Laziness and diligence a bible teaching

 

            This is a teaching and bible study that encourages people to be diligent and productive and not to be lazy at all. The bible uses the terms sloth, slothful and sluggard even lazy to indicate one who is, indeed lazy. There are many scriptures in the proverbs and even some in Ecclesiastes which drive the point with warnings to not be lazy but indeed be diligent for there are blessings for diligence, home very well, and even also scriptures in the New Testament, with parables told be Jesus and more.

I am starting this study with a warning verse from Ecclesiastes

(Ecclesiastes 10:18)  Through sloth the roof sinks in, and through indolence the house leaks.

 

This is a powerful warning and so is this proverb group in chapter 24 which is related in ways, for the guy let is vineyard decay and be overrun with weeds because of his own laziness.

(Proverbs 24:30)  I passed by the field of a sluggard, by the vineyard of a man lacking sense,

 

(Proverbs 24:31)  and behold, it was all overgrown with thorns; the ground was covered with nettles, and its stone wall was broken down.

 

(Proverbs 24:32)  Then I saw and considered it; I looked and received instruction.

 

(Proverbs 24:33)  A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest,

 

(Proverbs 24:34)  and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man.

 

Here is a similar warning to not be lazy in Proverbs six, which also gives an encouragement to consider the diligence of an ant:

(Proverbs 6:6)  Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise.

 

(Proverbs 6:7)  Without having any chief, officer, or ruler,

 

(Proverbs 6:8)  she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest.

 

(Proverbs 6:9)  How long will you lie there, O sluggard? When will you arise from your sleep?

 

(Proverbs 6:10)  A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest,

 

(Proverbs 6:11)  and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man.

 

Another warning about laziness and poverty also blessing for diligence

(Proverbs 10:4)  A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich.

 

You don’t really want to send a lazy person on any errand

(Proverbs 10:26)  Like vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to those who send him.

 

Here are a couple more relevant proverbs from chapter 12

(Proverbs 12:24)  The hand of the diligent will rule, while the slothful will be put to forced labor.

 

(Proverbs 12:27)  Whoever is slothful will not roast his game, but the diligent man will get precious wealth.

 

Here is one in proverbs 13 note the promise to the diligent:

(Proverbs 13:4)  The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied.

 

Here is another warning in chapter 15 of Proverbs

(Proverbs 15:19)  The way of a sluggard is like a hedge of thorns, but the path of the upright is a level highway.

 

Here are some other proverb warnings against laziness

(Proverbs 18:9)  Whoever is slack in his work is a brother to him who destroys.

 

(Proverbs 19:24)  The sluggard buries his hand in the dish and will not even bring it back to his mouth.

 

(Proverbs 20:4)  The sluggard does not plow in the autumn; he will seek at harvest and have nothing.

 

(Proverbs 21:25)  The desire of the sluggard kills him, for his hands refuse to labor.

 

(Proverbs 22:13)  The sluggard says, "There is a lion outside! I shall be killed in the streets!"

 

(Proverbs 26:13)  The sluggard says, "There is a lion in the road! There is a lion in the streets!"

 

(Proverbs 26:14)  As a door turns on its hinges, so does a sluggard on his bed.

 

(Proverbs 26:15)  The sluggard buries his hand in the dish; it wears him out to bring it back to his mouth.

 

(Proverbs 26:16)  The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who can answer sensibly.

 

Here are some proverbs and a verse from Ecclesiastes to encourage diligence for the diligent are blessed

(Proverbs 12:11)  Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits lacks sense.

 

(Proverbs 21:5)  The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.

 

(Proverbs 22:28)  Do not move the ancient landmark that your fathers have set.

 

(Ecclesiastes 10:9)  He who quarries stones is hurt by them, and he who splits logs is endangered by them.

 

Here is a passage in 2 Thessalonians dealing with both laziness and diligence warning to avoid and not have anything to do with lazy people, rebuke them encouraging them to work to eat

(2 Thessalonians 3:6)  Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us.

 

(2 Thessalonians 3:7)  For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you,

 

(2 Thessalonians 3:8)  nor did we eat anyone's bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you.

 

(2 Thessalonians 3:9)  It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate.

 

(2 Thessalonians 3:10)  For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.

 

(2 Thessalonians 3:11)  For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies.

 

(2 Thessalonians 3:12)  Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living.

 

(2 Thessalonians 3:13)  As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good.

 

(2 Thessalonians 3:14)  If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed.

 

(2 Thessalonians 3:15)  Do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.

 

Here is an encouragement to do all to the glory of God

(1 Corinthians 10:31)  So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

 

Here too is a similar message to do all for God by Paul to the Colossians

(Colossians 3:23)  Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,

 

(Colossians 3:24)  knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.

 

Here too is an encouragement at the very end of 1 Corinthians 15

(1 Corinthians 15:58)  Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

 

Here in Galatians Paul encourages diligence to reap

(Galatians 6:7)  Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.

 

(Galatians 6:8)  For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.

 

(Galatians 6:9)  And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.

 

(Galatians 6:10)  So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.

 

Here also is this encouragement in Hebrews chapter 6

 (Hebrews 6:10)  For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do.

 

(Hebrews 6:11)  And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end,

 

(Hebrews 6:12)  so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

 

Here is a passage in 2 Peter chapter 1 that will encourage others to be diligent in faith and not lacking

(2 Peter 1:5)  For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge,

 

(2 Peter 1:6)  and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness,

 

(2 Peter 1:7)  and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.

 

(2 Peter 1:8)  For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

(2 Peter 1:9)  For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins.

 

(2 Peter 1:10)  Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to make your calling and election sure, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall.

 

(2 Peter 1:11)  For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

 

We are to be diligent and patient and await His coming according to these verses in 2 Peter 3

(2 Peter 3:13)  But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.

 

(2 Peter 3:14)  Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace.

 

(2 Peter 3:15)  And count the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom given him,

 

Paul reminds us via 2 Corinthians to be diligent for we all will be judged at the judgment seat of Christ for what is and is not done, our good and evil works that  are done in our bodies so it is well for us to please Jesus

(2 Corinthians 5:9)  So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him.

 

(2 Corinthians 5:10)  For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.

 

(2 Corinthians 5:11)  Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade others. But what we are is known to God, and I hope it is known also to your conscience.

 

Now to further encourage diligence in our lives and to warn against laziness the parable of the minas is presented, for it both speaks of rewards for diligence and consequences for laziness:

(Luke 19:12)  He said therefore, "A nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and then return.

 

(Luke 19:13)  Calling ten of his servants, he gave them ten minas, and said to them, 'Engage in business until I come.'

 

(Luke 19:14)  But his citizens hated him and sent a delegation after him, saying, 'We do not want this man to reign over us.'

 

(Luke 19:15)  When he returned, having received the kingdom, he ordered these servants to whom he had given the money to be called to him, that he might know what they had gained by doing business.

 

(Luke 19:16)  The first came before him, saying, 'Lord, your mina has made ten minas more.'

 

(Luke 19:17)  And he said to him, 'Well done, good servant! Because you have been faithful in a very little, you shall have authority over ten cities.'

 

(Luke 19:18)  And the second came, saying, 'Lord, your mina has made five minas.'

 

(Luke 19:19)  And he said to him, 'And you are to be over five cities.'

 

(Luke 19:20)  Then another came, saying, 'Lord, here is your mina, which I kept laid away in a handkerchief;

 

(Luke 19:21)  for I was afraid of you, because you are a severe man. You take what you did not deposit, and reap what you did not sow.'

 

(Luke 19:22)  He said to him, 'I will condemn you with your own words, you wicked servant! You knew that I was a severe man, taking what I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow?

 

(Luke 19:23)  Why then did you not put my money in the bank, and at my coming I might have collected it with interest?'

 

(Luke 19:24)  And he said to those who stood by, 'Take the mina from him, and give it to the one who has the ten minas.'

 

(Luke 19:25)  And they said to him, 'Lord, he has ten minas!'

 

(Luke 19:26)  'I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.

Here also is the parable of the talents in Matthew 25, with a very similar message and warning please watch what happens to the lazy one in the story, too and beware and be like the diligent who are rewarded:

(Matthew 25:14)  "For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property.

 

(Matthew 25:15)  To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away.

 

(Matthew 25:16)  He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more.

 

(Matthew 25:17)  So also he who had the two talents made two talents more.

 

(Matthew 25:18)  But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master's money.

 

(Matthew 25:19)  Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them.

 

(Matthew 25:20)  And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, 'Master, you delivered to me five talents; here I have made five talents more.'

 

(Matthew 25:21)  His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.'

 

(Matthew 25:22)  And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying, 'Master, you delivered to me two talents; here I have made two talents more.'

 

(Matthew 25:23)  His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.'

 

(Matthew 25:24)  He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, 'Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed,

 

(Matthew 25:25)  so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.'

 

(Matthew 25:26)  But his master answered him, 'You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed?

 

(Matthew 25:27)  Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest.

 

(Matthew 25:28)  So take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents.

 

(Matthew 25:29)  For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.

 

(Matthew 25:30)  And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'

 

This parable of the sheep and goats also reminds us that we will be accountable for what we do and do not do to help the least brother, for then we are helping or not helping Jesus

(Matthew 25:31)  "When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne.

 

(Matthew 25:32)  Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.

 

(Matthew  25:33)  And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left.

 

(Matthew 25:34)  Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.

 

(Matthew 25:35)  For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me,

 

(Matthew 25:36)  I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.'

 

(Matthew 25:37)  Then the righteous will answer him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink?

 

(Matthew 25:38)  And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you?

 

(Matthew 25:39)  And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?'

 

(Matthew 25:40)  And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.'

 

(Matthew 25:41)  "Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.

 

(Matthew 25:42)  For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink,

 

(Matthew 25:43)  I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.'

 

(Matthew 25:44)  Then they also will answer, saying, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?'

 

(Matthew 25:45)  Then he will answer them, saying, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.'

 

(Matthew 25:46)  And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."

 

Here is a parable of the wedding, perhaps alluding to the wedding supper where there is a guy without the wedding garb, perhaps this is alluding to someone who is slothful, to Gill’s commentary without diligence and good works for God? Only God knows the truth but we must be diligent to avoid any chance to share his fate or the fate of the other slothful in the above parables:

(Matthew 22:1)  And again Jesus spoke to them in parables, saying,

 

(Matthew 22:2)  "The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son,

 

(Matthew 22:3)  and sent his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding feast, but they would not come.

 

(Matthew 22:4)  Again he sent other servants, saying, 'Tell those who are invited, See, I have prepared my dinner, my oxen and my fat calves have been slaughtered, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding feast.'

 

(Matthew 22:5)  But they paid no attention and went off, one to his farm, another to his business,

 

(Matthew 22:6)  while the rest seized his servants, treated them shamefully, and killed them.

 

(Matthew 22:7)  The king was angry, and he sent his troops and destroyed those murderers and burned their city.

 

(Matthew 22:8)  Then he said to his servants, 'The wedding feast is ready, but those invited were not worthy.

 

(Matthew 22:9)  Go therefore to the main roads and invite to the wedding feast as many as you find.'

 

(Matthew 22:10)  And those servants went out into the roads and gathered all whom they found, both bad and good. So the wedding hall was filled with guests.

 

(Matthew 22:11)  "But when the king came in to look at the guests, he saw there a man who had no wedding garment.

 

(Matthew 22:12)  And he said to him, 'Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding garment?' And he was speechless.

 

(Matthew 22:13)  Then the king said to the attendants, 'Bind him hand and foot and cast him into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'

 

(Matthew 22:14)  For many are called, but few are chosen."

 

This parable of the ten virgins in Matthew chapter 25 reminds us to be ready for Jesus like the wise ones and not lazy like the foolish

(Matthew 25:1)  "Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom.

 

(Matthew 25:2)  Five of them were foolish, and five were wise.

 

(Matthew 25:3)  For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them,

 

(Matthew 25:4)  but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps.

 

(Matthew 25:5)  As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept.

 

(Matthew 25:6)  But at midnight there was a cry, 'Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.'

 

(Matthew 25:7)  Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps.

 

(Matthew 25:8)  And the foolish said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.'

 

(Matthew 25:9)  But the wise answered, saying, 'Since there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.'

 

(Matthew 25:10)  And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut.

 

(Matthew 25:11)  Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, 'Lord, lord, open to us.'

 

(Matthew 25:12)  But he answered, 'Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.'

 

(Matthew 25:13)  Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.

 

And a reminder to be diligent, faithful and watchful for Christ and His return like these verses say to do in chapter 24 of Matthew

(Matthew 24:34)  Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place.

 

(Matthew 24:35)  Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

 

(Matthew 24:36)  "But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only.

 

(Matthew 24:37)  For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.

 

(Matthew 24:38)  For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark,

 

(Matthew 24:39)  and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.

 

(Matthew 24:40)  Then two men will be in the field; one will be taken and one left.

 

(Matthew 24:41)  Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one left.

 

(Matthew 24:42)  Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.

 

(Matthew 24:43)  But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into.

 

(Matthew 24:44)  Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.

 

(Matthew 24:45)  "Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time?

 

(Matthew 24:46)  Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes.

 

(Matthew 24:47)  Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions.

 

(Matthew 24:48)  But if that wicked servant says to himself, 'My master is delayed,'

 

(Matthew 24:49)  and begins to beat his fellow servants and eats and drinks with drunkards,

 

(Matthew 24:50)  the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know

 

(Matthew 24:51)  and will cut him in pieces and put him with the hypocrites. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

 

And for added emphasis to the message I am also putting this very similar passage in Luke’s gospel which contains a very similar warning message to be watchful for Jesus’ return at any time.

(Luke 12:35)  "Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning,

 

(Luke 12:36)  and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the wedding feast, so that they may open the door to him at once when he comes and knocks.

 

(Luke 12:37)  Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will dress himself for service and have them recline at table, and he will come and serve them.

 

(Luke 12:38)  If he comes in the second watch, or in the third, and finds them awake, blessed are those servants!

 

(Luke 12:39)  But know this, that if the master of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have left his house to be broken into.

 

(Luke 12:40)  You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect."

 

(Luke 12:41)  Peter said, "Lord, are you telling this parable for us or for all?"

 

(Luk 12:42)  And the Lord said, "Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom his master will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the proper time?

 

(Luke 12:43)  Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes.

 

(Luke 12:44)  Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions.

 

(Luke 12:45)  But if that servant says to himself, 'My master is delayed in coming,' and begins to beat the male and female servants, and to eat and drink and get drunk,

 

(Luke 12:46)  the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know, and will cut him in pieces and put him with the unfaithful.

 

(Luke 12:47)  And that servant who knew his master's will but did not get ready or act according to his will, will receive a severe beating.

 

(Luke 12:48)  But the one who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, will receive a light beating. Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.

 

Many of the last scriptures state how we must be diligent and watchful for God’s coming for Jesus is soon coming for His bride and we want to be counted worthy just as this verses states for are in the times spoken of

(Luke 21:25)  "And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves,

 

(Luke 21:26)  people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken.

 

(Luke 21:27)  And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.

 

(Luke 21:28)  Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."

 

(Luke 21:29)  And he told them a parable: "Look at the fig tree, and all the trees.

 

(Luke 21:30)  As soon as they come out in leaf, you see for yourselves and know that the summer is already near.

 

(Luke 21:31)  So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near.

 

(Luke 21:32)  Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all has taken place.

 

(Luke 21:33)  Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

 

(Luke 21:34)  "But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap.

 

(Luke 21:35)  For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth.

 

(Luke 21:36)  But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man."

 

I am now closing this teaching with a presentation of the rapture for more information so you all can be diligent for Jesus’ coming, so you do not miss the rapture and have to face the tribulation

Rapture

I will conclude and wrap this study up by saying that the way people are now(not unlike the way they were at Noah’s time and also Sodom, things which Jesus prophesied about in scriptures in Matthew, Mark and Luke)and all the many other end times signs which are occurring currently(animals dying, food prices rising, wars, rumors of wars, crazy weather and so on) are birth pangs of the coming tribulation period and  sure signs the rapture is not far way, indeed, I still believe that the rapture could be any day at any time, of which the Heavenly Father only knows). So cheer up, your redemption is drawing closer and closer every day that passes. Also please remember that  Jesus loves you more than You know, and also by posting this about the rapture, too, which does duplicate some of the scriptures, but that is for emphasis for the rapture is too important and you absolutely DO NOT want to miss it:

 

                                  THE RAPTURE IS IMMINENT!!! ARE YOU READY????

 

            I am very strongly led to believe the rapture is very imminent, and could happen any day at anytime at all. Nobody knows the exact time for the rapture but the Father God Himself. I cannot strongly enough advise all of you to get your hearts right with Jesus by asking the Holy Spirit to reveal to you if there is any Sin /iniquity/ uncleanness in your heart, mind etc and repenting of any and all items brought to your mind right away, asking the Holy Spirit to cleanse you and your garments so that they are spotless, being washed by the blood of Jesus. I am a man, needing the blood of Jesus for cleansing as much as everyone else, and believe me I am doing the same thing. This repenting is a continuous process, not just a one time thing; I have found that I myself have been repenting several times throughout the day. I know that it will be God's grace and mercy ONLY that I make the rapture, not anything I do, I am well aware of the fact that grace alone being what saves, and not works lest any should boast, but also faith without works is dead so I am sharing this with everyone, in the hopes that a few, even just one person, would wake up in time, and repent, for the remaining time here is very short.

            I post and share this document for I deeply care for people and DO NOT want anyone to miss the rapture and find themselves left behind to face the 7 year tribulations which will follow the rapture which will be pure a horrific time on earth, the most horrific ever, in fact, where you will have to hide in caves or in mountains, away from all the evil and very selfish people, be an absolute survival expert, which many are not and absolutely refuse at all costs to take the mark of the beast(666).As a result of your refusal to take this mark, you won’t be able to buy or sell anything, work, eat, live in a normal way, and so on, and most likely you’ll be killed for it, but that is far better than taking the mark and ending up in the lake of fire for eternity, as each and every man and woman  who take the mark of the beast will end up in the lake of fire, where there will be absolutely no rest from their torment night or day(Revelation 14).  Even doing all the precautions, hiding by getting away from all population centers and into the mountains, and so on may not be enough because many if not most people, in fact will not survive the judgments that God will pour out on the world in this time period, in the seal, trumpet and bowl judgments as well as the judgment and destruction of the daughter of Babylon. All these events are described in good detail in the book of Revelation in chapters 6 through 18, which I strongly advise all to read. Here is a link an excellent animated video of the entire book of revelation for you to watch

 

 

 The tribulation period of seven years absolutely will make today's evil world seem like life in paradise by comparison. I very strongly suggest reading the book of Revelation chapters 6 through 18 which tell you specifically what sort of events and judgments the world will see during this tribulation period.

Here are some rapture related scriptures:

 (1 Corinthians 15:51) Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,

 

(1 Corinthians 15:52) In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

 

(1Thessolonians 4:16) For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

 

(1Thessolonians 4:17) Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

 

God wants to keep us from this tribulation by His love and mercy Because thou has kept the word of my patience, I ALSO WILL KEEP THEE FROM THE HOUR OF TEMPTATION, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth."  The implication of this verse is obvious:  If the end-time Christian does NOT stay close to the Lord and endure to the end, HE WILL NOT BE KEPT FROM THE TRIBULATION HOUR Revelation 3 verse 10, so it is IMPERATIVE to stay close to the Lord in these last days. 

Now I have a very special warning message to all those who are lukewarm Christians to repent of this condition and to be on fire for Jesus or Jesus will surely spit you out of the rapture(see verse 16, below) and you will go through the seven year tribulation as it says in Revelation 3 14-22. There are FAR TOO MANY are in this condition the Holy Spirit warned me this AM. There are FAR TOO MANY LAODICEANS today. Please REPENT NOW of your lukewarmness and be on fire for the Lord before it is too late and you miss the rapture as a result of your being lukewarm!! Here are the verses in Revelation chapter 3 concerning the Laodicean church:

(Revelation 3:14) And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;

 

(Revelation 3:15) I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.

 

(Revelation 3:16) So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

 

(Revelation 3:17) Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:

 

(Revelation 3:18) I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.

 

(Revelation 3:19) As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

 

(Revelation 3:20) Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

 

(Revelation 3:21) To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

 

(Revelation 3:22) He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

 

Summarizing, you MUST all be ready for this coming rapture, AND be on FIRE for Jesus, and not be at all lukewarm but loving Jesus with ALL Your heart, mind and soul as commanded in the bible, in several places in both the old and new testaments. If in case you need to receive the Lord please pray the following prayer (backsliders can also use this prayer to repent of their sin and lukewarmness and recommit their lives, and return to their first love, Jesus. Please do so NOW before it is too late)

Dear God in heaven, I come to you in the name of Jesus. I acknowledge to You that I am a sinner, and I am sorry for my sins and the life that I have lived; I need your forgiveness. I believe that your only begotten Son Jesus Christ shed His precious blood on the cross at Calvary and died for my sins, and I am now willing to turn from my sin. You said in Your Holy Word, Romans 10:9 that if we confess Jesus as our Lord and believe in our hearts that God raised Jesus from the dead, we will be saved. Right now I confess Jesus as the Lord of my soul. With my heart, I believe that God raised Jesus from the dead. This very moment I accept Jesus Christ as my own personal Savior and according to His Word, right now I am saved. Thank you Jesus for your unlimited grace which has saved me from my sins. I thank you Jesus that your grace never leads to license, but rather it always leads to repentance. Therefore Lord Jesus transform my life so that I may bring glory and honor to you alone and not to myself. Thank you Jesus for dying for me and giving me eternal life.

Amen.

 

Here are 10 steps that can be of help to be ready for the soon to come rapture:

1. Make sure that you have received Jesus Christ into your life as your PERSONAL Lord and Savior(see the salvation prayer above and use it if need be).

 

2. Examine your own heart for any signs of backsliding, worldliness, unwatchfulness, compromising, and lukewarmness.

 

3. REPENT (Turn COMPLETELY away from sin and turn COMPLETELY around towards Jesus).  Sin separates you from God, even as a Christian.

 

4. Study end-time Biblical prophecy(Daniel 7-12, Matthew 24, Mark 13, Luke 17, 21, 1 Corinthians 15, 1 Thessalonians 4 and 5, other places but the  book of Revelation in particular)  until you become completely convinced that His Coming is, indeed, AT THE DOOR.  This will help keep you from temptation and sin.  JESUS IS COMING VERY SOON!!! Lord help me be absolutely convinced YOU ARE at the door!!!!!

 

5. Do something for the Lord.  (Passing out tracts would be a good start.)

 

6. Examine your priorities, lest the CARES OF THIS LIFE cause YOU to MISS THE RAPTURE, as we are so adamantly WARNED about in Luke 21, and so many other Scriptures.

 

7. Draw closer to God by praying, reading His Word, attending a fundamental church as often as possible, and surround yourself with a Christian atmosphere (Christian friends, books, music, radio, TV, etc.)

 

8. PRAY DILIGENTLY.  ASK THE LORD TO REVEAL TO YOU ANYTHING IN YOUR LIFE THAT EVEN MIGHT KEEP YOU FROM THE RAPTURE.  PRAY THAT THE LORD WOULD GIVE YOU A PEACE, IF YOU ARE READY, AND AN UNREST AND UNEASINESS IN YOUR HEART, IF YOU ARE NOT READY.

 

9. Listen for His voice and then STAY OPEN TO THE LEADING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.

 

10. Act upon that which the Lord is calling you to do. DO IT NOW BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE!

 

Please also pray and ask the Lord Jesus to see if you are indeed ready and to give you peace if you and If the Lord has planted even the least bit of doubt or uneasiness in your heart, will you swallow your pride and pray this prayer with me:

"Dear Lord, Thank you for preparing a WAY OF ESCAPE from the horrible Tribulation to come.  It is my sincere desire to be ready for your Soon Return, so that I can participate in the Rapture. Give me a COMPLETE PEACE IN MY HEART FROM YOU if I am, indeed, ready. Let there be no false sense of security in my heart concerning my readiness for Your Return.  Begin to reveal to me things in my life and in my heart that might keep me from the Rapture.  Show me what I need to do to BE READY and then give me the power to act upon that which you show me to do.  Draw me away from the world and closer to you every day.  Use me in whatever way you can to help others

who may not be ready for your Return.  Fill me with your peace when I am ready and fill me with YOUR POWER, for victory over sin and temptation, and for effective service for your kingdom.  In Jesus' mighty name, Amen

If, by an unfortunate chance, you are finding yourself reading this testimony after the rapture has happened, and you find that you have missed it, everything is not lost by any means, just please pray immediately to accept the Lord Jesus as savior and /or recommit your life to Him, repenting of anything  and everything that you have done that has caused you to miss the rapture, especially such things as being lukewarm and whatever else you may do during that time absolutely DO NOT TAKE THE MARK OF THE BEAST OR YOU WILL SPEND ETERNITY IN THE LAKE OF FIRE!!!!!(taking the mark of the beast means you are essentially married to Satan, the antichrist, the beast and false prophet,  ALL OF WHOM ARE DESTINED FOR THE LAKE OF FIRE, AS ARE ALL WHO TAKE THEIR MARK ON THEIR FOREHEAD OR HAND). IT IS NOT AT ALL FORGIVABLE TO TAKE THIS MARK- so again you must avoid taking this mark AT ALL COSTS you won’t be able to buy, sell, work, and so on, you will have to hide, living in the forest and away from civilization, face jail, torture, and be executed for refusing the mark. If you do die for refusing to take the mark of the beast, if you are Jesus’ you will go to heaven immediately as a tribulation saint and martyr spoken of in the book of revelation. I cannot strongly stress the point enough to NEVER, EVER accept the mark of the beast, no matter what!!!! It will be well worth it to lose everything and everyone in this world, including your life so as  to not have to spend all eternity in hell and the lake of fire, where again there will be never any rest on your torment day or night.

 

Here is a video link for after the rapture http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TbvC-9Ei83E&feature=youtu.be

 

And a link to another facebook page https://www.facebook.com/jay.dougherty.50?ref=tn_tnmn#!/notes/jay-dougherty/good-book-on-tribulations-and-end-times-please-share-aslo-video-link/10200133756520233

 

God bless you and yours