Jesus Christ is Coming Back Tomorrow - Study 12/2/10
Jesus Christ is Coming Back Tomorrow
I can guess what you are thinking as you read the heading. “This guy has gone nuts and now a heretic/false prophet”. Many will quickly dismiss that Christ’s second coming cannot be tomorrow. How are you sure it is not tomorrow? If you read carefully, I did not set a date and time in my assertion. In addition, there is truth to the statement because tomorrow is included in the possible day for the return of Christ since we do not know the time or the hour. More than anything, I want to provoke you in thinking and anticipating Christ’s return as if it will be tomorrow. What if it actually happens tomorrow? Are you ready for Christ’s second coming?
Many in the past have set dates for Christ’s return that have come and gone. Of course we laughed at them and we should because they are foolish in doing so. The most current date I am aware of is that set by Harold Camping of Family Radio. Harold Camping says Christ will return on May 21, 2011. Camping’s previous date was September 6, 1994. You may know of other future dates set by some unwise Christians and/or by some cults.
Apostle Paul in line with the teachings of Christ reminds the Thessalonians that “the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night”. A thief comes un-announced and as a surprise. With this knowledge, what are we as believers and followers of Jesus supposed to be doing in preparation for the second coming of Christ? If you have not believed in Christ and have not placed your faith in His saving work for your sins, you need to do so at this moment because you are not guaranteed the end of this day/night. You cannot stand nor survive the destruction and judgment of God that is coming on those who refuse to accept His provision for the forgiveness and remission of your sin.
Tied to Christ’s return is the completion of the preaching of the Gospel to the whole world. Jesus has given this assignment to His followers. You and I as followers of Christ are not doing nor taking seriously this one thing He commanded us as He was leaving earth back to the Father. We are not making disciples/followers of Jesus as we should but rather we are all busy attending Church. Can we be frank with each other and bring this out in the open? There may be exceptions among us and for those, I thank God for you. We are quick to proclaim Christ’s return but our actions say otherwise. Will you and I do anything about making disciples or is it going to be business as usual? May God help us.
1 Thessalonians 4:13- 5:11
13 Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. 14 For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 15 According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 18 Therefore encourage one another with these words.
1 Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, 2 for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3 While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.
4 But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. 5 You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 6 So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. 8 But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. 9 For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. 10 He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. 11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
Here are my observations in addition to the ones you may have:
1. Paul starts by correcting the Thessalonians in their misunderstanding of the fate of those who have died believing in Jesus. Paul takes this opportunity to address the theology of the second coming of Christ and the last days known as eschatology. This is a fundamental doctrine of the Christian faith which Jesus taught about. It is so important that a whole book is dedicated to it – the Book of Revelation.
2. What did Christ teach on His second coming, on the last days, and on the day of the Lord? Matthew 24 has a detailed account on this teaching. Jesus said, “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come”. And 36 “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son,[f] but only the Father. 37 As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. Matthew 24:14, 36-37.
3. Apostle Paul must have emphasized this teaching while he was present with the Thessalonians. Paul then reminds the Thessalonians “you know very well” vs.1of chapter 5. He could also be saying you know very well how thieves operate. Thieves come unannounced.
4. People will continue to mock till the very last seconds before Christ comes. “Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. 4 They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.” 5 But they deliberately forget that long ago by God’s word the heavens came into being and the earth was formed out of water and by water. 6 By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed.2 Peter 3:3-6. God has a track record about earth’s destruction. Talk to Noah.
5. Paul commands the Thessalonians to “be awake and sober” vs.6. This is the same command for us. Paul was teaching what Jesus taught. 42 “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. … 44 So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him”. Mathew 24:42-44. Keeping watch means we will not be totally taken unawares though we do not know the exact date. We will need faith, love and hope in the watching process and as we wait for Christ return vs.8.
6. Look at the good news for the followers of Christ when this day of the Lord comes. “For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ” vs.9. Aren’t you glad for this good news? This is the sum total of the gospel of Christ. We will be exempt from God’s wrath which we rightly deserve. We have put our faith and trust in Christ. The key word here is “appoint” which implies an unsolicited act by the one that is appointed. It is the same concept as election and I thank God for this unmerited favor.
You and I now know all about Christ’s second coming. So what that Christ is coming back? After all I am already a believer and follower of Christ. What do I care? First, you and I may be restraining Christ’s soon return because we have not done our duty to make disciples (Matthew 28:19). You may ask how do I make a disciple of Christ? We must first correct the notion that we disciple believers in Christ. No, we are called to make unbelievers Disciples of Christ – we lead unbelievers to Christ and in turn they become Disciples of Christ. Disciples follow Christ and they do not follow us. The Holy Spirit takes over and disciples us in Christ (teaching us all things about Christ) after we become followers of Christ.
Still how do we make Disciples of Christ? We must make friends with those who are yet to believe in Christ. As they gain confidence in our relationship, we introduce them to Christ and ask the unbeliever to become a disciple/follower of Christ. The light of Christ that is in us shines bright on the unbeliever that we have come to know through friendship. I would say most of us came to follow Christ in this manner and it has not stopped working. I remember my wife telling me passionately about a college roommate who loved her so much that she began to seek to know the God of her roommate. Christianity is a relationship and not a religion.
Can we all come back to the basics and stop playing church? We are so busy attending church and doing all the “Christian things” with our Christian friends and speaking our “Christianese” language while our neighbors, coworkers and schoolmates are heading to hell. Yes, I may be putting a guilt trip on us but if it will make us act, to God be the glory. I am asking God to take away the lethargy and coldness in my heart and replace it with love and fire to make disciples of unbelievers to Christ. Is this your prayer? Can you today and/or soon identify and start a friendship with (pure motive) an unbeliever. I know the common fear but greater is He that is you than in them. Let’s make it a goal for the coming year to “father” an unbeliever to become a disciple of Christ.
Please let’s pray together. Dear Lord, I repent this very moment for not taking your word on making disciples serious. Forgive me and grant me the desire and willingness and boldness to befriend people and introduce them to faith in you. Help me Lord I pray. Amen.
Jesus is coming back tomorrow. Does that mean anything to you? Then make disciples/followers Christ.
I can guess what you are thinking as you read the heading. “This guy has gone nuts and now a heretic/false prophet”. Many will quickly dismiss that Christ’s second coming cannot be tomorrow. How are you sure it is not tomorrow? If you read carefully, I did not set a date and time in my assertion. In addition, there is truth to the statement because tomorrow is included in the possible day for the return of Christ since we do not know the time or the hour. More than anything, I want to provoke you in thinking and anticipating Christ’s return as if it will be tomorrow. What if it actually happens tomorrow? Are you ready for Christ’s second coming?
Many in the past have set dates for Christ’s return that have come and gone. Of course we laughed at them and we should because they are foolish in doing so. The most current date I am aware of is that set by Harold Camping of Family Radio. Harold Camping says Christ will return on May 21, 2011. Camping’s previous date was September 6, 1994. You may know of other future dates set by some unwise Christians and/or by some cults.
Apostle Paul in line with the teachings of Christ reminds the Thessalonians that “the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night”. A thief comes un-announced and as a surprise. With this knowledge, what are we as believers and followers of Jesus supposed to be doing in preparation for the second coming of Christ? If you have not believed in Christ and have not placed your faith in His saving work for your sins, you need to do so at this moment because you are not guaranteed the end of this day/night. You cannot stand nor survive the destruction and judgment of God that is coming on those who refuse to accept His provision for the forgiveness and remission of your sin.
Tied to Christ’s return is the completion of the preaching of the Gospel to the whole world. Jesus has given this assignment to His followers. You and I as followers of Christ are not doing nor taking seriously this one thing He commanded us as He was leaving earth back to the Father. We are not making disciples/followers of Jesus as we should but rather we are all busy attending Church. Can we be frank with each other and bring this out in the open? There may be exceptions among us and for those, I thank God for you. We are quick to proclaim Christ’s return but our actions say otherwise. Will you and I do anything about making disciples or is it going to be business as usual? May God help us.
1 Thessalonians 4:13- 5:11
13 Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. 14 For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 15 According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 18 Therefore encourage one another with these words.
1 Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, 2 for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3 While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.
4 But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. 5 You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 6 So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. 8 But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. 9 For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. 10 He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. 11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
Here are my observations in addition to the ones you may have:
1. Paul starts by correcting the Thessalonians in their misunderstanding of the fate of those who have died believing in Jesus. Paul takes this opportunity to address the theology of the second coming of Christ and the last days known as eschatology. This is a fundamental doctrine of the Christian faith which Jesus taught about. It is so important that a whole book is dedicated to it – the Book of Revelation.
2. What did Christ teach on His second coming, on the last days, and on the day of the Lord? Matthew 24 has a detailed account on this teaching. Jesus said, “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come”. And 36 “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son,[f] but only the Father. 37 As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. Matthew 24:14, 36-37.
3. Apostle Paul must have emphasized this teaching while he was present with the Thessalonians. Paul then reminds the Thessalonians “you know very well” vs.1of chapter 5. He could also be saying you know very well how thieves operate. Thieves come unannounced.
4. People will continue to mock till the very last seconds before Christ comes. “Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. 4 They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.” 5 But they deliberately forget that long ago by God’s word the heavens came into being and the earth was formed out of water and by water. 6 By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed.2 Peter 3:3-6. God has a track record about earth’s destruction. Talk to Noah.
5. Paul commands the Thessalonians to “be awake and sober” vs.6. This is the same command for us. Paul was teaching what Jesus taught. 42 “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. … 44 So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him”. Mathew 24:42-44. Keeping watch means we will not be totally taken unawares though we do not know the exact date. We will need faith, love and hope in the watching process and as we wait for Christ return vs.8.
6. Look at the good news for the followers of Christ when this day of the Lord comes. “For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ” vs.9. Aren’t you glad for this good news? This is the sum total of the gospel of Christ. We will be exempt from God’s wrath which we rightly deserve. We have put our faith and trust in Christ. The key word here is “appoint” which implies an unsolicited act by the one that is appointed. It is the same concept as election and I thank God for this unmerited favor.
You and I now know all about Christ’s second coming. So what that Christ is coming back? After all I am already a believer and follower of Christ. What do I care? First, you and I may be restraining Christ’s soon return because we have not done our duty to make disciples (Matthew 28:19). You may ask how do I make a disciple of Christ? We must first correct the notion that we disciple believers in Christ. No, we are called to make unbelievers Disciples of Christ – we lead unbelievers to Christ and in turn they become Disciples of Christ. Disciples follow Christ and they do not follow us. The Holy Spirit takes over and disciples us in Christ (teaching us all things about Christ) after we become followers of Christ.
Still how do we make Disciples of Christ? We must make friends with those who are yet to believe in Christ. As they gain confidence in our relationship, we introduce them to Christ and ask the unbeliever to become a disciple/follower of Christ. The light of Christ that is in us shines bright on the unbeliever that we have come to know through friendship. I would say most of us came to follow Christ in this manner and it has not stopped working. I remember my wife telling me passionately about a college roommate who loved her so much that she began to seek to know the God of her roommate. Christianity is a relationship and not a religion.
Can we all come back to the basics and stop playing church? We are so busy attending church and doing all the “Christian things” with our Christian friends and speaking our “Christianese” language while our neighbors, coworkers and schoolmates are heading to hell. Yes, I may be putting a guilt trip on us but if it will make us act, to God be the glory. I am asking God to take away the lethargy and coldness in my heart and replace it with love and fire to make disciples of unbelievers to Christ. Is this your prayer? Can you today and/or soon identify and start a friendship with (pure motive) an unbeliever. I know the common fear but greater is He that is you than in them. Let’s make it a goal for the coming year to “father” an unbeliever to become a disciple of Christ.
Please let’s pray together. Dear Lord, I repent this very moment for not taking your word on making disciples serious. Forgive me and grant me the desire and willingness and boldness to befriend people and introduce them to faith in you. Help me Lord I pray. Amen.
Jesus is coming back tomorrow. Does that mean anything to you? Then make disciples/followers Christ.
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