the
‘days of vengeance’
During the evening hours of
Tuesday, January 12th, 2010, we began to hear reports
about an extremely severe earthquake near the capital of Haiti,
Port-au-Prince. This 7.0 shaking was devastating to this island nation -
because the epicenter of the quake was just a few miles from its major city and
relatively close to the earth’s surface! Combined with the fact that Haiti for
decades and centuries has had substandard and inadequate construction standards
and practices, so a lot of those buildings just crumbled into dust. Over the
days and weeks of that horrific event, we have been exposed to countless images
and reports of the destruction, the havoc, misery, suffering and death, that
has descended upon this already impoverished and destitute people. The scenes
which we have viewed on our television sets and computer screens, newspapers
and magazines, convey a reality. A reality which is so intense, so profound, so
overwhelmingly shocking, that our minds cannot grasp, comprehend, and encompass
the monumental scale of human agony, horror, and wretchedness. Brian Wilson
this morning on Fox News saying, he
had been in Haiti and he said the camera doesn’t even begin to tell the story.
I remember people who had gone down to the coast after the aftermath of Hurricane
Katrina said the same thing! The camera only shows you a small
portion of the picture, when in real life you’re seeing 180º no matter where you look – combined with the smell – which
I guess is just devastating!
And yet, the ultimate reality as relayed through
the passages of Biblical prophecy, is that this Haitian experience is just a
foretaste, a preview, an illustration, an example or sampling of what will
befall upon all the nations and
the people of the entire world! In what is probably the not-too-distant future!
In
the Words of Jesus Christ from the “Olivet Prophecy,” Matthew chapter 24 – we’ve read these before, but, it’s good to
stay in touch with what Jesus said! Verses
6-8 – “’And you will hear of wars and
rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come
to pass, but the end is not yet. 7)
For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom
against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in
various places. 8) All these are the beginning of sorrows.’” – and
then in Verse 21 – “’For then …’” – following the ‘abomination of
desolation’ mentioned in the first partof this series – “…’there will be great
tribulation [or ‘great trouble’s], …’”
– remember in Jeremiah chapter 30 we hear the phrase ‘Jacob’s troubles’! “…’such as has not been since the beginning of the world
until this time, no, nor ever shall be.’” Mark chapter 13 – Mark’s version of the “Olivet Prophecy” – very
similar. Verses 7-8 – “’But when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be
troubled; for such things must happen, but the end is not yet. 8) For
nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be
earthquakes in various places, and there will be famines and troubles. …’”
– think about the conditions which have transpired in Haiti following the
earthquake – if the earthquake wasn’t bad enough, now they have shortage of
water, food, pestilence (we’ve heard about cholera, and all the different
diseases that love to take over in such horrible conditions).
Well ‘these
are the beginnings of sorrows’ Jesus said, and in Verse 19, Mark gave this little description – “’For in those days there will be [affliction; days
of distress, oppression, tribulation, trouble],
such as has not been since the beginning of the creation which God created
until this time, nor ever shall be.’”
And
then we have Luke’s version in chapter 21 – similar, but just a little
different. Verse 9 – “’But when you hear of wars and commotions, do not be
terrified; for these things must come to pass first, but the end will not come
immediately. 10) Then He said
to them, ‘Nation will rise against nation, and
kingdom against kingdom. 11) And there will be great earthquakes in various places,
and famines and pestilences; and there will be fearful sights and great signs
from heaven.’” Verse 22 – and
this is a verse I really want you to keep in mind TODAY, I’m going to refer to
it two or three times.
“’For these are the
days of vengeance, that all
things which are written may be fulfilled.’”
Well, that phrase, ‘all things which are written,’ the question is
“written where!?” The obvious answer is -
written in the pages of your Bible! Moses referred to these ‘days of vengeance.’ King David referred to these ‘days of vengeance’ in the psalms. All of the “major”
prophets have this event as a major theme! All of the “minor” prophets have
this as a major theme! Jesus Christ mentioned this event – which we just read!
Paul makes multiple references to these ‘days of
vengeance.’ Peter wrote about it! Jude mentioned this event! And the
Book of Revelation, by John, is dedicated to giving as many specifics about
these ‘days of vengeance.’
As I’ve mentioned before, the
phrase ‘the days of vengeance’ begs the
question, “Who’s vengeance!?” And the answer is clear – God’s vengeance! Often
referred to in the Bible as ‘the Day of the LORD.’ The ‘Day of the LORD’
doesn’t just mean twenty-four hours – in the Hebrew and in the Greek it means
“a period of time.” The Day of the LORD – a period of trouble’s. Or what I
often call the end-time trauma. A series or progression of end-time events in
which God Almighty and Jesus Christ pour out Their judgment upon a sick, sin
filled and rebellious world! Just as God destroyed the world in the days of
Noah. So that He could start over! Just as God brought an end to the Levitical
priesthood and its religious descendants as manifested in the temple elite of
the Pharisees and Sadducees, so that it could be replaced by the Priesthood of
Jesus Christ! According to the same pattern, God is also going to destroy this world! Its leaders, its
governments, its armies, its religions, its economy, its morals, ethics, mores,
its cities and a large segment of its people! And the question is – why!? So
that, or, in order that, He can start over and make it anew and make it right
as He establishes the Kingdom of God – the government of God – on this Earth!
And we have been thinking of that all the years of our existence – since our
conversion! The kingdom of God, ‘seek ye first the
kingdom of God.’
Well the pages of the Bible are
filled with information about this event! Without question the Day of the LORD
is the single most prophesied event in the Bible – bar none. And I do not
believe over the decades we have appreciated and treasured, valued, the
significants, the magnitude, the importance of this Biblical Message.
Here recently – and it’s
understandable – we have had our attention focused on the tragedy which has
occurred and will continue to occur in Haiti. And yes, throughout recorded
history, there have been earthquakes! But it sure does seem to me – in my life,
my relatively short lifetime – that they are striking us at an ever
accelerating pace. And the Words of Jesus Christ in the “Olivet Prophecy” –
which we just read – seem to imply or indicate that they will continue to increase.
In both frequency and in scale. There are multiple references to future
earthquakes mentioned in the Bible, and these earthquakes which are mentioned
in various prophecies are directly linked to the end-time event known as the
‘Day of the LORD.’ Let’s real quickly take a look at a few.
Earthquakes
Isaiah chapter 2, verse 12
– it mentions, “For the
Day of the LORD of hosts Shall come upon [everyone] proud and lofty, …” And
then it says down in Verse 19 –
“They shall go into the holes of the rocks, …” – very similar to what we read
in the Book of Revelation. “…And into the caves of the earth, From the terror
of the LORD And the glory of His majesty, When He arises to shake the earth
mightily.” And then in Isaiah chapter
29, verse 6 – “You will be punished by the LORD of hosts With thunder and
earthquake and great noise, With storm and tempest And the flame of devouring
fire.” Also, Joel (one of the “minor” prophets). And, we don’t read much from
the Book of Joel, maybe we should. Joel
chapter 2 – the Book of Joel is dedicated to the Day of the LORD! Verse 1 – “Blow the trumpet in Zion,
And sound an alarm in My holy mountain! Let all the inhabitants of the land
tremble’ For the Day of the LORD is coming, …” And then down in Verse 10 – “The earth quakes before
them, the heavens tremble; The Sun and Moon grow dark, And the stars diminish
their brightness. 11) The LORD gives
voice before His army, For His camp is very great; For strong is the One who
executes His Word. For the Day of the LORD is great and very terrible; Who can
endure it?” Also, the Book of Haggai
– again, we don’t read from the Book of Haggai too often. Chapter 2, verses 6-7 – “’For thus says the LORD of hosts: ‘Once
more (it is a little while) I will shake heaven and earth, the sea and dry
land; 7) and I will shake all
nations, …’” And then, Zechariah, another so-called “minor” prophet. And
they’re “minor” only because they’re relatively short Books. The Message of the
“minor” prophets is profound! Zechariah chapter 14, verse 1 –
“Behold, the Day of the LORD is coming, …” Verse
4 – a verse which we’ve heard many times over decades in the Church of God
– “And in that Day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, which faces
Jerusalem on the east.” – but what we don’t normally think about is the next
part of the verse – “…And the Mount of Olives shall be split in two, From east
to west, Making a very large valley; …” – folks, mountains don’t just split in
two! Without there being a tremendous earthquake! “…Half of the mountain shall
move toward the north And half of it toward the south. 5) Then you shall flee
through My mountain valley, For the mountain valley shall reach to Azal.” –
which is actually where King David once lived. “…Yes, you shall flee As you
fled from the earthquake In the days of Uzziah king of Judah. …” And then,
notice what happens right after that. “… Thus the LORD my God will come, And
all the saints with You.” – that’s the resurrected saint’s of God! Hopefully
all of you reading this article!
Well, notice Revelation chapter 6
– Revelation as I said is just filled with all types of details about the Day
of the LORD! And you know this, because John states in Verse 10 of chapter 1 –
and this is so funny to me, and I’m sort-of adding this as a side, but so many
of the Protestants try to use verse 10 as a proof text for Sunday worship. I
feel sorry for them, I’m embarrassed for them. They could do better than this! He says, “I was in the Spirit on
the Lord’s Day, …” – no, that’s not well translated. ‘I was in the Spirit …’
John was being led in the Spirit –
seeing his visions – ‘on the Day of the LORD.’ That’s what that means! The Day of the LORD! The Book of Revelation is
dedicated to the Day of the LORD!
And, in Revelation chapter 6, verse 12 – and this is the SIXTH SEAL and it
says, “I looked when He opened the sixth seal, and behold, there was a great
earthquake; and the Sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the Moon became
like blood. 13) And the stars of heaven fell to the earth,
…” – and I think that might also mean the demons are cast out! “…as a fig tree
drops its late figs when it is shaken by a mighty wind.”
And it goes on to talk about this
horrible event – Verse 15 – “And the
kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty
men, every [bondman] and every free man, …” – instead of going to God and
saying, “O’ God forgive me!” What do they do!? “…hid themselves in the caves
and in the rocks of the mountains and rocks, …” – just like we read just a little
bit before! Verse 16 – “and said to
the mountains and rocks, ‘Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him [God the
Father] who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb [Jesus Christ]! 17) For the great Day of His wrath has
come, …’” Then, Revelation chapter 8
– this is right before the SEVEN TRUMPETS begin to occur, which is a series of
prophetic events. Verse 2 – it
mentions the seven trumpets – Verse 3
– “Then another angel, having a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He
was given much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints
…” – as a side, isn’t that a wonderful concept, that our prayers go up unto God
and they’re almost like a holy ointment that God keeps in a “special bowl.”
That He looks upon as beautiful! “…upon the golden altar which was before the
throne. 4) And the smoke of the
incense, with the prayers of the saints, ascended before God from the angel’s
hand. 5) Then the angel took the
censer, filled it with fire from the altar, and threw it to the earth. And
there were noises, thundering's, lightnings, and an earthquake.” And then it
says, Verse 6 – “So the seven angels
who had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound.” So another reference
to an end-time earthquake activity.
Revelation
chapter 11, verse 13 – much of this chapter is talking about the Two
Witnesses and their work. But right after the resurrection of the
Two Witnesses, notice, “In the same hour there was a great earthquake, and a
tenth of the city fell. In the earthquake seven thousand people were killed, …”
– and I presume this is referring to Jerusalem. How a massive earthquake kills
a great many – probably some not so good guys! Because it says right at the end
of that, “…the rest [the remnant] were afraid and gave glory to the God of
Heaven.” The remnant of God’s people that were still alive on the earth. Notice
Verse 18 – a little later on – “The
nations were angry, and Your wrath has come, And the time of the dead, that
they should be judged, And that You should reward Your servants the prophets
and the saints, And those who fear Your name, small and great, And should destroy
those who destroy the earth.’ 19)
Then the temple of God was opened in heaven, and the ark of His covenant was
seen in His temple. And there were lightnings, noises, thundering's, an
earthquake, and great hail.”
So again, right near the end of
everything another series of earthquakes!
Revelation
chapter 16, verse 14 – talking about ‘the battle of that great Day of
God Almighty.” This is when the Day of the LORD actually comes to a pinnacle of
intensity! Verse 16 – “And they
gathered them together to the place called in Hebrew, Armageddon.” – the Valley
of Megiddo. Tel Megiddo. A valley north of Jerusalem.
And then, a voice says, “It is
done!” Verse 18 – “And there were
noises and thundering's and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake as had
not occurred since men were on the earth. 19)
Now the great city was divided into three parts, …” so, again, another. Many
mentions of earthquakes in the end-time scenario. Especially when you’re
talking about the Day of the LORD!
Well, remember again, that little
expression we read a little earlier – ‘these are the days of vengeance.’
Another
side to God’s persona
In the minds of many people – and
understandably so – there is a firmly affixed concept and notion that God is a
God of love, mercy, kindness, patience, gentleness. And yes He is! Especially to those people who
respect Him, love Him, obey Him, and endeavor to serve Him! And that’s what we
are doing here TODAY – we are endeavoring, attempting, to serve Him. And the
work which comes out of this Church. However, there is another side to God’s
persona!
Hebrews
chapter 10, verses 30-31 – “For we know Him who said, ‘Vengeance is Mine, …’” – Paul quotes
the same verse. It’s an Old Testament verse when he says, “…’Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says
the Lord. And again, ‘The LORD will judge
His people.’ 31) It is a fearful
thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” – especially into the hands of
an angry God!
Remember, “’For these are the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be
fulfilled.’”
Let’s
get an inside of God’s thinking – let’s go back to the very beginning, as it
were, Genesis chapter 6. There’s an awful lot of sermons about God’s
graciousness and His mercy – and I love those concepts and if it wasn’t for
that I wouldn’t be here and neither would you – but there is another aspect to
God’s personality that maybe we don’t stop and think about. I’ll tell you this – when I put together these
Scriptures for this sermon, I found myself almost, in my inner most being,
weak. I thought, this is AWESOME, in true respect. This is big time!
Genesis
chapter 6, verse 3 – “And the LORD said, ‘My Spirit shall not strive
with man forever, …’” – I have a feeling He’s thinking that once again! “…’yet
his days shall be one hundred and twenty years.’ – in reference to Noah and the
building of the Ark. But notice Verse 5
– “Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, …” –
and I love this – on three different levels He talks about … “…and that every
intent of the thoughts of his heart was ONLY evil continually.” – every
thought, every imagination, ‘evil continually.’ Verse 6 – “And the LORD was sorry that He had made man on the
earth, and He was grieved in His heart. 7)
So the LORD said, ‘I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the
earth, …’” – and then Verse 11 –
“The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence.
12) So God looked upon the earth,
and indeed it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted their way on the earth. 13) And God said to Noah, ‘The end of
all flesh has come before Me, for the earth is filled with violence through
them; and behold, I will destroy them [along with] the earth.’” – and He did!
And then He went about the process of remaking it!
Well, there are critics, there
are cynic’s, unbelievers, who would tempt to mock, ridicule and taunt God and
His Message and His Word by asking the question – “How can a so-called loving
God,” they would say it derisively I’m sure, “destroy the creation, the
creatures, and the human beings which He claims that He has made!?” Well, God
is not arbitrary, not capricious, not whimsical. And He’s not cruel, not
sadistic, and not a psychopath. Without any question, God indeed does possess
and manifest a huge, immense and vast, sense of affection, care, and dedication
to His creation and to His human occupants! “God so loved the world, that He
gave His only begotten Son” to be a sacrifice for all human kind! Jesus so
loved the world that He risked His eternal existence to be tortured to death in
order to offer a path of salvation to all
people!
However, God is highly
principled. With a system of equity, judgment and justice. One of the most
fundamental teachings in the entire Bible is this – and this is my paraphrase – ‘In the end, when it’s all said
and done, everyone will receive exactly what they deserve!” That’s one of the
main messages of the Bible!
There are many passages which
talk about it. I’m just gonna name a few quickly. Isaiah chapter 59, verse 18 – “According to their deeds,
accordingly He will repay, Fury to His adversaries, Recompense to His enemies; …”
Ezekiel chapter 7 – and I want to
place this into context – why the Day of the LORD!? Why is it going to happen!?
What’s the higher level working here!? And in God’s world He sees things
differently. He says, ‘My thoughts are not your thoughts. My ways are not your
ways.’ Verse 1 – “Moreover the Word
of the LORD came to me, saying, 2)
‘And you, son of man, thus says the Lord GOD to the land of Israel: ‘An end!
The end has come upon the four corners of the land.’” – and we know who we
think Israel is! Verse 3 – “’Now the end has come upon you, And I will send My anger
against you; I will judge you according to your ways, And I will repay you for
all your abominations. 4) My eye
will not spare you, Nor will I have pity; But I will repay your ways, …’” –
‘you will in the end get what you deserve.’ And I again have to wonder what the
issue of abortion – how that fits in God’s mind!? I do not believe He looks
upon it kindly! He did not look upon – in ancient days – when what He called
‘heathens’ would sacrifice their children to their so-called god! He destroyed
people because of that! And I don’t think He’s very happy with what we are
doing in our so-called Western civilized world, where millions upon millions of
unborn babies have never had a chance to live – perfect innocence – destroyed
before they ever had a chance to live! And, that’s a different topic, but I do
believe it’s a part of all of this! Ezekiel
chapter 16, verse 43 – “…’surely I will also recompense your deeds on your
own head,’ …” – and then He says over in Verse
59 – “…’I will deal with you as you have done, …’” – ‘I’m just gonna deal
with you as you deserve.’ And there are many other Scriptures. Let’s turn to
the Book of Revelation and get one
near the end. Chapter 22, verse 10 –
“…for the time is at hand. 11) He
who is unjust, let him be unjust still; he who is filthy, let him be filthy
still; he who is righteous, let him be righteous still; he who is holy, let him
be holy still.’ 12) ‘And behold, I AM coming quickly, and My reward is with
Me, to give to every one according to his work.’” – ‘I’m gonna deal with
you exactly the way you deserve to be treated!’
Then, once again, I’m gonna say
this - “’For these are the days of vengeance,
that all things which are written may
be fulfilled.’”
This planet is in for such a
shock! The nations of this world including our own beloved country! The people
of this world are blindly proceeding down a path – they have no conception, no
idea, no thought, no notion to the jolt of frightening and terrifying reality
that is soon going to descend upon them! Remember all of the images that you
have seen of the destruction of the 2010 earthquake
in Haiti and of the Haitian people! Their plight, their predicament,
is our future horror in reality! Remember what you’ve seen! Let’s gain a little
bit of insight into God’s perspective.
Isaiah
chapter 1 – His
sense of justice. How He views our people. I remember Mr. Garner
Ted Armstrong would often quote this verse. And it does, sort-of,
help us to understand God’s thinking. Verse
2 – “Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth! For the LORD has spoken: ‘I
have nourished and brought up children, And they have rebelled against Me; 3) The ox knows its owner And the
donkey its master’s crib; But Israel does not know. My people do not consider.’
4) Alas, sinful nation, A people
laden with iniquity, A brood of evildoers, Children who are corrupters! They
have forsaken the LORD, They have provoked to anger The Holy One of Israel,
They have turned away backward.” He said, Verse
5 – “…The whole head is sick, And the whole heart faints. 6) From the sole of the foot even to
the head, There is no soundness in it, But wounds and bruises and putrefying
sores; … 7) Your country is
desolate, Your cities are burned with fire; Strangers devour your land in your
presence; And it is desolate as overthrown by strangers. … 19) ‘If you are willing and obedient, You shall eat the good of the
land; 20) But if you refuse and
rebel, You shall be devoured by the sword [warfare]’.” Verse 23 – “’Your princes are rebellious, And companions of
thieves; …’” – does that remind you of some things that are going on in our
nations capital!? “…’Everyone loves bribes, And follows after rewards. They do
not defend the fatherless, Nor does the cause of the widow come before them.’”
– this is how God looks upon our people! He says in Verse 25 – “’I will turn My hand against you, …’”
Isaiah chapter 2, verses
8-9 – “’Their land is also
full of idols [false worship]; They worship the work of their own hands, … 9) [The mean; the average man] bow
down, And [the great] man humbles himself; Therefore do not forgive them.’” –
they humble before these objects their adoration. False religion. Verse 11 – “’The lofty looks of man
shall be humbled, The haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, And the LORD
alone shall be exalted
in that Day. 12) For the Day of the
LORD of hosts Shall come upon [everyone] proud and lofty, Upon [everyone]
lifted up – And it shall be brought low.’” Verse
17 – “The loftiness of man shall be bowed down, And the haughtiness of men
shall be brought low; The LORD alone will be exalted in that Day, 18) But the idols He shall utterly
abolish. 19) They shall go into the
holes of the rocks, And into the caves of the earth, …’” – like we read
earlier, where He said, ‘I’m going to terribly shake the earth!’ and in that
Day, only God will matter!
Notice Isaiah chapter 34, verse 1 – “Come near, you nations, to hear; And
heed, you people! Let the earth hear, and all that is in it, The world and all
things that come forth from it. 2)
For the indignation of the LORD is against all nations, And His fury against
all their armies; He [will] utterly [destroy] them. He [will give] them over to
the slaughter. 3) Also their slain
shall be thrown out; Their stench shall rise from their corpses, And the
mountains [the nations] shall be melted with their blood.” – that’s pretty
graphic terminology! Verse 7 – “The
wild oxen shall come down with them, And the young bulls with the mighty bulls;
Their land shall be soaked with blood, … 8)
For it is the Day of the LORD’S vengeance, The year of recompense for the cause
of Zion.” – and everywhere!
Isaiah
chapter 63 – He again talks about “’the Day of vengeance is in My
heart.’” And, Jeremiah chapter 46, verse
10 – He said, “For this is the Day of the Lord GOD of hosts, A Day of
vengeance, That He may avenge Himself on His adversaries.” Micah chapter 5, He says in verses
14-15 – “…’Thus I will destroy your cities. 15) And I will execute vengeance in anger and fury On the nations
that have not heard.’” – remember the phrase, “…’such
as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever
shall be.’” Nahum chapter 1,
verse 2 – from the Soncino Books of the Bible – “The LORD is a jealous and
avenging God. The LORD avengeth and is full of wrath; The LORD taketh vengeance
on His adversaries, And He reserveth wrath for His enemies. … 6)
Who can stand before His indignation? And who can abide in the fierceness of
His anger? His fury is poured out like fire, …”
Well, these prophetic
announcements and proclamations are
disturbing! They’re unsettling. They’re upsetting. And this sermon – the Day of
the LORD part II – is not a fun sermon to give.
This sermon actually troubled me
as I put the words together. And yet it is a Message which must be given. As we
read and comprehend these powerful warnings from the Word of God – we, the Church of God – must focus our
attention on understanding that the only way of escape - the only way that you
can avoid this… 1) it’s not very good – death. 2) is to be protected from these
approaching calamities and disasters – to cling to God! I use that phrase –
CLING TO GOD! There was a mighty personality in
Washington, D.C. who used that phrase mockingly! Who said, “they cling to guns or religion.” Well folks,
I hope that every one of us wraps our arms around the feet and legs of Jesus
Christ and beg Him, “Take care of us, pull us across the finish line!” Because
it is only through God and His protection that we have a chance. There is no
other way of escape! The one way to get out of this is to trust in Jesus
Christ! To depend upon Him and His Word and to be a part of His work! And I say
it again – TO BE A PART OF HIS WORK! Not sitting at home having some
living-room church, make believing that you’re having church! There’s people
who are out there – not because they can’t go to Church. Now, you live in
Florida, and there’s not anyone within 800 miles, I understand you being in
your office. But to have an opportunity to go to Church and be a part of the
Body of Christ - and yet, all you do is just sit around and make believe that
you’re going to church – to make believe that you’re spiritual. You are fooling
yourself! You are deceiving yourself! Become an active part of the Church of God
and of the Work of God! It’s your only hope!
Luke
chapter 21 – He said it in the “Olivet Prophecy,” we’ve said it so many
times – “’Watch therefore, and pray always that you
may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, …’”
– and number two – “…’and to stand before the Son
of man.’” – to be resurrected as a member of the Church of God – the
Body of Christ!
Notice
1st Thessalonians chapter 5
– Paul wrote this, and he was talking about the time of the end! He was talking
about the days leading up to the ‘Day of the LORD’! He’s talking to us my friends from nearly two-thousand
years ago! Verse 2 – “For you
yourselves know perfectly that the Day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the
night. 3) For when they say, ‘Peace
and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a
pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. 4)
But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as
a thief. 5) You are all [children]
of the light and [children] of the day. We are not of the night nor of
darkness. 6) Therefore let us not
sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. 7) For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk
[drunk physically and spiritually] are drunk at night. 8) But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the
breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation.” – and
these are wonderful words – Verse 9
– “For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our
Lord Jesus Christ, …” – both physical salvation and spiritual salvation. “…10) who died for us, that whether we
wake or sleep, we should live together with Him. 11) Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you
also are doing.” – and I don’t think in the Church of God we edify each other
as much as we should! We are the only things we’ve got – we are family! You
remember that wonderful song a few years ago, back in the ‘80s – “We Are
Family!”? Well we are! But sometimes we don’t treat each other like
we’re family. I wish we would! I think Jesus Christ wants us to, I know that
God would bless us if we would!
Conclusion
We must keep these thoughts in
mind, because the only source of protection possible for all of us is the
protection which comes from Jesus Christ, God Almighty, and Their angels! I
will say to all of you – may God bless you, may He keep you, may He bless the
Church of God, may He bless the Work of God. And in the end, I’m just gonna say
one more time – remember those photos that you have seen from the devastation
of the 2010 Haitian
earthquake, without God’s protection that is your future! With God’s
protection, that will not be your future. Remember, pray, watch, learn, study,
and be thankful to God because He is the Rock of our salvation!
Owensboro Church of Jesus Christ
is based upon the WORD of God, the TRUTH of God, and the PLAN of God. Our
mission and our purpose is to follow the admonition of Jesus Christ, when He
said, "'FEED MY SHEEP'"
We do the will of God the Father and Jesus Christ to preach the Gospel - the
good news of Jesus Christ, of His forgiveness, of His atoning sacrifice, of the
opportunity for us all to have Jesus Christ as our great High Priest and to
live under the promises of the New Covenant, and to someday be a part of the
glorious Kingdom of God!
Owensboro
Church of Jesus Christ
English language
website: http://www.owensborochurchofjesuschrist.com/
Owensboro Church of Jesus Christ Social Media Sites
Twitter: https://twitter.com/OCOJCFeeDFlocK
YouTube Video Channels for Sermons & Sermonettes
Owensboro Church of Jesus Christ channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwFd99BM0EXyAdM7MWtKcjw
Trevor Koonce channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZtjCCj7CArb_-6i09tV2Ng
Leonard V. Johnson channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9S0DU4XpzdeYeOLf3Ydk9w
Owensboro Church of Jesus Christ digital library:
No comments:
Post a Comment
Be sure to leave a comment and tell us what you think.