Matthew 24:36-42

    The Disciples asked the Lord when they could expect the end of the world to come, v. 3. Jesus tells them of the many things which will transpire in the last days, v. 4-35. Then, in verses 36-51, Jesus makes a plea for men to be ready to meet Him when He does come.

    Now, the second coming of Jesus is not one but two parts. Part one is an event that has come to be called the "Rapture". At this time, Jesus will call all those who have received Him as the Savior to come home to Heaven. At this time, He will raise those believers who have already died, and He will take those who are living on to Heaven to be with him forever.

   Part two will take place around seven years after part one. This event will see the return of Jesus in glory and power. He will descend upon the world an will defeat all of His enemies and will establish His Kingdom upon the earth. He will personally rule in peace and harmony for 1,000 years.

    Of these two events, neither can said to be more important than the other, in the eternal scope of things. However, to those of us who are alive today, the Rapture is of the utmost of importance. Why? Because it is the next event on the prophetic calendar of God and it will happen. In fact, it could happen tonight, tomorrow, or at any time! Therefore, it is imperative that men understand the great need of being ready to meet the Lord when He comes.

    My desire this evening is to tell you what the Bible teaches us about this event known as the Rapture. And, in doing so, I hope to show you the importance of being ready to meet the Lord Jesus. Because, just as sure as we are waiting here, He will return! Now, let's take a few minutes to look into this matter of the Rapture and talk for a while about the need to Get Right For The Flight.

I. IT WILL BE SUDDEN (1Cor.15:51-58)

    1. The Rapture will take place in a moment in the “twinkling”

        of an eye.

    2. There will be absolutely no time to prepare. Either a person

        will be ready at that instant, or he will not be ready.

    3. Bible is clear in its teaching that we not count on there be

        another day in which to get ready, (Pro. 27:1,2)(Cor.6:2.)

    4. There will be no announcements made, no advertisements

        posted, the Lord will "Come in an instant.:"

    5. May I remind you that right now is the only time you have.

        The only time you are guaranteed. Yesterday is a canceled

        check, tomorrow is a promissory note, today is the only

        spend able time we have!

II. IT WILL BE SOLEMN (Luke 17:34-36).

    1. Solemn because all those who do not know the Lord Jesus,

        those who have not been saved, born again will be left

        behind,

        A. Mother's will be separated from their children, husbands

             from wives, etc.

    2. Solemn because many will not be ready (Lk12:34-40)

    3. It will be a solemn time because the rapture will signal the

       beginning of the Great Tribulation (IIThe.2:1-12)

II. IT WILL BE SHOCKING (Matt.7:21-23).

    1. Many will expect to go with the redeemed, but will instead

        be left behind,

    2. Many have false hopes for Heaven, but do not be deceived,

       God knows our hearts (Psa.44:21).

    3. There is only one way of salvation this evening,

        (John 3:3).

       A. This new birth can only come about through one Person,

           (Acts 4:12).

       B. And, when it is obtained, it carries with it a priceless

           guarantee, (John 14:1-3).

    4. Don't be shocked after the Rapture, be sure tonight

        (2Cor.13:5).

IV. IT WILL BE SATISFYING (1Thes. 4:13-18).

    1. There will be a glad reunion at that time,

        A. Loved ones, saints of old, Jesus, the Heavenly Father

            will all be there.

    2. There will be eternal blessing, (Rev.21:4). There will be

         only good things there!

    3. There will be a new body, (1Cor.15:51-53). No more

       death, disease, aging, pain, etc.

    4. There will be a new home. (We are pilgrims this evening)

    5. It is satisfying to know that I have been made ready through

       faith in Jesus Eph. 2:8-9.

CONCLUSION

A young man applied for a job as a farmhand. When asked for his qualifications, he said, "I can sleep when the wind blows." This puzzled the farmer, but he took a liking to the young man and hired him. A few days later, the farmer and his wife were awakened in the night by a violent storm. They quickly began to check things out to see if all was secure. They found that the shutters of the farmhouse had been securely fastened. A good supply of logs had been set next to the fireplace. The farm implements had been placed in the storage shed, safe from the elements. The tractor had been moved into the garage. The barn had been properly locked. All was well. Even the animals were calm. It was then that the farmer grasped the meaning of the young man's words, "I can sleep when the wind blows." Because the farmhand had performed his work loyally and faithfully when the skies were clear, he was prepared for the storm when it broke. Consequently, when the wind blew, he had no fear. He was able to sleep in peace.