Sermon Notes 4/27 – The Last Days – The Rapture

(1.) THE RAPTURE IS BIBLICAL – Revelation 4:1

-we only believe in the rapture because it is a Biblical subject

-we do not go by opinions

(2.) WE KNOW THE RAPTURE IS CLOSE – Matthew 24:37-39 & Gen 6:1-14

-we know the rapture is close because of the signs around us

-the times of Noah – violence, corruption & immorality

(3.) THE DEFINITION OF THE RAPTURE – 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

-the word rapture is not in the Bible

-caught up is used

-rapture means to be removed from one place to another by force from the Lord in a state of great joy

-there will be a rapture – Phil 3:20 & Isaiah 26:20-21a

-the rapture is all about Jesus – Revelation 1:1

(4.) REVELATION vs RAPTURE

              Revelation

-the revelation is the second coming of Jesus – He comes back to earth with His church

              RAPTURE

-the rapture is the church going up to meet Jesus Christ in the air

-our bodies will be changed – 1 Cor 15:51-52

            The Rapture Will Produce 3 Things:

     1. Comfort – 2 Cor 1:4 – free from pain and with Jesus forever

     2. A Motivation To Live Right – 2 Peter 3:10-13

     3. The Rapture Will Be A Witness To Those Who Are Left Behind

The Rapture Is A Supernatural Act – The Lord can do anything

Examples in the Bible which refer to the rapture

—Elijah – 2 Kings 2:1-17 (vs9-12)

—Enoch – Genesis 5:21-24 & Hebrews 11:5-6

—Philip – Acts 8:26-40 (v39)

—The Transfiguration of Jesus Christ – Mark 9:2-8