PREPARATION FOR THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST

It is amazing to see the multitude of reactions when the subject of the Lord’s return comes into a conversation. There are many Christians who believe that it has already happened. Preterist belief centers on the fact that the prophecies in the Bible regarding End Times have already been fulfilled. Jesus has returned, Satan is in the lake of fire, the dead have been resurrected, and the Kingdom Of God has arrived in fullness This all occurred in 70AD. For many other Christians, there is a “Fear” or at the least a very uncomfortable feeling about the Return Of Jesus. They are Just Not Ready ! Life has too much to still offer as it is, or perhaps they are not quite ready to face the God who will ultimately “Judge” their life. Salvation and Sin are misunderstood and questions of Worthiness and Eternity become thoughts to avoid. Often the Church itself exemplifies the total bankruptcy of where we are today as it avoids, downplays and even re-invents what God’s Word has to say about God’s plan, will, and ultimate redemption for us in His Eternal Kingdom. In my understanding of God’s Word, I clearly see that Jesus is going to return to earth to finish what He Promised. His millennial reign on earth, following a period of Great Tribulation, where Satan and the Anti-Christ bring our world to the brink of destruction seems very real and sobering. I believe that when Jesus returns, He will reign for one thousand years, and ultimately destroy all the Nations that stand against Him and send them to death and eternal fire along with Satan and his fallen angels. Do I understand all of the things that will transpire, how they will manifest, and their timing ? NO, i do not….but I stand in Faith that they will happen and God’s plan will be Victorious.

SO CHRIST, HAVING BEEN OFFERED ONCE TO BEAR THE SINS OF MANY, WILL APPEAR A SECOND TIME, NOT TO DEAL WITH SIN BUT TO SAVE THOSE WHO ARE EAGERLY WAITING FOR HIM. Hebrews 9:28

AND THERE WILL BE SIGNS IN THE SUN AND MOON AND STARS, AND ON THE EARTH DISTRESS OF NATIONS IN PERPLEXITY BECAUSE OF THE ROARING OF THE SEA AND THE WAVES, PEOPLE FAINTING WITH FEAR AND WITH FOREBODING OF WHAT IS COMING ON THE WORLD. FOR THE POWERS OF HEAVEN WILL BE SHAKEN. THEN THEY WILL SEE THE SON OF MAN COMING IN A CLOUD WITH POWER AND GREAT GLORY . NOW WHEN THESE THINGS BEGIN TO TAKE PLACE, STRAIGHTEN UP AND RAISE YOUR HEADS BECAUSE YOUR REDEMPTION IS DRAWING NEAR. Luke 21: 25-28

THEREFORE YOU ALSO MUST BE READY, FOR THE SON OF MAN IS COMING AT AN HOUR YOU DO NOT EXPECT. Matthew 24:44

I have always approached life with an attitude of being prepared and ready for anything that might come my way. My deepest desire as a Follower of Christ is to have a solid knowledge and understanding of God and His Word and Truth. I think it is amazing to see the historical perspective of the Bible as well as a clear picture of God in relationship with His people. What transcends understanding and knowledge however is the incredible place of being in RELATIONSHIP with God. INTIMATE, CLOSE RELATIONSHIP. Abiding in the Love and Will and Desire of our Lord and Savior. It creates a hunger and thirst to have MORE of God. I Love and Yearn to be with Jesus ! I have so many questions to ask Him, and I can’t wait to espouse my Love For Him directly. Face to Face ! This is the Preparation that leaves you in a position of readiness to Serve Him and Obey His wishes. Geared up in Your Armor. Truth, Righteousness, Salvation, Gospel, Sword of His Word all in perfect concert to step into Battle Against Darkness. We are called to be Disciples. WE are to fish for men, helping to bring a harvest of souls that would find salvation and citizenship in His Kingdom. THIS IS A TASK OF UTMOST IMPORTANCE ! Far too often, we spend our time on trivial matters, or time preparing for the wrong things. The World would have us focused on ourselves and temporary circumstances and needs rather than on long lasting, life changing foundations of who we are and our Eternal Life and Purpose. God wants our FOCUS on Him !

DO NOT BE CONFORMED TO THIS WORLD, BUT BE TRANSFORMED BY THE RENEWAL OF YOUR MIND, THAT BY TESTING YOU MAY DISCERN WHAT IS THE WILL OF GOD, WHAT IS GOOD, ACCEPTABLE, AND PERFECT. Romans 12:2

YOU KEEP HIM IN PERFECT PEACE WHOSE MIND IS STAYED ON YOU, BECAUSE HE TRUSTS IN YOU. Isaiah 26:3

“BEHOLD, I AM COMING SOON, BRINGING MY RECOMPENSE WITH ME, TO REPAY EVERYONE FOR WHAT HE HAS DONE. Revelation 22:12

“ BUT CONCERNING THAT DAY OR THAT HOUR, NO ONE KNOWS, NOT EVEN THE ANGELS IN HEAVEN, NOR THE SON, BUT ONLY THE FATHER. Mark 13:32

If you truly have a desire to be Prepared for the Return of our Lord and Savior then it is time to get busy. Be in the WORD ! Strive to become more humble, and righteous, and Thankful ! Pray without ceasing and build your relationship with Jesus. Press in and become His ! BRAVE CHURCH has an incredible Sermon series called “The Alpha and the Omega.” It is truly a huge blessing and a chance to learn so much ! I encourage you to check it out ! As we look at all the things going on around us and all the discord in our world it is CRITICAL TO MOVE CLOSER TO CHRIST AND SEEK HIS KINGDOM. Get Prepared for His Return. Do not hesitate or wait for another time. THE TIME IS NOW ! GET MOVING AND GET READY FOR THE RETURN OF JESUS. This is the ONE TRUE THING that matters most in your life. This is your future. JESUS IS YOUR ETERNAL LIFE….the other outcome should not even be a consideration. Listen….is that a TRUMPET ? PREPARE NOW/JAA

FOR THE LORD HIMSELF WILL DESCEND FROM HEAVEN WITH A CRY OF COMMAND, WITH THE VOICE OF AN ARCHANGEL, AND WITH THE SOUND OF THE TRUMPET OF GOD. AND THE DEAD IN CHRIST SHALL RISE FIRST. THEN WE WHO ARE ALIVE, WHO ARE LEFT, WILL BE CAUGHT UP TOGETHER WITH THEM IN THE CLOUDS TO MEET THE LORD IN THE AIR, AND SO WE WILL ALWAYS BE WITH THE LORD. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17