While the return of our Lord is spoken of many times in the New Testament, there are only three passages which deal with the Rapture in any detail. I have read two of them this morning. The other is found in Revelation 4:1-2a,

          "After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter. And immediately I was in the spirit:..."

          I want to draw your attention to one common theme that punctuates each of these references. That common theme is the mention of the blowing of the "trumpet." The Rapture begin with the sound of a trumpet. 1 Thess. 4:16 the word "trump" is short for trumpet. This is stated in 1 Cor. 15:52.

          When the writers of the New Testament used the imagery of trumpets, the people to whom they were writing were well acquainted with what they were saying. However, we modern readers need to be educated about the significance of the trumpet.

          In the Bible, trumpets were used for four specific purposes.

1. To Proclaim Victory
2. To Call An Assembly
3. To Announce A Warning
4. To Call The Troops To Battle
It is clear to see how the trumpets fit with the idea of the Rapture. All four of these events will take place when the Rapture comes about.
1. Victory over the world will be announced by the church.
2. The saints will be called to assemble themselves in the presence of the Lord.
3. The trumpets will announce a warning of judgment to the world.
4. The angelic troops will be summoned to battle.

         Also, in the society of that day, trumpets were heard on a daily basis. The Roman army, which occupied most of the civilized world at that time used trumpets to carry out the movement of their troops. Typically, when a Roman legion moved, there would be three blasts from the trumpets. The first would tell the troop to strike their tents and to prepare to move. The second would alert them to fall in and line up. The last trumpet would be the signal to move out. Notice what Paul says in 1 Cor. 15:52. He tells us that we are leaving at the "last trump". When the trumpet sounds, it will be the signal to move up to glory!

          Folks, when the trumpet sounds, all those who are saved by grace will be leaving this world. It is that event that I want to preach about today. I want you to know that before the sound of that trumpet blast fades from our ears, several great and precious events will take place. Allow me to share them with you this morning as we think on the thought, "When Trumpets Sound."

I. THE TRUMPET OF THE lORD WILL ANNOUNCE THE DAY SAVIOR AND LORD WILL RETURN. 1 Thess. 4:17

A. In Fulfillment Of His Promise - Before the Lord Jesus went to the cross, He promised His disciples that He would return for them one day, John 14:1-3. He later reaffirmed this promise to the Apostle John, Rev. 22:20. Just as sure as there is a blue sky above us He will return as He promised He would!

          In Acts 1:9-11 as He was ascending back into Heaven, two angel were told the Apostles of the Lord's impending return.

          "And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven."

B. In Fulfillment Of His Purpose - While the Lord was making His promise to return some day, He also stated His purpose, John 14:3. The Lord desires to receive His bride unto Himself, Eph. 5:25-27. After all, He paid the ultimate price to redeem her from her sins and to cleanse her from her filthiness! He died on the cross to purchase His Bride and He wants her to be with Him in His heavenly home.

II. IN THE RAPTURE, FIRST ALL DEPARTED SAINTS WILL BE RESURRECTED FOLLOWED BY THOSE WHO ARE ALIVE. 1 Thess. 4:13-16; 1 Cor. 15:52b

A. Their Present Condition - 1 Thess. 4:13 tells us that those saints who have departed are "asleep". This does not refer to "soul sleep." Some cults teach that once a person dies, they are in a state of limbo and are unconscious and their souls are inerat. Other cult teaches that souls are annihilated until the are recreated at the resurrection. Jehovah's Witnesses, Seventh Day Adventist teach these false doctrines. However, God's word refutes this stating that when a saint of God leaves this world, they are immediately ushered into the presence of the Lord. Paul revealed this to us in 2 Corinthians. 5:8,

          "We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord."

          Philippians 1:23, "For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:"

          Presently, all those died having received the Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior are in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ.

ILLUS: The question rises as to what manner of body they possess. Certainly they do not have their glorified bodies yet, because this occurs at a believer’s death, and before the rapture and the believer’s resurrection. However, to be in heaven they must possess a spiritual body. When Moses and Elijah appeared with Christ on the Mount of Transfiguration, they possessed bodies that could be seen and recognized. (Matthew 17:3). They are this morning, certainly in a place free from the cares, pains and burdens of this world. The Bible is clear when it teaches us that "nothing that defileth shall enter" heaven. ( Rev. 21:27.)

B. The Promised Completion - 1 Corinthians 15:52b tells us that the departed saints will be raised "incorruptible". That is, they will be changed! When they left their body, it returned to the ground from which it came. Further, when they died their old carnal nature or sin nature died with their bodies. This is why the verse says they will be rasied incorruptible. Believers with never again have the sin nature. However, when the Lord Jesus returns, He will bring their spirits back with Him, He will raise their bodies and glorify them. He will then place their spirits into their newly glorified bodies!

ILLUS: How will all this happen? Certainly, to our mortal minds it is a great mystery. However, if you take the time to look back at the times our Lord shouted while He was on this earth, you will discover that each time He did so, dead folks came out of their graves.

1. He shouted in Bethany and Lazarus lived! - John 11:43-44
2. He shouted at Calvary and some lived! - Matt. 27:50-52
3. He will shout from the clouds and all the departed saints will live - 1 Thes. 4:16.

A. Believers Will Leave Instantaneously - Notice the use of words that imply speed and swiftness, 1 Cor. 15:52, "moment" - This word speaks of an "indivisible point in time. A span of time so short that there is none shorter."; "twinkling of an eye"

ILLUS: Scientists have determined that the blink of an eye is 1/30th of a second in duration. That is fast! However, a twinkling is event faster than that, somewhere in the neighborhood of 1000th of a second! Then in 1 Thess. 4:17, Paul uses the term "caught up". This phrase means "to snatch away, to seize with force, to claim for oneself." It refers to a sudden event when the saints of God will be "instantly snatched from this world with force and claimed for the glory of God."

ILLUS: The whole idea here is one of speed! There will be no forewarning. Instantly, it will just happen! My friend, if you have ever listened to anything in your life, then listen to this.

You need to be ready! Jesus Himself said,


          "Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.", Matt. 24:44.

          If He were to come today, would He find you ready? Oh friend, do not be deceived, it could happen today and will are assured it will happen in time! Today could be that glorious day when the Lord returns for His people. Will you be in that number that hears the shout, that hears the trumpets and that leaves this world in an instant? Only if you are born again! Be ready, He is coming!

          Speculation really accomplishes little in regard to understanding God’s word, but I think the Rapture will occur on Sunday morning. That is when the Lord arose and would be a fitting time.

Will babies be raptured? I copied this from an article I read. “The Bible does not specifically say what will happen to babies, infants, and children when the rapture occurs. This causes many Christians to worry that they will be taken in the rapture, and their young children will be left behind to face the terrible tribulation. Is this possible? No, we do not believe it is. As we explain our viewpoint, please understand that this is, at best, informed speculation. Again, the Bible does not specifically address this issue.

          As a background, please read our article on the "age of accountability." It is our view that children who are under the age of accountability will be taken in the rapture. If a child has not reached the point that he/she can make a decision for or against Christ, we would hold that if he/she dies, he/she will be granted entrance into heaven. We also hold that this principle, based entirely on God's mercy, applies to the rapture. Some propose that only the children of believers will be raptured. We disagree. If a child's salvation while under the age of accountability is not based on the faith-status of his/her parents, neither is the child's participation in the deliverance of the rapture. It is our belief, albeit not explicitly taught in Scripture, that all those under the age of accountability will be taken in the rapture.
(http://www.gotquestions.org/rapture-children.html#ixzz3XEhDoemC)

ILLUS: Can you imagine the chaos that will ensue when this event takes place? All babies will be missing! Most children gone! Some husbands and wives missing. Many Cars, planes, trains, etc without drivers. It will be a time of great hysteria and mayhem. Some of you had better prepare for it, because you may experience it first hand! Why not come to Jesus before that happens?

B. Believers Will Leave Intact - In 1 Cor. 15:51, Paul tells us that "all" will be changed. The Rapture will involve every born again believer will have a part in the Rapture of the Body of Christ! The body of Christ will not be fragmented! Part will not be taken and part left behind to endure the Tribulation. When the Rapture comes ALL the saints will go together!

ILLUS: Because of the lives they have lived the BEMA judjment be a sorrowful regret. 1 Corinthians 3:10-15 tells us that.
“If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.” (1 Corinthians 3:14-15)


          The statement in verse 15 “suffer loss” is not explained. One thing is sure the disobedient believer will not hear the words, “Well done thy good and faithful servant.”

ILLUS: Suppose a person's house burns and he escapes the fire but he loses his home all he materially had. He is saved alive, but his loss is great. However, material possession can be replaced. But unlike a material fire, this fire is burning up the works and deeds of a man and they cannot be replaced.

          All the redeemed of all the ages will leave this world when the trumpet sounds and be judged as to how they lived their life for Christ. I believe, based on this verse and others, I do not believe Christians will all be equal. Yes, all believers will experience the blessings of peace and joy on earth, but there will be different honors for those who are faithful. I base this several things including Jesus’ Parable of the Talents.

          Matthew 25:14 begins with the words “For the kingdom of heaven is as. . . The master gave three of his servants talents, one five, one two and one one talent. A talent is a sum of money. The faithful servants invested the talents God gave them doubled them and he rewarded both of them. When the master returned to each of the faithful servants he said,
“His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” (Matthew 25:21)

          To the unfaithful servent who received one talent, who buried it in the ground and did not invest or use it the Lord said,

          "His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: . . . For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” (Matthew 25:26, 29-30)

C. Some Believers in the Resurrection will receive one of five promised crowns. The word crown is the word "stephanos" and means a badge or symbol of honor. Some Christians will be honored for their faithfulness in how they lived their lives for the Lord.

1. The incorruptible crown: 1 Cor. 9:24,25. This is also called the imperishable crown. This crown is given to believers who faithfully run the race, who crucify every selfish desire in the flesh and point men to Jesus.

2. The crown of rejoicing: 1 Thess. 2:19, 20. & Dan 12:3 To those who faithfully are witnesses to the saving grace of God and leads souls to Jesus. This crown has also been named the soul winner's crown.

3. The crown of life: James 1:12. For those believers who endure trials, tribulations, and severe suffering, even unto death Rev. 2:8-11. This crown is also referred to as the martyr's crown.

4. The crown of righteousness: 2 Timothy 4:8. To those who love the appearing of Christ, who anxiously wait and look forward to the day when He will return for His saints. This crown is given to those who have lived a good and righteous life for God while living down here on earth.

5. The crown of glory: 1 Peter 5:1-4. This is the pastor’s and teacher's crown and will be given to those who minister faithfully feed the flock of God. I can see no reason to limit they crown to just pastors. This probably could also include preachers, teachers, Sunday School teachers, missionaries, and all those who teach the Word of God in their respective ministries. Every one here I believe could receive this crown. My grandmother faithfully taught here son Cooper Jr. the word of God from his birth. She saw herself as God's minister in her home.

          All will not be rewarded and will stand ashamed in the very presence of Jesus Christ who suffered and died for their sins. These who suffer loss will have missed a great opportunity. It means "To feel or bear what is painful, disagreeable or distressing, either to the body or mind; to undergo. We suffer pain of body; we suffer grief of mind." Barnes explains ". . . he shall be injuriously affected by this forever. It shall be a detriment to him to all eternity. The effects shall be felt in all his residence in heaven - not producing misery, but attending him with the consciousness that he might have been raised to superior bliss in the eternal abode - The phrase here literally means, "he shall be mulcted." (mul- ted) The word is a legal term, and means that he shall be fined, that is, he shall suffer detriment.

A. Changed Physically - At the moment of the Rapture, all the saints will experience a radical change. These mortal bodies will be changed to immortal ones. The bodies that are destined to perish will be made like the body of our Lord. A body that cannot experience death, decay or disease. A body that will shine with the brilliance of 10,000 suns. What a day that will be!

B. Changed Perfectly - When this change comes, it will remake us into the image of our glorified Lord. 1 John 3:2, "Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is." We do not know a lot about our Lord's glorified body, but we do know:

1. It is a body not bound by time or space - John 20:19.
2. It is a body that can enjoy food and fellowship - Luke 24:36-43.
3. It is a body that can never die - Heb. 7:25.
4. It is a body that shines with a heavenly brilliance - Rev. 21:23; Matt. 17:2

All of this is enough to let me know that I want one of these bodies some day. All the saints will wear a glorified body when we arrive in that Heavenly home!)

C. Changed Permanently - The language of our texts tells us that we will no longer be mortal. These new bodies will never wear down or wear out, but they will last throughout eternity. They will be a perfect in 10,000,000 years as they were the day we received them! Notice what Paul says about this body in 2 Cor. 5:1, "For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens."

V. ALL SAINTS WILL BE TOGETHER IN HEAVEN- 1 Thes. 4:17

A. With Our Loved Ones - Notice the phrase "together with them in the clouds". This indicates that all the children of God will be together forever in Heaven. Imagine being reunited with spouses, parents, children and grandparents. Imagine seeing your departed loved ones in their new glorified bodies in the presence of the Lord Jesus! What a glorious privilege has been given to all the saints of God!

B. With Our Lord - As great as that reunion with our loved ones will be, it will be eclipsed by another reunion. This same verse tells us that "so shall we ever be with the Lord." My friends, one day, we will see Him Who died for us on the cross! We will look at His face. We will be able to bow before Him in adoration and worship. We will be in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ! I can imagine no thrill any greater in this universe than to see the One Who loved me enough to lay down His life in payment for my own. Hallelujah! Just the thought of that is enough to make a Baptist shout! Glory! Glory!

Conclusion: All this will take place instantly before the sound of the trumpet fades away.

Are you ready for that event? Have you been washed in the blood of the Lamb? If Jesus came back for His church today, and He could, would you go, or would you be left behind?
Jesus Himself gave a grave warning to those who ignore His coming. He said,

          "For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come." (Matthew 24:38-42)

         What I am asking is this: Have you ever come to the place where you knew you were lost? Have you confessed your sins to God? Have you placed your faith in the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ? Have you received Christ as your personal Savior? Are you saved?

If you are, then you have a reason to rejoice this morning! There are exciting things ahead for the children of God!

If you are not saved, Jesus beakons you and I beg you to believe and received Jesus Christ right now as your Savior.
If the Lord is tugging at your heart and is calling you to come to Him, then please come! Don't delay another minute. This could be the only time you have to be saved! You have no promised of tomorrow. God is longsuffering, but His longsuffering will come to an end in time. For the one who is rejecting Him at this moment....think what you are doing. How long will God allow you to refuse His grace, mercy and love?

It is too dangerous to put it off and as King Agrippa did when Paul preached to him the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Agrippa sadly replied, "Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian." Agrippa heard the truth, he was under conviction of the Holy Spirit, yet he refused to repent of his sins and recieve God mercy and grace. Jesus may come at any time and you really need to be ready when He does. Will you come to Him right now while there is still time? Will you be saved so that you too can be ready for that meeting in the air? Jesus is coming! Don't be caught unprepared!

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