Many people were interested in the Kingdom of God during the days of Christ's earthly ministry.  With this in mind, the Pharisees demanded, "when the Kingdom of God should come" (Luke 17:20).  Others, whose hope was centered in Jesus, thought "that the Kingdom of God should immediately appear" (Luke 19:11).  They had listened to the teachings of Christ and were convinced he would be the King who would rule over the Kingdom of God.  Their hopes were shattered by his death.  But with the realization of the resurrection came renewed hope that moved his followers to ask, "Lord, will you at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?" (Acts 1:6).  Perhaps they were disappointed again as they watched him ascend out of their sight.  Their hopes of immediate and complete redemption faded, but they were left with a great anticipation of the future, and a great promise that Christ "will come again." (John 14:3). 

Without this assurance, how dreadful life would be.  Life today is much more bearable with this hope.  Even the troublesome times of high crime, high taxes, high unemployment, and war seem to fade as one recalls the glorious promise of the Lord that he "will come, and will not tarry." (Hebrews 10:37).  It is with this "blessed hope" (Titus 2:13) that The Sound of the Trumpet is freely published.  We can be certain that "the day of the Lord will come" ( 1 Thess. 5:1).  We can make no mistake about the facts.  In view of the current world situation, we would do well to remain prepared for the Lord's return.  We see the signs announcing his return all around us.  His coming is our only hope.  As you read through the pages of The Sound of the Trumpet, we hope you are reminded of this glorious hope as we proclaim and prepare for his triumphant return.

"Even so, come, Lord Jesus." (Revelation 22:20)