The Waiting Room. Episode Six. The Decision

Free coffee break read

Note: Change to posting schedule: I am putting the rest of the story up today. Thank you so much for stopping by. There are many stories and poems on the blog. I pray that you will be encouraged and inspired by them to follow Jesus. You can read my testimony on the About page. Just scroll down to find it. Testimony

Love and prayers,

Alison

The Decision

Tara's eyes kept going to the chart at the front of the church. It was an illustrated timeline of the book of Revelation in the Bible.

"We are here now, in the Church dispensation or age, just prior to the Rapture of the church." The speaker, an intense, yet friendly man, pointed to a picture of a church. "Now, it is important to remember, that we are not referring to a building, or to particular denominations. By 'The Church' we mean, all individuals who are saved. Each one of us who belongs to Christ. This group of born again believers is also referred to as the Bride of Christ, and it is for this group of people that Jesus will return for at the Rapture."

Pastor Monroe paused as he allowed his point to sink in. "Tonight, I encourage each one of you to consider whether you form part of this blessed group. It will be the most important thing you do today." Tara squirmed in her seat as she realized that she could not lay claim to the privilege he spoke of. She knew that she would be left behind if Jesus returned that night.

"If you remain on earth when the Rapture happens, you will face many catastrophic events, all of which have been prophesied in the Bible. As we watch the events which are now unfolding in the world, not to mention the development of AI, and the fast progression towards a cashless society, it is easy to imagine these events coming true."

Pastor Monroe bowed his head in prayer, then opened his Bible and read aloud:

Revelation 22:6-9, 11-21 ESV

[6] And he said to me, “These words are trustworthy and true. And the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, has sent his angel to show his servants what must soon take place.” [7] “And behold, I am coming soon. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.” [8] I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I heard and saw them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed them to me, [9] but he said to me, “You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers the prophets, and with those who keep the words of this book. Worship God.”

[11] Let the evildoer still do evil, and the filthy still be filthy, and the righteous still do right, and the holy still be holy.” [12] “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done. [13] I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” [14] Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates. [15] Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. [16] “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.” [17] The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price. [18] I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, [19] and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book. [20] He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! [21] The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.

https://bible.com/bible/59/rev.22.6-21.ESV

"Are you able to say with the Bride, "Come, Lord Jesus? Are you saved? Washed clean in His blood? Repent tonight. Ask Him to save you, and you will not be left behind at His return."

Tara closed her eyes as the words seared her heart. As a child, she had gone to church and read her Bible. But would Jesus forgive her for all the wrong things she'd done? Was she too late?

"Come to Jesus now, while there is still time. Repent, and He will wash you clean."

Tara stood for the closing song and prayer, but instead of walking to door with Jonah and her mother and father, she walked to the front.

"Pastor, will you pray for me? I need to make things right with God."

***

Copyright: pencil in His Hand

Episode Seven