Be inspired by this dramatic true story from the ministry of the great preacher and author, R. A. Torrey.
In the 1800’s R.A. Torrey was preaching on the Second coming of Christ before a crowd of nearly 3,000 people. As he finished the sermon, Dr. Torrey felt carried away by his subject and climaxed saying: “It may be that before we arise in the morning… or that before we sleep tonight… or it may be that before we have finished our lunch today … or indeed it may be that before I finish this sermon – we shall hear the sound of the trump and the voice of the archangel announcing He is here!”
At that moment there was a crash of thunder, and a blinding flash of lightning from the sky outside filled the auditorium with white light. Apparently believing Jesus had come, the audience panicked. The crowd stumbled from their seats and rushed to the doors.
All except the great evangelist Dwight L. Moody’s sister who sat in front. She just threw back her head and laughed. Later she told Torrey, “I thought the Lord had come.”
That was what everybody else thought too. But their response was one of terror rather than joy.
Friends, Jesus is coming soon! His first coming was in humility, but His next coming will be in authority. He first came as a helpless little baby; He will return as King of kings and Lord of lords. He will come to judge the nations (Matthew 25:31-46) and to rule and reign for all eternity (Revelation 11:15).
Therefore today is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2). The day He returns will be too late to get ready to meet Him. We must be like the five wise virgins who were prepared for His coming; not like the five foolish ones who were not prepared (Matthew 25:1-13). We must be ready so that we do not perish in condemnation and judgment.
When is sin judged? If you are not a Christian, your sin will be judged at the Great White Throne Judgment (Revelation 20:11-15). Everyone who has ever lived will stand before the Lord, and if your name is not found in the Lamb’s Book of Life, there will be one verdict – “Guilty”! – and one judgment – “be cast into hell for all eternity”.
But if you have accepted Christ as your Savior, then your sin has been judged already. Jesus is your Great Substitute; what He did on the cross, He did to take your place of judgment and suffering. Your sin was judged and paid for on Calvary’s cross. “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). O praise His Name forever more!
This Sunday, November 3, we will continue our study series through Paul’s letters to the church at Thessalonica entitled “Live READY!” with the topic, “The Coming Judgment!” (2nd Thessalonians 1:1-12). Please invite someone to join you at 10:35am in the building or online for the Live broadcast on either Facebook (Honolulu AG) or our YouTube channel (Honolulu Assembly of God). We Livestream every Sunday at 10:35am to both locations and would love to have you join us.
Ladies and keiki, please reserve this Saturday, November 2, for “Sweet Surprises” at 11:30am in the Fellowship Hall, a fun time of sharing together plus preparing for December’s Treasure Trade. Bring something delicious to add to the table and enjoy the fun and fellowship. Our November “Drive-through Prayer” outreach in the parking lot is also this Saturday from 11am-1pm.
It’s coming soon! On Sunday, November 24, Honolulu Assembly of God will celebrate “50 years of Aloha!” with a special service at 10am featuring special speaker Renee Lo to be followed by a catered Lunch. Please mark your calendar and be sure to join us that day. Since the lunch will be catered, kindly confirm your reservation by Wednesday, November 6. Please contact us at either (phone) 808-737-5789 or (email) office@honoluluag.com. Mahalo!
Aloha ke Akua!
Comentarios