World events are being orchestrated by the Holy Ghost to raise the curtain on Earth's most perilous hours - The Great Tribulation period. Prior to the Great Tribulation we believe and teach that the rapture of the church will catch away unto Christ all those who are "BORN AGAIN," and "IN CHRIST," as the Trump of God Sounds, the dead in Christ shall rise first, then we which are alive and remain will be "caught up together" to be with them and the Lord forever and forever. The message of the Rapture is being attacked more at this moment than at any time in the church's history since the Reformation. With the current events in the Middle East, one need not look any farther than daily headlines to see our redemption is drawing nigh as Israel, God's prophetic time clock, is being drawn into God's ultimate plan for her national salvation. The Holy Spirit is praying "Even So, Come Quickly Lord Jesus;" It’s a prayer that will soon be answered.

By Chris McDonald

TEXT: Revelation 22:16-17-I Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and the Morning Star. And the SPIRIT and the BRIDE say "Come!" And he who hears says, "Come!" And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.

As we write this message, Israel has just entered the 10th day of one of her most dangerous conflicts and wars since her inception as a nation in 1948 and especially, specifically, since the Six Day War of 1967. Hezbollah and Hamas terrorists, vowing the destruction of Israel, have launched two separate raids into the Jewish nation, kidnapping and killing IDF soldiers and plunging the entire Middle East into the brink of all out war.

This is also a three-week time of mourning in Israel known as Tisha B'AV (the 17th of Tammuz) that will last through August 3, 2006, which is the 9th of Av, a date that lives in infamy in Jewish tradition and history. The 17th of Tammuz and 9th of Av are days of fasting commemorating the fall of Jerusalem, prior to the destruction of the Holy Temple and awakens Israel's sense of loss over the destroyed Temple - and the subsequent Jewish journey into exile.

The Jewish Talmud says that after the future redemption of Israel and the rebuilding of the Temple, two events foretold by Jewish prophets, these fast days will be re-dedicated as days of rejoicing and festivity during the Millennium Reign of Christ. For as the prophet Zechariah says: the 17th of Tammuz will become a day of "joy to the House of Judah, and gladness and cheerful feasts."  According to Jewish tradition, it was several interesting events occurred at different years but on the same day in Israel's history:

• Moses broke the tablets at Mount Sinai - in response to the sin of the Golden Calf.

• During the time of Moses, Jews in the desert accepted the slanderous report of the 10 Spies, and the decree was issued forbidding them from entering the Land of Israel. (1312 BCE)

• The First Temple was destroyed by the Babylonians, led by Nebuchadnezzar. 100,000 Jews were slaughtered and millions more exiled. (586 BCE)

• The Second Temple was destroyed by the Romans, led by Titus. Some two million Jews died, and another one million were exiled. (70 CE)

• The Bar Kochba revolt was crushed by Roman Emperor Hadrian. The city of Betar -- the Jews' last stand against the Romans -- was captured and liquidated. Over 100,000 Jews were slaughtered. (135 CE)

• The Temple area and its surroundings were plowed under by the Roman general Turnus Rufus. Jerusalem was rebuilt as a pagan city -- renamed Aelia Capitolina -- and access was forbidden to Jews.

Other grave misfortunes throughout Jewish history occurred on the Ninth of Av, including:

• The Spanish Inquisition culminated with the expulsion of Jews from Spain on Tisha B'AV in 1492.

• World War One broke out on the eve of Tisha B'AV in 1914 when Germany declared war on Russia. German resentment from the war set the stage for the Holocaust.

• On the eve of Tisha B'AV 1942, the mass deportation began of Jews from the Warsaw Ghetto, en route to Treblinka.

Israel's past mourning is just a drop in the bucket for what is ahead for God's chosen people. This three-week time of mourning precludes another Jewish celebration coming on its heels in the Fall-The Feast of Trumpets, which represent in type, just like all of Israel's feasts, future events in the divine plan of God for Israel, the Church and the World. The Feast of Trumpets was the FIRST of Israel's FALL FEASTS after a three-month break after PENTECOST, the last SPRING FEAST. All the Spring Feasts represented Messiah's work during His First Advent while all the FALL FEASTS represent events yet future. In typology, TRUMPETS represents the RAPTURE of the Church, which we believe could happen at any moment. Prophetically speaking, we are living in the Day of Pentecost WAITING on the Feast of Trumpets!

John, the last living apostle, was nearly 100 years old when he had been banished to Patmos, an island of exile by the Romans for the lowest of criminals, yet received and wrote down this precious message and promise from the Lord Jesus that closes out the canon of Scripture: "Even So COME, Lord Jesus." The Holy Spirit tells us John was exiled "for the testimony of Jesus Christ," and while there, received the Revelation, or consummation, of all things which were shortly to come to pass. Within the prophetic words of Revelation, there is a clear warning from Jesus three times in the last chapter: "Behold, I come quickly." (Rev. 22:7, 12 and 20)

• Rev. 22:7
  Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.

• Rev. 22:12
  And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.

• Rev. 22:20
  He which testifies these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.

Even though the word "rapture" is not found in the Bible, it remains one of the cardinal doctrines of the church of the Lord Jesus Christ. While many want to say the church should be preparing to go through the Tribulation, finding caves to hide in and stocking up supplies of water, food and money, the Holy Spirit, I believe, is instilling a sense of urgency in the true Body of Christ who are HEARING WHAT THE SPIRIT IS SAYING TO THE CHURCH to quickly prepare itself for the rapidly approaching appearing of Jesus for His church. While we all have seen the foolishness and uselessness of setting dates, knowing that the rapture could take place at any moment is vital to one being prepared to meet the Lord. The last 10 days of July 2006 events of the Middle East should have us all on our knees praying for Israel, yes, but praying that the Holy Spirit hasten His work in the hearts and lives of those who are not ready to meet the Lord at the rapture of the church! We need to be praying that the Holy Spirit hasten His work in the hearts of our loved ones and friends who are lost and do not know the Lord as Saviour. Neighbor, eternity is long, whether one is left to face the onslaught of hell during the Tribulation, or their life ends prior to the rapture. EITHER way we ALL need to be sure our calling and election are SECURED IN CHRIST and HIM CRUCIFIED!

1 Peter 1:13-15 Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; [14] As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: [15] But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; [16] Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

2 Peter 1:10-11-  Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: [11] For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
 

Sad to say, many in the church do not give the rapture a second thought, thus, there is little or no living in light of the soon sounding Trump of God! If one does not believe in the rapture, one will not live to be READY for the rapture! And let this writer add this comment - if the message of the rapture of the church is NOT PREACHED behind pulpits, then the listeners of our message will NOT be preparing or living in light of eternity or the coming of the Lord.

The Next Great Event 

The next great event to shake the world is the RAPTURE OF THE CHURCH when millions, possibly billions, of people will literally disappear or be "caught away" from off the face of the earth. While many in the world are hurrying to buy homes, cars and invest in the stock market, it’s time for God’s people to get their eyes off of ‘SODOM" and get ready to meet the Lord in the air. When the rapture takes place, saved mothers and father will go missing while frantic lost sons and daughters look without a clue. Lost mothers and fathers will awake to find saved children also gone without a trace. Many who have spurned the Spirit’s call and hardened their hearts against Godly parents, preachers, husbands and wives, who never ceased calling them back to Jesus, will all of a sudden realize the last altar call has been given, the last song has been sung, and the last chance to get inside the ""door" has been closed. Those left behind will know in utter horror they must now face the Great Tribulation period, a seven-year period that Jesus said would be so terrible that no other time in human history has been like it, nor will there ever be a time like it ever again. The message of this hour is an urgent call of the Spirit to the church to GET READY FOR THE RAPTURE.

Noah moved in FEAR building an ark for those who would believe to escape the coming flood. Jesus Christ is the ARK of safety today and the Holy Ghost is moving those who will hear to walk in Godly fear, warning those who will listen, that Jesus Christ can save them from Great Tribulation. If one does not come to the REAL Christ today, that individual will deal and come to the ANTICHRIST in the near future! Noah CONDEMNED the world by his faith in building the ark, and those preaching the true gospel of Jesus is condemning the world by their FAITH in CHRIST and the CROSS, His Finished Work. We preach CHRIST CRUCIFIED - the only way of escape out of the coming dark of night, not only for Israel, but for the entirety of humanity not caught up in the rapture of the church. THE SPIRIT and the BRIDE say "COME!"

Recent events in the Middle East and the world are distant rumblings of thunder in the distant that something HUGE on God’s Calendar is on the horizon and we're getting ever so close to this great event.

There are seven main signs we can point to happening at this very moment that let's the reader know we are living in the last of the last days:!

• 1.      The increase of knowledge and man’s worship of himself (THE SPIRIT OF SELF IS THE NEW IDOL OF THE CHURCH; Humanism)

• 2.      The increase of satanic activity, seduction and deception (THE RISE OF THE OCCULT, NEW AGE)

• 3.      The coming to an end of the Times of the Gentiles (America's role as superpower is being jeopardized right now soon to give way to the kingdom of the Beast)

• 4.      The increase of the earth “convulsing,” i.e. increase in both scope and intensity of natural disasters – earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes

• 5.      The days of apostasy in the church (The church is in it's greatest danger doctrine wise since the time of the Reformation)

• 6.      The rise of persecution of Christians worldwide (ISLAM is the world's fastest growing religion spreading with a SWORD, not peace)

• 7.      The advent of Israel as a nation (Israel is and always has been God's prophetic time clock)

• a.      1948

• b.      1967

• c.      2004 with the Resurrection of the Sanhedrin

The Spirit and the Bride Come 

In this passage, the Holy Spirit is literally praying Even so come quickly, Lord Jesus. You will find that this is the only prayer the HOLY SPIRIT actually prays Himself throughout the entire Bible. He is groaning for Jesus to come quickly. In the book of Romans, we are given even more insight into the Spirit’s groaning for the Lord Jesus Christ’s coming.

Romans 8:19, 21-23: For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. 21 - because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pains together until now. 23 Not only that, but we also who have the FIRSTFRUITS OF THE SPIRIT. even we ourselves groan within ourselves. EAGERLY WAITING FOR THE ADOPTION. the REDEMPTION OF OUR BODY. 

Since the Holy Spirit lives inside of us, we also groan in ourselves as believers for the First Resurrection. The First Resurrection of Life, or, as it is commonly referred to, the "rapture," will include every child of God who has ever lived from the time of Abel through the Great Tribulation period. Jesus was the first-fruits of this Resurrection.

Keep in mind that there are several raptures mentioned in scripture that are yet future. The one spoken of in 1 Thessalonians 4 is but one. We know from scripture that an (1) untold number of tribulation saints will be raptured, (2) the two witnesses will be raptured and the (3) man-child spoken of in Revelation 7 and 14 will be “caught up to God.” These are literal raptures that will take place throughout the tribulation. The First Resurrection will include ALL of the company of redeemed saints in these raptures and will make up a portion of the Bride of Christ.

John 5:28-29 -  Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice 29 And come forth - those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.

1 Cor. 15:20,23 - 20 But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the FIRST FRUITS of those who have fallen asleep 23 But each one in his own order: Christ the Firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming.

Rev. 20:6 - Blessed and holy is he who hath part in the FIRST RESURRECTION. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.

When this first resurrection takes place, it will include not only all the sainted dead, but will also include those who are alive and remain. (1 Thes. 4:17)

1 Thes 4: 13-17 - But I do not want you to be ignorant brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope 14 For if we believe Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. 15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will be no means precede those who are asleep 16 For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel. and with the trump of God, And the dead in Christ shall rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.

1 Cor 6:11 -  ....But ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God

Glorified Together

The rapture not only brings to an end the toils of this life on earth for the believer, it also completes the all-important salvation process. In this passage, Paul speaks of us being "washed," "sanctified," and justified." However, he left out the last and final ingredient of this great Salvation process which pertains to being glorified as it is written in Romans

Romans 8:17 -  And if children, then heirs - heirs of God and joint-heirs of Jesus Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be

When the Rapture takes place, every believer will be glorified.. And what does that mean? Paul said it this way:

1 Cor 15:51-53 -  51 Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed 52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on Incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 So when this corruptible has put on Incorruption, and this mortal has put on Immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that Is written: "death is swallowed up In victory."

Being glorified together has two meanings:

1. This corruptible must put on Incorruption.

This means that the sin nature, which every Christian still has and which causes all of us great difficulties in the flesh, will be taken away. (1 John 1:8). In other words, there will no longer be a sin nature. Once the saint of God is glorified, which will happen in the First Resurrection, not only will be inclination to sin no longer be· there but, it will be impossible to sin. The "corruptible’ at that time will put on "incorruption."

2. This mortal must put on immortality. This speaks of the new body. (1 Cor. 15:38).

What will this new body be like? John wrote in 1 John 3:2:

1 John 3:2 - Beloved, now we are the children of God: and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is 

From this, we know that the glorified body which Jesus had when He was resurrected is an example of what we will have. It was a body that had no blood, but it did have flesh and bone, as you see me have (Luke 24:39). The blood is the life of the old body; the Holy Spirit is the life of the new body (John 6:63). As well, Christ could appear and disappear at will. (Luke 24:36-37). The prospect of being transformed into the likeness of Christ motivates Christians to live righteously.

1 John 3:3 - And everyone who has this hope in Him, purifies himself, just as He is PURE

When Jesus comes back our nature will be revealed for what it is. Those who are LIKE HIM will be taken in the rapture. Those who are not will be left behind to face the Tribulation. If we have the hope of the rapture in us, we are purifying ourselves through the blood of Christ to be sure we will be pure as HE IS PURE.    

The Spirit Currently Groans This Expectation In Us.

Romans 8:23 -  Not only that, but we also who have the FIRST FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, EAGERLY WAITING FOR THE ADOPTION, the REDEMPTION (or glorification) OF OUR BODY. 

Those who are truly thirsty for a move of the Spirit of God in these last days feel this expectation deep inside them as the Spirit of God literally groans within them for the coming of Jesus. This groaning is two fold - one, for us to become more LIKE Jesus and two, for Jesus to come “quickly.”

Most of the church world today is suffocated with this world’s ideals; fortune and glitter are not saying “Even so Come Lord Jesus.” They are not hunger for God. Their lives mirror an attitude of complacency, lethargy and worldly care and drunkenness. Those who are abiding in Jesus have the presence of the Holy Spirit transforming them daily. Those full of the Holy Ghost are groaning for Jesus’ coming: their tired of this world’s wicked atmosphere. They’re longing for "another country." Those who are groaning for His coming will not be ashamed when He appears for they will have the confidence that their lives have been pleasing to the Lord and they have been doing the Lord’s will.

1 John 2:28 - And now little children, ABIDE IN HIM, that when He appears, we may have CONFIDENCE and not be ASHAMED before Him at His coming. 

Many Christians have hidden sins in their lives that make them ashamed. When the Holy Ghost is given total liberty in one’s life, He is allowed to shine the light of God’s word upon the darkness of our hearts; TO MAKE THE RAPTURE. ONE MUST NOT HAVE HIDDEN AREAS OF DARKNESS IN OUR LIVES.

1 Thes. 5:1-8  - But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. [2] For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. [3] For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. [4] But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. [5] Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. [6] Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. [7] For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. [8] But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.

The Spirit and the BRIDE say Come.

As Jack Hayford writes in the Spirit-Filled Life Bible Commentary, ‘The climatic focus of the Revelation is an evangelistic appeal, COME. The Spirit without the Bride does not issue the invitation. The bride without the Spirit cannot." The church in some parts of the world is truly praying for Jesus to come. Unfortunately, in this age of lukewarm Christianity the western church (especially in the United States) is so consumed with materialism, greed and the deceitfulness of riches, millions don’t give the rapture a second thought.

In addition, most in the west see only a Gentile church taking part in this glorious event. The veil of religious bigotry and arrogance has hidden from our eyes the TRUE purposes of God in this last hour to make “one new man” of both Jew and Gentile. Yes, there will be a good number of Jews left behind to face the tribulation – BUT THERE WILL ALSO BE A HUGE NUMBER IF NOT MORE GENTILES LEFT BEHIND TOO! Paul warned us Gentile believers that we would do well NOT to boast in our standing in the vine but FEAR.

Romans 11:25-26  - For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles be come in. [26] And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:

Our actions reflect our attitude in the church about the rapture. God help those who are asleep on Sunday morning or in from of a television set Sunday night at a time when Jesus comes. Many sit in a state of drunkenness and worldly ease, a condition that Jesus said will disqualify one from making the rapture.

Luke 21:34-35 - But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with CAROUSING, DRUNKENNESS and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch therefore, and PRAY always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.

With fear and trembling Noah prepared the ark for 120 years, warning those around him that God would send a flood. Only eight people, his family, listened. Only eight were saved from the flood.

Hebrews 11:7 By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household. by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.

1 Peter 3:20 - …Who formerly were disobedient, when once the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared. in which a few. that is eight souls. were saved through water.

We have heard the message of the rapture for nearly 2,000 years. Millions, including many in the church, walk in a scoffing attitude that Malachi described saying, ""there is no fear of God in their eyes." How many preachers will be left behind when Jesus comes and have to face congregations the Sunday after the rapture occurs? Many will have to explain why they denied the Lord’s second coming from behind pulpits and did not warn their flock about being prepared?

Where have our priorities gone? Parents no longer worry about their children’s soul being right with God. What we have produced is a generation of selfish, stubborn and rebellious young people who have no respect for authority nor know about the ways of the Lord. The rebellion in our young people today is a scathing rebuke to a generation of worldly, uncommitted, divorcing, unforgiving, divided, uncaring and unprepared parents who are so lukewarm, they seem as Lot did to his sons-in-law when he was warning them to get out of Sodom.

Noah’s righteousness condemned the world of his day because of their unbelief. Those who are taken in the rapture will leave behind a world facing a similar fate. Most of the southern part of the country prides itself in being called the “Bible belt.” But I submit to you today that the “bible belt,” is one of the most religiously hardened areas of the entire world. Religious spirits dominate the lives of millions of Christians who go to church Sunday to Sunday without a thought of cultivating intimacy with Jesus. Millions of American church-goers are not born again and will be left behind when the trump sound!”

We search the scriptures in hopes of finding eternal life in them. We need to read and study God’s Word in earnest; don’t get this writer wrong. However, the scriptures we study are to bring us into a greater and deeper walk of love with the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the AUTHOR and FINISHER of OUR FAITH. We can know the Bible and not know the one who wrote it. Preacher, I don’t care what you may or may not believe about the rapture of the church. I plead with you as a minister of the gospel, WARN GOD’S PEOPLE OF THE SOON COMING OF JESUS! The rapture is not a doctrine that is supposed to be DIVIDING the church. We have a message of warning to deliver to a sleeping world that is headed for tribulation like it has never seen before.

During a trip to San Antonio, Texas in 1994, I heard of the hunger for God’s word in countries like Siberia, Korea, China and Japan - countries where people walk 20 miles just to get a Bible from a missionary. In America, we won’t even walk across the street to be in church on Sundays to hear the word of God if it is going to cause us to miss our "recreation" time. God is going to hold America so accountable for this attitude. The church in many parts of the world is truly praying "COME LORD JESUS." Places where the church is being persecuted the most cry the deepest for the Bride to the Bridegroom to come quickly.  Most in America really don't want the Lord to come back. He would probably mess up their great programs and plans for the future. There is a doctrine that runs rampant in the United States called “Kingdom Now,” which in its rawest form denies the rapture or at the very least postpones it. This doctrine teaches that Jesus can not return unless and until "the Church" subdues and rules the earth.

Kingdom Now theology comes in various flavors, goes by a number of different names, and permeates several related movements. See, for example, Latter Rain Movement, Manifest Sons of God, Dominion Theology, and Five-Fold Ministry.  Pat Robertson (CBN, Christian Broadcasting Network, 700-Club) is a major proponent of Kingdom Now theology. Other proponents include Bill Hamon (and other so-called ''prophets),'' Larry Lea, Thomas Reid, and many prominent leaders and teachers of today's controversial renewal and revival movements.

Neighbor this is not the time to be building roots here on earth. It’s time to take this mighty message of Jesus Christ to the four corners of the earth and do ALL things for the gospel sake!  

1 Cor 9:22-23 - To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.

It is not time to be putting down roots in this cursed earth that is doomed to destruction. The harvest of the earth is nearing quickly. The rapture is close. The SPIRIT and the BRIDE say COME.

2 Pet 3:6-7 - Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.

I Jn 2:17 - And the world passes away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abides for ever.

Let Him Who Hears Say Come!

According to the gospel of Mark Jesus warned His disciples, “Take HEED what you HEAR!”

Mark 4:24 - And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.

In this last hour, you need be careful to what teachings you listen to concerning the rapture of the church. I don’t care if an angel walks into your church and says "Jesus isn’t coming." He’s lying. If your preacher isn’t preaching a gospel that says "Jesus is coming soon," he’s preaching another gospel. In reality he’s listening to Satan. A well known evangelist recently said: "Satan is a master of making people believe that something which is of God, is not, and that something which is not of God, is." John said, He who heareth, says Come. Those who are hearing what the Spirit is saying to the church are hearing “Even so come quickly Lord Jesus.”

Rev 22:20- He which testifies these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.

The Apostle Paul warned of religious humanism and such other teachings that would deny the rapture of the church:

2 Timothy 4:3-4 - For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

The humanism of the New Age movement, which has always been entwined deep within the mindset of society, has, in these last days, found its way into the church. The worship of man has replaced the worship of Christ; the worship of education has replaced the truth of the Bible; the seduction of false spirits has replaced the leading of the Holy Spirit. Humanism offers man a humanistic method for salvation other than the Cross!

Churches by the SCORE preach a gospel devoid of any mention of repentance, guilt or the need for man to come to Christ through His blood! This is a sign we’re living in the last days! It’s the same road that Cain wanted to travel nearly 6,000 years ago when he brought the fruit of his hands instead of a lamb. Several false teachings that now abound in the church have their root in the following philosophy:

"Christian man is going to solve this problems of this world by spiritual and political means, thereby ushering in the Millennium and then welcoming Christ back to earth."

2 Timothy 3:1-5 - This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come For men shall be lovers of their own selves

This doctrine appeals to so many because it appeals to man’s pride. Under the guise of Christianity and with prideful hearts, men think they can save society. However, the message of the gospel is not directed at society as much as it directed to individuals. We are instructed to preach the gospel to save men out of society, not to save society itself. Man’s problem is not a lack of education or money – man’s problem is SIN. Alcoholism is NOT a social disorder; Homosexuality is not a “debate” in Congress; Homosexuality is a perversion, a SIN an abomination. God loves the sinner but He abhors sin and will JUDGE unconfessed sin in a person’s life HARSHLY and Eternally!

Man’s problem is not a lack of good men in public office, but man’s problem is an EVIL HEART that can only be changed by the gospel of Christ. God has the power to take the dictator out of the man without destroying a human life. That’s the power of the gospel!

Much of the modern church has no idea of what we are speaking of when we say the "rapture." They believe so very little of the Bible that there is little or no teaching on this all-important subject. Thus, no one HEARS a word from the Lord to "get ready for the rapture."

The Rapture In Type Within The Feast of Trumpets

Numbers 10:1-2 - And the Lord spake unto Moses saying: - Make two silver trumpets for yourself, you shall make them of hammered work; you shall use them for the calling of the congregation and for directing the movement of the camp.

John’s reference to him who heareth also has reference to the Old Testament Feast of Trumpets. This feast celebrated Israel’s journeys through the wilderness and into battle. The trumpets enabled the camp to be directed from the center for assembly and for moving in and out of camp formation. The trumpets, which were silver in color, had both a military and worship function. Prophetically, the Feast of Trumpets spoke of the day when the trump of God would sound for the church. The feast also spoke of the regathering of Israel by a trumpet’s sound when Jesus comes back to reign on earth after the Great Tribulation (Matthew 24).

The key to note here is this: When the assembly was to be gathered, they were to gather together at the door of the tabernacle of meeting and listen for the sound of the trumpet. However, no alarm would sound prior to the trumpet. They were to be ready to move once they heard the sound. (Numbers 10:7).

WHEN JESUS COMES FOR THE CHURCH, THERE WILL BE NO ALARM. There will not be time to "get ready" any longer. You will either be ready to go or you will be left behind! Only those hearing the voice of the Spirit are saying COME, Lord Jesus. Those who hear the Spirit’s voice are listening for the trumpet!

There Are Three Types Of People Who Are In Danger of Missing the Rapture:

 1. Those With A Form of Godliness But Deny the Power Thereof. (2 Tim. 3:1-5).

Here Jesus is pictured as standing outside the door knocking, trying to get in. He will not force entry, but, sadly, the machinery of the Church with its unceasing activity is carrying on grandly without Him. The indication here is that a majority in Laodicea had lost their way and they were no longer in CHRIST. If these who call themselves Christians will not let Christ in, it’s obvious that Christ will not force them to come with Him in the Rapture. Most in the church today are not saved, they are just religious.

The call to Laodicea had ceased to be a corporate call, just like most of the calling of God today has ceased to be corporate. HOWEVER, God IS speaking to individuals who are apt to listen to His voice and obey what He has to say. If we will but listen, we will HEAR Him speak. Most of us are too busy arguing God away because the way He speaks to us doesn’t fit our theology. That’s the way God is. He usually comes to us in a way that is easy for us to reject. The test for us in the last hour is to discern what voices we are listening to.

Let Him Who Thirsts Come; Whosoever Will, Let Him Take of the Water of Life Freely.

In this last hour false doctrine will continue to seek to erode the truth of the Lord’s coming. Consequently there will be many who will cry "Lord, Lord," when the trump sounds. Sadly, Jesus will say "Depart from me, I never knew you." The Spirit is dealing with those who are "thirsty" for a drink of the living water only Jesus can give.

The Spirit and the Bride say come; That prayer is soon to be answered. It’s not a matter of getting ready, It’s a matter of BEING READY for the rapture! Are you READY?