Exalting God's Greatness: The Rapture and Second Coming
Summary
In the sermon, I was reminded of the greatness of God and how every revelation about Him is meant to exalt His greatness and glory. The sermon focused on the second coming of Christ and how it magnifies the greatness of God. The speaker made a clear distinction between the Rapture and the second coming of Christ, explaining that the Rapture is a demonstration of grace, while the second coming is a demonstration of God's judgment on Earth. The speaker emphasized that prophecy is primarily meant to point us to the person of Jesus Christ and to the greatness of God.
The sermon also highlighted the importance of understanding the truths about God, even when they make us uncomfortable. The speaker pointed out that there are times when truths about God should stretch us beyond what we are comfortable with. For instance, the fact that God is a "man of war" and that Christ will bring judgment and justice upon His second coming. The speaker encouraged us to see past the desire for details and to focus on the greatness of God revealed in these prophecies.
Key takeaways:
- The Rapture and the second coming of Christ are two distinct events, with the former being a demonstration of grace and the latter being a demonstration of God's judgment. [49:30]
- Prophecy is primarily meant to point us to the person of Jesus Christ and to the greatness of God. [42:20]
- There are times when truths about God should stretch us beyond what we are comfortable with, such as the fact that God is a "man of war" and that Christ will bring judgment and justice upon His second coming. [45:48]
- It's important to see past the desire for details and to focus on the greatness of God revealed in these prophecies. [42:31]
Study Guide
Main Points from the Sermon:
1. The Day of the Lord is not a 24-hour day, but a period of time in which significant events will take place. This includes the Rapture of the church and the second coming of Christ, which are two distinct events. The Rapture is a demonstration of grace, while the second coming is a demonstration of God's judgment on Earth. [42:31]
2. The greatness of God is demonstrated by the gathering of the wicked. All the nations of the world will assemble themselves around the nation of Israel and the city of Jerusalem. This gathering is influenced by Satan and his demonic forces, but ultimately, it is God who gathers the nations. [53:49]
3. Encountering the presence of God and having a deeper understanding and awareness of God's greatness can radically and dramatically change your life. When we see how great God is, we are humbled, we worship Him, and we serve and obey Him. [50:51]
Bible Chapters for the Group to Read:
1. Revelation 19
2. Zechariah 14
3. Isaiah 6
Discussion Guide:
Observation Questions:
1. What are the key differences between the Rapture and the second coming of Christ as described in the sermon?
2. How does the gathering of the wicked nations demonstrate the greatness of God?
3. What happens when we encounter the presence of God and become aware of His greatness?
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of the Day of the Lord as a period of time, rather than a single day, change your understanding of end times?
2. How does the gathering of the wicked nations around Israel relate to current world events?
3. How does Isaiah's encounter with God in Isaiah 6 illustrate the transformative power of God's presence?
Application Questions:
1. How can we prepare ourselves for the Rapture and the second coming of Christ?
2. How can we respond to the gathering of the wicked nations in our prayers and actions?
3. How can we seek to encounter God's presence and become more aware of His greatness in our daily lives?
Devotional
Day 1: The Greatness of God is Demonstrated by the Gathering of the Wicked
God's greatness is not only demonstrated in the blessings and miracles we witness, but also in the midst of wickedness and injustice. God's divine plan is at work even when we cannot see it, and His greatness is revealed in His ability to bring justice and righteousness out of wickedness.
Psalm 37:12-13 - "The wicked plot against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them; but the Lord laughs at the wicked, for he knows their day is coming."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you witnessed a situation that seemed wicked or unjust. How did you see God's greatness demonstrated in that situation? How can you use the knowledge of God's greatness and divine plan to navigate through situations that seem wicked or unjust in your life?
Day 2: The Rapture and the Second Coming of Christ are Distinct Events
Understanding the distinction between the Rapture and the Second Coming of Christ can deepen our faith and hope in God's promises. The Rapture refers to the event when believers will be caught up to meet Christ in the air, while the Second Coming refers to Christ's return to earth to establish His kingdom.
1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 - "For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever."
Reflection: How does understanding the distinction between the Rapture and the Second Coming of Christ impact your faith and hope in God's promises? How can you use the knowledge of the Rapture and the Second Coming of Christ to encourage other believers in their faith journey?
Day 3: Encountering the Greatness of God Leads to Transformation
When we encounter the greatness of God, it leads to a transformation in our lives. This transformation is not just a one-time event, but a continuous process as we grow in our relationship with God.
Romans 12:2 - "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."
Reflection: Can you recall a specific moment when you encountered the greatness of God that led to a significant change in your life? How can you create more opportunities to encounter God's greatness in your daily life?
Day 4: Christ is the Incomparable King of Kings and Lord of Lords
Acknowledging Christ as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords influences our daily decisions and actions. It reminds us of His sovereignty over all things and encourages us to live in obedience to His commands.
Revelation 19:16 - "On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: king of kings and lord of lords."
Reflection: How does acknowledging Christ as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords influence your daily decisions and actions? How can you share the truth of Christ's incomparable kingship with others in a way that is respectful and loving?
Day 5: Worshiping the Glory of God
Worshiping the glory of God impacts our perspective on the challenges and blessings in our life. It reminds us of God's greatness and goodness, and encourages us to trust in His plans and purposes.
Psalm 29:2 - "Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness."
Reflection: How does worshiping the glory of God impact your perspective on the challenges and blessings in your life? What are some practical ways you can incorporate worship into your daily routine, beyond just attending church services?
Quotes
1. "When we see how great God is we can do nothing but be humbled before him. We will worship him, we will serve and obey him. You cannot encounter the presence and have a deeper understanding and awareness of God's greatness without it radically and dramatically changing your life." - 49:30
2. "What a day that will be when my Jesus I shall see. When I look upon his face, the one who saved me by his grace. When he takes me by the hand and leads me through the Promised Land, what a day, glorious day that will be." - 38:33
3. "God is Sovereign. God is absolutely Supreme. God has no equals, God has no rivals but he has sovereignly chosen to rule and govern in this world through the agency of Supernatural Powers, some of them that are evil." - 52:56
4. "See him in his glory. If you see him in his glory now and you acknowledge Him as the King of Kings and the Lord of lords then there will be a day when we will be in his presence." - 01:11:53
5. "He is the Lord of lords and the king of kings and one day, one day he will return in Triumph. Father, I pray this morning that our hearts will be moved to worship your glory." - 01:11:53
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