We have completed our study of the book of Job, and today we are beginning a new series entitled” The Next Exit.” Over the next weeks we will be looking at some of the end-times events that are prophesied in the Bible: the rapture, the tribulation, the revealing of antichrist, the second coming of our Lord, the millennial kingdom and others. This Sunday we are starting with “the rapture” in a message entitled, “Caught Up!”
That phrase “caught up” is an interesting one because if run into someone you haven't seen in a while, you could get “caught up” or re-acquainted; or if something got trapped in my shirt then it got “caught up”; or Paul says that he was “caught up” to the third heaven - he was carried up. And it's interesting because all of these ideas are pertinent…..we are going to be “caught up” - literally raised, we will be enfolded in Jesus’ arms and we will be reacquainted with Him in a personal way. Paul in the book of Thessalonians describes it like this:
1 Thessalonians 4:13 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. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.15 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. 16 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. 17 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. 18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.
There are 10 things that I see here about the Rapture that we're going to talk about and I'm using “P" words … the first is “Positive” – Pual doesn’t want his readers to be ignorant of the fact -you can be positive that the rapture will take place. The second is “Proof”…Paul says that if you believe that Jesus rose from the dead that should be enough evidence that you too will rise.
It will be a “Purposed” event in that Jesus will return with us to earth at His second coming; the believers who have died will “Precede” or go before those who are alive; its very “Personal” in that the Lord Himself will descend to meet us; there will be a “Pronouncement” of His return - as the Lord will give a shout and the voice of the archangel will call out and a trumpet will call as well; there will be “Prior Departure” as the “dead in Christ” will rise first; then we who believe and are alive will be “Plucked” or “caught up” to meet the Lord; there is a “Pledge” by our Savior that we will always be with Him; …and it leads to “Peace” supreme …you can be comforted by these words.
“Be at Peace” - that Jesus will come again and you shall go and be with Him. Do you believe in Him? – are you convinced of His return? Are you ready for the exit? Are you watching for the signs? The signs of the times are everywhere - are you on the lookout?
Join us in person on Sunday at 10:00 a.m. or via livestream by going to https://www.firstbaptistsudbury.com and clicking on livestream for “Caught Up! ”
Blessings,
Kevin
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