This Truth Comforts the Saints ((music playing)) I'm so glad to be with you today and I want to talk to you about the coming of the Lord. Every so often I like to remind you Jesus is coming back >> because it keeps the fire burning in us. With me, by the way, is Pastor Dan with us. I'm glad he's here. And thank you for your love and support. I really mean that with all of my heart. Lord, thank you for your work. To you be the glory and the honor and the praise, most wonderful Jesus. >> And God's people said, "Amen." And amen. All right, let's begin with John 14:3. You know, talking about the coming of the Lord to me is so exciting because it says, "Seeing these things, you purify us." >> Yes. Seeing that the Lord will return, you purify yourselves even as you are pure. And it keeps us holy. It keeps us living for the Lord. >> All right. John 14:3. >> And if I GO AND PREPARE JESUS HAVE MERCY, [gasps] PASTOR. WOO. >> I just love it. >> Now you Now you interrupted me and I was going to tell you I was raised with >> It's okay. It's okay. Let's go. >> I was raised with talking about the coming of the Lord all the time. I'm so glad because we need to remind people he's coming. >> People don't talk about it. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto myself that where I am there ye may be also. >> Now that is the rapture because he said, I will receive you unto myself. Read that again as Gloria. >> And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto myself that where I am there ye may be also. Because see, when we talk about the coming of the Lord, saints, we talk about two two stages. >> Stage one is the rapture, what we call the rapture of the church. >> Stage two is when the Lord returns to judge the world >> and to reign for a thousand years. >> But when he comes for for his own, that's the rapture. That's why it says, >> I'm coming to receive you unto myself. It's for the church. Same thing we find in Hebrews 9 verse 28. And there's many other scriptures, but I'm going to give you just some of them. Hebrews 9:28. These all deal with the Lord's coming for his church. >> I love it. >> Yeah. >> So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many, and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time. >> Rapture of the church. Those who look for him, that's the rapture of the church. He will appear the second time for those who look for him. The world is not looking for him. The church is. >> Amen. >> That's the rapture of the church. Okay. >> Now, let's go to Philippians 3 20 and 21. One of my favorites. Oh my goodness. And then, of course, 1 Thessalonians chapter 4 16 and 17. But I'm going to have Dear Dan read for us, Pastor Dan read for us. Philippians 3 20 and 21. For our conversation is in heaven, from whence also we look for the savior, >> meaning our citizenship is in heaven. >> Uhhuh. Yeah. Go ahead. >> Okay. The Lord Jesus Christ, who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself. >> Now read verse 20 one more time. For our conversation, >> our citizenship. >> Ah, I did not know that. >> Is in heaven. >> Ah, >> okay. And >> from who? From whence also we look for the savior. >> Ah, the rapture. We look for the savior. The world is not looking. We're we're looking for the for the we're looking for the savior. There's again the rapture mentioned in those precious beautiful scriptures. And when you look at 1 Thessalonians 4 and verse 16 and 17, you know, you look for those beautiful words like we look for him, he's coming for us. It's all about when you see the church there, it's the rapture. >> Okay, that's how you can tell the different stages. >> Stage one for the church. Stage two comes to judge and rule. Yeah. The world. All right. So 1 Thessalonians 4 >> 16:17 says, >> "For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout." Yeah. >> With the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God, and the dead in Christ shall rise first. >> 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. You know, people sometimes question the rapture, not realizing there's been six of them already. Six raptures already. >> Well, come on. Elijah was a rapture. [laughter] >> Yes. Yes. >> Okay. >> Yes. >> So, there's been six raptures already in the Bible >> when you look at them. >> Mhm. >> Okay. The the first was Elijah the prophet. Yes. He was taken up to heaven. Okay. How about before him? Enoch. >> Enoch. He was no more. >> Yeah. >> So really, he is the first then Elijah. So there's two right there. >> Yes, sir. >> And then you you think about the different raptures mentioned in the old covenant and in the new >> and in the new. >> Yeah. >> Yes, sir. >> So, but we'll talk about that later. All right. Let's look at Acts chapter 3. >> Oh, that's >> verse 19. >> That's a good one. >> And 20. You know, pastor, when I was a kid being raised, they preached about the coming of the Lord all the time. Preachers don't preach about it anymore. >> Well, I'm glad you're doing this. >> No, I have to. You know, even though I taught on this before, precious people, I need to keep reminding everyone. >> Yes. >> I remind myself as I remind myself, >> yes, >> the Lord is coming. >> The Lord is coming. >> You know, this is what we live for. Yes. >> This is our our greatest hope >> to see his his return. >> Amen. >> All right. Acts 3 verse 19 and 20. >> Repent ye therefore and be converted that your sins may be blotted out when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord. And he shall send Jesus Christ which before was preached unto you. Shall I continue? >> Yes. whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began. >> And that again is the rapture because right before the rapture of the church, he will restore all things in the church. And once that is done, he will return. Now the coming of the Lord is mentioned, think about how important it is to God is mentioned 3818 times. >> Wow. >> Yeah. >> Really? In the Bible. >> Wow. In the New Testament alone, the coming of the Lord Jesus is mentioned 200, sorry, 318 times just in the New Testament. >> I did not know that. >> Yeah. Wow. So, so when you think about this that in 260 chapters of the New Testament, one in every 25 verses mentions the coming of the Lord. >> Wow. >> So, when you think about this that 318 times, >> my goodness, >> the coming of the Lord is mentioned in the New Testament alone. >> Wow. >> Yeah. In 260 chapters every 24 >> 260 chapters are in the New Testament. >> Yes. >> Okay. So one in every 25 verses mentions the coming of the Lord in the New Testament. >> Wow. >> Yeah. >> That so if it's that important we should talk about it. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Yes. >> All right. And there's much more in the old B by you know by the way. So the Bible tells us that this truth brings comfort to us. >> Amen. >> So let's go to 1 Thessalonians 4:18. It says that we are to comfort each other with these words. >> These words, >> the coming of the Lord. And that's why I'm I'm teaching it again today. >> Amen. We need >> First Thessalonians 4:18 says, >> "Wherefore comfort one another with these words, >> the coming of the Lord." >> Yes, sir. >> To know that this life isn't just about living in this world. Yeah, >> it's it's living for Jesus. The whole reason for life, >> Amen. >> is to meet the prince of life, the Lord himself, the one who is life, the Lord himself. >> Yes. >> And to prepare for his coming. Everything we do on this earth, everything we say on this earth matters. >> Amen. >> In the next life. >> Amen. >> Amen. Everything we do, everything we say will count on that day. >> Amen. >> So in Isaiah 40 verse one [clears throat] and then verse 9 and 10, I want to show you again this beautiful portion that talks about the coming of the Lord. This is Isaiah chapter 40. Just read for me verse one and then you're going to read verse 9 and 10 after that. Comfort she comfort she my people saith your God. Oh Zion that bringest good tidings. Get thee up into the high mountain. >> Now you're reading verse 9. >> Isaiah 40:9. >> No. No. I want to read Isaiah 40:1. Yes. First of all. >> Yes. >> One more time. >> Comfort ye. Comfort ye my people, saith your God. >> Okay. So God says, "Comfort my people." >> Mhm. >> Okay. Now we have the message of comfort. >> Yes sir. >> Let's look at verse 9 and 10 >> in the same chapter. >> Same [snorts] chapter. >> Oh Zion that bringeth good tidings, get thee up into the high mountain. Oh Jerusalem that bringeth good tidings, lift up thy voice with strength. Lift it up. Be not afraid. Say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God. >> That's it. >> I love that scripture. Behold your God. >> He's coming. a man. [snorts] >> So comfort your people >> and say he's coming. >> He's coming. >> Behold your God. >> Ain't that beautiful? >> Amen. >> This is beautiful. >> Amen. >> Uh in the book of Titus chapter 2 verse 13, I'm giving you scriptures about the rapture, the coming of the Lord because I want you to to be established in this. >> Amen. Amen. Because so many so many people today are questioning it. >> Yeah. And they don't know >> or nobody tells them. >> Yes. Well, that's it. >> Okay. Titus 2:13. >> Looking for that blessed hope. >> That's it. >> And the glorious appearing of the great God and our savior Jesus Christ. You know they say they say that this world in the natural in the natural people who don't even believe the Bible people who don't talk about God in any way say that this world cannot last long with all that's going on on the planet that some kind of disaster is going to happen. >> Makes sense. a nuclear war of some sort or some global conflict that will bring the the end of the world. Well, the Bible talks about that, too. But we as believers, we are looking for the coming of the Lord. >> We're not thinking about disaster and troubles because we won't be here for that. That's why the rapture of the church brings comfort. Amen. The God's word talks about the great tribulation. Imagine great tribulation when every city will be destroyed on the planet. Every city. You know, we talk about what happened. People talk about what what happened in Japan years years ago in uh Hiroshima, Nagasaki >> and the atomic bomb. And even to this day, they still talk about it. And now they have bombs that are way more powerful. Way more powerful. >> Yes, sir. >> And nations now that want to get nuclear weapons, >> dear God. >> Like Iran. >> Yeah. >> Think about the danger there and there. >> North Korea >> that gets in their hands. Yeah. >> So, so but the coming of the Lord, that is the greatest news we can talk about. >> Amen. Amen. >> Because no peace will come to the world till Jesus comes. >> Amen. It it cannot come till he's here. >> So you just read in the book of Titus about the great hope. We all have it. >> How about second Peter 3 11 12 and 13? Because this is so wonderful when you look at it. Let's let's read it. >> Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved. >> Yeah. Well, I've been talking about that. But he says, "Seeing that everything's going to be dissolved in this world, okay, >> what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, looking for and hasting under the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat. Nevertheless, we according to his promise look for new heavens, and a new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness." So even Peter talked about the day when this earth will be destroyed. God himself will destroy this earth and and create a brand new one. The Bible says >> think about the glory >> of being there seeing God create a new earth >> because we will be there. This earth when when God created this earth the angels saw that and they were rejoicing. Oh, but we >> we will see the new earth created. >> Wow. I never thought of that. >> Well, yeah. >> Wow. >> And you know this this this hope in us is so is that's why it's called the blessed hope. >> Amen. >> It's the desire of every true believer. >> If you well, I shouldn't say if. When you become a believer, >> that will become your greatest desire >> is to see Jesus. Even so, come quickly. >> That is the last prayer in the Bible. >> Yeah. >> Come Lord Jesus. Revelation 22:20. >> Yeah. >> Come Lord Jesus. >> Let's let's read second Peter 3 verse 3 and 4 here >> because I think this is something that uh I need to bring up and explain. Go ahead. 2 Peter 3:3, "Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, >> yep, >> walking after their own lust." So, the coming of the Lord here is a is a truth that is mocked. >> Yes. >> That that uh uh that the world doesn't want to hear about. >> And some in the church, too. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Read that again. knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers. >> Yeah. >> Walking after their own lust, and saying, "Where is the promise of his coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation." >> So, here's here's how you can tell the the true believer from from the heathen. The true believer is waiting for the coming of of the Lord. >> The unbeliever mocks it. Yes. >> So, anyone who mocks it is not a real believer. Even though there be people who may be in church, >> yeah, that's what you just said. >> Who call themselves believers if they're not looking for that glorious day, they're not true believers because the the the heathens and the carnal individuals in church hate it. >> They hate this doctrine. Matthew 24 um 44- 46. Read that for me, please. That's Matthew 24 44 right through 46. Therefore, be ye also ready. For in such an hour as ye think not, the Son of Man cometh. Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed is that servant whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing, looking for him, waiting for him. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Doing the right thing, not mocking. And how about Luke 21 34 through through 36? Because this is what this is what keeps us >> Yes. >> Uh uh fervent in spirit serving the Lord. We know he's coming. We we want to be accepted on that day. >> We want to be rejoicing on that day that he will look upon us with favor. >> Yes. >> That we will not be rejected by him. That is our greatest desire in life. >> Amen. >> Our greatest desire in life. It is my greatest desire. >> Yes. >> Every morning I say when I wake up every morning all the glory, all the honor, all the praise, all dominion, majesty, dominion, majesty, power and authority belongs to you most wonderful, most precious, wonderful, dearest heavenly father. Oh dear, wonderful precious Jesus, most blessed, most wonderful Holy Spirit now and forever. Lord, the first words out of my mouth, I give him all the glory. And then I say, Lord, please that I will see your face on that glorious day. >> And that your name will be written in my forehead. >> Amen. >> That's my greatest desire. >> Amen. That's all our That's the only desire we have in life is to please him. >> That's what you've lived for. >> That's what we all should live for. >> Amen. >> So Luke 21 34-36, please. >> And take heed to yourselves. >> Yeah. >> Lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with serviting and drunkenness and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch ye therefore and pray always that you may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass to stand before the son of man. >> Yeah. Pray always that you be accepted on that day to stand be before the son of man that you would escape the things coming to this world. >> Yes. >> The the the judgments on the wicked. And never forget, God has never judged the righteous and the wicked together. Never. At the same time, when judgment fell on Egypt, Israel was protected in Goan. Abraham came and said to the Lord in Genesis 18, "Will not the judge of the whole earth do right? Will you judge the righteous and the wicked together?" It's not like you, Lord. Remember the prayer that saved Lot and the angel said to Lot, I will I cannot do anything till you're out, until you're gone. >> In Genesis 19. >> So this idea that that the church will will go through some great tribulation is not in the Bible >> because God has delivered us, it says, from wrath. >> Amen. >> And the wrath to come. >> Thank you, Lord. 1 John 2:28, please. 1 John 2:28. I love just giving you scriptures on this rather than giving you my opinion, you know. >> I love it. >> First John 2:28 says, >> "Oh, we need it." >> Yeah. >> And now, little children, abide in him that when he shall appear, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before him at his coming. >> Okay, now this is important. One more time. Read that again. And now, little children, abide in him, that when he shall appear, we may have confidence and not be ashamed. >> In other words, the the the coming of the Lord, the truth of the coming of the Lord is what enables you and I to live a life of watchfulness, a life of purity, a life of wisdom. >> Amen. a life of service to the Lord and a life of simplicity in Jesus. >> Amen. >> If you put what what you just read, you see all that in it. Also, a life of of self-restraint. >> Yes, sir. >> So, when when I'm looking for the life of the Lord, for the coming of the Lord, I should say, my life will be a life of prayer. >> Amen. My life will be a life of abiding because it says abide in him. To abide in the Lord means watching. Ah okay. Okay. To abide in the Lord means stay pure. Read that again. And now little children abide in him that when he shall appear we may have confidence and not be ashamed before him. To abide in the Lord, I must live a life when I'm watching for him. >> I'm living, you know, a life that is pure. I'm living wisely, not allowing the world near me. I'm I'm serving the Lord and I'm serving him in simplicity, a life of simplicity that's not complicated with the worldly things out there. and self-restraint that I won't allow things in my heart and life. I won't look at things that I shouldn't look at. >> Amen. >> And a life of prayer. >> Amen. >> That is a life of abiding. You can't abide if you're not looking for him. >> Yes. >> You can't abide if you're not living purely. >> Yes. >> You can't abide if you're not living in wisdom. >> You can't abide if you're not serving him. You can't abide if you're not living that simple, sweet Christian life. You can't abide if you're not saying no to sin. >> And you can't abide if you're not praying. That's a whole sermon by itself. >> Yes, sir. It is. That's a lot to digest. >> Well, but but the Lord in his word says if you abide >> in him, >> you'll be you'll be ready for that day. And the true church is looking for the Lord's return. And he will appear for those who look for him. >> Yes. >> And and just finally Luke 12 35 and 36. This so important. So important. >> Yes, it is. >> Luke 12:35 and 36. Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning, and ye yourselves like unto men that wait for the Lord, when he will return from the wedding, that when he cometh and knockth, they may open unto him immediately. >> Read that again as we just before we say goodbye, he'll read that again. That's so powerful. Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning, and ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their Lord, when he will return from the wedding, that when he cometh and knockth, they may open unto him immediately. >> May we be this people. Lift your hands and tell him, >> Lord, that I will be in that group. >> Yes, Lord. >> That will be waiting and ready for your return. Yes, Lord. >> Serving you. [snorts] Being accepted in your sight. >> Yes, Lord. >> Pure in your sight. >> Yes, Lord. >> That [snorts] I will rejoice, Lord, on that glorious day to be accepted >> in your sight. To you be all the praise. >> All of it. >> It's all we ask, Lord. >> Prepare us for that glorious day. >> Yes, Lord. >> That we be not ashamed on that glorious day. In Jesus name. >> in Jesus name. >> And God's people said amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. And amen. Well, I'm going to continue this for two more days. So, please make sure you join us as I teach on the return of the Lord Jesus, the coming of Jesus back to earth and how we are waiting for his coming. >> Thank you for your love. I'll see you tomorrow. Benny Hinn often calls the Holy Spirit Jesus unlimited. >> He's Jesus with no limit. The Holy Spirit is Jesus without limit. He is Jesus with no limit. Is Jesus with no limit. >> And knowing him intimately ((music playing)) is the key to the Christ centered spirit-led life of holiness and power you're longing for. That's why the life in the spirit study Bible is a resource you must have as you focus on the person of the Holy Spirit. You'll experience his presence within you and his guidance ((music playing)) directing your life with boldness and supernatural impact. Inside you'll ((music playing)) discover tools to quickly find scriptures on the gifts of the spirit, the fruit of the spirit, healing, salvation, witnessing, and more. along with powerful study notes, word studies, charts, and reading plans that fully engage you in God's word. >> The word of God is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. God's precious word, and the Holy Spirit reveals Jesus through his wonderful word. And make sure to get this beautiful life in the spirit study Bible for yourself. Get it today and God will use his word to bless your life greatly. Don't wait. Go online today. Plant your seed and request your copy of the Life in the Spirit Study Bible. Step into the power of the book of Acts alive in your life now. I'm asking many of you to become partners with our ministry because you know when when when we go around the world I am focused on one thing now souls winning the lost preaching the gospel bringing souls to the cross of Jesus you know I've been in the healing ministry for over 50 years but my focus today my heart is burning to see souls born again even though I focused on that in uh in the crusades in the past. There is a greater much greater deep desire now and also to help the persecuted in in Africa and around the world. Uh my heart was torn up tremendously. When I was in Uganda and again in Zimbabwe and had pastors come from South Sudan, Aratria, Congo and other countries, I was so moved, so deeply moved by what they told me, what's happening in those nations. So, let's stand together. Let's get the gospel to Africa and the world together. And I'm asking you to just let God lead you. Let God speak to you. I'm praying many of you of you will become partners. If not, just give a one-time gift or as God leads you. And I have a nice gift for you on our website. You can get uh if you go to our website. And of course, there's also the offer of the month. But thank you for giving. Thank you for loving. The coming of the Lord is so soon. Let's not disappoint him. Let's do our best for him because the glory belongs to him. Jesus. Jesus, our precious Jesus. And to him be all the praise.