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THE BIBLE BELIEVERS SUNDAY SERVICE: Sunday Morning Rapture
The Bible doctrine of the Pretribulation Rapture of the body of Christ is an oft-ignored and much maligned subject here at the end of the falling away
The blessed hope of every born again Bible believer living in the Church Age dispensation is the Pretribulation Rapture, or catching away, of the body of Christ. Paul says that we are to speak about it, teach it, preach it and to comfort one another with the words in the Bible showing us the rapture. But in our day, because we live in the time Paul calls the ‘falling away’, the doctrine of the Pretribulation Rapture is not only not taught and not preached from the pulpit, it is maligned by lukewarm Laodiceans who cannot or will not ‘rightly divide’ the scripture. Today my message is ‘Sunday Morning Rapture’, everything you should know but don’t because no one taught it to you about the soon-coming catching away of the body of Christ into the clouds.
“Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.” 1 Thessalonians 4:17,18 (KJB)
SUNDAY SERVICE STUDY NOTES: Sunday Morning Rapture
Sunday Morning Rapture
The Rapture Is A New Testament Mystery Concerning The Church
The first thing we need to establish is that the church was not revealed in full in the Old Testament, and neither was the Rapture. The Old Testament contains types, shadows, patterns, and prophetic pictures, but the direct doctrinal revelation is given through Paul.
The Rapture was a ‘mystery’ truth
1 Corinthians 15:51-52 (KJB)
“Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.”
This is foundational. Paul does not say, “I remind you of what Isaiah fully explained.” He says, “I shew you a mystery.” That means the full doctrine was not plainly revealed before.
The church itself was a mystery not made known in other ages as it is now
Ephesians 3:3-6 (KJB)
“How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:”
The church as one body was not the subject of open Old Testament revelation. Therefore, the catching away of that body before the time of Jacob’s trouble is also not laid out in full doctrinal form in the Old Testament.
Christ and the church are joined as bridegroom and bride
Ephesians 5:30-32 (KJB)
“For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.”
The church is not Israel. The church is the body and bride of Christ, and the removal of that bride before the outpouring of wrath fits the pattern of Scripture.
The Classic Rapture Passages
- The Lord descends, the dead in Christ rise, and living saints are caught up
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 (KJB)
“But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.”
You will notice the following:
- This is for “the dead in Christ” and those alive in Christ.
- The saints are “caught up”.
- They meet the Lord “in the air”.
- Christ does not here come to the earth to set up the kingdom.
This is a comfort, not a warning of wrath.
The Instantaneous Change Of The Church
1 Corinthians 15:51-53 (KJB)
“Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.”
This is not the slow gathering of tribulation survivors into a kingdom. This is the instant transformation of the church.
Victory over death
1 Corinthians 15:54-57 (KJB)
“So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
The Rapture is the church’s bodily victory before the wrath to come.!!
The Church Is Told To Wait For God’s Son From heaven
1 Thessalonians 1:9-10 (KJB)
“For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.”
That is pretribulation language. The church is not appointed to enter the wrath and then survive it. Jesus “delivered us from the wrath to come.”
Appointed not to wrath
1 Thessalonians 5:9-10 (KJB)
“For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.”
In the immediate context, Paul has just spoken of “the day of the Lord” in 1 Thessalonians 5. The church is not appointed to that wrath.
Looking for that blessed hope
Titus 2:13 (KJB)
“Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;”
The blessed hope of the church is not the rise of Antichrist, not the seals, not the trumpets, not the vials. It is Jesus Christ.
Christ Promised To Receive His Own Unto Himself
John 14:1-3 (KJB)
“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”
This fits the Rapture beautifully:
- Christ comes for His own.
- He receives them unto Himself.
- He takes them to the Father’s house.
This is not the same scene as His return to earth in judgment.
The Church’s Citizenship And Bodily Change
Our conversation is in heaven, not here on the Earth. Believers are not looking for a ‘Golden Age’ here on Earth, and should reject it when offered.
Philippians 3:20-21 (KJB)
“For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.”
Again, the church is looking up, not bracing for the outpouring of divine wrath.
The Appearing Of Christ For His People Produces Purity And Patience
1 John 3:2-3 (KJB)
“Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.”
This is church hope: transformation at His appearing.
The coming of the Lord draweth nigh
James 5:7-8 (KJB)
“Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.”
Though James has a strong tribulation flavor doctrinally, the principle still shows the saints living in expectation of the Lord’s coming.
The Church Is Kept Out Of The Hour, Not Preserved Through It
Kept from the hour of temptation not preserved through it. Big difference.
Revelation 3:10 (KJB)
“Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.”
Notice carefully:
- Not merely kept in temptation.
- Not merely kept through temptation.
- Kept from the hour itself.
That is removal before the global trial begins.
The Twenty-Four Elders In Heaven Before The Tribulation Judgments Unfold
Revelation 4:4 (KJB)
“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 5:9-10 (KJB)
“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.”
Before the seal judgments begin in earnest, a redeemed company is already seen in heaven, crowned and enthroned.
The Rapture Is A Comfort; The Second Coming Is Terror For The Unrepentant
1 Thessalonians 4:18 (KJB)
“Wherefore comfort one another with these words.”
Revelation 19:15 (KJB)
“And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.”
Those are not the same event.
Old Testament Pictures, Patterns, And Prophetic Hints Of A Pretribulation Rapture
Enoch: Removed Before The Flood Judgment
- Enoch walked with God and was taken
Genesis 5:24 (KJB)
“And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.”
The New Testament confirms Enoch was translated
Hebrews 11:5 (KJB)
“By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.”
Enoch is a powerful picture of the church:
- He walks with God.
- He is taken out.
- He does not see death.
- He is removed before the flood judgment falls.
Noah, by contrast, is preserved through the flood and pictures a remnant preserved through tribulation.
Noah: Preserved Through Judgment, Like Israel Through The Time Of Jacob’s Trouble
Genesis 7:16 (KJB)
“And they that went in, went in male and female of all flesh, as God had commanded him: and the LORD shut him in.”
Noah is not a picture of the church being raptured. Noah is a picture of a preserved remnant through judgment. That actually strengthens the distinction:
- Enoch = removed before wrath.
- Noah = preserved through wrath.
Lot: Removed Before Fire Fell
- The angels could do nothing until Lot was out
Genesis 19:22 (KJB)
“Haste thee, escape thither; for I cannot do any thing till thou be come thither. Therefore the name of the city was called Zoar.”
- Jesus uses Noah and Lot as end-time patterns
Luke 17:26-30 (KJB)
“And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man. They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all. Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.”
Lot’s removal before fire falls is another pre-wrath pattern.
Isaac And Rebekah: The Gentile Bride Called Out While The Son Is Absent
Genesis 24:63-67 (KJB)
“And Isaac went out to meditate in the field at the eventide: and he lifted up his eyes, and saw, and, behold, the camels were coming. And Rebekah lifted up her eyes, and when she saw Isaac, she lighted off the camel. For she had said unto the servant, What man is this that walketh in the field to meet us? And the servant had said, It is my master: therefore she took a vail, and covered herself. And the servant told Isaac all things that he had done. And Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah’s tent, and took Rebekah, and she became his wife; and he loved her: and Isaac was comforted after his mother’s death.”
Dispensationally this is a beautiful picture:
- Abraham pictures the Father.
- Isaac pictures the Son.
- The unnamed servant pictures the Holy Spirit.
- Rebekah pictures the called-out bride.
Joseph Takes A Gentile Bride Before He Reveals Himself To His Brethren
Genesis 41:45 (KJB)
“And Pharaoh called Joseph’s name Zaphnathpaaneah; and he gave him to wife Asenath the daughter of Potipherah priest of On. And Joseph went out over all the land of Egypt.”
Joseph receives a Gentile bride before his later reconciliation with his brethren, a strong picture of Christ taking a predominantly Gentile church before Israel’s national restoration.
Boaz And Ruth: The Kinsman Redeemer Takes A Gentile Bride
Ruth 4:13 (KJB)
“So Boaz took Ruth, and she was his wife: and when he went in unto her, the LORD gave her conception, and she bare a son.”
Again, not a formal doctrinal proof text, but a remarkable pattern of redemption and marriage.
Jacob’s Trouble Is For Jacob
Jeremiah 30:7 (KJB)
“Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob’s trouble; but he shall be saved out of it.”
It does not say the time of the church’s trouble. It says Jacob’s trouble.
New Testament Passages Showing The Tribulation Is Not The Church’s Appointed Portion
1 Thessalonians 5:1-4 (KJB)
“But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.”
The contrast is plain:
- they / them = world under judgment
- ye / brethren = church not appointed to that wrath
Christ delivers believers from coming wrath
Romans 5:9 (KJB)
“Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.”
We are accepted in the Beloved, not reserved for condemnation
Romans 8:1 (KJB)
“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”
The tribulation is a period of divine judgment on a Christ-rejecting world and for the purging and restoration of Israel, not for condemning the body of Christ.
The Blessed Hope Compared With Israel’s Second Advent Hope
The church waits for Christ from heaven
Philippians 3:20 (KJB)
“For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:”
Israel awaits Messiah’s manifestation to earth
Zechariah 12:10 (KJB)
“And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.”
The church’s hope is heavenly; Israel’s kingdom hope is earthly.
The Rapture Vs. Second Coming
The Rapture:
- Christ comes in the air — 1 Thessalonians 4:17 (KJB)
- He comes for His saints — John 14:3 (KJB)
- The church is caught up — 1 Thessalonians 4:17 (KJB)
- Bodies are changed instantly — 1 Corinthians 15:51-52 (KJB)
- It is called a blessed hope — Titus 2:13 (KJB)
- Believers are delivered from wrath to come — 1 Thessalonians 1:10 (KJB)
Second Coming:
- Christ comes to the earth — Zechariah 14:4 (KJB)
- He comes with His saints — Zechariah 14:5 (KJB); Revelation 19:14 (KJB)
- He comes in judgment and war — Revelation 19:11-15 (KJB)
- He destroys Antichrist — 2 Thessalonians 2:8 (KJB)
- He establishes visible kingdom rule — Revelation 19:15 (KJB)
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“Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;” Titus 2:13 (KJB)
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THE PROPHECY NEWS PODCAST: America Feels Like Babylon On The Eve Of Destruction As End Times Events Already Hot Now Begin To Reach A Fever Pitch
While America parties on the eve of destruction, world governments are telling their people to prepare for a catastrophic doomsday emergency like Zero Day or Leave The World Behind
In the book of Daniel, we see an amazing type picture of America, as Babylon, in the last days. Belshazzar the king, the grandson of Nebuchadnezzar, made a great feast in celebration of his own perceived might and power, completely oblivious to the fact that his cardboard kingdom was about to be permanently interrupted by the armies of the Medes and the Persians. In much the same way, Donald Trump’s kingdom is about undergoing a drastic revision, while a weakened America continues on its downward trajectory much like that Mar-a-Lago missile that landed in West Palm Beach yesterday.
“And this is the writing that was written, MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN. This is the interpretation of the thing: MENE; God hath numbered thy kingdom, and finished it.” Daniel 5:25,26 (KJB)
The party can keep going right up until the lights go out. That is the chilling lesson of Belshazzar’s banquet, and it is the question hanging over America right now. While the entertainment continues, military planners are preparing installations to survive the failure of civilian infrastructure. European authorities are telling households to maintain emergency supplies. The United States Army is practising temporary battlefield interment for the casualties of high-intensity warfare, and the Department of War is launching FORTRESS America for an upcoming war on our own soil. Is anyone listening, is anyone paying attention to the prophets? You better be, their warnings are about to become tomorrow’s headlines.
THE END TIMES COUNTDOWN:
- Today is day 1,712 of the Russia-Ukraine War
- Today is day 2,422 of 15 Days To Flatten The Curve
- Today is day 247 of World War Trump in Iran
- Today is day 28,661 of The Regathering Of Israel
On this episode of the Prophecy News Podcast, today we help you to connect the end times dots in order to see clearly that the incredible events taking shape all around us are neither coincidential or arbitrary, and there is just too much of it to sweep it under the rug and pretend it’s not happening. We’re living in a dystopian end times movie, and today we roll the tape.
Study Helps And Links For Today’s Podcast
- Chaplain Anderson Writes ‘Our Maximum Security Hospital Was Filled With Peace’ As I Walked The Hallways Handing Out These Beautiful New Bibles
- Like ‘Leave The World Behind’ Before It, New Netflix Predictive Programming Series ‘Zero Day’ Shows Coming Attack On America
- Why Are So Many Things From The Barack Obama Netflix Civil War Movie ‘Leave The World Behind’ Suddenly Starting To Take Place? You Know Why.
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But whatever you do, don’t do nothing. Time is short and we need your help right now. The Lord has given us an open door with a tremendous ‘course’ for us to fulfill that will create an excellent experience at the Judgement Seat of Christ. Please pray for our efforts, and if the Lord leads you to donate, be as generous as possible. The war is REAL, the battle HOT and the time is SHORT…TO THE FIGHT!!!
“Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;” Titus 2:13 (KJB)
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Headline News
THE BIBLE BELIEVERS SUNDAY SERVICE: Putting Jesus On Trial
They Condemned The Innocent And Released The Guilty: The Trial Of Jesus Christ Reveals The Wickedness Of Man And The Willing Sacrifice Of The Son Of God
The most important question you will ever answer is simply this – “who is Jesus Christ?” Your answer to that question will determine nothing less than your eternal destiny. If you were brought into a courtroom on the charge of being a Bible believing Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you? You better think about that, because we will put you on trial today. Jesus was put on trial, brought into a courtroom, and charged with the crime of being the Son of God. This is how it went.
“And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.” John 1:34 (KJB)
The chief priests sought testimony that would justify His death for “making himself equal with God”, but their false professors could not agree. Pilate examined Him and found no fault concerning their accusations, then reported that Herod had established nothing worthy of death either. Judas, the man who betrayed Him, confessed later that he had betrayed innocent blood. The Roman centurion standing at His crucifixion, who had personally overseen the nails being driven into Jesus body, declared Him to be righteous and he identified Him as the Son of God. Even Caiaphas, while plotting His destruction, wound up unintentionally prophesying that Jesus would die for the nation. What an astounding record we have before us! The betrayal, examinations, and execution produced testimony supporting the very One they sought to condemn. Their actions exposed how far men are willing to go when protecting their position becomes more important than receiving and acknowledging the truth. First, we put Jesus on trial and examine the evidence against HIm. Next, we put you on trial for the crime of being a Christian to see if the Bible says you’re guilty or innocent. That’s today’s Sunday Service message!
THE BIBLE BELIEVERS SUNDAY SERVICE: Putting Jesus On Trial
Putting Jesus On Trial
MAIN TEXT — A prosecution that could not establish its case
“And the chief priests and all the council sought for witness against Jesus to put him to death; and found none. For many bare false witness against him, but their witness agreed not together.” Mark 14:55,56 (KJB)
The stated objective was to put Jesus to death. The witnesses were sought to accomplish that objective, but their testimony would not agree. They had determined the punishment before they had established the charge.
“Then saith he to the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it forth; and it was restored whole, like as the other. Then the Pharisees went out, and held a council against him, how they might destroy him.” Matthew 12:13,14 (KJB)
TRUTH — The innocent Saviour was condemned by guilty men
The question before our courtroom is twofold: What wrongdoing could these witnesses establish against Jesus, and what does their testimony reveal about who He is?
THE WITNESSES CALLED FOR THE PROSECUTION
I. Caiaphas — The high priest whose murderous counsel contained a prophecy
First, hear what the council acknowledged:
“Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles.” John 11:47 (KJB)
Their deliberation proceeded from an acknowledgment of His miracles. They feared what would happen to their position and nation if everyone believed on Him.
Then Caiaphas spoke:
“Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.” John 11:50 (KJB)
Scripture supplies the meaning that went beyond his political calculation:
“And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation;” John 11:51 (KJB)
Caiaphas later accused Jesus of blasphemy when Jesus affirmed His identity before the council. We must retain that part of his testimony. The very same high priest who used his free will to seek Jesus death wound up prophesying as to its sacrificial and salvific purpose.
Finding: The council acknowledged His miracles, and Caiaphas’s counsel became a prophecy of His death for others. His hostility could not prevent God from declaring the purpose of the cross through his own mouth.
II. Pontius Pilate — The governor who examined Him and found no fault
“Said unto them, Ye have brought this man unto me, as one that perverteth the people: and, behold, I, having examined him before you, have found no fault in this man touching those things whereof ye accuse him:” Luke 23:14 (KJB)
Pilate’s declaration followed an examination conducted before the accusers. He addressed the charges they had brought and reported that he had found no fault concerning those accusations.
Nevertheless, he eventually gave sentence according to their demand.
Finding: The governor authorized the crucifixion of a man whom he had publicly declared faultless concerning the charges before him. His sentence contradicted his own finding.
III. Herod — Glad To See Jesus, Then Willing To Mock Him
“And when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad: for he was desirous to see him of a long season, because he had heard many things of him; and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by him.” Luke 23:8 (KJB)
Herod’s first response was excitement. He had heard much about Jesus, had wanted to see Him for some time, and hoped to witness a miracle. He began this encounter eager to see what Jesus would do.
But Jesus would not perform at his command:
“Then he questioned with him in many words; but he answered him nothing.” Luke 23:9 (KJB)
As the chief priests and scribes vehemently accused Jesus, Herod’s initial gladness gave way to contempt:
“And Herod with his men of war set him at nought, and mocked him, and arrayed him in a gorgeous robe, and sent him again to Pilate.” Luke 23:11 (KJB)
Nevertheless, Pilate subsequently reported that Herod’s examination had established nothing worthy of death:
“No, nor yet Herod: for I sent you to him; and, lo, nothing worthy of death is done unto him.” Luke 23:15 (KJB)
Finding: Herod wanted to witness Jesus’ miraculous power, yet ultimately joined in mocking Him. His contempt supplied no evidence of a capital offense. He could ridicule the prisoner, but his examination established no grounds for putting Him to death.
IV. Judas Iscariot — The betrayer who confessed that the blood was innocent
“Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that.” Matthew 27:4 (KJB)
Judas had accompanied Jesus as one of the twelve. After betraying Him, he returned to the chief priests and elders with a confession that placed the guilt upon himself.
The response of the religious leaders is equally revealing. His declaration of innocent blood did not move them to stop what they had begun.
Finding: The betrayer’s recorded confession identifies his own sin and Jesus’ innocence. The man who delivered Him into their hands testified against the righteousness of what they were doing.
V. The Roman centurion — The witness at the execution who declared His righteousness and Sonship
“Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man.” Luke 23:47 (KJB)
Mark records this declaration:
“And when the centurion, which stood over against him, saw that he so cried out, and gave up the ghost, he said, Truly this man was the Son of God.” Mark 15:39 (KJB)
Here is testimony from the Roman officer standing at the crucifixion. The Gospel record gives us both his acknowledgment of Jesus’ righteousness and his declaration that Jesus was the Son of God.
Finding: A witness stationed at His execution supplied testimony supporting both His innocence and His identity.
THE WITNESSES CALLED FOR THE DEFENSE
VI. The thief on the cross — The guilty man who recognized the innocent King
How it started:
“The thieves also, which were crucified with him, cast the same in his teeth.” Matthew 27:44 (KJB)
“Likewise also the chief priests mocking said among themselves with the scribes, He saved others; himself he cannot save. Let Christ the King of Israel descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe. And they that were crucified with him reviled him.” Mark 15:31,32 (KJB)
How it ended:
“And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.” Luke 23:41,42 (KJB)
The thief acknowledged that his own punishment was deserved. In the same breath, he distinguished Jesus from himself and the other criminal. Then he addressed the crucified Jesus as Lord and appealed to Him concerning His coming kingdom.
Finding: The thief confessed his own guilt, declared Jesus’ innocence, and placed his hope in Jesus’ kingly authority. He saw a King where others saw only a condemned man.
VII. John the Baptist — The forerunner who identified the Lamb and the Son
“The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” John 1:29 (KJB)
“And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.” John 1:34 (KJB)
John’s testimony identifies both the person and the mission of Jesus Christ. He is the Son of God, and He is the Lamb of God who takes away sin.
Finding: Jesus came with a sacrificial mission. His innocence belongs at the center of that mission: the Lamb would bear the sins of others.
VIII. The apostle John — The witness who committed the evidence to writing
“And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.” John 20:30,31 (KJB)
John states why he recorded these signs. His testimony calls the reader to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and to receive life through His name.
Finding: The written record presents evidence with a declared purpose: faith in Jesus Christ and life through Him. The Bible will not allow you to remain neutral, the reader must now respond to the testimony.
IX. Saul, who becomes known as Paul — The persecutor who encountered the risen Christ
First, hear his testimony concerning his former opposition:
“I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.” Acts 26:9 (KJB)
Then hear his account of the encounter that overturned his course:
“And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.” Acts 26:15 (KJB)
Paul also records his place among the witnesses of the risen Christ:
“And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.” 1 Corinthians 15:8 (KJB)
His subsequent testimony declares the saving purpose of the Lord he once opposed:
“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” 1 Timothy 1:15 (KJB)
Finding: A former persecutor became a witness of the risen Jesus and a preacher of His salvation. His testimony adds the resurrection to the evidence already heard concerning Christ’s innocence and identity.
APPLICATION — What the testimony establishes
The witnesses establish several distinct truths:
- The case against Jesus depended upon false testimony that would not agree.
- Pilate found no fault concerning the accusations and reported no capital finding from Herod.
- Judas confessed that he had betrayed innocent blood.
- The thief and the centurion declared Jesus’ innocence or righteousness.
- The centurion and John the Baptist identified Him as the Son of God.
- John recorded the signs so that others would believe, and Paul testified that he had seen Him risen.
The proceedings expose more than a failure of justice. They expose the human heart. Men could acknowledge miracles, hear declarations of innocence, and still press forward with His death.
CLOSING CHALLENGE — Why did the innocent One die?
Paul gives the answer:
“For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:” 1 Corinthians 15:3,4 (KJB)
His death was for our sins. His resurrection is part of the gospel proclaimed by the very man who once persecuted His people.
The trial brings every hearer to a personal decision. Pilate acknowledged His innocence and still delivered Him up anyway. The thief acknowledged His innocence and called upon Him as Lord after spitting on him and mocking him. It is worth mentioning that no surviving first-century independent eyewitness accounts are known that demonstrate Jesus committed any crime or supplies a detailed rebuttal of any the Gospel proceedings. Not a single eyewitness refutes a single word of preserved scripture.
Having heard the testimony, what will you do with Jesus who is called Christ?
Christian, how do you plead to the following charges?
“And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” Mark 8:34 (KJB)
“And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.” Acts 11:26 (KJB)
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJB)
- Handing out gospel tracts, Guilty or not Guilty?
- Not laughing at crude and profane humor, Guilty or not Guilty?
- Witnessing for Jesus especially when it costs you something, Guilty or not Guilty?
- Doing daily Bible study and having a prayer time, Guilty or not Guilty?
- Living life sober, Guilty or not Guilty?
- Giving other people a copy of God’s preserved word, Guilty or not Guilty?
- Trusting the LORD with all your mind, body and soul, Guilty or not Guilty?
Now The End Begins is your front line defense against the rising tide of darkness in the last Days before the Rapture of the Church
- HOW TO DONATE: Click here to view our WayGiver Funding page
When you contribute to this fundraising effort, you are helping us to do what the Lord called us to do. The money you send in goes primarily to the overall daily operations of this site. When people ask for Bibles, we send them out at no charge. When people write in and say how much they would like gospel tracts but cannot afford them, we send them a box at no cost to them for either the tracts or the shipping, no matter where they are in the world. We have a Gospel Billboard program. We are now broadcasting Bible studies, Podcasts and a Sunday Service 5 times a week, thanks to your generous donations. All this is possible because YOU pray for us, YOU support us, and YOU give so we can continue growing.
But whatever you do, don’t do nothing. Time is short and we need your help right now. The Lord has given us an open door with a tremendous ‘course’ for us to fulfill that will create an excellent experience at the Judgement Seat of Christ. Please pray for our efforts, and if the Lord leads you to donate, be as generous as possible. The war is REAL, the battle HOT and the time is SHORT…TO THE FIGHT!!!
“Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;” Titus 2:13 (KJB)
“Thank you very much!” – Geoffrey, editor-in-chief, NTEB
Free Bible Program
The NTEB Free Bible And Gospel Tract Program Along With Bibles Behind Bars Has Passed One Million Pieces Of Bible Literature Given Out Around The World
We are beyond blessed with testimonies of thousands of people getting saved along with the sending out of over 1,000,000 King James Bibles, scripture portions and gospel tracts
The NTEB Free Bible and Gospel Tract Program started unofficially in 2016 with King James Bibles and tracts being sent out from my home to people who needed them but couldn’t afford them, or were unable to access them freely. It started officially in 2020 when NTEB’ers Bill and Marilyn sent in a sizable donation labeled with a yellow sticky note “for the free Bible program”. I told him we didn’t have a free Bible program, to which he said “now you do!”. And so we did. Today I come to you all with the incredible news that we have now gone past 1,000,000 pieces of King James Bible literature sent out completely for free to the people and institutions who recieve them. To all of you who support this outreach, thank you beyond words. This is a massive undertaking and we need each and every one of you.
“And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region.” Acts 13:49 (KJB)
NTEB owns no real estate, owns no property of any kind, and has exactly zero dollars invested in any of the markets or crypto. Instead, we have invested 100% of the money we take in into the purchasing of and sending out of King James Bibles, new testaments, RVG Spanish Bibles, Ekugusi Bibles, Tagalog Bibles, gospel tracts, scripture portions, Bible commentaries and jail ministry supplies. We have rebuilt whole libraries in multiple jails and detention centers. Bibles Behind Bars continues to grow at a rate where, at times, requests for Bibles and literature begins to outpace available money in the bank, but we send them anyway and trust the Lord to make up the difference. He always does. Every time.
Along the way, testimonies of people getting saved, thousands of them, began to pour in. The LORD has piled so much fruit on our collective plates that sometimes it seems like a wonderful dream, and I so very much look forward to the “rest of the story” when we get to the Judgment Seat of Christ. Time would fail me to tell you about the hundreds of emails we have gotten from prison chaplains and jail workers who, finding no one to help them anywhere else, are stunned to find they can come to us and get all the Bibles and books they need. No questions asked, for free. To date, we have never said no to any request no matter how large the facility. All the way from southern Florida up to Alaska off the Russian border, and every other state in-between. That’s how wide the open door the LORD gave us goes.
Christian, we are living in the end times, and those times are about to get a whole lot rougher. But as good soldiers of the Lord Jesus Christ, we have been tasked with a mission to send out God’s preserved word as far and wide as we are able to send it. The stock market today may have recorded a one trillion dollar loss, and it did, but I promise you that every penny you invest into our Free Bible Program and Bibles Behind Bars will pay you massive dividends in eternity. Come help us, we need you!!
- HOW TO DONATE: Click here to view our WayGiver Funding page
If God has prospered you, please take a moment to click on the donate button to help us in this monumental task of providing King James Bibles, New Testaments, scripture portions, gospel tracts as well as Spanish Bibles to inmates in jails and prisons from Florida to Alaska, and every state in between. We need your prayers, we need your generous financial support, and we need you to stand with us in the closing days of the Church Age. Thank you so very much, TO THE FIGHT!!!
NOTE: If you need a 501 C3 Letter of Donation for tax purposes, please send your donation for bibles to:
NTEB Ministries
1340 N Great Neck Rd.
Ste. 1272-129
Virginia Beach, VA 23454.
Now The End Begins is your front line defense against the rising tide of darkness in the last Days before the Rapture of the Church
- HOW TO DONATE: Click here to view our WayGiver Funding page
When you contribute to this fundraising effort, you are helping us to do what the Lord called us to do. The money you send in goes primarily to the overall daily operations of this site. When people ask for Bibles, we send them out at no charge. When people write in and say how much they would like gospel tracts but cannot afford them, we send them a box at no cost to them for either the tracts or the shipping, no matter where they are in the world. We have a Gospel Billboard program. We are now broadcasting Bible studies, Podcasts and a Sunday Service 5 times a week, thanks to your generous donations. All this is possible because YOU pray for us, YOU support us, and YOU give so we can continue growing.
But whatever you do, don’t do nothing. Time is short and we need your help right now. The Lord has given us an open door with a tremendous ‘course’ for us to fulfill that will create an excellent experience at the Judgement Seat of Christ. Please pray for our efforts, and if the Lord leads you to donate, be as generous as possible. The war is REAL, the battle HOT and the time is SHORT…TO THE FIGHT!!!
“Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;” Titus 2:13 (KJB)
“Thank you very much!” – Geoffrey, editor-in-chief, NTEB
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