LESSON #1

THE "RAPTURE" OF THE CHURCH

Problem – Many simply reject this whole teaching because the word "rapture" doe not appear in the Bible.  No Problem!!  The word simply means, "caught up" taken directly from I Thessalonians 4:17

Proposition – The basis of this doctrine of hope is in the clear words of Jesus in John 14:3 ".. I will come again, to receive you".  What could be clearer than that?

Before we go on, let's stop and read some verses together:  John 14:1-6, I Thessalonians 4:13-18, and I Corinthians 15:49-58.

Process – We have the plan clearly set forth in Paul's simple letter to the Thessalonians.  Take a few minutes and you can number the steps.  Note especially – "meet the Lord in the air" – to go to where he has "prepared"  "many mansions".  Clearly, we are going to be taken to a very special place for us.

Promise – I wish to sue two words of promise.  They are "escape" (Luke 21:36) and "changed" (I Corinthians 15:51).  Escape the "wrath" of I Thessalonians 5:9.  The "comfort" and "hope" of this doctrine is that believers will not go into or through the times of trouble ahead in the Tribulation (Lesson 20).  Read II Thessalonians 2:1-10 and regard the "hereafter" of Revelation 4:1 as meaning after the church age.  Changed – That change will make us, "in a moment", like Jesus.  See I John 3:2 "we shall be like him".  Now read Philippians 3:20-21.  Any question?

Prophecy – I know of no specific prophecy to be fulfilled that in any way hinders our Lord's return.  Hundreds of Bible versus and daily events point to the fact that it could occur today.

At any moment – Blessed Hope – Are you Ready?