PWMI

Dear friends,
Enoch was the first man in the Bible to be raptured and as such he is a picture of those who will be "caught up to meet the Lord in the air" in the last days (1 Thess.4: 17). Let us observe three things about him.

First, notice his translation. Genesis 5:24 says, "And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him." This is the actual description of his rapture (or, "translation" as Heb.11 :5 calls it) and we see what a dramatic thing it was. Without leaving any earthly remains or ever tasting death Enoch was taken by God. This is just how it will be for those who are snatched away by the Lord Jesus when He comes for His church. It could be said of each believer living in that hour, "he was not; for God took him." Do you know the Lord as your Saviour? When he comes will you be caught up to meet Him? Put your trust in Christ today and be ready for the next translation, should it occur in our day.

Then notice his testimony. Hebrews 11:5 says, " ... before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God." This is an amazing thing when we consider what dark and evil days Enoch lived in. And it should be true of us also. The key is in living, "By faith", as Enoch did. For, "without faith it is impossible to please [God]." (Heb.11 :6). Ron Dunn writes, "The tense of the verb please indicates that apart from faith there is not a single moment when we are pleasing to God. Regardless of what we do, no matter how wonderful and sacrificial the act - apart from faith, it is unacceptable to God." That is quite a challenge and should revolutionise the way we operate. Remember, "the just shall live by his faith." (Hab.2:4).

Finally notice his teaching. Jude tells us that Enoch (whose name actually means 'teacher') proclaimed the Lord's return ... even before His first advent! "And Enoch ... prophesied of these, saying Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousand of His saints ... " (Jude 14). As far back in history as he was ("the seventh from Adam") he taught about the Second Coming of Christ and His approaching judgment. What a blessing he must have been to the believing remnant of his day. And what an example to us also. Like Enoch, we at the PWMI are also committed to preaching this same message.

Although we are at opposite ends of history each one of us should consider the above truths about Enoch and pray that they will be equally true of us. May the magazine you are holding in your hands right now help you to that end.

Your brother in Christ,
Jon Ikin

"The thing which hath been, it is that which shall be." (Eccl. 1:9)