LEARNING DAILY

Revelation 22:20, He who testifies to these things says, "Surely I am coming soon." Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!

I have been waiting somewhat patiently for Pastor Ed Newton to address the issue of the rapture considering those who are “prophetically” giving dates for when this will occur. Pastor Newton addressed this by saying, “If one gives a date it is going to be the wrong date. If someone would by happenstance get it right, God would no doubt change the day.” So far, every person who has said a certain day the rapture would occur has been wrong. May I suggest to stop believing in these predictions and know that no one knows the time nor date when the rapture will occur (Mark 13:32). Pastor Newton’s suggestion is the only right way for Believers to live regarding the rapture. “Get ready and stay ready!”

Pastor introduced his message by relating the game we have all played with our kids – hide and seek. Indulge me a moment to relate playing this game with my daughters and with my four grandkids. Like pastor playing with his kids, my daughters and grandkids hid in pretty much the same places. When the countdown was ready, I would announce, “ready or not, here I come.” Yes, there would be the pretending that they were well hidden, and I was having trouble finding them. As I would say out loud that I was having trouble, there was always giggling. When found there would be lots of surprise exclamations and laughter. You remember, right?

Pastor made it clear that Jesus knows exactly where each person is. He also made it clear that each believer needs to be ready for the trumpet to sound when the Lord Jesus calls His faithful to meet Him in the air. Jesus is saying, “Ready or not, here I come!” Why does He tarry? Why does He delay? “Perhaps He is wanting just one more person to be saved.” (EN).

Pastor began with the illustration of the Jewish tradition of marriage. The groom would begin preparing a place for he and his bride in his father’s house. He would work on this until his father said the preparation was complete. At that time the groom would announce he was going to get his bride by blowing the shofar, gathering his groomsmen, and going to get his bride. His bride would not know when this would happen, not until the shofar was blown. She had to always be ready.

"Surely I am coming soon." John 14:3, “When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.” When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. Do you see the relationship between Jesus and His bride, the Church, His faithful Believers? “There are 300 references of the return of Christ in the New Testament” (Listener Guide). The Lord Jesus wants us to know and keep this close to our heart – our Savior, our King and our Lord is coming back for His Followers, His Church, His bride! We are to eagerly be watching and waiting; it is the blessed hope of the Believer! Titus 2:11-13, “For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed.” (NLT).

More tomorrow regarding what Pastor Newton had to say.