'The Rapture' as believed by many today is Satan's theological horror story for end-times evangelicals, to send as many of them to hell as possible.This is the bold contention of evangelical theologian Nathanael Lewis. Building on his previous works that smashed pillar after pillar of 'Pre-Trib Left Behind' belief with detailed research in the New Testament and the early church, he presents a compelling argument that covers all the major arguments and proof texts, and much more, showing: * In an already highly praised chapter, how the covenant structure of the bible renders all need for artificial 'dispensations' utterly unnecessary, and exposes their deeply troubling theological roots* How Paul's letter to the Romans demonstrates that 'the mystery' is not something brand new and revealed only to Paul, but something thoroughly grounded in many promises in the Old Testament about Gentiles coming to worship with Israel* How all claims that Paul had a new gospel or was the herald of a separate dispensation are utterly undercut by Paul's own testimony and the account of Acts* The New Testament's theology on the vital spiritual role of suffering and Tribulation in God's plan for the church* How the bible does not teach imminence as commonly taught, but directly contradicts it in both gospels and epistles, and also the true meaning of 'thief in the night' imagery* By a detailed examination of end time phrases such as 'Day of the Lord' through the whole Bible that dispenational interpretations are badly adrift* The key to understanding the structure of Revelation in relation to the wrath of God* That at the core of the Left Behind teaching is a heretical position that is designed to deceive evangelicals in such a way as to be vulnerable to last-days apostasy and therefore eternal damnation.Along the way he shows that treasured evangelical doctrines about salvation, eternal life and Judgement Day are very different to the true New Testament teaching.Nathanael Lewis is a sinner saved by grace, a theologian with an MTheol (Hons) from St Andrews University, poet, composer and pianist and expert on the situation of Christians in Pakistan.A minimum of 6% of the sale price of this book will go to charities and NGOs, mainly those helping persecuted Pakistani and/or Middle Eastern Christians

"Since I have taught courses in seminaries on the Book of Revelation I am well aware of the different interpretations of the "rapture." Want an alternative to the apparent despair of "Left Behind"? Jim Isaacson gives us a view that relates the relevance of the rapture for the immediate ministry of the Church. According to Reverend Isaacson, some seemingly misguided views (especially a pre-millennial/dispensational view) take the Church out of the world when her influence is needed most. Isaacson's important perspective brings new insight to the study of our immediate future as the Church of Jesus Christ." Robert G. Tuttle, Jr. PhD, Author Emeritus Professor of World Christianity Asbury Theological Seminary, Orlando, FL The following are some of Dr. Tuttle's fourteen books: Shortening the Leap to Enduring Faith The Story of Evangelism, 5000 Years of History Sanctity Without Starch, Wesleyan Theology of Grace John Wesley, His Life and Theology The Partakers, The Work of the Holy Spirit E. Stanley Jones, A New Beginning.

Have you ever fallen into a trap laid by the devil? The truth is that all of us have at some point fallen victim to the devils schemes, so how can we better protect ourselves? How can we recognise the temptations and deceit of Satan so that we can be prepared to ward off his advances and stand courageous and faithful with God? The Traps that Satan Laid: Overcoming the Devil and Other Demons with the Power of Jesus Christ will help you understand how to recognize some of the traps laid by Satan, and it shows how one woman had fallen into his traps time after time againthat is, until God personally rescued her and set her free. Author Danica Ked shares her testimony so that the unfruitful deeds of darkness can be exposed to the light, and she reveals how to use the name of Jesus to understand who the devil really is and how demons affect our mental health. The Traps that Satan Laid also offers informative chapters on the Antichrist, Satan, the day of the Lord, Revelation chapter 12, and the nature of sin. Danicas true and personal testimony will open your eyes to the truthwhich is in Jesus Christ. Join her on her journey of faith and strength so that you can see how a Christian can suffer at the devils hand yet be victorious thanks to Christ.

Thigpen lays out the biblical foundations of Catholic teaching on the close of age-- the "end times." Is Jesus coming to "rapture" Christians in the earth's last days? The short answer: No. Along with Scripture, Thigpen draws from Church history, tradition, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and contemporary experience to reveal the shortcoming of the rapture doctrine. -- adapted from back cover

This powerful and timely book, written by a former Fundamentalist, is a thorough critique of the popular Fundamentalist notion of the "Rapture", the belief that Christians will be removed from earth prior to a time of Tribulation and the Second Coming. It examines the theological, historical, and Biblical basis for "premillennial dispensationalism", the belief system based around the Rapture, and popularized in the best-selling Left Behind books and taught by "Bible prophecy" writers Tim LaHaye, Hal Lindsey, Jack Van Impe, and many others. Written for both the lay person and the serious student, this book combines an engaging, popular approach with detailed footnotes and exhaustive research. Beginning with the big picture, it focuses first on key concepts such as eschatology, the Parousia, and the relationship between the Kingdom and the Church. It then examines the Book of Revelation, providing insights into the nature and purpose of that difficult, final book of the Bible. Another chapter looks at the concept of the "millennium" and how it has been understood by various Christians over the centuries. Olson then shows how Left Behind creator LaHayeಙs many works on "Bible prophecy" are filled with attacks on Catholicism, and often rely on sensationalism, shaky scholarship, and subjective interpretations of Scripture Olson, a former dispensationalist who now edits Envoy magazine, also presents a history of apocalyptic belief and theology, beginning with the Early Church Fathers and including the Montanists, St. Augustine, Joachim of Fiore, the Protestant Reformers, and the American Puritans. He shows how John Nelson Darby, an ex-Anglican priest, developed the premillennial dispensationalist system, which hinges on the Rapture, in the 1830s and how Darby relied upon faulty assumptions about Jesus Christ, the Church, and the Bible. The second part of the book, "A Catholic Critique of Dispensationalism", focuses on three important topics: the relationship between Israel, the Church, and the Kingdom; the interpretation of Scripture; and the nature of the Rapture event. Filled with a wealth of information drawn from both Protestant and Catholic sources, this section provides a complete rebuttal to the premillennial dispensationalist system and the "left behind" theology. The book concludes with a reflection on the Catholic understanding of the end times, salvation history, and the final judgement. Glossaries of key persons and terms are also included. A strong, but fair, critique of a dangerous and popular belief, Will Catholics Be "Left Behind"? provides Catholics and Protestants, lay people and clergy, and students and scholars with important answers and information about the roots and meaning of the "Rapture". "Millions of Americans believe the Lord will snatch them up any day now, leaving the rest of us to the horrors of a seven-year tribulation. The hitch is that the 'Rapture' has no pedigree. As Carl Olson shows, no Catholic or Protestant believed in it prior to the nineteenth century. It is an authentic Fundamentalist 'invention'." Karl Keating, Author, Catholicism and Fundamentalism "In this extraordinary book, Carl Olson uses a surgeonಙs scalpel to cut through the mass of confusion that dominates contemporary reflection on the Last Things. Achieving far more than a refutation of millennialist errors and other disordered apocalyptic theories, he illumines the Church's majestic vision of time and eternity and demonstrates that Jesus Christ is the Lord of History and its end." Michael O'Brien, Author, Father Elijah

Lauren Stratford's story is one that everyone needs to read, though it deals with a subject most of us would rather not discuss, a subject that for many is too horrendous even to believe. Lauren Stratford lived a life of unending nightmares. As a small child she was offered sexually to strange men. Soon after, she was forced into a torturous routine of pornography, was controlled by mind- and body-altering drugs, and constantly received threats to her life. Though she sought help several times from adults she thought could be trusted with her secrets, no one was willing to risk becoming involved. After years of suffering what many would call the ultimate evil of sexual abuse, Lauren was held captive in the even more appalling world of Satanism and ritual abuse. Forced to participate in some of the most evil satanic rituals imaginable, Lauren was witness to shocking crimes against children and others, all performed in the name of Satan. Tormented sexually and mentally by the cult members, Lauren survived the torture because of her strong faith in God and her belief that He would deliver her from the evil of which she had become a part. It is an undisputed fact that this type of abuse occurs in the world today. Through this shocking story, anyone who is caught in the trap of sexual or ritual abuse can learn that there is a way out--that with the help of God and others, victims like Lauren can break free. Parents, counselors, law-enforcement personnel, and anyone who may know of or suspect a case of abuse will find in this book invaluable advice. Discover how the veil of such horrible abuse can be lifted for all who suffer.