Basic Sermon Outline

The Best is Yet to come: Understanding the end times

An Introduction

1 Thess. 4:11-5:13

Introductory Comments/Vision Statements

Series

Invite friends

27-Jun	Introduction: The End Times: Have We Been Left Behind?	1 Thess 4
04-Jul	Viewing the End Times Through a Biblical Lens (Hermeneutics), Part 1 Gospel	Mat 24
11-Jul	Viewing the End Times Through a Biblical Lens (Hermeneutics), Part 2 Kingdom	Mat 24
18-Jul	What Happens When We Die? (Personal Eschatology)	Luke 16
25-Jul	The Second Coming – The Grand Finale	Jn 5:28-29
08-Aug	The Millenial Views – Rev 20	Rev 20
15-Aug	What About Israel?	Rom 11
22-Aug	The Final Judgment, Part 1 (The Judgments of God)	Mat 25
29-Aug	The Final Judgment, Part 2 (Hell & Eternal Punishment)	Mat 25
12-Sep	The New Heavens and the New Earth, Part 1 Resurrection Body	I Cor 15
26-Sep	The New Heavens and the New Earth, Part 2 The New Earth	Rev 21
03-Oct	Sign of the Times, Part 1	Matt 24
10-Oct	Sign of the Times, Part 2/ How to Prepare For Christ’s Return	Mat 24
17-Oct	Worthy Is the Lamb	Rev 5: 1 - 14
24-Oct	Guarding the Trust	2 Tim 1:12

Sermon Introduction

Rapture index @ raptureready.com

Rapture Index of 85 and Below: Slow prophetic activity

Rapture Index of 85 to 110: Moderate prophetic activity

Rapture Index of 110 to 145: Heavy prophetic activity

Rapture Index above 145: Fasten your seat belts

The belief that Jesus Christ will return to earth someday is held by 62 percent of all Americans.

George Gallup, "Religion in America," Leadership, Fall, 1987

9/11 – what does it mean

What are “the end times”?
Things like Jesus return, the final judgement, heaven and hell, the millennium, the rapture etc.

Where do I go when I die?
What’s going to happen when Jesus returns?
Will the earth be destroyed?
What is heaven like?
What do end times have to do with today?

Prop: Understanding the End Times has everything to do with our perspective and our practice as Christians.

Text

1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11 (ESV)

1. Understanding end times has everything to do with our perspective

1.1. The Gospel

1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11 (ESV)
¹³But 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. ¹⁴For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. ¹⁵For 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. ¹⁶For 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. ¹⁷Then 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. ¹⁸Therefore encourage one another with these words. ¹Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need to have anything written to you. ²For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. ³While people are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. ⁴But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief. ⁵For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness. ⁶So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober. ⁷For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, are drunk at night. ⁸But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. ⁹For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, ¹⁰who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him. ¹¹Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

Gospel centered end times.
Not detracting from that!
Revelation is about the triumph of the Lamb! The Lamb that was slain.
That day, last days in light of THE day.
All history flowing towards or looking back to calvary.

Perhaps one of the greatest reasons for misunderstanding of the Book of Revelation is the failure to grasp the relationship of the first and second comings of Christ. Let us be very clear about this point. Christ does not return to do some new or different work. His return in glory will be to consummate the finished work of this life, death and resurrection. At his coming he will be revealed in all his glory to all principalities and powers. That which the believer now grasps by faith will be open to every eye. That which the believer now owns by faith and which is Christ, his substitute, will be perfected as the reality in himself. The status that we now have in Christ will become the state we have in ourselves.

Graham Goldsworthy, The Gospel in Revelation, p. 175

What is the gospel?
Christ crucified.
The wonder and finality of Christ crucified.
Letting it sink in.

I was driving with my children to my wife's funeral where I was to preach the sermon. As we came into one small town there strode down in front of us a truck that came to stop before a red light. It was the biggest truck I ever saw in my life, and the sun was shining on it at just the right angle that took its shadow and spread it across the snow on the field beside it. As the shadow covered that field, I said, "Look children at that truck, and look at its shadow. If you had to be run over, which would you rather be run over by? Would you rather be run over by the truck or by the shadow?" My youngest child said, "The shadow couldn't hurt anybody." "That's right," I continued, "and death is a truck, but the shadow is all that ever touches the Christian. The truck ran over the Lord Jesus. Only the shadow is gone over mother."

Donald Grey Barnhouse.

1.2. Hope

The Thessalonians missing the rapture.
Grieve as the world does.
We know the gospel – therefore we know end times.
Just as Jesus rose through Him will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.
The funeral of a believer is a joyous thing.
Better to be with the Lord!

Philippians 1:19-26 (ESV)
¹⁹for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, ²⁰as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. ²¹For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. ²²If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. ²³I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. ²⁴But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. ²⁵Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, ²⁶so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.

Do you believe that?
Do you live that way?
Do you live knowing that day will come soon?

John Wesley preached his last sermon of Feb 17, 1791, in Lambeth on the text "Seek ye the Lord while He may be found, call ye upon Him while He is near" (Isa 55:6). The following day, a very sick man, he was put to bed in his home on City Road. During the days of his illness, he often repeated the words from one of his brother's hymns: I the chief of sinners am, But Jesus died for me! His last words were, "The best of all is, God is with us!" He died March 2, 1791.

W. Wiersbe, Wycliffe Handbook of Preaching and Preachers, p. 245.

A few days before his death, Dr. F. B. Meyer wrote a very dear friend these words: "I have just heard, to my great surprise, that I have but a few days to live. It may be that before this reaches you, I shall have entered the palace. Don't trouble to write. We shall meet in the morning."

Quoted in Consolation, by Mrs. C. Cowman, p. 70

Looking forward to that day?

Looking forward to SGM Celebration conference.

Months ahead of time – what is theme?

Overpacking.

Long drive – anticipation. Looking for other cars with signs.

Seeing friends, excellent worship, life changing teaching, encountering God, powerful youth ministry, excellent children’s ministry, rich and full fellowship.

Coming home exhausted and exhilarated.

The trip we are on. Like a locomotive. Got a destination. Picking up passengers.

Rather just stay on the train. The train is life. Making yourself home there. Stuff up on the wall. Reupholstering the seats. Painting the interior. Holding train socials. Don’t want to get off. Versus on a ride to a destination.

1.2.1. The presence of God!

¹⁴For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.

. ¹⁷Then 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. ¹⁸Therefore encourage one another with these words.

⁹For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, ¹⁰who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him

Comforts them with promise of his presence.
The most glorious!
Think of most pure majestic pleasure you have known.
God is far more than that!
All beauty, all love, all wisdom, all perfection.
His love is unfathomable. Beyond reason. Infinite. Overwhelming.
Getting high in God!

The drug addicts false high vs. real satisfaction in God.

1.2.2. It only gets better.

¹Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need to have anything written to you. ²For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.

. ⁹For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,

New Heaven and New Earth
Salvation – in all aspects, not just soul but body, the earth.

Me and Science. I hope to do it in the new creation.

Are you living so that if there were not true your life would be a tradegy and
If it were true all your life would be most meaningful?

1.3. The Process

We stand at the already and the not yet.
To obtain salvation. To experience salvation versus wrath.
Saved – presently, saved from that day, saved entirely.
Salvation is wholistic.
Health and wealth gospel.
Kingdom has come but not consummated. Healing and victory yet suffering and death.
Jesus himself.
Learning to live in the tension.

John Wimber – salvation, healing ministry yet died of cancer.

2. Understanding end times has everything to do with our practice

2.1. Preparation

1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11 (ESV)
^5:1Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need to have anything written to you. ²For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. ³While people are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. ⁴But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief. ⁵For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness. ⁶So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober. ⁷For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, are drunk at night. ⁸But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. ⁹For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, ¹⁰who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him. ¹¹Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

Peace and safety”
Suddenly

9/11

Not living for that day!

Brother Ouimette scaring me about Jesus’ return.

Hell
Warning to lost.
Living as children of the light.
Warning to the saved
a
Since we are of the day and of the light
Keep awake
Be sober

During his 1960 presidential campaign, John F. Kennedy often closed his speeches with the story of Colonel Davenport, the Speaker of the Connecticut House of Representatives: On May 19th, 1780 the sky of Hartford darkened ominously, and some of the representatives, glancing out the windows, feared the end was at hand. Quelling a clamor for immediate adjournment, Davenport rose and said, "The Day of Judgment is either approaching or it is not. If it is not, there is no cause for adjournment. If it is, I choose to be found doing my duty. Therefore, I wish that candles be brought." Rather than fearing what is to come, we are to be faithful till Christ returns. Instead of fearing the dark, we're to be lights as we watch and wait.

Harry Heintz.

2.2. Pursuit of holiness

How?
Breastplate of faith
Living with our eyes on Him, ever trusting Him and not self.
We all trust and worship at all times. Who are you trusting? Look to Christ alone!
Breastplate of love
Love – walking in love – His love. 1 Jn. 4:19, John 13:34,35
Living a life of love like Sen Davenport – ever ready for that day! Ready to give an account.
Helmet of the hope of salvation.
Mind and life centered on salvation. Letting this drive all.

The retired executive scenario. We are already successful in Him!

For God has not destined us for wrath but for salvation!
Gospel centered living.
Resting in grace.
Being propelled by grace.
Awake or asleep – to walk with Him!

2.3. Pursuit of souls

Daniel 12:1-3 (ESV)
¹“At that time shall arise Michael, the great prince who has charge of your people. And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never has been since there was a nation till that time. But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone whose name shall be found written in the book. ²And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. ³And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.

Shining for eternity!
Shining for God’s glory and man’s good.

Thank You For Giving to The Lord (Words and Music by Ray Boltz)

I dreamed I went to heaven and You were there with me

We walked upon the streets of gold Beside the crystal sea.

We heard the angels singing Then someone called your name.

You turned and saw this young man And he was smiling as he came.

And he said, "Friend you may not know me now" And then he said, "But wait"

You used to teach my Sunday School When I was only eight.

And every week you would say a prayer Before the class would start.

And one day when you said that prayer I asked Jesus in my heart."

(Chorus)

Thank you for giving to the Lord

I am a life that was changed.

Thank you for giving to the Lord

I am so glad you gave.

Then another man stood before you, And said, "Remember the time

A missionary came to your church, And his pictures made you cry.

You didn't have much money, But you gave it anyway.

Jesus took the gift you gave, And that's why I am here today."

(Chorus)

One by one they came, Far as the eye could see

Each life somehow touched, By your generosity.

Little things that you had done, Sacrifices made.

Unnoticed on the earth, In heaven now proclaimed.

And I know up in heaven, You're not supposed to cry.

But I am almost sure, There were tears in your eyes.

As Jesus took your hand ,And you stood before the Lord.

He said, "My child look around you., Great is your reward."

(Chorus twice)

Thank you for giving to the Lord

I am a life that was changed.

Thank you for giving to the Lord

I am so glad you gave.

Moving from Boston for the “party” – giving up friends, homes and job for the end times.

Understanding the End Times has everything to do with our

perspective and our practice as Christians.

3. Conclusion Applications

Encourage one another with these words.

Fear of death.
Unsaved

Saved
Recommit to live for him.

9/11 – what does it mean? - An example of trying to find meaning in the wrong place!
See Snopes.com

THE COINCIDENTAL NUMBERS OF THIS ATTACK ON THE WTC

The date of the attack: 9/11: 9 + 1 + 1 = 11

Anagram for September eleven

TEN REV BE, ME SLEEP

Rev 10-1 Then I saw another mighty angel coming down from heaven.

He was robed in a cloud, with a rainbow above his head;

his face was like the sun, and his legs were like fiery pillars.

911 is the Number for Help in countries - 9 + 1 + 1 = 11.

Greaterthings/news/911

Note: We received this information in an e-mail dated 9-5-2001, prior

to the World Trade Center event. It seems rather prophetic. Under the

WTC are 7 floors which go into a deep pit.

Rev. 9:11 And they had a king over them, which is the angel of the

bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue is 1Abaddon,

but in the Greek tongue hath his name 2Apollyon

We are living in the time of the Book of Revelation - Rev. 9:11

(This is another name for Satan and possibly his posterity.

Biblical scholars say this is the 'destroyer'.

Helena P. Blavatsky states that the 'destroyer' is the God Shiva).

Mohammed's birth is celebrated on the 11th day of the 9th month

September 11th is the 254th day of the year: 2 + 5 + 4 = 11.

After September 11th there are 111 days left to the end of the year.

119 is the area code to Iraq/Iran. 1 + 1 + 9 = 11.

Twin Towers - standing side by side, looks like the number 11.

The number of stories is 110 (2x) 110 - 110

Remember that the zero "0" is not a number, so we have 11:11

The number of Tower windows = 21,800 2+1+8+0+0 = 11

The third building #7 to fall had 47 stories = 4+7=11

The first plane to hit the towers was Flight 11

American Airlines number1-800-245-0999

1+8+0+0+2+4+5+0+9+9+9=47 = 11

State of New York - The 11th State added to the Union

New York City - 11 Letters

Afghanistan - 11 Letters

The Pentagon - 11 Letters

Ramzi Yousef - 11 Letters

(convicted of orchestrating the bombing attack on the WTC in 1993.

He is a blind man.

He was a Muslim teacher in a mosque)