The new Christians at Thessalonica along with the Apostle Paul experienced persecution because of their faith in Christ. They were wondering why many of their fellow believers had fallen asleep (died) and what would happen to them when Christ returned. Paul wanted them to understand that death is not the end of the story. To [...]

By Robert Hawes Of all the doctrinal topics that divide evangelical Christians, the study of Eschatology (“last things” or end-times prophecy) is surely one of the most polarizing, particularly where it touches on the “rapture” of the church. While evangelicals believe that Jesus Christ will personally, physically return to the earth someday, and that He [...]

INTRODUCTION: THE KING OF DAN. 11:36 The Antichrist is a worldwide leader (Dan. 11:36-45) who was prophetically foreshadowed by Antiochus Epiphanes (Antiochus IV; 175-164 BC). It is clear that Dan. 11:21-35 was partially fulfilled by Antiochus IV. Some view Antiochus Epiphanes as the main person in this passage. However, the historical facts of Dan. 11:36-45 [...]

DISTINGUISHING BETWEEN THE RAPTURE AND THE SECOND COMING The Second Coming describes what Jesus does when He “comes” back to earth. The Rapture describes what happens to the Church when Jesus first “appears” in the sky. Jesus’ Second Coming by definition is a “coming” to earth the second time not merely a brief appearing in [...]

SONG OF SOLOMON: THE DIVINE KISS & THE BRIDE’S LIFE VISION (SONG 1:2-4) The theme of the Song of Solomon is the Bride’s spiritual journey to be drawn near to Jesus in intimacy and then to run in deep partnership with Him in ministry. She matures in these two realities as she experiences the kisses [...]