Good News Booklet

Ready or Not, Here He Comes

So, let me ask a question; if the weather bureau knew that a catastrophic tornado or hurricane was heading in your direction, what kind of warning would you want?

1. No warning - I live in a safe area, never had a problem before
2. Periodic updates - Just so I can keep track of its progress
3. Warning when impact is imminent
4. Continuous warning well prior to possible impact

These options, although hypothetical, illustrate the various attitudes taken by people who have probably not yet experienced the full fury and consequences of a major tornado or hurricane.

While the consequences of a full-on strike by either type of cyclonic action can be catastrophic, they don't even begin to approach the consequences of NOT being ready when Jesus returns.....or the carnage AFTER Jesus has come, and gone with His followers. The events during which the bible refers to as "Tribulation" and the "End Time(s)".

The bible speaks to these events in clear, precise language.....presumably to ensure that there is no possibility of misinterpretation because it is so vital to the survival of the reader's soul. I have listed several passages, some short, some a little longer, to illustrate the consistency of the knowledge and reporting of the various authors.

I have avoided including certain passages from the Book of Revelation in this chapter because I don't want to frighten you. However, while the Book of Revelation is very symbolic and difficult to read and comprehend, it should be read and re-read to get a grip on what is in store for the world and its inhabitants.

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Mark 13:7-8 (TLB)

And wars will break out near and far, but this is not the signal of the end-time. "For nations and kingdoms will proclaim war against each other, and there will be earthquakes in many lands, and famines. These herald only the early stages of the anguish ahead.

Mark 13:10 (TLB)

And the Good News must first be made known in every nation before the end-time finally comes.

Mark 13:12-13 (TLB) "Brothers will betray each other to death, fathers will betray their own children, and children will betray their parents to be killed. And everyone will hate you because you are mine. But all who endure to the end without renouncing me shall be saved.

Mark 13:22-27 (TLB)

For there will be many false Messiahs and false prophets who will do wonderful miracles that would deceive, if possible, even God’s own children. Take care! I have warned you! "After the tribulation ends, then the sun will grow dim and the moon will not shine, and the stars will fall—the heavens will convulse. "Then all mankind will see me, the Messiah, coming in the clouds with great power and glory. And I will send out the angels to gather together my chosen ones from all over the world—from the farthest bounds of earth and heaven.

1 Peter 4:17 (NRSV)

For the time has come for judgment to begin with the household of God; if it begins with us, what will be the end for those who do not obey the gospel of God?

Jude 1:10-23 (TLB)

But these men mock and curse at anything they do not understand, and like animals, they do whatever they feel like, thereby ruining their souls. Woe upon them! For they follow the example of Cain who killed his brother; and like Balaam, they will do anything for money; and like Korah, they have disobeyed God and will die under his curse. When these men join you at the love feasts of the church, they are evil smears among you, laughing and carrying on, gorging and stuffing themselves without a thought for others. They are like clouds blowing over dry land without giving rain, promising much, but producing nothing. They are like fruit trees without any fruit at picking time. They are not only dead, but doubly dead, for they have been pulled out, roots and all, to be burned. All they leave behind them is shame and disgrace like the dirty foam left along the beach by the wild waves. They wander around looking as bright as stars, but ahead of them is the everlasting gloom and darkness that God has prepared for them. Enoch, who lived seven generations after Adam, knew about these men and said this about them: "See, the Lord is coming with millions of his holy ones. He will bring the people of the world before him in judgment, to receive just punishment and to prove the terrible things they have done in rebellion against God, revealing all they have said against him." These men are constant gripers, never satisfied, doing whatever evil they feel like; they are loudmouthed "show-offs," and when they show respect for others, it is only to get something from them in return. Dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ told you, that in the last times there would come these scoffers whose whole purpose in life is to enjoy themselves in every evil way imaginable. They stir up arguments; they love the evil things of the world; they do not have the Holy Spirit living in them. But you, dear friends, must build up your lives ever more strongly upon the foundation of our holy faith, learning to pray in the power and strength of the Holy Spirit. Stay always within the boundaries where God’s love can reach and bless you. Wait patiently for the eternal life that our Lord Jesus Christ in his mercy is going to give you. Try to help those who argue against you. Be merciful to those who doubt. Save some by snatching them as from the very flames of hell itself. And as for others, help them to find the Lord by being kind to them, but be careful that you yourselves aren’t pulled along into their sins. Hate every trace of their sin while being merciful to them as sinners.

Matthew 24:37-39 (RSV)

“As were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and they did not know until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of man.”