Title: When Will We Be Changed?/ Topic: End Times

Today's Reading: Psalm 149; 1 Corinthians 15; 1 Corinthians 16

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:51-54 & 58
51 Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— 52 in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. 53 For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. 54 When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: "Death has been swallowed up in victory."

58 Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

Observation: The Bible teaches clearly that Jesus will be returning back to earth for a second time. The only question has been when. Theologians have argued for pre-, post-, and mid-tribulation. This is one of the sections of scripture used to support a post-tribulation theology. Paul says “at the last trumpet” the dead in Christ raised imperishable and we who are alive will be instantly changed into our immortal bodies. The last trumpet in Revelation is blown at the end of the tribulation period. Some speculate that because of the many revelations given to Paul (see 2 Cor. 12:1-4) he already had been shown this future event. Verse 58 concludes the thought by detailing how we should be living now until he comes for us.

Application: We can hold our own theology of when the Lord will come for us. I personally have always leaned toward the pre-tribulation theory. But I hold it lightly, realizing that I may be wrong. The point is that we must be ready to serve God through anything because we know for sure that he is coming back and we know who wins the battle---he does! And in light of the fact of his return, we should follow the advice of verse 58 and stand firm through anything, giving ourselves fully (with passion and diligence) to the work of the Lord. Our work for anything else will ultimately be destroyed. Only what is done for God will last.

Prayer: Father, you are sending your Son back for us. May we be found working for you when he comes and standing firm in our faith, regardless of the opposition or of anything we may have to suffer for Christ's sake. Help us to get serious about prayer and daily communication with you. It is vital for our survival. Cleanse your Church from the petty bickering, criticism and rebellion that plague us. Make us into that beautiful Bride without spot or blemish that you are coming for. Come quickly Lord Jesus.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.