The Struggle for AN AWAKENING in America

Beginning in Daniel, Chapter 7, the prophet is given a vision of the coming Tribulation---the time referred to as the 70th week, and that period of time prior to the bodily return of Jesus which is divided into two subsequent 3 1/2 year periods, totaling 7 years. Interestingly, that same period of time, both in the book of Daniel and in Revelation is never referred to as a '7 year' period, but two '3 1/2 year' periods (totaling 7). This is indicative of a major prophetic event which takes place halfway into that 7 year period. What is that event? Is it the resurrection?... No.
Is it the rapture?... No. (Thus, I am eliminated from the so-called 'mid-Trib' rapture people).
The Scripture is clear, via several witnesses...
"And from the time that the daily sacrifice is taken away, and the abomination of desolation is set up, there shall be one thousand two hundred and ninety days" (3 1/2 years) (Daniel 12:11)
"So they worshiped the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, 'Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?' And he was given a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies, and he was given authority to continue for forty-two months (3 1/2 years)" (Revelation 13:4-5)
So from the introduction of the antichrist (in person) until that event spoken of by Daniel, Jesus, Paul, and John (the 'abomination of desolation') there are 3 1/2 years.
The only other major prophetic events that take place during that first 3 1/2 year period is the great "falling away" (apostasy)---also described by Jesus as many being "offended" (Matthew 24:10), and the severe persecution which begins with the introduction of the antichrist, and worsens as he comes to full power, ultimately establishing his throne within the church system (the spiritual temple). This great 'offense' is caused, and also worsened by the reality of the persecution and great Tribulation which is underway by that time, and the fact that many believers are being killed for the gospel's sake (this could not happen if the rapture had already occurred).
Please note also, that the number which 'no man can number', who show up almost simultaneously in heaven, are not 'raptured'. They are 'slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held' (Rev. 6:9). This same multitude cry out for vengeance and judgment upon their slayers, who are still (at that time) dwelling 'on the earth'. God's answer to them may be a bit troubling to some, but it is exactly clear...
"it was said to them that they should rest a little while longer, until both the number of their fellow servants and their brethren, who would be KILLED AS THEY WERE, was completed." (Rev. 6:11).
Up until the 'abomination of desolation' ('desolation' refers to the mass murder of thousands of believers--Rev. 13:7,15) the ONLY 'fast track' to heaven is NOT via the 'rapture express'---it is through persecution. The 'rapture' occurs shortly AFTER the 'abomination of desolation' and is described in the very next chapter... It is that righteous remnant, symbolized by the 144,000 (Rev. 7:4, 14:1)...
It is also that holy remnant of the church, symbolized by the 'Inner Court' and 'Holy of Holies' Christians whose character and spiritual maturity far surpass that of the carnal-minded majority of the church, living in and symbolized by the "Outer Court" which does not 'measure up' to the Standard, and for 3 1/2 years are 'trampled underfoot'. (Rev. 11:1-2)...
And it is also that holy and powerfully anointed remnant of the church, represented by the 'two witness' who boldly prophesy for 'one thousand two hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth' (Rev. 11:3-12). Though at least a portion of these, represented by the two witnesses are ultimately 'slain' by the antichrist, I am convinced they also include those who are yet living at the time of the resurrection of the saints and are 'caught up' together with them, 'ascending to heaven in a cloud' as their enemies watch (Rev. 11:12).
Still, it is the 144,000 which most clearly represents the remnant who are 'raptured'. The previous descriptions of this group shows them preaching/prophesying on earth. The Revelation 14 description has them no longer on earth, but in heaven and is thus pictured...
"...they sang as it were a new song before the throne, before the four living creatures, and the elders; and no one could learn that song except the hundred and forty-four thousand WHO WERE REDEEMED FROM THE EARTH." (Rev. 14:3).
"Redeemed from the earth"---NOT 'redeemed from sin, sickness, poverty, etc.'---"Redeemed FROM THE EARTH". That can only mean one thing. They were delivered from this planet---raptured. And ONLY that 144,000 could sing the new song, because ONLY they were REDEEMED FROM THE EARTH.
I know many get hung up on the symbolism, insisting that these MUST be physical (as opposed to spiritual) Jews. [Actually, they are never referred to as "Jews" period... They are referred to as 'Israel'. And if we are going to be 'physical' here, then we must also acknowledge that these will all be men---single men, who have never been with a woman sexually---never been anything but faultless, etc. Let us get real, shall we? Spiritual Truth is certainly no less true than physical truth. And I use the word, 'physical' vs. 'literal' because Spiritual Truth is just as true (literally) as any other kind of truth. Truth is truth.

When Daniel began to see progressive visions of the things that would one day begin to happen to 'his people' (NOT physical Israel---spiritual Israel---God's people), he progressively got 'physically' sick about it.
First of all, he writes, "...my thoughts greatly troubled me, and my countenance changed; but I kept the matter in my heart." (Daniel 7:28)
Then, following the next vision, he wrote, "... and I, Daniel, fainted and was sick for days; afterward I arose and went about the king's business." (Daniel 8:27)
After the last and most vivid picture of horrific end-time events, through which the majority of the church will surely endure, he wrote, "...In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three full weeks. I ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled."
He goes on to explain, "...because of the vision my sorrows have overwhelmed me, and I have retained no strength..." (Daniel 10:2-3, 7-21).
Thus, he describes his physical condition of near death, as clearly the result of seeing a vision of things that are to happen to that 'outer court', carnal, majority of Christians in these soon-coming last days.
All of this makes me wonder, and seek the Lord about the reason I'm apparently not as sick and troubled as Daniel was. Especially when I am reminded on occasion, that some of my friends and relatives are very much a part of that carnal, 'outer court' Christian, segment of the church who will suffer the very worst the Tribulation has to offer---and that without the remedy of a strong faith in God, to save and deliver from the associated trials.
May God quickly bring me to the end of my 'tolerance' level, the next time I hear a professing Christian bragging about their sinful escapades and using the foulest of language to do it.
God help us. Bring an awakening like this nation has never seen, I pray, in the Mighty Name of Jesus.