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HELEN SANDERS
9-28-2021
THE RAPTURE
With a title like this one, I am sure I have caught your attention. The rapture is the “catching away” of the saints. People have been talking about the rapture because of the chaos in the world. When will it take place? Who will go in the rapture? Will it be before the great tribulation, the middle of it or the end of it?
All these questions are good questions, but one thing for sure as an answer is that Jesus is coming back again. We need to be prepared for it regardless of when it will happen.
A few years back when the stars and planets lined up on September 23, there was a lot of talk that the rapture was going to happen on that day. One man I know was adamant that it was going to take place on that day. He yelled at me when I told him that Jesus said in Matthew 24:42, “Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.” Again, in verse Matthew 24:44, “therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.”
We cannot know the hour because Jesus said we can’t. We can know the season, and there are many signs to look for. We know it will be as in the days of Noah. (Vs 37) “In those days they were eating and drinking, marrying, and giving in marriage until Noah entered the ark.” They did not believe a flood was coming and they didn’t prepare for it. Also, in the days of Noah there were only 8 that entered the ark. That isn’t a big number. Doesn’t sound like a big revival to me.
In Matthew 24:5 it tells us, “For many shall come in my name, saying I am Christ; and shall deceive many.” There is a lot of deception being taught from hundreds of cults, and even some things being prophesied are off the wall. I have never seen so many so-called prophets prophesying that money is coming to you and that you are going to receive favor. Believe me, I would like to see that happen, but God isn’t a sugar daddy doling out goodies without some input on our part. And, what about sin in someone’s life? You rarely hear a “modern-day prophet” talk about repentance.
Then verse 6 says, “and ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars…” There hasn’t been a time in ages where there hasn’t been a war, so definitely that is happening. It goes on to say in verse 7, “For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.” Earthquakes are increasing all over the world. In the past 10 years the amount has been exponential. Wars between nations have been happening all over the world. There are terrible droughts and famines, and pestilences like COVID19.
Verse 9 says, “Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake.” There are people all throughout the world being tortured and murdered for being a Christian. It is getting worse in countries with Sharia Law, and even in the past two years, churches have been mandated to shut down because of a plague that was man made.
Are the signs here for the return of Jesus Christ? I would have to say yes because another sign is that “the fig tree blossoms?” In Mark 13:28-30 it says, “Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near: So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors. Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass till all these things be done.” The fig tree represents Israel. When it became a nation in 1948 this was the countdown for the return of the Lord. It is imminent. How long is a generation? It could be 50, 75 or 100 years. We should be prepared for his soon coming.
We must share the gospel with everyone wherever we can, while we can, before we can’t. I believe through studying the seals and scriptures that Jesus is coming at the “last trump.” (See Matthew 24:29-31.) It says that immediately AFTER the tribulation of those days shall the sign of the Son of man appear. You may not agree with me, and that is perfectly fine, but I would suggest you consider preparing for some very hard days ahead.
One thing I will close with, and I was taught this years ago. Work like he isn’t coming back for a thousand years but live like he is coming back tomorrow. Then you will be ready regardless.
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