"That night two people will be asleep in one bed, one will be taken, the other left. "
~Luke 17:34
This is my little sister and me. Can you see the sweetness just bubbling out of her? It bubbles still til this day.
I love her so.
When we were a few years older than in this picture, we shared a room and... a bed. It was at about this same time that I was learning more about "end times." Being the literal thinker that most children are, I took the words in the above verse to heart.
What I had heard about the days of the tribulation sounded—and sounds—terrifying! I didn't care to be here for it.
I actually hoped that if Jesus came while we were sleeping, I would get to go with Him and she would have to stay here to endure. I felt badly about my hope—Just look at her!—and never discussed my dark secret with anyone.
Thankfully, I didn't carry my anxiety about being so willing to throw her under the bus for very long.
Life moved on and I got caught up in something else.
I don't want to do that again.
I told you last time that I believe that Jesus is coming soon, but I feel like I left an elephant in the room. I have to take seriously my responsibility to share with you what God's Word says will happen in the end times, for earth's days are numbered. I have to make sure you know about the rapture of believers.
It may not be today or tomorrow or even next year, but it could be. He is coming.
I believe the Bible teaches that Jesus will return in the sky to rapture His people. The antichrist will rule over the world for a time and eventually Satan, himself, will take the helm.
It will not be good.
But take heart!
All is not lost!
I'll be blunt.
If ever there comes a day when the Christians that you know just disappear, it's not too late!
Don't believe what the rulers of this world concoct by way of an explanation because in your heart of hearts you'll know what happened. Accept the truth of those who have shared the gospel of Jesus Christ with you and hit your knees! God will forgive you for anything, if you admit to Him you've done wrong. Acknowledge your need of a savior and believe that savior is Jesus, God's only Son. If you can put your hands on a Bible start reading with the book of John because it explains Jesus' great love for us..
Then hang on, friend!
It will be a crazy ride in the last of days! But, you will have God guiding you every step of the way. I believe our Creator, the God of the Bible will speak to His new found children in an undeniable way. Keeping you in His watch care and guiding your steps. You will have a role to play in the coming of His kingdom here on earth like that of no other believer before you. You will be strong and courageous!
You can say I have been indoctrinated into my belief and I will not disagree. Merriam Webster's simple definition of the word being:
to teach (someone) to fully accept the ideas, opinions, and beliefs of a particular group and to not consider other ideas, opinions, and beliefs.
I wasn't brainwashed into this way of thinking.
I was blessed to be born into a family of believers. Normal, every day people who had experienced life's joys and tragedies, but along the way, they met Jesus.
I was surrounded by believers as I grew. Normal, every day people who had experienced life's joys and tragedies but who had decided to follow Jesus at some point in their lives. I was surrounded by imperfect, normal, every day people that made sure I knew about God and His Son. Then, one night in a revival service at the age of 9, I knew the Holy Spirit of God, Himself, was whispering to my heart. I became aware of the fact that I'd done things that made God sad. And, I realized that Jesus loved me—us—so much that He came here and lived a perfect life knowing by doing so He'd make a way for us to live in heaven with him forever. I formed my own bond with God, the Father, when accepting my need for Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. I've learned first hand that this bond can never be broken. And, it will only grow stronger if I desire to make it so.
Yes, I believe. Oh, I believe it all!
I love that song! "Creed" by Third Day.
You can read what Jesus said about the signs of the end of an age and His return: Matthew 24 and Luke 17:20-37
Can we pray?
Father, God,
I ask that you bless those reading these words. I ask that if they have not yet made the decision to give their lives to you that today is the day! Whisper to their hearts, Lord, as only You can. I ask that you stir the hearts of believers, too, urging them to become a mighty force in prayer and deed that we may help bring the lost to You. I ask these things in the name of Jesus. Amen.
As always, you are welcome to leave a comment with your thoughts.
See you next time!
Love,
C
Oh, hey... Just one more thing.
I think I should note that some Christians believe the rapture will occur during the tribulation period and not just prior. I think some even believe there will not be a rapture at all.
However, I'm among those that believe Jesus will come before to keep us from what is to come.
If my timing is off, God won't hold it against me. Hope you don't either.