Just a Thought - 06/01/2020

Shalom, and may our good Lord bless you all today as we continue to pray for God to rebuke the corona virus. May God bless the memory of Mr. George Floyd and give His peace to the Floyd family.

Please note the updated FHG newsletter on our website.

Re: Bible study assignment:

So far I have received only 2 responses related to the bible study assignment from some 3 weeks ago. It maybe that I failed to sufficiently clarify what I'm looking for. If that was the case, I apologize and herein provide another explanation of what was required. Please read the following slowly and carefully so as to ensure proper understanding.

Some time ago, during our study of 1 Corinthians 15, we came across verses 51 and 52. The entire context of this 15th chapter of 1 Corinthians is RESURRECTION. After discussing the glorious resurrection of our Lord, the apostle goes on to briefly talk about the resurrection of believers. This event is often described by Christians as the RAPTURE of the church. It has not yet happened and we await its fulfillment, hopefully in our lifetimes. I hope I'm being clear thus far. Paul is NOT talking about anything else but the RAPTURE. One response I received suggests that the last trumpet blows at the 2nd return of Christ when He comes to reign on the earth for 1000 years. This is clearly NOT what Paul was talking about. Please read the entire 15th chapter to establish context. Once again, the apostle is talking about the rapture! (I am right now banging my head on a wall!)

Now, in verse 52, Paul uses a strange phrase "....at the LAST trumpet..." That language obviously hints to the timing of the rapture. A LAST trumpet blast must indicate that it was preceded by one or more other trumpet sounds. Trumpets are mentioned more than 70 times in the bible. Silver trumpets and rams' horns were prescribed by God for Israel in the wilderness. Those trumpets were made for specific purposes and were to be blown at specific times. Your responsibility is to find out what Paul meant by the LAST trumpet. If we could understand what he meant, we would then be able to narrow the timing of the rapture without being able to fix a day or time!

This research study will take you some time, I know. There is no point in trying to 'make-up' a superficial response off the top of your head without serious investigation. You will be wrong, trust me. Also, if your responses are supported in scripture, you must give the relevant bible references. Please take this assignment very seriously as a personal project as I will not be encouraged to further this study unless I can be convinced of your personal interest in it. Remember to pass your responses to deacon JT. This study is so interesting and important that I will give you until next Tuesday May 9th to forward your findings to deacon Jt. Finally, there is NO way, that a correct response can be provided in a few sentences, so be prepared to give proper explanations.

Don't forget to read the updated FHG newsletter.

Everyone continue to be safe and stay prayerful.

Pastor Chandroo