Let's say that so many things come to pass that resemble what some
interpret as the signs of the end days - Revelations. So if there is
enough voice heard and enough sensationalistic press given to it - Do
you think there would suddenly be a surge of poeple coming into the
Christian faith for the first time?

And if there was this sudden influx, of frightened poeple, do you think
they would all be sincere?

And if this seige passed and normalcy returned, technology began to
flourish again, how many of those new incumbants do you think would
continue to walk through those church doors evey week?

Just curious. I also wonder, if times got so bad that everyone was
needing a hand out, how far would the churches go to extend that hand
beyond it's long time faithful followers, or would newcomers be treated
more like illegal immigrants?

Good grief it doesn't take the end times to do that. Every time there
is a tradegy in the US people flock to their local Churches. Some stay,
some don't.

Well, according to the bible there will be a rapture and THen many will
come to faith. so, in answer to your first question, i think not. The
churches who do serve community and foreign missions with all there
heart will continue to help everyone they can, and i believe they won't
stop until Christ returns.

I hear yuh there pagrby, but i think most of those people just fall
right back into the old self. I'm sure things like that do bring some to
Christ though.

Can someone quote the verse in the bible that says Rapture? Miles

Miles,

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17
------------------------------------------------------------
For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the
voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in
Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain will be
>>>caught up<<< together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the
air, and so we shall always be with the Lord.
------------------------------------------------------------

Rapture = "to be seized up" or "to be caught up"

The word "rapture" was adopted to encompass the events described in the
above scriptures.

Good question Miles, and good answer Spider, I always wondered about
that myself.

I think there are many wonderful folks in the world and many of them
here at JSH, who whole heartedly have true faith.

I actually find it sad, rather annoying really, to know that there are
so many who would don a cloak of Christianity for self protection.

I guess I was just wondering if Christians felt the same way?