The world will end on September 23rd!! Oops!!

“Bible prophesy helps us to better understand the future and realize the urgent need to spread the Gospel. It motivates us to personal purity and gives us hope in a hopeless age.” Tim LaHaye

  Did you miss it? Just in case you missed it and maybe it’s good that you did, “Christian” numerologist, David Meade, predicted the end of the world yesterday, (September 23^rd) when so-called “Planet X” was to collide with Earth. According to Meade, who apparently eats too many mushrooms, the recent solar eclipse and hurricanes are warning signs of a nearing apocalypse and cites various passages from Scripture to support his delusion. Please understand, anyone can quote Scripture out of context. If you quote the Bible out of context, you can make it say nearly anything. A case can be made for nudism if you quote the Bible out of context.

  Mr. Meade doesn’t know his Bible. Jesus said very clearly, “But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father” (Mark 13:32). In spite of that, every few years some “nut” calling themselves a Christian says that the world is coming to an end. Unfortunately, media types always find them and have a good laugh at the expense of biblical Christianity. 

  Personally, I was thankful for Jonathan Sarfati’s response. He points out that claims of “planetary coincidence” have already happened on four occasions during the last millennium alone and the world did not end. “As usual with any astrology (or Christian adaptations of it), one cherry-picks the stars that fit the desired conclusion. There is nothing to suggest that 23 September is a momentous date for biblical prophecy, and Christians need to be careful about being drawn into such sensationalist claims.”

  All of the major approaches to biblical prophecy agree on this truth: Jesus will return bodily and when He comes, He will come in great power and glory to reign. At His trial Jesus told the Sanhedrin (Matt. 26:64), “But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.” Jesus is alluding to Daniel 7:14, which predicts that the Messiah’s kingdom will be everlasting.

  The angel told the disciples as they watched Jesus ascend into heaven after His resurrection, “This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven” (Acts 1:11). Jesus ascended bodily; He will return bodily. However Christians understand the details of prophecy, all agree that Jesus is coming back bodily to reign.

  Many Christians, myself included, believe that all Christians will one day be removed through the Rapture, followed by seven years that complete Daniel’s 70^th “week” for Israel. During this time many Jews will be saved and many will be martyred by those loyal to the Antichrist, who comes to power and rules a cruel one-world government. At the end of the tribulation, just as the forces of the Antichrist are ready to annihilate Israel, Christ will return, destroy His enemies, and establish a millennial reign in Jerusalem. During this time, Satan will be bound and Christ will rule the world. Many will be saved during that time. Sadly, some will reject Him even in the midst of “Paradise.” At the end of this time Satan will be released and lead a final rebellion. Fire will come down from heaven, destroying all those who rebelled against God. Satan will be thrown into the lake of fire. The dead will be raised for judgment and sentenced to the lake of fire, which is the second death (Rev. 20:1-15).

  One’s particular position on prophecy is not a question of their orthodoxy. For the past 2,000 years believers have debated when Jesus is returning. Those who know their Bibles know that we don’t know. No matter what view you take, the Lord Jesus clearly is going to return bodily. At that time, He will judge those who have rejected Him. That, along with the uncertainty of life, is incentive to believe in Christ now without delay.

  In light of Christ’s return, we must be faithful (1 Cor. 15:58), “Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.” Wonderfully, we can have assurance and comfort in the midst of the unraveling of our contemporary world. Someday all evil will end. God is sovereign and works all things after the counsel of His will (Eph. 1:11). He sets up rulers and takes them down to accomplish His plans (Prov. 21:1). No evil ruler, including the Antichrist himself, can thwart God’s plan.

  And as 1 John 3:3 reminds us, “Everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.” We need to be ready. Each of us needs to make sure that we’re living holy lives in light of Jesus’ warnings to be ready when He comes (Mark 13:33-37).

  While on a South Pole expedition, British explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton left a few men on Elephant Island, promising that he’d return. Later, when he tried to go back, huge icebergs blocked the way. But suddenly, as if by a miracle, an avenue opened in the ice and Shackleton was able to get through. His men, ready and waiting, quickly scrambled aboard. No sooner had the ship cleared the island than the ice crashed together behind them. Contemplating their narrow escape, the explorer said to his men, “It was fortunate you were all packed and ready to go!” They replied, “We never gave up hope. Whenever the sea was clear of ice, we rolled up our sleeping bags and reminded each other, ‘The boss may come today.’” 
  Just as it was prophesied and the Lord Jesus came the first time, He’s coming back. Are you ready? 

Can we help you spiritually? Can we help you know Jesus better? Please check out more resources on our church's web page, Gracechurchwi.org. Or, call us at 262.763.3021. If you'd like to know more about how Jesus can change your life, I'd love to mail you a copy of how Jesus changed my life in "My Story." E-mail me at Carson@gracechurchwi.org to request a free copy. Please include your mailing address. "

108 Years is nothing...

“It’s been said that in Chicago there are two seasons, winter and construction.  For Cubs fans, there is only one, and it always comes next year.  Rick Talley

  The curse of the goat has finally ended. It only took a little over a century. But if you’re going to endure years — no, generations — of futility and heartbreak, when you do finally win a World Series championship, it might as well be a memorable one. The Cubs finally did just that, shattering their 108-year championship drought in epic fashion: with their 8-7, 10-inning victory over the Cleveland Indians in the final game of the World Series. It went into the wee hours of the morning. In the end, at least for Cubs’ fans, it all seemed to come to an end all too soon.

  108 years…that’s a long time. But it’s a drop in the bucket compared to the fans of King Jesus. His Church has been waiting for Jesus’ return for over 2,000 years. We, too, live under the curse from a creature, a serpent who successfully tempted our first parents. With their sin they lost for all of us heaven on earth…temporarily.

  Prophecy and Jesus’ Second Coming are rarely talked about today, even in the Church. Skeptics scoff at it. That, too, was prophesied 2,000 years ago (2 Peter 3:3-4). According to the Bible, Christians have an appointment and the next date on God’s prophetic calendar is the Rapture.

  Some people think we’re crazy to believe in the Second Coming of Christ. But when Jesus ascended back to Heaven, two angels told His disciples: “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven” (Acts 1:11). I love what Dr. Adrian Rogers said, “I may be a nut, but I’m fastened to a good bolt—the Lord Jesus Christ.”

  The Bible teaches the imminent return of Jesus Christ. As believers, we’re not looking for the undertaker but the uppertaker. As Paul wrote to the church at Thessalonica, “But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep. For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.”

  Believers anticipate what’s known as the Rapture. Some point out that the English word “Rapture” doesn’t appear in the Bible. Yet, our English word “Trinity” also don’t appear in the Bible, but we adamantly believe in it.   

  Paul wrote that believers who are alive at the coming of the Lord will be “caught up.” It’s the Greek word harpazo. For many centuries the only Bible translation was the Vulgate. The Latin word is raptio, where we get the word “rapture.” The last recorded words of Jesus are on the last page of Scripture where He said, “Surely I am coming soon” (Revelation 22:20).

  We live in a time when most lack hope. Many things fuel this lack of hope: current world conditions; terrorism; government; increasing debauchery; economic anxiety; personal disappointments; health concerns; loss of loved ones; even our own approaching deaths. God’s Word urges believers to stand out as people of hope in an increasingly hopeless world.

  The bottom line of what happens after you die depends on what you do now, before you die. Some years ago, a letter went out from the Greenville County, South Carolina, Department of Social Services. It was addressed to over 50 former residents who’d recently died: “To whom it may concern: Your food stamps will be stopped effective immediately, because we have received notice that you passed away. You may reapply if there is a change in your circumstances.” But after you die, you can’t change your circumstances. What you do now as you prepare for your final appointment will determine where you will spend eternity. And there are only two options. If you know the Lord, you’ll be with Him at death but If you reject the Lord, you go to a place of eternal regret.

  In Luke 16, Jesus pulled back the curtain on the afterlife, showing us these two destinies. He told about Lazarus and a rich man. It’s a true account of two people who died. Lazarus didn’t earn heaven because he was a poor beggar. He had trusted his soul to God and was saved by faith. The rich man isn’t named, but died also. His funeral was probably a huge formal affair. But the rich man hadn’t trusted God.

  Jesus said, “The rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side…” Those who die rejecting Christ will regret it for all eternity. If you die in the Lord though, the moment you die on earth, the angels escort you to be with the Lord. Our loved ones who died in Christ are already there. You’ll see them and know them. Do you have someone in heaven waiting on you? Don’t disappoint them. Be sure you know Jesus.

  Scripture says there will be a generation of believers who won’t have to go through a grave to see Jesus. When Christ returns, He’ll bring born-again loved ones with Him. In a nanosecond, He’ll raise their bodies from the grave. Their souls will then occupy their eternal resurrection body. Those of us still alive will be caught up to be with the Lord. We’ll be instantly changed to be like Jesus. Believers alive when Christ returns will never have a funeral. Are you ready? Or, are you prepared for death?   

  For anyone without a relationship with Jesus, death is terrifying. Bertrand Russell, the famed atheist said of death, “The life of Man is a long march through the night, surrounded by invisible foes, tortured by weariness and pain, towards a goal that few can hope to reach and where none can tarry long. One by one, as they march, our comrades vanish from our sight, seized by the silent orders of omnipotent Death.” But what a contrast to English poet, Hannah Moore, “There is one single fact which we may oppose to all the wit and argument of atheism, namely, that no man ever repented of being a Christian on his death-bed.” Jesus is coming back! As sure as the Cubs won the Series, He’s going to return. Are you ready? 

Can we help you spiritually? Can we help you know Jesus better? Please check out more resources on our church's web page, Gracechurchwi.org. Or, call us at 262.763.3021. If you'd like to know more about how Jesus can change your life, I'd love to mail you a copy of how Jesus changed my life in "My Story." E-mail me at Carson@gracechurchwi.org to request a free copy. Please include your mailing address. 

MISSING!

“Now comes the mystery.” Henry Ward Beecher

At the time of this writing there is still no news, only more questions, surrounding the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370. It’s a seemingly unsolvable mystery how this Boeing 777 with 239 people aboard just completely disappeared on March 8^th while en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing. Evidence continues to grow that the plane could have flown for hours after losing contact with air traffic control, the search area, too, has ballooned. Some 43 ships and 58 aircraft from 25 countries have been involved in the search. Experts from the United States, Britain and China are involved.

  To further frustrate and increase anxiety, some of the family members have been able to successfully place calls to missing passengers' cell phones. There are various explanations for how that could happen, but it gives them a sliver of hope that their loved ones are still alive.

  Have you ever noticed? Mysteries drive us crazy. We human beings want everything to fit into some neat, rational and understandable package. Some day, and I wonder that it might not be long, there’s going to be another major disappearance unlike anything this world has ever experienced. If you’re not familiar with it, it’s called the Rapture.

  Today we’re finishing our sermon series, R U BORN 2X? We’re concluding by talking about the blessings and benefit package for someone who’s been born twice. Someday every born-again person, dead or alive, could be singing that last line from a Shania Twain song, “I’m outta here” as we fly through the air to meet the Lord Jesus.

  I’ve always loved being spontaneous. When our children were younger, periodically, Jane and I would throw a wonderful, totally unexpected  surprise into the schedule. We did “pajama rides,” when after they were ready for bed, we all popped into the car and went through a local drive-through for ice cream. One of my favorites was on a warm Friday afternoon when on the spur of the moment, we decided to find out who had the best single dip ice cream cone in the area. We started out in Elkhorn and then did a loop throughout the area. By the fourth or fifth stop, we were ice creamed out.

  The Rapture is going to be a little like that. It’s going to come suddenly and surprise everyone. If we’re still on this side of eternity, we may be at work, having dinner or even sleeping. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 says, “For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.”

  Do you ever weary of life? Do you find yourself sometimes longing for Home? I know I do. Every believer who loves the Lord has that tension.

  This world is not our Home. Sometimes the sin, suffering, struggles…the hopelessness begins to overwhelm us and we long for Home. Yet, we know that our work isn’t finished here yet. Maybe you’re a parent and you know that your children need you. Maybe you sense that God has given you what is still an unfinished task. For me, I have so many friends and loved ones that don’t yet know Jesus. I don’t want to go Home until I know that I’ve done everything I can to share the Gospel with them. There truly is nothing here other than that which keeps me tied to this world. And I have great peace because Jane and my three children all know the Lord and love Him. We’ll never say, “Good-bye,” just “Good-night, I’ll see you in the morning…that great resurrection morning.” Yet, Heaven becomes more enticing to me each year. I have so many loved ones and friends already waiting for me there. 

  If instead of going Home via death, if we’re still alive when the Rapture takes place and removes us from this planet, can you even begin to imagine the confusion, shock, hurt, frustration and exasperation when millions of believers just disappear, just vanish into thin air? Where would they even begin to search? Cell phones will keep ringing.

  Don’t you wonder how the media and government will attempt to explain it? What will those who are left behind say to one another? How will they seek to console one another? Or, will there just develop a worldwide, morbid, depression or denial?

  Someday, if you’re a believer, you’ll be part of God’s prophesied mystery, the next event on His prophetic calendar. Hollywood ain’t got nothing on God. Yet, many of you are like me. You don’t want to leave anyone behind. (Now I’m not suggesting we put oGn white robes, become religious wackos and sit on a rooftop J.) Yet, I wonder how many opportunities I miss to share the Gospel? How much more could I pray? How much more could I focus on what really matters and has significance?

  We’re coming into the Easter Season. Many of our lost friends and family members will be talking about their plans and about Easter. Doors may crack that don’t crack at other times of year. Let’s not miss it. We’re possessors of the greatest mystery and the greatest good news of all time – that a holy God loves us and gave His only Son, Jesus, to die in our place, for our sins so that we could be forgiven, so that we didn’t have to face this life alone and so that we could live in His House for all eternity!

  The last recorded words of the co-pilot for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 were, “Good-night.” May we do all that we can to insure that for those we love and care about that it’s only “Good-night,” not “Good-bye.” And I think that we’d do well to be praying for the families and passengers on this missing plane, that this tragic mystery will soon be resolved.