Capture the Rapture

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20
Oct '22

Capture the Rapture

Posted on Oct 20, 2022 in Devotions |

20
Oct '22
Introduction: When will Jesus return? No one knows the hour. CNN published an article recently insinuating that the teaching of the RAPTURE is creating ANXIETY. Really? Actually, if we did not know what the future holds that would cause ANXIETY. However, the Bible gives us specific instructions concerning the END TIME. Paul writes to the believers in Thessalonica debunking the idea that Jesus had already returned or that He was not going to appear. Several reasons were given for those in his day as well as our day to CAPTURE the RAPTURE.
 
Let’s explore these reasons:
 

1. Why do we need to be ready to CAPTURE the RAPTURE? (1Thess 2:18)

“18Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us.”

Evidently the devil was doing his dirty work. Notice the word “hindered.” It is ἐγκόπτω, egkoptó (eng-kop’-to), which means to cut into, impede, detain. It can mean interrupt. Tell me, do you feel like Satan is busy interrupting your prayer life? Your Attempt to witness? Reading your bible? Going to Church when the doors are open? Forgiving others? Loving others? Taking time to serve Jesus through His Church? How about this? Do you feel that Satan would love to keep your mind off Jesus coming again? Are you finding yourself getting preoccupied with the things of the WORLD….  entertainment, etc. which causes us to lose focus? Recognize this could be the strategy of Satan to render you ineffective as a CHRISTian.

2. How can we get ready to CAPTURE the RAPTURE? (1Thess 2:19,20)

“For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? 20For ye are our glory and joy.”

Many of the Thessalonian believers had been converted through the apostle Paul’s ministry. They were his joy and crown!
There’s HOPE said Paul! Jesus is coming again!! In the Bible, the word HOPE means “CONFIDENT EXPECTATION”…. so now will you “CAPTURE the RAPTURE”?

Conclusion: Look at the predictions and fulfillment of Jesus Christ’s 1st coming. There are over 333 prophecies concerning His 1st coming. Guess what? Everyone have been precisely fulfilled. That tells me we can TRUST the Word of God when it comes to predicting Jesus’ second coming, including the RAPTURE.

How can we CAPTURE the RAPTURE?
* Turn from idols
(1Thess 1:9)

“9For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you,……..and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God.”

* Serve the Lord
(1Thess 1:10)

“…. to serve the living and true God.”

* Wait for Jesus to come!
(1Thess 1:10)

“And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.”

Ready or not Jesus is coming!
 
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese