The coming of the Lord

1 Thessalonians chapter 4, 1 Thessalonians chapter 4, and we're going to read from verse 13. For they would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.

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. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and the trump of God, and the dead in Christ shall rise first. Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, so shall we ever be with the Lord.

Wherefore comfort one another with these words. That's all that we're going to read. Now I know that at the Blue River Conference I touched a little on the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Here in La Crosse we had a few meetings this week on the assembly of God. So there's a variety of subjects that we would take up. But I have this burden for conferences that there are two subjects that should be taken up at every conference.

I'm not telling my brethren what to preach on. I think we've heard one of them to a large degree. I think in the day that we are living that it is essential for us to hear much about the assembly of God.

We've heard that at this conference. I don't think a conference should come and go without the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ being touched upon. I wonder as we're sitting here just now this afternoon, if we do have this conviction in our soul, those of us who are saved, that we may never leave this building.

Like we may never leave this auditorium. I wonder if we're fully persuaded that at any time, at any moment, the Lord Jesus Christ could return and summon His own to meet Him in the air. That's why I've read what I have read.

I'm going to touch just a little on the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. I'm sure that everyone here would, all the believers here at least, would agree with this that there are two aspects to the coming of Christ. He's going to come to the air.

We refer to that as the rapture. That's what we are looking for. That's what we should be anticipating at any moment.

And then after that, He is going to return to the earth. He's going to come victoriously to manifest His glory in the place of His humiliation. He will return to earth.

We did touch a little upon that at Blue River. The Lord is going to come. There are no signs in the Bible for the rapture.

It could happen at any time. There's no earthquake. There's nothing that has to take place on this earth before the Lord would come.

When you come to Matthew 25-24, there are signs for the revelation, that is, for His return to earth. Read the chapter and count them. I think you'll find that there are 22 signs in Matthew 24.

The Lord's Olivet Discourse, where He is speaking about the return of the Lord to this earth. Those signs will be evident upon this earth for those who are left behind when the Lord Jesus comes and takes His own away. We are living in a very special period of time, a very special moment.

I'm not going to get very much into this. But if you turn to the book of Daniel 9, you have the 70 weeks of Daniel. If you've been reading Truth and Tidings, you know that 69 of those weeks are past.

There's a gap between the 69th and the 70th week. If you come to Leviticus 23, you have a number of feasts, seven of them. And there is a gap between the Feast of Weeks and the Feast of Trumpets.

You know that the Feast of Weeks is the day of Pentecost in the New Testament. We are living in that period of time that is the gap between the 69th and the 70th week and that gap between the Feast of Weeks and the Feast on the Day of Trumpets. It's a day of grace that we're living in.

But this period of time is going to come to an end. James would remind us that the coming of the Lord doth nigh. I wonder if in our souls at the present moment, we can honestly sing the words, I can almost hear his footfall on the threshold of the door.

And my heart, my heart is longing to be with him forevermore. There has been a hope of believers throughout the ages from the days of the Apostle Paul. He anticipated the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Lord is coming. I said there are two aspects to that. There is a rapture, then there is a revelation.

That is when he will return to earth, when he will be revealed, when every eye shall see him. I would suggest to you that both aspects of his return are found in the verses that I just read in 1 Thessalonians 4. Paul uses a word here that he uses when he wants to introduce something that the believers don't understand. And so he says, I would not have you to be ignorant brethren that is not to know.

The Thessalonians in chapter 1 in verse 9 had turned to God from idols to serve the living and the true God. To wait for his son from heaven. To them, they knew that the Lord was going to come to this earth.

They anticipated that. But some of their number had passed away. They had been laid away in the graves of earth.

And they knew that the Lord was returning to this earth. And they had thought that those who were in the graves of this earth would be losing out, would be missing out. When the Lord would return with his own in glory.

And it is to that that the apostle Paul is going to address himself in these words. So he says, I would not have you to be ignorant brethren concerning them that are asleep. That's a beautiful word.

Most of us here know what it is to stand at the open grave. Loved one has passed away. I was in the hospital when my mother passed away.

I had entertained the thought that I would be with her. When the end would come. I thought I would be beside her.

I thought I would be able to put my hand on her brow. Whisper a word of comfort to her. Maybe quote a verse to her.

Be with her when she left this earth. But I did not have that privilege. We've stood at the open grave.

Thessalonians had done that. And now Paul is reminding them. I would not have you to be ignorant concerning them which are asleep.

This is a wonderful word. We are reminded in the Scripture that Stephen fell asleep. When the stones were being thrown at him.

His body was being bruised and broken by those stones. It says that he fell asleep at the moment of his death. It says that Lazarus sleepeth.

We are told in Acts chapter 13 that David had fallen asleep. What does that word mean? That is a very precious word. It ought to be to a believer who has stood at that open grave.

It is only the body that sleeps. And so as we stand at the open grave and are laying away a loved one. We are laying away a body.

And according to what we have read here, that body has fallen asleep. The soul is gone. Luke chapter 16 is a very interesting chapter that illustrates that.

The rich man died. He was buried. They may have given great oration over the burial of that rich man.

And for those here who may not be saved. I don't hesitate for one moment to leave a little line, a little word along the way for those who are not saved. It says about that rich man he was in hell.

He lift up his eyes being in torment. That wasn't the body. The body died.

The body was laid away in the sepulcher or wherever they did with the body. But the rich man himself was in hell. The soul was separated from the body.

But notice what it says about Lazarus. That Lazarus died, was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom. And so while we may stand at that open grave.

There can be the confidence when we know that the person that we are laying away in the grave was saved by the grace of God. That they are absent from the body. But they are present with the Lord.

And so it is the body only of the believer that sleeps. And we have said that that's a beautiful word. Because you know that sleep implies that there's going to be a time of awakening.

I think I mentioned that blue river that we laid away. A very dear friend of mine this past January. We're standing in a cold cemetery.

Casket is before the open grave. And I suggested to the little family, just take a look around. Hundreds of tombstones in this cemetery.

There have been hundreds of moments in this cemetery. When a little family has gathered before that grave. With no hope.

They have come with broken hearts to say their goodbye. To the person who has passed away. But at that grave with that little family on that cold January afternoon.

We're only saying goodnight. There's going to be a moment. When the body is going to be awakened.

By the Lord Himself. And so sleep implies something that is restful. Something that is peaceful.

But something that is very temporary. Tremendous thing is going to happen. If the Lord came before this meeting is over.

Every person that is related to us. Everyone that we know who has known Christ. That that grave is going to be emptied.

That that body is going to be raised. In my younger days when I was saved. I started to gather together a few books for a library.

And so I picked up a few books by William Kelly. And then I started to read them. And I didn't get too far because there are lots of words.

And I didn't get too much from Mr. Kelly. I did pick up something though. Mr. Kelly puts it this way.

In verse 14. That the Lord draws near. And puts His own to sleep.

That's what happened to Stephen. Right at the moment when those stones were being thrown. Into the body of Stephen.

The Lord drew near. And He put Stephen to sleep. That's a very precious statement.

When there was a violent moment in Stephen's life. In the life of James when he's going to face the executioner. The Lord put them to sleep right at that very moment.

When death came. It is the body of the believer that sleeps. And so Paul says here.

I would not have you to be ignorant brethren concerning them which are asleep. That ye sorrow not as others which have no hope. We do sorrow.

We do grieve. And the Lord wept at the tomb of Lazarus. Paul said concerning Epaphroditus.

Who was sick nigh unto death. Lest I should have sorrow above sorrow. Sorrow because of the sickness of Epaphroditus.

But there would be sorrow in the heart of Paul. If that servant of the Lord passed away. But thank God.

When a loved one leaves this earth who knows Christ. We have a hope. Well the Thessalonians had stood at that open grave.

And as they stood there they thought that. That the one that they were burying in that grave. Or laying in that sepulcher.

Was going to miss out. When the Lord Jesus Christ returned back to this earth. In all of his glory.

And now Paul is going to correct their thinking. He has a truth to reveal to them. And so he says.

If we believe that Jesus died and rose again. I have wondered about that statement. That word if is not a word of doubt.

And so he is writing to those that is fully persuaded. That they did believe that Jesus died. That word if is not a word of doubt.

It is since we believe that Jesus died. I wonder why he refers to the believer as falling asleep. But then he says Jesus died.

I wonder if he has in mind when he uses that word died here. Whether he is occupied with the suffering character of the death of Christ. All that he suffered.

The wrath of God that he bore in those hours upon the cross. And so he uses this expression that Jesus died. But then he reminds them.

And rose again. So when we stand at the grave. We can say as another pen the words.

O grave where is thy victory? O death where is thy sting? For the Lord of life and glory. Has passed through thy gates the king. That Jesus died and rose again.

Even so them also will God bring with him. That is those sleeping saints are coming back. When the Lord comes back to reign upon this earth.

You remember what Paul said to the Colossians. When Christ who is our life shall appear. Then shall we also appear with him in glory.

Coming back with him. Coming back to this earth with him. And those sleeping saints in Thessalonica are coming back with him.

So now Paul is going to tell them. If we believe that Jesus died and rose again. Notice how he expresses that.

That them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. That is when he comes again. Thus we say 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. So he is going to remind them here.

That the Lord is going to come. He is going to come before the revelation. He is coming at the rapture.

And he is going to come to take every saint home to heaven. My brother here corrected me one time. I accept the correction.

Remember. The synoptic gospels do not have the rapture. I think you should get a hold of that.

I think that is a clear statement of truth. You do not find the rapture in the synoptic gospels. The rapture is not in Matthew chapter 25.

The five wise and the five foolish virgins. The synoptic gospels. Matthew, Mark and Luke.

Bring the Lord Jesus back to earth. Not the rapture. And so it is only when you come to the gospel of John.

That you have the rapture. John pens these words. Let not your heart be troubled.

Ye believe in God. That is a command. Believe God.

Ye believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many mansions. If it were not so, I would have told you.

I go to prepare a place for you. I go to prepare a place for you. I will come again.

And receive you unto Myself. That where I am, there ye may be also. So the Lord is coming.

Paul says here. We which are alive and remain shall not prevent them which are asleep. Shall not prevent.

Shall not precede. Shall not go before. That is those of us who are alive.

So if the Lord came now. Right at this moment. There is only an atom of time difference here.

But the graves of this earth will empty first. And then we will be caught up together to meet the Lord in the air. And so he says when he's writing to the Corinthians.

That the corruptible shall put on incorruption. That is those whose bodies have gone to corruption. Will put on incorruption at the moment of the rapture.

Of course you believe that. Many of your brethren and sisters. Many years ago.

Were forced to run between two lines of Roman soldiers. I'm talking about believers here. Those Roman soldiers had a scourge in their hand.

And as they were forced to run between the lines of those two lines of the Roman soldiers. Those soldiers would use the scourge. Brethren and sisters and even their children.

They were being forced to run into the arena at Rome. And there was a reason for the scourge. The scourge was to draw blood.

They would huddle in the middle of that arena. Before a howling mob. Waiting for the moment when the lions would be loosed.

Because there was blood. The lions would pounce upon those early believers. Your brethren.

Your sisters. They would be devoured by the lions. In the arena at Rome.

You know that there are Christians that have gone down in ships of the sea. And their bodies have been carried or the parts of their bodies to the four corners of this earth. You know that they have been tied to stakes in the ocean.

The covenanters. When the tide comes in they have drowned. You believe, of course, that those bodies are going to be raised.

That the Lord Jesus, when he comes, the creator. For all things were made by him. He will come.

And with a shout that we will notice in just a moment. The dead in Christ are going to rise first. Those bodies, wherever they have gone.

Are going to be summoned together. You have no problem with that, do you? That's what God has said. Every body of every believer.

Regardless of what has happened to that body. That body is going to be raised. That body is going to be raised and we are going to join them.

To meet the Lord in the air. What a moment that is going to be. So we are reminded here that the Lord himself shall descend with a shout.

You notice that it says the Lord himself. He is not sending an angel. This is too important to him.

It means too much to him. There is one longing. In the heart of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Right at this present moment. As we are gathered here. And that longing is at his bride.

That we have been hearing a little about. That his bride is going to meet him in the air. He is waiting for that moment.

And I think one of the brethren last weekend made the comment. And I am very inclined to agree with him. That in Isaiah 53.

He shall see the prevail of his soul. Gathered around him in that moment. Will be the redeemed of the ages.

He will see this is the result of the prevail of his soul. And there will be a satisfaction in the heart of the Lord Jesus. As he sits upon the throne now that he does not have.

But is longing to have. And so this is an important moment to him. This is too precious to him.

He says I will come again. This will be a personal meeting. Between the Lord and his bride.

With a shout. With a command. If you turn to Revelation chapter 4. I am just suggesting this.

My brethren might say something to me after the meeting. But you remember the seven churches of Asia. If you look at them in a prophetic or historical sense.

When you come to the end of chapter 3. And the commencement of chapter 4. You have the rapture. And John is representative. And John is summoned from heaven.

Come up hither. That is really one word. Abinio.

Which really means ascend. I wonder. If that is the word that is going to reach the ear.

Of every believer. When the Lord comes from heaven. To the air above the earth.

With a mighty shout. Ascend. And every believer is going to rise to meet him in the air.

This is too important to him. To send an angel. It says, the Lord himself.

Come up hither. Rise up my love. My fair one.

Come away. You are longing for that moment. The moment when you are going to see him.

The voice of the archangel. I am going to lean a little on a brother who has gone home to heaven here. I am going to lean a little here on Mr. Sidney Maxwell.

Mr. Maxwell made the statement. Archangel like voice. Not the archangel.

But that describes the voice of the Lord. When he comes with that mighty shout. And with the trump of God.

And the dead in Christ. Shall rise first. So all of those believers.

Wherever and whatever has happened to their body. Is going to be raised. First.

And we are going to be changed. I didn't always have gray hair. The failing body is going to be altered.

Going to be changed. And we are told that it is going to be changed like on to his body of glory. What a moment.

To be like Christ. He will be preeminent. He must have the preeminence.

How shall I then know him? Amid those throngs above. What tokens then will show me the object of my love? It will be Christ. We will be occupied with him.

To know what it is to fall at his feet. And with on stammering tongue. And on sinning lip.

To praise him. As we have never praised him here. And so the living are going to be caught up.

There is going to be a reunion. Together with them. Some of the older Christians here knew a man named Mr. Chivas.

I sometimes feel a little sorry for you younger believers. Some of us older believers have heard men preach that you will never hear. Unless you get a hold of a tape recording of their ministry.

I don't know whether you can get Mr. Chivas or not. Mr. Chivas was a very unique man. Mr. Chivas was asked one time if we will know each other in heaven.

He gave a very unique answer. That was Mr. Chivas. And Mr. Chivas said, I don't expect to be stupider there than I am here.

We will know each other in heaven. Earthly relationships will not exist as they have existed here. But when we are caught up together.

The dead in Christ rising first. Those of us who are alive and remain caught up to meet the Lord in the air. I firmly believe we will know each other.

Notice. He says in the air. You know what the air is.

Your Bible will tell you. That the air. That Satan himself is the prince of the power of the air.

That is the realm of Satan. The air. And we are going to meet the Lord in the air.

It seems to me that that suggests very strongly. That just for a moment. When we rise to meet the Lord in the air.

The Lord will say to Satan. Look at this. He will demonstrate.

In the very realm of Satan himself. What the work of the cross has accomplished. What his victory at Calvary has won.

And he will demonstrate. Briefly in the air. When the bride meets him.

And there will be that glorious meeting in the air. And Satan will have to stand back and look. And see.

What he tried to defeat but could not. And the victory that the cross has accomplished. When we meet the Lord Jesus in the air.

So shall we ever be with the Lord. You looking forward to that? Does that not touch your soul? Just now, this afternoon. It may be.

Before we leave this building. That we're going to stand in the very presence. Of the Lord Jesus Christ.

And we're going to see him. And we're going to know what it is. To worship him.

And to worship him eternally. When we meet the Lord in the air.