TROUP, Texas — Talk of the rapture is reaching new heights online, with a growing number of believers pointing to September 23 as the possible start of the end times.

The rapture is a belief held by some Christians that Jesus will return to Earth and take believers up to heaven before a time of judgment.

On social media, the discussion has surged under the hashtag #RaptureTok , where thousands of posts range from prayers to preparation tips.

But here in East Texas, Pastor Preston Lindsey of First Baptist Church Troup said the Bible makes it clear that no one knows the exact day or hour of Jesus’ return.

"There's been a lot of speculation," Lindsey said. "...Jesus told them in Matthews 24:36, he says about that day: no one knows, not even the angels in Heaven nor the son, but only the

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