OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL
DATE: THURSDAY NOVEMBER 21ST 2024
TOPIC: IS RAPTURE REAL?
MEMORISE:
“For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark.” - (Matthew 24:38)
READ: 1 THESSALONIANS 4:13-17 (KJV)
13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.
16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
MESSAGE:
As we see in today’s Bible reading, the rapture is the sudden taking away of the dead in Christ along with believers who are alive to meet with the Lord Jesus Christ and spend eternity with Him. Many people, however, feel that the rapture is not real because they have heard of it for so long and it hasn’t happened yet. Whatever anyone thinks about the reality of the rapture does not matter. It is in your best interest to study and believe only what the word of God says about it. The Bible says that the day will come like a thief in the night and you must be prepared if you do not want to be left behind (1 Thessalonians 5:1-8).
A key characteristic of the major prophecies in the Bible is that they sounded unbelievable when they were spoken. When Isaiah prophesied that a virgin would give birth in Isaiah 7:14, it seemed very unreasonable. At that time, most people must have watched to see if a virgin would really give birth. It wasn’t until centuries later that Mary gave birth to Jesus Christ. Whether the people believed Isaiah’s prophecy or not, God’s word came to pass. In the Bible, there were numerous prophecies that seemed impossible but have come to pass. If the Bible has been so accurate, it is wise to believe that it is absolutely right about the rapture.
When Noah announced to everyone that a flood was coming to destroy the whole earth, they laughed at him. He started building the ark, and they laughed even more. Years passed, and no flood came. Just before he went into the ark with his family, the people were still drinking and rejoicing like every other day, but a few days after, they had all drowned. Today, many people are living recklessly, ignoring the reality of the rapture. However, the Bible says in (1 Corinthians 15:52) that the rapture will happen suddenly. Only those who are prepared for it will be saved while the rest will be left on the earth to suffer.
One thing I know for sure is that the day the rapture happens, many people will be caught by surprise. There will be a lot of regrets from people who heard about the rapture, but who lived their lives without bothering to prepare for it by giving their lives to Jesus Christ and living holy. Unfortunately for them, it will be too late because the rapture will only happen once.
Beloved, are you ready for the rapture?
KEY POINT:
The rapture will surely happen. Be wise and be prepared.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: ACTS 24-26
AUTHOR: PASTOR E A ADEBOYE
HYMNAL: 21 - STANDING ON THE PROMISES OF CHRIST MY KING
1 Standing on the promises of Christ, my King,
Through eternal ages let his praises ring;
Glory in the highest, I will shout and sing,
Standing on the promises of God.
Refrain:
Standing, standing,
Standing on the promises of God, my Savior;
Standing, standing,
I'm standing on the promises of God.
2 Standing on the promises that cannot fail.
When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,
By the living Word of God I shall prevail,
Standing on the promises of God. [Refrain]
3 Standing on the promises of Christ, the Lord,
Bound to him eternally by love's strong cord,
Overcoming daily with the Spirit's sword,
Standing on the promises of God. [Refrain]
4 Standing on the promises I cannot fall,
List'ning ev'ry moment to the Spirit's call,
Resting in my Savior as my all in all,
Standing on the promises of God. [Refrain]