1 Aug 2022

Constant Contact Stabbed Rapture Ready in the Back

On the 10th of July, we sent out an email to all the people who had supported Rapture Ready over the previous three months. Two weeks later, we discovered that 75% of emails didn’t go out. We were using the email service Constant Contact, and for some strange reason, it decided to block us from communicating with most of our donors.

When we looked at the send file for all the emails, Constant Contact said that most had unsubscribed. We’ve been with the service for over a decade, and the number of people who didn’t want to receive emails from us had always been less than 2%. Since I always included my email in the list to make sure it went out, I was furious to see that I was also on the unsubscribe list.

Once you send money to most Christian ministries, they will put you on a mailing list. Normally, about every two weeks, they will send you a letter asking for more donations. Rapture Ready has never asked for future donations. The thank you letter we send out every quarter has always been about past donations. If you don’t send funds to RR in the Jul to Sept quarter, you will not be bothered by us until you decide to donate to the site at some future date.

About two years ago, we had a similar conflict with another tech giant. The search giant suddenly decided that they didn’t know who we were and wanted Rapture Ready to verify its existence. I was mystified by the demand and told them that I was essentially RR. I sent them a copy of my driver’s license and various documents related to the incorporation of the site.

This firm was not satisfied with any information that we sent. It seemed like they were deliberately satisfied to remove us from the internet. The conflict was resolved by what I think was divine intervention. I was speaking with a worker in India, and this woman said we should list Rapture Ready as run by Rapture Ready. I thought the change was meaningless, but the next day, the company gave us the all-clear signal.

We have called Constant Contact four times and gotten hung up each time. We would call and explain the problem and be put on hold only to be sent back to square one. I wanted to call a fifth time and ask the tech worker, why are you about to hang up on me? I’m sure I would not get an answer.

Years ago, Rapture Ready was able to avoid these types of problems. Because the topic of Bible Prophecy was so weird to these leftists, they don’t understand us. Now that computers have gained the ability to analyze every site, they can flag us for various comments that we post.

Every time I get in contact with tech support, I have always been connected with someone in India or Sri Lanka. It seems that the reason I don’t get great stateside support is that they are too busy being dictators of the web. YouTube said last week that it’s cracking down on videos containing abortion misinformation and will take down videos deemed unsafe.

“Starting today and ramping up over the next few weeks, we will remove content that provides instructions for unsafe abortion methods or promotes false claims about abortion safety under our medical misinformation policies,” the company said in a tweet.

There must have been a laughing fest when they concluded that tweet. They are not going to focus on unsafe abortion methods. They are going to ban videos that oppose abortion. A group of lawmakers began urging the company to clamp down on search results that allegedly steer people looking for abortion services to crisis pregnancy centers opposing abortion.

I don’t know if we will ever be able to trust Constant Contact for future emails. A decade ago, it was unthinkable for a tech giant to discriminate against Christians and conservatives. Today, they can openly attack sites like RR with no consequences. This level of open hatred shows that we are close to the end. Going forward, the only meaning for constant contact to me will be our relationship with my Lord and Savior.

“If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you” (John 15:18-19).

–Todd


 Has God given up?

This writer has to be honest. When I survey the earths and the nation’s landscapes of human rebellion I’ve said inwardly, “it’s all just not worth trying to save it.”

By that, I’m not thinking of the billions of lost souls, but of this system increasingly driven by evil intention, obviously in the grip of the principalities and powers of Ephesians 6: 12. In speaking with others interested in Bible prophecy (and it is an increasing number interested, I’ve found) I find the same attitude at times.

Why not just give up and let them have the planet? That is, let ‘em have what’s coming to ‘em…

One such matter of late that feeds this wrongful attitude by those of us who long for Christ’s Return is found in the frustration engendered by apostate defectors by those who are supposed to be at the top of Christendom.

At the same time, the very word Christendom is, in my opinion, a word created by the humanist vernacular corrupters who include every strange wind of doctrine within this terminology. In fact, the word Christendom, in my view, postures the apostates for their imposition upon the end times religious landscape. Something we witness by, again in my view, perhaps the apex apostate of this time so near the beginning of the Tribulation.

The following, I hope, will demonstrate the point.

ROME — We humans “must repent and modify our lifestyles” because of our abuse of Mother Earth, Pope Francis states in a message released Thursday.

In his Message for the Celebration of the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, the pontiff decries the “mistreatment” of our common home stemming from “our consumerist excesses,” “tyrannical anthropocentrism,” “predatory economic interests,” and “short sighted and selfish actions” leading to “the collapse of our planet’s ecosystems.”

“In the first place, it is our sister, mother earth, who cries out. Prey to our consumerist excesses, she weeps and implores us to put an end to our abuses and to her destruction,” Francis declares in his Message.

Because of human irresponsibility “countless species are dying out and their hymns of praise silenced,” the pope laments, while the ancestral lands of indigenous peoples “are being invaded and devastated on all sides, ‘provoking a cry that rises up to heaven.’”

Because of the “climate crisis,” the poor disproportionately suffer the impact of “the drought, flooding, hurricanes and heat waves that are becoming ever more intense and frequent,” the pope asserts.

***[Ang, Source: Woke Pope Francis goes all in! Calls for ‘Green economics,’ ‘Green spirituality,’ and ‘Green education’! https://t.co/XE18kiUP0f — Breitbart News (@BreitbartNews) May 25, 2021]***

The article referenced above contained much more –all pointing to Mother Earth worship and agreement with the globalist mantra of climate change as the number one crisis facing mankind. It is the same madness spewed incessantly by those who sit in the high places of Ephesians 6: 12. –The same human minions who occupy the seats of power within the World Economic Forum (WEF) and the political powers that be within the United States who tell us we must suffer along with the world in order to keep from murdering the planet. –The same ideological types of wickedness and evil that institutionalizes the murder of millions of babies in the wombs of their mothers each year.

The scripture burns into the cogitation while considering these times that must certainly be the last of the last days before the Rapture of the church.

”Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.” (Romans 1: 21-25)

So, it is with this type of thinking, foisted by the likes of this apostate pope, that makes me sometimes say, why not just let ‘em have it? The scripture says that when they worship the creation more than the creator, God gives up on them, does it not? Why not just concentrate on putting out the Gospel Message and not worry with trying to correct the situations of geopolitical, cultural, societal and religious, satanic evil storming upon this doomed planet?

Then the Conviction comes from the Holy Spirit Who Indwells… God is God and you are not.  He hasn’t given up and will not until the prophecies are fulfilled. Who are you to do so? You are to be salt and light. Salt is a preservative and you are here to delay the complete corruption that is coming –delay, not stop the decay. You are to be light in an ever-darkening world of rebellion against the Creator of all things.

Points well made –and understood. And, Points taken to heart.

God changes not, and His word, I believe, tells us today like He did the prophets of Israel as given in Ezekiel 3: 17-19. This, of course, is not to say that we are prophets in that Old or New Testament sense, but we are to watch (Mark 13: 37) for Christ’s Return. We do so by observing the times and seasons, unlike the Judaizers who weren’t paying attention, thus missed their Messiah’s coming in the first Advent.

We are responsible for getting out the prophetic Word of forewarning In these closing days of the age. We are not to give up or give in, because the Lord we serve tells otherwise.

And we are Charged by that same Lord to put forth His Wonderful Grace Gift Offer so you, too, if you don’t know Jesus as Savior, can be Urged by the Holy Spirit to accept Him this very moment. You will then have the Promise of going to Heaven and to be Gloriously Alive forever with all of God’s Riches as your Inheritance.

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (Romans 10:9–10)

—Terry

Judgment Is Coming :: By Nathele Graham

 

The Book of Revelation is a very important book but is very neglected by most Christians. It can be a little mysterious, and many denominations ignore it. Many who teach through it mistake it as an allegory or even try to say it is historical rather than a look into the end of days.

Many people who know nothing else about Scripture have some knowledge about this important book, but the facts are fuzzy. They know that the number 666 is important and try to find a “creepy” meaning whenever that number appears. Scripture says that it is the number of a man rather than a random time on a clock or a string of numbers on a credit card.

“And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed. And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: and that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. Here is wisdom, Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six” (Revelation 13:15-18).

If a person takes this mark which identifies them as following the Beast, they will, by their own choice, be forever damned with no turning back. That mark isn’t here yet, but the way is being prepared for people to take that mark. Be careful what you choose to believe and who you follow.

The first verse of Revelation (notice that it is a single revelation, not many revelations) tells us what it is all about.

“The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John” (Revelation 1:1).

The revelation was given from God the Father to God the Son, then related to the Apostle John, “Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw” (Revelation 1:2).

This isn’t a transcript of a nightmare that John had one night, but it was prophecy from God. Since God revealed it to John, it’s important to study and understand.

“Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand” (Revelation 1:3).

The time is at hand and coming quickly. It’s important for every Christian to be able to help those who have little knowledge of what’s coming and let them know that only faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ can bring salvation. Anyone who has placed their faith in Christ won’t face God’s wrath.

Many who read Revelation don’t understand that Jesus dictated seven letters to John, which were addressed to seven churches. Those letters describe real situations in each of those congregations but also describe the Church Age in advance, from the letter to Ephesus (the early days of Christianity had much persecution but, in spite of the troubles, those brave men and women had continued patiently in the faith) to the letter to those in Laodicea (describing today’s congregations where Christ isn’t welcome inside but knocks on the door waiting for someone to answer).

There are few pastors today who teach the pure word of God. They try not to offend the congregation by pointing out sin, nor do they want anyone to think that only Christians will go to Heaven. That is heretical teaching but prophesied as a sign that the end is near. The Book of Revelation contains 22 chapters, but after Revelation 3:14, the word ekklesia (translated church) isn’t mentioned.

What has happened? To whom are the following chapters written?

Something wonderful has taken place. The Harpazō (often called the Rapture) has taken all true Christians to Heaven. Christ has called His bride Home.

“After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter” (Revelation 4:1).

The words “after this” come from the Greek words “meta tauta,” which mean something in sequence. First, something happens, then another thing. So, first, the Church Age happens, then a door opens in Heaven, and a voice says, “Come up hither.” I long to hear that voice, and it will happen soon.

The Apostle John was given a special preview of future events as they would occur in Heaven. John wrote the book of Revelation approximately 2,000 years before the events he was allowed to see would actually occur. Our Lord Jesus Christ allowed this Apostle a very special gift, and John wrote about all He saw as he gazed into the future. That phrase “meta tauta” is used again in this verse and translated “hereafter.” After the Rapture, John sees the events we will experience in Heaven. Then in Chapter 6, he describes what’s happening on earth.

If you haven’t given your life to Christ, you will see those events up close and personal. Right now, it isn’t too late to repent of sin and give your life to Jesus. He loves you and is knocking at the door of your heart. Open the door and let Him enter.

“And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne. And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald” (Revelation 4:2-3).

John was looking upon the Throne of God as God sat on His Throne. Wow! How can human words describe the indescribable? John uses the most descriptive terminology possible at that time to provide readers with understanding as he views God’s glory. John gives believers in Christ a most glorious insight into what awaits all those who place their trust, their faith, and their lives in Christ’s hands. He gives us a peek at the wonders awaiting us at the Throne of God.

There are over 800 references in the Book of Revelation to Old Testament Scriptures. Isaiah was given a vision of Heaven, which he describes in Isaiah chapter 6. He describes amazing things, which are in line with what John saw. One thing Isaiah didn’t see is the 24 elders that John saw. These elders represent the ekklesia. When Isaiah saw his vision, Jesus hadn’t been born, and the Church Age was still many centuries from being established. So, when John describes what he saw, it isn’t surprising that he describes things a little differently than Isaiah did.

“And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold” (Revelation 4:4).

I can hardly wait to be there. John was given an awesome gift – a glimpse of Heaven, an advance look into the Throne room of God Almighty.

John goes on to explain what he saw there, and his explanation is what assures all believers in Christ that we will not see the tribulation week unfold. We will be gathered around the Throne, giving Him all glory, honor, and praise.

“And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation. And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth” (Revelation 5:9-10).

Don’t wait until we’re around the throne to sing His praises. Start today. Jesus Christ shed His blood so that you can be there singing with the 24 elders. He has redeemed you, and that’s truly worth singing about.

“The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created” (Revelation 4:10-11).

Where do we get the crowns to cast before His throne? Our salvation is a free gift from God that we cannot work to earn. When we accept Christ for salvation, our entire life should reflect His grace. Instead of doing things with selfish motives, or grudgingly, our attitude should focus on glorifying God. After the Rapture, Christians will be judged. Not to see if we will spend eternity in Heaven, but to reward our unselfish, God-centered works.

“Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire” (1 Corinthians 3:13-15).

Start today to submit your life to Christ. Allow Him to change you from an angry, sinful person into a person who honors Him in all your words and actions. You will be given rewards around the Bema seat of Christ.

From Chapter 6 on, we see the events happening during the Great Tribulation on Earth – God’s wrath. There’s no further mention of the ekklesia. The seven-year tribulation week is the point where God once again turns His attention to Israel. Christians have not replaced Israel; God has not forgotten His chosen people. Even though the majority of the Jewish nation is blinded to the truth of the Gospel during the first half of the tribulation week, their eyes will be opened at the middle point when the Anti-Christ puts the abomination of desolation in the re-built temple and declares himself god.

“Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God” (2 Thessalonians 2:3).

Most people will think the Anti-Christ is their god, but he will show just how evil he is, and many Gentiles will also come to faith in Christ during that final week. The following years won’t be easy.

The Anti-Christ is going to demand that everyone take his mark and worship him. We can see the groundwork is being laid today for that to happen. During the Tribulation, if you don’t take the mark, you will be beheaded. If you do, you will not be able to be saved in the end (Revelation 14:11). The events of the final week are very disturbing, even gruesome. There won’t be any place to hide from the coming horrors; they will be worldwide, fierce to behold, and completely consuming in their vastness. No one on earth during this time will escape God’s wrath. Those who miss the Rapture yet become believers during the tribulation week will fall prey to some of the horrors spoken of in those remaining chapters. Most will be martyred for their faith.

Only by becoming a born-again believer in Christ now, before the Rapture, can we be assured of being in Heaven during the Tribulation. You can’t blame God if you’re left to face the Tribulation. God has given you warning. The first five chapters of Revelation speak of blessings, churches doing well, and churches not doing so well. We read about the glory of God’s throne. After we read of the glory, we are shown what those who reject Christ will face. Does your pride stop you from seeing you are a sinner who needs a Saviour? Being “good” won’t get you to Heaven. Only faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ will allow you to spend eternity with Him.

Judgment is coming, and the question is, how will you respond to God’s free gift of salvation? Will you reject it and face the horrors of His wrath, or will you accept it and spend eternity with Your Lord and Saviour? You make the decision.

God bless you all,

Nathele Graham

twotug@embarqmail.com
ron@straitandnarrowministry.com

Recommended prophecy sites:

www.raptureready.com
www.prophecyupdate.com
www.raptureforums.com

All original scripture is “theopneustos,” God breathed.

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