Bible Pathways - Dec. 7, 2007
In Today's Reading:
Paul's preaching; his appeal for purity; coming day of the Lord
The certainty of the believer's eternal life with Christ is based on the physical resurrection of Jesus Christ (I Corinthians 15:20-23). The Apostle Paul wrote: If we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep (die) 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 (precede) them which are asleep (have died). For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with 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: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort (encourage) one another with these words (I Thessalonians 4:14-18).
The return of Christ will be the greatest event since His ascension when, while they beheld, He was taken up; and a cloud received Him out of their sight (Acts 1:9). Prior to His ascension, Jesus had promised His disciples: 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. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also (John 14:2-3). His return was confirmed at the time of His ascension by two witnesses from heaven: This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven (Acts 1:11).
There are no words to adequately describe the glorious return of our Lord Jesus Christ. All of history is reduced to just two ages: the present age that began with Adam, and the age to come. You know perfectly (full well) that the Day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night (I Thessalonians 5:2). We are moving toward the appointed day of the Lord. This is the joyous anticipation of every Christian who is faithfully preparing and waiting for the triumphant return of our Redeemer.
Because of this assurance of Christ's return, comfort yourselves together, and edify one another (I Thessalonians 5:11).
Cross References:
For I Thessalonians 5:4: See Isaiah 35:4.
Word Studies:
2:2 entreated =b> mistreated; outrageously treated; 2:9 chargeable =b> a burden; 3:8 fast =b> firm; 4:4 possess his vessel =b> control his body; 5:14 unruly =b> disorderly.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Staff: Mary Kay Wagner • Government Officials: Sen. Thad Cochran (MS) and Sen. Susan Collins (ME) • Country: Swaziland (985,000) in southern Africa • Major languages: English and siSwati • Religious freedom • 67% Protestant; 19% animism, spirit-possession cults, and divination; 11% Roman Catholic; 3% Baha'i • Prayer Suggestion: Lift up your prayers with a spirit of thankfulness and praise to the Lord (Psalm 79:13).
Memory Verse for the Week: Hebrews 12:14
