September 17-19, 2010
1 Thessalonians 4
Pastor Farrell Lemings
I recently heard about a prank that was pulled on a pastor directing a summer camp program. The pastor ran an errand and was supposed to be gone for about two hours. While he was away, campers staged a “rapture.” A boat was circling in the lake, with no one in it. Clothes were strategically located around the campground as if people were just taken away, right out of them. The kitchen was set up to appear that the cooks were doing their job preparing meals, and were just taken in a moment’s time. When the pastor returned, the campground was empty. It appeared that the rapture had happened and he was left behind. What a riot! I wish I had been there to witness the event.
In 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17, the Apostle Paul informs us about the return of Jesus and rapture of the Church. A day is coming when Jesus will split open the eastern sky as the trumpet call sounds and believers will meet Him in the air. What a glorious day that will be!
The Bible makes it clear that no one knows the day or hour of Christ’s return. However, since we are certain of the promise, we should:
- Be actively engaged in evangelism to reach the lost
- Live aware and ready for Christ’s return
- Live in expectation of His return
We should live every day with our “rapture shoes on,” because…who knows? Today might be the day.
Did you know? Pastor Farrell is an avid Razorback fan. While he was growing up, work stopped to watch University of Arkansas football and basketball games on television. SOOIEE! GO RAZORBACKS!
