Introduction: Don’t blink! You might miss it. That is how fast it is going to happen. By the way, this highly anticipated event is next on God’s calendar. Oh, there are going to be more and more “wars and rumors of wars” certainly… along with earthquakes {heart-quakes}, false Christs, and terrible diseases. But remember, these are just the “beginning of sorrows” {ὠδίν pronounced o-deen’ – birth pains – labor increasing as it gets closer to the birthing of the baby}.
Keep in mind, the difference in the second coming of Christ which will have “SIGNS of the TIME” leading up to His return versus the RAPTURE which has NO SIGNS. Instead, the RAPTURE—which means “caught up” — snatching away — is imminent — meaning any moment, hanging over our head. Below is the greatly anticipated event and what we need to do to prepare for it.
1. When we are AWAKENED out of our DEEP SLEEP! (1 Cor 15:51-52) – “Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 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.”
Although this transforming event is somewhat “hidden” (a mystery), it is without a doubt the next greatest event to happen. Imagine all of our loved ones raised from the grave with brand new bodies! Imagine being reunited once again. Imagine the homecoming celebration in the clouds. Imagine seeing Jesus. Imagine being like Jesus with a new body. Imagine no more suffering and pain. Imagine no more war or murder. Imagine no more sickness or sorrow. Imagine the bliss and glory. Imagine rising to meet Him in the air! Imagine being with Him and our loved ones FOREVER! Hallelujah!!
2. Meanwhile, through Jesus, we have WORK to do UNTIL THAT DAY! (1 Cor 15:57-58) – “But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ…. 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.”
There is ALWAYS VICTORY in JESUS! Since that is true, notice what we should do. “Be steadfast.” That means be “firm.” Next, be “unmovable.” Where? Unmovable in our faith, our fight, and our freedom.
You have heard it said, “the work of God is the most important work on earth!” I believe that!! Do you? Think about it. Eternity is a long, long time. Separation from God in eternity would be AWFUL! Going to hell would be terrible!! Tormented forever would be miserable!!! Weeping and gnashing of teeth would be horrible!!!!
So my friends, BE STEADFAST in your life. BE UNMOVABLE in your love. BE ABOUNDING with your LORD.
Conclusion: Since all of this is going to happen FASTER than you can BLINK your eye, stay awake for now, stay alert with diligence, and stay always abounding in the work of the Lord, until He comes for you.
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese
