The study of the end times is known as Eschatology.
To avoid going too deep into the weeds of Eschatology, let’s say that there will apparently be two major events. The first is when the believers and the dead in Jesus are swept up into heaven. The second is known as the Second Coming of Jesus.
We are all going on the first train. The tribulation, which will be a horrible time to be left behind, will then happen and last for seven years, after which Jesus will return with His heavenly army, battle the stench in His nostrils, the evil one, and rule the Earth for one thousand years. After which He will throw satan in the eternal fire and take us to the new Earth. What triggers all of this is not God’s direction but man’s behavior using the free will that he has given them. The entire story of the end times is explained in detail by a book series titled “Left Behind”.
The when part is something that the most advanced Theologians in the World do not know. However, Jesus did give us hints in specific prophecies, which have all been fulfilled.
There has been a rash of Rapture Now Eschatologists predicting the imminent return of Jesus on specific dates. That is a bit silly, because Jesus, questioned by the Twelve about it, said that even He did not know.
How fantastic would it be if Jesus gathered us up in our lifetime? Jesus urged us to be prepared and wait patiently for His return.
Here is a parable Jesus taught to help us understand our job: to fulfill His last command to take the Gospel to all the World.
At that time, the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.
“At midnight, the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’
“Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’
No,’ they replied, ‘there may not be enough for both you and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’
“But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.
“Later, the others also came. ‘Lord, Lord,’ they said, ‘open the door for us!’ But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.’ Therefore, keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.”
(Matthew 25:1-13)
So, we are the bride, and Jesus is the Groom. Each of You, through your generous giving are obeying Jesus’s command to take the Gospel to all of the World. That is precisely what we do all day, every day. But there is more for us to do to be prepared for the return of Jesus.
Jesus said that the end times would be like the days of Noah. We do not want to hear anyone scratching on the door of our ark. We want to be certain that we have shared the Gospel with everyone we can, friends, relatives, and neighbors. Each of you will hear those glorious words from Jesus: “Well Done, My Good and Faithful Servant. Enter Into Your Rest!”
When that time comes, we want to know that we did everything possible to reach Jesus’s children.
My favorite God song is “How Great Thou Art”.
Here are the lyrics to the fourth verse that knock me out!
“When Christ shall come With shout of acclamation And take me home, What joy shall fill my heart! Then I shall bow, in humble adoration, and there proclaim, My God, how great Thou art!”
HOW GLORIOUS WILL THAT DAY BE? MARANATHA, EVEN SO LORD JESUS, COME QUICKLY!
THAT IS IT FOLKS, END OF TEACHING
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Love, Thanks, and Blessings,
Pastor Allen
Throne of Grace
2590 Sandy Court
Marietta, Georgia 30066
