Difference between Rapture and Second Coming

Last Sunday, when I was in a worship service I was very surprised of what the topic is. The preacher said that Rapture and Second coming are different. In my whole life of attending a worship service, honestly I thought that Rapture and Second coming are the same and I was  really curious, and said to myself that we had an interesting topic to discuss or talk about that day.

What is really the difference between the two?
Let me start, I am not really an expert and really familiar in the passage of  The Bible, but I hope it can help us to understand the difference. According to the speaker the scripture speaks about two distinct events, the Rapture and the Second coming of Jesus Christ.

The Rapture will happen when Jesus Christ returns to his church. This is when all true believers in Christ will be taken from earth by God into heaven.( 1 Corinthians 15: 51-52; 1 Thessalonians 4: 16-17).
The Second Coming will happen when Jesus Christ returns to his church to defeat antichrist overthrow evil and establish his thousand year reign on earth. ( Reavelation 19:11-16)

There might be some confusion between these events because both happen during end times and both describes the return of Christ but there are important differences to discern.
Let's compare and highlight the key distinction noted in the scripture.

1. Meeting in the Air vs. Returning with Him.

In Rapture, we will meet the Lord in the air.

* For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 1 Thessalonians 4:16– 17 (NIV) 


In the Second Coming, believers will return to the Lord.

The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. Revelation 19:14 (NIV)

2. Before Tribulation vs. After Tribulation

A tribulation is a future seven - year period when God will complete His discipline of Israel and fimal judgment upon unbelieving citizens of the world.

Rapture will happen before the tribulation:

• For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. ​1 Thessalonians 5:9 (NIV)
• Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth. Revelation 3:10 (NIV)

Second Coming will happen at the end of tribulation:

And I saw an angel standing in the sun, who cried in a loud voice to all the birds flying in midair, “Come, gather together for the great supper of God, so that you may eat the flesh of kings, generals, and the mighty, of horses and their riders, and the flesh of all people, free and slave,great and small.” Revelation 17-18 (NIV)

3. Deliverance vs. Judgment

In the Rapture, believers are taken from the earth by God as an act of deliverance:

• After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 1 Thessalonians 4:13– 17
• For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.  1 Thessalonians 5:9 (NIV)

4. Hidden vs. Seen by All

Rapture according to the scripture  will be an instantaneous hidden event.

Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. 1 Corinthians 15:50-54

The Second coming according to the scripture will be seen by All.

“Look, he is coming with the clouds,” and “every eye will see him, even those who pierced him”; and all peoples on earth “will mourn because of him.” So shall it be! Amen. Revelation 1:7

5. At any moment vs. Only after certain events

Rapture could happen at any moment 

• ...While we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, Titus 2:13 (NIV)
•  For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18 (NIV)

The  Second coming won't happen until certain events take place

• He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called Godor is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God. 2 Thessalonians 2:4 (NIV)​
• Immediately after the distress of those days, "The sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken." Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven.​ Matthew 24:15-30 (NIV)
• Then the kings of the earth, the princes, the generals, the rich, the mighty, and everyone else, both slave and free, hid in caves and among the rocks of the mountains. They called to the mountains and the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the great day of their wrath has come, and who can withstand it?”​ Revelation 6-18 (NIV)

There are conflicting views regarding The Rapture and the Second coming. If you're confused read Matthew Chapter 24. While talking about the end of the age, it's likely that this  chapter references  both the rapture and the second coming. It's important note that Christ's purpose is to prepare believers for the end.He wanted the believers to be watchful everyday until the day He returns to the earth. Be Ready.

Are you ready now to face Jesus?

Are you ready now to face the Lord?

Hugpong Guimarasnon: Sea Tragedy

I've been thinking for a long time what will my next blog be and I think it's time now to show my support and also express my sentiments regarding the ongoing issue about the sea tragedy that happened last August 3 2019 in my beloved province Guimaras.

I was surprised when I opened my facebook account because that is the first thing I do when I wake up. At first, I was just reading like it's normal to read the news about the sea tragedy but as I continue to scroll around my timeline the tragedy is getting serious when I saw some fellow Guimarasnon especially the people in Buenavista that I know personally until I heard it over the news here in manila.

But my main concern here is what happened after the tragedy, thanks to facebook, they kept me updated with the tragedy. People are crying for help because this tragedy caused them a lot of pain and of course problem.

Motor banca is the main transportation that we have in the province and we use it for decades now. I grew up near Buenavista wharf and I witness the situation everyday from the passengers to the motorbanca staff the porters the drivers and even the people who operates small businesses around the wharf.

The sea is our main source of income, from fishing,trading, and of course motorbanca and if we lost this livelihood our families will suffer from hunger and their children won't be able to go to school. I have the right to say these things because I myself is a true blooded Guimarasnon and most of my relatives especially my uncles are working as crew in some of the motorbanca and even if I am away from my province I can feel how hard it is not having daily income.

People now are crying to put back the normal operation but seems like people UP THERE can't hear it? what's happening?can't you really hear them or your just pretending that nothing happened. Marina and DOTC are proposing "Modernization" but through phasing out pumpboats not standardizing pumpboats in short they want to snatch everything from the people who actually depend their lives on the sea.

This is inhumane,it's not fair, and it's easy for them to say that because they haven't experience to live in Guimaras. There were a lot of people died in the tragedy as well as in the pumpboat because they don't want the pumpboat to be covered even if it's too hot and heavy rain??? that is stupidity.

I'm sorry but I want to be rude this time. This is bullshit. People are suffering because of their idiotic actions and they're all fucking morons. You don't deserve any respect from the people who definitely cursing you because of this situation. Please be wise when it comes to your decisions don't be a crap.

Thirdy Ravena : The Humble Eagle

He is often compare to his Dad and his brother, but this doesn't affect this humble not so little boy, because for him he is different. He started slow when it comes to basketball that even his parents worried about, but sooner when he stepped out of the hardcourt and tried to play the sport that his family is famous of, he proved everybody wrong.

Let me give you a bit of a background with this little boy from Cainta, he is no other than Ferdinand Ravena  III, "Thirdy" as we call him is the  son of PBA cager Bong Ravena and younger brother of  The Phenom Kiefer Ravena, came from family of athletes where of course he was pressured to follow their footsteps, he receives criticisms from other people because he is not good as his brother or father, but this doesnt't stop him, despite from the critics Thirdy continue to play basketball and develop his skills and soon became the most sought after player.

His perserverance made me admire him, and his positivity made him what he is today. He is just silent and humbly achieves his goals. Depsite from criticisms he continue to stand out and develop his own skills, and made him one of the most valuable player now.

Thirdy is currently with Ateneo Blue Eagles and he is also a part of the National Basketball Team together with his brother. I am hoping to see more actions from him not only in the amateur league but also in the professional league, for the meantime he has to enjoy and shine in the UAAP.

What Truly Counts?

Text:  Romans 8: 28 – All things work together for good.

      

 We all have what we call Religion and each of them have different beliefs and doctrines, some are using the Holy Scriptures and believe God, and some worshiped Idols. We go to church diligently and even gave tithes and offerings. We do good works and participated in religious activities. But the question is, Are we doing it by heart?, or we just do it because this is our obligation as Christians?

In this blog I will focus on Christianity and our lives as Christians in reality.

As a Christian, we believe in the Living GOD, and we follow his words through the Holy Scriptures or The Bible, But we Christians sometimes fail, yes we believe in him but sometimes our faith is not that big. We pray for the things we want but we didn’t give back what HE had given us. We go to church every Sunday, but do we really listen and get the point of the message that he wants us to understand?We participate in church activities, but we only enjoy meeting other people and we forget the purpose why we are there. We volunteer in some outreach program because for you helping others can give you a place in heaven. We can teach people about the Bible but we judge others because they live differently among us. Then that is Hypocrisy.

We have our responsibility as Christians but we have to serve the LORD unconditionally, just like what HE did for us. Yes we read the Bible but we also must understand those verses in it. We go to Church every Sunday but we must reflect with the messages that HE wants us to know. We pray to HIM for HIS guidance and blessings but we must return the favor that we ask because not all prayers are answered, we often lose our FAITH, if our prayers were not answered. We do volunteer to do good works, but we are boasting it (Eph 2:9). We easily judge unbelievers, because we think we are perfect. Nobody is perfect in this world, There is no righteous no not one (Romans 3:10), we are all SINNERS.

GOD don’t want us to live perfect lives, but he wants us to live a life that we know HIM as our Father and Savior (John 14:6), Blessings are just coming your way if you follow HIM genuinely, be humble and don’t be proud (James 4:6), Christ the son of God humble himself (Phil 2:8), and He died on the cross to save us (John 3:16).

GOD gives the toughest battle to HIS children, but it’s up to us if we Trust HIM. He will never fail us for HE has plans for each one of us. Blessings will come for those who are willing to wait. Let’s learn how to perservere ourselves, for He also shows patience to us, and despite that we all have sinned HE still willing to forgive and embrace us. HE is Faithful enough to be misunderstood.

He alone is faithful and true

He alone knows what is best for yourselves

God is too wise to be mistaken

God is too good to be unkind

But when you don’t understand

When you don’t see His plan

When you can’t trace His hand

Trust His heart.

            - Bobbie Mason-

Future Cagers

  Filipinos have deep passion when it comes to basketball, we can see courts everywhere and even if they don't have full basketball gears they still play the sport even on a barefoot. The reason why some Filipino men have the ambition to be in the Professional field, well not a doubt because there are some professional players who became famous because of their skills like Allan Caidic, Alvin Patrimonio, Bong Ravena, Johnny Abarrientos, Jojo Lastimosa, James Yap, Marc Pingris, Jayson Castro, Paul Lee, Japeth Aguilar, and young bloods such as Scottie Thompson, Jio Jalalon, Jeron Teng, Kiefer Ravena, Von Pessumal, and so on. But this don't stop here for we have younger generations to watch out for, now let me give you some of the most promising young cagers.



6.  Robbie Manalang - Adamson Soaring Falcons

   Rejected from  a lot of try outs but this man didn't stop to continue his dreams, his first season in the UAAP lifted his team from bottom to the final four, his field goals and speed brought him to be recognized in the league and looks like Coach Franz Pumaren didn't make a big mistake to take him as a part of the Soaring Falcons, He plays now in the D League and Coaches must keep an eye on him.

5. Jeric Ahanmisi - Adamson Soaring Falcons

He maybe small but he is terrible, this Filipino - Nigerian made a big storm as a rookie playing for The Adamson soaring falcons as a shooting guard. He made seamless shots from the outside to the inside. His opponents keep an eye on him because if you let him do his craft he is so dangerous some schools made a big regret by letting go of him, and now he is loyal to his coach and to his school.

Watch out for this guy, he might follow his brothers footsteps as pro.

4. Aljun Melecio - De La Salle Green Archers

         Aljun Jay Melecio, I featured him once in my blog as the new kid on the block, and then here he is again, he made a big break last season 78 for DLSU by helping his team in the finals. His playing ability is really exceptional that even he could do it alone. This man will be one of the        greatest player in his time. Melecio is still playing for DLSU, and can still get a lot of opportunities in his collegiate years. Well watch out for him in the next few years.

3. Ricci Rivero - De La Salle Green Archers

He's on leave for the green archers due to his endorsements but he's still a student of his university,but I'm not talking about his status but his performance in the league. He is well knThown for his good defense and shooting skills, and seems to be a good back court tandem to his co players. This promising young lad always shows passion for his sport, but sometimes he was misinterpreted. But anyway I know there teams and coaches are craving for this guy to play with them.

2. Thirdy Ravena - Ateneo de Manila University

 

Having a star in the family is a pressure but not for this kid, even if he came from the family of atheletes, his brother and his dad made a big name in the league, but he still continues to rise as one of the best in the league. He is a late bloomer when it comes to basketball he struggled a lot unlike his brother, Thirdy still put his best foot forward in every game that he played and after so many years he was first named as the UAAP Juniors Seasons MVP, and last year as the Finals MVP for UAAP Mens basketball. His struggles and experience made him tough that's why he has a big spot in the professional league.

1. Kobe Paras 

Known as the son of the "Tower of Power" and the only Rookie - MVP in Philippine basketball, he also made a mark as a competitive player. He's been a high school stand out from La Salle Greenhills and made a name in the US, he still has the aim to play in the local pro league, named as the youngest player in Gilas Pilipinas pool yet he still showcase his skills that he learned from his Dad. He maybe had a possibility to play in the NBA, but  he still has the heart to his country.

Bible Reflection: Significance of Christmas

 
  I know each one of us is excited this Christmas season, we are excited to celebrate it with our family, and friends, we look forward for gifts and delicious food for the feast. But what really Christmas is? is it about presents and food? For children Christmas is something that they have on their wishlist that Santa will give, for Adults sad to say Christmas is just a simple celebration, But for Christians, Christmas is for Christ the son of God who was bought to the Earth to save our sins.
   
 
 Yes indeed, that is the reason why we have what we call Christmas, It's the birth of our Saviour. It's not just a  holiday to gather all our families and friends, it's not that we made delicious food for our table, and not that we gave presents to our loved ones and share our blessings to the less fortunate. We must know what really Christmas is all about, Matt 1:21, She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him name JESUS for he will save his people from their sins, that's what the Angel said to Joseph. And when JESUS was born the Angel spread the news to people ( Luke 2:11) , they came to worship HIM and bought HIM gifts (Luke 2:12).

  As Christians we must know the essence of Christmas and why we celebrate it every year. Those gifts which the Wise men gave to JESUS the star that the shepherds followed to find the baby who was born in a manger wrapped by cloth,  but do you know what is the most important gift that was given to us?  JESUS, He is the most precious gift that God had given us, and not the material gift that we received every year. Every Christmas season before we eat the food on the table and open the presents that we received, thank HIM first for the blessings and always tell HIM that he is the reason why this celebration is so important, and we must thank HIM because he had given us the greatest gift of our lives.



" For unto us the child is born, Unto us the son is given and the government will be on HIS  shoulders. And HE will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, The Everlasting Father The Prince of Peace"

                                                                                                                           - Isaiah 9:6-

Game 4 analysis: GSW vs Cavs

Quicken Loans Arena - Cleveland, Ohio


Final Score 108 - 97


The Golden State Warrior secured a 3 - 1 advantage in the series after a record of 17 three - pointers. Stephen Curry poured in 38 points to help the Golden State Warriors dispatch the Cavaliers in Game 4 of the NBA Finals. Curry made seven out of his 13 three point shots, Thompson got 25 points while Barnes got 14 points in the game.

Meanwhile Cleveland struggled from the outside, Lebron made a lot of turnovers from the very beginning, as well as Kevin Love who just got back from an injury. Kyrie Irving and JR Smith combined to connect on just five of 19 shots from the arc, and the cavs made 15/26 from the free throw line. 

The Cavs dominated the game from the first to the third quarter of the game with a very tight defense came from Kyrie, Jefferson, Thompson, and Smith. Their defense didn't work when the Splash brothers exploded and showered three points in the third quarter, Draymond Green, Andre Iguodala, and Sean Livingston also made a mark. With the hardworking Varajao the Warriors came back from the scratch.

What Warriors did is they let Kyrie Irving do his thing and  let Lebron guarded, This should be the wisest move of Steph Kerr in making a comeback. They've underestimated the Warriors at first and they didn't learn a lesson from the OKC Thunders where they started 2- 0 and ended the game with a victory. And one thing more Jefferson fouled Curry that can make a Free Throw shot, that is the biggest downfall.


Game 5 is scheduled on Monday  9 PM  ET ( Tuesday 9 AM PST) 

Will the Cavs extend the game or the Warriors will still prove it on the Second time?