A HEAVENLY SOUND
By Carolyn Dale Newell
For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 1 Thessalonians 4:16 NKJV
The lovely trumpet is the sound Christians long to hear. With one shrill blast, we will meet Jesus Christ in the air. The church will be raptured out of this world at that precise moment (1 This. 4:17). While we wait, there is much work to be done for the kingdom of God.
First, we need to get our own lives in order. The knowledge that Jesus could come at any time – in a twinkling of an eye (1 Cor. 15:52) – should have a purifying effect on us. Being holy as He is holy is our goal. It is necessary for us to examine ourselves. Is there sin in our lives? Are our priorities in the right order? Are we putting God first or is He only thought of on Sundays? Are we doing all we can to serve Him?
The next thing God requires from us is to share the gospel with the unsaved. Now more than ever, the end of time is apparent. Multiple destructive hurricanes, frequent earthquakes, and evil running rampant are signs of the times. It is our duty to tell the unbelieving world God loves them so much that He sent His only begotten Son to die on Calvary’s cross.
Unbelievers must recognize they are sinners. Many people consider themselves to be good people.
There is none who does good, no, not one. Romans 3:12b
Have they ever lied? Have they ever Lusted? Have they ever Stolen? Just one sin will send a person to hell. That is all it takes.
However, Jesus Christ paid the sin debt for us, and when we trust Him as our Lord and Savior, we will be saved from hell. Instead of God’s wrath, we will be blessed by God’s redemption. We will spend eternity in heaven.
Have you seen a noticeable change in your life? A person who comes to a personal relationship with Christ will be forever changed. They will hate sin and love righteousness. They will want to be in church. Christians possess hope as we look forward to the trumpet sound. What a glorious day that will be!
In the meantime, stay in God’s Word. Time in the Bible is time well spent. Spend time in prayer, also. Ask God to reveal hidden sins. None of us are perfect, but praise God, we are better than we used to be.
At the sound of the trumpet, we will no longer struggle with sin. We will no longer suffer. There will be no more parting, tears or pain. May we say with the Apostle John, “Come quickly Lord Jesus”!
Dear Lord, how we anxiously await that beautiful day when You will gather us to Yourself! For now, help us live for You. Cleanse us from sin! Direct our lives and give us the courage to witness. Prepare the heart of each one who needs to hear the gospel. Save them Lord! Thank You, and we pray in Your name, sweet, Jesus. Amen!
DIG DEEPER
Read 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18.
HIKING THE TRAIL
Who is one person you can reach this week with the gospel message? Perhaps after reading this, you doubt your own salvation. Pray, asking for forgiveness. If you truly mean this, you will be gloriously saved.
Copyright 2017 Carolyn Dale Newell.
A Mountain of Faith 