The End
"But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.
For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words." - 1 Thessalonians 4:13 - 18
"First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, “Where is this ‘coming' he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.” -2 Peter 3:3-4 (NIV)
"The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray." - 1 Peter 4:7 (NIV)
1. Where is the rapture in scripture?
The Bible tells us in Scripture, "They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony;" - Revelation 12:11 (NIV). We must live by scripture! Let it be your source to making all of your life decisions and help develop your conduct! In Revelation, we learn about the two comings of Jesus. In today's message, Pastor Denny breaks down the differences in the two comings. During the Rapture, Jesus won't physically come to earth, but He will be heard. Believers will rise to meet Him as he comes for His Church. During the Second Advent, He will come and touch the Earth and stay here. In that time, the new believers will come with Him as he comes for His Church.
"Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— in a flash, 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 15:51-52 (NIV)
2. What is going to happen?
Scripture gives us a picture of what that day will look like.
"For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one’s work will become clear; for the day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire." - 1 Corinthians 3:11-15
"Then he said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!’” And he said to me, “These are the true sayings of God.” - Revelation 19:9
(08/16/20 continued...)
3. When is the rapture going to take place?
"Therefore prophesy and say to them: ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: O my people, I am going to open your graves and bring you up from them; I will bring you back to the land of Israel." - Ezekiel 37:12
In this week's message, Pastor Denny talks about the differences between Pre-Tribulation, Mid-Tribulation, and Post-Tribulation.
4. Who is going?
"Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." - 2 Timothy 4:8
“But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut. Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour." - Matthew 25:10
We encourage you to study, watch and pray, not give up on meeting with each other, and to be alert. We do not know the day or the hour, but Jesus is coming back for His church.