What’s the difference between the RAPTURE

and the GREAT TRIBULATION??

RAPTURE—the first phase of Christ’s return where the dead in Christ shall rise first and then those that are still alive will be caught up to meet Him in the clouds (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)

The Great Tribulation—period where those “left behind” will experience great hardship, sorrow and suffering

(Matthew 24:21-22)

At the movies . . .

“Left Behind” Scene 5

How do you think you would react if you got left

behind during the Rapture?

Who would you miss the most?

“The United Nations has taken a leadership role . . . Peace is

imperative. We must help our neighbors, forget our differences.”

Nicolae Carpathia

Would you trust this new world leader? Why or Why not?

(Matthew 24:4-8, 11)

At the movies again . . .

“Left Behind” Scene 13

“What did you see???” Buck Williams

How was Nicolae able to deceive and BRAINWASH an entire room of people (except Buck) in just 5

minutes???2 Corinthians 11:14

John 8:442 Thessalonians 2:3-4

What are some “Nicolaes”

(or Nick of LIES) that have deceived

young people? Parents?

Trivia Questions1. Which book in the bible talks the

MOST about the End Times?2. Who wrote it?3. Where was the author of this

book when he wrote it?4. Why was he there?5. In the beginning of his writing,

how many churches did he write to ? Where were they located?

(Chapter 1, Verses 1 -10)

Message to the 7 Churches

• John writes messages to these churches to encourage them to stand firm as they are 1)under growing persecution from Rome and 2)coping with the pressure and temptations of living in a “pagan” (ungodly) culture

• The 7 letters together describe what WEAKENS the faith of churches & individuals:--What do you think they are?

Revelation 1:11

“Faith Weakeners”

• Losing Hope• Becoming tolerant of sin• Compromising moral behavior• Losing initial passion for Jesus Rev.

2:4• Having an inactive or lukewarm faith

Revelations 3:16

Revelation Chapters 2 & 3

The Church of Laodicea

Why do you think God referred to this church as “LUKEWARM?” A church that makes Him want to VOMIT?? (verse 16)

Isn’t that kinda harsh???

Revelation 3:14 - 19

Background on The Church of Laodicea

• The Laodiceans were located in the Lycus River Valley. Their region became one of the wealthiest, most important commercial centers

• They were known for banking, wool and medicine

• However, the region had ONE major deficiency that Jesus used as an example to describe to them how He felt about their spiritual life

Part I

The Church of Laodicea

• The city of Laodicea had terrible water. Since it did not have a sufficient supply on hand, they had to build underground aqueducts just to get water into the city

• Unlike its neighbors, Hierapolis that was famous for its hot springs and Colosse for its cold, refreshing mountain stream, Laodicea had dirty, lukewarm water that flowed for miles in its underground aqueduct system

Part II

The Church of Laodicea

• The city of Laodicea had terrible water. Since it did not have a sufficient supply on hand, they had to build underground aqueducts just to get water into the city

• Unlike its neighbors, Hierapolis that was famous for its hot springs and Colosse for its cold, refreshing mountain stream, Laodicea had dirty, lukewarm water that flowed for miles in its underground aqueduct system

Part III

The Church of Laodicea

• Consequently, visitors , unaccustomed to Laodicea’s water, would spit it out immediately when drinking it

• Like the water in its city, the Laodiceans were neither cold (openly rejecting Christ) nor HOT (filled with spiritual zeal); they were just LUKEWARM— “hypocrites professing to know Christ but not truly belonging to Him” Matt 7:21-23

(John MacArthur Bible Commentary)

Part IV

The Church of Laodicea

As the water of Laodicea sickened those that drank it, so did the hypocrisy of those that

claimed to be Christians sickened Christ

(Rev 3:16)

Part V

So where do you see YOURSELF?WHY???

A) Church of Sardis– Spiritually Dead Rev 3:1B) Church of Ephesus– Lost your zeal Rev

2:4C) Church of Philadelphia: Had its imperfections and dealt with fleshly

struggles, but they were faithful, obedient, serving & worshipping the Lord Rev 3:8

D) Church of Laodicea—Lukewarm Rev 3:16

Suppose Jesus had sent 8 letters instead of 7 in Revelation—and the 8th one was addressed to your Youth Group. What do you think He might say??? (Fill in the blanks)

Dear Youth Group at __(name of Church)____:

You need to remember some things about Me. I am the One who ____________________

______________________________________

(this can be personal or based upon scripture)

I’ve been watching you, and have seen you do the following things well . . .____________

But I’ve also seen you do some things that do not please Me like . . ._________________

I want you to make the following improvements in your life . . ._________

I must warn you that if you don’t make these improvements, you will . . .________

Stay faithful to Me, because if you do . . .

_____________________________________

_____________________________________

Love Jesus