Matthew 24:44 GET RIGHT FOR THE FLIGHT

Intro: The Disciples asked the Lord when they could expect the end of the world to come, v. 3. Jesus tells them of the many things which will transpire in the last days, v. 4-35. Then, in verses 36-51, Jesus makes a plea for men to be ready to meet Him when He does come. Now, the second coming of Jesus is not one but two parts. Part one is an event that has come to be called the "Rapture". At this time, Jesus will call all those who have received Him as the Savior to come home to Heaven. At this time, He will raise those believers who have already died, and He will take those who are living on to Heaven to be with him forever. Part two will take place around seven years after part one. This event will see the return of Jesus in glory and power. He will descend upon the world an will defeat all of His enemies and will establish His Kingdom upon the earth. He will personally rule in peace and harmony for 1,000 years.

Of these two events, neither can said to be more important than the other, in the eternal scope of things. However, to those of us who are alive this evening, the Rapture is of the utmost of importance. Why? Because it is the next event on the prophetic calender of God and it will happen. In fact, it could happen tonight, tomorrow, or at any time! Therefore, it is imperative that men understand the great need of being ready to meet the Lord when He comes.

My desire this evening is to tell you what the Bible teaches us about this event known as the Rapture. And, in doing so, I hope to show you the importance of being ready to meet the Lord Jesus. Because, just as sure as we are witting here, He will return! Now, let's take a few minutes to look into this matter of the Rapture and talk for a while about the need to Get Right For The Flight.

I. IT WILL BE SUDDEN

A. 1 Cor. 15:51-52 - The Rapture will take place in the twinkling of an eye. A blink of the eye has been times at 1/50th of a second. A twinkling is even faster than that!

B. There will be absolutely no time to prepare. Either a person will be ready at that instant, or he will not be ready.

C. Bible is clear in its teaching that we not count on there be another day in which to get ready, Pro. 27:1, but that we should be saved today, 2 Cor. 6:2.

D. There will be no announcements made, no advertisements posted, the Lord will come and go for His church in a split second of time. (Ill. In the computer world, there is a division of time called the "nano-second". This is a span of time equivalent to 1/1,000,000,000 of a second. If mankind and his technology can achieve this, what can the Lord with His infinite power do?

E. May I remind you that right now is the only time you have. The only time you are guaranteed. Yesterday is a canceled check, tomorrow is a promissary note, today is the only spendable cash you have!

I. It Will Be Sudden

II. IT WILL BE SOLEMN

A. Solemn because all those who do not know the Lord Jesus will be left behind, Luke 17:34-36. (Ill. After the rapture, there will be many who will look for their missing loved ones, but they will never find them and they will never see them again!)

B. Mother's will be separated from their children, husbands from wives, etc. (Ill. Luke 12:42-48 - These verses teach us that today is the time of preparation. If you know to do something and refuse, you are guilty of sin - James 4:17)

C. It will be a solemn time because the rapture will signal the beginning of the Great Tribulation. (Ill. Some of the events of this horrible time.)

I. It Will Be Sudden

II. It Will Be Solemn

III. IT WILL BE SHOCKING

A. Many will expect to go with the redeemed, but will instead be left behind, Ill. Matt. 7:21-22.

B. Many have false hopes for Heaven, but do not be deceived, God knows the heart - Psa. 44:21.

C. There is only one way of salvation this evening, John 3:3, 7. This new birth can only come about through one Person, Acts 4:12. And, when it is obtained, it carries with it a priceless guarantee, John 3:16; John 14:1-3.

D. Don't be shocked after the Rapture, be sure tonight - 2 Peter 1:10; 2 Cor. 13:5.

I. It Will Be Sudden

II. It Will Be Solemn

III. It Will Be Shocking

IV. IT WILL BE SATISFYING

A. There will be a glad reunion at that time, 1 Thes. 4:13-18. Loved ones, saints of old, Jesus, the Heavenly Father will all be there.

B. There will be eternal blessing, 1 Thes. 4:17; Rev. 21:4. There will be only good things there!

C. There will be a new body, 1 Cor. 15:51-53. No more death, disease, aging, pain, etc.

D. There will be a new home. (Ill. We are pilgrims this evening - Heb. 11:30.) One day, we will go home to live in Heaven. (Ill. Streets of gold, no night, no sin, no curse, nothing but glory forever!)

E. It is satisfying to know that I have been made ready through faith in Jesus - Acts 16:31; Eph. 2:8-9.

I. It Will Be Sudden

II. It Will Be Solemn

III. It Will Be Shocking

IV. It Will Be Satisfying

V. IT WILL BE SAD

A. Why sad? Because some who are sitting here this very evening may to be ready to meet Jesus. If He were to come right no, you would never have another opportunity to be saved.

B. Why sad? Because if the Rapture takes place tonight, I will never see you that are lost ever again. No matter how you look at it, that is a sad thing.

C. However, you can be made ready right now, all you have to do is come to Jesus by faith and He will save your soul, John 6:37, and keep you, 1 Pet. 1:5 and take you to Heaven when He returns for His people.

Conc. I look forward to the Rapture. It will be a time of freedom for me, I will simply leave this old world with its problems, sin and death behind and will ascend to Heaven where I will enjoy the presence of the Lord and His saints forever. The question is, what will happen to you? If Jesus came right now, would you go to be with Him, or would you be left behind to endure the Tribulation? Would your be a future in Heaven, or in Hell? If there is the slightest hint of doubt about your relationship to the Lord Jesus, I beg you plaese give Him your heart tonight and get right for the flight.

Sermon By Alan Carr