SUNDAY MORNING REFLECTIONS: “Christ’s Glorious Appearing” .. I Thessalonians 4:15-18 (one) (THE VOICE OF THE TRUMPHET, TALKING WITH ME .. Revelation 4:1 series) “For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.” William Ward Ayer wrote, “The “blessed hope” is a theme of perennial interest to all of Gods faithful children, and as our age advances into the inevitable darkness of its consummation we see that Christ’s coming is also the world’s only hope.” As we look around us we can see the darkness of this world gathering in around us. We of the church believe the return of Jesus Christ to be nigh at hand. Paul actually gave us a 19 point description of the last days as perilous time’s descent upon our world. (II Timothy 3:1-5) One of the best descriptions of the appearing of Christ is found in our text for today. We often refer to Christ’s appearing as the rapture of the saved, of both dead, and the living. We get our word rapture because of the catching up (verse 17) of the saints of God. The world will be left with a void of people from every walk of life at the second coming of Jesus. My friend the next big event on Gods prophetic time calendar is the coming of our great God and Savior to take unto Himself a redeemed people. There is going to be a meeting in the air, and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Now, what do we need to do to prepare for this big event that could be today or somewhere in the near future? Are you, and will you, be prepared to meet the Lord? What hope do you have? Is it the hope of redemption that is found through faith in Jesus Christ? Let me give you three important things we need to do before Christ’s Glorious Appearing. 1-SOULS .. need to be .. SAVED … Hebrews 9:28 “So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation.” The salvation of your soul is all important to the coming of Christ who was offered to bear the sins of many. Our sins must be covered by His blood to the washing of regeneration. We must look to Him in faith and trust for our souls salvation, but when we do, we look for Him without sin unto salvation. As a saved person you and I will hear the Lords call at the second coming of Christ’s Glorious Appearing. 2-SAVED SOULS .. need to be .. SANCTIFIED … I Thessalonians 5:23 “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Sanctification is the total setting apart of your life, body, soul, and spirit to the righteousness of God, and the pleasing of God. Too many are satisfied to be saved and never go any further with their commitment unto God. Our scripture text tells us to be blameless (without sin) unto the coming of Christ.” As a Christian it will make a big difference in the day of Christ’s Glorious Appearing as to how you lived your life for Him. 3-SANCTIFIED SOULS .. need to be .. STEADFAST … I John 2:28 “And now, little children, (Christians) abide in Him; that when He shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before Him at His coming.” To abide in Him is to be steadfast in the faith of Jesus. It is to be living as the Word of God teaches us. We are to be righteous as He is righteous, less we be caught living short of it and be ashamed with ourselves at Christ’s Glorious Appearing. He is nearer than you think! Amen? Amen!
Posted on: Sun, 02 Feb 2014 12:23:18 +0000
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