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A MARANATHA CHRISTIAN Matthew 24:29-44 If you will look in the book of 1st Corinthians 16:22 you will find a very interesting statement that is many times overlooked because of the wording found in the text. Maranatha is an Arabic word which means ( The Lord Comes) The Christians of the first century were the most fervent and evangelistic generation ever. They believed the Lord was coming. Of all subjects in the Bible only one, that being the subject of salvation is mentioned more than the subject of the 2nd return of the Lord. Of the 216 chapters in the New Testament there are 318 different references to Christ 2nd return. One verse out of every thirty gives this assurance. Matthew gives two entire chapters to it. Chapter 24 & 25 are devoted to the subject. Mark devotes one chapter, that being Mark chapter 13. Luke the great historian includes two chapters, 17 & 21. Consider some of Luke's writings; And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 21:27 John the beloved disciple wrote the words of Jesus; In my Fathers house are many Mansion, If it were not so I would of told you so. I go to prepare a place for you. I will come again and receive you unto myself that where I am you may be also. The Acts contains several passages of the promise of our Lord's return. Acts 1:11: This same Jesus who is taken up from you into heaven shall so come in like manner as you have seen him go into heaven. The 13 Epistles of Paul; Paul was very strong in his teaching concerning the 2nd coming of Christ. He mentioned the 2nd return fifty times. Then Paul says ; If a man loves not our Lord Jesus Christ let him be accursed. The first Epistle of John 3:3; He that hath this hope with in himself purifies himself, even as he is pure. Can you and I say as Paul said, Mar-an-a-the ( The Lord comes )? Are you ready for his return? The 2nd coming of Jesus will bring us some things many of us have longed for. First it will bring the resurrection of the dead. 1st Thessalonians 4:13-18 is the blessed hope the church has longed for. The dead in Christ shall rise first and we that 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. I don't know about you, but the joy of knowing I will see my loved ones again is a thrill to my soul. Never again to be departed from them. John tells us there will be no more death, neither crying, neither shall there be any more pain for the former things are passed away. Revelations 21:4. In this life there will be some tears, there will be some suffering but the joy of knowing we shall live and reign with Christ will wipe away all memory of the short few years we are here on earth. Friend be ready for his return. You might not know how to be saved. Please allow me to share with you what Gods word has to say. We are all sinners Romans 3:23, Christ died for each of us. Romans 5:8, the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 6:23, There is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all who call upon him Romans 10:12. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Romans 10:13. Remember now is the day of salvation. 2nd Corinthians 6:2 |