DAILY MESSAGES

The Meaning of “Catching Up”

The phrase “caught up” appears in 1 Thessalonians 4:17, where Paul writes:

“Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air…”

The Greek word here is harpazo, which means to seize suddenly, to snatch away with force. The Latin translation rendered it rapturo, from which we get the English word Rapture. Though “rapture” itself is not found in our English Bibles, the truth of it is deeply scriptural: the sudden, supernatural removal of believers from earth to meet Christ in the air.

Those Who Have Been Caught Up Before

Scripture gives us patterns—living testimonies—that the catching up is real and possible:

• Enoch – “And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him” (Genesis 5:24). A life of fellowship with God ended in a sudden translation without death.
• Elijah – Taken by a whirlwind into heaven with a chariot of fire (2 Kings 2:11).
• Christ Jesus – The risen Lord ascended into heaven in the sight of His disciples (Acts 1:9–11), the firstfruits of all who will follow in His resurrection power.

These examples remind us that the Rapture is not fantasy but the continuation of God’s proven pattern of lifting His own into glory.

The Power of Resurrection in Christ

The foundation of our hope is the resurrection of Jesus Christ. His triumph over death guarantees our triumph. Paul declares:

“If the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he… shall also quicken your mortal bodies” (Romans 8:11).

This same resurrection power is alive in every believer today. It sanctifies our living, strengthens our faith, and prepares us for that glorious day when the dead in Christ shall rise first, and the living saints shall be transformed in an instant.

The Blessed Hope: Marriage Supper & Bema Seat

The catching up leads believers into two glorious events:

1. The Marriage Supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:7–9) – the eternal union of Christ and His Bride, the Church, in unbroken fellowship and joy.
2. The Bema Seat of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10) – where saints are rewarded for their works of faith, love, and obedience.

These are not fears for the believer, but promises that stir our hearts to holy living and faithful service.

The Assurance of Faith

Every believer must hold fast the assurance of faith. The catching up is not for the doubter or the casual hearer but for those who live in hope, faith, and readiness. Paul called it “the blessed hope” (Titus 2:13).

Five High Steps to Be “Catching Up Ready”

1. Faith in Christ Alone – Salvation by grace through faith is the foundation. Without Christ, there is no hope of catching up.
2. Holiness of Life – “Without holiness no man shall see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14). Purity of heart and obedience in daily living keep us watchful.
3. Spirit-Filled Walk – The wise virgins kept oil in their lamps (Matthew 25:1–13). Be full of the Holy Spirit to discern and endure.
4. Love and Service – The Rapture-ready believer lives in love, forgiveness, and service to others. Faith works through love (Galatians 5:6).
5. Prayerful Watchfulness – “Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy…” (Luke 21:36). Constant communion with God keeps us awake and prepared.

Final Call

The catching up is imminent. No prophecy needs to be fulfilled before it takes place. The trumpet could sound at any moment. The most important question is not when Christ will come, but are you ready?

Even so, come, Lord Jesus."

The Reality – The Spirit Within

In the “new world order,” people want unity without God. But in the new creation, God unites people of all races and civilizations through His Spirit.

Being born again gives us:

• A new identity – children of God (John 1:12).
• A new heart – with God’s love written inside (Ezekiel 36:26).
• A new future – eternal life with Christ (John 3:16).

This is not a trend, it’s eternal truth.

Illustration: Imagine everyone trying to wear the same brand of shoes to fit in—that’s culture’s “new world order.” But God says, “I’ll give you wings instead of shoes, so you can soar where no one else can walk.”

The Call – How to Be Born Again

1. Admit: I am a sinner, I need Jesus.
2. Believe: Jesus died and rose again for me.
3. Receive: Invite Jesus into my heart as Lord and Savior.
4. Confess: I am a new creation in Christ!

Prayer (simple for kids/Gen Z):

“Lord Jesus, I believe You died for me and rose again. Come into my heart and give me a new life. Today I receive You as my Savior and Lord. Thank You for making me a new creation. Amen.”

The New Perspective – Living as God’s New Creation

Don’t be fooled by culture’s “reset.” True reset comes only through Jesus.

Don’t follow the crowd’s “order.” Follow God’s Word.

Shine as a new creation in your school, online, and among friends.

Remember: God’s kingdom is not about trends—it’s eternal!

Closing Illustration

“Imagine a caterpillar trying hard to look cool by painting its body. It’s still crawling. But when it becomes a butterfly, it doesn’t crawl—it flies! That’s the difference between the new world order and the new creation. The world tries to decorate sin, but Jesus gives you wings to soar.”

Takeaway for Kids/Gen Z:

Being born again is God’s ultimate reset—better than any trend or system the world can offer. In Christ, you’re not patched up, you’re made brand-new!

How to Encounter God's Glory

1. You must believe there's a need for glory in your life. Romans 3:23 says, For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.
2. Sin is a glory stealer and killer. God told Adam that the day he eats the forbidden fruit, he will surely die. Spirit life from God was disconnected and discontinued. (Genesis 2:16–17; Romans 8:1; Ephesians 2:1)
3. You must repent and believe the Gospel. The good news is that God has revealed His full glory in the face of Jesus Christ. The glory that was lost in Eden is even much more given after an endless life in Christ Jesus.

4. The presence of divine nature in the glory of Christ. LOOK ON JESUS (Hebrews 12:2):
   • [a] He is the Word of God made flesh. John 1:1–14
   • [b] God's fullness dwells in Christ bodily. He was fully human and fully God. Colossians 2:9
   • [c] He existed in the form of God and considered it not robbery to be equal with God. Rather, He emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, made in the likeness of humankind.
   • [d] He is the face of the Father. John 14:7–9
5. Be born again, be translated, receive regeneration, a shift, a spiritual translocation. Receive the Spirit of glory and let Him take over your life.

6. Put your face in the sunlight of His glory. It is time to be changed. (Isaiah 60:1–2)
7. God's glory will rise on you. His sunrise glory breaks over you. This is a dimension as you change from one level or system or mechanism of glory to another. (Isaiah 60:3–4)
8. Nations and communities shall come to your light. Men of glory shall come to your light, and you and they shall increase in glory—even the glory that exudes Christ. (Isaiah 60:4–5)
9. Glory will bless you for so long, and God's people shall be blessed because of it. (Isaiah 60:4–7)
10. Glory is the clothing of the saints in righteousness. Because you love righteousness and hate wickedness, God shall exalt your horn. Righteousness exalts a nation. (Isaiah 52:1; Proverbs 14:34; Psalms 45:7)

Affirmation for You

1. My Father, I come to You in the name of Jesus to live in the glory that's in Christ Jesus.
2. My glory by Christ’s glory, appear on my life and destiny in the name of Jesus.
3. As I pray, I am growing in grace and glory in Jesus’ precious name.
4. Are there chains and embellishments of the enemy on my life? I shake them off by the glory fire of the Holy Spirit in Jesus’ precious name.
5. My head, you must walk in the glory and live in the glory in Jesus’ precious name.
6. Wherefore, gateways and doors that have been shut against my glory, be open now in the name of Jesus Christ.
7. My Father, like You did for baby Jesus, let relevant helpers come. Let the Caravans come with the blessings that make rich and add no sorrow, in Jesus’ precious name.