The Lord is Coming!

Signs before the rapture

Matthew 24:3-14

Mark 13:4-13

Luke 21:8-19

The rapture and the second coming are very different.

The end times are already here, and there’s proof within the prophesies in the Bible.

1.       Many will come claiming they are Christ: Numerous people have come forward with these claims, and people have fallen for it.  So, prophesy fulfilled.

2.       Wars and rumors of wars: It has already happened and is still happening.  So, prophesy fulfilled.

3.       Nation will rise against nation, kingdom against kingdom: History shows us that this has already happened and is still happening.  So, prophesy fulfilled.

4.       Famines and earthquakes in various places: Watching the news can prove that this is happening now, and it’s getting worse.  They aren’t only happening in poor countries.  So, prophesy fulfilled.

5.       Pestilence (diseases that are incurable): AIDS, cancer, and the recent Swine Flu are proof for this.  So, prophesy fulfilled.

6.       Christians will be persecuted and put to death because of Him: Christian persecution has been happening for centuries.  It’s happening more now than ever before.  So, prophesy fulfilled.

7.       Many will turn away from faith: The Bible talks about wickedness causing people to turn from God.  This has happened and is still happening.  School shootings, murder, kidnappings, suicides, torture, and so on are increasing.  Evil is becoming a norm, and that’s not good.  Compassion is decreasing while sin is increasing.  So, prophesy fulfilled.

8.       The gospel will be preached in the whole world: The Internet is a huge way for people to find the word of God.  Even in places like Iraq and China, where Christianity is forbidden, people are finding God.  Some have given testimonies that they found God after God spoke to them.  Their curiosity took them to someone who would know about Jesus, and they were saved.  The Bible is the most printed book in history, and it’s available in every language.  So, prophesy fulfilled.

2 Thessalonians 2:3 talks about the antichrist.  We don’t know if it has been fulfilled.  However, he could be living among us right now plotting against mankind by befriending us.  We need to make sure we don’t get lost in his lies.  The mark of the beast is a part of the end times that people concentrate a lot on.  Strangely enough, a chip has already been created.  The chip is tiny, the size of one piece of rice.  The chances that he is ready to take over after the rapture and is living among us now are high.  The time bomb could explode any time.

The Lord could come at any time, even right now.  He’s waiting for us, but He won’t wait forever.

Pray without Ceasing

Why do people pray?

Why is prayer important?

Pray lots.  Gain lots.

Pray a little.  Gain a little.

Pray none. Gain none.

Prayer is of such great importance in our lives and our walk with our Father. Prayer needs to be our connection to Him, our inviting of the Holy Spirit into our lives, our daily resource. Since God is the source of all of our strength, I believe it is of utmost importance that we stay connected to Him through prayer.

Even when we don’t want to pray, we need to force ourselves.  Our conversations with God are important, not only to us, but to Him.

So what is the purpose of prayer? What should be your goal in prayer? I believe that prayer should be a time to really open up to God. This is the time when we come before the throne of mercy and grace (Heb. 4:16) and we are able to pour all about upon that throne, knowing that we shall receive an answer from the Almighty.

Remember, don’t bear the burden because Jesus has already bore it for you! Come to God and let Him take care of it, knowing that He is greater than all and already knows all in our hearts (1 John 3:20) and loves us regardless.

So cast all your worries and anxieties upon Him, knowing that He cares for you and that He is there to help and to strengthen you. Rather than worry, (which is negative energy), redirect it toward God and you will find the peace of the Holy Spirit coming into your heart and mind. In things you used to worry about, you will no longer fret but have great peace, for this is a great peace that comes from above. In all things, let Him take care of it, because that is what He is here for. He loves us and cares for us and seeks to help us and to hear from us. So pour your heart out to God and let Him know all, and you will find a perfect peace that passes all understanding. Let Him take care of you!

1 Pet. 5:7 “Casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you”

It is very important as Christians to practice what the Bible refers to as praying without ceasing. (1 Thessalonians 5:17) Praying keeps us in tune with God and filled with His Holy Spirit. This is important to living a righteous and godly life in Christ Jesus. As anyone has ever told you before, you can’t make it all on your own, and you definitely can’t make it without Him.

• So what do we need to do?
• Does that really mean we need to pray all day long?
• What exactly is prayer and what does it mean?

·         Praying is not just an on your hands and knees experience. Prayer is an all day experience.Prayer can be done anywhere and at anytime. What is the meaning of the word prayer? I believe that prayer means to ask for something. It’s to ask questions, to present your needs, to come boldly before the throne of Grace, to seek His Presence and Counsel. Sometimes prayer can be listening. I believe that prayer is a direct line to the Almighty (kind of humbling, I know). But think of it like talking on your cell phone, and the signal is the Holy Spirit. Sometimes it’s stronger than other times. Hey, sometimes you might even lose the call. But if you do, just get to a spot where you can get better “reception”. Take some time out. Take a break and just listen, or pour your heart out. Whatever the need is at the time, let it be known, and the Bible says that the peace of Christ, which passes all understanding will guard and cover your heart. (Phil. 4:6-7) Sounds like a good deal to me! Thanks God!

·         So take some time out to talk to God. Listen to Him and present your needs to Him. He is always there to listen, no matter what. Don’t be afraid to reveal your inner hearts desires, trust me, He already knows! Don’t hold back because He knows more about you than you do yourself, and He is understanding and He cares! So let Him know what’s on your heart and mind and you will feel any burdens come off as you give it to Him and allow Him unto your heart and mind. Peace in the Lord Jesus Christ.

What I would say...

When I was at work last night, I started thinking about what I would say if Jesus and I were face to face.  So many different scenes played out in my head.  I think of the song "I Can Only Imagine" by MercyMe, which makes me cry every time I hear it.

Honestly, I'd probably fall on my face at Jesus' feet, praising Him at the same time.  My fingers would touch his feet, and my eyes would find the scars that were made for me.  When the first impression is over, I have to say, I want a hug!  I'm sure I'm not the only one who wants to hug Jesus.  For all He's done for us, why wouldn't I?  I want to feel that love I know His mere presence brings.  I want to look into His eyes and see His smile.  I know He's filled with love that I don't even know how to measure.  I can imagine His love, and I feel His love as He fills my heart.  But I know His presence will bring so much more love.  This man was born with a mission.  A mission to die on the cross.  And He did it for sins I hadn't even committed yet.  He wants me in heaven with Him.  Wow.  Do I love Him! 

The first words I'd say are, "I love you!"  From there, I don't know if I'd be able to say anything.  My mind blanks when I think about it now, so I'm sure it will then as well.  I know I want to tell Him how much I love Him, how much I appreciate Him.  I want to thank Him for his love and influence in my life.  I want to hear about the miracles He performed as recorded in the Bible.  But to hear first hand accounts would be so amazing!  I want to hear about what He has in store for me, what my purpose is.  I want to hear about what He has in store for the world.  I'd love to hear Him sing a hymn.  I'm sure His voice is like music anyway, but I can't help but wonder what He sounds like when He sings.

In the end, He'd end up doing more of the talking than me because He takes my breath away.  Even as I type this, He takes my breath away.  I feel so blessed by Him.  I have such a habit of overthinking what would or could or could have happened.  Some things I can't control, and this is one of those things.  I've put my life in His hands, and I have no problem putting our first meeting in His hands also.

Keeping the Faith

          “We live by faith not by sight.”

-2 Corinthians 5:7

·         For Christians, seeing isn’t always believing.  Our feelings, instincts, and experiences are what power our beliefs.  We believe in God, not because of our brains, but because of our hearts.  Many times we can get excited about God, as if a flame is burning within us. 

o   But what can we do when the excitement dies down?

·         We persist.  We push ourselves into finding the passion we know is somewhere within us.  Our faith has to drive us everywhere.  God is more than the world. 

o   If we put the world first, what happens to our faith?

·         Our faith would be void and insignificant.  Jesus holds the key to eternal life, and we should have faith through Him.

·         I know sometimes life can be difficult.  You can feel alone and hurt, as if no one is on your side.  I also know that there are days that seem too full for God to fit into our schedules.  What then? 

o   What do you do to keep that flame in your heart burning?

“It’s a slow fade

When you give yourself away.

It’s a slow fade

When black and white turn to grey.”

-Casting Crowns

o   What do these lyrics mean to you?

o   How can you keep the fire burning in you?

o   List a situation in which you felt as though God was not with you.

o   Now take that same situation and find where faith did help you or could have helped you.

o   Reread the verse at the beginning of this lesson and try to memorize it.  Think about it this week when you don’t feel faith guiding you.

I know Him

Do you know Him?

Michael Jordan.  Sandra Bullock.  Marilyn Monroe.  Celine Dion.  Aretha Franklin.  Do you know these people?  Probably not.  But I’m sure you know about these people, but there’s a huge difference between knowing someone and knowing about someone.

Now think of your relationship with Jesus.  Of course you know about Him.  Even demons in hell know about Him, but do you know Him?  Have you given your heart and life to Him?  Have you asked Him to come into your heart and to take away your sins?

That’s what this whole lesson is about, knowing Jesus.

1.  Study His Word
As Christians, we need to study the Bible every day to get to know Jesus better.  Does that mean reading the book from the front to the back?  Absolutely not.  You read it in the order you prefer.  If you want to read Matthew 5 and then skip to Revelations, that’s your choice.  You read what speaks to you.  Every verse can be interpreted differently every time you read it.  Memorizing God’s Word is also important.  He wanted these words to be known by His people.  Every single word is important and was put there purposely.  How do you know Jesus without knowing His Word?

2. Talk to Him
Prayer is a strong tool.  Even medical tests prove that prayer can made the biggest difference.  This is a way to get to know Jesus intimately.  He’s always listening, and He knows everything without you telling Him.  But He wants for you to know Him, and He loves you completely, unconditionally.  One mistake people often make is to only ask for help and not praise.  Jesus is always working in your life, so count your blessings.  Let Him know that you are grateful for all of the good you have in your life and in the world.  Another mistake is people tend to make prayer a routine.  They’ll say, “I have to pray.”  Praying isn’t a chore.  Talking to Jesus is not a chore.  It’s not a right we have.  He loves us enough to give us the privilege of talking to Him.  We should want to have our conversations with God.

3. Represent Him
The phrase about walking the walk and talking the talk is widely known.  We need to live our lives not only talking about God, but we need to walk in His way.  If people can’t tell that you’re a Christian, something is wrong.  We should all shine with His love.  We want for people to look at us and think, “Wow.  I want what they have.”  Shine with Him, and people will notice.  Do everything you do with the knowledge that Jesus is with you.  He might not be standing right next to you, but He’s in your heart.  And He knows exactly what you’re doing, saying, and thinking.

Is there anything else you can think of to add to this list?

Make a list of problem areas in your life that you want to work on.  Carry this list around and read it frequently.