What are you doing to prepare for the Tribulation?

[Gadgeteer]

If you're "Pre-Trib", surely there are enough discussions to make it seem wise to consider being wrong. If you're "Post-Trib", or "Pre-Wrath", then the wisdom of preparing is a foregone conclusion. I can give you the verses which prove we will be here for the majority of the Tribulation, if anyone wishes, and answer those that seem to be "pre" --- but it's not a critical issue. Definitely is not something to cause division.

I'm just curious --- how are you preparing? Are you buying food and water? Do you have a place to hide? A guy from work (yes he's a Mormon, though non-practicing) has an above-ground spread in Colorado with a few of his friends, a dependable stream with a 400' water drop (a 10kW generator operating), and plenty of food.

Or are you of the mind that "God will provide", that we should no more store up food than the Israelites did in the wilderness, counting on God to "provide your Manna"?

I haven't actually bought food, but have been considering it. It's quite pricey, especially when you buy several years of storable food with a 10-25 year shelf life. I have no idea where I would go, don't have a "hidey-hole". Such a hideaway would have to have a septic tank, power, washing facilities, plenty of DVD's and books. Either a reliable clean water source or stored water (without the stream, how would you get power?). I guess I'm torn between "providing" and "trusting God".

Tribulation aside, they're predicting some pretty severe events; anything from an EMP attack to a solar flare to a comet or meteor (as Revelation predicts). Such an event would destroy the power grid and vehicles (well the flare or EMP), they say 95% of Americans would be dead in one year. Sorry to be so cheerful.

Whatchya'all think???

[Reynolds357]

If you're "Pre-Trib", surely there are enough discussions to make it seem wise to consider being wrong. If you're "Post-Trib", or "Pre-Wrath", then the wisdom of preparing is a foregone conclusion. I can give you the verses which prove we will be here for the majority of the Tribulation, if anyone wishes, and answer those that seem to be "pre" --- but it's not a critical issue. Definitely is not something to cause division.

I'm just curious --- how are you preparing? Are you buying food and water? Do you have a place to hide? A guy from work (yes he's a Mormon, though non-practicing) has an above-ground spread in Colorado with a few of his friends, a dependable stream with a 400' water drop (a 10kW generator operating), and plenty of food.

Or are you of the mind that "God will provide", that we should no more store up food than the Israelites did in the wilderness, counting on God to "provide your Manna"?

I haven't actually bought food, but have been considering it. It's quite pricey, especially when you buy several years of storable food with a 10-25 year shelf life. I have no idea where I would go, don't have a "hidey-hole". Such a hideaway would have to have a septic tank, power, washing facilities, plenty of DVD's and books. Either a reliable clean water source or stored water (without the stream, how would you get power?). I guess I'm torn between "providing" and "trusting God".

Tribulation aside, they're predicting some pretty severe events; anything from an EMP attack to a solar flare to a comet or meteor (as Revelation predicts). Such an event would destroy the power grid and vehicles (well the flare or EMP), they say 95% of Americans would be dead in one year. Sorry to be so cheerful.

Whatchya'all think???

If you are going to be a true survivalist, forget about electricity and a stationary structure. You need to be able to be mobile. Keep in mind that if you actually believe you are going to be here during the tribulation, you are going to have to be running from anti-Christ. He is not going to let you sit around, watch dvd's, and eat dehydrated food you packed back to avoid taking the mark.

[RevLogos]

Mat 5:14 "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.
Mat 5:15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.
Mat 5:16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

I can't do this hiding in some secret shelter. I will go where the LORD leads me.

[Gadgeteer]

If you are going to be a true survivalist, forget about electricity and a stationary structure. You need to be able to be mobile.

Hi, "Reynolds". I can't imagine making "mobile" work; it would have to include a powered vehicle, and you wouldn't be able to buy gas.

If you have a hideout that is hidden (sounds like something from the "Department of Redundancy Department", doesn't it?), remote, the minions might not know about it...

Keep in mind that if you actually believe you are going to be here during the tribulation

I do. Like I said, I can give you clear and conclusive Scriptures both supporting "Pre-Wrath" and answering "Pre-Trib", if anyone is interested in a gentle and non-hostile discussion...

you are going to have to be running from anti-Christ. He is not going to let you sit around, watch dvd's, and eat dehydrated food you packed back to avoid taking the mark.

I saw one of the "Leftbehind" movies, they had a group of people hiding in the mountains, a kind of a camp. Not sure how they weren't seen by the satellites.

BTW, the whole "Leftbehind" concept, is based on Matt24:40-41; the "taken" are thought to be righteous, and the "leftbehind" are unsaved. But --- in the mirror passage, Lk17:34-37, the "taken" ones are thrown to vultures! The LEFTBEHIND ones are the RIGHTEOUS!

....things that make you say "HHHMMmmm"...

[Diggindeeper]

I am one who believes I serve the very same God that the 3 Hebrew boys served! And if he can walk around in a fiery furnace-- heated 7 times hotter than normal!--with them, then he is still able to keep me!

He proved faithful to Noah when the whole world and every person in it perished!

He sent two angels who actually took Lot by the hand, along with his wife, 3 sons and their wives, and pulled them out of Sodom just before the fire and brimstone fell and destroyed them all!

God is still God, and why should I fear? Now, none of these people were taken out of the world. Nope! They were here...during all these events!

The 3 Hebrew boys told that old king, "Our God is ABLE to deliver us, but even if he does not...still we will serve him!"

After throwing those guys into the fire anyway, that old king looked down, into that blazing furnace and he said:
"Didn't we throw 3 men into that fire?"

All those around him answered,
"Yes King. We threw 3 men in there."

But that old king screamed... and said, "Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.

Now, I don't have any idea how that old king knew what the son of God looked like, but he sure saw him. Walking around in that fire, with those 3 Hebrews who refused to bow to an idol made of gold!

THAT'S the God I serve!

[Gadgeteer]

I am one who believes I serve the very same God that the 3 Hebrew boys served! And if he can walk around in a fiery furnace-- heated 7 times hotter than normal!--with them, then he is still able to keep me!

He proved faithful to Noah when the whole world and every person in it perished!

He sent two angels who actually took Lot by the hand, along with his wife, 3 sons and their wives, and pulled them out of Sodom just before the fire and brimstone fell and destroyed them all!

God is still God, and why should I fear? Now, none of these people were taken out of the world. Nope! They were here...during all these events!

The 3 Hebrew boys told that old king, "Our God is ABLE to deliver us, but even if he does not...still we will serve him!"

I admire your faith. Yet --- it is a historical fact that a large number of Christians perished at the hands of unbelievers for their faith; some to lions, some were crucified (the Apostles were), and throughout history we have suffered.

"In this world you will have tribulation; but take courage, for I have overcome the world." Jn16:33.

After throwing those guys into the fire anyway, that old king looked down, into that blazing furnace and he said:
"Didn't we throw 3 men into that fire?"

All those around him answered,
"Yes King. We threw 3 men in there."

But that old king screamed... and said, "Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.

Now, I don't have any idea how that old king knew what the son of God looked like, but he sure saw him. Walking around in that fire, with those 3 Hebrews who refused to bow to an idol made of gold!

THAT'S the God I serve!

You are good --- excellent rather! :-)

That's what I'm asking --- will you and I have the courage of Shadrak, Meshak, and Abednigo, to choose God in the face of pain and death? In the Tribulation, if caught we will be given the choice. Forsake God, or die. I pray that He will be so real to me and to all of you that we could no more forsake Him than we could cease to breathe this very air. That our entire identity and being will be defined by Him, that we will live forever because of Him, even if we have to die now.

May we embody James' words in chapter 4, "Draw near to God that He will draw near to you."



Lighter notes:
What kind of helpers did God send on Noah's journey?
Why, ARK-angels, of course!

A local church sponsored a prayer breakfast at the local Lion's Club. Preacher approached the microphone and said:
"Ladies and gentlemen, history repeats itself; once again the Christians are feeding the lions..."

[Watchmen 4 Christ]

I am one who believes I serve the very same God that the 3 Hebrew boys served! And if he can walk around in a fiery furnace-- heated 7 times hotter than normal!--with them, then he is still able to keep me!

He proved faithful to Noah when the whole world and every person in it perished!

He sent two angels who actually took Lot by the hand, along with his wife, 3 sons and their wives, and pulled them out of Sodom just before the fire and brimstone fell and destroyed them all!

God is still God, and why should I fear? Now, none of these people were taken out of the world. Nope! They were here...during all these events!

The 3 Hebrew boys told that old king, "Our God is ABLE to deliver us, but even if he does not...still we will serve him!"

After throwing those guys into the fire anyway, that old king looked down, into that blazing furnace and he said:
"Didn't we throw 3 men into that fire?"

All those around him answered,
"Yes King. We threw 3 men in there."

But that old king screamed... and said, "Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.

Now, I don't have any idea how that old king knew what the son of God looked like, but he sure saw him. Walking around in that fire, with those 3 Hebrews who refused to bow to an idol made of gold!

THAT'S the God I serve!

AMEN OUT LOUD! lol Christians had better study this book cause there's a test coming. the tester is satan. the book is the word. some will say there will be peace, don't worry we're gonna fly away. in timothy it mentions those that wrongly say peace, and God has strong words against it in Eze 13. true Christians are preparing by reading and studying the word, preparing ourselves to die, we know the antiChrist is coming to deceive millions in a fake rapture, a fake false coming disguised as Christ. many will believe the lie and fall away. Many are called few are chosen. when they take us up and betray us , beat us and kill us we can laugh in their faces because what's a little death compared to the spirit resurrecting to Christ? all we can do is warn people, let them know that satan has entered the church and has twisted the coming of Christ by adding a little rapture in the mix. funny the words "at any time" is how they describe the coming of Christ......which is the same phrase satan added to the word when he was trying to tempt Christ.

[PneumaPsucheSoma]

AMEN OUT LOUD! lol Christians had better study this book cause there's a test coming. the tester is satan. the book is the word. some will say there will be peace, don't worry we're gonna fly away. in timothy it mentions those that wrongly say peace, and God has strong words against it in Eze 13. true Christians are preparing by reading and studying the word, preparing ourselves to die, we know the antiChrist is coming to deceive millions in a fake rapture, a fake false coming disguised as Christ. many will believe the lie and fall away. Many are called few are chosen. when they take us up and betray us , beat us and kill us we can laugh in their faces because what's a little death compared to the spirit resurrecting to Christ? all we can do is warn people, let them know that satan has entered the church and has twisted the coming of Christ by adding a little rapture in the mix. funny the words "at any time" is how they describe the coming of Christ......which is the same phrase satan added to the word when he was trying to tempt Christ.

All true and well said.

[Love Fountain]

Hi Gadgeteer,

It is written what people are supposed to be doing so they can stand against the evil day of satan. Put on your gospel armour!


Eph 6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

6:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

6:14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

6:15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:kjv



You put on armour to stand and fight! There are no wings listed in the above armour, no escape pod to fly away in! This is reality not some fantasy being sold in a book for profit!


Do you have your armour on? It's not too late to get ready to stand and fight! Beware of the doctrines of men!

Hope this helps!

Bless you,
Love Fountain

[DurbanDude]

I believe the tribulation will only be 3.5 years long, not 7 years. I believe Africa will be relatively safe compared to the West. I'm just staying here in Africa.

[bdh]

I believe Africa will be relatively safe compared to the West.

It's possible places with less sophisticated infrastructure, IT, surveillance etc may remain safe havens for longer than for example major cities where tracking and control is a lot more state of the art.

[John 8:32]

Luk 21:36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.

Rev 12:14 And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent.

[Gadgeteer]

Luk 21:36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.

Rev 12:14 And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent.

Recognize that you're using the Textus Receptus, "King James" --- kataxioo, "counted worthy". Later Greek uses "katischuo", have strength. Both translations use "ekpheugo", flee-away-from. So that's a relevant question --- why would we have strength (and why would we have to flee-from), if we are to be rescued out of?

The part about "flee to the wilderness" is how I'm leaning; perhaps the antichrist will be so busy trying to run the world he won't have time to pursue those in the wilderness...

The Bible does not pin down one particular place as the Place of Safety, but there are indications. If it is not in the place that is indicated, then the Bible gives us no clue as to where it is. Obviously, that is no problem, one will only get there with great faith anyhoo.

A valid and honorable position! WHATEVER happens, we must have faith.

See --- you and I can be WRONG. But God never is. If something happens that we planned on NOT happening, are we adaptable to survive? If I was planning on a "Pre-Trib-Rapture", but suddenly realized from things in the world that the Tribulation has BEGUN (and no one had been raptured yet), would I feel that God has forsaken me? Or would I realize that I'd just made a mistake, and turn to Him even more strongly?

THAT is my motivation. To speak words of encouragement and strength in Christ. To drive people deeper into Scripture and closer to God, and to promote fellowship between believer.

I want to WIN --- but not the debate, I want to win each of you, as brothers and sisters, forever. If something we have discussed here comes to your mind in a time of need and strengthens you, helping you to endure, then in God's eyes I am a success. And if any (or all!) of you encourage me when I need it, then I am twice blessed.

This is as honorable and kind and loving as I know how to be.

[John 8:32]

Recognize that you're using the Textus Receptus, "King James" --- kataxioo, "counted worthy". Later Greek uses "katischuo", have strength. Both translations use "ekpheugo", flee-away-from. So that's a relevant question --- why would we have strength (and why would we have to flee-from), if we are to be rescued out of?

Yes I am aware of the having the strength, but glad you pointed it out for others. This will not be easy...

Mat 24:17 Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house:
Mat 24:18 Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes.
Mat 24:19 And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!
Mat 24:20 But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day:

The part about "flee to the wilderness" is how I'm leaning; perhaps the antichrist will be so busy trying to run the world he won't have time to pursue those in the wilderness...

I see this differently...

Rev 12:14 And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent.
Rev 12:15 And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood.

Water here being a type of armies.

Rev 12:16 And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth.
Rev 12:17 And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

There will be those 'left behind', but not from a rapture, from a flight to a place of safety in the wilderness.

Just another note here, what is the testimony of Jesus Christ?

Rev 19:10 And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.

A valid and honorable position! WHATEVER happens, we must have faith.

See --- you and I can be WRONG. But God never is. If something happens that we planned on NOT happening, are we adaptable to survive? If I was planning on a "Pre-Trib-Rapture", but suddenly realized from things in the world that the Tribulation has BEGUN (and no one had been raptured yet), would I feel that God has forsaken me? Or would I realize that I'd just made a mistake, and turn to Him even more strongly?

THAT is my motivation. To speak words of encouragement and strength in Christ. To drive people deeper into Scripture and closer to God, and to promote fellowship between believer.

I want to WIN --- but not the debate, I want to win each of you, as brothers and sisters, forever. If something we have discussed here comes to your mind in a time of need and strengthens you, helping you to endure, then in God's eyes I am a success. And if any (or all!) of you encourage me when I need it, then I am twice blessed.

This is as honorable and kind and loving as I know how to be.

I think sometimes others on this board feel as if I am using barbs and digs and personal attacks, but nothing could be further from the truth. My purpose is to get others to really dig into the scripture and just believe what God says, unshaded by preconceived ideas they have heard all their lives.

[Gadgeteer]

Yes I am aware of the having the strength, but glad you pointed it out for others. This will not be easy...

Mat 24:17 Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house:
Mat 24:18 Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes.
Mat 24:19 And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!
Mat 24:20 But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day:

There are those that say this happened long ago.

The part about "flee to the wilderness" is how I'm leaning; perhaps the antichrist will be so busy trying to run the world he won't have time to pursue those in the wilderness...

I see this differently...

Rev 12:14 And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent.
Rev 12:15 And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood.

Water here being a type of armies.

Rev 12:16 And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth.
Rev 12:17 And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

There will be those 'left behind', but not from a rapture, from a flight to a place of safety in the wilderness.

So the "leftbehind" are the survivors? Those who fleed? Flew? Flowed? Uhm, took shelter in the wilderness???

Just another note here, what is the testimony of Jesus Christ?

Rev 19:10 And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.

Jesus came that men may have life; that is His greatest testimony. All men, not a few.

I think sometimes others on this board feel as if I am using barbs and digs and personal attacks, but nothing could be further from the truth. My purpose is to get others to really dig into the scripture and just believe what God says, unshaded by preconceived ideas they have heard all their lives.

Amen. It's possible for all of us (or any!) to be prejudiced by preconceived ideas; I pray that we can overcome them, and study what Scripture says.

The Israelites did not store up food for themselves in the Wilderness, they trusted God for Manna; so I cannot fault those who say "trust God". Perhaps I'm a little afraid because my faith is not complete.

Gosh, that sounded a little like something Yoda would say:
"Your faith is not complete, Young Jedi!"

But then again Jude says, "BUILDING yourselves in holy faith, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting anxiously for the mercy of Christ to eternal life." Can't remember which chapter of Jude that's in...