Untitled Sermon

Tell the story of Adam and how you used the end times to finally talk to him about Christ. He was an athesis, but he was interested in what will happen in the future.

· Talk about what you are trying to accomplish with this series.

o I have found that almost all people have an interest in the end times.

o I want you to be ready.

o I don’t want anyone to be uninformed.

Eschatology – the study of the end times.

· 250 prophecies in the Bible written about the birth of Jesus. All came true.

· 1975 – take all the prophecies given only 6% happened.

· There are over 1800 prophecies written in the Bible about the end times. The Bible has a perfect record of fulfilling prophecies.

3 Views of the Rapture

Pre-tribulation – It will happen before the tribulation.

Mid-tribulation – It will happen 3 ½ years into the tribulation.

Post-tribulation – It will happen after the tribulation.

I wouldn’t bet my life on any of them.

Our view should be:

Pray for Pre-tribulation and prepare for Post-tribulation

What is the Rapture?

Definition: The sudden removal of the church (believers in Christ) from the earth to be with the Lord.

· Paul tells us about the Rapture in 1 Thess. 4:13-18

· Where are some places that you have had to wait?

o Doctor/dentist office

o Restaurant

o Amusement Park

o Ticket counter to see a movie

o Construction/wreck on the highway

o Golf course

· Have you ever waited for something for a long time?

o Maybe…

§ A child

§ A spouse

§ Dream job

§ Dream house

§ Healing

§ Out of debt

· How does it make you feel to wait?

o We hate it.

o I order something on Amazon and I want someone to immediately knock on my door with the package.

§ Right?

o We want things now.

· Context 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

o Timothy had just returned from Thessalonica.

o He returned with a list of questions that they wanted Paul to answer.

· Apparently, they were expecting Jesus to return in their lifetime. (Tired of waiting.)

o And since they believed that Jesus was coming back in their lifetime.

§ Some had quit working.

§ Anxiety

§ Stress

o Because some of them died shortly after Paul left them.

§ We don’t know whether they died of …

· natural causes

· or from persecution.

· They were wondering… what has happened to those that have already died.

o What’s happened to our loved ones that have died?

o Are they going to share in Jesus’ resurrection when He returns?

o Are their bodies going to be transformed?

· These believers were concerned for their departed loved ones.

o They weren’t curious.

o They were asking these questions out of concern for their loved ones not curiosity.

· What is the main reason that believers today what to know about the end times?

o Curiosity.

· Where did they get this belief that Jesus was coming back any time?

o Jesus never said when He was returning. (NO TIMETABLE)

· In 1 Thess. 4:13-18 – Paul clears up their misunderstanding about death and the return of Jesus. Which was causing them so much anxiety.

o Let’s dig in and see what Paul has to say about their question.

13 Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, all those that have already died so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. 14 For 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. 15 According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 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. 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be “caught up” Some argue the word rapture is not in the Scriptures. Greek word is harpazo – means snatch up, lifted up, transported, OR RAPTURE 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 one another with these words. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

7 Things you need to know about the Rapture:

1. Christ will Return Explain from passage

· Jesus is going to be coming down from heaven.

· Theirs going to be a lot of noise:

o Loud command.

o Voice of the archangel (Michael)

o Trumpet call.

· Dead will rise up.

· Then all the Christians still living.

· They will all meet together (All Christians throughout the centuries) with Jesus in the air.

· They will live forever with Him.

2. There is nothing else in Scripture that needs to take place

· The rapture could happen at any time.

· Last week we talked about the signs of the ends of time.

· There is nothing in Scripture that has to happen that hasn’t happen already.

· It could happen any minute.

3. It will happen Suddenly

· Show clip Rapture Left Behind

“Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not sleep, but we will all be changed, in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet.” 1 Corinthians 15:51-52

“I come quickly.” Revelation 22:12

· I have had people ask me: Are we all going to be naked?

o Cause you don’t want to see all this.

o Explain new bodies.

· Think about the film.

o If you are unsaved, you should make sure the pilot is unsaved before you enter an airplane.

§ Ask the flight attendant is the pilot a non-Christian?

o Cars – drivers taken up.

§ (Never want to let a Christian drive the car.)

o A Christian takes you out to dinner,

§ you better may sure you brought some money just in case during dinner they are raptured up.

o Carowinds and you are running a roller coaster and you send it off full and it comes back half empty, what would you be thinking?

§ I guess I just lost my job.

o What if you are on a boat in the middle of the lake and suddenly you are the only one on the boat.

o What if you are at church and suddenly the rapture happens and you find yourself almost alone and you look around and are surprised by who is left.

o (Now it is really going to be bad if the preacher is still there preaching. Or you SS teacher still there. Or Deacons.)

o There are 2.3 billion Christians in the world what is the world going to be thinking when that many people are suddenly gone?

4. The dead with be raised.

· Everyone that was a Christian and died will be raised up by Jesus and taken up First.

5. It’s for Believers only.

· No unsaved people.

· Those will be Left Behind

6. Reunion with loved ones who have died and our union with Christ.

· This will be the first time we meet Jesus face to face.

· Think about that for a moment.

· You will be reunited with all of your loves one that have already died.

7. It is a source of comfort and encouragement. 1 Thess. 4:18 If you know Jesus you don’t have to fear the Rapture.

Application

What should we do in the meantime?

1. Stop Predicting and Start Preparing

No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Matthew 24:36

1 Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, 2 for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 1 Thessalonians 5:1-2

· Paul tells us very plainly quite trying to predict it.

o Because no one knows except God.

o So, quit getting caught up in all these predictions.

· If someone predicts a date they are simple a false teacher.

o Because no one knows.

o Everyone that has predicted a date has been WRONG.

So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. 1 Thessalonians 5:6

· How many people are in here that are engaged?

o (Make joke if you don’t have any: Some of you need to get busy.)

· If none: How many of you are married?

· What is engagement about?

o Preparation

· Preparation for what?

o The wedding

· Women only, how important is your wedding day?

· How importance is the preparation?

o To you this is the most special day even.

o You want it to be perfect.

o Man just want to get to the honeymoon.

§ Am I right men?

o But for the woman they will spends months and sometimes years planning this one day.

· Men our job is what during this time?

o Just to do whatever we are told.

o That’s it.

· Cathy and I got married in Richmond, VA and at the time she was still living with her parents in Mechanicville and I was living in Charlotte.

o So, the only planning I did was to receive rooms for my groomsmen. And get fitted for a tux.

· Paul is telling us that we need to be preparing ourselves for the day the Lord comes back.

o We need to be ready.

o Just like a bride prepares for her wedding.

2. Stop Worrying and Get Busy Witnessing

6 Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:6-8

· These are the last words of Jesus.

o Explain context.

· The question the disciples asked that day is the question we are still asking today.

o When are you coming back?

· Jesus tells them:

o Quit worrying about the date.

o Get out there and tell people about Jesus WITNESS.

o Some of you got some friends and family that you need to call today and tell them about Jesus.

§ Because you don’t know how much time you have.

· Jesus say worry about telling people about me, and let me worry about that other stuff.

3. Stop Regretting and Get Right with Jesus

9 For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thessalonians 5:9

Since Jesus is coming back there is some questions we need to ask ourselves:

1. Do I need to make anything right with anybody?

2. Do I need to make something right with God?

3. Am I saved?

Is it possible to think you are saved and yet be lost?

22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ 23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ Matthew 7:22-23

· Jesus said “many” who believe they are saved are not.

· Billy Graham says that 60% of church members have not been born again.

How do I know?

· If you are what you were, than you ain’t.

o There has to be life change.

o Has your life been changed by Jesus?

· When Jesus comes back what will He see you doing?

· At that moment will you be prepared or will you be caught in your sin with Jesus having your back?

CLOSE YOUR EYES

· Some of you have some business you need to take care of right now.

o The bad news is you can’t take care of it yourself.

o The good news is that Jesus has already taken care of it on the cross for you.

· He will come back, it is not a question of if only when.

· But the bigger question is will you be ready?

Here is how we prepare for that day.

· By repenting of our sins.

· By giving your life to Jesus.

· I am going to ask you simply one more time “ARE YOU SAVED? ARE YOU READY?”

o I am not asking are you a Christian

o Or a Baptist

o Or a church member.

· Are you SAVED and has your life been transformed by Jesus?

Nugget: No one can meet Jesus and their life remain unchanged.

Romans 10:13 Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved

Lead in the sinners prayer

Test 3 questions:

When you are by yourself:

1. Do you want to be more like Jesus?

2. Do you have a love for the Bible?

3. Do you find yourself always speaking to God?