What in the World is Going On?
The Return of the King
INFORMATION ON CHRIST’S SECOND COMING
The Second Coming of Christ is second only to the topic of faith as the most dominant subject in the New Testament. There are 1,845 biblical references to the Second Coming in the entire Bible with the Lord Jesus Himself referring to His return 21 times. 7 out of 10 chapters in the New Testament make some reference to Christ's Second Coming!
Then the LORD will go forth and fight against those nations, as He fights in the day of battle. And in that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, which faces Jerusalem on the east. And the Mount of Olives shall split in two, from east to west, making a very large valley; half of the mountain shall move toward the north and half of it toward the south. (Zechariah 14:3-4)
Zechariah gives specific details about Christ’s return. What does this tell you how biblical prophecy differs from psychic predictions?
Predictions from the ungodly are vague and ambiguous. God's prophecies are very specific, for instance, citing the very geographic location to which Christ will return.
For as lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west so also will the coming of the Son of Man be… Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. (Jesus – Matthew 24:27,29-30, from The Olivet Discourse)
What do you most look forward to about Christ’s Second Coming?
Seeing Jesus; seeing loved ones; stress over with; perfect environment; perfect health; perfect friends, etc.
"Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven." Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey. (Acts 1:11-12)
Why do you think God wants us to be so confident about Christ’s Second Coming?
So that we will live accordingly. So we won't be found dilly-dallying about God's business or living lifestyles displeasing to God, etc.
Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war… He had a name written that no one knew except Himself… and His name is called The Word of God… and He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. (Revelation 19:11-13,16)
Why do you think these names of Christ are mentioned in association with His Second Coming, including "a name written that no one knew except Himself"?
We will recognize Jesus when He returns because of the way He represented Himself the first time He came to earth.
The Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, when He comes, in that Day, to be glorified in His saints and to be admired among all those who believe, because our testimony among you was believed. 2 Thess. 1:7-10
Why is God waiting until the Second Coming of Christ to mete out punishment or reward? Who benefits from this delayed justice?
God is trying to give more people a chance to receive His grace and mercy. He is longsuffering. (See 2 Peter chapter 3)
APPLICATION OF CHRIST’S SECOND COMING
1You have been raised to life with Christ. Now set your heart on what is in heaven, where Christ rules at God's right side. 2Think about what is up there, not about what is here on earth. 3You died, which means that your life is hidden with Christ, who sits beside God. 4Christ gives meaning to your life, and when he appears, you will also appear with him in glory.
Colossians 3:1-4 (CEV)When we consistently set our sights on heaven what will be different about how we live our lives?
Eternal realities and values will trump earthly, temporal ones.
And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all, just as we do you, so that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints. 1 Thessalonians 3:12-13
And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:24-25
Since Christ followers tend to motivate one another to love and good works when they’re together what practical steps can we take to maintain a habit of assembling with one another?
Get a good night's rest on Saturday night before Sunday worship; pray before getting together; focus on Christ, not on our petty differences or disagreements.
And now, dear children remain in fellowship with Christ so that when He returns, you will be full of courage and not shrink back from him in shame.
1 Jn 2:28 (NLT)What would you like to be doing when Christ returns?
Joining together praising God.