Sunday Words of Encouragement January 25, 2015

Our Sunday School teacher did the final wrap-up on our two year study of Revelations. We still had questions about the timing of the rapture and tribulation but we all agreed that it wasn’t important as long as we live prepared. Then we had another awesome worship time!
Somewhat ironically – okay, not really, cause it is clearly a God thing– Pastor’s Sermon was “Rapture and Those Left Behind!”  According to certain scholars there are over 1800 references to Christ’s second coming in the Old Testament with 17 books giving it prominence. There are 318 references, or 1 out of every 30 verses, in the New Testament. Twenty three of twenty seven New Testament books refer to the second advent.

Pastor described the rapture where believers will disappear from earth “in the blink of an eye”. He read a quote that noted that ‘Every country will be effected.’ People from communications, transportation and law enforcement are gone. Social systems and structures will be in chaos and mayhem as people experience panic and evil doers seize the opportunity to run amok
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There are two separate events that occur at end times. First Jesus returns as the bridegroom, to receive His bride (the church or true believers), in the air, in an instant of time. Second Jesus comes as King of Kings to make war against the antichrist and Satan. He comes to earth, where everyone will see Him and with a multitude in His armies.

There are varying theories on the timing of the Rapture: preTribulation, mid Trib or post Trib. Many believe that the true Christian believers will leave earth before the seven seals mentioned in Revelation 6 and 7 are opened. Others believe that the believers may be on earth for the first three and one half years of the seven year tribulation period but will be taken away from earth before the wrath of the Lord is poured out in the seven bowls. Revelation 8. Pastor noted that the rapture is Imminent, Sudden and Transforming for every Redeemed child of God! 1 Corinthians 15 and Ephesians 1:13-14.

The important thing is that it comes as a thief in the night and we need to ready! Satan’s job is to deceive any he can by pulling us away from God through working on Sunday, missing church for family day, living in sin, failing to obey, etc. So we must “Choose who you will serve! Wake up to sin in your life and repent.” Will you be left behind? Or are you ready for eternity?

Here is a song to remind us we were created for a purpose
but we will be close to Him in the Blink of an Eye!

Verses for Today:
Ephesians 1:13-14 (NIV)
13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.

Lord I pray that you reveal any wicked thing in me so that I may repent and put sin behind me. Help me to stay ready and be watching for your coming!