I was thinking about all of the com-traffic going on right now over social media regarding this upcoming Feast of Trumpets and the predicted Rapture occurring during that feast (9/23,24/25). While I don’t want to get into all of the hoopla about who said what about when and such. I do, however, want to deal with the joy, or lack thereof, that many believers in the body of Christ may or may not be experiencing right now as a result of this hopeful and anticipated event; and the real possibility of this feast passing with the Church still on the earth.
The disappointment would be monumental for many watchers in our community who are looking for the Lord’s soon return for His Bride, His Church. One of the tricks of the enemy is to make believers feel that they are not really saved, or less, worthy to escape the coming tribulation. In short, the devil makes them fear that they will be left behind. In truth, God’s truth, we, as believers in Jesus, were no more created to experience the seven-year tribulation then we were for hell fire and damnation. That place was created for the devil and his demonic realm. (Matthew 25:41) The devil knows that he and his fallen demons are going to ultimately end up in the lake of fire; so his goal is to get as many people as possible to follow him there. One of his lies is to get believers to think that they are not really saved and therefore, not going in the Rapture or to heaven when they die. The truth is, if we have received Jesus as our personal Lord and Savior and given Him Lordship over our lives, then we are saved. This simple act of faith separates us from the unsaved.
God’s Word makes it crystal clear.
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship (masterpiece), created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” – Ephesians 2:8-10
“that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. 13 For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” – Romans 10:9-13
“If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:6-9
“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.” – Romans 8:1
“Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.” – Revelation 3:10
I can post a lot more Bible verses pertaining to our salvation that comes by faith in Jesus, though His grace that comes only through Jesus’ shed blood. The point is clear, the devil is a liar and he will do anything to keep people from being saved. The devil knows what awaits us all in heaven who have placed our faith and trust in Jesus. For the devil to make you feel that you’re not saved is a dirty trick; thank God we have the Word of God to show us the truth.
That being said, it’s September, the month where, for the most part, the Feast of Trumpets occurs (depending on the year and such). For adherents of the Rosh Hashanah Rapture theory, this month can be pretty exciting, and a little disappointing, especially when it passes and were still here. I would encourage you all to embrace the joy that comes with watching for the Lord’s return. Part of looking for Jesus is knowing that a high watch season may pass, but we still have hope and Christ’ promise to us that He is coming for us one day soon.
At the last supper, Jesus shared these words with His disciples. What must be understood here is that Judas was already recused from the table before Jesus said these words:
“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” – John 14:1-3
The Lord is good to His Word and this promise of His return for us is just as true. This is enough for us to have the joy of the Lord, even in our current situation where we may feel a bit overwhelmed or downtrodden. September should be a time of rejoicing for the believer in the hope of Christ’ return for His Church. If the month passes, we can continue on hoping for His return, just at another time. The hope of the Christ is always in front of us. His promise to us to never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5) is just as true. Nothing shall separate us from the love of God, (Romans 8:35-39) no matter what the enemy tries to tell us.
I encourage you to be joyful, hopeful, and watchful as we approach this Feast of Trumpets. If it passes, it passes; but God is still faithful. On the other hand, if this is the season of the Lord’s return, than we should be as ready for Him as we are joyous at His revelation. It’s hard to be joyful for something that we desire, but may not acquire in this season. The joy associated with watching and working as we wait for the Lord is all part of the blessing associated with receiving a crown of righteousness.
Paul reminds us all, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing. 9 Be diligent to come to me quickly;” – 2 Timothy 4:7-9
It’s interesting that Paul inserted ‘come to me quickly,’ a message directed toward Timothy, but also to the Lord, not only for Paul, but for all of us who are longing for Christ’ appearing; and for Him to come to us quickly.
Watchers are a different breed of believer. We long to be with the Lord while we live out our lives in the service of the King. We are a little bit like Paul, who said,
“So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. 7 For we walk by faith, not by sight. 8 We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.9 Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. 11 Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are well known to God, and I also trust are well known in your consciences.” – 2 Corinthians 5:6-11
We know what awaits us in heaven, but until we are all there, we are all here, working and serving the Lord faithfully as we continue on. This month, September 2025, could be the month of the Lord’s return. We could finally be home in heaven. This hope is something to be joyful about. If, on the other hand, we continue on in the year, we need to be just as faithful and joyous as we watch for the Master and serve Him. While I would rather ponder our soon departure, I know that God’s time is perfect. Our goal is to be well pleasing to the Lord as we serve Him faithfully until that trumpet finally blows.
I encourage you my brothers and sisters in Christ, try and experience some September joy, this might be the month. One thing is for sure, we will soon see.
Maranatha!
Encouragemen is a blog written by Pastor Rob Lee, who resides in Northern Missouri. He lives with his wife of 37-years, near their three adult children, their spouses, and children (their grandchildren). Pastor Rob is an Ordained Assemblies of God minister, a Lead Pastor (30+ years), police chaplain, and community advocate. He continues to serve, consult, and disciple men of God, including those who are in the ministry.
Encourage Men 
Keeping my lamp trimmed and looking up with anticipation.
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