I have been studying the doctrines of soul sleep lately and while they do not seem convincing, there are three interesting arguments they always use:

The first is the term “last day” as used in John 11:24, they conclude that there is not resurrection until the last day which would be at the second coming of Christ.

The second argument (and the more interesting one) is this: when Lazarus died (John 11:11-14), where did he go? The “soul sleep” advocates ask this question then follow up by saying, if Lazarus went to heaven, how come when Jesus raised him from the dead, he did not mention anything about his experience. They conclude that since Lazarus or for that matter anybody else who Jesus raised from the dead did not say anything about an experience after life, they must’ve went into soul sleep.

A third argument that soul sleep advocates use is Acts (2:29-34). They say that since “David did not ascend to heaven” (Acts 2:34) he must therefore be in his tomb “awaiting” resurrection.

In order to form a rebuttal to the “away from the body present with Christ” teaching, they say that a person in “soul sleep” does not know the passing of time and therefore it will only seem like a second later when they are resurrected. Further they say that Paul never said, to be away from the body is to be at home with the Lord, he said to be at home in the body is to be away from the Lord and so we are standing on an assumption when using that verse to support our belief.

I am very interested in the theory that Anti-Christ may be Muslim. But then Jesus also said to the Jewish people, “I am come in my Father’s name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.” John 5:43 (KJV) Obviously the Jews would not accept a Muslim Messiah. Any thoughts?

I just watched a video that a televangelist sent out to Osama Bin Ladin. Yikes. He doesn’t mince any words, and very baldly presents the gospel message to Osama, telling him that he will be praying that Osama rejects Islam and comes to repentance.

I think that’s a lovely thought, but a wasted effort. Are we called upon to pray for the salvation of all people, regardless of how patently obvious it is that particular individuals are instruments of Satan and/or are actively involved in fulfilling end times prophecy?

I would hate to call it “wasted” prayer, but it sort of feels like that’s what it would be. Thank you so much for your continued teaching. I rely heavily on your work.

Re: Destroying Iran?

Your comment regarding the Russian weapons cache in the last paragraph of your answer reminded me of the same mention in Rosenberg’s book “Epicenter”. I was in Lebanon during that time, and had no idea of that incident until I read Rosenberg’s book. After reading that portion a few months ago, I sat quietly and let the realization sink-in that I was nearly in the middle of an all-out war. I also realized that this was yet another time when, unbeknownst to me, that my Heavenly Father was keeping me from danger.

Thank you for your site and your good “work”.

May God Bless you for your teaching, your labors are bearing fruit.

During the Millennial Kingdom; will there be marriage? Will there be death? I read somewhere “Some could/would die at the old age of 100 years.” Would the offspring of the initial Kingdom inhabitants marry with the other inhabitants’ offspring?

Is there any reasonable proof that the present creation is 6000 years old. I have not found one yet and I am a believer in Jesus as savior and Lord.

How is the Lord going to work out the rapture of all the pregnant women at the moment of the rapture? Will He separate the mother from the fetus and advance the fetus to adult status, or what? What do you think about this? I guess He could let them come to term while we are having ‘our time locked away with the bridegroom’, but I am not sure; neither am I aware of any Scripture relating to this.

Your site continues to supply me with many blessings and knowledge and wisdom and I thank you for this and pray for Father to bless you and yours greatly in Jesus name, Amen!

Thank you for the best site on the web!

I really could use some insight and I pray by the grace of God, that you are able to offer some wisdom on prayer. My son who is with the 101st Airborne Division is leaving for his second deployment in Iraq. I am oppressed and depressed and it seems I do not know how to pray concerning his safety. My husband also served with the 101st Airborne Division and died in Viet Nam in 1966. When I try to pray I am bombarded by such awful memories and questions. My prayers for my son have become tears replacing words, as I do not know how to pray about this. Can you offer any advice? Thank you and may God continue to bless you in all you share with us.

Thank you for your insight and inspiring articles. I really enjoy your website and the mp3 Bible studies are awesome!

I was reading an article entitled “Israel Agrees to Destroy Jewish Towns, Starting in November.” This article really disturbs me. It seems that Olmert is “selling out” Israel. This man seems to be nothing but evil, working against the Jews who he should be supporting and having their best interest at heart. What is your take on this?

Our world is in such a mess. I pray every day that “today” will be the day Jesus comes in the clouds to take his children home!

If we cannot achieve a perfect life in this earth no matter how hard we try, What is the point of getting closer to perfect than the one still with imperfection? Both are basically imperfect! Anticipating your answer. Thanks.