Sermon Notes 4/20 – The Rapture

1 Chronicles 12:32 – we are living in the last of the last days

             4 Looks

1. Look To Jesus – Hebrews 12:1-3

-Focus only on the Lord

2. Look In – Phil 2:13

-being shaken should lead us to examine ourselves

3. Look Out – Matthew 28:18-20

-The Great Commission is what Christianity is all about

4. Look Up – Luke 21:27-28

-we must remember Jesus is returning

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

-the word rapture is not found in the Bible

-the words caught up speak of the rapture

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

-the rapture is all about Jesus Christ

(2.) REVELATION vs RAPTURE

             Revelation

this is when the church returns to earth with Jesus

-Jude 14 & Rev 19:11-a 16

             Rapture

this is when the body of Christ leaves earth and meets Jesus in the sky

-1 Cor 15:51-52 – our bodies are changed

                           THE RAPTURE WILL PRODUCE 3 THINGS:

1. Comfort – freedom from pain/encouraged

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

3. The rapture is a witness to people left behind

***People can still be saved after the rapture

-the Holy Spirit will stil;l be present

-past prayers will be answered

-past witnessing times will be remembered

***The rapture is a supernatural act and will happen.  It is Biblical.

***Other Examples in the Bible which refer to the Rapture

a. Elijah – 2 Kings 2:1-17

b. Enoch – Genesis 5:21-24 & Hebrews 11:5

c. Transfiguration of Jesus – Mark 9:2-8

d. Philip – Acts 8:26-40 (v39)