DCLM HIGHER EVERYDAY 28 May 2022 — The theme of the rapture

TOPIC: THE THEME OF THE RAPTURE

TEXT: 1 THESSALONIANS 4:13-18

13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.

14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.

15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.

16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

MEMORY VERSE: “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first” (1 THESSALONIANS 4:16).

MESSAGE:

The rapture is a sudden, and unannounced catching away of God’s faithful servants to meet with Christ in the sky to be with Him in glory. This is the greatest event of all time. It is imminent, considering the turn of events and happenings in the world today.

It is very obvious that all the prophecies and predictions of the Scriptures about the state of the world and events preceding the rapture are literally being fulfilled now. In view of this, it is therefore important to be prepared at all times in order to be a part of this glorious experience.

Believers expecting to make it in the rapture must ensure they yield their lives totally to God after repentance from sin. Thereafter, they need to live a holy life, carry out daily self-examination, and maintain an unbroken relationship with God. Considering the fact that the rapture is going to be sudden and could happen at any time, give your life to Christ now, if you are not born again. You also need to intensify your evangelistic outreach to save others.

QUOTE: The rapture is going to be sudden.

CHALLENGE: Be ready to meet the Lord.

PRAYER: Lord, make me ready for the rapture.

GOSPEL REALM: STEPS TO SALVATION
1. Admit that you are a sinner. "For all [humans] have sinned, and comes short of the glory of God....[and] the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 3:23)
2. Repent now. "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out ...[for] if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness " (Acts 3:19, 1 John 1:9)
3. Believe that God loves you and Jesus died for you. "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet Sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8)
4. Invite Jesus into your life through prayer of faith. Jesus says, "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" (Revelation 3:20)