What practical steps can you take to prepare for the "last trumpet" moment? The Last Trumpet in Focus “in an instant, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.” (1 Corinthians 15:52) Grasp and Guard the Gospel • Revisit 1 Corinthians 15:1-4—Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again. • Examine whether you have personally trusted that finished work (2 Corinthians 13:5). • Keep the message clear in your mind and speech; don’t drift (Hebrews 2:1). Walk in Continual Repentance and Holiness • Confess sin quickly (1 John 1:9). • “Everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself” (1 John 3:3). • Replace habits that dull your conscience with habits that sharpen it—daily Bible reading, fasting, intentional silence. Stay Alert and Watchful • “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or hour” (Matthew 25:13). • Set spiritual “alarms”: regular self-evaluation, accountability partners, and scheduled times of reflection on prophecy. • Limit distractions that numb watchfulness (Luke 21:34-36). Prioritize Worship and Community • “Let us not neglect meeting together” (Hebrews 10:25). • Join a Bible-believing local church; attend, serve, and submit to sound teaching. • Celebrate the Lord’s Supper often; it “proclaims the Lord’s death until He comes” (1 Corinthians 11:26). Serve With Eternal Purpose • “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast… abounding in the work of the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58). • Identify your spiritual gifts and deploy them—teaching, mercy, hospitality, giving. • View ordinary tasks (parenting, work, school) as stewardship assignments. Share the Hope Boldly • We are “ambassadors for Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:20). • Keep a list of three people to pray for and engage in gospel conversations. • Support world missions financially and in prayer (Romans 10:14-15). Store Up Treasures in Heaven • Redirect resources to kingdom priorities (Matthew 6:19-21). • Practice generous, sacrificial giving; simplify lifestyle to free assets for eternal impact. • Keep records of answered prayer and giving to remind yourself that heavenly dividends are certain. Cultivate Expectant Hope and Mutual Encouragement • “Encourage one another with these words” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18). • Memorize key promises about Christ’s return (John 14:1-3; Titus 2:13). • Swap fear for anticipation; talk about His coming around the dinner table, in small groups, on social media. Live Every Day as If It Could Be the Day Daily checklist: – Start with Scripture and prayer before screens. – Choose holiness in private moments. – Speak the gospel when opportunity arises. – Invest time or resources in someone else’s eternal good. – End the day thanking God that one sunrise closer to the trumpet has passed. “He who testifies to these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.” (Revelation 22:20) |