I came to this weeks messages in a few different ways. First, there was a question posted in this group that got me to thinking. Then there has been much discussion on what happens at the end of time when Jesus returns. I always aim in these lessons to help those seeking the truth and direct people to the scriptures to study on their own, Like many of you, I have read the "Left Behind" book series. That has been just a small part discussion on the book of Revelation. What or who is the Anti-Christ? What is the mark of the beast and the number 666? To all this I would like to present a few of my thoughts on the return of Jesus Christ.

Many people get so caught up in the "how" and "when" that they miss the entire promise that God made. We know that Jesus said that He had no idea when He would return. Only His Father God knew. So if Jesus had no idea then how can their be so many "authorities" who claim they do? Think about it. All the books and material that even claim name a date and time for the return. Some have needed put out new material after the date they first claimed passed by with no return. They try to cover possibilities, other than their error, then put out another date. I am smiling thinking of those who spent so much money, time and effort into planning a vacation only to fail to enjoy it.

God wants us to trust Him. If we think we have all the answers, then who needs God. In his book "When Christ Come", Max Lucado correctly points out that our pre-K minds are ill-equipped to handle the thoughts of eternity. God says not to let our hearts be troubled and just trust Him. God shakes His head with the foolishness and futility of our attempts to guess the time we will enter those pearly gates and skip down the golden streets. Rapture? Tribulation? Where are those concepts in the Bible? We should not be troubled or anxious about things we do not understand. Sure, we can stretch our minds on various Biblical concepts, but not spend so much time on things like trying to discover the Antichrist that you miss a relationship with THE CHRIST!

We know certain facts. God has ample space for us. There will not be a no vacancy sign out. God has prepared that place just for you. He is not kidding. Just as He has that place ready for us He will return to get us. The time? The Bible has many verses about the subject. One of my favorites is that He will come as a thief in the night. When will your home get robbed? Any guesses? You prepare but you do not get so worried that you are troubled about it. You are ready for it. So, for the return of Christ, trust and prepare. Do not spend so much on the process of preparing that when you are off speculating He shows up and you risk being shut out. I recall a parable of the women with the lamps.

Tim Lahay co-author of the Left Behind books, as well as others, wrote a book titled "Revelation Unveiled". The copy I have in front of me that, like my comment before, has been revised and updated. It presents several theories. Subjects like tribulation, thousand year reign, the church age, binding and then letting loose where he tries to convince us all. But he finally states that it is no reason to dispute among our Christian brothers over the entire thing. Why? I suggest that it is really not important. We need to concentrate on the good news of the gospel. Jesus is the Son of God. He came to earth. He was pure and sinless. Since all the animal sacrifices listed in the law could not save or remove sin , He was the slain lamb that paid for our sins on that cross. He then, over came death and rose from the grave. He overcame our final enemy. He returned to His father to get our home ready. He said to trust Him and He will come back to get us and take us to that home. That, is it. Who really cares as to when? He will come just as He left. Along with Him the Saints and all those who died before us. We will be changed faster than an instant. Then we will join Him and be judged by our trust and love. Those that trusted Him and did works because of that love and trust will enjoy His hospitality. While others, even if they did good deeds, will end up in torment with Satan and his bunch.

I am skimming the book "The Rapture Question Answered, Plain & Simple" by Robert VanKampen. He spend so much ink with a "for this to be here, this need to occur, now" discussion. Understand that like others, I with all my heart believe that Jesus is coming back. It could be today, soon. or in a million years. What is time to God? Plus, are the guesses and the details really that important? Are those who hold one view over the others in a better position to be saved? While we dwell on what are simply guesses, we need to know Jesus and salvation are all around us.

Also, we know that the Bible was written for specific reasons. Each book has an audience it was directed to. Yes, I know that the scriptures have the same direction and inspiration for us now. But we tend to pull out sections to try to prove our position and arguments. We need to look at the entire book, as a whole, to understand the meaning the Holy Spirit was leading the author. The final book, Revelations, was directed to the churches in Asia. They were facing unspeakable hardships. It was to give hope and encouragement to those Christians. Plus, in turn, also gives that same encouragement to us. The Christians of that day needed encouragement for their trials (and that is only a mild description) against the emperor Domitian. Those believers were truly facing an "anti-Christ"! Remember that the Apostle John was a prisoner on the island of Patmos. That revelation was delivered from an angel sent by Christ. He offered a blessing to all and a reminder that Jesus conquered death. He rules over all. He has not forgotten the Christians that currently are experiencing hardships and death. He sends hope, grace and peace. He reminds all that He is the beginning and the end. He is almighty! John described his vision of God on the throne. The Christians at that time we getting a terrible view of a monster in Rome on the throne so they needed hope. They, and all of us as well, need to know that through God, there will be victory over all enemies. We also need to remember that we need not fear those who can hurt our human form. Our fight is not against governments or people. But we need to fear those who can destroy the soul. That would not be flesh and blood! God HAS, not will, defeated the devil and death. All things are new each day. We can return back to the same relationship that man first had in the garden, before sin. Jesus gave the final reminder that He is coming soon. Believers must keep themselves clean. We are called to trust God. We need to remember what God has passed to us by His Holy Spirit and to beware of false prophets and teachers. Those who come as wolves to devour us. We need to study and know what God has told us. Finally, we need to tell it to others.

We must hold to the assurance that, just as Jesus has left, He will return. He will take us to the place He has prepared. Why do we always want to complicate the simplicity of God?

In all reality dose all the discussion on the symbolism in Revelation matter? Is that necessary for salvation? The only thing we need to grasp is that God is in control. He is on the throne. All others are bowed before Him in worship. He has defeated sin and death because of Jesus Christ. We now have a gift of life with Him forever. We have salvation from a defeated devil. What else is there? If we can not get excited over that and spread that good news to others, then a million books trying to guess what Revelations, Daniel really means, plus when God's D Day: will be, is not important!

God's final words are simply to come to Him. Take the grace. Trust Him. Grab hold of His promise of a home with Him. Accept the grace that makes it all possible. That grace and peace comes only because of Christ and His blood at the cross.

Salvation! We all need it. We can all have it. But we can not EARN IT! Jesus told us His yoke is easy and His burden is light. He gives us rest. The message of God is simple. We can all understand and grasp it. We just need to simply trust and believe. You do not need to be able to quote the entire Bible. You do not need any high priest. Jesus simply said Come and He will give you rest.

Get yourself of the throne. Leave the details to God!