Are you rapture ready ?

Rev. Benjamin Thomas

When sin first entered the world through Adam and Eve, they had no idea what the domino effect was to be on future generations! Even then, God provided a means for deliverance; the "Seed of the woman" was born into this world and died on the cross for all mankind. God didn't hide His plans for deliverance for long; the prophets of the Old Testament prophesied the birth, ministry & death of Jesus many years before it all took place.

God's plan for eternity was not hidden either; we read symbolic passages in the book of Daniel, Joel and Revelation, as seen by John. According to these Scriptures, there are world systems that must be in place before the glorious return of our Lord. These systems are being built and established right before our eyes. The introduction of the "chip" is just one of the many technological advances yet to emerge. Cures for cancers and AIDS are underway. International alliances and allegiances are being formed. Currencies are becoming uniform. Violence and terror on an all time high around the globe - as nation rises against nation! The world is preparing for the rise of the Antichrist; we, on the other hand, are awaiting the Lord's return, which is the first phase of the 2nd coming.. While prophecies of the birth and death of Jesus were gradually fulfilled, prophecies about the rapture will be fulfilled in a twinkling of an eye!

Steps to the Return:

• Rapture

"No one knows about that day or hour,...nor the Son, but only the Father." (Mark 13: 32)

Context clues around us tell us that the time is at hand. "How can I prepare for that day?" you may ask. Confess your sin, acknowledge the death and resurrection of Jesus through the act of baptism, live a holy and prayerful life and prepare to dwell in mansions bright in that day. While the believers are in heaven for seven years, the Antichrist will establish his reign and torment the remaining people - this is called the Tribulation Period.

• Tribulation is followed by the War in Armageddon, as seen in Revelation 16:16. At that time, Jesus with His saints will return to the earth and war against the Antichrist - a battle that the Lord will win. This war is followed by Jesus' thousand year reign here on earth; we will accompany Him in those days. Although this sounds like the typical cartoon episode of hero vs. villain, think again! This is the future, church! Don't disregard this as fiction; this is more real than anything else you've experienced in your life.

Newcomers and old church attendees alike - I love you dearly but my recommendations will be to no avail that day. Everyone's salvation is for himself; no one can prepare for you - you must do that yourself! Sadly, there will be believers present to attend Sunday morning worship service following the rapture. I will not be here, nor will most of those reading this today. However there will be some of you here to open the gates and prepare the sanctuary for service. I hope and pray that none of you will be available that day; may the doors of this church remain locked. There are individuals who claim they will refuse to accept the mark of the Antichrist if they are not taken up during the rapture. It's silly to resist God's Word today in hopes of receiving it tomorrow. If you can't take a stand for Him now when you have full freedom to do so, you simply will not stand for Him then! There will be increasing resistance and punishment waiting for those who defy the reign of the Antichrist. Don't delay to make Jesus your Lord; don't wait for another chance because there may not be one! Paul admonishes the church with these words from

2 Corinthians 6:2: "I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation."

MARANATHA!! ("the Lord is coming soon" / "Oh, Lord, come soon”)

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