1 Thessalonians 4:14 says God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus. Verse 16 says that the Lord will descend from heaven (so, he’s on the way down) when the dead in Christ rise first then the following verse has those who are alive being caught up to meet him in the air. My question is who is he bringing with him (verse 14) and where is he bringing them?

This sequence of events doesn’t make sense to me. How can he bring them with him if they meet him in the air? It appears that the verse has him “bringing” those who died in Jesus with him when he returns to meet the living only to turn around and take everyone back to Heaven for the Marriage supper and the bema seat. Please enlighten me.

All of my Christian friends believe in a pre trib rapture. But not a single one of them wants it to happen any time soon. They say they still have things they want to do first, whether it’s becoming more successful, or doing more for the Lord, or making sure all their loved ones are going, too. Every one of them says it will be a great day when it does happen, but they don’t want it to happen right now. All this is very discouraging to me as I look forward to the rapture every day and it can’t come too soon as far as I’m concerned.

I was reading John 17 and two questions came to mind. Verses 1-5 describes the Father restoring Jesus’ glory. While Jesus was on this earth was his glory hidden or taken away so man would not recognize him as God? And my other question is, do you think he was referred to as the “Son” before he came to earth as a man? Or do you believe he might have been known as another name in heaven before that? Thanks for all that you do.

Thank you for always giving scriptural references for you answers. I heard a pastor yesterday saying that we (believers) are literally the body of Christ. I wanted to know more about that comment and how it aligns itself to scripture.

I have a medical condition called anxiety, panic disorder. My brain does not produce enough seritonin. Panic disorder is an unknown and unrealistic fear. I have had this disorder all my life. According to God’s word fear and faith don’t mix. How does my condition relate to this? I have a lot of faith and when I have an attack instead of taking meds I pray. It goes away pretty quick when I pray. it bothers me that I am scared of everything for no good reason. How does the faith and fear issue work with this disorder?

Could you give me a list of the scriptures showing the signs that appear before rapture takes place?

I still hear people saying that the next fulfillment of prophecy will be the battle of Ezekiel 38. I have heard a lot of talk lately about how the current situation in Iran could mean the battle could start today, but from what I understand of the scriptures and your articles there are still several things that have yet to happen. I am wondering what your current thinking is on the next prophetic event?

I have a question regarding recent ‘new age’ teachings. Specifically I would like to know what you think of ‘A course in miracles’ and other materials very similar to it. There are a lot of people I know who say they are believers in Jesus Christ but also embrace these teachings as well.

There was a time, before I was born again, that I too thought these teachings were enlightened. Now I look back and wonder if these teachings are harmless or the devil in disguise? Doesn’t the devil parade around like an angel of light?

Knowing the Word of God cannot contradict itself, how do you interpret Matthew 16:28? Were there any present who would not “taste death” or is there another teaching here?

This one is short and sweet, but it could be a very deep one. Are the terms “Kingdom of God” and “Kingdom of Heaven” synonymous in the New Testament?