NOTICE THE SIGNS, 1: ONGOING SIGNS

Luke 21:34-36 – ³⁴“Be on guard, so that your hearts will not be weighted down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of life, and that day will not come on you suddenly like a trap; ³⁵for it will come upon all those who dwell on the face of all the earth. ³⁶“But keep on the alert at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are about to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”

            Matthew 24:3-13, 36 – ³As He was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things happen, and what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?” ⁴And Jesus answered and said to them, “See to it that no one misleads you. ⁵For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will mislead many. ⁶You will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end. ⁷For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes. ⁸But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs. ⁹Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name. ¹⁰At that time many will fall away and will betray one another and hate one another. ¹¹Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many. ¹²Because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will grow cold. ¹³But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved…. ³⁶But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone.”

            In the series entitled, “Look Who’s Coming” four questions were asked: Do you know Him? Are you serving Him? Are you looking for Him? Are you preparing yourself to reign with Him?

Look at these questions differently: 

• Have you entered into a meaningful relationship with God?
• Are you laying up valuable treasures in heaven?
• Are you living daily with a sense of expectancy? 
• Are you being led by the Spirit, walking in the Spirit, empowered by the Spirit and manifesting the fruit of the Spirit?

            The second series entitled, “Notice the Signs,” is in two parts. There are several ways to look at the indicators of His soon return. Even though no one knows the day or the hour there are hints that it is about to take place.

            The simplest and most literal way to examine the signs is to divide them into two groups – the ongoing signs and the closing signs. Ongoing signs are continual. They have been appearing through the centuries. They keep before us the reality His coming has not yet occurred. As long as they continue, the day of His return is before us. Closing signs are events unique at the very end.

The “ongoing signs” cause the church to be mocked by non-believers.

            “Where is the promise of His coming?  For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation.” (2 Peter 3:4)

            The unsuspecting often ridicule the consistency of God. What goes unnoticed is the intensity of these signs gradually increases, as the day of the Lord approaches. The frequency and dimension of these signs is slowly escalating and their rate of occurrence is causing little alarm.

            One aspect of ongoing signs is natural calamity. Continental land shelves are shifting causing earthquakes and volcanoes to erupt. Scientist state they are occurring more frequently. Weather patterns are changing and causing an increase in ice glaciers’ melting and regions of the world experiencing greater droughts.

            Another form of ongoing signs is “nations rising against nations.” Throughout history it has not taken very much to get various people groups fighting. At the end of every major conflict comments are usually made about being a new day; an era of peace and safety. 1 Thessalonians 5:3 warns, however, “While they are saying, ‘Peace and safety!’ then destruction will come upon them suddenly like birth pangs upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.”

            Conflict and war are on the rise around the world. Most clashes go unnoticed by the news media. One commentator wrote twenty wars commonly occur at the exact same time around the world. The writer went on to say sometimes the number goes as high as forty.

            These ongoing signs are the reason mockers do not recognize His soon return.

There are a few subtle “ongoing signs” barely being noticed.

            An increase of the savior complex. “…Many will come in my name claiming, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many.” (Matthew 24:5)

            The world has always had people who claimed Jesus did not finish His mission. Mohammed, Joseph Smith, and Sun Yun Moon stated they were to complete what Jesus’ abrupt death prevented. They failed to recognize Jesus’ mission was to die for our sins.

            There are many who believe they are Jesus. When serving as a Bible College administrator, students were assigned ministry at a nearby mental institution. Many found it unsettling the first time they met someone believing themselves to be Jesus. In care facilities across this country are people who regularly make this claim. These are not the kinds of people that will deceive many in the end-times.

            Many look for someone to rescue them from the ills of society; someone to come and “save the day.” They are looking for a savior, searching for a savior leader. Of greater concern are leaders with a savior mindset.

            Consider the numerous political promises. Politicians spend hours trying to convince people they have answers that will deliver them from their own greed, corruption and immorality. Editorials in leading newspapers give a sense that government leaders should be able to “save” the nation, expecting the impossible.

            The antichrist will come with a savior-leader mentality. Leadership, however, is a call to serve. Politicians used to be called, “Public Servants.” Jesus told His followers to be servants, not saviors. One thing is certain: No one is truly able to take credit for something God does. Jesus is the only Savior; the genuine Christ.

            As the hour of His return approaches, there will be an increase of “kingdom builders” whose kingdom they build is their own.

            The increase of cold love. “…The love of most will grow cold.” (Matthew 24:12) The Biblical text is not suggesting no love but cold love; referring to indifference, unconcern, insensitivity and disinterest. Cold love focuses on self-centeredness.

            Jesus was asked, “What is the greatest commandment?” He responded, “Love God and love others as you love yourself.”

            For centuries the emphasis of the second part was on loving others. In the 1970’s the emphasis changed and some taught, “You cannot love others until you love yourself.” With the intent of creating a wholesome self-awareness, the focus changed to an unwholesome selfish love.

            Many fail seeing the bigger problem; people do not love their neighbors. If they did love their neighbor, they would not covet their possessions.

            Envy and competition have become the norm of the day. Someone accurately described the problem in this prose: “I was gaining on the Jones. But they’re still far in the lead. Just when I was gaining, they refinanced – and took on a new burst of speed.”

            If people did love their neighbors, there would not be the chronic problems of lying, cheating, stealing, rape and murder in society.

            This is the day of cold love – selfish love, introverted love, self-centered love.

            The increase of falsehood. “…Many false prophets will appear and deceive many people.” (Matthew 24:11)

            Heroes used to the good, the honorable and the just. In October 1917 Sergeant York made headlines for his heroic efforts during World War One. Out of concern for men under his charge, he did an honorable act. He received the Congressional Medal of Honor and was admired by the nation. He became a hero to his generation and to the soldiers of World War Two.

            By the 1970’s movies like “The Sting” (about two con men) became the hero of the day. Heroes were people who achieved greatness through falsehood.

            In 1989 a movie became a box office sensation to youth around the country, “Ferris Bruler’s Day Off.” A teenager through falsehood and deception skipped school. He is the film’s hero.

            Sometimes the issue becomes debated: “Do movies reflect the moral fiber of society or do movies create the moral fiber of society?”  The answer is both.

            A “Dirty Harry” cannot make a legal case against a bad guy and becomes a law unto himself. His character is made to appear right by his actions.

            Our choice of entertainment considers falsehood as acceptable, if not honorable. Our means of entertainment reveals a misguided society. Wrong is glorified as right.

            The increase of no self-control. “…Increase of wickedness.” (Matthew 24:12)

            A society without restraint is intensifying. Unable to control various desires, people are looking for ways to fulfill cravings recklessly, carelessly and thoughtlessly.

            Tragically many young women, fearing weight gain, become bulimic. I knew someone who did food purging for several years. She attempted to end this deadly habit. Her intestines had shut down and doctors told her only God could repair the damage. Mercifully the Lord graciously healed her.

            Many girls are no longer safe in their own homes and, sadly, cannot trust a stranger if their car brakes down on the road.

            Civil unrest requires very little provocation. Society has laws on the books but not in the heart.

            Lust is overcoming devotion in every area of life. Lawlessness is increasing.

Sadly, “ongoing signs” are manifested by some who claim to know God.

            The savior-leader mentality is increasing in churches; cold love is on the rise among God’s people; falsehood is increasingly practiced by believers; and, lawlessness is gaining acceptance.

            With an element of pride, some ambitiously attempt to “save the day.” Instead of building the Lord’s Kingdom, they build personal kingdoms.

            Indifference (cold love) is rising in believers who were once caring and loving.

            Falsehood is taking the place of integrity in churches.

            Many who claim to follow Jesus are creating their own standard of living, a lawless standard. The Bible is being shelved as the measurement for acceptable living.

            These are signs that “many will turn away from the faith.” (Matthew 24:10) Followers of Jesus must insure spiritual armor is in place and the sword of God’s word is aggressively applied in every situation. The word of the Father (Scripture) is our standard. Jesus is the truth, the life and the way. The Holy Spirit is our strength.

            Jesus is coming soon. The ongoing signs of His return are increasing in the world and church. We have a choice: Look at these signs with indifference or anticipation.

            Matthew 25:1-13 records a story Jesus told about ten maidens. Ten pure maidens made plans to meet the bridegroom but only five were properly prepared for his visitation and were called “prudent.”  The other five were partially prepared and had to make a purchase.  The response given to the last five when they got to the party was, “Be alert, for you do not know the day or the hour.”

The parable warns about ongoing signs. Do not get caught unprepared for His coming because nothing appears to have changed.  At a time when least expected Jesus will return. Look up!

LOOK WHO'S COMING, 4: HIS RETURN

Revelation 19:5-16 – ⁵Then a voice came from the throne, saying: “Praise our God, all you his servants, you who fear him, both small and great!” ⁶Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: “Hallelujah!  For our Lord God Almighty reigns. ⁷Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. ⁸Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.” (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of the saints.) ⁹Then the angel said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!’” And he added, “These are the true words of God.” ¹⁰At this I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, “Do not do it! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” ¹¹I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war. ¹²His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. ¹³He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. ¹⁴The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. ¹⁵Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. “He will rule them with an iron scepter.” He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. ¹⁶On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.

            We have been given a reliable promise: Jesus is coming again. He is coming one time to the earth but will appear twice. His first appearance is referred to as the rapture – the other occasion is when He sets foot on the Mount of Olives. The church will be involved in both events.

            The Bible states after the trumpet sound “we will always be with the Lord.” Upon the rapture the church meets Him in the air. When properly adorned at the Judgment seat of Christ, the Bride celebrates the Wedding Supper of the Lamb. United with her Lord, the church becomes His mighty host. The church departs as a bride and returns as an army.

            The book of Revelation reveals Jesus will come to render His supreme judgment and His white-clothed army will be following Him.  The white-robed army refers to a cleansed and submissive church. The church does not come with Him to rage war but to witness “the fury of the wrath of God Almighty.”  The Lord who fights our battles today is the same God who fights the final battle.  No one fights His battles for Him; only He can defeat His enemies.

            Here are three future events about to occur.

Extreme trouble will occur on earth between the rapture and His return.

            The world will go through seven years of Great Tribulation, foretold by the prophet Daniel. The Bible is very graphic about this period of time, a world overcome with wickedness.

            A key word during this interlude is senseless. The season will be defined with overwhelming amounts of desecration, destruction and devastation.

            Similar things are seen today. In some cities, after a sport’s team wins a championship, neighborhoods encounter senseless looting. Sometimes when a jury’s verdict is disliked there is senseless rioting. Regrettably when people are starving, some leaders senselessly hoard supplies sent by relief agencies. Tragically murder is senselessly done in the name of “ethnic cleansing.” If this happens now, what will happen when every restraint is gone?

            During the Great Tribulation a lawless one will reign and blaspheme God. “Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to him, we ask you, brothers, ²not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by some prophecy, report or letter supposed to have come from us, saying that the day of the Lord has already come. ³Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. ⁴He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God. ⁵Don’t you remember that when I was with you I used to tell you these things? ⁶And now you know what is holding him back, so that he may be revealed at the proper time. ⁷For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way. ⁸And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming. ⁹The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders, ¹⁰and in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. ¹¹For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie ¹²and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness.” (2 Timothy 2:1-12)

            The lawless one is sometimes referred to as the anti-christ and will be the exact opposite of the Lord. Instead of conveying faith, hope and love, he will capitalize on doubt, despair and fear. Instead of being the author of truth, he will be the provider of lies. He will destroy society morally, socially, politically and religiously.

            Everything God is for, the wicked opponent will be against. The world will be caught up in falsehood and live in a state of panic; defiant and rebellious.

            After the Great Tribulation, Jesus will come with His army and take action.

            Jesus and His own will be gloriously revealed.  (Revelation 1:7) The world will be given testimony that living for Jesus brings life. The world will discover, even though the church often stood alone, the majority was not always right and popular opinion was not always correct.

            The anti-christ and the false prophet will be judged. ^“20But the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who had performed the miraculous signs on his behalf. With these signs he had deluded those who had received the mark of the beast and worshiped his image. The two of them were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur.”  (Revelation 19:20)

            Satan will be bound and cast into an abyss for a thousand years. (Revelation 20:2-3) Regardless his efforts, the enemy of God and your soul will lose.

The earth will be free of rebellion for a thousand years.

            As your life changed, when Jesus became your Lord, so the world will change when Jesus comes back to the earth. What happened to you, the moment you became a follower of Jesus, will be witnessed upon the whole earth; namely, peace.

            One author wrote, “It is necessary that Jesus comes to this earth again. Man in his rejection of God has made a mess of things. He cannot stop making war on his fellowman, for wars are born out of the lusts of his degenerate heart.”

            The peace on earth during His reign has not been witnessed since the Garden of Eden. The Prince of Peace will come with His universal government. Out of His very presence will come a special peace! The animal kingdom and all of creation will end their conflict. Weapons will be changed into work tools. The travail of the ages will enter into a period of rest.

            “The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. ²⁰For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope ²¹that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.” (Romans 8:19-22)

            Creation, encumbered by man’s sin, will rest. The wolf and the lamb will stand beside each other. The lion and the kid will sleep side-by-side. The sands of deserts will turn into rivers of water. Thorns and thistles will cease growing in the fertile soil.

            A universal peace involving all creation will come from the Supreme Ruler; an incomprehensible peace that lacks comparison to anything known today. The peace will be God’s testimony to a rejecting world of how life could have been if man had not rebelled. The peace will be greater than any current sedative, tranquilizer or calm producer.

The church will reign with Jesus when He comes.

            He will save the people of Israel. “As far as the gospel is concerned, they are enemies on your account; but as far as election is concerned, they are loved on account of the patriarchs, ²⁹for God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable.” (Romans 11:28-29)

            God has not forsaken the people of the covenant but has allowed their disobedience to be a time when God shows mercy to every people group. When “the fullness of the Gentiles has come in… all Israel will be saved.” (Romans 11:25-26) After the trumpet sound announces the church’s rapture, the timetable reverts back to Israel’s redemption.

            He will judge the nations. Jesus said, “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, He will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. ³²All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. ³³He will put the sheep on His right and the goats on His left.” (Matthew 25:31-33)

            The judgment of nations will be a division between those who governed themselves after God and those who did not. The mingling of sheep and goats will be separated in the establishment of His rule for the millennium.

            He will set up His kingdom. “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign forever and ever.” (Revelation 11:15)

            “Blessed and holy are those who have part in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years.” (Revelation 20:6)

            The church will govern as a queen sitting beside her king. The Bride of Christ will sit with the greatest King in millennial reign. The church experiences the rapture, is properly adorned and united with Christ, and returns with the liberating King to reign with Him for a thousand years.

How does this impact the church today?

            First, “encourage one another with these words.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11) His coming is a promise of comfort.  You might be experiencing turmoil but it cannot last forever. You might be troubled with fear but He is Peace personified, both now and forever.

            Second, get ready to reign with Jesus. Is your life giving a statement of readiness to serve in His government? Do you possess the character to be a world leader?

            Today is your time to prepare for tomorrow – empowered by the Spirit, led by the Spirit, walking in the Spirit, and manifesting the fruit of the Spirit.  A life refined and responsive to the presence of the Holy Spirit is able to administer His justice upon the earth.

            A study of end time events requires four questions to be answered:  Do you know Him?  Are you serving Him? Are you looking for Him?  Are you preparing to reign with Him?

LOOK WHO'S COMING,3: HIS APPEARANCE

Acts 1:6-11 – ⁶So when they had come together, they were asking Him, saying, “Lord, is it at this time You are restoring the kingdom to Israel?” ⁷He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority; ⁸but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.”  ⁹And after He had said these things, He was lifted up while they were looking on, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. ¹⁰And as they were gazing intently into the sky while He was going, behold, two men in white clothing stood beside them. ¹¹They also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven.”

            The church has a reliable promise: Jesus is coming again.  His coming involves appearing twice. The church meets Him in the air and then returns to earth with Him as the beautifully adorned Bride.  The Judgment Seat of Christ is where the church becomes properly adorned for the Wedding Supper of the Lamb.  At the Judgment Seat of Christ the true nature of your testimony is accurately revealed.  Today is your opportunity to lay up treasures in heaven and gain an abundant entrance into His kingdom.

            The event called the rapture naturally arises a few questions. How is He coming, when is He coming, and will He come surreptitiously?  Scripture gives greater clarity about this event.

Jesus is coming in the clouds.

            Clouds in the sky herald a change of weather on the earth. The cloud of His coming heralds a horrendous change of conditions in the world.

            Being raised in Seattle, summer clouds normally meant the temperature would cool down. That was not the case in hot and muggy Minnesota.

            Thinking as a Seattleite I would hope for rain to bring cooler temperatures. When the rain ended in Minnesota, however, the clouds would leave, the sun would reappear, the temperature would still be hot and the air was muggier. Clouds meant conditions would become more miserable shortly afterwards.

            Similar changes will occur after the rapture. A person will not want to be here. Life will be worse than anything imaginable.

            Note these Scriptures about His appearing in the clouds:

            “In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. ¹⁴He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.” (Daniel 7:13-14)

            Jesus said, “And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.” (Mark 14:62)

            “At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory.” (Matthew 24:30)

            “Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and all the peoples of the earth will mourn because of him.  So shall it be! Amen.” (Revelation 1:7)

            “…He was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid Him from their sight…. Two men dressed in white stood beside them…. ‘This same Jesus will come back in the same way you have seen Him go into heaven.’” (Acts 1:9-11)

            Whatever the future holds, Jesus coming in the clouds of heaven is the key that will unlock the mystery.

            Years ago, two young men became followers of Jesus at a Lowell Lundstrom evangelistic crusade. In one of the services Lowell talked about the second coming of the Lord. They got very excited.

            Later they were driving down a road together and noticed a very unusual cloud in the sky. They thought it might be the cloud of the Lord. They pulled over to the side of the road and waited. They did not want their car to go out of control when they were taken. Is your anticipation to this level?

Jesus is coming with the trumpet sound.

            “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)

            “…In a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. 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 Corinthians 15:52)

            Jesus said, “And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.” (Matthew 24:31)

            The whole earth will hear the trumpet of God, the last trumpet, the loud trumpet.

            The trumpet sound is connected to the feasts of Israel. Israelites celebrated seven festivals throughout the calendar year. Each foreshadowed something of eternal significance. Leviticus 23 records the Passover, Unleavened Bread, First Fruits, Pentecost, Trumpets, Day of Atonement and Tabernacles feasts.  Some of them occurred simultaneously.

            Passover. In the Older Testament the blood of a lamb saved Israel from God’s plague in Egypt. In the New Testament the blood of Jesus covers believers from God’s wrath over transgressions.

            Pentecost. In the Older Testament the Feast of Ingathering celebrated the gathering of the harvest. In the New Testament the Holy Spirit empowers believers to gather in those willing to follow Jesus.

            Tabernacles. In the Older Testament Israel celebrated their pilgrim journey in the wilderness. In the New Testament believers recognize this world as not their final home. There is “a city whose builder and maker is God.”  The present life is a pilgrimage that people pass through.

            Trumpets. In the Older Testament the seventh new moon was regarded, by Israel, as the consecration of a natural division of time. In the New Testament the last trumpet announces the fulfillment of the Gentile period. God will once again deal specifically with the covenant people of Israel; a division of time will occur.

            Jesus died during the Passover festival and the Holy Spirit came during the Pentecost festival. Some speculate He will return during the Trumpet festival. Scriptures declares, however, “No one knows the day or the hour.”

            The Apostle Paul reveals the present time is the Gentiles period. On account of Israel’s disobedience, God is pouring out His Spirit upon all people groups. When the trumpet sounds, God once again addresses Israel’s condition. The trumpet of God sounds the gathering of the church and God’s final dealing with Israel.

Jesus is coming for the looking church.

            Many people naturally wonder when the rapture will occur. Not knowing is probably to everyone’s best interest. If the day and hour was known tremendous laxity would naturally occur. Many would live recklessly and with indifference.

            In 1988 a pamphlet was published entitled, “88 Reasons Why Jesus Will Return in 1988.” The book created a stir in various churches. Some took it seriously and decided to get ready. The approach taken, however, revealed a tremendous flaw in character. Some took out loans with hopes of not repaying. Jesus is coming back for a prepared church – watchful people, not embezzling people.

            A major aspect of the “when” question centers around the Great Tribulation. Will the rapture occur before, during or after the seven-years of misery?

            A few questions are worth pondering: Will God treat the last generation of believers differently than He treated all other generations? If God dealt with the believer’s sin on Mount Calvary, why would God’s wrath on sin fall upon forgiven believers?

            The Bible reveals God spares the righteous from His wrath toward evil and corruption. If God spared the righteous from His wrath in prior times, you can reasonably expect Him to spare the righteous at the end of times.

            Note these Scriptures:

            “Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world to test those who live on the earth.” (Revelation 3:10)

            “There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. ²⁶Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. ²⁷At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. ²⁸When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” (Luke 21:25-28)

            “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap. ³⁵For it will come upon all those who live on the face of the whole earth. ³⁶Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21:34-36)

            “Moreover, the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son, ²³that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father, who sent him. ²⁴“I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned….”  [NASV – “does not come into judgment.”  The Great Tribulation is a time of judgment.] (John 5:22-24)

            Jesus’ coming is called the Blessed Hope. “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. ¹²It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, ¹³while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ….” (Titus 2:11-13) Hope means expecting with joyous anticipation. There is no joy of expectancy if Jesus waits until in the midst of or following God’s wrath.

            Everything is ready for Jesus to come. You are not instructed to look for the “lawless one,” also known as the “anti-christ.” You are instructed to lift up your head because His salvation is coming quickly. Jesus is the only appearance believers should be looking for.

Look up!

            Jesus is coming in the clouds, with the trumpet sound, and for a looking church.

            In this series, the promise of His coming gives attention to Jesus coming for people who know Him.  The rapture gives attention to Jesus coming for people who serve Him.  His appearance gives attention to Jesus coming for people who look for Him.

            The church in Thessalonica was confused about the meeting in the air. They were not ready. Their actions revealed they were not wholesomely looking for His return.  Instead of being busy for Jesus, they had become busybodies.  Instead of working for the Kingdom, Paul had to admonish them, “If you don’t work, you don’t eat.”  They saw His return as an opportunity to lie around and do nothing.

            Jesus is coming for a prepared church filled with watching believers and sincere worshipers.  You are to live in a spirit of anticipation; knowing Him, serving Him and looking for Him. Are you ready?

LOOK WHO'S COMING, 2: THE RAPTURE

1 Corinthians 15:51-52 – Behold, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, ⁵²in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.

            One of the great promises of Scripture is Jesus’ second coming. It is incorrect to say, “Is Jesus coming again?” It is not a question but a statement!

            Jesus came a first time and will come a second time. Jesus said He will come again, angels declared He will come again, the Apostles stated He will come again and the ordinances of the church (water baptism and communion) express He will come again. His coming is a reliable promise; it is the Blessed Hope. Hopefully, Jesus is coming for you.

            Are you living with a sense of anticipation? Years ago I was talking about His return and a toddler was sitting with his parents, paying attention to every word. At the end of the service the parents wanted to leave. He told them he was not ready to go just yet; Jesus was coming and he wanted to see Him. The innocent and simple approach to life, revealed in children, is the kind of expectancy needed by all who follow Jesus.

            First Corinthians 15 declares a shocking event connected to His return. Believers refer to it as the rapture.  The word is not used in Scripture but refers to being “caught up,” as stated in 2 Thessalonians 4:17.

            Here are some key elements to this Biblical event.

Jesus’ second coming is only once but He will appear twice.

            The Apostle Paul reveals by divine revelation a future event. There is no reference to the rapture in the Old Testament.

            Some Old Testament mysteries became clear after Jesus’ ministry on earth. The confusion of the suffering Messiah was cleared up after Jesus came and died on the cross. Jews and Gentiles being brought together into a divine community became clearer after the Holy Spirit was poured out on the day of Pentecost. These vague truths under the Old Covenant became understood in the New Covenant.

            There are mysteries not even revealed in the Old Testament. The rapture is a New Testament truth. Although not foretold in the Old Testament, there are types (Old Testament pictures of New Testament truths). God did not release His just wrath upon the wicked world until righteous Noah was safe from harm. God did not unleash destruction upon the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah until righteous Lot was a safe distance away.

            The rapture removes people made righteous through Jesus Christ before God’s judgment impacts the wicked and corrupt world system.

The rapture begins the final preparation.

            At the rapture Jesus receives His own and prepares them to come back with Him.

            The Bible illustrates this pattern. When David returned to Jerusalem, after his son’s defeat, His faithful followers met him at the Jordan River and returned with him to the city. (2 Samuel 19:10-15; 20:1-3)

            When Jesus walked on water, faithful Peter came out to meet Him and, with dependence upon Jesus, returned with Him to the boat. (Matthew 14; 22-34)

            When Paul was on his journey to Rome, believers came to meet him and returned together to the city. (Acts 28:15-16)

            The rapture is when faithful believers meet Jesus in the air and become prepared to return with Him to the earth.

After the meeting in the air

            Following the rapture, the church (the Bride of Christ) becomes properly adorned and united with her Lord. The adornment occurs at the Judgment Seat of Christ.

            “Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. ⁷We live by faith, not by sight. ⁸We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. ⁹So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. ¹⁰For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.” (2 Corinthians 5:6-10)

            This “judgment” is not with regard to sin. Sins become covered when Jesus is Lord of your life. Sins are forgiven on account of Mount Calvary. The Judgment Seat of Christ is when followers of Jesus discover the truth of their testimony.

            “His work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work. ¹⁴If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. ¹⁵If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames.” (1 Corinthians 3:13-15)

            Eternal life is through faith in God. Does your life give clear evidence of being a child of God? As someone once said, “If you were to stand trial for your faith would there be enough evidence to convict you?” Indifference and loose living impacts the quality of your testimony.

            Regardless what you say, you live according to what you actually believe. Eternal life is a priceless gift. Inappropriate behavior and unwholesome activities cheapens God’s grace. If you believe in Jesus then live for Jesus. As followers of Jesus, the present time is for laying up “treasures in heaven.”

            “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, ⁴and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, ⁵who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.” (1 Peter 1:3-5)

            Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. ²⁰But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.” (Matthew 6:19-20)

            Based on your testimony today, you can experience an “abundant entrance into the everlasting kingdom.” Salvation is by grace, through faith, not by works; however, you are saved unto good works. Your life is to produce great results of eternal value.

            If there has been no change in your life since asking Jesus to be Lord, you should question your salvation. Your conversations and activities will not usher you into His eternal kingdom but should reflect you are a member of His kingdom. James reveals saving faith produces good works (James 2:24). Your activities should reveal you have a place in the Kingdom of God.

            Believers will appear before Jesus, at the Judgment Seat of Christ, and accurately see the record of their life. Let your life show the right way to live.

            The classic book of Chuck Colson, Loving God, makes reference to the west coast gangster Myer Harris Cohen, known as Mickey to his friends. He was a Kingpin for the L.A. mob in the late 1940’s. He wanted to be a follower of Jesus and still live as he had always done. When confronted by another believer he responded, “There are Christian movie stars, Christian athletes, Christian businessmen, so what’s the matter with being a Christian gangster?”

            Colson wrote, “Cohen was echoing the millions of professing Christians who… through their very lives pose the same question… [of] being Christianized versions of whatever they already were….  C.S. Lewis called these hybrids ‘Hyphenated Christians’….  Like Mickey, we cannot love God – cannot obey Him – and remain what we are.”

            With Jesus leading your life, change should be expected. Penetrating the darkness does not mean allowing darkness to penetrate you. By following Jesus you are already being judged by the world. The moment you identified with Him, the world started scrutinizing your life. People know there are some things believers should not be doing, things inappropriate.

            I was speaking to a young couple living across the street from our home and made reference to normally driving 5 M.P.H. over the speed limit on the highway. They knew I was a minister and said, “I thought people in your profession didn’t do such things.” They were making light jest about my driving but the comment reveals Christ followers have a different standard to live by. People know believers should do things saturated with righteousness; such as, speaking wholesomely and being helpful. Good fruit should be evident.

            “If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. ¹⁶However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. ¹⁷For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? ¹⁸And, ‘If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?’ ¹⁹So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.” (1 Peter 5:15-19)

The Judgment Seat of Christ

            This judgment is gloriously filled with rewards. Rewards are signified in the Bible with the word, “crown.”

            The incorruptible crown is for those found faithful. (1 Corinthians 9:25)

            The crown of rejoicing is given to those who lead others to Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 2:19)

            The crown of righteousness comes to those ready for His coming. (2 Thessalonians 4:8)

            The crown of life is given to those who persevere under trial. (James 1:12; Revelation 2:10)

            The crown of glory is given to those who faithfully care for God’s family. (1 Peter 5:4)

            Rewards are given to believers who live in obedience to God.

The wedding

            After being properly adorned with a royal crown, the church is united with her Lord. The Apostle Paul said to the church in Corinth, “I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. I promised you to one husband, to Christ, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to him.” (2 Corinthians 11:2)

            “Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: ‘Hallelujah!  For our Lord God Almighty reigns. ⁷ Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready.’ ⁸ Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear. The fine linen represents the righteous acts of the saints. ⁹Then the angel said to me, ‘Write: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!’” (Revelation 19:6-9)

            The Judgment Seat of Christ is part of the wedding; the Bride becomes properly adorned. Purifying fire reveals the righteous acts and followers of Jesus are rightfully rewarded.

            United with her Lord, the church is eternally with Him, like husband and wife. The Apostle Paul declared, “We shall always be with the Lord.  Therefore, comfort one another with these words.” (1 Thessalonians 4:17-18) Where He goes, the church goes; when He returns, the Bride returns with Him.

A glorious destiny

            A glorious destiny is waiting for those who love Jesus. Some may enter eternity without any “treasure in heaven” and some will have “an abundant entrance.” How will it be for you?  It’s your choice!

            People can build with wood, hay and stubble (1 Corinthians 3:12). Although not very durable, they are building materials. They cannot, however, survive fire. Will your testimony be able to withstand the scrutiny of the all-knowing God?

            Make your life count for Jesus! Your conversations and lifestyle should make a statement of lasting value. Be ready for the rapture. It could happen – right now!