Expert: Elder Greg Madden - 3/3/2007

Question
Dear Elder Greg,

               Thanks it did help me Yea I guess it makes sense because it could have been a dust storm after all even though I live in Northern Jersey 15 mins from NYC it is unsual though an just last year we had a few tornado warnings and watches in affect for the area that is odd. Any ways you did help and open my eyes more I did however gave my life to the lord when I was 7 years old. I was always interested in learn about the bible I even now got this book called The Maker's Diet its a biblical diet book to live abundantly and healthy sickfree and it is a way to live to the road to life. A senior Pastor wrote the book his name is Jordan S Rubin he is a bapist pastor and shows how to eat healthy and God's way. My mother is happy for me she said I think that you got the right diet for you it is going to help you spiritualy and physically. An my other question is Do you believe that we're in the tribulation period the beinging or the end of the period. Also How do we know when we are being fooled by a false teacher and a false prophet how do you know if a person is Demonically possessed I am still a baby christian lol sort of speak still learning I speak in tongues I recieved this gift on Pentecost Sunday when I was healed of my virus on my foot it was five planters warts that would not go away they had to do surgery and I didnt get the surgery but Jesus Christ my lord and savior saved me from my affliction. An blest me with the gift of tongues. The room was all lite white and clouds I saw a bright light as the color of the sun it was nite time and I heard a voice like thunder but sweet and soft and I heard angels singing Holy Holy Holy Lord God almighty. With harps playing it was beautiful. My my I am in the spirit now lol I feel like preachin. I am west Indian the culture of that race is Puerto Rican but american. Also one more question when will you know that the Antichrist is near or here?

Answer
Jacqueline,

I am glad to hear that I helped you in your understanding. Let's see if I can answer you next questions.

1. "Do you believe that we're in the tribulation period the beginning or the end of the period?"

Jacqueline, the seven year tribulation period will not begin until the rapture of God's Church. This of course has not happened, so the tribulation has yet to start.

2 Thess. 2:7
For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.

2 "How do we know when we are being fooled by a false teacher and a false prophet?"

Anyone who teaches a doctrine that does not line up with the Holy Bible. They may not be a false teacher/prophet, but they may have been mislead themselves, or has misunderstood the Scriptures. In ether case Jacqueline, always gauge what you hear by the Holy Bible.

1 John 4:1
Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

3. "how do you know if a person is Demonically possessed"
There are many different indications of demonic possession. Some of these are the overwhelming presents of evil, the person cannot stop self destructive actions, and the refusal to acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord.

4. "when will you know that the Antichrist is near or here?"
The person called antichrist will not be reveled until after the rapture of God's church. He is probably in the realm of politics already, but to try to guess who he is would not be wise. He will reveal himself at the beginning of the tribulation as a man of peace, sign a peace treaty withe the nation of Israel, and then break that treaty with them. He will lead the armies of this world against Israel near the end of the tribulation, and at that time Christ (along with the raptured church) will return to Earth (this is called the second coming of Christ) and destroy those armies, and cast the antichrist into the bottomless pit awaiting his final judgement.

Please let me know if this helps, or if you have any further questions.
Elder Greg Madden