Can you believe the weeks are already going by so fast?  It will soon be March! It is only 279 days until Thanksgiving, 311 to Christmas, and 318 until New Year's. 

If people do not believe that the Lord is coming soon, they should just look around. The weather is summer one day, and winter the next. I have even seen daffodils blooming. The trees and flowers do not even know what season it is.

Luke 21:29-36 (New International Version)

29. told them this parable: "Look at the fig tree and all the trees.

30. they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near.

31. so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near.

32. "I tell you the truth, this generation[a] will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened.

33. and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.

34. "Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap.

35. it will come upon all those who live on the face of the whole earth.

36. always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man."

As the budding of trees signifies the coming of summer, the signs described by Jesus will give warning of His coming. Even the present generation would witness the destruction of Jerusalem, which was a type of events connected with Christ's return.

Matthew 24:32-36 32. Now learn this parable from the fig tree; When its branch has already become tender, and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near.

33. So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near, at the doors!

34. "Assuredly, I say to you. this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place.

35. Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.

36. But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.

If Jesus in His incarnate state is ignorant of the time of the Second Coming, it is futile for others to speculate. In a time of indifference and carelessness, the Lord will appear with startling suddenness. Some will be taken to meet Him, while others will be left. The thought of that event urges watchfulness and preparedness upon us.

While we await the Lord's return, we, His followers, are to be faithful and responsible in our service. Jesus teaches the necessity of preparedness for His return. He compares the Second Coming to a joyful wedding procession in which the unprepared cannot participate.

The disturbing phenomena preceding the Lord's return will strike terror in the hearts of the impenitent, but will be a source of hope and expectation to us, the redeemed.  I've had people ask me if I believe in the rapture of the church? Yes, I do.  I believe that Revelations 4:1, is interpreted as the Rapture of the church, understood as the departure of all believers to Heaven before "the Great Tribulation." It is important to note, as well, that this is the key text where the idea of a Rapture is taught. The word "Rapture" is not used in the Bible, but the idea of the saints' being "caught up" and gathered together at the Second Coming of the Lord is clearly spoken of in the scriptures below. The hope of His coming is to be a source of comfort for us who await Him.

2 Thessalonians 4:17, "Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord."

Matthew 24: 30-31, "Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in haven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Goon of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other."

I knew I should not have started on the subject of the Second Coming of Christ, because I could go on and on.  I know some people believe in Pre-tribulation some, Post-tribulation, and some, Mid-tribulation.  Each of us have our own views.  But all I can tell you is, it does not matter if it is "Pre." "Post." or "Mid."  You just better be ready when that trumpet blows. 

I know I am ready. And all I can say is when He comes, I'm out of here, 'Jack'. Remember, I am from Louisiana, and say things straight, but for you folks, who may not understand, let me say it simply: 

My ticket was purchased a long time ago, by the blood of Jesus, and my name is written in the Lamb's Book of Life

Joyfully, In The Master's Service
  Blessings, Prayers and Love,
  Pastor Pat

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