Anticipating Christ's Return: Signs and Responsibilities
Summary
The anticipation of Jesus' second coming is a profound and pivotal event in Christian eschatology. As we conclude the series on "Our King and Priest," it's essential to delve into the significance of this event and its implications for believers. The second coming of Jesus is not a mere symbolic occurrence but a literal, visible event that will be witnessed by all. Matthew 24 and Revelation 19 provide vivid descriptions of this momentous occasion, emphasizing that every eye will see Him coming on the clouds with power and great glory. This event will be marked by the sound of a trumpet, signaling the gathering of His elect from the four corners of the earth.
The return of Jesus will bring about a series of significant events. The Antichrist and the false prophet will be captured and cast into the lake of fire, and Jesus will judge the nations, separating the sheep from the goats. This judgment will be based on how individuals have responded to His message and how they have treated His people. Furthermore, Satan will be bound for a thousand years, during which Jesus will reign on earth, establishing His kingdom with justice and righteousness.
The signs of the times indicate that we are nearing the end. The rebirth of Israel as a nation, the technological explosion, and the unfolding geopolitical events align with biblical prophecies, suggesting that the return of Jesus is imminent. This realization calls for a renewed commitment to live faithfully and to share the gospel with urgency. As believers, we are called to be vigilant, discerning the signs of the times and preparing our hearts for His return.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Visible Return of Jesus: The second coming of Jesus will be a visible event witnessed by all. It will be marked by the sound of a trumpet and the gathering of His elect. This emphasizes the certainty and reality of His return, urging believers to live in anticipation and readiness. [06:44]
2. Judgment and Separation: Jesus will judge the nations, separating the righteous from the unrighteous. This judgment will be based on how individuals have responded to His message and treated His people. It serves as a reminder of the importance of living a life that reflects His love and righteousness. [22:21]
3. Signs of the Times: The rebirth of Israel, technological advancements, and geopolitical events align with biblical prophecies, indicating that we are nearing the end. These signs call for vigilance and a renewed commitment to live faithfully and share the gospel. [31:08]
4. The Millennial Reign of Christ: Jesus will reign on earth for a thousand years, establishing His kingdom with justice and righteousness. Believers will reign with Him, highlighting the importance of faithfulness in this life as it impacts our role in His future kingdom. [29:33]
5. Urgency of the Gospel: The imminent return of Jesus underscores the urgency of sharing the gospel. As believers, we are called to be active participants in His mission, bringing the message of salvation to the world and living lives that reflect His love and truth. [01:03:15]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [03:12] - Three Key Questions
- [06:44] - The Visible Return of Jesus
- [08:21] - The Sound of the Trumpet
- [11:51] - The Gathering of the Elect
- [16:01] - The Fate of the Antichrist
- [22:21] - Judgment of the Nations
- [24:38] - The Covenant with Israel
- [26:40] - The Millennial Reign
- [29:33] - Reigning with Christ
- [31:08] - Signs of the Times
- [33:51] - The Rebirth of Israel
- [35:25] - The Fig Tree Parable
- [45:56] - Technological Explosion
- [50:17] - Geopolitical Alignments
- [57:20] - The Planting of Trees in Israel
- [01:03:15] - Urgency of the Gospel
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Anticipation of Jesus' Second Coming
Bible Reading:
- Matthew 24:29-31
- Revelation 19:11-16
- 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17
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Observation Questions:
1. According to Matthew 24:29-31, what are the signs that will accompany the return of Jesus? How does this passage describe the visibility of His coming? [06:44]
2. In Revelation 19:11-16, what imagery is used to describe Jesus at His second coming? How does this imagery emphasize His authority and power?
3. What does 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 say about the order of events when Jesus returns? How are the dead in Christ and those who are alive described in this passage?
4. The sermon mentioned the rebirth of Israel as a significant sign of the times. How does this align with biblical prophecy, and why is it considered important? [33:51]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the visible return of Jesus, as described in Matthew 24, challenge the belief that His return might be symbolic rather than literal? What implications does this have for believers? [06:44]
2. In what ways does the judgment and separation of nations, as mentioned in the sermon, reflect the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 25:31-46? How does this passage inform our understanding of righteousness and justice? [22:21]
3. The sermon highlighted the urgency of sharing the gospel in light of Jesus' imminent return. How does this urgency impact the way believers should live their daily lives? [01:03:15]
4. How does the concept of the millennial reign of Christ, as discussed in the sermon, influence a believer's perspective on justice and righteousness in the present world? [29:33]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on the visible return of Jesus. How does the certainty of His return influence your daily decisions and priorities? What changes might you need to make to live in anticipation and readiness? [06:44]
2. Considering the judgment and separation of nations, how do you evaluate your own response to Jesus' message and your treatment of others? What steps can you take to ensure your life reflects His love and righteousness? [22:21]
3. The sermon emphasized the signs of the times, such as the rebirth of Israel and technological advancements. How do these signs affect your sense of urgency in sharing the gospel? What practical steps can you take to engage in evangelism? [31:08]
4. In light of the millennial reign of Christ, how do you view your current role and responsibilities as a believer? How can you be faithful in your present circumstances to prepare for your future role in His kingdom? [29:33]
5. The sermon mentioned the worldwide pressure for a two-state solution and the division of land. How can you pray for and support peace in the Middle East while aligning with biblical principles? [52:38]
6. Reflect on the worldwide hatred of the Jews and Israel mentioned in the sermon. How can you stand against anti-Semitism and support God's covenant with Israel in your community? [57:20]
7. The sermon concluded with a call to be serious about the Lord. What specific distractions or habits in your life need to change to deepen your relationship with Jesus? How can you commit to these changes this week? [01:00:29]
Devotional
I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:
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Day 1: The Certainty of Christ's Return
The second coming of Jesus is a pivotal event in Christian eschatology, described as a literal and visible occurrence that will be witnessed by all. This event is not just a symbolic representation but a real moment in time when Jesus will return with power and great glory. The sound of a trumpet will announce His arrival, and His elect will be gathered from all corners of the earth. This certainty of His return calls believers to live in anticipation and readiness, ensuring that their lives reflect the hope and expectation of this glorious event. [06:44]
Revelation 1:7 (ESV): "Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. Even so. Amen."
Reflection: How does the certainty of Jesus' return influence the way you live your daily life? What changes can you make today to live in anticipation of His coming?
Day 2: The Weight of Judgment
The return of Jesus will bring about a judgment where He will separate the righteous from the unrighteous, often referred to as the sheep from the goats. This judgment is based on how individuals have responded to His message and how they have treated His people. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of living a life that reflects His love and righteousness. Believers are called to examine their actions and attitudes, ensuring they align with the teachings of Christ and demonstrate His love to others. [22:21]
Matthew 25:31-33 (ESV): "When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats."
Reflection: In what ways can you actively demonstrate Christ's love and righteousness in your interactions with others today?
Day 3: Recognizing the Signs
The signs of the times, such as the rebirth of Israel, technological advancements, and geopolitical events, align with biblical prophecies, indicating that the return of Jesus is imminent. These signs call for vigilance and a renewed commitment to live faithfully and share the gospel. Believers are encouraged to be discerning of these signs and to prepare their hearts for His return, ensuring that they are living in a way that honors God and reflects His truth. [31:08]
Luke 21:25-28 (ESV): "And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves, people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory."
Reflection: What are some signs in the world today that remind you of the nearness of Christ's return? How can you use these reminders to strengthen your faith and commitment to sharing the gospel?
Day 4: The Promise of the Millennial Reign
Jesus will reign on earth for a thousand years, establishing His kingdom with justice and righteousness. During this time, believers will reign with Him, highlighting the importance of faithfulness in this life as it impacts our role in His future kingdom. This promise encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith, knowing that their actions and faithfulness have eternal significance. [29:33]
Revelation 20:4 (ESV): "Then I saw thrones, and seated on them were those to whom the authority to judge was committed. Also I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years."
Reflection: How does the promise of reigning with Christ in His future kingdom motivate you to live faithfully today? What specific actions can you take to align your life with this promise?
Day 5: The Urgency of the Gospel
The imminent return of Jesus underscores the urgency of sharing the gospel. Believers are called to be active participants in His mission, bringing the message of salvation to the world and living lives that reflect His love and truth. This urgency compels believers to prioritize evangelism and discipleship, ensuring that they are making the most of every opportunity to share the hope of Christ with others. [01:03:15]
2 Timothy 4:1-2 (ESV): "I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching."
Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear the message of the gospel? How can you intentionally share the love and truth of Christ with them today?
Quotes
Well, hello, Jerry Dierman here, welcome to the Solid Life's weekly message, and I've got the conclusion for you of the series, Our King and Priest. I want to talk to you about how the King is coming, and we're talking about the second coming of Jesus. You're going to like this one. But let me also thank all of you who have been partnering with us financially. Jesus Disciple is expanding. We've got 80 approved networks. These are ministries that are all now actively discipling people, starting groups, starting heading toward a disciple-making movement in 24 nations so far. And this has only been about 15 months since we launched the Jesus Disciple system. So thank you for helping us. We're working toward that million dollars of completing phase two to get these translations to happen and to get the app up and running. And so thank you. This is just thrilling. [00:00:00]
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, and he will send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together his elect. From the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. I want you to notice verse 30. It says, then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, then all the tribes of the earth will mourn. Now watch these words. And they will see, they will see the Son of Man coming. [00:06:44] (61 seconds)
So number one, Jesus coming will be visible. Number two, it'll be seen by all people. All peoples. Revelation 1 .7 says, behold, he is coming with clouds, or the clouds again, and every eye will see him. And every eye will see him. Number three, Jesus coming will be announced by a trumpet. We've already seen the trumpet, but look again at verse 31 of Matthew 24. And he will send his angels. By the way, are you taking notes? Are you getting all this? I want you to be able to rehearse this. [00:08:03] (34 seconds)
He's now disappeared into a cloud, but they're still looking up. And these two angels said, 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. What does that mean? This cloud elevator of sorts that took him up is gonna bring him back down. Gonna bring him back down. Listen to Mark 13, 26. Jesus said this, Then they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. [00:11:13] (33 seconds)
Then all the tribes of the earth will mourn and they will see the son of man coming. Why? This is the Lord who has poured out judgment against them because they rejected him. They ignored the gospel. They ignored him. And during the tribulation period, by the way, the gospel will be preached even by an angel, even by an angel, the Bible says, but it says that they're going to mourn. So that's one thing that's going to happen is the tribes are going to mourn as they're seeing him coming. [00:13:57] (35 seconds)
Behold, I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep. This is talking about die. We won't all, not all believers will die before Jesus comes back but we shall all be changed even though not all will die all believers will be changed in a moment in the twinkling of an eye at the last trumpet there's the trumpet again for the trumpet will sound and that by the way in the king james some of these passages just say trump and people are saying donald trump it's not talking about donald trump okay verse 52 in a moment in the twinkling of an eye at the last trumpet for the trumpet will sound and the dead will be raised incorruptible and we shall be changed the dead will be raised incorruptible and we who's we those who are still alive will be changed okay so both groups let me read it from first thessalonians 4 16 and 17 for the lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout with the voice of an archangel and with the trumpet of the king james there's the trumpet again and the dead in christ will rise first now what does this mean now their spirits and their souls are already with the lord in heaven to be absent from the bodies to be present with the lord but their bodies are still here on the earth and many of them of course have already decayed and turned back to dust but they're going to be reconstituted somebody said well that's a miracle this whole thing's a miracle how do you think the earth was created the universe isn't that right this is all god's doing see so these things are not hard at all for him this is in his wheelhouse to do miracles this is what he does and it says the dead in christ will rise first what does that mean that means that the all these bodies of believers all over the world are going to be reconstituted brought back to life be reunited with their spirits and souls but these bodies are now going to be like the resurrected body of jesus right now he's the only one that has one of these resurrected bodies see jesus is fully human he said handle me for a spirit doesn't have flesh and bone as you see that i have he still has flesh and bone but he's not aging no wrinkles or anything amen right he i mean everything and this is the kind of bodies we're going to get the bible says when we see him we will be like him when we see him we will be like him so the dead in christ all these bodies all over the world of people who were in the faith these bodies are going to be reunited with their spirits who are coming down from heaven with the lord be reunited so that's going to happen first verse 17 then then no this is a good thing i promise this is don't cry about this okay then we who are alive and remain then we believers who are alive and remain now this is not all the people of the earth this is only the believers this is the minority of people then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up up down or up up shall be caught up together with them who the dead in christ that are there with the lord right they're coming down from heaven with him their bodies are reunited with them [00:15:52] (0 seconds)
And I saw the beast, that's the Antichrist, the kings of the earth who serve the beast, and their armies gathered together to make war against him, capital H, that's Jesus, who shall be killed. That on the horse, and against his army, that's us, and the angels of heaven, verse 20. Then the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet, who worked signs in his presence, by which he deceived, deceived those who received the mark of the beast, and those who worshipped his image. These two were cast alive into the lake of fire, burning with brimstone, and the rest were killed with the sword, which proceeded from the mouth of him who sat on the horse. And all of them were cast alive. birds were filled with their flesh and so you can see that the false prophet and the antichrist were cast in the lake of fire but all the kings of the earth and their armies were all destroyed now i used to think reading all this that when it says and the rest verse 21 and the rest were killed that that's the whole rest of the people that were not believers in jesus but that's not the truth because what was you'll see in a minute that we're going to come and reign with christ well who are we going to reign over if there's nobody left if all the unbelievers are gone and all the believers are coming back with the lord we're going to reign over ourselves isn't that right but that's not the case this is clearly talking about the kings and the armies of the kings are going to be destroyed now also there's going to be judgment against all who receive the mark of the beast and this is a a mark that is given to people so that they can buy and sell during the tribulation period it says in revelation 14 9 then a third angel followed them saying with a loud voice if anyone worships the beast the antichrist and his image and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of god which is poured out full strength into the cup of his indignation he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the lamb and the smoke of the fire and the fire of the fire and the fire of the fire and the fire of the fire of their torment ascends forever and ever and they have no rest day or night who worship the beast and his image or whoever receives the mark of his name how many of you can see it's very clear right there that's not for us [00:19:54] (148 seconds)
And aside from those who took the mark. Notice this, Matthew 25, 31. Jesus said, When the Son of Man comes in His glory and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left. Then the King will say to those on His right hand, Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. Now notice verse 41. Then He will also say to those, Depart from Me, you cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels. Okay, so there are going to be people. And you remember in this passage, I was hungry and you didn't give me any food. I was thirsty and you didn't give me anything to drink. I was in prison and you didn't visit me and all this stuff. And the ones that did help, the ones that did give food and support and such. He said, you're going to be on the right hand and you're going to stay. And the other is going to be on the left hand. And you're going to have to be judged and go into everlasting fire. Now, when Ron Cantor was here, you remember, a Jewish person from Israel, one of the teachers of the word. He said that this passage is talking about those and how the Jewish people were treated. [00:23:01] (83 seconds)
Number six, Satan will be bound for a thousand years. Revelation 20 verse one. Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the devil. And Satan and bound him for a thousand years and cast him into the bottomless pit and shut him up and set a seal on him so that he should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years were finished. But after these things, he must be released for a little while. Now, when I get to heaven, if I think of it, I might ask the Lord, why didn't you just finish him off right there? Why lock him up for a thousand years and then let him out? Because after that, the Bible says he's going to deceive the nations again, after the millennial, the thousand-year reign of Christ. Well, God has his purposes, isn't that right? He has his purposes, but this is what's going to happen. Satan's going to be locked up for a thousand years. The next one, number seven, Jesus will remain on the earth when he comes back and he's going to rule the nations, the entire world, for that thousand-year period. It's called the millennial, mele, meaning thousand, the millennial reign of Christ. And so it says in Micah 4, 2, among other places, verse 1, now it shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the Lord, this is talking about Jerusalem, the temple mount, Mount Zion. This is not Mount Everest. [00:25:05] (83 seconds)
And it says the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established on top of the mountains. We're not talking about elevation. We're talking about authority. It shall be established on the top of the mountains and shall be exalted above the hills and people shall flow to it. Many nations shall come and say, Come and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways and we shall walk in his paths. For out of Zion, the law shall go forth and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. Jerusalem is going to be the center of government of the earth. And Jesus will be the king that governs there. Revelation 12, 5, she bore a male child who was to rule all nations. He's not coming as a weak servant. He's coming as a glorious, powerful king. [00:26:48] (56 seconds)
He's going to rule the nations with a rod of iron. Now that doesn't mean he's going to be cruel. No, he's a very merciful and gracious king, but it means he's not going to tolerate all the wickedness that's currently happening in the world. People taking advantage of one another and all of the abuse that's happening in our world, that that's going to, that's going to end. Number. Seven, excuse me. Number eight, the saints will rule with Jesus over the nations. The believers not, I'm not talking about saints as in terms of Catholic saints and such. I'm talking about the Bible says the saints are the believers. All the believers, every one of us have been made saints by the blood of Jesus. Revelation 5, 9, and they sang a new song saying you are worthy to take the scroll and open its seals for you were slain and you have redeemed us to God by your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation and have made us kings and priests to our God. Isn't that interesting? We're on this series called our king and priests. And this says that [00:27:36] (66 seconds)
He, by his blood, made us kings and priests to our God. Many translations say a kingdom of priests. But I want you to notice it goes on to say, and we shall reign on the earth. And we shall reign on the earth. Well, there aren't going to be millions of kings. I mean, how would we rule the earth with millions of kings? Everybody's a king. No, but there will be kings among the body of Christ who are ruling and reigning with him. And all of us will have some role. Revelation 20, verse 4, And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshipped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ. They lived and reigned with Christ. They lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. [00:28:42] (56 seconds)
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