The Coming Events

Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.

Matthew 24:44 (NKJV)

INTRODUCTION: This world is facing some great coming events. In view of the uncertainty as to the day and the hour, men ought to watch. If someone knows his house is going to be broken into, he will be ready, even if he doesn’t know the exact time. The Son of Man will come when least expected by the world. Therefore, His people should be watching and waiting in high expectancy.

DAYS OF NOAH
During the days of Noah—that is, when this “preacher of righteousness” was building the ark (Gen 5:32–7:5) and warning the people (2 Peter 2:5)—they refused to take to heart what he was doing and preaching. They were unconcerned. They continued to live “as always,” eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage. The question might be asked, “What is wrong with these activities, or with ‘buying and selling, planting and building,’ as in the similar days of Lot (Luke 17:28–30)?” The answer is, “Nothing at all.” In fact, by means of them men are able to glorify God (1 Cor. 10:31). But when they entirely wrapped up in them, and spiritual tasks are neglected, they are no longer a blessing but have become a curse. They have become evidences of gross materialism, false security, and often cold selfishness.

The men of Noah’s day did not in time recover their senses. They failed to realize their perilous situation until it was too late. The flood carried them all away.

RAPTURE
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.
The rapture is the next event on God’s schedule. This may take place at any moment. The word “rapture” means “Caught up,” or “Snatched away,” and refers to the time when Jesus comes in the air for the Christians. In the New Testament there are 318 references to the second coming of Christ. When He comes at the rapture, the dead in Christ rise first, then the living Christians will be changed in a moment. (1 Cor. 15:51, 52) to go up to meet Him in the air. Are you ready? If not, you had better get ready. (Matt. 24:44). Repent of your sins (Luke 13:3) and receive Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Saviour (John 1:12), and you will be ready. Don’t delay—tomorrow may be too late!

When rapture occurred, the souls of the redeemed leave their heavenly abodes (1 Thess. 4:14) and become united with their respective bodies. The believers still living on earth at the moment of Christ’s return are changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye (1 Cor 15:52), and all the saints—those raised and those changed—now go forth to meet the Lord (1 Thess  4:17) to be forever with him. It is a doctrine of great comfort (Phil 3:20, 21; 2 Tim 4:8; Titus 2:13; Revelation 19:6, 7. Matthew 24:28).

REVIEW
2 Corinthians 5:10; Romans 14:10.
When Christians meet the Lord in the air, their works will be brought into review. Some will be rewarded, and some will have their works burned (1 Corinthians 3:9-15). We will give an account of our time, talents, words, actions, thoughts, money, influence, etc…. God help us to live with eternity’s values in view.

RETRIBUTION
Matthew 24:21, 22.
On the earth, after Jesus takes His own to Himself, there will be a time of tribulation such as the world has never seen or shall see again. Awful judgments will come upon those who will be left at the rapture—the seven seals (Revelation 6; 7); the seven trumpets (Revelation 8; 9; 11:15); and the seven vials (Revelation 16:1-21).

REVELATION
Revelation 1:7; 19:11-21.
At the close of the tribulation period, Jesus Christ will return to earth and every eye will see Him. He will judge the living persons (Matthew 25:31-46), and then will set up His kingdom.

REIGN
Revelation 20:1-6.
Jesus Christ will reign on the earth for 1,000 years, when the knowledge of the Lord will cover the earth (Habakkuk 2:14).

Conclusion:
In those days, as in the days of Noah. The people ate, drank, married, gave in marriage; in other words, they went through the routines of life as if they were going to live forever. Though warned that a flood was coming, they lived as if they were flood-proof. When it came, they were unprepared, outside the only place of safety. That is just the way it will be when Christ returns. Only those who are in Christ, the ark of safety, will be delivered.

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