The Sounds Of His Coming

"THE SOUNDS OF HIS COMING"

TEXT: 1 Corinthians 15:51-52

3/11/2003

By: Larry L. Schoonover

INTRODUCTION:

[Read text] - Spend a minute in explanation: The coming of Jesus is:

1. IMMANENT

(Rev. 4:1)

1 After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it

were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must

be hereafter.

(1 Thess. 5:9-10)

9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,

10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.

2. Sudden - "in the twinkling of an eye" (52)

(1 Thess. 5:1-2)

1 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.

10 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.

3. The last opportunity for those who have previously rejected Jesus as Savior

a) Some people are actually foolish enough to think or say, "But when Jesus comes, I’ll know what is happening and I’ll get saved during the tribulation period". No you won’t! I say this for 2 reasons:

i) If you will not take a stand for Jesus now, during the very best of times - don’t even entertain the idea that you will somehow find courage to do so during times of great tribulation - times when to confess Christ will cost you your life - times when you will either choose allegiance to the antichrist or watch your family starve because no one will be able to eat (buy, sell, or hold a job) without receiving the mark of the beast.

ii) I believe the scripture teaches that those who reject the grace of God now will not have opportunity in that day! You cannot be saved unless the Holy Spirit of God draws you, and in that day those who had previous opportunity but rejected the Son of God will not be drawn but will rather be deceived by a lying spirit sent by God’s own hand!

(2 Thess. 2:6-12)

6 And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.

7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.

8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:

9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,

10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:

12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

b) Does this make you feel depressed? - It shouldn’t! Why? Because of the hope we have in Jesus Christ, that if anyone will give their life to Him they will find life, hope, and peace now and throughout eternity!

(Rev. 3: 20-21a)

20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne,.

(Jhn. 14:2-3)

2 In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

Take heart - rejoice! The return of Jesus for His Church is the day we anxiously await!

Therefore, I believe God would have me to ask 1 question of you today - "Are you ready?"

When Jesus comes again there will be some distinctive sounds. What will be the "Sounds of His Coming?"

I. THE SOUNDS OF EARTH

(Luke 17:34-36)

34 I tell you, in that night there shall be two men in one bed; the one shall be taken, and the other shall be left.

35 Two women shall be grinding together; the one shall be taken, and the other left.

36 Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.

As you think upon this soon-to-be event, there can be no question about the horrendous after-effects of untold millions of believers suddenly caught up to meet Jesus in the air.