The Alternative January 6, 2019
We long for the appearing of the Lord. He said I am coming for you. What wondrous love! When Jesus came, those that were looking received full glory. Those that weren’t looking missed the glory. For today, some will miss it. He’s offered us a Bridegroom, that’s the next appearing, and those looking for it will get all that glory.
1 Thessalonians 4:15-17 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. 16 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: 17 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.
Alive = “abiding in full vigor, panting”. Only Paul’s gospel can put that vigor in you. When you know the love of Christ, you pant for Him. Every believer will be with Him, but how will you be with Him? The word of His grace builds you up into His masterpiece.
Romans 13:11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.
Now is the time. Be ready. Jesus loves us. He’s chosen us. We live in the time of the most holy (set apart) faith. Many don’t want this – they think it is too much. God foreknew your heart. Submit to Him, that’s what a worshipper is, a lover drawing nigh in fervent love – full vigor!
The church in Philadelphia understood this crown message. They were full of brotherly love and kept His word.
Revelation 3:10-11 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. 11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.
They are raptured before the tribulation. They will hear the trump (1 Thes. 4:16). There are ranks in the resurrection. There is a sun glory. This company was spared from the tribulation. Here is the alternative:
Revelation 7:9 After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;
These do not have crowns, they wave a palm.
Revelation 7:14-17 And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15 Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. 16 They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. 17 For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.
God wants us to worship Him (like Mary), not serve Him (like Martha). What you receive here is what you will receive there (serve here – you’ll serve there). They came out of the tribulation, they weren’t kept from it. There is a famine for the word of God. They cry salvation but know nothing about salvation with eternal glory. They have to have tears wiped from their eyes. By the grace of God there will be no tears for me, I will run into my Bridegroom. They squandered their opportunity, the plan of the Father.
Matthew 24:3-8 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? 4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. 5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. 6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.
Sorrows, that’s your alternative. God help us to wake up. Quit being fascinated with prophesy, but let it motivate you. Joy unspeakable and full of glory. This is what we live for. The few that believe are always fully rewarded. Our reward is coming. A better thing. Glorified together with Him! By the grace of God, let us be alive to His love. His love will make you like Him, for Him. Don’t miss it. Jesus increase our faith!
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