Nurture
[Session 18]
The Return of Christ
“This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:11) 6)
[Session 18] Introduction Jesus Himself promised that He would return again to this earth (John 14:3) and the Bible clearly teaches that his ‘Second Coming’ is very significant (1 Th. 4:16-18). However, this subject has sometimes caused confusion because people have always wanted to know the ‘how’ and ‘when’ of his return despite Jesus telling us to concentrate on being his witnesses (Acts 1: 4-8). Even so, there are some important things to know about his return.
What will Christ’s return look like?
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He will return in person (Acts 1:11).
His return will be sudden (Matt 24:44) (1 Th. 5:1-6). His return will be dramatic (1 Th. 4:16).
His return will be visible (Matt 24:27) (Revelation 1:7).
He will return in power and glory (Matt 24:30).
Why is Christ returning again? -‐ -‐ -‐ -‐ -‐ -‐
To finally destroy God’s enemies (1 Cor. 15:24-26).
To bring judgment (Acts 17:31) (2 Tim 4:1).
To resurrect the dead (1 Th. 4:13-17). To take those who believe in him (Christians) to be with him for eternity (John 14:3) (1 Cor. 15:51-57). To deliver the Church (1 Th. 4:15-17). To bring the work of salvation to its conclusion (Hebrews 9:28) (Rev 21:1-7).
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Nurture
Prayer
[Session 18] [Session 18]
The Return of Christ
How does this affect us now? -‐ -‐ -‐ -‐ -‐ -‐ -‐
We need to be ready (Mark 13:32-37) (Matt 24:42-44). We need to live in hope and expectation (Titus 2:11-14) (2 Peter 3:10-13). We need to be patient (James 5:7-8) (2 Peter 3:8-9). We need to be faithful witnesses (Matt 28:18-20) (2 Timothy 4:1-2). We need not be afraid or ashamed (1 John 4:16-18) (Rom 1:16-17). We need to live courageously (2 Timothy 4:7-8) (1 Peter 1:3-9). We need to continually encourage one another (Heb 10:23-25).
Conclusion Only God the Father knows when Jesus will return (Matt 24:36). Remember, God’s timing is different to ours (2 Peter 3:8-9) but we can be confident that one day Jesus will return in glory. Therefore until that glorious day, we should serve God faithfully and live in expectation of the day when Jesus will come back.
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