the first resurrection

Jesus is coming back soon.

Sooner than we think.

The events recorded in Matt 24:4-14 leading up to what is called "Rapture" (being taken up into heaven in a transformed body; 1 Thess 4:16-17 & 1 Cor 15:50-55) are unfolding before our very own eyes today in the world around us as we witness wars, "rumors of wars," natural disasters, brutal ethnic cleansing wars, etc. Both Apostle Paul (2 Tim 3:1-7)and Peter (2 Pe 3:3-7) warned that in the Last Days, hearts will grow colder and farther away from God and things of God.

Following the Rapture, we will all stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ to receive according to what we had done.

The moment following the Rapture marks the beginning of seven-year Tribulation period, during which those who were left behind will have to endure seven years of Antichrist's reign.

At the end of seven years, Christ returns ("Second Coming") to earth to reign with his saints (both raptured & tribulation saints) for 1,000 years, known as the "Millennium" during which Satan is bound in chains in the Abyss to be let loose at the end of 1,000 years for the Final Battle of Gog & Magog.

Apostle John tells us that those who reigned with Christ during the Millennium were all partakers of the "First Resurrection." They were blessed because "second death" had no power over them.

Once devil and his angels are thrown into the lake of fire, the White Throne Judgment will take place, where those who had not stood before the Judgment Seat of Christ will now stand before God. Those whose names were not written on the Lamb's Book of Life were cast into the "Lake of Fire," which is called the Second Death, where the lost souls, those who never made Christ Lord of their lives and heart, along with the devil and his fallen angels would suffer for all eternity.

Then, finally, we will be with our Lord and Savior and dwell in perfect Heaven (a new heaven and a new earth) forever, never again knowing heartache, pain, sadness, loneliness, discontent, disillusionment...

You get the idea.

So the question remains:

Are you ready?

Will you have a part in the First Resurrection? Are you sure second death will have no power over you?

Is your life completely devoted to God, your will and your desires aligned with His perfect will and desire?

Jesus is coming back soon.

For He says, "In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you." I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation. (2 Cor. 6:2, emphasis added)

Not tomorrow, not this coming Sunday, not when your life is settled and after you've attained to fullness of your dreams and desires, but NOW is the time of salvation.

What do you live for?

What is your greatest hope and purpose in life?

If your asnwer is not a certain and confident "Christ, and Christ alone," you will be surprised when the Day comes.

--from Nakwon EM October 15th 10:00am Sunday Worship Service