Tag / Bible worker

by In Light Of The Cross

Does the Bible Teach About a Secret Rapture?

“Two men will be working together in the field; one will be taken, the other left. Two women will be grinding flour at the mill; one will be taken, the other left.” Matthew 24:40-41 NLT

Many people have used this passage to suggest a secret rapture, where people will suddenly just disappear and be taken to heaven. Growing up, I occasionally saw bumper stickers, warning that in case of rapture this car will be unmanned. But when you read this passage in context you will see no hint of a secret rapture.  *Unlike the secret rapture theory, the Sabbath is found in the Bible and has been taught and observed in the Bible and throughout history. The secret rapture was never taught before 1830 and is not found in the Bible.

Let’s take a look at the entire context of the passage in Matthew 24.

“When the Son of Man returns, it will be like it was in Noah’s day. In those days before the flood, the people were enjoying banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat. People didn’t realize what was going to happen until the flood came and swept them all away. That is the way it will be when the Son of Man comes. “Two men will be working together in the field; one will be taken, the other left. Two women will be grinding flour at the mill; one will be taken, the other left. Matthew 24:37-41 NLT

In the days of Noah the people who were swept away or “taken away” as other versions describe, were the wicked people, not the righteous. Jesus tells us it will be the same when He comes. So the ones taken in the field and at the mill are not the righteous, they are the wicked! They are taken away from the presence of the righteous and destroyed, just like in the days of Noah. So, Jesus is telling us that two men will be in the field; one will be taken and destroyed, just like the tares that are bundled up and destroyed in Matthew 13:30 while the wheat remains in the barn. By saying the other man is left, Jesus means that man is left alive and not destroyed. In Matthew 13:38 Jesus says the field is the world. That tells us that the one who is taken is destroyed while the one who is left inherits the new earth. (See Matthew 5:5 and Revelation 21:1-5.)

Luke makes it even more clear that those who are taken are not taken to heaven, but rather are taken to destruction like those left to be eaten or destroyed by vultures.

I tell you, in that night there will be two men in one bed: the one will be taken and the other will be left. Two women will be grinding together: the one will be taken and the other left. Two men will be in the field: the one will be taken and the other left.” And they answered and said to Him, “Where, Lord?” So He said to them, “Wherever the body is, there the eagles will be gathered together.” Luke 17:34-37 NKJV

Neither Matthew or Luke give any hint of a secret rapture. After all, when the wicked were swept away in the flood that was no secret. The whole world at that time saw what was happening. The eight who remained and took over the earth knew what was going on the whole time also. There were no secrets either way.

Far from being a secret the entire world will know.

Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. Revelation 1:7 NKJV

For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 NKJV

Yes there will be a rapture when we are taken up, but it will be no secret. Why is it so important that

everyone sees Jesus coming instead of the righteous just secretly disappearing? There are many reasons, but I am sure that Satan does not want to have to face the music. He would rather avoid that confrontation when Jesus comes as King of kings and Lord of lords. But there is no avoiding it. One day,

As I live says the Lord, Every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall confess to God. Romans 14:11 NKJV

When the great controversy is finished, the entire universe will declare that God is love. And that is a truth that Satan would rather cover up and keep secret, but he won’t be able. The whole world will see Jesus coming, and He will take home with Him all those who have accepted His love into their lives. Let’s accept Him into our hearts now so that we will greet His coming with joy.

*By the way the secret rapture rapture was never even taught until the theory was invented by John Darby around 1830. The Sabbath truth was re-discovered around the same time. 

You may study this week’s Sabbath School lesson here.

by In Light Of The Cross

Kaleb’s Baptism Pictures and Stories

In the summer of 2011 Mike and karmin were members of a group Bible Study that would meet at Panera Bread, and sometimes Mike and Karmin’s home. During this time Mike and karmin had a baby boy named Kaleb.
Here I am meeting Kaleb at his first ever Tuesday night Bible study. Actually it was his first ever Tuesday night! Like my friendship with Mike and Karmin, Kaleb and I have been best friends ever since. For over 10 years we have always been there for each other, or at least they have always been there for me. They were there with me when I went to the ER in 2009, and have always been there when I needed help with cleaning or moving, or just watching my place while on vacation. They are also there for me whenever I need someone to eat pizza with me or just a listening ear at Starbucks.
So ten years later this summer, when Mike and Karmin told me they were having baptism studies with Kaleb, I was very honored and happy when they asked me to participate in Kaleb’s preparation for baptism. Kaleb completed his Following Jesus baptism workbook as a part of his Bible study. Kaleb was also full of thoughtful questions on various topics as we studied together.

Yesterday was the special day when Kaleb expressed his love for Jesus, by being baptized. Kaleb gave all of himself to Jesus, because Jesus gave all of himself for Kaleb. About his baptism Kaleb said,

“I want to be baptized so I can continue my journey with God. I also want to be baptized so I can have a stronger relationship with Him. God is the only God and I want to make my commitment to Him.”

https://youtube.com/watch?v=0g7wgP1ggnM%3Fstart%3D3883
Here is the video of Kaleb’s baptism at the Tampa Frist Seventh-day Adventist Church.
After the baptism Kaleb received his baptism certificate which includes his Bible beliefs. Please pray for Kaleb as he continues his journey with God.

For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus.  And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes. Galatians 3:26-27 NLT

A special thanks for those who have been faithfully making these moments possible through the Bible Worker Fund. God bless you for your prayers and monthly or one time offerings.

by In Light Of The Cross

12: The Restless Prophet-Sabbath School Teaching Plan

Photo by Nathan Cowley on Pexels.com

Prepared by William Earnhardt, for Sabbath September 18.

Main Theme: Jonah could not find rest with his heart in the wrong place. God is patient as He helps us have the right attitudes that give our hearts peace.

Read Together Jonah 1:1-18. Discuss together what the main idea is of this passage.

Study: Why might Jonah be running away? Did running away bring true rest?

Apply: What are some ways people run from God today? Do they find true rest apart from God? Hint: Isaiah 48:22.

Share: Share a brief testimony of a time when God finally brought you around to doing the right thing.

Read Together Jonah 2:1-10. Discuss what the main idea is of this passage.

Study: What is Jonah praying about? Where does he direct his prayer and why?

Apply: How has God been merciful even when you were running the wrong way? How did his mercy help you find true rest?

Share: Your friend asks what exactly Jonah 2:8 is talking about. How do you explain it?

Read Together Jonah 3:1-10. Discuss what the main idea is of this passage.

Study: How did Nineveh respond and how do we see their repentance was sincere?

Apply: How do we show that we have sincerely repented? Hint: Ephesians 4:24-32, Luke 19:8-10. How does repentance and making things right give us true rest? Can you think of a time when you could find no rest until you finally made something right?

Share: A friend at church says she is afraid to share Jesus with her coworkers for fear of being rejected or made fun of. What hope can you share with your friend?

Read Together Jonah 4:1-11. Discuss the main idea of this passage.

Study: Why is Jonah so upset? Do you think Jonah may have forgot that the same mercy that saved Nineveh also provided the great fish to save him also? What can we learn from this?

Apply: Have you ever been reluctant to grant mercy to someone only to realize later that we all need mercy? See We all Need Mercy. How does forgiving others give us rest?

Share: Can you think of someone you have “discarded” as hopeless as a Ninevite? Will you rethink your attitude and share the Gospel with them this week? Remember,

“Often we regard as hopeless subjects the very ones whom Christ is drawing to Himself.” – Ellen White, Christ Object Lessons, Page 71.

by In Light Of The Cross

We all Need Mercy

Just a few years ago, I was meeting a friend from church at the bank to handle some church business. I parked my car in what I thought was a secluded area of the parking lot away from the other cars. My friend followed behind in her car, and for reasons I still do not know, sideswiped the back of my car as she parked next to my car! All she did was scrape some of the paint, but I was upset by the senseless destruction. There was no reason! She could have parked anywhere else where she would have had plenty of room, but no! She had to park right next to my car, and then hit it. She said she was sorry and would pay for it. But as I kept playing the scenario over in my mind it just upset me that what happened to my poor car was so needless and senseless. It never should have happened. 

Later that night I called my lifelong friend back home so I could vent. (After all I wasn’t going to gossip about it to my church family or anyone who knew her.) I told my friend back home all the tragic details but assured her my friend would pay for it. After listening, my friend replied, “William do you remember when I bought my brand new red Pontiac Fiero not long after we graduated from high school?” I replied, “Oh no! I remember now! Don’t remind me.” My friend still continued, “Remember at church while it was still new, you parked next to me and side scraped it as you left church ? Do you remember how you offered to pay to fix it, but I knew you didn’t have the money so I just forgave you?”

Thanks Collin’s Classic Auto for permission to use this image.

Immediately I realized out of all my friends on earth God directed me to call this particular friend,-the only friend whose car I have ever damaged the exact same way it just happened to me! A friend since early childhood who freely forgave me and never held a grudge. As a matter of fact in the 35 years since I side swiped her car in the church parking lot, she never mentioned it once. That is until I told her that I was having trouble forgiving someone who did the exact same thing to me. Then she had to remind me that I had been forgiven so I must forgive also. It was like the forgiving master telling his unforgiving servant,

Shouldn’t you have mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had mercy on you?’ Matthew 18:33 NLT 

I found it was a lot easier to forgive someone once I realized I had to be forgiven for the exact same thing. It  was good that my friend forgave me and forgot about it, but when my other friend accidentally did the same thing to my car I should have remembered on my own, how freely I had been forgiven, and then freely forgave my friend. 

For example, Jonah was upset with God for being merciful on such a wicked city, forgetting that the same mercy that spared Nineveh was the same mercy that provided the fish to save him. Jonah should have rejoiced that the same mercy that saved him also saved a wicked city. Maybe Jonah forgot about the mercy that had been shown him. 

When we remember all the things we have been forgiven it makes it so much easier to forgive others. 

You may study this week’s Sabbath School lesson here.

by In Light Of The Cross

Depression: Is it Time to ask for Help?

Photo by Fredrick Eankels on Pexels.com

Posted on  by William Earnhardtavatar

Just a few months ago I shared a story about a plane crash where around 80 people were killed. The whole ordeal could have been avoided if only proper communication and understanding had taken place. Some say the cockpit should have communicated more clearly. Others agree the ATC should have listened better. I feel for both sides because I have been on both sides. 

I rarely if ever get sick. Apparently God has blessed me with a good immune system. I am also a happy person. I rarely if ever get depressed. My friends talk about how happy I am all the time. A father once jokingly told his family that the reason I am always is happy is because I am single and have no kids. Or at least I hope the family took it as a joke. Having a family should make one happy not sad. Just the same it has occurred to me that God must have also provided me with an immunity to depression. I rarely ever get depressed and when I do it does not last long at all. 

So how does that help me feel for both sides? Like the ATC, I don’t always detect depression in others, though I have gotten better over time. I am a very punctual and responsible person. So when others are late, or just flake out on a commitment, my first thought used to be that they were just undependable people. It never occurred to me until recently that they were fighting depression.

Years ago I was working with a very small church school that hired a new principal from out of state. He accepted the job but when it came time, he never showed up. He never responded to our calls until, finally, we had to scramble to replace him at the last minute, realizing he was not communicating any more. I was very offended that a professional would behave in that manner – not showing up for  work or even communicating. Later we finally found out that he was going through a family crisis and was very depressed. Once he finally contacted us, he was very sorry for the situation. Of course we had replaced him by then, but I learned that depression can affect anyone. And not everyone who flakes out is a flake. Often they are depressed and don’t know what to do about it. I get that now.

Meanwhile I can also identify with the cockpit crew. Like I said, I rarely every get depressed and it has been over 20 years since my little outburst. I finally recently told you all about. I seem to have a good immunity against depression, and my friends, and even students at the school where I help, comment about how upbeat I seem to be all the time. I have never not shown up for work. I have never flaked out on a date, agreement or assignment. I have never failed to communicate if I am late or plans have changed. But rare as it may be, there have been times when I sure felt like it! Over the last 50 plus years, there have been times I wanted to jump in my car and just run away somewhere – anywhere! There have been times I wanted to dig a hole in the ground and crawl into it. There have been times I wanted to find a deserted island and move there. Now if you’ve known me for a long time, you are probably shocked reading this. That is because I never communicated it. You never saw it. I acted like everything was okay, and, within time, before I acted out the feeling passed over. Usually all it took for me was a good night’s rest or phone call with a trusted friend, and everything was right in the world again. My rare depressions were never chronic but they were enough to help me understand why people do the things that they do. In other words, while I have never accepted a new job and then never shown up, I do understand how that might happen. I understand that depression makes people do things no one understands. 

Obviously my rare depressions were situational and temporary. I understand many people have chronic depression which takes place even on the most beautiful of days for no apparent reason. When chronically depressed people actually carry out irresponsible and foolish acts, I can still relate, because just because I have never carried out an irrational action does not mean I have have never felt like it. I have felt like it! The good news is that there is help for all of us. God understands even when no one else does. As a matter of fact there are some pretty pathetic psalms in the book of Psalms. Some of them make me wonder how they ever even made it into the Bible. Some of them seem to offer no solution as David just expresses his pathetic emotions. Then, again, maybe that is why they are in a collection of inspired writings – to let us know even inspired people sometimes have irrational feelings and emotions. 

Come quickly, Lord, and answer me, for my depression deepens. Psalm 143:7 NLT 

Of course we all know God is our number one source of joy and peace. However God said it was not good for people to be alone, which is why He created a community for Adam. We need community too. Sometimes we need to go ahead and call professionals in the community to help us with depression. Abide Counseling is a group of trained Adventist professionals who are trained to use Bible principles for dealing with and overcoming depression. They can even help you online in the privacy of your own home. They can work with your budget.

It has been a stressful and isolating last couple of years for most people, and does not seem to be getting better. Some of us have been isolated. Some of us are grieving the loss of a loved one(s) during isolation.  Help is available, and Abide Counseling is a safe and biblically sound resource for finding hope, peace and meaning.

The Abide Counseling website also has several helpful and encouraging blog posts concerning depression and anxiety. I encourage you to explore their blog post section and find some help and encouragement. 

We owe it to ourselves to get the help we need to have the joy and peace God wants us to have. We owe it to others to be sensitive and caring for others who may be battling depression. 

You may study this week’s Sabbath School lesson here.

by In Light Of The Cross

08: Free to Rest-Sabbath School Teaching Plan

Photo by Thomas Nguka on Pexels.com

Prepared by William Earnhardt, for Sabbath School Class Sabbath, August 21, 2021.

Main Theme: A restful worry free life is not based on our standing with the world, but on our relationship with Christ.

Read Together Mark 2:1-12. Identify the main idea of this passage.

Study: Why did Jesus forgive the man’s sins before healing him, and why did he finally heal him?

Apply: Is your first concern your physical health or your relationship with God? Why?

Share: Mark 2:5 says Jesus saw their faith. What are some situations where your faith could help bring healing or salvation to someone else?

Read Together 1 Kings 19:1-5. Pinpoint the main theme of this passage.

Study: Why did Jezebel’s threat scare Elijah, especially when he never seemed threatened by King Ahab?

Apply: Have you ever been so tired that you were not thinking straight, and did something foolish?

Share: A friend asks you if suicide is the unpardonable sin? How do you respond? Especially since you don’t want to encourage suicide?

Read Together 1 Kings 19:5-8. Discuss the main idea of this passage.

Study: What gave Elijah the strength to make the 40 day journey?

Apply: Have you ever been so tired and discouraged that you wanted to give up? What kept you going?

Share: A friend confided in you that during the COVID-19 they feel isolated and like no one cares. How can you encourage your friend?

Read Together 1 Kings 19:15-16 and 2 Kings 2:11. What is the theme of these passages?

Study: How does 2 Kings 2:11 explain why God did not just let Elijah die back in 1 Kings 19? How does it explain why Elijah never should have let Jezebel destroy his rest and peace in God? Why should we never let the world destroy our peace?

Apply: Even when Elijah was discouraged God still gave him an assignment in 1 Kings 19:15-16. Does God give up on us when we show sings of fear or doubt or discouragement?

Share: Can you think of a friend or loved one who is suffering depression and could use an encouraging word? Could you pick up the phone and give them a call this week, or maybe even write a letter that they could read and re-read whenever they needed encouragement?

But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. James 1:22 NLT

by In Light Of The Cross

Even With bad Breaks we are More Than Conquerors

I am writing today from the beautiful Tampa Bay area.

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28 NKJV 

In John 8:1-11 Some men with terrible motives and intentions seduced a woman and dragged her to Jesus  to see if He would condemn her or even allow her to be stoned to death. As evil as their intentions were what they inadvertently did was they brought a woman to the feet of Jesus where she found salvation. As terrible as it was, and believe me it was not Jesus’ idea for them to do her that way, but in the end Jesus turned things around to work out in her favor and to God’s glory. 

Terrible things happened to Jesus. Satan worked through evil men to make the Son of God a degraded spectacle on the cross. yet through it all Jesus became the Savior of the world. One day every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that the one who was so despised, rejected and degraded is Lord. In the process a multitude that no one can number will be saved.

The Father’s presence encircled Christ, and nothing befell Him but that which infinite love permitted for the blessing of the world. Here was His source of comfort, and it is for us. He who is imbued with the Spirit of Christ abides in Christ. The blow that is aimed at him falls upon the Saviour, who surrounds him with His presence. Whatever comes to him comes from Christ. He has no need to resist evil, for Christ is his defense. Nothing can touch him except by our Lord’s permission, and “all things” that are permitted “work together for good to them that love God.” Romans 8:28.- Ellen White, Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, Page 71. 

What a wonderful promise that nothing can touch us but what infinite love permits, and all these things work together for our good if we love God. Without ever reading Romans 8;28 or this passage from Mount of Blessing I just shared, Joseph realized that all the bad breaks he endured worked out to develop his character so he could save lives. Instead of being bitter and resentful Joseph saw even the bad breaks and evil intentions of others were working to his advantage. Not only did Joseph forgive his brothers for selling him into slavery but instead of blaming them he said it was actually God who did it- and He did it for the good of others. 

But now, do not therefore be grieved or angry with yourselves because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life. Genesis 45:5 NKJV

Not only did Joseph not blame his dysfunctional family for all the bad breaks in his life, but he refused to acknowledge them as bad breaks. Instead he realized through all of the evil intentions of his dysfunctional family and even Potipher’s wife’s terrible accusations God was working to refine his character in order to get him exactly where he needed to be in order to save many lives. 

When bad breaks come our way instead of blaming others for our situation lets trust God the same way Jesus and Joseph did. Let’s share in their hope and encouragement. Surely God is working out something wonderful in our lives. 

Christ rejoiced that He could do more for His followers than they could ask or think. He spoke with assurance, knowing that an almighty decree had been given before the world was made. He knew that truth, armed with the omnipotence of the Holy Spirit, would conquer in the contest with evil; and that the bloodstained banner would wave triumphantly over His followers. He knew that the life of His trusting disciples would be like His, a series of uninterrupted victories, not seen to be such here, but recognized as such in the great hereafter.-Ellen White, Desire of Ages, Page 679.

Instead of being resentful and bitter over supposedly bad  breaks lets bask in the love of God! God’s great love is working through our tribulations and persecutions making us more than conquerors. 

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written: “For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.” Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.  For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:35-39 NKJV 

You may study this week’s Sabbath School lesson here.
by In Light Of The Cross

07: Rest, Relationships and healing- Sabbath School Teaching Plan

Prepared by William Earnhardt for Sabbath School class, Sabbath August 14, 2021.

Main Theme: Forgiveness frees us from the bitterness that keeps us from reaching our full potential. Forgiveness opens the door all of God’s blessings.

Photo by RODNAE Productions on Pexels.com

Read Together Genesis 42:21-24. Discuss what happened in this passage.

Study: What did Joseph hear that helped him confirm his brothers were truly sorry for what they did to him?

Apply: Put yourself in the brother’s sandals. When they sensed their guilt how could they make things right? They had no clue there was still opportunity to make amends with Joseph but what about their father? For additional teacher’s resources see and read the 7 A’s of reconciliation.

Share: Ask the class if someone can share a testimony they experienced or witnessed first hand where forgiveness and reconciliation took place?

Read Together Matthew 18:21-35. Share with each other the main idea of this passage.

Study: Why did the master forgive the servant? Did the servant ask for forgiveness or more time to pay the debt? Why might it be important to note that the servant was not asking for forgiveness but only more time to pay the debt? For additional teacher’s resources see and read See and read Forgiveness in Light of the Cross.

Apply: How does Jesus dying on the cross help us to forgive?

Share: A friend shares with you that her ex-husband cheated on her and left her, and even after the divorce she feels hatred, resentment and bitterness that will not go away. How can you help your friend?

Read Together Genesis 45:1-15. Discuss the main idea of this passage.

Study: What signs do we see here that Joseph is not blaming his brothers for his misfortunes in life? What exactly did Joseph accomplish that makes him feel more like a victor than a victim?

Apply: How does blaming others hold us back from reaching our full potential even if that blame is justifiable? See Philippians 4:13.

Share: Ask class members to share an experience where God helped them to succeed after a setback. For additional teacher’s resources read Even With bad Breaks we are More Than Conquerors.

Read Together Genesis 50:15-21. identify the main idea of the passage.

Study: Why were Joseph’s brothers afraid Joseph may still retaliate?

Application: Have you ever been tempted to retaliate even after claiming to forgive someone? What does one need to do when this happens?

Share: Can you think of someone who would be encouraged by the story of Joseph? Can you make time to share it with them this week?

But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. James 1:22 NLT