The Return and The Rapture

There will be a return
But Jesus’ plan was not to raise from the dead, conquer Rome, and then set up His kingdom right then and there…John 14:1-3 (NIV)

There will be a rapture
• Along with the return of Jesus we also want to take a look at what we call the rapture…
• The word rapture is not mentioned in scripture, but where we get this word from is found in… 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18 (NLT)
• The word for caught up in the Greek language is harpazó (har-pad’-zo) and it means to seize, catch up, snatch away

There are different views and opinions

There are 3 main views of the rapture…
• Pre-trib. view:
The rapture of the church will happen before the 7-year tribulation where there will be hell on Earth, and then at the end of that 7 years we will return with Christ for His second coming
• Mid-trib. View
The rapture will happen somewhere in the middle of the tribulation
• Post-trib.
The rapture will happen at the end of the tribulation where the church will be raptured, will meet Jesus in the air and will immediately come right back down with Him for His second coming
What we know about the rapture
There are 3 things we know for sure that all of the main views will agree with…
1) There will be a rapture and it will happen suddenly Matthew 24:37-41 (NLT)
2) There will be a bodily transformation You will be given a new body!
1 Corinthians 15:42-44; 50-53 (NLT)
No matter what view you hold, when you are raptured you will be with the Lord forever with a new body.

3) Those who are left behind have 2 possibilities

1) If you hold the view that the rapture will happen before or during the tribulation then that means for anyone left behind, they will experience hell on Earth known as the tribulation. -Mark of the beast, anti-Christ, 7 seals, 7 trumpets, 7 bowls of wrath, etc.

2) If you believe the rapture will happen after the 7-year tribulation then the church gets raptured, Jesus immediately returns and those left behind face judgement.

Either way, if you are left behind it isn’t good…you don’t want to be left behind…you want Jesus to take you when He decides to rapture His church.

So, what does this all mean for us today? We have to be ready!
Matthew 24:42-44 (NLT)

What does it mean to be ready?
1) Follow Jesus
2) Allow Jesus to change you
Living your life for Jesus isn’t always easy and it will only get harder. Matthew 24:9-13 (NLT) In order to get through the hardships that we face and that lie ahead of us, we will need the Holy Spirit to change us to be more like Jesus.If we are to persevere to the end we have to be more concerned about the things of God then we are the things of this world –work –sports –education -money-fun
3) Be committed to the mission of Jesus
Don’t get caught up in things that don’t matter…
Acts 1:1-11 (NIV)
Church, we have work to do…Yes, Jesus is returning and that should cause us to have great joy, but there are people all around us that don’t know Jesus, and that should cause us to have great concern. If we are living our lives for Jesus, and doing what He asks us to do, we can have great confidence that we will be ready for whatever comes our way…hardships, trials, tribulations, the rapture, etc

Passages to consider: John 14:1-6; 1 Thessalonians 4:13- 5:2; 1 Corinthians 15:35-58;
Ice Breaker: Describe a time you were surprised by the unexpected.
Sermon Reflection – From the sermon what statement or passage stands out to you?

Questions to discuss:
1. Read John 14:1-6 & Matthew 24:42-44. What promises and challenges do these passages have for us? A) How much are these truths a part of your daily thinking?
2. Read 1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:3. What do you learn about the rapture – ‘being caught up’ from this passage? A) What details stand out to you?
3. What encourages you? A) What challenges you? C)What questions do you have? (Remember: there is mystery and different perspectives, so be curious but humble, seeking peace and unity. Use the resource page as needed.)
4. Read 1 Corinthians 15:42-58. What does this passage help us understand about the rapture and eternity? A) What hope and challenge does this give us?
5. How would eagerly expecting Christ’s return – Be Ready – Stand firm – impact the way you approach this coming week? A) What difference does it make in your relationships?
6. Bonus: Meditate on 1 Thessalonians 3:12,13