Final curtain call
Who is ready to go to Heaven?
What if…the rapture happened and God’s trumpet sounded?
Would you be ready?
Counting down to R-Day!
(Rapture day, “caught up” or “catching away” 1Thessalonians 4:17)
NOTE: I know you are busy and have lots to do, but I encourage you to read this whole blog. Where you spend eternity is dependent on you knowing this truth. Be sure to share this with your loved ones so their eternity is secure with Jesus as well.
I did it my way!
Remember the song Frank Sinatra sang called “My Way?” He sings about the final curtain call and how he spent his life doing things “my way.” It was a very sad song, that he spent his life doing everything his way and was at the end of his life and all he could do was to brag that he did it his way. How sad is that? The world is full of people who have done life their way and have nothing to show for it. They are empty, sad, and alone, with no hope or peace. The hope and peace that only Jesus can give. I pray that if this is you, that you will read this blog and see that Jesus loves you and wants you to spend eternity with Him. He is whispering your name calling out to you. Get in a quiet place and listen, then you will be able to hear Him calling you.
Look up, look around you, it’s the last days
Regardless of how you were raised or what you believe, the facts are: we are living in the end-times of this world as we know it. Incase you haven’t been watching what’s going on around you, Bible prophecy is being fulfilled. All the signs are converging at once. Never before in the history of this world has there been a time until now that everything prophesied in scripture about end times is happening according to scripture, step by step.
There have been rumors for many years that Jesus was coming to take His followers away and there have even been those that set dates for Jesus’ return, only to see those dates come and go. Setting a date has always been the sure fire way to know He wasn’t coming because the Bible says we won’t know the day or the hour. (Matthew 25:13) That is true, we won’t know the day or hour, but scripture goes on to say Believers will see the signs and season, they will know when it’s close, and they will be looking up watching for the signs in the sun, moon, and stars as scripture directs. (Luke 21:28) It’s astronomy that God created and uses to show signs, not to be confused with astrology that satan uses to twist God’s truth. Scripture says that unbelievers will ignore the signs and continue to live in sin. That serves to be true.
It’s important that you study the scriptures for yourself and not rely on someone else to tell you what they say. When you study firsthand what God’s Word says, He will meet you there and show you His truth. Study of the scriptures is very clear that there is a pre-tribulation rapture, Greek word: Harpazo. In most translations of the Bible it describes the rapture as, “caught up” or “catching away.” (1Thessalonians 4:17). Jesus says that He has gone to prepare a place for us to join Him there. The rapture or catching away before the tribulation is when He takes Believers to the place He went to prepare. (John 14:3)
The second coming spoken about of Jesus returning to earth is actually at the end of the tribulation when He comes with His saints (many of the Believers that went in the pre-tribulation) to fight satan at Armageddon. (Revelation 19)
Many of Christ’s followers believe we are living in the end times and that Jesus is going to fulfill prophesy in scripture any day now and rapture His bride. There are many that don’t believe in the rapture or the end times of this earth as we know it. The only way to know what is truth is to study God’s Word. In the Holy Bible that God breathed so that we would know Bible history and Bible prophesy, it tells us exactly what has happened since the beginning of time, and what will happen through the end of this world. There is no other truth than God’s Word.
Jesus will return unexpectedly
We read in Luke 12 of the signs to look for that will announce His soon return. With all the signs He told us about that are currently converging, it looks like we are already living in a tribulation. The signs before the tribulation are actually called “birthing pains” that are to be expected prior to the catching away. (Matthew 24) As the day nears, the birthing pains will become more severe as with a woman giving birth to a child. This season is a minuscule taste of what the tribulation will be like. The tribulation will be catastrophic and those left behind will wish they were dead. They will no longer be laughing, partying, or looking at their phones, they will be in complete fear of how to survive. There will be no chance of ignoring or escaping the tribulation once it begins.
So many are ignoring the signs and focusing on self, but once Jesus raptures His church and the tribulation begins, you won’t be able to focus on yourself anymore other than trying to survive.
This blog is written in hopes as a last ditch effort to warn you and get you to repent and turn to Jesus before it’s too late. Once Jesus’ followers are gone, you can’t beg your way up.
Jesus warns us throughout the Bible and throughout chapter 12 of what to do, but we will pick up in verse 35.
To be completely clear; Jesus wants you to go to Heaven and spend eternity with Him. He has already died for your sins, He only needs you to repent and believe He died for your sins and cling to Him.
Vs. 32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
As for His return, here is what He says to do:
Vs. 35 – Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately. Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them. And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants. And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through. Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.” Luke 12:35-40 KJV
So He is saying here to be ready and watch for Him. Stop focusing on yourself and focus on His returning moment. It will be like the twinkling of an eye so you won’t have time to decide at the last second to turn to Him. We should be living for Him every moment so that it won’t matter when He comes, we will be ready.
Throughout my life, I always incorrectly read that portion about preventing the thief from breaking in. I always thought it was saying it couldn’t be prevented. But Jesus is actually saying, it can be prevented if you are watching and preparing.
He’s saying, I will show you the signs and season to look for, so be prepared and look for me. He only comes as a thief in the night to those who aren’t prepared and aren’t looking for Him. Finish reading chapter 12 to learn what He says about being prepared.
The Narrow Door
Jesus goes on to describe in chapter 13 about the door to Heaven and how hard it will be for rich people to get in. Those people who don’t want to give up their success and riches. He goes on to explain how being good or your works for Him won’t get you into Heaven either. It won’t matter how much you tithe or volunteer, give to charity or how good you have been compared to others. He requires repentance and wholehearted commitment to Him. You can’t fool Him, He knows your heart and intent. He explains this in a parable.
“And he went through the cities and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem. Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them, Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are: Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets. But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out. And they shall come from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God. And, behold, there are last which shall be first, and there are first which shall be last.” Luke 13:22-30 KJV
Once the door is shut, it’s to late. Repent now, cling to Him, and be ready.
The banquet that no one would come
Have you ever thrown a party and no one came? Well here is an age old parable Jesus shares that is similar to what will happen when the rapture takes place. Jesus is like the man in the parable who invited the successful well-to-do people to his banquet. Everyone of them made excuses why they couldn’t come. He then invited those who had nothing, and they turned to him and came in to the banquet. After he shut the door to the banquet (after the rapture) the rich and busy people were banging on the door to get in and he said, too late.
You see, successful people or even stubborn people, think they don’t need God. It’s the broken and humbled that cling to God and follow Him and are blessed. Jesus mentions that we must have childlike hearts to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, and that heart comes in the form of humility. It’s the humble ones that depend on God and He spoils them. It doesn’t mean they have an easy life, rather He spoils them with His everlasting hope, peace, and love.
Note: You may have been too busy to worry about the meaning of Jesus’ parables before, but I suggest you read them now, as where you spend eternity depends on it.
“Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many: And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready. And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come. So that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind. And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room. And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper.” Luke 14:16-24 KJV
Do you see that? None of the successful and busy people would accept the invitation. He filled the banquet with the humbled ones. The curse for refusing the invitation is severe and final. Don’t let that be you. Repent and turn to Jesus before it’s too late.
Jesus is planning a banquet for you! Are you going to come?
The Rich Man and Lazarus
Are you and your family focused on things of this world? Working hard to provide for your family so that you have nice things and get to take beautiful trips to post about on social media? So focused are you on your family that you don’t have time to worry about others; they aren’t your problem? Read this heart wrenching story Jesus shares about what happens to those people. Another sad story where Jesus is trying to teach about humility and generosity.
“There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence. Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father’s house: For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.” Luke 16:19-31 KJV
When the rich man realizes it’s too late for him and experiences the wrath of God, He begs for Father Abraham to warn his family. The response from Abraham is heartbreaking. Make sure this isn’t you. Repent and cling to Jesus before it’s too late. Then pray for and warn your loved ones.
Jesus Cleanses Ten Lepers
Throughout your life, have you experienced God’s love in any form? Think hard. God created you and loves you, so we know that He has shown His love to you, even if you didn’t live your life for Him. When God healed you or answered a prayer for you, did you thank Him and give Him the glory by telling others what He did for you? If not, consider doing it now.
This story is one of the saddest stories to me. I cried as I thought of how Jesus must have felt when He asked the grateful healed leper where the rest of the healed ones were.
“And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee. And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off: And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us. And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed. And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan. And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where arethe nine? There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger. And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.” Luke 17:11-19 KJV
Don’t let this be you. Thank Jesus for all He has done for you, including dying for your sins so that you would have the opportunity to approach God through Him and get to choose to spend eternity with them. Repent and turn to them today.
Jesus Heals a Blind Beggar
Would it surprise you to know that scripture says that God blinds eyes and ears? It’s true. (Romans 11:8,25) He not only opens them, He also shuts them, for a reason – for a season. He does this as part of His Master plan. He taught me years ago not to pray for Him to open the blind eyes and deaf ears because He had shut them for a reason. That’s when I learned to pray His Will, not my own. He knows what He is doing, and He will get the glory.
Consider this story,
“And it came to pass, that as he was come nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the way side begging: And hearing the multitude pass by, he asked what it meant. And they told him, that Jesus of Nazareth passeth by. And he cried, saying, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me. And they which went before rebuked him, that he should hold his peace: but he cried so much the more, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me. And Jesus stood, and commanded him to be brought unto him: and when he was come near, he asked him, Saying, What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee? And he said, Lord, that I may receive my sight. And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee. And immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God.” Luke 18:35-43 KJV
He wants you to be like this guy who stopped looking at his circumstances and chose to look to Jesus in faith that He would heal him if he believed. If you have faith and believe, you will be blessed. Jesus is more concerned about your soul and your spending eternity with Him. He wants you to see, hear and to follow Him. He wants you to be able to be looking up for His soon return.
“Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.” Luke 21:36 KJV
Jesus is looking for you
The Parable of the Lost Sheep
Regardless of what you think of Jesus or the circumstances that surround you, the truth is: Jesus loves you and is calling you. Be reminded as you read this story, that Jesus has left His others who are secure and waiting, to come find you. He loves you, He is calling you, and He wants you to come to Him. Answer His call before it’s too late.
“What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.” Luke 15:4-7 KJV
Repent and turn to Him today. Jump up in His arms and let Him carry you back to safety.
The truth about the thief in the night
Jesus said that as in the days of Noah, people will be eating, drinking, buying, selling, getting married, business as usual, not looking for Jesus return. (Luke 17) He will come as a thief in the night for those who aren’t looking and they will be caught unaware and left behind. The ones who are to busy for God or Jesus will miss the boat, they will not be on His “ark” of safety. Their works won’t get them into Heaven. Their charity, Sunday church attendance, being a good person in general, etc. will not be enough.
“Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.” Revelation 3:2-3 KJV
He says, if you won’t watch, He will come as a thief. Repent today and turn to Him and look up for your redemption draweth nigh. Luke 21:28 KJV
In summary
It has been my mission from God all along to encourage and inspire you to turn to Jesus and follow His ways and find true everlasting peace and hope. I can share and lead you to truth, but I can’t make you listen and turn. Only Jesus.
He loves you more than you know. Please turn to Him today before it’s too late.
Keep it simple. Do the ABC’s and repent today.
- A: Admit that you are a sinner. (Romans 3:23, Isaiah 64:6, Ephesians 2:8-9)
- B: Believe in your heart that Jesus is the son of God and that He died for your sins and rose from the dead for you. (John 3:16-18, 1Corinthians 15:1-4)
- C: Call on Jesus and repent of your sins and turn back to Him and ask Jesus to show you the way. (Romans 10:9-13, John 14:6)