Question:
I seem to be hearing a lot of talk lately about "the rapture." I am a new Christian, and I don't want to sound stupid by asking my friends at church. Is the rapture the same as the Second Coming of Christ? Can you help me understand what the rapture is?

Answer:
What is the rapture?
Defined from the Greek word harpazo meaning to seize, to catch (up away) from. The term "rapture" is derived from the Latin verb rapere meaning to transport from one place to another.

It is the catching away of the saints to be with the Lord - 1 Thessalonians 4:17

Scripture gives us signs to discern when it will occur - Matthew 24:3 - 37

Scripture tells us the purpose of the rapture
To spare the saints - 1 Thessalonians 1:9 - 10; Revelation 3:10
To change the saints - 1 Corinthians 15:51 - 53
To give hope and comfort to the saints - 1 Thessalonians 4:16 - 18