Core Truth: There are a number of rapidly increasing signs that our Lord’s return to earth is very close at hand and that we, as His church and bride, are not to be taken by surprise, but rather are to be found wide awake and fully engaged in preparing for that incredible event. And among those signs are what is now unfolding in world events in general, and with the nation of Israel in particular.
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-9
But as to the suitable times and precise season and dates, brethren, you have no necessity for anything being written to you. For you yourselves know perfectly well that the day of the Lord will come as unexpectedly and suddenly as a thief in the night. For when people are saying, All is well and secure, and, There is peace and safety, then in a moment unforeseen destruction (ruin and death) will come upon them as suddenly as labor pains come upon a woman with child; and they shall by no means escape, for there will be no escape. But you are not in [given up to the power of] darkness, brethren, for that day to overtake you by surprise like a thief. For you are all sons of light and sons of the day; we do not belong either to the night or to darkness. Accordingly then, let us not sleep, as the rest do, but let us keep wide awake (alert, watchful, cautious, and on our guard) and let us be sober (calm, collected, and circumspect).