End-times Scoffers beware!

This may be a hard post to read for some, and believe me, it wasn't an easy post to write. The last thing I want to do is come across as being judgemental of anyone, so I hope and pray that you read this post in the spirit in which I'm writing it....one of a humble appeal for those believers who either scoff at the end-times or who are not excited about Jesus's return. Believe me, I have been there myself many years ago. Life was good, I was happy with my circumstances, and frankly, I'm not the kind of person who likes change very much. I was young and still wanted to live out my life. So, in all honesty, I loved Jesus, but I wouldn't have minded if He stayed up in heaven for a little while longer. If that's you, or if you fear the second coming, or if you scoff at those of us who are fixated upon it, I urge you to continue with this post. Why is it important? Because God may give you what you want and leave you here during the Tribulation. Don't think He would do that? I back that up with Scripture in my post HERE

I would honestly say that 90% of the Christians I meet have zero interest in end times, and whenever I bring it up, I either get blank stares, someone changes the topic, or I get mocked. Yes, mocked. Even in my own Bible Study group.  Many Christians tell me they aren't excited about the rapture at all.  VERY FEW churches preach anything about it, which astounds me due to the times in which we live.

If you're not interested in reading the signs of the times and watching for our Lord's return, may I suggest one of the following may be true

• You don't know Jesus or the Father very well
• You are lukewarm in your faith
• You have put the things of this world above God
• You have no clue what heaven is like

Those were my exact problems too. Yet, over the years, as I've grown closer to the Lord, He's been gracious to me to change my attitude immensely.

You see, if we love the world and the things of the world, the Bible says the love of the Father is not in us (I John 2:15). If we are too attached to our homes, jobs, friends, and family, to the point of not wanting to leave and be with Jesus, then we are loving the world more than God. 

The Apostle Paul himself said how much he desired to be with the Lord, even though he knew God still had work for him to do.
For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. Philippians 1:23

The thing is, if you truly knew the Father and truly knew Jesus, you would want to be with them. If you've ever been in love, I mean really crazy in love, then you know what I'm talking about. You can't stop thinking about that person and you can hardly wait to see them again! That's how we should feel about our Lord. And the ONLY WAY to get that type of passionate, desperate longing is to spend a lot of time with Him. The more time I spend with Jesus, the more I love Him. You can't help it. He's too wonderful.

The more you know Jesus, the more you love Him, and the stronger your faith becomes. The stronger your faith becomes, the more you love Him and the more you become on fire for Him. When that happens, the things of the world become less and less important. The pleasures we once thought were so wonderful no longer hold much appeal for us. You see how it all boils down to having a relationship with Him? That should be your TOP priority every day of your life.

We should all feel like aliens in this world, like we are just passing through, heading toward our real home. Fellow believers, this is NOT our home. This world is passing away. You will live FOREVER. Once you start to get that eternal perspective, everything changes.

For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ Philippians 3:20
so that you come short in no gift, eagerly waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ, 1 Corinthians 1:7

So, you see, it really does matter whether you are watching and eagerly waiting for our Lord's return.  John says in the verse below that EVERYONE who hopes for the return of Jesus purifies himself.
Then in Titus we see the Apostle Paul mentioning yet again looking and watching for the return of Jesus. 

Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. 3 And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure. 1 John 3:2-3

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men,  teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age,  looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, Titus 2:11-13

There seems to be special rewards for those who eagerly wait and watch for the Lord.

...so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation. Hebrews 9:28

Hmm, does that mean that He will not appear a second time for those who AREN'T eagerly waiting for Him?

Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing. 2 Timothy 4:8

(By the way, heaven is far more wonderful than any of us can imagine. I plan on writing some posts about it from a pastor who God took in the Spirit up to heaven and gave him a tour. If that won't get you excited, nothing will)

There are a ton more Scriptures I could post, but I'll stop there. If you find yourself not excited and not interested in the soon coming rapture and subsequent second coming of our Lord, may I urgently plead with you to repent and ask for God's forgiveness, spend more time with Him, and then ask Him to instill in your heart a desire for Him and a longing for the Lord's appearing. May we all feel as David felt when he wrote this psalm

As the deer pants for the water brooks, So pants my soul for You, O God. When shall I come and appear before God?  Psalm 42:1

 For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere!  Psalm 84:10