Hope and Unity in the Promise of the Rapture
Summary
In today's sermon, we explored the profound truths of God's Word, focusing on the hope and comfort found in the doctrine of the rapture, or 'harpazo' as it is termed in the original Greek, which means 'caught up.' We delved into the scriptural basis for this doctrine, particularly examining 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 and Revelation chapters 4 and 5, to understand the implications of this event for believers and the church as a whole.
We began by acknowledging the miraculous healing of our brother Jim Muscrat, a testament to God's power and mercy. This led us to a discussion on the importance of not presuming upon God's will for healing on this side of heaven, recognizing that while we rejoice in miracles, we also accept the reality of suffering and death in this fallen world.
Turning to the Scriptures, we examined the Thessalonian church's concern about those who had died before Christ's return. Paul reassures them that those who have 'fallen asleep' in Jesus will be resurrected, and together with the living believers, will be 'caught up' to meet the Lord in the air. This passage provided us with a foundation for understanding the rapture and the resurrection as simultaneous events that offer hope and comfort to believers.
In Revelation, we scrutinized the identity of the 24 elders present in the heavenly throne room scenes. Through careful exegesis, we concluded that these elders represent the redeemed church, a people group distinct from angels, the 144,000 Jewish evangelists, and the tribulation saints. The elders' presence in heaven before the tribulation suggests that the church will not endure God's wrath during this period.
Throughout the sermon, we emphasized the importance of maintaining unity within the body of Christ, despite differing views on the timing of the rapture. We encouraged believers to focus on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising its shame, and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
We concluded with a call to live with an eternal perspective, to comfort one another with the hope of Christ's return, and to be ready at any moment for His coming. We were reminded that our ultimate destination far surpasses any current situation we may face, and that our faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Key Takeaways:
- The doctrine of the rapture ('harpazo') is a source of hope and comfort for believers, reminding us that we will be united with Christ and those who have passed away in faith. This truth should not divide us but rather encourage us to live with an eternal perspective, eagerly awaiting Jesus' return. [01:25:46]
- The healing of our brother Jim Muscrat serves as a reminder that while we rejoice in God's miraculous interventions, we must also accept the reality of suffering and death. Our faith is not contingent on the outcomes we desire but on the steadfast love and sovereignty of God. [37:19]
- The 24 elders in Revelation represent the redeemed church, signifying that the church will not experience the tribulation. This interpretation is supported by the scriptural evidence and the principle of first mention, which links the number 24 to a people group in 1 Chronicles 24 and 25. [01:13:03]
- Our unity as believers is paramount, and we must avoid division over eschatological views. Instead, we should grow in love for God and one another, demonstrating the love of Christ to the world and sharing the gospel with those who do not yet know Him. [01:29:41]
- Engaging with God's Word is essential for understanding His plan for our lives and for the world. As we study Scripture, we grow in faith and gain a clearer vision of God's promises, which enables us to face trials with hope and perseverance. [01:06:20]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
2. Revelation 4:4-5
3. Hebrews 12:2
#### Observation Questions
1. What does the term "harpazo" mean, and how is it related to the concept of the rapture? ([38:40])
2. According to 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, what will happen to those who have "fallen asleep" in Jesus when He returns? ([45:00])
3. Who do the 24 elders in Revelation 4:4-5 represent, and what is their significance in the context of the rapture? ([54:00])
4. How does Hebrews 12:2 describe Jesus' attitude towards the cross, and what does this teach us about enduring trials? ([50:46])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is the doctrine of the rapture considered a "blessed hope" for believers, and how should this hope influence our daily lives? ([39:20])
2. How does the miraculous healing of Jim Muscrat serve as a reminder of God's power and the reality of suffering in this world? ([37:07])
3. What is the significance of the 24 elders being in heaven before the tribulation, and how does this support the idea that the church will not experience God's wrath during this period? ([54:00])
4. How can believers maintain unity within the body of Christ despite differing views on the timing of the rapture? ([50:00])
#### Application Questions
1. The sermon emphasized living with an eternal perspective. What are some practical ways you can shift your focus from temporary concerns to eternal ones this week? ([44:03])
2. Reflect on a time when you experienced a miraculous intervention or healing. How did it impact your faith, and how can you balance rejoicing in miracles with accepting the reality of suffering? ([37:07])
3. How can you actively comfort and encourage fellow believers with the hope of Christ's return, especially those who are going through difficult times? ([48:12])
4. In what ways can you contribute to maintaining unity within your church, especially when there are differing opinions on theological matters? ([50:00])
5. The sermon mentioned the importance of engaging with God's Word to understand His plan for our lives. What specific steps can you take to deepen your Bible study and grow in faith? ([06:20])
6. How can you demonstrate the love of Christ to those who do not yet know Him, and what are some practical ways to share the gospel in your daily interactions? ([29:00])
7. Think of a current trial or challenge you are facing. How can the hope of the rapture and the promise of being united with Christ help you endure this situation with faith and perseverance? ([50:46])
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing the Hope of Rapture
The rapture offers believers a future reunion with Christ and the faithful departed. This doctrine is not merely a theological concept but a source of immense hope and encouragement. It reminds us that life's trials are temporary and that a glorious future awaits those who trust in Jesus. The anticipation of being 'caught up' with Him should inspire a life of holiness and eagerness for His return. This hope is not meant to create division but to unite believers in a common expectation of Jesus' triumphant return. As one awaits this event, it is crucial to encourage one another and to live in a way that reflects a deep longing for Christ's presence. [01:25:46]
"But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep." - 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 ESV
Reflection: How does the hope of the rapture influence your daily life and interactions with others who may not share this belief?
Day 2: Faith Beyond Miracles
The miraculous healing witnessed in the congregation serves as a powerful reminder of God's ability to intervene in human affairs. However, it is essential to recognize that faith is not predicated on witnessing miracles but on trusting in God's character and sovereignty. Believers are called to rejoice in God's miraculous works while also understanding that suffering and death are part of the current human experience. This perspective helps maintain a balanced view of God's will, acknowledging that His ways are higher than ours and that His love remains steadfast, regardless of the outcomes we face in this life. [37:19]
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." - Isaiah 55:8-9 ESV
Reflection: How can you cultivate a faith that rests in God's sovereignty, even when your prayers for healing or intervention are not answered as you hoped?
Day 3: The Church's Heavenly Representation
The presence of the 24 elders in the book of Revelation is a profound symbol of the church's place in heaven. This imagery suggests that the church, distinct from other groups such as angels and tribulation saints, will be spared from the wrath of the tribulation. The elders' role in the heavenly throne room scenes reinforces the belief that the redeemed will reign with Christ. This interpretation encourages believers to view themselves as part of a royal priesthood, called to serve God and represent His kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. [01:13:03]
"And around the throne, on each side of the throne, are four living creatures, full of eyes in front and behind... and the twenty-four elders fall down before him who is seated on the throne and worship him who lives forever and ever. They cast their crowns before the throne, saying, 'Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.'" - Revelation 4:6, 10-11 ESV
Reflection: In what ways can you live out your identity as part of the royal priesthood, representing the redeemed church on earth?
Day 4: Unity in Eschatological Diversity
While believers may hold different views on the timing and nature of the rapture, it is imperative to maintain unity within the body of Christ. The focus should remain on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, and on the command to love one another as He has loved us. This unity is a testament to the world of Christ's love and can be a powerful witness to those who do not yet know Him. By prioritizing love and unity over doctrinal differences, the church can more effectively fulfill its mission to share the gospel and demonstrate the transformative power of God's love. [01:29:41]
"Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling." - 1 Peter 4:8-9 ESV
Reflection: How can you contribute to fostering unity in your church community, especially with those who have different views on end-times theology?
Day 5: Anchored in God's Word
Engagement with Scripture is vital for understanding God's plan and promises. Through the study of God's Word, believers grow in faith and gain a clearer vision of the hope that sustains them through trials. The Bible is not just a historical document but a living text that speaks into the realities of the present. It is the lens through which one can view current circumstances and the foundation upon which to build a life of perseverance and hope. [01:06:20]
"For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope." - Romans 15:4 ESV
Reflection: What is one specific way you can deepen your engagement with Scripture this week to better understand God's promises and His plan for your life?
Quotes
1) "So let us not divide on these matters. Let us grow in the love for God and the love for one another, preferring one another over ourselves." [01:29:41] ()
2) "The doctrine of harpazo, the doctrine of the snatching, the catching up is in the Bible. So I'm not going to explain it away, it's there. As far as the timing, we could debate that. But the hope is in Jesus, and we are to find comfort in His return." [01:25:46] ()
3) "The doctrine of being caught up really shapes our outlook on life and really prompts us to have an eternal perspective in all things. You know what? The Lord is going to get me through this." [01:27:04] ()
4) "The 24 elders represent the church. The identification of this group in heaven, what you do with them will affect your view on the timing of the harpazo, that catching up." [54:42] ()
5) "The 24 divisions shifts represent and cover the Israel people group. So if that is the case, and 24 represents an entire nation according to first chronicles 24, then to conclude that 24 elders is representing a people group, then we can come to the conclusion based on scripture that the 24 elders represent the church." [01:13:03] ()
6) "The church age believers, based on if the elders are a representation of the church, then the church will not go through the tribulation because we find the elders, the 24 elders, starting in what verse? So he said it, Revelation 4.4, which is before the tribulation." [01:17:12] ()
7) "The elders are not Israel. The Revelation 12 speaks of the nations being persecuted by Satan during the time of tribulation. And so if Israel is occupying during the tribulation, then the elders cannot be Israel." [01:09:42] ()
8) "The 24 elders sit on throes, clothed and white robes, and they have crowns of gold on their heads, physical heads, not spirit heads, right? We're talking about an embodied person." [01:14:22] ()
9) "The church is sitting on throes, Revelation 321, to him who overcomes who's the overcomer, the believers. I will grant to sit with me on my throne, as I also overcame and sat down with my father on his throne." [01:15:38] ()
10) "The 24 elders are in heaven which means they're in heaven through the totality of the tribulation. Verse 4, tribulation hasn't even started in chapter 4, and we see them in chapter 19." [58:34] ()
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