Living in Light of Jesus’ Return

How To Train Your Soul For The End Times

If Jesus returned today, would you be watching the sky or still telling yourself you’ll get serious “one day”? That is not meant to scare us. It is meant to wake us up.

Across four conversations with Dr. Harold Berry on Spiritually Fit Today, a powerful theme kept resurfacing. The end times are not a distant curiosity. They are a daily invitation to spiritual fitness, to real-life discipleship, and to hope that strengthens us when the world feels dark.

So, how should we live today in the light of Jesus’ return?

1. The Rapture: Why “Someday” Is Not Safe

Dr. Berry pointed to one of the clearest passages on the rapture, 1 Thessalonians 4, where Paul describes believers being caught up to meet the Lord in the air.

For me, the takeaway was simple: you are not ready to live until you are ready to die. We can tell ourselves we need more time. More thinking. More sorting things out. But as Dr. Berry said, you do not control “later.”

The Bible is blunt: today is the day of salvation.

2. The Second Coming: Our King Does Not Lose

Revelation 19 gives us a picture of Jesus that breaks past the soft versions we often imagine. Heaven opens. A white horse appears. A rider called Faithful and True. A name on His robe, King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

This is not Jesus coming to negotiate with evil. This is Jesus returning to end it. When you know Jesus wins, you can keep standing even when standing is hard.

3. The Millennium: Training for Real Leadership

Revelation 20 describes believers reigning with Jesus for a thousand years. Leadership in eternity begins with faithfulness today.

Paul told believers to imitate him—not because he was perfect, but because he genuinely wanted to reflect Jesus. Every hidden act of integrity, every patient conversation, every quiet prayer, is shaping you for the kingdom to come.

4. The Final Judgment: No Tear Wasted, No Act Forgotten

Revelation 21 promises that God Himself will wipe every tear, and death, pain, and sorrow will end. At the same time, Scripture speaks of real evaluation. For believers, it determines reward. For unbelievers, it confirms judgment.

God is never careless with a life. Every act of obedience matters.

5. Two Traps to Avoid

• Obsessing Over Dates

  Hundreds of people have predicted the date of Jesus’ return. Every one has been wrong. Scripture calls us to readiness, not prediction.

  
  

• Being So Heavenly Minded We Are No Earthly Good

  Revelation promises a blessing for those who read it, but reading it should make us more faithful, not less.

6. A Spiritual Fitness Plan for the End Times

• Watch

Live like Jesus could return at any moment.

• Worship

Let His promised return fuel your awe and gratitude.

• Witness

Love people well. Share your story. Invite someone into a conversation about Jesus.

• Work

Serve with integrity. Ordinary faithfulness is eternal training.

• Wait

Waiting is active trust. Keep saying, “Jesus, help me stay faithful until You come.”

FAQ: Living in Light of Jesus’ Return

• Does anyone know when Jesus will return? No. Only the Father knows.

• Is the word “rapture” in the Bible?

  The English word is not, but the event is described clearly.

• Will Christians go through the tribulation?

  Faithful believers differ, but all agree Jesus is returning and God is just.

• How are rewards connected to His return?

  Jesus comes with rewards. Every act of faith matters.

• How do I keep from getting fearful?

  Focus on what is clear: Jesus wins, justice comes, and hope is certain.

• How do I get ready if I’m not a follower of Jesus?

  You prepare by trusting Jesus—who died and rose again—and receiving His grace.

Finishing Strong, Together

Jesus is coming soon. That is not a prediction. It is a promise. So let it shape your life. Be ready. Stay faithful. Lead well. Live for eternity. Every spiritual rep you do today is shaping your soul for the kingdom you were made for.

Let’s finish strong, together.

P.S. If you have a comment or prayer request, contact me here: or call me and leave a message at 1-800-811-2387. And be sure to join me tomorrow through Friday on our new podcast Spiritually Fit Today.