DISTURBED

DISTURBED

The Greek word translated as "disturbed" in our English NT is (throeo), and is only used twice. Once by Jesus in His Olivet Discourse (Matt 24:5-6) "For many will come in my name, saying 'I am the Christ', and they will mislead many. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars. Make sure that you are not "alarmed" (throeo), for this must happen, but the end is still to come". Some translations use troubled, or panic instead of alarmed or disturbed, but all these words imply the same meaning. The other time this Greek word is used is in (2 Thess 2:2) "[we ask you brothers and sisters] not to be easily shaken from your composure or "disturbed" (throeo) by any kind of spirit or message or letter allegedly from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord is already here". Apparently the Thessalonians had been told by someone that the rapture has already taken place, and that the day of the Lord had begun. The significance of these parallel statements by Jesus and Paul is that 1/ both Jesus and Paul warn their listeners not to be deceived as to think that the Lord has already come when certain events transpire.
2/ They both reference false Christ(s) who will claim authority.3/ They state that these events must occur "before" His return!

Many in church circles today have been influenced by a doctrine that teaches that Jesus could return at any moment, and catch away His believers, and take them to heaven. This doctrine is called the "Pre-tribulation Rapture", and teaches that the church will be taken before the appearance of the Antichrist, or "man of lawlessness" (2 Thess 2:3). Jesus cannot return until certain things happen in the world, and in the church. This doctrine depends on believing in a "secret rapture", which cannot be proven by scripture. In fact any passage that refers to the second appearance of Jesus is anything but secret! For example read (1 Thess 4:15-18), notice the shout of the Lord, the voice of an archangel, and a blast from the trumpet of God! This will definitely not be a quiet, secret affair!

Both of the scripture passages mentioned above by Jesus and Paul, declare that certain things must happen first before Jesus can return. Note the 3 things we mentioned, and be on the lookout for them on the world scene, especially the appearance of Antichrist. He will be the cause of the "great tribulation", which God will use to purify His Church, as near as I can see!!
Sincerely submitted.
Dave Jamer