Left Behind...

"Hey Mike, I keep hearing this word, "rapture"... what does it mean, and why should it be important to me? Well, you asked!

"RAPTURE" "Being LEFT BEHIND" "Missing the SECOND COMING" "Discovering that MILLIONS HAVE DISAPPEARED..." You've heard them all... Now, what do they mean?

I've been noticing lately that a lot of mainstream Christian websites are beginning to post "What to do if millions disappear" web pages on their sites. All of them address issues like what to do if your entire family is gone and you are left, or what to do if you've been raised in a Christian home, and you KNOW what just happened etc. Quite honestly, it's freaked me out a little bit.

Why would rapture-talk cause me concern? Well, because frankly, many of my own family members are not saved. And, honestly, the times and events around us that are happening seem to line up well with end-times prophesy. Dr. David Reagan of Lamb & Lion Ministries (http://www.lamblion.com/index.php) has been warning of the end times for some time now. On his website you will see a link to an article entitled, "Did Many People Disappear? Jesus Came, What Next?" which goes into great depth about what to do now that you've been left behind. The article is written by Nathan Jones - a ministry partner with Dr. Reagan. I recommend reading them.

I'd like to just point out a couple things. This isn't a joke. Many people feel because of the popularity of the Tim LaHaye, Jerry Jenkins novels - "Left Behind" that the rapture is simply a device used in fiction to create a good story. Well, the fact is, Jesus IS coming back. When he does, we can expect that many people will disappear - why? Because the infallible Word of God tells us so. In the book of 1 Thessalonians 4:13 - 18, we're told, "But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words." That phrase in red - "caught up" is the word "ἁρπάζω" or "harpazo" - which means, "catch (away, up), pluck, pull, take (by force)" Indicating that it will be sudden, and seemingly violent or quick. The English word "rapture" comes from the latin verb meaning "caught up" In the Latin Vulgate, the phrase, "caught up" is rendered, "rapiemur" or "raptus," hence our use of the word, "rapture" literally, "snatched away." This is the same verb used in Acts 8:39 after Philip had witnessed to the ethiopian eunich and had baptized him. The bible says that, "...when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing. But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea."

We can trust that this will happen because Jesus Himself said it would. in John 14:1-3 it says, "Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." Also, in 1 Corinthians 15: 51 & 52 it says, "Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed."


Also,in the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus alludes to this event in chapter 24:29-44 by using phrases such as, "And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other." (vs. 31) and "But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come." (vss. 37-42) That last part of the passage (vs. 40-42) should cause you to think. Jesus said it plainly. THERE WILL BE PEOPLE LEFT BEHIND - EVEN IN THE SAME HOUSEHOLD!


We've all seen this image. But I want you to take a close look at it and consider that when the Lord comes back to take His church off the earth - the REAL Church - NOT an organization as some would have you believe, but rather, the BODY OF BELIEVERS - or all who've made Jesus Christ the Lord and Savior of their lives - it will signal the beginning of what the bible calls the tribulation. A time of intense suffering like the world has never known. Those who are left behind will experience suffering - even if they come to faith in the Jesus Christ of the Bible... they will still suffer. The point is, don't miss it the first time. Don't go through the tribulation. Don't put yourself in a position to have to choose to take the mark of the beast, or face being beheaded. Make Him Lord of your life now.

Jesus is standing at the door knocking. I love this picture because it shows no door knob. He never forces His way into anyone's life. It's up to you to invite Him in, and open that door. The bible tells us that all of us have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, and that there is none righteous on this earth. (Romans 3: 10 & 23). But the wonderful news - literally the "GOSPEL" or GOOD NEWS, is that "God demonstrated his own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us!" But most important, "the Lord is not slack concerning His promise, but is longsuffering towards us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance." (2 Pet. 3:9) The Lord has been patient in delaying his return. His desire is that all would repent and turn to Him. He has waited and waited, but now is the time! There are no biblical prophesies concerning the second coming of Christ yet to be fulfilled, and with all the signs of the times, there is little time for you to sit on this and wait.

So, you ask yourself the question, "Do I need to be saved?" Well the answer is found in the bible. God is holy. No sin will ever enter His presence, for 'righteousness and judgement are the habitation of His throne.' " (Ps 97:2) Man is sinful. "For all have sinned all fallen short of the Glory of God." (Romans 3:23) Sin separates man from God. "But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid His face from you." (Isaiah 59:2) It is impossible for man to save himself. "By the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in His sight." (Romans 3:20) - In other words, WORKS will not save you.

If all are sinners, you may ask, "Can I be saved?" Again we turn to what the Word of God says: God sent His Son to be your Savior. "Herin is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to the propitiation (payment) for our sins." (1 John 4:10). The living Savior invites sinners to receive Him. "Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28) Forgiveness of sins and salvation can be yours today! "For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God." (1 Peter 3:18)

Now, know that you CAN INDEED be saved, you might ask, "How can I be saved?" It shouldn't surprise you that the bible shares this as well. Agree with God that you are a lost sinner unable to save yourself. "God commendeth His love towards us, in that, while we were sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8) Believe that Jesus Christ died for your sins and ask Him to be your Savior. "As many as receive Him, to them He gave power to become sons of God, even to them that believe on His name." (John 1:12) You are not born as a child of God. We are alienated from him by sin. You only become adopted, or grafted in through belief and acceptance. Confess the Lord Jesus Christ before men. "If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved!" (Romans 10:9-10)

It's really that easy. Think about it. If you were Satan, and you wanted to keep people in your control, or thinking they'll never measure up, you'd make the conditions of salvation almost impossible to obtain. If you're LDS, this means keeping ALL of the commandments, being faithful in tithes, temple work, and callings. Not one person on earth can keep the commandments of God without failing. Jesus Christ made salvation simple so we wouldn't miss it. Satan has complicated it with ritual, obligation, works, lies, and false prophets, teachers, and doctrine. If you can believe that Jesus Christ would never lie, then take him at His word, revealed through those men inspired of the Holy Spirit to write what they did... and from His own words. He said,

"Verily verily I say unto you, he that heareth My word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death into life!"
(John 5:24)

Jesus is alive, and He's coming back.
Be found waiting - Not wanting!

My Father's Funeral Sermon

I've wanted to post this for some time. Why? Well, because it reminds me that I don't always know who is and isn't saved, and who does and who does not know God. I struggled with this sermon for many reasons - chief among them was my brother Todd who was a fairly new believer at the time. I wanted to give him some comfort and peace of mind.

Dad wasn't religious. In fact, Dad didn't want to have anything to do with faith, religion, or discussion about those topics. Whenever I tried to share with my Father, he'd shut me down fast and hard, telling me that if it worked for me, that was great, but he didn't want to hear about it. My father had been offended many years before by members of a LDS Ward choir who openly questioned his worthiness to be part of the choir and sing all because my father smoked. True to their hypocritical nature, they ran my father off and made it impossible for me to ever share the good news of Jesus Christ with my Dad. But that doesn't mean he didn't know the Lord. Maybe I'm deluding myself - I don't know, but I'd like to think that like Winston Churchhill, he was ready to meet his maker, but knew for certain the Maker was likely not prepared for the uproar he'd make when he got there! I love my Dad... and it's hard to believe he's been gone almost three years.I miss him.

I love you Dad, I hope you don't mind me sharing this!

William Evans Hunter
November 15, 1929 – January 14, 2006


Thank you all for those kind words and remembrances. I certainly have a difficult task ahead of me. How does a son adequately pay tribute to such a foundational element in his life? How do I say goodbye? How do I say anything of worth or value at a time such as this? I am humbled by this opportunity to share with you about my Father, and express my love for him in such a public way. Thank you all for your kind words, your love and your support. Thank you for being here for my Father. Thank you from all of us.

As many of you know, I’ve been a pastor for the last six years, and I’ve even done several funerals during that time, and even a couple very difficult ones – but none has been so difficult to prepare for as my own father’s. All of the words of comfort seem to fall short, and the normal, gracious platitudes seem even emptier when the one you’re speaking of has been such an influence in your life. In fact, this has been the hardest thing I’ve done in a very, very long time.

We are never ready when death makes its visit. Even through extended illness or trauma, that final moment is never fully prepared for – we’re always taken by surprise. The Bible tells us that we aren’t promised even our next breath, and that every moment of our lives is but a vapor. The question then begs to be asked – are you prepared? Are you prepared for that moment when you step into eternity? When all the “cosmic questions” will be answered – when we’ll meet our maker? I believe my Father was ready. I believe he knew death was coming. He prepared. He moved things to where they would be readily found… he had his affairs in order, and he was ready to meet his maker.

Winston Churchill said, “I am ready to meet my maker, but whether my maker is prepared for the ordeal of meeting me is another matter.”

I believe that some extensive preparation was needed for the arrival of my father – not because of the disruptive nature of his appearance there, but because of the amount of celebration that accompanied his graduation day. Many a great man has gone before him, and many more will follow him, but none have or will mean so much to me personally. Because of that, I’ve taken a hard look at my father and the life he led and have discovered nine specific characteristics or words that describe him. I’d briefly like to share those observations with you.

Love:

Anyone who knew my father would have to say that they had encountered a man who knew how to love. Dad wasn’t overt about the way he showed his love as some would count overtness, but I never once had to guess if my father loved me. I was always sure of it, as sure as I was the sun would rise tomorrow.

Kahlil Gibran said, “Love has power that dispels death; charm that conquers the enemy.” Simply put, because my father loved the way he did, and is loved as we love him, he will live on, not just in the eternities, but mortally here in our hearts.

I used to look at my father when he was around Pat, and wonder to myself if I would ever experience the kind of love that they shared. I didn’t think it was really possible to be that much in love. I’m happy to say I have that kind of love with my beautiful wife – and I owe much of that to the fine example of agape – selfless love – that my father modeled for me. I was shown first, so I could, in turn, show Chris. Yes, my father knew how to love.

Joy:

Every year, my father would come to my house on Christmas morning. As we all know, he was an incredibly difficult man to buy for. It was always a struggle to find something that wouldn’t end up on the 3 foot high pile on his dining room table. We discovered that Dad got his fun out of watching our kids open their presents and spending time with them. Recently at Christmas, we had given our kids Nerf dart guns. Well, Grandpa Bill came by for dinner shortly afterwards, and suffered the humiliation of having my kids lick the darts and stick them one by one on top of his head to form a Mohawk… and laughed the entire time.

Once Todd gave dad an electronic fishing game. If you don’t think Dad knew joy, you’ve never seen him trying desperately to land the whopper on that game. But all in all it wasn’t that Dad knew, or experienced joy, but rather, that he oozed joy to those around him. Sitting on the couch with big red wax lips stuck in his mouth and making faces, or reciting his famous “My Mother” poem, brought not only screams of laughter, but lasting joy as well. My father knew joy. My father was a joy.

It has been said that joy never feasts so high as when the first course is that of misery. This hurts… and we are in misery, but as the bible says in the book of Psalms, “weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning.” Friends – family? The Morning is coming.

Peace:

In this world, peace is elusive, but my father lived in peace. As far as my experience with my Dad went, turmoil was foreign to him. Every time I visited with him he was calm, confident and sure. He seemed to be sustained by the hope of seeing Pat again, and of being re-united with friends and family. On many occasions I took the opportunity to look deeply into my father’s eyes and I was always met with peace. With calm. The older Dad got, the deeper the peace became. I used to wonder to myself what he knew that I did not. I believe I understand better now what his secret was – he was content with his life. He was at peace.

The best example of this is the way my father died. When I was called to the house by the Police and came through the door, I was certain that they had made a mistake. He was only sleeping. But as I approached his lifeless form, I could tell he was gone – but the peace that permeated his life was still reflected on his countenance. I only pray that I can one day pass as easily. He was truly a man OF peace, AT peace.

Patience:

The best proof of my Dad’s patience is that he successfully raised me. This amazing bastion of masculinity before you didn’t just happen I’ll have you know… there was some shaping and modeling that went on. Some painful shaping at times, but always done with patience and endurance.

The fact that my dad could watch 72 holes of golf on TV and enjoy it speaks to this man’s great patience! The fact that he tried to teach me to golf showed that my dad wasn’t above testing his patience on occasion.


Kindness and Goodness:

We don’t have the time that it would take to describe my father’s kindness, or his immeasurable goodness. I have been the glad recipient of his kindness and goodness all of my life. His neighbors and friends knew of his kindness and goodness. Goethe said, “Kindness is the golden chain by which society is bound together.” And as such, my father was a powerful link in that chain.

Another word for goodness is justice. My father was a good man – he was a fair man and he was a just man. These were traits that my father and I discussed on many occasions. And one thing I could always count on was that my father would err on the side of mercy and goodness over law and legalism.

You can also define a person’s kindness and goodness by their generosity. And anyone who knew Dad could attest to his generosity and giving. It has been said that if there is no truer measure of a man than what he does, it must be by what he gives. We’re told in the bible that the Lord loves a cheerful giver, and Dad was that. If it was a time of trouble and need, or a birthday, or Christmas, Dad’s generosity was un-matched, and a phenomenal example to me. A profound example of his goodness, kindness and generosity, can be found in the last check he wrote before he died. He was supporting the Utah Food Bank with a donation. Wordsworth said, “The best portion of a good man’s life is his little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and love.” Albert Pike added, “What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us; what we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal.”

Faithfulness:

There were several times in my life where I made improper choices. Because I had been adopted and had some issues with separation and losing my family, I was always afraid that I would be abandoned again. But through it all, my father remained faithful to me. I never once doubted that he would be there for me. Even through my parent’s divorce, he always made sure I knew that he was there for me.

I remember once as he stood by my side in court as the judgment was handed down for something I had done, he slipped his hand up to rest it on my shoulder. I believe he did that for a couple reasons – one, to settle my shaking, and second to reassure me that he would walk beside me through this hard time.

Gentleness:

True masculinity displays itself in gentleness. My father was always a “man’s man” in every way. He was an athlete, a hunter – pretty much what ever you would define as a “manly man.” Yet to see him hold his grandchildren, or to see him talk about Pat, and you would see the purest essence of gentleness. Dad always modeled masculinity and gentleness for me.

Self Control:

Just take a look at my Dad’s red chair and you’ll see no better example of self control. How he could sit there for all those years with his dust halo, is beyond me – it must have taken Herculean self control! His very lifestyle spoke of self control. He was a man of simple means and simple ways. He was easily satisfied and was almost Spartan in his existence. He always told us that he had everything he wanted or needed… I don’t know how better to describe this – but he was very disciplined. While we were looking through some of his things, Todd and I came across sheet after sheet of paper with long-hand division on it – covered front and back! Believe me, THAT takes self control!

Well, there you have it. Nine attributes of my father’s life: LOVE, JOY, PEACE, PATIENCE, KINDNESS, GOODNESS, FAITHFULNESS, GENTLENESS and SELF CONTROL. Sound familiar? It should. Galatians 5:22 says this: “…the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. There is no law against these things!”

Thinking of it that way has helped me come to the conclusion that in spite of his lack of participating in “religion,” my father knew what a relationship with Jesus Christ was. And because of that, I’m certain as he stood before the Lord, there was a knowing look of recognition, and the words, “Well done thou good and faithful servant, enter into the rest of your Lord” were spoken over him, as he was reunited with those who loved him.

Dad? Thank you for your example, for your kindness, love and generosity. You have made me a better man for knowing you, and you have helped me learn some of the hard lessons of life with grace and dignity. You will be missed more than you know. I love you immeasurably. May God bless you and keep you, and cause his face to shine upon you. Amen.

"My Mother" A Poem by my Dad...

My Father was hilarious. For as long as I knew him, he would always recite a poem called, "My Mother." We would laugh hysterically when he would do it, so before he died, we got him to do it on video tape, and I transcribed it here. So Dad? This is for you!

My Mother

By William “Bill” Hunter – Grandpa Bill

My Mother

Who took me from my warm, warm cot
And placed me on a cold, cold pot
And made me pee, whether I could or not!

My Mother

Who then my hair would gently part
And squeeze me closer to her heart
And squeeze until I sometimes fart!

My Mother

Who looked at me with eyebrows knit
When in my little drawers would shit
And say to me, “Get up and git!”

My Mother

I love my dad still - even though he isn't with me. It's hard to deal with sometimes, but when I remember things like his poetry, it makes me smile, and I do alright.

I love you Dad!

It is, truly a life unhinged.

My Beloved

You know, there are times in a person's life when they realize just how fortunate they are to be with the one they love. For all intents and purposes, I've been with Chris now for almost 26 years. And though we've had some very difficult, character building experiences in our lives, we've come through them together. I love my wife. Of that there is NO doubt. I see her as something wonderful and precious, and someone I can hardly say I deserve.

Recently I've been reading a lot of poetry and it's sort of bit me... and I've got the bug again... so I'm going to post a new poem I wrote. It's for my sweetheart. The one I love with all my soul. Here it is:

"Chris"

Simple grace found in a sweet round face;
Eyes that sparkle with mischief and joy;
Cheeks red with passionate blood, and a smile.
O, the smile which always steals away my breath and pain.

Belly laughs from a belly large with life and love;
Eyebrows making question marks as her eyes sparkle
with tears of joy. Her nostrils flare with mirth in a
way I can never imitate!

Hands that knit as easily as they pull weeds, or
make keepsakes for ones she loves. Hands that know
the art of compassion and loving touch - bringing assurance
and peace in a troubled, fisted world.

All are bound up and make up the heartbeat of my life.
The very presence of her makes my life take focus and
assume purpose. It's my luck that these eyes, hands and
softness love me back.


Yesterday this wonderful woman I love scored a 99.3% on her Physiology midterm. This is a class that most people end up having to take twice - if not three times! So, not only is she cute, but she's smart too!

I'm lucky. I know it.