Regarding the rapture, there's a lot of talk about how we are not supposed to know when it's coming.

This spurs from when Jesus said, "No one knows the day or the hour," and when Apostle Paul said, "Like a thief in the night."

But have you ever continued to read in 1 Thessalonians 5? After explaining how Jesus would come like a thief in the night, we have a three-letter word... BUT.

"But you won't be surprised when the day of the Lord comes like a thief."

The surprise is for those who are asleep. But we who are alive in Christ will know it's coming!

Plus, did you know the phrase "no one knows the day or hour" is a Jewish idiom referring to the Feast of Trumpets? It's the only feast where the exact beginning is unknown because the new moon must be spotted first. It's within a two-day period.

Jesus told us the signs that signal his return in Matthew 24 and other places. He even hinted that it will happen during the Feast of Trumpets.

So, what do you do? Look up! Keep your eyes on Jesus. He's coming VERY soon.

All the major events related to Jesus Christ occurred on a Jewish feast day.

Crucified on Passover. Buried during Unleavened Bread. Rose from the dead on the Feast of Firstfruits. Holy Spirit given on Pentecost.

The next to be fulfilled is the Feast of Trumpets.

Considering the next major event will be the catching away of the church, there's a good chance it will happen during the Feast of Trumpets.

It's the one feast where no one knows the day or hour, because the new moon has to be spotted before it begins. Sound familiar?

Feast of Trumpets. No one knows the day or hour. It's the next feast Jesus will fulfill.

With so many things signaling His return, I wouldn't be surprised one bit to meet Jesus in the air this September during Feast of Trumpets.

Could it really be that soon? Yes, yes it could.

Look up! Don't get distracted by the things of this world. Don't give into temptation.

Resist the urge to slumber spiritually. Remain alert and watchful for the soon return of Jesus Christ.

So many Christians walk around weak and pathetic because they do not boldly declare who the Word says they are.

Walking in victory requires you to boldly speak the Word, especially when you don't feel like it. So, let me lead you in a few bold confessions.

I have been released from the power of sin.

I have been released from sickness.

I am no longer a part of this world. I don't suffer the same things they do. I have been released from the curse!

I am not who I used to be. I am the opposite of a sinner—I am the righteousness of God in Christ.

Old things have died. Shame, regret, and sinful habits have been put to death. I am a brand-new creation in Christ.

I've been adopted into God's family. I am a beloved son of God! I have full access to the throneroom of grace.

God not only wants to hear from me, but He will give me the things I ask. Not because I've earned it, but because I am in Christ.

Satan and his demons have nothing on me. I've been seated with Christ, who has all authority in heaven, on earth, and under the earth. My enemies are under my feet.

Every battle ends in victory for me because I am in Christ, who has already won the victory.

When you feel down, this is how you get yourself out. Speak the Word of God with great boldness. It's the answer to every temptation.

God doesn't always use the same strategy to defeat your enemies.

In 1 Chronicles 14, God instructed David to go straight to battle, and victory was won. But when the next fight came, God gave David a new strategy: sneak up behind the enemy this time. Once again, victory.

But what if David had defaulted to the previous successful strategy instead of asking God what to do each time?

So many Christians live in defeat because they rely on past experience rather than continually seeking God.

You're healing may have come through the laying on of hands last time. But this time? Maybe it's a lifestyle change. Ask God!

Financial provision could have come through your job last time. But this time? Maybe it's an investment strategy. Ask God!

Don't trust in yesterday's strategy. Wake up every day and ask God to reveal to you today's path to victory.

Not all Christians will be taken in the rapture.

Jesus doesn't mince words. He made the conditions clear in Revelation 3:10.

Only those who have been patiently enduring with confident expectation of His return will be kept from the Great Tribulation.

We're talking about people who have not swerved in their loyalty to Jesus Christ. They've continued to obey. They've refused to deny Jesus even in the face of trials and suffering.

The rapture is not for the wavering, indifferent Christian. It's not for the one who tolerates sin. Those who have one foot in the world and another in the church won't make it.

Only those who have remained faithful will be taken in the rapture. The rest will enter into the greatest suffering the world has ever seen, not as punishment, but as another chance to persevere and be found faithful.

This message is for those of you left behind. It's not over. This is your final chance to dig in, persevere, and be found faithful to Jesus Christ.

Do you know how to spot a modern-day Pharisee?

Criticism.

Interestingly, it was the same back in Jesus' day. They had a microscope on Him, looking for every way to accuse Him.

Criticism is the expression of disapproval based on perceived faults. It is a work of the devil for two reasons.

First, it is a judgment made on a whim. Second, it is an accusation.

The Bible instructs us to be patient with each other's faults. It also makes it clear that others' faults are not ours to talk about.

The only time you should bring up the faults of others is to their face to rescue them from destruction. Otherwise, don't even allow yourself to think about the faults of others.

Keep your thoughts on who God created them to be and trust that He is working with them to get there.

For more on how to love people God's way, grab my book: Love Hijacked.