The coming of the Lord for His people is near - at the door!  "Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and put forth leaves, you know that summer is near."  [Matthew 24:32]  "But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only" [Matthew 24:36]  JESUS spoke about signs that will tell us when the time will be, and about the need of being prepared.  Some of these, related directly to the christian people, are the following:

1. And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. Matthew 24:12

2. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come. Matthew 24:14

3. For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive if possible, even the elect. 24:24

4. But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with:
     a. Carousing
     b. Drunkenness
     c. Cares of this life [Luke 21:34]
    

• Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming. Matthew 24:42

• Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man. Luke 21:36

 Exhortation to watch and be alert

1. The day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night. 1Th.5:2

2. But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. 1Th. 5:4

3. Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. 1Th. 5:6. For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1Th.5:9

4. Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees,  and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed. Heb. 12:12-13

5. Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord. Heb. 12:14

6. But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. 

7. And above all things have fervent love for one another, for love will cover multitude of sins. 1P. 4 :7-8

8. Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless. 2 Peter 3:14

9. You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior JESUS Christ. To Him be the Glory both now and forever. Amen.  2.P.3:17-18
    

Paul's advice: 1 Thessalonians  5:15-23

1. See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone

2. Rejoice always

3. Pray without ceasing

4.  Give thanks always

5. Do not quench the Spirit

6. Do not despise prophecies

7. Test all things; hold fast what is good

8. Abstain from every form of evil

9. Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord JESUS Christ. 

See that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:15-16

Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away. For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward,  How shall we escape if we neglect SO great a salvation? Hebrews 2:1-3

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