As in the account of Lazarus, we also who are believers in the Lord Jesus Christ shall rise again at the rapture to be with Him forever.

(AI Generated Summary) This sermon examines Luke 21:27 as the climactic point of the Olivet Discourse, arguing that the return of the Son of Man is a visible, cosmic event rather than a secret or invisible occurrence. The text contrasts the humble, hidden nature of Christ's first coming, which accomplished redemption through substitutionary death, with the resplendent glory and power of His second coming, which will be witnessed by all nations. By refuting interpretations that suggest a secret rapture or an invisible 70 AD fulfillment, the message emphasizes that the Day of the Lord will be marked by supernatural signs and universal recognition. The sermon concludes with a pastoral exhortation to believers to stand firm in faith and persevere in their earthly pilgrimage, anchored by the blessed hope of Christ's visible return and the transformation of their bodies.

This sermon explores the theological comfort found in 1 Thessalonians 4, addressing the anxiety of early believers who feared that deceased Christians would miss the imminent return of Christ. The speaker clarifies that the phrase "fallen asleep" is a euphemism for death, not a doctrine of soul sleep, and emphasizes that the resurrection of Jesus guarantees the future bodily resurrection of all believers. By examining the tension between Christ bringing the dead with Him and raising them from the dead, the message highlights the mystery of the intermediate state and the transformation of the body into an imperishable form. The tone is pastoral and instructional, aiming to dispel fear and encourage the congregation with the certainty that death is not the end for those in Christ. Ultimately, the sermon affirms that believers will always be with the Lord, providing a profound hope that transcends the grief associated with loss.

The sermon explores the theological relationship between Israel and the Church through the olive tree metaphor in Romans 11, emphasizing that Gentiles are grafted into the Abrahamic covenant by grace rather than boasting against the natural branches. By cross-referencing Ephesians 2, the message highlights the transition from being dead in trespasses and strangers to the commonwealth of Israel to becoming fellow citizens of God through the blood of Christ. The central theme warns against spiritual pride, reminding believers that their standing is maintained solely by faith and the nourishment of the root, not by their own works. The discourse concludes with the assurance that God's covenants with Israel are irrevocable, promising that the natural branches will be restored when the fullness of the Gentiles comes in, ultimately pointing to the future kingdom and the fulfillment of the New Covenant.

We continue our examination of the different views of the rapture.

"Our world is in trouble. In fact, humanity is suffering with disease. Death. But even more. There is a problem of evil and sin that is tearing our civilization apart. The Bible says there is an answer. That answer was given and runs like a thin red line from Genesis 3 through the rest of Scripture. Follow that line and see where it leads.."- Dr. Mal Couch

The return of Jesus with parables accompanying, encouraging His people to be ready. The setting up of the long-awaited Kingdom.

FOR WOMEN-The wisest man, other than the Lord Jesus, wrote those words about 935 years before Christ. Truly, "there is nothing new under the sun!"

Dr. Mal Couch teaches through Revelation verse by verse. Originally recorded in 2008.