The Bible teaches us that Jesus, will one day return for His church.  This is called the Rapture. Though the actual word "Rapture" is not found in the Bible, the idea and concept is found throughout it's pages, and for centuries believers have looked for the return of the Lord.

What is the Rapture?

1. He will return in the same manner as He left. - Acts 1:9-11
2. "Caught up" Greek "harpazo" (caught away by force).  - I Thess. 4:13-18
3. A place is being prepared for us. -  John 14:1-3
4. We will all be "changed", Metamorphous. - I Cor. 15:51-52
5. Ours is a "heavenly" eternal citizenship. - Phil. 3:20-21

When will it take place?

1. No man knows day or hour. - Matthew 24:36
2. We can know "times" and seasons".  - I Thess. 5:1-10
3. We will be saved from the coming wrath.  - Romans 5:9
4. As we watch and pray, we can avoid the coming tribulation. - Luke 21:36
5. Jesus promises deliverance from the coming wrath. - I Thess. 1:10
6. Persevere, and be "kept" from the coming wrath. - Revelation 3:10

How should all this effect us?

1. It purifies us.- I Thess. 5:6-8
2. Encourages us to share with others. - Mark 16:15
3. It comforts us, and builds hope. - I Thess. 4:18

Conclusion

1. God is patient and longsuffering. - II Peter 3:1-9
2. Lay up for ourselves treasures in heaven. - Matthew 6:19-21

As we live our lives as though the Lord could come back for us at any time, our lives will be more focused, more godly, and our priorities will be more spiritual. As we contemplate the possible soon coming of the Lord, we will find ourselves with an urgency to share the "Good News" with a world that for the most part does not know Him. Jesus said, " Watch therefore for you know neither the day nor the hour in that the Son of Man is coming" Matthew 25:13