Are You Ready for the Rapture?
It has been a while since we have been joined by Harold Paul, so we were really excited to hear from him today. Harold always gives us a scripture workout with Bible calisthenics, and this morning he did not disappoint.
We celebrated Jesus’ first coming at Christmas, but the Bible makes 318 references to Jesus’ return.
Revelation 19:11-21
[11] Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. [12] His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. [13] He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. [14] And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. [15] Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. [16] And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. [17] Then I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the birds that fly in the midst of heaven, “Come and gather together for the supper of the great God, [18] that you may eat the flesh of kings, the flesh of captains, the flesh of mighty men, the flesh of horses and of those who sit on them, and the flesh of all people, free and slave, both small and great.” [19] And I saw the beast, the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against Him who sat on the horse and against His army. [20] Then the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who worked signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. These two were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone. [21] And the rest were killed with the sword which proceeded from the mouth of Him who sat on the horse. And all the birds were filled with their flesh.
The word "rapture" in Greek derives from the word:
ἁρπάζω
harpazo
which means to snatch away or seize.
Titus 2:11-14
[11] For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, [12] teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, [13] looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, [14] who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.
There is nothing in the prophetic calendar for the rapture to take place, but there is no doubt that Jesus is coming back.
Matthew 24:42
[42] Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming.
We don't know the time, but we need to be ready.
I Thessalonians 5:1-3
[1] But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. [2] For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. [3] For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape.
Like a pregnancy…. You don't know when the time of arrival is coming, but you have to be ready.
Matthew 24:44
[44] Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.
Not only watching, but preparing and anticipating….
When someone is coming to visit, you prepare your house.
Have you prepared yourself for the rapture? Are you ready to meet Jesus?
John 14:1-3
[1] “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. [2] 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. [3] And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.
Jesus, Himself, said that he would be coming back.
How? When? It will be at a time when no one expects it.
I Thessalonians 5:4-6
[4] But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. [5] You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. [6] Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober.
Keep your heart right with God, and help other people to be ready.
Matthew 24:45-46
[45] “Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season? [46] Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing.
Keep your feet on the ground - serving God as we are called, until He comes.
Matthew 24:45-46
[45] “Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season? [46] Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing.
If we live lives that honor Him (as we wait), we will be blessed!
I Thessalonians 4:13-18
[13] But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. [14] For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. [15] For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. [16] For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. [17] Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. [18] Therefore comfort one another with these words.
Are you prepared to meet in eternity?
Romans 10:9-13
[9] that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. [10] For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. [11] For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” [12] For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. [13] For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
This is the way we are to be prepared. We must accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior.
I Thessalonians 5:9
[9] For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.
There is a wrath coming. We avoid that wrath by accepting Jesus Christ.
If you are questioning if you know Jesus is your Lord and Savior, don't wait any longer. Confess or pray a prayer like this one:
Heavenly Father ~
I am a sinner. I messed up. I don’t deserve You, but I need Your forgiveness. I come before You today and proclaim I am placing my faith in Your Son, Jesus Christ. He is my Savior. He is the One who came to save me. I undeservedly accept the grace and forgiveness He gave us access to through the cross. Thank you!
It is in my Savior, Jesus’ name I pray.
~ Amen!
