Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, 2 Thessalonians 2:1 

The rapture or the catching away of Christ’s church is the next great event on God’s calendar.  We are not told the exact time but we know it will happen “In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye.” 1Cor.15:52.  Yes there are skeptics and doubters who question this, but we must remember it was the same way the first time Jesus came. 

The Old Testament is full of prophecies of the coming Christ; they were even told He would be born in Bethlehem, Micah 5:2, yet we read the shameful account, “there was no room for them in the inn.” Luke: 2:7.  THEY WERE NOT READY!

Whether we believe it or not Jesus is coming again, there is nothing we can do to change or hinder His coming so we must prepare.  ARE YOU READY? 

The people during Noah’s time were not ready. “For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” Matthew 24:38-39 only eight souls entered the ark.  ARE YOU READY?

The people of Sodom were not ready. “Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all.” Luke 17:28-29 even Lot’s wife was destroyed with the wicked.  ARE YOU READY?

Nicodemus a religious leader of the Jews came to Jesus with questions, but before he could even ask Jesus told him his need. “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”  John 3:3. The man’s position in the church or society did not guarantee him a place in heaven.  His heart had to be changed from a sinful one to a righteous one.  ARE YOU READY?

The purpose of the church is not to help you have a more comfortable life down here, but to prepare you for the life to come. When speaking of “Christ the hope of glory,” the Apostle Paul said; “Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.” Colossians 1:27-28.  Why would the preacher be warning every man? The Word of God says, “So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.” Romans 14:12.  ARE YOU READY?

The Apostle labored to “present every man perfect...”  This means that our sins are confessed and forsaken. “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;.” Titus 2:11-12. IT IS TIME TO GET READY!

A.F. Bradeen is the Pastor of Faith, Hope, and Love Healing Ministries and a member of the United Ministerial Alliance.