SAVED FROM GOD’S WRATH
Sunday (07/31), we continue our summer series entitled “Prophecies of His Coming.” Last week we read the account of an encounter between the Lord and Abraham. He had come down due to the outcry of the wickedness of Sodom and Gomorrah. He had been patient, but the inhabitants had continued to ignore His commandments and mercy, so now His righteous judgment was imminent. Before God overthrew the cities, He had appeared to Abraham to warn him. God knew Abraham’s nephew Lot, and his family dwelt within the city gates. And the Lord allowed Abraham to intercede for them. As always, God was merciful toward the sinner.
The next chapter (19:1-29) records that two angels who had appeared to Abraham along with the Lord were sent to destroy the city of Sodom. Before they destroyed the city, they came to the house of Lot and his family. God had sent them to rescue them before judgment fell. Their act of mercy was a direct result of Abraham’s intercession. What happened next serves as a warning to the sinner and hope for the believer who has been overwhelmed by the toxic depravity of today’s culture.
Bible prophecy is vitally essential to the health and well-being of the follower of Jesus Christ. First, it is an encouragement. Hearing and studying how Jesus of Nazareth fulfilled every Old Testament prophecy concerning His birth, ministry, death, burial, and resurrection builds their confidence in what the Bible says about the future.
Second, Bible prophecy equips the believer to “always be ready to give the reason for their hope” (1 Peter 3:15). It is a mistake to think that those we love aren’t thinking about the future. Many look around at the chaos in the nations, economy, and the spiraling down of the culture and have more questions than answers. When a follower of Jesus studies what the Bible says about the future, the Holy Spirit equips them to point people to the hope they can have in the One that is the centerpiece of Bible Prophecy.
Third, Bible prophecy inspires believers to be introspective about their priorities constantly. When you are confident that Jesus can return at any moment, you ensure that your life is centered around eternal rather than temporal things. And you will be more creative and diligent in finding ways to share your faith.
Finally, knowing Bible prophecy puts the desire in your heart for the return of Jesus Christ. He is the only One who can and will straighten out the mess the world has made. And at that coming, He will adjudicate every wrong that has been done. He will vanquish sin and death forever. And for the first time, we will live in a way He intended at creation.
I look forward to our time together. Please pray for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the entire Calvary Chapel family.
There are several opportunities for worship. On-campus (10:00 am), drive-in church (92.1fm), and online (Facebook and YouTube: Calvary Inverness)
Behold, the Lord Cometh,
Pastor