Listen to the sermon here: http://sermon.net/fumcoutofthebox/sermonid/1199972653
Is there going to be an End of the World and if so, are we living in the End Times? These are the questions that everybody wants to know the answers to.
#1. There will come a day when the world as we know it will end.
Mark 13:14-27, 31 (GWT)
14 “When you see the disgusting thing that will cause destruction standing where it should not (let the reader take note), those of you in Judea should flee to the mountains. 15 Those who are on the roof should not come down to get anything out of their houses. 16 Those who are in the field should not turn back to get their coats. 17 “How horrible it will be for the women who are pregnant or who are nursing babies in those days.18 Pray that it will not be in winter. 19 It will be a time of misery that has not happened from the beginning of God’s creation until now, and will certainly never happen again. 20 If the Lord does not reduce that time, no one will be saved. But those days will be reduced because of those whom God has chosen. 21 “At that time don’t believe anyone who tells you, ‘Here is the Messiah!’ or ‘There he is!’ 22 False messiahs and false prophets will appear. They will work miraculous signs and do wonderful things to deceive, if possible, those whom God has chosen. 23 Be on your guard! I have told you everything before it happens. 24 “Now, after the misery of those days, the sun will turn dark, the moon will not give light, 25 the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the universe will be shaken. 26 “Then people will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. 27 He will send out his angels, and from every direction under the sky, they will gather those whom God has chosen. 31 The earth and the heavens will disappear, but my words will never disappear.
#2. We can study scripture and understand when that time is near.
Mark 13: 28-30 (GWT)
28 “Learn from the story of the fig tree. When its branch becomes tender and it sprouts leaves, you know summer is near. 29 In the same way, when you see these things happen, you know that he is near, at the door. 30 “I can guarantee this truth: This generation will not disappear until all these things take place.
#3. You can write off anyone who sets a date because No One, not even Jesus knows when that day is.
Mark 13:32 (NCV)
32 “No one knows when that day or time will be, not the angels in heaven, not even the Son. Only the Father knows.
Prophecies – A Prediction Of The Future
Prophecy teachers say that about 20% of the Bible is prophecy, a prediction of what will happen in the future.
Whether you believe that Jesus is Lord or not you would have to agree that Jesus did come as he was prophesied in the Old Testament.
There are 5 times more prophecies in the bible of his 2nd coming than there were his first coming.
The Hope We Have As Christians
1) The Return: Christ Is Coming Again.
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. John 14:3
They actually had a GREETING, they would say Maranatha. (Jesus is Coming)
There is even scripture that says there is a REWARD or a CROWN for those who LONG for His return. 2 Tim 4:8
We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.
1 Thessalonians 4:14
For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 1 Thessalonians 4:16
It is clear there will be 2 resurrections.
#1. Christians to go and be with Christ
#2. Unbelievers to stand at the Great White Throne Judgement.
Blessed and holy are those who have part in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them… Revelation 20:6
2) The Rapture: Living Christians Are Taken Away.
After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air…
1 Thessalonians 4:17
Pre Trib, Mid Trib, Post Trib – it isn’t worth fighting over…
The point here is not a pre tribulation rapture but the point is BE READY.
Right now would be a great time for Jesus to return because no one is expecting Him.
Behold, I come like a thief! Blessed is he who stays awake and keeps his clothes with him, so that he may not go naked and be shamefully exposed. Revelation 16:15
Be ready, don’t live lukewarm. Maranatha!
3) The Reunion: Christians Will Be With God Forever.
After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 18 Therefore encourage each other with these words. 1 Thessalonians 4:17-18
With the Lord forever – this means, no more sickness, no more pain, no more sin, no more cancer, no more trials, no more death.
Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— 52 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. 53 For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality… 54b then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.” 55 “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?”… 57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
1 Cor 15:51-53, 54b, 55, 57-58
Application:
Always live for the things that matter for eternity.
Be serious about your relationship with Christ.
Work for the Lord.
Live a life that will count for eternity.
