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resurrection and end times bible study
Resurrection and end times bible study
Here is a bible study combining chapters from Luke, Acts, 1 Corinthians 15 and other new testament end times chapters to show what Jesus did raising up from the dead in so doing cheating death of its victory but also the promise of His return for the rapture.
I am starting this study in Acts chapter 24, where Jesus is indeed raised from the dead and the story here is related of the empty tomb and Jesus encounters with the disciples, charging them to wait for power (the Holy Spirit) before being taken up to heaven also stating the message of repentance was to be given to the whole world starting in Jerusalem
(Luke 24:1) Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them.
(Luke 24:2) And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre.
(Luke 24:3) And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus.
(Luke 24:4) And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments:
(Luke 24:5) And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead?
(Luke 24:6) He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee,
(Luke 24:7) Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.
(Luke 24:8) And they remembered his words,
(Luke 24:9) And returned from the sepulchre, and told all these things unto the eleven, and to all the rest.
(Luke 24:10) It was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and other women that were with them, which told these things unto the apostles.
(Luke 24:11) And their words seemed to them as idle tales, and they believed them not.
(Luke 24:12) Then arose Peter, and ran unto the sepulchre; and stooping down, he beheld the linen clothes laid by themselves, and departed, wondering in himself at that which was come to pass.
(Luke 24:13) And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs.
(Luke 24:14) And they talked together of all these things which had happened.
(Luke 24:15) And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them.
(Luke 24:16) But their eyes were holden that they should not know him.
(Luke 24:17) And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad?
(Luke 24:18) And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days?
(Luke 24:19) And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people:
(Luke 24:20) And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him.
(Luke 24:21) But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done.
(Luke 24:22) Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulchre;
(Luke 24:23) And when they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive.
(Luke 24:24) And certain of them which were with us went to the sepulchre, and found it even so as the women had said: but him they saw not.
(Luke 24:25) Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:
(Luke 24:26) Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?
(Luke 24:27) And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.
(Luke 24:28) And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further.
(Luke 24:29) But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them.
(Luke 24:30) And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them.
(Luke 24:31) And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight.
(Luke 24:32) And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?
(Luke 24:33) And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them,
(Luke 24:34) Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon.
(Luke 24:35) And they told what things were done in the way, and how he was known of them in breaking of bread.
(Luke 24:36) And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.
(Luke 24:37) But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit.
(Luke 24:38) And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts?
(Luke 24:39) Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.
(Luke 24:40) And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet.
(Luke 24:41) And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat?
(Luke 24:42) And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb.
(Luke 24:43) And he took it, and did eat before them.
(Luke 24:44) And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.
(Luke 24:45) Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,
(Luke 24:46) And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:
(Luke 24:47) And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
(Luke 24:48) And ye are witnesses of these things.
(Luke 24:49) And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.
(Luke 24:50) And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them.
(Luke 24:51) And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.
(Luke 24:52) And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy:
(Luke 24:53) And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.
Here is Acts chapter 1 where Jesus gives them the final commands to await the coming of the Holy Spirit and as the apostles wait, they elect a new person, Matthias to replace Judas the one who betrayed Jesus then committed suicide.
(Acts 1:1) The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,
(Acts 1:2) Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen:
(Acts 1:3) To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:
(Acts 1:4) And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.
(Acts 1:5) For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
(Acts 1:6) When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?
(Acts 1:7) And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.
(Acts 1:8) But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
(Acts 1:9) And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.
(Acts 1:10) And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;
(Acts 1:11) Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.
(Acts 1:12) Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey.
(Acts 1:13) And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James.
(Acts 1:14) These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.
(Acts 1:15) And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,)
(Acts 1:16) Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.
(Acts 1:17) For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.
(Acts 1:18) Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.
(Acts 1:19) And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood.
(Acts 1:20) For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take.
(Acts 1:21) Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,
(Acts 1:22) Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.
(Acts 1:23) And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.
(Acts 1:24) And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,
(Acts 1:25) That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.
(Acts 1:26) And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
In Acts 2 Pentecost arrives with the arrival of the Holy Spirit which falls on the apostles who then empowered go out to preach boldly about Jesus to the multitudes in their own tongues and as a result thousands get saved in this first outpouring of the Holy Spirit and also this is the birth of Christianity (though Christians would not be called that until later, Acts 11)
(Acts 2:1) And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
(Acts 2:2) And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
(Acts 2:3) And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
(Acts 2:4) And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
(Acts 2:5) And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.
(Acts 2:6) Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.
(Acts 2:7) And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans?
(Acts 2:8) And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?
(Acts 2:9) Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia,
(Acts 2:10) Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes,
(Acts 2:11) Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.
(Acts 2:12) And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?
(Acts 2:13) Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.
(Acts 2:14) But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:
(Acts 2:15) For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.
(Acts 2:16) But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;
(Acts 2:17) And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:
(Acts 2:18) And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:
(Acts 2:19) And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke:
(Acts 2:20) The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come:
(Acts 2:21) And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
(Acts 2:22) Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:
(Acts 2:23) Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:
(Acts 2:24) Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.
(Acts 2:25) For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved:
(Acts 2:26) Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope:
(Acts 2:27) Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
(Acts 2:28) Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.
(Acts 2:29) Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day.
(Acts 2:30) Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne;
(Acts 2:31) He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.
(Acts 2:32) This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.
(Acts 2:33) Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.
(Acts 2:34) For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,
(Acts 2:35) Until I make thy foes thy footstool.
(Acts 2:36) Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.
(Acts 2:37) Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
(Acts 2:38) Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
(Acts 2:39) For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
(Acts 2:40) And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
(Acts 2:41) Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
(Acts 2:42) And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
(Acts 2:43) And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.
(Acts 2:44) And all that believed were together, and had all things common;
(Acts 2:45) And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.
(Acts 2:46) And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,
(Acts 2:47) Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
To continue this study in 1 Corinthians chapter 15 which is often known as the resurrection chapter, Paul powerfully expresses the salvation message of Jesus death and resurrection even relating the events after Jesus death and the fact that if Jesus had not raised from the dead our hope would be in vain, but since Jesus did indeed raise up from the grave we do indeed have our hope in life everlasting with God in heaven as death has lost its power over the believers.
(1 Corinthians 15:1) Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
(1 Corinthians 15:2) By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
(1 Corinthians 15:3) For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
(1 Corinthians 15:4) And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
(1 Corinthians 15:5) And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:
(1 Corinthians 15:6) After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.
(1 Corinthians 15:7) After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.
(1 Corinthians 15:8) And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.
(1 Corinthians 15:9) For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
(1 Corinthians 15:10) But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
(1 Corinthians 15:11) Therefore whether it were I or they, so we preach, and so ye believed.
(1 Corinthians 15:12) Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?
(1 Corinthians 15:13) But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen:
(1 Corinthians 15:14) And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.
(1 Corinthians 15:15) Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not.
(1 Corinthians 15:16) For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised:
(1 Corinthians 15:17) And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.
(1 Corinthians 15:18) Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.
(1 Corinthians 15:19) If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.
(1 Corinthians 15:20) But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.
(1 Corinthians 15:21) For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
(1 Corinthians 15:22) For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
(1 Corinthians 15:23) But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.
(1 Corinthians 15:24) Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.
(1 Corinthians 15:25) For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.
(1 Corinthians 15:26) The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.
(1 Corinthians 15:27) For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him.
(1 Corinthians 15:28) And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.
(1 Corinthians 15:29) Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?
(1 Corinthians 15:30) And why stand we in jeopardy every hour?
(1 Corinthians 15:31) I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.
(1 Corinthians 15:32) If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die.
(1 Corinthians 15:33) Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.
(1 Corinthians 15:34) Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.
(1 Corinthians 15:35) But some man will say, How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come?
(1 Corinthians 15:36) Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die:
(1 Corinthians 15:37) And that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be, but bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other grain:
(1 Corinthians 15:38) But God giveth it a body as it hath pleased him, and to every seed his own body.
(1 Corinthians 15:39) All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds.
(1 Corinthians 15:40) There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another.
(1 Corinthians 15:41) There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory.
(1 Corinthians 15:42) So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:
(1 Corinthians 15:43) It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power:
(1 Corinthians 15:44) It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.
(1 Corinthians 15:45) And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.
(1 Corinthians 15:46) Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.
(1 Corinthians 15:47) The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven.
(1 Corinthians 15:48) As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly.
(1 Corinthians 15:49) And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.
(1 Corinthians 15:50) Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.
(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.
(1 Corinthians 15:53) For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
(1 Corinthians 15:54) So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
(1 Corinthians 15:55) O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
(1 Corinthians 15:56) The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.
(1 Corinthians 15:57) But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
(1 Corinthians 15:58) Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
Continuing this with some more end times chapters and studies, Here is 1 Thessalonians chapter 4 that deal with the rapture and how it will work and the dead rise first and how that we which are alive will be caught up(raptured) to meet them in the air. Also in the chapter are various other encouragements for good deeds and more
(1 Thessalonians 4:1) Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.
(1 Thessalonians 4:2) For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus.
(1 Thessalonians 4:3) For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:
(1 Thessalonians 4:4) That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;
(1 Thessalonians 4:5) Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:
(1 Thessalonians 4:6) That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.
(1 Thessalonians 4:7) For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.
(1 Thessalonians 4:8) He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.
(1 Thessalonians 4:9) But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.
(1 Thessalonians 4:10) And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more;
(1 Thessalonians 4:11) And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;
(1 Thessalonians 4:12) That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.
(1 Thessalonians 4:13) But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
(1 Thessalonians 4:14) For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
(1 Thessalonians 4:15) For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.
(1 Thessalonians 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:
(1 Thessalonians 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.
(1 Thessalonians 4:18) Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
1 Thessalonians chapter 5 warns of sudden destruction coming when people say peace and safety but also the saved are not destined for God’s wrath for Jesus loves them and did die for them and finishes up with a good variety of differing exhortations and a few warnings for us to do and heed.
(1 Thessalonians 5:1) But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.
(1 Thessalonians 5:2) For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.
(1 Thessalonians 5:3) For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
(1 Thessalonians 5:4) But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.
(1 Thessalonians 5:5) Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.
(1 Thessalonians 5:6) Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.
(1 Thessalonians 5:7) For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.
(1 Thessalonians 5:8) But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.
(1 Thessalonians 5:9) For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
(1 Thessalonians 5:10) Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.
(1 Thessalonians 5:11) Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.
(1 Thessalonians 5:12) And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;
(1 Thessalonians 5:13) And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.
(1 Thessalonians 5:14) Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.
(1 Thessalonians 5:15) See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
(1 Thessalonians 5:16) Rejoice evermore.
(1 Thessalonians 5:17) Pray without ceasing.
(1 Thessalonians 5:18) In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
(1 Thessalonians 5:19) Quench not the Spirit.
(1 Thessalonians 5:20) Despise not prophesyings.
(1 Thessalonians 5:21) Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
(1 Thessalonians 5:22) Abstain from all appearance of evil.
(1 Thessalonians 5:23) And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
(1 Thessalonians 5:24) Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.
(1 Thessalonians 5:25) Brethren, pray for us.
(1 Thessalonians 5:26) Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss.
(1 Thessalonians 5:27) I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren.
(1 Thessalonians 5:28) The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. The first epistle to the Thessalonians was written from Athens.
2 Thessalonians chapter 2 speaks of the coming of the antichrist, the removal of the Holy Spirit to enable that, and also God sending a strong delusion so that people will indeed believe a lie
(2 Thessalonians 2:1) Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,
(2 Thessalonians 2:2) That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.
(2 Thessalonians 2:3) Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
(2 Thessalonians 2:4) Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
(2 Thessalonians 2:5) Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?
(2 Thessalonians 2:6) And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.
(2 Thessalonians 2:7) For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.
(2 Thessalonians 2:8) And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:
(2 Thessalonians 2:9) Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,
(2 Thessalonians 2:10) And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
(2 Thessalonians 2:11) And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:
(2 Thessalonians 2:12) That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
(2 Thessalonians 2:13) But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:
(2 Thessalonians 2:14) Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
(2 Thessalonians 2:15) Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.
(2 Thessalonians 2:16) Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,
(2 Thessalonians 2:17) Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.
2 Peter chapter 2 speaks powerfully of how evil people will be in these last days and what all they will do during these end times and as such is a powerful warning of the times.
(2 Peter 2:1) But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
(2 Peter 2:2) And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.
(2 Peter 2:3) And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.
(2 Peter 2:4) For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;
(2 Peter 2:5) And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly;
(2 Peter 2:6) And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly;
(2 Peter 2:7) And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked:
(2 Peter 2:8) (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;)
(2 Peter 2:9) The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:
(2 Peter 2:10) But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.
(2 Peter 2:11) Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord.
(2 Peter 2:12) But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption;
(2 Peter 2:13) And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you;
(2 Peter 2:14) Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:
(2 Peter 2:15) Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;
(2 Peter 2:16) But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man's voice forbad the madness of the prophet.
(2 Peter 2:17) These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever.
(2 Peter 2:18) For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.
(2 Peter 2:19) While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.
(2 Peter 2:20) For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.
(2 Peter 2:21) For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.
(2 Peter 2:22) But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.
2 Peter chapter 3 then goes on to state how people will mock and scoff at those who warn of judgment but also of God’s patience that all repent of their sins and come to Him but assures also of the certainty of the judgment from God which will be in the tribulation period
(2 Peter 3:1) This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance:
(2 Peter 3:2) That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour:
(2 Peter 3:3) Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,
(2 Peter 3:4) And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.
(2 Peter 3:5) For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water:
(2 Peter 3:6) Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:
(2 Peter 3:7) But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.
(2 Peter 3:8) But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
(2 Peter 3:9) The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
(2 Peter 3:10) But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.
(2 Peter 3:11) Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,
(2 Peter 3:12) Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?
(2 Peter 3:13) Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
(2 Peter 3:14) Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.
(2 Peter 3:15) And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;
(2 Peter 3:16) As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.
(2 Peter 3:17) Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.
(2 Peter 3:18) But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
Here now are more prophecies and information concerning the coming rapture:
I honestly believe God has been showing me recently that the rapture is coming sooner and not later as some believe, but we cannot predict the day or the hour but we are to keep doing our part, keeping a good relationship with Him and winning souls until God the Father tells the angels to blow the trumpet and sends Jesus to gather up His children to Him, and so I am adding a presentation with more information on the rapture and end times, for the day of the Lord’s coming will be as a thief in the night and it is necessary for all to be prepared for this always.
Now is a good time to draw near to the Lord and be reading His word, forgiving ALL offenses done against you, asking for God and or others help if need be for I sense Satan is holding many in the bonds of unforgiveness, and more, for I have gotten together a number of prophetic messages both of my own- by dreams and more and from other sources. I do not want anyone to miss this coming rapture for earth will be hell during the tribulation period so now I present information on the rapture and events related below:
ARE ALL CHRISTIANS GOING IN THE RAPTURE???
ARE YOU SURE YOU ARE READY???
This seems to be one of the hot topics on 5 Doves recently, so I feel it is time that I forward one of my tracts that I wrote about 12 years ago, with several hundred thousand in circulation. For those of you who believe that ALL Christians will be taken in the Rapture, I hope and pray that you are right. On the other hand, if one believes that way, and feels no need to change his backslidden, lukewarm, compromising, unwatchful, worldly, or fence-straddling ways, WOE BE UNTO HIM, if he suddenly finds the Rapture happened and he was left behind.
Isn't it much safer to get as close to the Lord as we can in these VERY LAST DAYS? Is there any negative in doing that??? It is much safer and wiser to believe that all Christians are NOT going in the Rapture. Not only safer and wiser, but I believe MORE SCRIPTURAL, also. Following is the tract that I wrote:
Are All Christians going in the Rapture? If, at some point in your life, you have asked Jesus Christ into your life to become your personal Lord and Saviour, does this GUARANTEE that you are going in the Rapture? All signs point to the END OF THE AGE VERY SOON, SO THE MOST IMPORTANT QUESTION YOU COULD ASK YOURSELF IS, "AM I READY FOR THE RAPTURE?"
Before we go any further, let's clarify what the RAPTURE is. I Thessalonians 4:16-17 says, "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: then we which are alive and remain will 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."
The Rapture is the GREAT ESCAPE from the horrendous Tribulation period that is SOON to come on ALL THE WORLD! It is for a body of born-again believers in Jesus Christ. The question is IS THE RAPTURE FOR ALL CHRISTIANS?
It is probably safe to say that a majority of Chlristians reading this tract would say "YES". We are NOT addressing the issue of salvation, or "once saved, always saved," or "eternal security". For those of you who answered "Yes", CAN YOU FIND EVEN ONE SCRIPTURE THAT GUARANTEES THAT ALL CHRISTIANS ARE GOING IN THE RAPTURE? Scripture points to the fact that all will NOT be making it to the rapture.
Just because you have always believed something, or your Pastor believes it, or your church teaches it, DOES NOT MAKE IT TRUE! IT MUST BE BASED ON THE WORD OF GOD! It is our fervent desire that ALL CHRISTIANS are going in the Rapture. If ALL CHRISTIANS are going in the Rapture, we have lost nothing by drawing closer to the Lord to prepare for His Soon Return. If, on the other hand, we have a false sense of security regarding our readiness for the Rapture, and we ignore the Lord's warnings to GET OUR HEARTS RIGHT WITH HIM BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE, we have a TREMENDOUS amount to lose. Just read the Book of Revelation!
"Lord, your Word is awesome. Lord, your Word is powerful. Lord, your Word is sharper than any two-edged sword. Lord, use the convicting power of the word of the Living God and the convicting power of your mighty Holy Spirit to reveal to every one of us the Truth from your Word. If the message of this tract is not true, then cause it to have no effect on the hearts of those reading it. If, however, the message from your Word IS true, we ask you to release an outpouring of your Holy Spirit on Christians everywhere. For those who are not spiritually ready, cut to the very bottom of their heart and REMOVE THAT FALSE SENSE OF SECUITTY IN THE NAME OF JESUS! AMEN."
Your opinion, and my opinion, do not matter. What you have been taught does not matter. WHAT DOES THE WORD OF GOD SAY? This is ALL that really matters. The remainder of this tract will be WARNINGS DIRECTLY FROM THE WORD OF GOD CONCERNING YOUR READINESS FOR THE RAPTURE! (If YOU are ready, that's wonderful, but how about your family, your friends, and those who sit in the church pews around you?)
In Luke 21, the whole chapter is discussing the End of the Age and the Second Coming of Christ. In verses 34-36, JESUS GIVES AN OMINOUS WARNING TO ALL CHRISTIANS, "and TAKE HEED TO YOURSELVES, lest at any time YOUR HEARTS be over-charged with surfeiting (partying), and drunkenness, AND CARES OF THIS LIFE, and so THAT DAY COME UPON YOU UNAWARES. For as a snare (trap) shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. WATCH YE, therefore, AND PRAY ALWAYS, THAT YE MAY BE ACCOUNTED WORTHY TO ESCAPE ALL these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the son of man (Jesus)."
If ALL Christians were going to take part in this GREAT ESCAPE, WHY WOULD JESUS GIVE SUCH A STERN AND OMINOUS WARNING TO THE END-TIME CHRISTIAN??? This is DEFINITELY a very PERSONAL WARNING for each of us. The subject matter can be nothing but the Tribulation hour and the Rapture. Jesus says to pray always. Surely, Jesus knows that a non-Christian cannot be in an attitude of constant prayer. Surely, non-Christians are not expected to be LOOKING FOR THAT DAY and WATCHING for signs of His Soon Return.
Jesus is continuously talking to HIS FOLLOWERS throughout this chapter. Jesus says to TAKE HEED TO YOURSELF, He is addressing YOUR HEART and He is constantly personalizing this message to YOU, to YE, THE CHRISTIAN! ARE YOU LISTENING? ARE YOU READY???
What can we do, as Christians, to be found WORTHY of the Lord's GREAT ESCAPE, THE RAPTURE? Jesus tells us to be in a constant attitude of prayer. Become so close to the Lord that you can talk with Him about anything. Pray that the Lord would reveal to YOU anything in your life that might keep you from being ready for the Rapture. Then you need to act upon that which the Lord shows you to do.
In this passage, the Lord strongly encourages us to be WATCHING for the SIGNS of His Soon Return, so that we would not be UNAWARE of the approximate time of His Return. Jesus said we could KNOW when His Return was NEAR, EVEN AT THE DOORS! ALL SIGNS NOW CONFIRM TO US THAT HIS COMING IS AT THE DOOR!!!
If you do not have this firm conviction in your heart that our Lord's Return is AT THE DOOR, it is probably because you have not been WATCHING for signs as He continuously admonishes us to do over and over again in the New Testament (Read Mark 13 and 14). Are the CARES OF THIS LIFE your priority, or do you so much look forward to His Return that YOU LOVE HIS APPEARING (II Timothy 4:8) more than the things of this life?
(2 Timothy 4:8) Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
The CARES OF THIS LIFE (Luke 21:34) are what cause us to become "worldly" Christians, or "backslidden" Christians, or "lukewarm" Christians. Luke 21:34-36 (Go back and read it again) strongly implies that these types of Christians ARE NOT READY FOR THE RAPTURE!!!
(Luke 21:34) And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.
(Luke 21:35) For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.
(Luke 21:36) Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.
In Revelation, starting with Chapter 6, the horrible judgments of the Tribulation are poured out on an unsuspecting world. In Chapters 1-3, there are several WARNINGS TO THE CHRISTIANS IN THE LAST DAYS, WARNINGS BEFORE THE RAPTURE AND THE TRIBULATION IN CHAPTERS 6-19.
The constant theme of Revelation, Chapter 2, is the NEED OF THE END-TIME CHRISTIAN TO REPENT! Rev. 2: 4-5 says, "I have somewhat against thee, because THOU HAS LEFT THY FIRST LOVE. Remember, therefore, from whence thou are fallen, AND REPENT, and do the first works; or else I WILL COME UNTO THEE QUICKLY, AND WILL REMOVE THY CANDLESTICK OUT OF HIS PLACE, EXCEPT THOU REPENT."
If you HAVE LEFT YOUR FIRST LOVE you are a "backslidden" Christian. You need to REPENT and restore your relationship with Christ back to what it should be. Is the Lord speaking to YOUR HEART RIGHT NOW?
Rev. 3:10 says, "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!
Rev. 3: 15-16 is ANOTHER OMINOUS WARNING TO ALL CHRISTIANS, "I know thy works, that thou are neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then BECAUSE THOU ART LUKEWARM, AND NEITHER COLD NOT HOT, I WILL SPUE THEE OUT OF MY MOUTH."
Can you honestly give another explanation for this verse, other than the LORD CASTING LUKEWARM CHRISTIANS OUT INTO THE TRIBULATION? What are YOU doing that would show the Lord that you are ON FIRE for Him? These verses say emphatically that their WORKS WERE LUKEWARM.
What happens to the unwatchful SERVANT who believes his LORD is not coming back for a while and is not that concerned about the way he is living his life? Matthew 24: 50-51 says, "the LORD of that SERVANT...shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth (The Tribulation Hour?)." In Matthew 25:30, we see the exact same result for the unprofitable SERVANT. In both cases, there is A LORD--SERVANT RELATIONSHIP ALREADY ESTABLISHED. ARE ALL CHRISTIANS GOING IN THE RAPTURE? WHAT DOES THE WORD SAY???
This world is full of LUKEWARM, BACKSLIDDEN, UNWATCHFUL, AND WORLDLY Christians. In Rev. 7:9, we see a GREAT MULTITUDE, that no man could number, standing before the Lamb of God in Heaven. Verse 14 describes them, "These are they which came OUT OF GREAT TRIBULATION, AND HAVE WASHED THEIR ROBES, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb." In Chapter 20, it says they were beheaded for not taking the Mark of the Beast.
This great multitude of people already had robes. Your Robe of righteousness is given to you at the time of your salvation. They were already saved but their ROBES WERE DIRTY. These COMPROMISING Christians were caught up in the CARES OF THE WORLD when the Rapture happened and they were cast into the Tribulation hour like the Scriptures had warned them about so many times. They WASHED THEIR DIRTY ROBES in the Great Tribulation because there is no compromise then---IT'S EITHER JESUS CHRIST (and lose your head) OR ANTICHRIST (and lose your soul FOREVER)!!!
Do you really want to have to face that choice? It is clear from God's Word what you must do to be assured of a place in the Rapture. YOU MUST ACT QUICKLY BECAUSE THE TIME FOR THE RAPTURE IS ALMOST HERE!
1. Make sure that you have received Jesus Christ into your life as your PERSONAL Lord and Saviour. If you do find you need Him to be your personal Lord and Saviour please pray the following prayer with me. There is nothing that can compare with a relationship with God or even come remotely close
Heavenly Father I come to You in the Name of Jesus. I confess to You that I am a sinner and cannot save myself. I confess and repent of all of my sins and unrighteousness. Right now I confess with my mouth Jesus as the Lord of my life and believe in my heart that You, God did indeed raise Him from the dead. I thank You for cleansing and forgiving me of all of my sins and unrighteousness and for saving me. I thank You for sending Your Son to die in my place for my sins, and for the inexpressible gift of eternal life that I now claim through the death of Jesus on the cross. Thank You, Lord, again for saving me. In the Name of Jesus I pray Amen
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. Feel free to use the following prayer, praying it with me
Heavenly Father I confess these sins(list them) to You and say I am sorry I did these things, doing so by faith thanking You for Your promise in Your word that when we confess our sins You are faithful and just to forgive them and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Thank You for forgiving all my sins and breaking all demonic oppressions, bondages, and strongholds behind them and deliverance from temptation. In Jesus Name I pray Amen
4. Study end-time Biblical prophecy 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!!! The book of Revelation, Matthew 24, 25, Mark 13, Luke 12, 17, 21 are good places to start.
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!
If the Lord has planted 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."
The words of the Lord that He would leave with you in these last days before His Return, "REMEMBER THEREFORE, HOW THOU HAST RECEIVED AND HEARD, AND HOLD FAST, AND REPENT. IF THEREFORE, THOW SHALT NOT WATCH, I WILL COME ON THEE AS A THIEF, AND THOU SHALT NOT KNOW WHAT HOUR I WILL COME UPON THEE." (Revelation 3:3)
Feel free to make copies of this tract or forward it to your backslidden, lukewarm, compromising, unwatchful, and worldly family members and friends. Do not delay. Time is short. What we do, we must do quickly now.
Maranatha!
God bless you and yours