The Bible teaches that millions will be left behind when Jesus comes again to take His children, the Church, home to heaven. (See 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17) Jesus warned: "At that time two men will be in the field; one will be taken and one will be left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one will be left. Watch, therefore, for you do not know in what kind of day your Lord is coming." (Matthew 24:40-42)

Jesus taught that we should be aware of His coming and to live in that anticipation and readiness. We need to be aware of the dangers of being outside of His grace when the Lord appears from heaven. Multitudes are sensing that this could be the generation in which Jesus may soon return. Angels announced it two thousand years ago (See Acts 1:10-11). It could happen any day. Don't be left behind.

A new series of books, the Left Behind series have sold over 13 million copies. The authors, Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins, are prolific writers who give the first fictional portrayal of events that line up with the literal interpretation of Bible prophecy. If you like gripping, edge of your seat fiction, you will want to read the Left Behind series. They feature believable characters and a dynamic plot that weaves prophetic events in a fascinating story.

Why all the interest in the "end times?" Is it simply because we have entered into a new millenium? I believe God is waking people up to an awareness of Christ's soon return. Even though we can not predict the day nor the hour for the Rapture (Latin for "caught up." 1 Thessalonians 4:17), the Holy Spirit is alerting people that Jesus is coming soon! Even if His coming is not for a few years, His coming is to affect how we live. For we all will someday stand before the Judge of the living and the dead.

The Bible is a book of prophecy. Prophecy is history written in advance and shows the hand of God. John F. Walvoord, a master prophecy scholar, says of "1000 prophecies, prophetic at the time they were written, about 500 have been fulfilled literally. Does that make you suspicious that the other 500 will yet be fulfilled in the future?"

Prophecy is not doom, gloom and despair. It gives you a spirit of optimism because we are going to win. The Lord is coming again! Be ready. Don't be left behind.

God predicted 2000 years ago that there would be four kingdoms in history, until the end time when the kings of the world would form a one-world government. (See Daniel 2:28) Many are buying into the deception that the only way to have peace is a one-world government. Leaders have capitulated to the most ineffective government in history, the United Nations, and they want to give it control of the entire world. This is prophesied in the Bible.

The Bible teaches that after Jesus comes to take His people, the Church, home to heaven, there will be a terrible time of tribulation and judgement. This will be a seven-year period when the Antichrist rules and God pours out His wrath upon the earth. (See Revelation) At the end of that period, Christ will come from heaven with the Saints in great power and glory and set up His kingdom on earth. "Every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord." (Philippians 2:10-11) There will be one thousand years of peace and prosperity. At the end of the millennial reign of Christ, Satan and his followers will be destroyed and for believers it's heaven forever!

Do not be like the five foolish virgins that Jesus told us about. Their lamps went out, their oil reserve was depleted and they had to go get more oil. But when they were away, the bridegroom came and they were left behind. (See Matthew 25:1-13)

One of the greatest events in the history of the universe is about to happen. Jesus foretold it. "Let not your heart be troubled: you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many mansions… I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself that where I am, there you may be also." (John 14:1-3)

Someday soon, Jesus will shout from heaven and all who have received Him by faith as Savior and Lord and who are watching and waiting for Him will be caught up to meet the Lord in the clouds, and so shall we ever be with the Lord. (1 Thessalonians 4:17)

You don't need to be left behind. Knowing your sins are forgiven and you are ready for heaven is as simple as following these steps:

A - Admit you have sinned.
"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23)

B - Believe in Jesus.
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, the whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16)

C - Confess and leave your sin.
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:19)