MORNING DEW: 05-10-2018
TOPIC: THE DAY OF THE LORD (THE RAPTURE)
TEXT: 1 THESSALONIANS 5:1-11
- Now you do not need to have anything written to you about times and dates, brothers,
- for you yourselves know very well that the Day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.
- When people say, “There is peace and security,” destruction will strike them as suddenly as labour pains come to a pregnant woman, and they will not be able to escape.
- However, brothers, you are not in the darkness, in order that the Day of the Lord might surprise you like a thief.
- For all of you are children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to darkness.
- Therefore, let’s not fall asleep like others do, but let’s stay awake and be sober.
- For people who go to sleep, go to sleep at night; and people who get drunk, get drunk at night.
- But since we belong to the day, let’s be sober. We must put on the breastplate of faith and love, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.
- For God has not destined us to receive wrath but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus, the Messiah,
- Who died for us in order that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him.
- So then, encourage one another and build each other up, as you are doing.
THE RAPTURE
The rapture is real and will come shortly. The Word “rapture” is derived from Latin “raptūra”, which means snatch or carry off. The nature of our flight is the reason for the adoption of the word “rapture.”
The day will happen like a twinkling of an eye. The angels will gather all the elect across the globe after sounding the trumpet.
WHEN WILL IT OCCUR?
As to when the rapture will occur is left to God alone. The Verse one says: “Now you do not need to have anything written to you about times and dates, brothers.”
Which then means if anybody come with time frame for Jesus’ coming will not be true. No time frame is given. No date is given, so don’t be deceived.
In the year 2011 someone deceived the world especially Ghana with the 11 11 11 theory. Which means 11th November, 2011 with 11th hour (11/11/11 and 11pm). According to him, only the land of Zuarungu in the Upper East Region of Ghana would be excepted from the “Great Tribulation”.
People gathered at Zuarungu that faithful day and were disappointed. Nobody knows the day.
HOW WILL THE DAY BE?
The Verse 2 says; “for you yourselves know very well that the Day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.”
It will be like a thief who will come to your house unexpected – in the night. Meaning you have to be vigilant, you have to be watchful, and you have to be focused.
THOSE WHO WILL NOT BE RAPTURED
Those who will not be raptured are;
- Nominal or Lukewarm Christians – Romans 3:15-16
People who claim they have accepted Christ, yet they live their own lives. They live for themselves not God. They still sin and do their own things. Those who think that one could sin due to the grace and still be found faithful in His presence. All these people will not be raptured.
- Unbelievers
Those who have refused to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour. Those who think that Christianity is a religion, hence have neglected the Lordship of Jesus Christ are all part of unbelievers who will not be raptured. According to the Verse 3 “When people say, “There is peace and security,” destruction will strike them as suddenly as labour pains come to a pregnant woman, and they will not be able to escape.”
WHAT SHOULD WE DO?
Let’s consider the Verse 6 to 11 again:
“Therefore, let’s not fall asleep like others do, but let’s stay awake and be sober. For people who go to sleep, go to sleep at night; and people who get drunk, get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let’s be sober. We must put on the breastplate of faith and love, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. For God has not destined us to receive wrath but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus, the Messiah, who died for us in order that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. So then, encourage one another and build each other up, as you are doing.”
Beloved, if you don’t know Christ, this is the opportunity to accept Him. You need Him to obtain license to heaven.
Don’t be left out!
Prayer: I surrender myself, Lord, forgive me all my sins and cleanse me with the blood of Jesus, in Jesus’ Name!
Amen!
Rev. John Wundengba
0209422159
