Watch Out!

Too many people are passing off the “End-Times” discussion as being psycho babble. How does one believe the story of Jesus, embrace him as their redeemer and then scoff at the end-times discussion? If you believe the Gospel then you must believe Jesus is coming again.

1 Thessalonians 4, The Hope of the Resurrection 13 And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died[f] so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. 14 For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died.

As I consider all the events in the world, I must consider very strongly that Jesus could return at any time. Ye scripture is adamant that no man will know the day or the hour, however he did tell us to what to watch for in LUKE 21, 8 He replied, “Don’t let anyone mislead you, for many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’[b] and saying, ‘The time has come!’ But don’t believe them. And when you hear of wars and insurrections, don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place first, but the end won’t follow immediately.” 10 Then he added, “Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11 There will be great earthquakes, and there will be famines and plagues in many lands, and there will be terrifying things and great miraculous signs from heaven.

12 “But before all this occurs, there will be a time of great persecution. You will be dragged into synagogues and prisons, and you will stand trial before kings and governors because you are my followers. 13 But this will be your opportunity to tell them about me

29 Then he gave them this illustration: “Notice the fig tree, or any other tree. 30 When the leaves come out, you know without being told that summer is near. 31 In the same way, when you see all these things taking place, you can know that the Kingdom of God is near.

34 “Watch out! Don’t let your hearts be dulled by carousing and drunkenness, and by the worries of this life. Don’t let that day catch you unaware, 35 like a trap. For that day will come upon everyone living on the earth. 36 Keep alert at all times. And pray that you might be strong enough to escape these coming horrors and stand before the Son of Man.”

This is straight from the Word of God. There is no need to embellish upon the Words of Jesus. Take heed and Watch Out! There is hope for the believer 1 Thessalonians 4, For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died.

15 We tell you this directly from the Lord: We who are still living when the Lord returns will not meet him ahead of those who have died.]16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the believers who have died will rise from their graves. 17 Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever.

There will come a time when people will feel secure either through dulled sense or everyday life that they will be unaware Jesus’ coming. Many scoffed at the prophesy of Christ coming on the 23rd of this month. What was scary is the scoffers were unbelievers. People who do not believe have been complacent. They will be caught in a trap. Christians knew better than to believe such a prophecy. However, the urgency of Christ’s return is no longer emphasized today.

When is the prime time for a thief to come and rob? When the people feel safe and secure. 1 Thessalonians 5, For you know quite well that the day of the Lord’s return will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night. 3 When people are saying, “Everything is peaceful and secure,” then disaster will fall on them as suddenly as a pregnant woman’s labor pains begin. And there will be no escape.

If you miss the boat, there will not be another one scheduled. Unless you believe in Jesus Christ and call on his name repenting of your sin you will not be issued a ticket, there will be no escape. Watch Out! This is the message we need to be proclaiming. The Disciples believed Jesus could return at any time. If they believed it then we should believe that everything is in place and Jesus is simply waiting for the Father to send him for his bride, all who believe in him.