The Rapture Question I Thessalonians 5:1-10 You want to start an argument amongst Christians… Bring up the second coming If that doesn’t do it… Bring up the rapture It is not an easy topic

Things to keep in mind My personal understanding There is room for disagreement God has it right God is in control

I Thessalonians 5 Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, 2 for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3 While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.

When there is peace and safety The day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night Don’t worry Destruction will come suddenly They will not escape

This is followed by a warning to live our lives in the light To keep the faith Live in God’s name

6 So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. 8 But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.

Then we arrive at the oft quoted verse for the rapture It seems to suggest we will not be here for the difficult times of the tribulation Many believe that Christians will be exempt from those trying times

Dissect Wrath: anger, fury, punishment God’s anger at the rejection of Jesus Judgment leading to eternal punishment wrath 9 For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.

wrath 9 For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. 10 He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him.

to suffer wrathto receive salvation 9 For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. Notice the comparison Wrath vs. salvation God’s anger or God’s love God’s punishment or God’s compassion

10 He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Dissect In talking about the rapture The ultimate goal is not to escape the rapture The goal is to end up with God

Other scriptures remind us that our goal is salvation Our goal has never been to not suffer Martyrdom is in the genesis of Christianity

I Peter 4 12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.

Suffering is to be expected In certain times In certain places For those who live the Lord Prior to the second coming suffering for the Lord’s sake will be universal

14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.

17 For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 19 So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

There will be a rapture I believe it will come at the end of the great tribulation If we are part of those times, we will suffer for our faith

Revelation 13 9 He who has an ear, let him hear. 10 If anyone is to go into captivity, into captivity he will go. If anyone is to be killed with the sword, with the sword he will be killed. This calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of the saints.

The old testament stories Judgment came upon God’s people God’s chosen people were not exempt If we are here for those days I do not believe we will e exempt either

Be prepared Matthew 10: “Be on your guard against men; they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues. 18 On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles.

Trust God in you 19 But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, 20 for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

Stand firm to the end 21 “Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. 22 All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.

The rapture will affect everyone who is alive in those times Be prepared Trust God Stand firm Await your reward