WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST FEAR?

 THREE DETECTIVES IN ZION 

ANGELS LANDING INVESTIGATION

A shuttle bus at Zion National Park stops at The Grotto.  The driver says, "Make sure you use restrooms and refill water here before your hike."

Bus doors open, and Jack, Gloria and Valerie step off the bus and put on their daypacks.

Valerie says, "I'm sad we didn't win the lottery and get our permits to hike to the top of Angel Landing."

Jack replies, "We still can hike to Scout Lookout without permits and see great views of Zion National Park.  Let's pray for God's protection before we go."

After, they walk across a bridge.  Valerie asks, "What is the name of this creek?'  

Gloria replies, "It's the Virgin River.  Maybe after our hike we can float down the river on tubes, outside of the park."

Valerie stops at the trail junction, asking, "Right or Left?  How many miles?"

Jack explains, "1.8 miles to Scout Lookout.  There's a restroom and no water."

Three women overhearing Jack, stop to talk.  Skye asks Jack, "Do you know the total mileage and elevation to hike to the top of Angels Landing."

Jack replies, "You're looking at 4 1/2 miles total, 1,540' elevation gain and 4 hours of hiking.  I've been up there 3 times."

Gloria adds, "I'm Gloria, these are my friends Jack and Valerie."

Skye replies, "I'm Skye from Boston, Kalea is from Maui, and Caroline is from Georgia.  We are content creators and social media influencers meeting together for the first time."

Caroline adds, "We are here to hike the Five Most Dangerous Trails out West, to conquer fear!"

Valerie holds her cell phone shooting video of the conversion, asking, "What are the big 5?"

Kalea smiles, "Angels Landing, Bright Angel Trail in Grand Canyon, Buckskin Gulch in Paria Wilderness, The Maze in Canyonlands, and The Half Dome in Yosemite."

The conversations continue as they walk up the West Rim Trail.  Going up the switchback section,  Kalea asks Jack, "What's with the silly hat?"

Jack smiles, "We are the Three Detectives interviewing and asking hikers on the trail today, "What is Your Greatest Fear?"  Gloria is our note taker, and Valerie shoot our videos."

Gloria asks, "Skye, are the three of you doing the same thing?"

Skye replies, "I do online video content, Caroline shoots pictures, and Kalea is writing a book about overcoming fear, while hiking the most dangerous trails in the west."

Caroline adds, "We have been online friends for years and this is our first outing together."

Skye, Caroline and Kalea stop in shade on the switchback trail.

Gloria asks, "How much water are you carrying?"  Kalea lifts up two 16oz bottles of water."

Valerie asks, "Do you have any electrolytes or salty snacks?  Utah is the second driest state in the United States."

Kalea holds out two sugar coated energy bars.

Later they walk through a small canyon.  Gloria speaks, "Welcome to Refridgerator Canyon.  A great place to cool off."

Then they reach a section of short switchbacks.  Valerie speaks, "This is Walter Wiggles!"

Caroline asks, "Valerie, can you take a picture of us on the wiggles?"  

Skye, Kalea and Caroline stand on different switchbacks, with arms lifted up to the sky.  Valerie shoots a half dozen photos with different poses.

Everyone reaches the top of Scout Lookout.  Jack tells them, "We didn't get a permit, so we have to stop here."

Gloria adds, "The ranger will check your permit before the chain section.  If you are found without one, it's a $5,000 fine & six months in prison."

Kalea speaks, "We were so lucky to get our permit online."

Jack looks serious saying, "Have you prepared yourself physically?  Have you hiked on slickrock in the desert before?"

Valerie adds, "When I hiked up the chain section before, I wore my bicycle gloves.  The chains can get hot in the afternoon."

Skye smirks, "Nobody tells us these things online."

Gloria stares at Skye's shoes, asking, "Do your have good traction?  Have you tested your hiking shoes on slickrock and sand before?"

Caroline says, "We don't have any fear of anything?"

Gloria quotes, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding."  (Proverbs 9:10  NASB - New American Standard Bible)

Valerie asks, "Do you have a will or trust? If you were to die today, would you go to heaven or hell?"

Skye replies, "Sorry, we are not religious."

Jack adds, "Do you have fear and worry about your safety today?"

Kalea speaks, "As long as we are focused and hold tightly to the chain, we will be all right."

Valerie adds, "As long as we hold tight to Jesus we will be all right too."

Gloria reads, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."  (John 3:16  NIV - New International Version)

Skye smiles, "It's been a pleasure hiking with you.  We need to hike up the chain section before it gets crowded."

Jack smiles back, "Can we pray for God's protection on you, before you leave."

Kalea smiles, "Yes please! Yes please!"

After Jack prays for them, they walk over to the ranger checking their permits to hike the chain section.

Three Detectives rest on Scout Lookout, eating lunch and talking to other hikers.  

It was about 1 1/2 hours later, they see the three social media influencers return down the trail.

Skye was in front, Kalea was limping with a scraped knee, and Caroline following behind.

The Three Detectives walked Kalea over to a rock, to sit down.  

Jack stares, "You're bleeding, lets wash out the dirt and put a bandage on it."

Jack takes out a fresh bottle of water and washes the sand out of the wound.  After putting a cotton pad to slow the bleeding, he reaches into his pack pulling out a large Bandaid.

Kalea takes a deep breathe, "Coming down was scarey.  There's sand on the slickrock that made me slip.  I grabbed the chain with one hand and was saved.  Can you tell me how I can follow Jesus?"

Gloria reads, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."                (1 John 1:9  NIV)

Valerie adds, "Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again." (John 3:3  NIV)

Kalea smiles, "I want Jesus to be my guide!"

Jack quotes, "If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.  For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved."  (Romans 10:9-10  NIV)

Gloria speaks to Skye and Caroline, saying, "Would you like to overcome the fear of death and know you have everlasting life?"

Skye, Carolie and Kalea still shaken from the fear of Angels Landing, shook their heads, YES!

Kalea says, "What do we have to do?"

Jack says, "Would you like to pray and receive Jesus into your life?  He has a free gift of everlasting life."

Valerie adds, "If you repent from you sins, have faith and trust in Him, you will receive His Holy Spirit and he will comfort and guide you."

Gloria adds, "He will make you a new person."

After they pray, all of them comes together in a group hug.

Kalea says, "I think we're going to Bryce Canyon next and skip all the trails of terror.  It's time to enjoy the west!"

Skye says, "Goodbye, it has been fun meeting you on Scout Lookout.  I'm sure glad that Jesus is our scout and He is looking out for all of us!"

WOULD YOU RISK YOUR LIFE IN A SLOT CANYON?

 CASE OF THE STORM WARNING

THREE DETECTIVES SCRAMBLE

Diego and Sofia arrive at the trailhead to Little Wild Horse slot canyon in Utah.  

Diego says to his newly wed wife, "Sofia, have you ever been in a slot canyon before."  

Sofia answers, "No Diego, where is it?  All I see is one tree in a sandy wash."

After hiking 1/2 mile they see a sign.  Sofia asks, "Do you want to go to Bell Canyon or Little Wild Horse?"

Diego smiles, "Little Wild Horse has better narrows.  Some people hike the 8 mile loop.  But we didn't bring water to hike 4 hours."

They come to a huge crack in the sandstone wall.  Sofia says, "How are we going to squeeze through that?  What if I can not fit through it?"   

Diego laughs, as the enter the slot canyon.

Walking up the slot canyon, Sofia stares at a bizzare gray rock formation with holes in the wall.  She says, "Diego do you see that?  It reminds me of a horror movie."

Diego climbs up a chokestone rock and grabs her hand pulling her up.  Diego states, "Are you having a fun time?"

Winding up the slot canyon, they hear three voices coming down.  Sofia says, "Diego, can we stop and rest for a moment?"

Sofia and Diego observes the high walls of the sandstone canyon seeing a Raven fly by.

Three Detectives come down the slot canyon, and stop to talk with Sofia and Diego.

Jack the lead detective speaks, "Where are you from?"

Sofia speaks, "I'm Sofia, and this is my newly wed husband Diego.  We're from Redondo Beach, California."

Gloria writes down notes, saying, "We are the Three Detectives and would like to ask you a few questions about your experience in the slot canyon today."

Valerie holds her cell phone to video the interview.  She asks, "Is this your first time hiking in a slot canyon?"

Diego replies, "Yes, I never knew that Utah was so fun.  It's like one big playground."

Sofia adds, "Fun for you and all work for me!  We are on our honeymoon."

Gloria asks, "When you were a child, did your mom ever warn you not to touch hot pans on the stove?"

Diego laughs, "Many times!  After a few burns, my mom showed me her pot holders."

Jack talks, "Are you aware there are two types of warnings.  A warning not to do something, like touching something hot, and a warning to do something, like seeing a warning sign to slow down before driving around a sharp curve."

Sofia adds, "I don't like to risk my life racing around curves."

Valeria asks, "Do either one of you have any bars on your cell phone?"

Diego replies, "Nada, no bars!"

Jack speaks, "Utah has Monsoon storms during August afternoons.  Have you check the weather report today?"

Sofia replies, "When we started it was sunny and blue sky.  No clouds anywhere."

Gloria speaks, "We met Joshua carrying a satellite phone.  He warned us to turn back, because of a severe weather alert and possible flash flood heading to this area."

Valerie states, "You need to turn around and leave right now.  The storm can be miles away and still cause a flash flood in a slot canyon."

Gloria says, "I want to warn you that water can get high in this canyon and sweep you off your feet." 

Valeria adds,  "You'll see new waterfalls pouring over steep cliffs, with falling rocks."

Diego hesitates, "A little water never hurt anyone.  Besides, Utah is the second driest state in America."

Valerie asks, "Do you believe in God?"

Sofia replies, "I met Diego in church.  He is so handsome."

Jack says, "Adam and Eve were warned not to eat of the tree of good and bad knowledge.  Because they did not listen, God said, they shall surely die."

Gloria states, "Noah was a preacher of righteousness, building an ark and warned people to turn back to God, before the great worldwide flood.  Did they listen to his warning?"

Diego replies, "That's Old Testament."

Gloria asks, "Are you Born Again?"

Both Diego and Sofia have blank faces.

Valerie reads, "Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless someone is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.  That which has been born of the flesh is flesh, and that which has been born of the Spirit is spirit.  Do not be amazed that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’  The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it is coming from and where it is going; so is everyone who has been born of the Spirit.”  (John 3:5-8  NASB - New American Standard Bible)

Sofia replies, "I believe in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  Why do I need to be Born Again?"

Diego hurries, "We are going to continue hiking up Little Wild Horse.  Do you know how many miles until the end of the narrows?"

Jack speaks, "It's 3.6 miles total each way and 505' elevation gain. I'm not sure how many miles we have all ready hiked.  If the storm comes, wait on the other side, and get out of the wash for a few hours until the weather clears."  

Valerie adds, "You can hike north on the 'Behind the Reef' dirt road 10 miles to the 'Temple Mountain campground' and beg for a ride back to your vehicle."

Gloria says, "Can we pray with you before you leave?"  Diego walks away up the canyon, ignoring them."

Sofia turns her head, saying, "Sorry, we're in a big hurry.  Enjoy the rest of your hike."

Valerie talks,  "Let's go, it's time for us to get out of here.  It's their free choice to do what they want."

With sorrow they watch Diego and Sofia disappear around sandstone walls.

Suddenly, TWO BLASTS of THUNDER RUMBLE the canyon walls!!!

Sofia SCREAMS!

Sofia and Diego hurry back down, meeting the Three Detectives once again.  Diego's face in shock, and Sofia's body shaking.

Dark clouds appear above their heads.

Diego cries out, "Let's get out of here!"

Everyone hurries down the slot canyon.  No one stops for breaks.

Valerie shouts, "HOPE WE DON'T HAVE A HAIL STORM."

Diego says, "Sophia, be careful, don't slip and fall.  I want you back in one piece.  It's our honeymoon."

After exiting the narrows, they enter the dry wash, feeling rain drops on their heads.

Jack yells, "IF YOU SEE WATER COMING DOWN, GET OUT OF THE WASH IMMEDIATELY AND FIND HIGHER GROUND!"

Wind blows with lightning and THUNDER.

Running through the sandy wash they reach their vehicles in 12 minutes and were out of breathe.

Everyone is soaking wet standing in the parking lot.

Sofia asks the Three Detectives, saying, "Before you leave, we would like to know how we can become Born Again."

Jack says, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life."  (John 3:16  NASB)

The rain lets up with a cool breeze.

Gloria states, "Repent from your sins, make Jesus the Lord of your life, trust in Him, and ask for the Holy Spirit."

Sofia looks into Diegos' eyes, saying, "Would we risk our lives on our own, or follow Jesus knowing he will lead us and give us everlasting life?"

Jack leads them in prayer, as they huddle together with arms wrapped around each other.

Diego shouts out, "I'm a new man, a new creation in Jesus Christ!"  

Sohia has a great big smile on her face with dripping wet hair.  Diego and Sophia kiss.

Jack concludes, "Go tell all your family and friends that Jesus is your LORD and SAVIOR."

CASE ON THE MOUNTAIN TOP

 THREE DETECTIVES CLIMB

BALD MOUNTAIN

Jack, Gloria and Valerie climb to the summit of Bald Mountain in Utah.  Putting down their daypacks, they walk over to a Hispanic family enjoying views of Mirror Lake below.

Marco the father says, "This is our first time up here.  We're from California."

Rosa the mother adds, "We live near sea level and not use to hiking in high mountains."

Gloria remarks,  "Bald Mountain is 11,943' above sea level and the air is a lot thinner.  Would you like me to take a picture of your beautiful family?"

Rosa smiles, "I'm Rosa, my husband Marco, my daughter Ana, and my son Carlos."

Rosa passes her cell phone to Gloria to shoot a family portrait.

Gloria takes a photo, saying, "Carlos, you're not smiling!  Put on a happy face."  

Passing back the phone, Carlos mumbles, "Cell phone coverage is spotty up here.  I can't contact any of my friends."

Jack smiles, "We are the three detectives.  I'm Jack, Valerie is our note taker, and Gloria shoots videos.  We are here investigating mountain top experiences and wonder if you would like to share your thoughts."

Ana speaks, "Some of the hike was scarey walking near steep cliffs.  I don't know how anyone can climb Angel's Landing in Zion."

Carlos adds, "I almost fell running on loose rocks today."

Jack speaks, "You all made it to the top of the mountain.  Have you made it to the top of the mountain in your career, goals or life?"

Rosa blurts out, "Yes, I'm married to Marco, and have Carlos my son and Ana my beautiful daughter.  With my family, I'm on top of the world."

Marco looks in Jacks eyes, "I grew up in a large family, we were poor, but the good Lord always provided for us.  After I married Rosa, I had to work two jobs to provide for my family."

Rosa adds, "He was working so much, he was never home.  I told Marco, he should start his own business.  That's when he started his food truck."

Ana speaks, "Papa's food truck broke down, and he decided to start his own Mexican restaurant."

Carlos talks, "He's rich now, tearing down the old building to construct a larger restaurant.  Me and my sister will be going to college after we graduate high school."

Valerie states, "Sounds like you have reached most of your dreams of life and are on the top of the mountain.  Have you ever thought about your afterlife?  Do you have any mountain top goals with Jesus?"

Marco's family is silent, looking at each other waiting for the first one to speak.

Marco scratches his ear, "Won't we be floating in heaven with all the angels?"

Valeria replies, "I'm going to be living forever with Jesus.  'For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16 NIV - New International Version)

Jack speaks, "After the great tribulation, Jesus the Messiah will set up his kingdom on earth for 1,000 years."

Gloria adds, "Marco, this life is short on Earth now.  Should you be preparing to be apart of God's future kingdom.  Is there another mountain top you should be seeking?"

Rosa smiles, "We don't attend church as much as we should.  Carlos needs to do homework,

Ana stays up all night, and Marco either wants to watch games or go fishing with his friends."

Jack speaks, "When we meet Jesus, he will be on the Bema Seat to judge our works of what we did for God during our lifetime."

Gloria reads, "Because all of us must go and stand in front of Christ as our judge. He will decide about the things that we have done during our lives here on earth. Whether we have done good things or bad things, we will receive what is right for us." (2 Corinthians 5:10  Easy - Easy English Version)

Rosa replies, "We are a good and loving family."

Jack reads, "For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.  Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw,  each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is.  If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward.  If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire."

(1 Corinthians 3:11-15  NKJV - New King James Version)

Valerie adds, "After athletic competion, winners would go to a raise platform called the Bema, to receive their reward for their accomplishment.  Jesus said, "Look! I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me to repay each person according to what he has done."  (Revelation 22:12  HCSB - Holman Christian Standard Bible)

Ana speaks, "Reminds me of the Parable of the Talents, I learned in Sunday school."

Valerie summerizes, "Yeah, a wealthy man gives workers bags of silver to reinvest while he goes out of town.  His first worker he gave five bags of silver, second worker he gave two bags of silver, and third only had one bag to reinvest.  One Talent is one 75lbs bag of silver coins or bars."

Marco smiles, "I wish I had ten bags of silver."

Rosa smirks, "Maybe five bags."

Valerie continues, "When the master returned he wanted to check on his investment.  The first worker doubled his silver to ten bags.  

He was rewarded with the position over 10 towns.  The second worker doubled his silver to four bags.  He was rewarded with the position over 4 towns.  And the worker who was lazy and afraid of his master and buried the silver, had his reward taken from him.  His reward was given to the worker who had ten bags."

Gloria adds, "God has given us gifts, talents and resources to accomplish His works.  Whether we feed the poor, teach Sunday school, pray for the sick, help our neighbor, or preach the gospel, Jesus wants us to be His hands and feet.  Jesus ascended to Heaven, and when He returns and you approach the Bema Seat, will you receive any rewards?

What are your motives for doing good works?

Will your works burn up like wood, hay and stubble; or will your works remain like gold, silver and precious stones?"

Marco says, "My life is too busy...I'm still trying to do good works to earn my salvation."

Valerie reads, "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,  not a result of works, so that no one may boast.  For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:8-10  ESV - English Standard Version)

Jack asks, "Are you Born Again?  You cannot see or enter the kingdom of God unless you are Born of the Spirit."

Ana speaks up first, "I love Jesus and want to be Born Again."  

Marco's entire family desires a relationship with the Son of God too."

Jack says, "Repent from your sins and follow Jesus!"   Jack leads them in a pray of salvation, then says, "Go and be baptized, and make a public proclaiminon of your new faith in Christ Jesus."

Marco being filled with God's Holy Spirit, jumps around, saying, "I am a new man in Jesus Christ!  I'm a new man!"

Rosa smiles, "I'm filled with bubbling Joy!"

Jack concludes, "Now that you are Born Again, the Holy Spirit will give you power to accomplish your good works, to show the world that God lives in you!  Are you going to reach your new mountain top?"

IS GREAT TRIBULATION DIFFERENT THAN 7 YEAR TRIBULATION?

 END TIMES MYSTERY?

 KABOB LUNCH

Four pastors enjoy lunch eating kabobs at a Mediterranean restaurant to discuss different topics and share their points of view.

Pastor Dave asks, "There seems to be a lot of confusion and debate about the '7 year Tribulation' and the 'Great Tribulation'.  Are they different or are we talking about the same thing?"

Pastor Frank remarks, "Could the things written in Daniel and Revelation all ready have been fulfilled in 70 AD, by the destruction of Jerusalem?"

Pastor Dave reads, "Seventy weeks are decreed upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most holy."  (Daniel 9:24 ASV - American Standard Bible)

Pastor Jun De talks,  "69 weeks in Daniel have been fulfilled, but God paused the 70th week to finish later."

Pastor Manuel adds, "OK, does everyone believe Daniel's 7 weeks refers to 7 years of Tribulation?"

Pastor Jun De continues, "But there is a distinction.  The 'Great Tribulation' refers to the last 3 1/2 years!  After the Antichrist is revealed defiling the third temple in Jerusalem, then God will pour out His wrath upon the Earth."

Pastor Manuel questions, "Pastor Jun De, can you explain, I'm confused."

Pastor Jun De explains, Jesus said, " For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be."  (Matthew 24:21 NKJV)  This happens after the antichrist is revealed in the abomination of desolation."  

Pastor Frank smiles, "Where are you getting that from?  Isn't 'GREAT' an adjective describing intensity?"

Pastor Jun De continues, "Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.  Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory."

(Matthew 24:29-30  NKJV)  You see, 3 1/2 years after the antichrist was revealed, will be the second coming of Jesus Christ."

Pastor Manuel questions, "The last passage you read says 'Tribulation,' not 'Great Tribulation.'  What is the full context of Matthew 24?"

Pastor Dave says, "So when you see the abomination of desolation—spoken about by Daniel the prophet—standing in the holy place” (let the reader understand), “then those in Judea must flee to the mountains. The one on the roof must not come down to take anything out of his house, and the one in the field must not turn back to get his cloak. Woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing their babies in those days! Pray that your flight may not be in winter or on a Sabbath.  (Matthew 24:15-21  NET - New English Translation)

Pastor Frank states, "Jesus is warning the people living in Israel to flee to the mountains and wilderness, because there will be Great Tribulation to the people living in Israel?"

Pastor Jun De continues, "And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book."  (Daniel 12:1 KJV)

Pastor Dave remarks, "I believe the 7 year Tribulation involves a war against God's people, by the unholy trinity...Satan, the Antichrist, and the False Prophet, trying to prevent the second coming of the Messiah."

Pastor Manuel speaks, "It's like the feud with Moses and Pharaoh.  Every time the Pharaoh did something bad, God poured out His wrath."

Pastor Jun De remarks, "Look at all the tribulation in the world today.  People are dying and being persecuted.  Look at all the suffering from earthquakes, famines and disasters.  Why does God allow these things to happen?"

Pastor Frank ask,  "Is God pouring out His tribulation and judgement on the righteous? 

Pastor Dave continues,  "The first harvest is the Barley grain, that doesn't need a threshing sled.  Barley can be seperated from its husk and stalk by hand using household tools.

I believe, righteous believers in Jesus Christ will be raptured and spared from going through the 7 year tribulation on Earth.  This is the first harvest."

Pastor Manuel reads, "But God also rescued Lot out of Sodom because he was a righteous man who was sick of the shameful immorality of the wicked people around him.  Yes, Lot was a righteous man who was tormented in his soul by the wickedness he saw and heard day after day.  So you see, the Lord knows how to rescue godly people from their trials, even while keeping the wicked under punishment until the day of final judgment. (2 Peter 2:7-9  NLT ~ New Living Translation)

Pastor Dave continues, "The second harvest is hard Wheat grain that needs a threshing sledge to seperate the grain from the chaff through pressure and friction.  The latin name for this sledge is "Tribulum, where we get the word Tribulation."  

Pastor Manuel adds, "Like grains of wheat, 

people will have hard hearts.  Some will be broken down by the Tribulum, while others will blow away like the chaff."

Pastor Jun De remarks, "I still believe the Great Tribulation begins at the middle of the 7 years, after the antichrist is revealed by defiling the holy temple in Jerusalem."

Pastor Dave continues, "Christ's church will be in Heaven to witness the Lamb opening up the first seal, revealing the White Horseman."

Pastor Manuel says, "Imagine if all the good Christians suddenly were raptured, would this be a good time for the Antichrist to appear on the world scene?  Would there be any opposition for him to come to power?"

Pastor Frank adds, "When the Lamb opens the first seal, the Antichrist will be riding a white horse, wearing a victory crown, and carrying a bow."

Pastor Manuel states, "Some people believe he will make a peace covenant and allow the Jews to build their third temple on the temple mount."

Everyone is silent for one moment.

Pastor Manuel adds, "In heaven the Lamb opens one seal at a time.  White horseman is the Antichrist, Red horseman brings war,  Black horseman causes worldwide famine, Pale Green horseman brings pestillence.  After the six seals 1/4 of the world's population will be deceased."  

Pastor Dave adds, "Pastor Jun De, would you consider this part of the Tribulation?"

Pastor Jun De questions, "You don't get my point, what about the Great Tribulation after the first 3 1/2 years?"

Pastor Dave continues, I believe Daniel said there is one 7 year Tribulation, before the return of Jesus Christ.  When it begins, God's righteous will be raptured?  God is omniscient and knows the future.  Only the Lamb of God is worthy to peel the Seals.

Pastor Manuel adds, "There will be wars, rumor of wars, people groups fighting each other, famines and pestilence."  

Pastor Dave continues, "God is slow to anger. But he will pour our his wrath in the Trumpet and Bowl Judgments."

Pastor Manuel adds, "I don't know how anyone can split the 7 year Tribulation in two."

Pastor Jun De smiles, "I'm beginning to see the light.  I'm glad we can talk about these things."

Pastor Dave concludes, "On the Day of the Lord, Jesus will return to the Mount of Olives, to establish His kingdom on Earth.  Satan will be thrown into a pit and locked up for 1,000 years.  And we will be living in a world of peace!"

Pastor Manuel reads,  "Because you have kept My command to endure, I will also keep you from the hour of testing that is going to come over the whole world to test those who live on the earth.  I am coming quickly. Hold on to what you have, so that no one takes your crown."  (Revelation 3:10-11  HCSB - Holman Christian Standard Bible)