The Word of the Lord Which Came Is Coming Again - Part 1598

"For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night ..." (I Thessalonians 5:2)

"The great day of the Lord is near, [it is] near, and hasteth greatly, [even] the voice of the day of the Lord: the mighty man shall cry there bitterly. That day is a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of wasteness and desolation, a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness, a day of the trumpet and alarm against the fenced cities, and against the high towers ..." (Zephaniah 1:14-16)

For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as [they were] moved by the Holy Ghost. But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.

And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you; whose judgment now of a long time lingers not, and their damnation slumbers not. For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast [them] down to hell, and delivered [them] into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment; and spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth [person], a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly. And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making [them] an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly; and delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked; (For that righteous man dwelling among them in seeing and hearing, vexed [his] righteous soul from day to day with [their] unlawful deeds).

Moreover, the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished; but chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous [are they] self willed, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities, whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord.

But these, as natural brute beasts made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption; and shall receive the reward of unrighteousness as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots [they are] and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceiving while they feast with you; having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls; an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children, which have forsaken the right way and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam, [the son] of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness -- but was rebuked for his iniquity; the dumb [donkey] speaking with man's voice forbade the madness of the prophet.

These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever. For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, [through much] wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.

While they promise the liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption; for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage. For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.

For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known [it], to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb -- the dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire. (II Peter 2:1-22)

But as Jesus said, when He walked upon the earth, He shall come again, and blessed are those servants whom the Lord (when He comes) shall find watching.

"And this know, that if the good man of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through. Be ye therefore ready also; for the Son of man comes at an hour when ye think not." (Luke 12:39; Matthew 24:42-43)

Be watchful. Strengthen the things which remain. Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. Beloved, build yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost. Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. Don't let anyone defile your garment -- but rather walk with the Lord Jesus in everything you do. Most of all, keep your lights burning as a city on a hill -- proclaiming His goodness and love and grace.

Stand in the offering plate.