I was involved not that long ago in a discussion re the so-called ‘secret rapture.’ I made the point that getting too focused on secret-rapture related issues and discussions, etc., undermines a person’s ability to actually focus on being ready.
According to Jesus, we are ready for His return when we are feeding the hungry, giving the thirsty something to drink, clothing the naked, caring for the sick and visiting those in prison. In other words, living out the first and second greatest commands by showing agape love to those around us. See Matthew 25:31ff for more details.
The person I was discussing this with said it was possible to highly focus on the secret rapture and love others as Christ loved us at the same time. But our exchange illustrated that is isn’t. The person was rude and dishones, and made false accusations. That’s not agape.
So I reiterate the point. Jesus commanded us to love others as He loved us. A constant, overarching focus on the secret rapture indeed distracts believers from that imperative.
So I reiterate the point. Jesus commanded us to love others as He loved us. A constant, overarching focus on the secret rapture indeed distracts believers from that imperative.
Maybe you're not the reformed liberal that you think you are.
Yeshua HaMashiach,also told us to pray, that we may be counted worth to escape!! Escape what? The coming tribulation, that's what. The rapture will take us out of this Obama, pope Francis, ISIS, Moslem and corrupted world!!! A world becoming more and more evil by the day!!!
Perhaps you are too holy, by your liberal standards, to need to pray for the rapture to take you. I pray to be raptured AND I pray YOU are too!
I remember a certain man in the gospels......who, when Mary Magdalene put costly fragrance/ointment on the feet of Yeshua, complained that this woman is using costly ointment that should have been sold and the money used for the poor. Mary was focusing on Yeshua but Judas was focused on.....well, you fill in the blank.
So I reiterate the point. Jesus commanded us to love others as He loved us. A constant, overarching focus on the secret rapture indeed distracts believers from that imperative
I disagree. I don't see the two as being mutually exclusive.
There's simply no reason why believing in the rapture would preclude someone living as Jesus commanded us to live.
And your criticisms of the person's behavior did not disprove his point because your criticisms were of what you perceieved his attitude to be, not based on what he did or did not do.