Ready or not, that which is refered to as the "Rapture of the church" is considered by many to be near and is in fact believed to be imminent. Many prophetic scholars agree that we are in the age of time where the return of Jesus Christ will be very soon.
Scripture makes it very clear that we should always be ready and prepared for the return of Jesus Christ and in fact we should be looking forward to it.
One of the prophetic signs of the "End Times" that the Bible warns us about is what is known as the "Lukewarm" church. Or also, what is known as "Apostasy" in the church.
When believers straddle the fence of their faith, they illustrate foretold prophecy concerning a period of time or a season of time preceding Christ's return. This attitude of the heart or traits of the heart reveal character flaws in which God shows His displeasure.
For He says in Revelation Chapter 3 that He would rather we be either "Cold or Hot", because being lukewarm is distasteful to Him and then God continues on in scripture and warns "we will be held accountable."
Apostasy means a falling away and is signified by those in the church who once lived a dedicated life towards God and then over a period of time have allowed themselves to prioritize God to a lesser commitment and in some cases turn their back on God altogether.
In the Book of Jude, We are reminded to "contend earnestly for the faith." To contend means to strive in combat and to be earnest means to be serious and intent.
To sum up would be to say, "Let nothing get in my way as I accomplish my goal." But sadly for many in the church the pleasures and busyness of life has taken our eyes off the goal and we have become lukewarm and some to the extent of even being considered to be apostates.
We must humble ourselves to the place where God becomes our focus in life. Our job, our money, our leisure time, our possesions are all to take second place to our Creator.
I am not refering to a religious fanatic or someone who's religion shuts them off to the world. I am refering to the one who takes seriously the Word of God and their relationship to their Creator. This takes very careful observance of our priorities and a focus on a relationship with God, not a platitude of being religious or calling oneself a Christian just because you were born in a Christian nation.
Hebrews 11 is what is known as the great people of faith chapter. It says of those who stood firm and walked in faith, "They desired a better country, that is a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them."
So, to encourage you to keep marching on I leave you with Hebrews 12:1 which says, "Therfore since we have a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run the race that is set before us."
Ready or not...Jesus is coming soon!
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