Expert: Paul Walker - 1/29/2006

Question
Hi Mr. Walker. I am writing because i have been trying to get in touch with my spirituality more and have Christ in my life. Ive always gone to church and knew God but now i want to know more in depth. I want to know and i dont know if anyone knows but please do correct me and teach me what you know. i would like to know after rapture tribulation and armageddon i know that the 1,000 years of paradise will come but what will happen after that? and what do you think or know will come first rapture or tribulation? also who is God to you. i know who God is but more in depth. how was he made? was he always here. i would really love if you answer all my questions but i will understand if that wouldnt be but thank you very much and have a good night! God Bless.  

Answer
Dear Liliana,

I laud your desire to grow in knowledge and understanding of our Lord and Saviour, Christ Jesus. Your state you were raised in Church, however, this does not equate to salvation. For this reason, I always start there. I am confident that you are saved and are able and have confessed faith in the death and resurrection of our Lord.

1Co 12:3  Wherefore I give you to understand, that NO MAN SPEAKING BY THE SPIRIT OF GOD CALLETH JESUS ACCURSED: and that NO MAN CAN SAY THAT JESUS IS THE LORD, BUT BY THE HOLY GHOST.

Rom 8:9  But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. NOW IF ANY MAN HAVE NOT THE SPIRIT OF Christ, HE IS NONE OF HIS.

If perchance you have not or cannot confess faith in the shed blood of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, believe on his name and find a mirror, look yourself dead in the eye and confess him. Upon this success find someone, anyone, and confess it to them. This is our main function in life, to confess Christ to a lost and dying world. Have no confidence in the salvation of any who cannot or will not confess Christ Jesus, lesson 1.

You have asked many question with many implications, I will not be able to cover much in one post here. However, please feel free to do a follow up or ask another question at any time.

Who is God to me? After 30 years of salvation and contemplating life, the world, man and God's word I am convince that the vast majority of mankind and the saints in particular have no concept or understanding "of him with whom we have to do." God is many things, all things. He is the Creator, sustainer and judge of all things; the saviour of all men and father of those who find him. Christ is my staff and stay the power of life and death. The first indication of understanding who God is, is the fear of him. The fear of the Lord, as creator and judge, is the beginning of wisdom and understanding. To not fear God is not to know God.

God was not made, God is.

Isa 57:15  For thus saith the high and lofty One THAT INHABITETH ETERNITY, whose name is Holy; ...

Exo 3:14  And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.

There is no other way to comprehend this.

From my understanding of God's word, we are fast approaching our Lord's return. The rapture will either immediately precede the 7 year period we call the tribulation or some time about mid way. It will not come until the anti-Christ is revealed, at least to those who know God's word, and must come before the mark of the beast is administered. The seven year period will commence with a seven year treaty with Israel. Armageddon will be at the end of this at the Lord's return, Joel 3. Then will be the one thousand year reign of Christ on earth. Things will be restored to pre-flood conditions, however, I do not believe they will be pre-fall of Adam, that which we call paradise. At the end of the one thousand years will come the Gog, Magog battle leading to the great white throne judgment and then out into eternity.

How it will be after all this is the subject of much conjecture and I certainly cannot say for sure. Little is spelled out directly in the Scriptures on this. It would a matter for contemplation and long discussion. I can say that we who are saved between the cross and the rapture will be as the angles of God.

I would take the liberty at this time to advise you on your quest to know God and our Lord.

1. Get, if you have not, a King James Version, Authorised Version of 1611 and hold to it as your final authority. If not the exact preserved word of God, you will find none closer.

2. Christianity, or walking with Christ is Service, Sacrifice and Suffering. Deny yourself and become a living sacrifice to his service.

Phi 1:29  For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, NOT ONLY TO BELIEVE ON HIM, BUT ALSO TO SUFFER FOR HIS SAKE;

Rom 12:1  I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye PRESENT YOUR BODIES A LIVING SACRIFICE, HOLY, ACCEPTABLE UNTO GOD, WHICH IS YOUR REASONABLE SERVICE.

This is the point of separation of those saved from Christian.

3. You can not understand God's word until you know God's word. Read it from cover to cover, over and over.

If you would care to send me your address, I will send you some of my studies we publish.

Your Servant in Christ Jesus,

Paul Walker
paulwalker@aficj.org