Last week I preached on the Second Coming of Jesus. The week before that, I preached on the Rapture. Both events are considered fundamental doctrines of the Christian faith. Southern Baptists, GBC, and I have long held these beliefs. Both events are unique and separate. The next big event on God's prophetic "time-table" is the Rapture. The Rapture is imminent. That means it can happen at any moment. At the Rapture, the Bible makes it clear that those Christians who have passed away will be raised up, and the Christians who are on the earth will then be taken up, and together all believers will meet Jesus "in the air." Immediately thereafter, will begin the 7-Year Tribulation Period. After those seven years, Jesus will come back (The Second Coming) and defeat Satan and all enemies. Although no one knows when these events will take place, God's Word instructs us to be prepared and to be ready.

In the meantime, what are we (Christians and the Church) to be doing? The Bible instructs us to do at least three things. First, we are to make disciples. We are to be discipled ourselves and also disciple others. In other words, we are all to be growing in our walk with the Lord. Second, we are to be remembering. We are to constantly remember, and never forget, what Jesus did for us by dying on the cross, raising from the dead, and giving us the Holy Spirit. Third, we are to live our lives showing and demonstrating love ... God's love ... to everyone.

Jesus is coming again. When He comes, will He find us faithful to Him and to His Kingdom?