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)