Summary:

The return of the Lord is mentioned throughout the Bible, and it is a message that must be preached in these last days. There is a heaven and a hell, and the decisions you make in this life
will determine where you will spend eternity. You must think beyond the
present, look to the future and prepare for Jesus' glorious return and
the rapture of the church.

1. The word "rapture" doesn't appear in the Bible. Instead, the phrase "caught up" is used when referring to this event.
   1. According to Scripture, three raptures have already taken place.
      1. Enoch, who walked with God and pleased Him, was the first person to go to heaven without dying a physical death.
      2. Elijah was the second person to be "caught up." His rapture was a public event.
      3. The third rapture was that of Jesus.
   2. The coming rapture of the church will be the fourth rapture and will cause much chaos on the earth.
      1. People throughout the world will disappear in the twinkling of an eye.
         
         
2. The Scriptures support Jesus' return.
   1. Jesus will be seen breaking through the clouds of heaven as He returns, coming in great power and glory (Matthew 26:64; Luke 21:27).
   2. The way the disciples saw Jesus depart the earth, is the same way He will return (Acts 1:11).
   3. In the second coming, Jesus will appear to those who are looking for Him (Hebrews 9:28; Matthew 24:27).
   4. No one knows the exact day of Jesus' return; only the Father knows (Matthew 24:36).
   5. Jesus will return at an unexpected hour (Luke 12:40; 1Thessalonians 5:2; Revelation 16:15).
      
      
3. The disciples asked Jesus three questions concerning His return and the end of the world (Matthew 24:1-8).
   1. When will these things happen?
   2. What will be the sign of His coming?
   3. What will be the sign of the end of the age?
   4. Jesus describes the signs of the times as birth pangs (v. 8, AMP).
      1. Many of the signs have increased in frequency and intensity like a woman giving birth.
      2. Many churches today do not hold to the divine truths of the Bible. For example, biblical teaching against homosexuality is being reconsidered.
      3. Nations (or ethnic groups) are rising against one another.
      4. Civil rights wars are erupting around the world.
      5. Kingdoms (nations or countries) are rising against one another.
      6. There are famines, earthquakes and plagues occurring in various places (Luke 21:11).
         1. Between 1920 and 1990 (70 years), there were 10 major earthquakes. But between 1990 and 2005 (15 years), there have been 13 major earthquakes.¹
         2. The bird flu, or H5N1, is predicted to kill 150 million people globally.
   5. Storms have increased in frequency and intensity (Luke 21:25-26, AMP).
      1. NASA has verified that the sun is getting brighter and hotter, producing radiation that affects our weather, which will cause more frequent and
         powerful storms.
      2. The changes in the planet are a result of the earth crying out (Romans 8:22).
         
         
4. The only way people can be prepared for these end time events is to have a personal relationship with Jesus.
   1. Only those who are born again will have a hiding place in times of chaos (Psalm 91:1).
   2. Christians and sinners must realize the importance of renewing their minds to the things of God.
      1. Often, people neglect the Word of God because they have been seduced by the mindset of the world.

Scripture References:

• Matthew 26:64
• Luke 21:27
• Acts 1:11
• Hebrews 9:28
• Matthew 24:27
• Matthew 24:36
• Luke 12:40
• I Thessalonians 5:2
• Revelation 16:15
• Matthew 24:1-8
• Luke 21:11
• Luke 21:25, 26 (AMP)
• Romans 8:22
• Psalm 91:1