The Mark of the beast and the seven bowl judgments

            This two topic study starts just after the seventh trumpet deals with chapters 12 through 16 of Revelation, which deal with the fall of Satan from heaven, the man child of the woman, the rise of the anti-Christ beast and his mark, and lastly the seven bowl judgments, the final set of judgments on what will then be a very reprobate and exceedingly hard hearted world. This is because most everyone who refuses to take the mark of the beast will be killed for their decision to reject the anti- Christ, and those who accept are damned and of course as a result extremely hard towards God, angry that a just God that would justly judge all their wrongs and hard heartedness, and being married to Satan because they chose to take the mark of the beast.

The events of these chapters follow the trumpet judgments and I am providing a link to the study/teaching on the trumpet judgments here:

https://www.facebook.com/notes/jay-dougherty/book-of-revelation-the-trumpet-judgments/264096563733152

Chapter 12 of Revelation details the war in heaven where Satan and his angels are defeated and cast to earth, stopping the continual accusations against the saints, but then he pursues the woman and her man child, trying to kill them but the Lord rescues woman and man child from a flood of water, but the dragon makes war with the rest of her offspring

(Revelation 12:1)  And a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars.

(Revelation 12:2)  She was pregnant and was crying out in birth pains and the agony of giving birth.

(Revelation 12:3)  And another sign appeared in heaven: behold, a great red dragon, with seven heads and ten horns, and on his heads seven diadems.

(Revelation 12:4)  His tail swept down a third of the stars of heaven and cast them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was about to give birth, so that when she bore her child he might devour it.

(Revelation 12:5)  She gave birth to a male child, one who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron, but her child was caught up to God and to his throne,

(Revelation 12:6)  and the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, in which she is to be nourished for 1,260 days.

(Revelation 12:7)  Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels fought back,

(Revelation 12:8)  but he was defeated, and there was no longer any place for them in heaven.

(Revelation 12:9)  And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world--he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.

(Revelation 12:10)  And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, "Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God.

(Revelation 12:11)  And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.

(Revelation 12:12)  Therefore, rejoice, O heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to you, O earth and sea, for the devil has come down to you in great wrath, because he knows that his time is short!"

(Revelation 12:13)  And when the dragon saw that he had been thrown down to the earth, he pursued the woman who had given birth to the male child.

(Revelation 12:14)  But the woman was given the two wings of the great eagle so that she might fly from the serpent into the wilderness, to the place where she is to be nourished for a time, and times, and half a time.

(Revelation 12:15)  The serpent poured water like a river out of his mouth after the woman, to sweep her away with a flood.

(Revelation 12:16)  But the earth came to the help of the woman, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed the river that the dragon had poured from his mouth.

(Revelation 12:17)  Then the dragon became furious with the woman and went off to make war on the rest of her offspring, on those who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus. And he stood on the sand of the sea.

Revelation chapter 13 gives all the details of the rise of the anti-Christ beast and about him , the false prophet with his false miracles that he does to deceive people, the image of the beast created for man to worship, and the mark of the beast which he will try to force everyone to take so they can buy, sell or trade( DO NOT TAKE THIS, or you will be lost forever, as you will see in chapter 14)

(Revelation 13:1)  And I saw a beast rising out of the sea, with ten horns and seven heads, with ten diadems on its horns and blasphemous names on its heads.

(Revelation 13:2)  And the beast that I saw was like a leopard; its feet were like a bear's, and its mouth was like a lion's mouth. And to it the dragon gave his power and his throne and great authority.

(Revelation 13:3)  One of its heads seemed to have a mortal wound, but its mortal wound was healed, and the whole earth marveled as they followed the beast.

(Revelation 13:4)  And they worshiped the dragon, for he had given his authority to the beast, and they worshiped the beast, saying, "Who is like the beast, and who can fight against it?"

(Revelation 13:5)  And the beast was given a mouth uttering haughty and blasphemous words, and it was allowed to exercise authority for forty-two months.

(Revelation 13:6)  It opened its mouth to utter blasphemies against God, blaspheming his name and his dwelling, that is, those who dwell in heaven.

(Revelation 13:7)  Also it was allowed to make war on the saints and to conquer them. And authority was given it over every tribe and people and language and nation,

(Revelation 13:8)  and all who dwell on earth will worship it, everyone whose name has not been written before the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who was slain.

(Revelation 13:9)  If anyone has an ear, let him hear:

(Revelation 13:10)  If anyone is to be taken captive, to captivity he goes; if anyone is to be slain with the sword, with the sword must he be slain. Here is a call for the endurance and faith of the saints.

(Revelation 13:11)  Then I saw another beast rising out of the earth. It had two horns like a lamb and it spoke like a dragon.

(Revelation 13:12)  It exercises all the authority of the first beast in its presence, and makes the earth and its inhabitants worship the first beast, whose mortal wound was healed.

(Revelation 13:13)  It performs great signs, even making fire come down from heaven to earth in front of people,

(Revelation 13:14)  and by the signs that it is allowed to work in the presence of the beast it deceives those who dwell on earth, telling them to make an image for the beast that was wounded by the sword and yet lived.

(Revelation 13:15)  And it was allowed to give breath to the image of the beast, so that the image of the beast might even speak and might cause those who would not worship the image of the beast to be slain.

(Revelation 13:16)  Also it causes all, both small and great, both rich and poor, both free and slave, to be marked on the right hand or the forehead,

(Revelation 13:17)  so that no one can buy or sell unless he has the mark, that is, the name of the beast or the number of its name.

(Revelation 13:18)  This calls for wisdom: let the one who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man, and his number is 666.

In Revelation chapter 14 there is a discussion of the 144,000 including a new worship song just for them, there are warnings of the fall of Babylon and a dire warning for those who worship the beast and take his mark for their torment will continue forever, but it also says blessed are those who die in the Lord from then on (most probably tortured and martyred for refusing the mark by the antichrist’s people, but you must absolutely refuse to take the mark of the beast at ANY AND ALL costs so as not to be tormented forever by God because accepting the mark basically marries you to Satan and the antichrist in effect, at the end there are two harvests of people on the earth.

(Revelation 14:1)  Then I looked, and behold, on Mount Zion stood the Lamb, and with him 144,000 who had his name and his Father's name written on their foreheads.

(Revelation 14:2)  And I heard a voice from heaven like the roar of many waters and like the sound of loud thunder. The voice I heard was like the sound of harpists playing on their harps,

(Revelation 14:3)  and they were singing a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and before the elders. No one could learn that song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth.

(Revelation 14:4)  It is these who have not defiled themselves with women, for they are virgins. It is these who follow the Lamb wherever he goes. These have been redeemed from mankind as firstfruits for God and the Lamb,

(Revelation 14:5)  and in their mouth no lie was found, for they are blameless.

(Revelation 14:6)  Then I saw another angel flying directly overhead, with an eternal gospel to proclaim to those who dwell on earth, to every nation and tribe and language and people.

(Revelation 14:7)  And he said with a loud voice, "Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come, and worship him who made heaven and earth, the sea and the springs of water."

(Revelation 14:8)  Another angel, a second, followed, saying, "Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, she who made all nations drink the wine of the passion of her sexual immorality."

(Revelation 14:9)  And another angel, a third, followed them, saying with a loud voice, "If anyone worships the beast and its image and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand,

(Revelation 14:10)  he also will drink the wine of God's wrath, poured full strength into the cup of his anger, and he will be tormented with fire and sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb.

(Revelation 14:11)  And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever, and they have no rest, day or night, these worshipers of the beast and its image, and whoever receives the mark of its name."

(Revelation 14:12)  Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus.

(Revelation 14:13)  And I heard a voice from heaven saying, "Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on." "Blessed indeed," says the Spirit, "that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!"

(Revelation 14:14)  Then I looked, and behold, a white cloud, and seated on the cloud one like a son of man, with a golden crown on his head, and a sharp sickle in his hand.

(Revelation 14:15)  And another angel came out of the temple, calling with a loud voice to him who sat on the cloud, "Put in your sickle, and reap, for the hour to reap has come, for the harvest of the earth is fully ripe."

(Revelation 14:16)  So he who sat on the cloud swung his sickle across the earth, and the earth was reaped.

(Revelation 14:17)  Then another angel came out of the temple in heaven, and he too had a sharp sickle.

(Revelation 14:18)  And another angel came out from the altar, the angel who has authority over the fire, and he called with a loud voice to the one who had the sharp sickle, "Put in your sickle and gather the clusters from the vine of the earth, for its grapes are ripe."

(Revelation 14:19)  So the angel swung his sickle across the earth and gathered the grape harvest of the earth and threw it into the great winepress of the wrath of God.

(Revelation 14:20)  And the winepress was trodden outside the city, and blood flowed from the winepress, as high as a horse's bridle, for 1,600 stadia.

In chapter 15 there is worship of God in heaven, and preparations are made for the angels to pour out the seven bowls of wrath on to the earth, God’s final judgment, and nobody could enter into God’s sanctuary until this action of the pouring out of the bowls of God’s wrath is complete

(Revelation 15:1)  Then I saw another sign in heaven, great and amazing, seven angels with seven plagues, which are the last, for with them the wrath of God is finished.

(Revelation 15:2)  And I saw what appeared to be a sea of glass mingled with fire--and also those who had conquered the beast and its image and the number of its name, standing beside the sea of glass with harps of God in their hands.

(Revelation 15:3)  And they sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, "Great and amazing are your deeds, O Lord God the Almighty! Just and true are your ways, O King of the nations!

(Revelation 15:4)  Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship you, for your righteous acts have been revealed."

(Revelation 15:5)  After this I looked, and the sanctuary of the tent of witness in heaven was opened,

(Revelation 15:6)  and out of the sanctuary came the seven angels with the seven plagues, clothed in pure, bright linen, with golden sashes around their chests.

(Revelation 15:7)  And one of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels seven golden bowls full of the wrath of God who lives forever and ever,

(Revelation 15:8)  and the sanctuary was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from his power, and no one could enter the sanctuary until the seven plagues of the seven angels were finished.

God then gives the command to pour out the seven bowls of His wrath is given to the angels who have the bowls of wrath and the first angel pours out his bowl causing a grievous sore to appear on ALL those who took the mark of the beast (another reason to refuse the mark at all costs, even torture and death)

(Revelation 16:1)  Then I heard a loud voice from the temple telling the seven angels, "Go and pour out on the earth the seven bowls of the wrath of God."

(Revelation 16:2)  So the first angel went and poured out his bowl on the earth, and harmful and painful sores came upon the people who bore the mark of the beast and worshiped its image.

The second bowl is poured out and causes the sea to become as a dead man’s blood and as a result everything in the sea dies

(Revelation 16:3)  The second angel poured out his bowl into the sea, and it became like the blood of a corpse, and every living thing died that was in the sea.

The third angel pours out his bowl and as a result all the rivers and fresh water are turned to blood, and this is stated that the people deserve such for the shedding of the blood of the saints

(Revelation 16:4)  The third angel poured out his bowl into the rivers and the springs of water, and they became blood.

(Revelation 16:5)  And I heard the angel in charge of the waters say, "Just are you, O Holy One, who is and who was, for you brought these judgments.

(Revelation 16:6)  For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and you have given them blood to drink. It is what they deserve!"

(Revelation 16:7)  And I heard the altar saying, "Yes, Lord God the Almighty, true and just are your judgments!"

The fourth bowl is poured out this time on the sun, causing the sun to scorch all those on the earth, but those scorched refuse to repent of their deeds but instead cursed God because of the sun

(Revelation 16:8)  The fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and it was allowed to scorch people with fire.

(Revelation 16:9)  They were scorched by the fierce heat, and they cursed the name of God who had power over these plagues. They did not repent and give him glory.

The fifth bowl is poured out on the throne of the anti-Christ causing darkness to envelop the kingdom and again people curse God due to their torment and heard heartedness and refused to repent of their evil deeds

(Revelation 16:10)  The fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and its kingdom was plunged into darkness. People gnawed their tongues in anguish

(Revelation 16:11)  and cursed the God of heaven for their pain and sores. They did not repent of their deeds.

The sixth bowl is poured out on to the river Euphrates causing the river to be dried up as a result and three demon spirits go out to prepare the way, getting the people, for the battle at Armageddon(see chapter 19 of Revelation in a study to come) and an encouragement for all to stay awake

(Revelation 16:12)  The sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up, to prepare the way for the kings from the east.

(Revelation 16:13)  And I saw, coming out of the mouth of the dragon and out of the mouth of the beast and out of the mouth of the false prophet, three unclean spirits like frogs.

(Revelation 16:14)  For they are demonic spirits, performing signs, who go abroad to the kings of the whole world, to assemble them for battle on the great day of God the Almighty.

(Revelation 16:15)  ("Behold, I am coming like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake, keeping his garments on, that he may not go about naked and be seen exposed!")

(Revelation 16:16)  And they assembled them at the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon.

The seventh bowl is poured out, which then causes the most severe earthquake ever known to have happened on earth to happen with worldwide devastation as a result of the monster earthquake , and massive 100 pound hailstones to fall from the sky on the people, and  yet people still refuse to repent but curse God for the sake of the severity of the plague of hail

(Revelation 16:17)  The seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and a loud voice came out of the temple, from the throne, saying, "It is done!"

(Revelation 16:18)  And there were flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, and a great earthquake such as there had never been since man was on the earth, so great was that earthquake.

(Revelation 16:19)  The great city was split into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell, and God remembered Babylon the great, to make her drain the cup of the wine of the fury of his wrath.

(Revelation 16:20)  And every island fled away, and no mountains were to be found.

(Revelation 16:21)  And great hailstones, about one hundred pounds each, fell from heaven on people; and they cursed God for the plague of the hail, because the plague was so severe.

For the story of the last six chapters of Revelation, including the judgment on Babylon the battle of Armageddon referred to above, and the coming down of the New Jerusalem city, please go to this link

https://www.facebook.com/notes/jay-dougherty/fall-of-babylon-armageddon-new-jerusalem-in-revelation/10200963903713394

The bowl judgments are the most severe judgments  of the three sets of judgments (seals, trumpets, bowls) but nobody needs to go through any of the three judgments or even to face the decision of whether or not to take the beast, with terrible consequences either way (or try to hide out through the seven year tribulation period in an attempt to survive the judgments and avoid the anti-Christ system which will rule the world then) if they know Jesus now, and are passionate for Him, for soon Jesus in His mercy and love will soon return and rapture His bride off the earth to heaven, to participate in the marriage supper, but also not have to partake of the plagues which are described in these three studies. I am now including a segment with more info on the coming rapture which I really do believe could be any day now- it is not at all far off, but only the Father God knows the true timing as Jesus says in His word but we must be ready for it at any time.

Rapture         

I will conclude and wrap this teaching up by saying that the way people are now(not too unlike the way they were at Noah’s time and also the time Sodom, which are things which Jesus prophesied about in scriptures in Matthew, Mark and Luke)and all the many other end times signs which are occurring currently(animals dying, food prices rising, wars, rumors of wars, crazy weather and so on) are birth pangs of the coming tribulation period and  sure signs the rapture is not far way, indeed, I still believe that the rapture could be any day at any time, of which the Heavenly Father only knows). So cheer up, your redemption is drawing closer and closer every day that passes. Also please remember that Jesus loves you more than You can possibly know, and also by posting this about the rapture, too, which does duplicate some of the scriptures, but that is for emphasis for the rapture is too important and you absolutely DO NOT want to miss it:

                                  THE RAPTURE IS IMMINENT!!! ARE YOU READY????

            I am very strongly led to believe the rapture is very imminent, and could happen any day at anytime at all. Nobody knows the exact time for the rapture but the Father God Himself. I cannot strongly enough advise all of you to get your hearts right with Jesus by asking the Holy Spirit to reveal to you if there is any Sin /iniquity/ uncleanness in your heart, mind etc and repenting of any and all items brought to your mind right away, asking the Holy Spirit to cleanse you and your garments so that they are spotless, being washed by the blood of Jesus. I am a man, needing the blood of Jesus for cleansing as much as everyone else, and believe me I am doing the same thing. This repenting is a continuous process, not just a one time thing; I have found that I myself have been repenting several times throughout the day. I know that it will be God's grace and mercy ONLY that I make the rapture, not anything I do, I am well aware of the fact that grace alone being what saves, and not works lest any should boast, but also faith without works is dead so I am sharing this with everyone, in the hopes that a few, even just one person, would wake up in time, and repent, for the remaining time here is very short.

            I post and share this document for I deeply care for people and DO NOT want anyone to miss the rapture and find themselves left behind to face the 7 year tribulations which will follow the rapture which will be pure a horrific time on earth, the most horrific ever, in fact, where you will have to hide in caves or in mountains, away from all the evil and very selfish people, be an absolute survival expert, which many are not and absolutely refuse at all costs to take the mark of the beast(666).As a result of your refusal to take this mark, you won’t be able to buy or sell anything, work, eat, live in a normal way, and so on, and most likely you’ll be killed for it, but that is far better than taking the mark and ending up in the lake of fire for eternity, as each and every man and woman  who take the mark of the beast will end up in the lake of fire, where there will be absolutely no rest from their torment night or day(Revelation 14).  Even doing all the precautions, hiding by getting away from all population centers and into the mountains, and so on may not be enough because many if not most people, in fact will not survive the judgments that God will pour out on the world in this time period, in the seal, trumpet and bowl judgments as well as the judgment and destruction of the daughter of Babylon. All these events are described in good detail in the book of Revelation in chapters 6 through 18, which I strongly advise all to read. Here is a link an excellent animated video of the entire book of revelation for you to watch

 The tribulation period of seven years absolutely will make today's evil world seem like life in paradise by comparison. I very strongly suggest reading the book of Revelation chapters 6 through 18 which tell you specifically what sort of events and judgments the world will see during this tribulation period.

Here are some rapture related scriptures:

 (1 Corinthians 15:51) Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,

(1 Corinthians 15:52) 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.

(1Thessolonians 4:16) 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:

(1Thessolonians 4:17) 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.

God wants to keep us from this tribulation by His love and mercy Because thou has 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."  The implication of this verse is obvious:  If the end-time Christian does NOT stay close to the Lord and endure to the end, HE WILL NOT BE KEPT FROM THE TRIBULATION HOUR Revelation 3 verse 10, so it is IMPERATIVE to stay close to the Lord in these last days. 

Now I have a very special warning message to all those who are lukewarm Christians to repent of this condition and to be on fire for Jesus or Jesus will surely spit you out of the rapture(see verse 16, below) and you will go through the seven year tribulation as it says in Revelation 3 14-22. There are FAR TOO MANY are in this condition the Holy Spirit warned me this AM. There are FAR TOO MANY LAODICEANS today. Please REPENT NOW of your lukewarmness and be on fire for the Lord before it is too late and you miss the rapture as a result of your being lukewarm!! Here are the verses in Revelation chapter 3 concerning the Laodicean church:

(Revelation 3:14) And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;

(Revelation 3:15) I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.

(Revelation 3:16) So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

(Revelation 3:17) Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:

(Revelation 3:18) I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.

(Revelation 3:19) As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

(Revelation 3:20) Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

(Revelation 3:21) To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

(Revelation 3:22) He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

Summarizing, you MUST all be ready for this coming rapture, AND be on FIRE for Jesus, and not be at all lukewarm but loving Jesus with ALL Your heart, mind and soul as commanded in the bible, in several places in both the old and new testaments. If in case you need to receive the Lord please pray the following prayer (backsliders can also use this prayer to repent of their sin and lukewarmness and recommit their lives, and return to their first love, Jesus. Please do so NOW before it is too late)

Dear God in heaven, I come to you in the name of Jesus. I acknowledge to You that I am a sinner, and I am sorry for my sins and the life that I have lived; I need your forgiveness. I believe that your only begotten Son Jesus Christ shed His precious blood on the cross at Calvary and died for my sins, and I am now willing to turn from my sin. You said in Your Holy Word, Romans 10:9 that if we confess Jesus as our Lord and believe in our hearts that God raised Jesus from the dead, we will be saved. Right now I confess Jesus as the Lord of my soul. With my heart, I believe that God raised Jesus from the dead. This very moment I accept Jesus Christ as my own personal Savior and according to His Word, right now I am saved. Thank you Jesus for your unlimited grace which has saved me from my sins. I thank you Jesus that your grace never leads to license, but rather it always leads to repentance. Therefore Lord Jesus transform my life so that I may bring glory and honor to you alone and not to myself. Thank you Jesus for dying for me and giving me eternal life.

Amen.

Here are 10 steps that can be of help to be ready for the soon to come rapture:

1. Make sure that you have received Jesus Christ into your life as your PERSONAL Lord and Savior(see the salvation prayer above and use it if need be).

2. Examine your own heart for any signs of backsliding, worldliness, unwatchfulness, compromising, and lukewarmness.

3. REPENT (Turn COMPLETELY away from sin and turn COMPLETELY around towards Jesus).  Sin separates you from God, even as a Christian.

4. Study end-time Biblical prophecy(Daniel 7-12, Matthew 24, Mark 13, Luke 17, 21, 1 Corinthians 15, 1 Thessalonians 4 and 5, other places but the  book of Revelation in particular)  until you become completely convinced that His Coming is, indeed, AT THE DOOR.  This will help keep you from temptation and sin.  JESUS IS COMING VERY SOON!!! Lord help me be absolutely convinced YOU ARE at the door!!!!!

5. Do something for the Lord.  (Passing out tracts would be a good start.)

6. Examine your priorities, lest the CARES OF THIS LIFE cause YOU to MISS THE RAPTURE, as we are so adamantly WARNED about in Luke 21, and so many other Scriptures.

7. Draw closer to God by praying, reading His Word, attending a fundamental church as often as possible, and surround yourself with a Christian atmosphere (Christian friends, books, music, radio, TV, etc.)

8. PRAY DILIGENTLY.  ASK THE LORD TO REVEAL TO YOU ANYTHING IN YOUR LIFE THAT EVEN MIGHT KEEP YOU FROM THE RAPTURE.  PRAY THAT THE LORD WOULD GIVE YOU A PEACE, IF YOU ARE READY, AND AN UNREST AND UNEASINESS IN YOUR HEART, IF YOU ARE NOT READY.

9. Listen for His voice and then STAY OPEN TO THE LEADING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.

10. Act upon that which the Lord is calling you to do. DO IT NOW BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE!

Please also pray and ask the Lord Jesus to see if you are indeed ready and to give you peace if you and If the Lord has planted even the least bit of doubt or uneasiness in your heart, will you swallow your pride and pray this prayer with me:

"Dear Lord, Thank you for preparing a WAY OF ESCAPE from the horrible Tribulation to come.  It is my sincere desire to be ready for your Soon Return, so that I can participate in the Rapture. Give me a COMPLETE PEACE IN MY HEART FROM YOU if I am, indeed, ready. Let there be no false sense of security in my heart concerning my readiness for Your Return.  Begin to reveal to me things in my life and in my heart that might keep me from the Rapture.  Show me what I need to do to BE READY and then give me the power to act upon that which you show me to do.  Draw me away from the world and closer to you every day.  Use me in whatever way you can to help others

who may not be ready for your Return.  Fill me with your peace when I am ready and fill me with YOUR POWER, for victory over sin and temptation, and for effective service for your kingdom.  In Jesus' mighty name, Amen

If, by an unfortunate chance, you are finding yourself reading this testimony after the rapture has happened, and you find that you have missed it, everything is not lost by any means, just please pray immediately to accept the Lord Jesus as savior and /or recommit your life to Him, repenting of anything  and everything that you have done that has caused you to miss the rapture, especially such things as being lukewarm and whatever else you may do during that time absolutely DO NOT TAKE THE MARK OF THE BEAST OR YOU WILL SPEND ETERNITY IN THE LAKE OF FIRE!!!!!(taking the mark of the beast means you are essentially married to Satan, the antichrist, the beast and false prophet,  ALL OF WHOM ARE DESTINED FOR THE LAKE OF FIRE, AS ARE ALL WHO TAKE THEIR MARK ON THEIR FOREHEAD OR HAND). IT IS NOT AT ALL FORGIVABLE TO TAKE THIS MARK- so again you must avoid taking this mark AT ALL COSTS you won’t be able to buy, sell, work, and so on, you will have to hide, living in the forest and away from civilization, face jail, torture, and be executed for refusing the mark. If you do die for refusing to take the mark of the beast, if you are Jesus’ you will go to heaven immediately as a tribulation saint and martyr spoken of in the book of revelation. I cannot strongly stress the point enough to NEVER, EVER accept the mark of the beast, no matter what!!!! It will be well worth it to lose everything and everyone in this world, including your life so as  to not have to spend all eternity in hell and the lake of fire, where again there will be never any rest on your torment day or night.

Here is a video link for after the rapture http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TbvC-9Ei83E&feature=youtu.be

And a link to another facebook page https://www.facebook.com/jay.dougherty.50?ref=tn_tnmn#!/notes/jay-dougherty/good-book-on-tribulations-and-end-times-please-share-aslo-video-link/10200133756520233

God bless you and yours