1) Is the word “rapture’ found in the Bible?

No that word is not in the Bible.

2) What does the word ‘rapture’ mean?

The word is derived from a Latin word meaning ‘caught away’ or ‘snatched away’ and is used in the context of scriptures prophesying Jesus Christ’s return to earth for His church.

3) When the rapture occurs what will happen to the bodies of believers who have already died?

1 Thessalonians 4: ¹³But 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. ¹⁴For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. ¹⁵For 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. ¹⁶For 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:

4)  When the rapture occurs what will happen to those believers still alive at the rapture?

1 Thessalonians 4:¹⁷Then 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.

5) What event does the Bible declare must occur first before the rapture?

None

6) How quickly will the rapture occur?

1 Corinthians 15:⁵¹Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, ⁵²In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. ⁵³For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. ⁵⁴So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. ⁵⁵O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? ⁵⁶The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. ⁵⁷But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul’s admonition to the church at Thessalonica- 1 Thessalonians 4: ¹⁸Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

Pauls’ admonition to the church at Corinth – 1 Corinthians 15: ⁵⁸Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

Jesus’ encouragement to believers – John 14:¹ Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. ²In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. ³And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. ⁴And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.  ⁵ Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? ⁶Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Maybe today – Frank and Flora Jean Garlock, 1976
My Lord will come, it may be soon, It could be morning, night or noon;
Till then I’ll watch and work and pray, When He comes, I’ll go home, there to stay.

 Chorus
Maybe today, my Lord will come for me, Maybe today, my Savior I shall see;
Maybe today from sin I shall be free, Jesus will come, and I will go home,
It may be today.

My Lord will come, I know not when, But this is sure, He’ll come again;
With eager eyes I look for Him, In His presence new joy will begin.

We’ll sing His praise, forever more, When we have entered heaven’s door;
Redeemed from all our sin and strife, There we’ll know perfect love, endless life.

Our focus – Hebrews 12:¹ Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, ² Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God

Our challenge – Dearly Beloved,

Run with your eyes on Jesus alone!

Run in faith that Jesus loves you with an everlasting, unconditional love; has uniquely designed  and created only one you; has a good plan for your life; runs with you; and will accomplish His purposes for you and through you!

Run in His strength alone!

Run being yoked to Emmanuel!

Run with your eyes on the prize!

Run with your focus on His mission: to conform you to the image of Jesus Christ!

Run with the desire to finish strong!

Run with the desire to finish with your lamp burning!

Run with the expectation of being in His physical presence when together you cross your finish line!

Run to His glory alone!

Run and keep on running!

Coach Patti