In your opinion, would it be possible that the whole rapture process consists of two events: the resurrection of the dead occurring in Revelation 4 and the disappearance of living believers occurring in Revelation 6:12? I ask this because 1 Thes. 4:17 says, Then (after the resurrection) we which are alive and remain shall be caught up. This seems to say there could be a period of time between the two events.

With all the talk about guns lately, it is making me wonder if we should get one. What do you consider to be the biblical perspective of a Christian having a gun for protection purposes?

Since the 111th Roman Catholic Pope is stepping down this February 28th does that mean the next pope is the LAST Pope who will feed the flock through the tribulation? I know St. Malachy’s “Pope Prophecy” is not scripture, but don’t you think it’s interesting that the current pope is stepping down? Will the last pope be a “good” leader of Christians or a “false” leader?

I was reading through James and stumbled upon James 4:4. I’ve been taught that having possessions and hobbies are okay, as long as they don’t become the center of my life and get in the way between me and God. But after reading this verse, I’ve found anything I do for fun to be a bit disconcerting. I know in all things I should act for the Lord, but if I’m just playing a sport or watching a movie, I find it hard to connect that with God in some way; it seems impossible. I was hoping for your respected opinion on this matter.

I was born again five years ago and I’ve told my friends and family about Jesus, the coming rapture and all that. I’ve also given out tons of tracts to strangers. I’ve written articles online and posted them in high-traffic areas. I’ve prayed for people I know who are unbelievers, to come to Christ. But as far as I can tell, nobody has! Am I doing something wrong? Maybe I’m not really a watchman after all?

I was thinking about Moses and how for 40 years he had faithfully led Israel but at the last moment, was refused entry into the promised land because of his error/sin. My heart goes out to Moses who wanted so much to enter! Then I was thinking about the 2 witnesses in Revelation and how they (many think Moses and Elijah) had not died and would come back during the 70th Week of Daniel. Since the 2 witnesses are martyred during the Tribulation and then are called to “Come up here”, would that now qualify them to be in the dispensation of grace and therefore one of the Bride of Christ?

I love the OSAS view but it would seem that Paul’s statement in Colossians 1:21-23 is a proof-text against the notion that it is impossible to forfeit your own salvation through disbelief. It seems that there is no way to tie this statement of Paul’s to rewards rather than to salvation. Can you help here?

In my small group’s Bible study of Acts chapter 9, the question was raised as to whether Saul had a choice in becoming an apostle. I pointed to verse 6 in my NKJ Bible which records Saul’s response to Jesus. “So, he trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?” To my amazement, none of the Bible translations my class members were using included Saul’s question. Do you know why?

The following comment was posted on another website in response to a lady questioning your “Psalm 83 – Preview of A Coming Attraction” article. I have always thought that Psalm 83 was about a future war but not sure what to make of it.

“Psalm 83 is an imprecatory Prayer, and in no way a war. Isaiah 17 is Gods answer to that Prayer. Isaiah 17:2-3, yes, Israel will take down Jordan and the West Bank. However, Israel has not been, nor will be any kind of conquerors. The condition of this land after battle will not make it habitable. From this point on, he skips (as many others do) the continuation of Gods description of what happens next. Israel will suffer a severe blow, to the point of “desolation” as God tells us.”

I used to hold to the pre-trib position simply because I was taught it and given a few “fine threads” of “evidence?” After wiping the slate clean and letting Scripture speak, I have come to the conclusion that there are too many problems and passages I can’t explain if I hold to that view. For example, I was taught that 2 Thessalonians 2:7 which is often used to “prove” the rapture since “the one restraining is taken away” must be the rapture of the church. The problem with that is the verb translated “taken away” doesn’t mean that at all, it’s the verb ginomai which is never translated “taken away”. It always refers to birth, or coming into existence. What do you say in response to this?