Hi Bob,
Yeah I think this fear of coming tribulation is a holdover from what we were taught in WCG. They really hammered that fear home to us.
But now I have come to see that was a misunderstanding of what Scripture says, tribulation is going on for the elect now, as they strive to overcome the lust of the flesh in a corrupt world.
John 16:33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."
Rom 5:3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance;
I know it's a good thing to prepare for the future, but not in a since of dread/fear of what is coming, that is a kind of fear instilled by WCG, we need to have our trust that God is going to provide.
Matt 6:25 "Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?
Matt 6:34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
I'm not saying don't save anything on a hard drive in case of a computer crash or something. But fearing about the future is not an attribute of the Spirit.
Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
v. 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
I believe God is going to do for His elect whatever they need, and that means providing all the understanding we need of Scripture by whatever means He wants... we are not or should not feel dependent on anything, but God.
Pro 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;
v. 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.
mercy, peace and love
Kat