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” People who ad hominem, as I predicted and which is a violation of FR rules, tell others how they feel engage in a particularly obnoxious creepy behavior. Yuck”

Stanne, I think I understand what you are trying to say.

First of all, no one likes to be attacked unfairly when they are just trying to explain how they feel, and you are right that no one should do that to you. Contradicting you with an ad hominem is unfair and unchristian to say the least. I think that is is possible that those here that have done that didn’t mean to hurt you. We have all done it at one time or another, as we all do this unknowingly over and over to even those we love. I think in their zeal to show you the Way, the Truth, and the Light they misspoke and that is only “human”.

And second of all, I can somewhat understand your reluctance to think this end of the world prophecy is happening now because I too have been there. I have always been very optimistic… sort of a everything-is-going-to-be-alright-if-we-just-believe-God-will-make-it-alright kind of a person. I adamantly believe the Bible is the Word of God and take it very literally. But in my Pollyanna way I wanted to think of the events spoken of in Revelation to be a time far far away. But then a few years ago too many “signs” seemed to be telling me that I may be wrong. This was very frightening and I wanted the Lord to tell me not to worry, it’s not happening now, it’s far far away. But our Heavenly Father is faithful in answering our prayers, just sometimes not the way we want them answered. The Holy Spirit opened my eyes to see that I was finally able to see the fulfillment of this Revelation prophecy in a whole different way. I don’t see it as so frightening anymore. I see it as a beautiful fulfillment of God’s plan for we His people (Jew and Gentile), His Church, His Bride. I don’t know the exact timing of it, and we are not to know, but we are to know the signs and warnings so we can be aware and prepared.

The traditional Hebrew wedding ceremony is a true picture of what will happen to believing Christians. First Just as the bride was usually chosen by the father of the bridegroom, so the believers in the Messiah are chosen by God. (John 15:16) The bride’s father (God) chose the bridegroom (Jesus) for her and He lavished his love upon her and she returned his love. A price would have to be paid for the bride. Jesus, being our bridegroom paid a very high price for His bride, the body of believers. The price He paid was His life. (1Cor 6:20) Betrothal is the first of two steps in the marriage process. Betrothal legally binds the bride and the groom together in a marriage contract, except they do not physically live together. Whenever you accept the Lord into your heart and life, you become betrothed to Him while living on earth. A contract is signed, to those who desire the Lord to come into their hearts and lives is to accept his invitation to do so by faith. As His bride, we are saying “I do”. At this point, the bridegroom leaves for his father’s house to prepare the bridal chamber for his bride. It was understood to be the man’s duty to go away to be with his father, build a house, and prepare for the eventual wedding. Before he goes, though, he will make a statement to the bride, “I go to prepare a place for you; if I go, I will return again unto you.” Meanwhile, the bride was to wait eagerly for the return of the bridegroom. In the mind of the bride, the bridegroom could come at any time, even in the middle of the night or at midnight. Therefore, she had to be ready at all times.

It is a very beautiful picture, and I now know that Jesus will be returning for His bride (the Rapture) and that day will be a wonderful “wedding feast” celebration.

Now I don’t look to the fulfilling of this last prophecy in fright, but rather in joyful anticipation. Yes, there may first be persecution, difficult times, possible death but God has promised to provide the comfort we need to endure no matter what.

So, Stanne, no matter where you are now in your Christian journey there is always room for the Holy Spirit to give you more. Stand firm in the knowing that no one here can hurt you in what they say to you intentionally or unintentionally if you forgive them and move on. If you indeed believe in Jesus as you have indicated, then know you are loved and cherished and that you can ask the Holy Spirit to further open your eyes to see and He will do so and bless you greatly (or “biggly” as we MAGA people say) 😀