Jesus at the time of physical death. Scripture does not mention angels guiding us to the throne of grace. Therefore, if my interpretation of scripture is accurate, each saint receives a personal rapture.
Hopefully that establishes some foundation for this Rapture (Harpazo) which hasn't happened yet. If a large population of children and people disappear folks will wake up, for sure. The only reason we know so much about being caught up is because the church of Thessalonica questioned Paul. Our loved ones are dying. We know we are taken up by Christ from your sermons but what about them? Paul answers, "they are resurrected first, then the living is transformed and join them".
We gain further insight when an individual in the same church alarmed the congregation with a counterfeit letter. Indeed, someone disseminated among the Thessalonian church the notion that they were amidst the Great Tribulation, which understandably terrified the Christians. To alleviate their fears, Paul authored 2nd Thessalonians. This concept is not novel; Ephraim and Irenaeus propagated the same teaching in the 2nd century as Paul did.
However, the third-century church ceased promoting this doctrine, which diminished the authority of the prevailing Roman leaders. Numerous teachings were altered with the church's assimilation into paganism. Regrettably, such deceptions within the church persist. Moreover, there are other significant doctrines besides the rapture that are either suppressed or neglected.
The Rapture is not a new teaching from 1830. This Lee Brainard has a good brain.
So, what is the Rapture Lie? That this future happening will have events and signs to precede it. The Bible is clear on this matter to my simple thinking.
Now I'm not going to get deeply scriptural here. That would be a substantial book, not a blog. I'm just coming from a standpoint of logic in my mind. First, harder topics have to be spiritually discerned. We must ask the Holy Spirit for his help. He loves to help and will make scripture logical to our simple minds. Some folks read the Bible with an unbelieving mind. That's why, just like the villains in "Raiders of the Lost Ark", they are digging in the wrong place. You need a believer's mind and help from the author of the book. Therefore, the scriptures are foolishness to the faithless student.
Studying intriguing doctrines such as the rapture can be fascinating, yet it is crucial to interpret the full counsel of the Bible correctly, lest we find ourselves far afield in our understanding. Many theologians fall into that camp because they want to find scripture to prove what they already hypothesize. This is called eisegesis not exegesis. We should always consider the context in which the scripture was written. Otherwise, hilarious errors ensue, and I've heard some doozies.
I'm just going to share my basic rumination on this event that ends the church age.
Many Christians recognize that throughout scripture, Jesus is depicted as the bridegroom and the church as the bride. Thinking from a Western and Gentile perspective, the idea of becoming 'Mrs. Jesus Christ' may seem somewhat disconcerting. Yet, this connection with the Second Person of the Trinity is profoundly unique. A thorough, verse-by-verse examination of Revelation reveals this. In the future, we will be distinct in incredible ways from humans yet to be born. It is a profound privilege to serve Jesus the Christ during the church age.
In essence, the entire book is about us getting back to the Garden of Eden with God. This relationship will be far better than any earthly relationship we have. Now, whether we like it or not, Jesus was a Jew and follows Jewish wedding customs. He used Jewish wedding language with His apostles speaking about His return. All believers today are spiritual offspring of those first 500 believers who were also Jewish. When we accept Jesus as Lord of our lives and Savior of our Souls we become a member of the Bride of Christ. Understanding who we are in the correct context of scripture makes the rapture logical to my thinking.
As a sidenote-the removal of salt and light seems required for the subsequent events on the prophetic calendar to occur. We are an inhibiting agent for the direction this world desires to go. This world wants unrestrained freedom. There is no truth except each person's individual truth. Anything goes in this mindset. Some individuals may internally recognize the existence of God but choose not to follow the associated rules. They are their own gods and don't need or want a savior for their sins. They view us as oppressors of their freedom to act as they please. The church is most definitely a restraining force. As long as the ecclesia is here the coming of the man of lawlessness is concealed.
Back to topic.....................................
In ancient Hebrew tradition, the wedding process was quite unique. The Jewish groom would arrive at midnight, heralded by the sound of a shofar and the proclamation, "The bridegroom is coming!" Beforehand, the bride, dressed in her wedding garments, would wait with patience for her groom, ensuring that everything was in perfect order for his return. She dedicated herself to this period of waiting, which could sometimes last a year. Meanwhile, the groom would be at his father's house, constructing an additional room for his bride. The preparation required ample food, and it was the father who decided when the room was ready. The late hour of the groom's arrival was considered more romantic by the Jews of that time. This marked the beginning of a seven-day wedding celebration, whereas a seven-hour wedding, by today's standards, would be considered exceptionally lengthy.
Jesus is preparing a place for His followers and will return unexpectedly for those who love Him. Upon His return to gather His bride, there will be a seven-year celebration in the Father's House. This event will surpass the best moments of all that we have known during this period of separation. We will dwell with Jesus eternally in a body fit for His presence.
In the meantime, we are to be preparing for His unexpected return. Always wearing our wedding dress. Just kidding..................
To me, this couldn't be simpler. So, what events or signs need to happen for Jesus to return for his bride?
None. Nothing. His return has always been imminent. We are being deceived by many preachers.
Setting a date has undermined the credibility of the rapture. The date of the wedding day of the Messiah is not in the scriptures. Jesus said, "only the Father knows". No human being or even angel knows when the rapture happens. Knowing God like I do, He will wait to the very last moment that's possible for one single person to be saved from the coming wrath. He's that loving, faithful, hopeful, merciful and kind. The coming wrath is perfectly necessary for justice to be done by a Holy perfect God, dealing with rebellious sinful man. Otherwise, He wouldn't be perfectly just. People in hell do not beg God for deliverance, they continue to curse Him. When the tribulation comes, the evil nations do not turn to God for mercy under the wrath of the Lamb but fight against Him.
Another sidenote-Remember, Jesus came to save us from our sins. With free moral agency some people don't want to be saved. I find it very hard to believe that there are Americans that have never heard about Jesus Christ. I heard His name every day at school as a curse word. Mostly by administrators and teachers. My state cannot be crossed without seeing billboards and signs proclaiming the truth about Christ. These items are more information than the thief beside Jesus had on the cross. We have a wealth of information about God in this country.
I digress again................................
The groom will come for us at the father's command. Is a temple required to be built? No. Must the anti-Christ make an appearance? Not at all. Is World War III a necessity? Absolutely not. Must we endure terrible suffering first? While some believers do, it's not a prerequisite. Any of these necessary signs underscores the pressing need to spread the good news today: This is that good news. Jesus paid for our sins with his life. That was the bridal price—his own invaluable blood—to rescue us from our fatal mistakes.
Why all of this confusion about Jesus coming back to remove the church? That is an excellent question.
Simply? Selfishness combined with self-deception. That's part of the fallen human condition. The disciples were jockeying for position after spending 3 and a half years with the incarnate God. A lot of Christians believe that the Jews blew their covenant relationship with God. That God replaced Israel with new believers, the ecclesia. That God's Kingdom has literally come right now, and the church embodies that kingdom. Wow, great kingdom, eh? I jokingly say, "God gave the devil too long a chain".
That is why there was so much antisemitism in the church in the past. These churches still exist today, antisemitism and all. The desire to be favored or paramount is common, a far cry from the teachings of 'washing each other's feet' and 'loving our enemies', isn't it?
The church has really lost its way during this age, in my opinion. The church has adopted so many of the world's ways that it's difficult to discern a significant difference. There is an overwhelming emphasis on who does what, an excessive pursuit of wealth, and a rampant scramble for control. Add to this the prevalence of false teachers, prophets, and miracle workers, and it becomes clear that the wolves have made themselves at home. It is indeed disheartening to witness.
Unlike most of the church today, I hold great affection for the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. They are credited with authoring the Bible and introducing the Savior of the world through adherence to God's commandments. Additionally, there are promises God made to their nation that remain unfulfilled. This aligns me with dispensationalism, which, in essence, distinguishes between the church and the Hebrews in biblical context.
Yahweh made a specific land promise to the Jewish people, an area they have yet to fully inhabit. He assured King David that his lineage would reign eternally. Moreover, the Jewish population has not reached numbers comparable to the sand on the seashore. Many of these promises are unilateral covenants from God, meaning their fulfillment is solely dependent on His actions. The God of the Old Testament and the New Testament is one and the same, which solidifies this belief for me.
The church replacement of Israel belief is the core of the rapture lie. Let me clarify. When some scholars study the books of Daniel and Revelation, they presuppose that the texts are entirely ecclesiastical. This presumption significantly alters their interpretation, treating the texts as purely allegorical and downplaying their literal significance. An overly metaphorical interpretation of scripture can lead to a manipulation of the Bible's message to fit any desired narrative.
It is evident that the church was grafted into Judaism, rather than serving as a replacement. A literal interpretation of Daniel and Revelation states that it is Jesus who will save the world, not the church. Indeed, these texts indicate that the church will fall into apostasy. The final era of the church is marked by disgrace, despite our perceptions of flourishing, as stated in the third chapter of Revelation.
Moreover, the United States of America, often regarded as a powerful and predominantly Christian nation, disappears! It's curious that there is no mention of America in the scriptures. It implies that something disastrous befalls the country. What do you mean, Ted? Surely, we can't accept such a reality, right? We should adopt a more positive outlook, shouldn't we?
Interpreting the Bible as entirely symbolic can be comforting. It may not reflect the literal text, but it can be a more palatable interpretation.
Incorporating American Rugged individualism into the teachings places the church within the "Time of Jacob's (Israel's) Trouble," a period Jesus referred to as tribulation for unbelievers and Israel. This concept is becoming increasingly prevalent in Montana. In my recent Bible study, two military individuals held this belief, viewing me as either chicken-hearted or an escapist.
No, as a member of the Bride of Christ, my perspective is altered. My most recent instructions were to proclaim the good news of Jesus's identity and His deeds. Additionally, to remain vigilant and pray, in anticipation of His quick return. Moreover, I can't find the church-age saints on the earth from Revelation Chapter four to the end of chapter 18.
Also, I receive no guidance on the topics of a single malevolent ruler, nuclear conflict, famine, or widespread death. In contrast, Jesus advised me not to be concerned about such matters in all the other scriptures. Peculiar, isn't it?
These retired military personnel discussed many frightening things for which I should be prepared, including artificial intelligence. I'm at a loss about handling a computer that surpasses my intelligence. The Bible offers no guidance on this subject. Should I panic and throw my laptop, cell phone and TV in the landfill? Should I build a huge bunker and stuff it full of ReadyWise meals from Costco? Should I store up an armory like Sarah Conner in "Terminator Genisys"? I will not unless the Bible instructs me.
Some people interpret the entity in the temple from Daniel and Revelation as an artificial intelligence. It raises the question: how could anyone hide from a computer that controls the entire world? I don't think a bunker and food rations are going to make a huge difference. Furthermore, we have drones and smart missiles that can take out underground bunkers. So much for that expensive solution.
This is the point where interpreting the Bible out of context becomes a fool's errand. Preparing for a nuclear attack is not feasible; such a conflict would indefinitely make the land uninhabitable. Most of the U.S population would die or be in the process of dying. A desk over my head won't offer protection, Mrs. Eldridge (my fourth-grade teacher). There's no preparation for a scenario like "Terminator," nor for a global economic downfall and famine. If we were to seriously adopt this mindset, fear would dominate every aspect of our lives. Moreover, the scriptures do not instruct us to be vigilant and prepare for these frightening eventualities. Jesus clearly states again and again, "Don't be afraid", "Don't be misled".
Confusingly, when we read about these things happening in the book of Revelation, Jesus says "blessed or happy" is the reader of this book. How can anybody be happy with the reality that they will be thrust into a dystopian nightmare any moment? Does God have a sadistic side? No, I've figured the book out for myself. Our Savior and Bridegroom is going to keep us safe and far away from this time of the evil world imploding. What about Israel? Like Noah, God will preserve Israel through this time. Enoch represents the faithful church, Noah represents Israel. We can comfort each other with the truth that there is nothing to worry about for the ones that love God.
We have a blessed hope, indeed.
I am truly concerned about America after the rapture. We'll discuss that next.
