The Second Coming of Jesus

Devotional

Day 1: The Certainty and Glory of Christ’s Second Coming

The return of Jesus will be unmistakable, glorious, and visible to all, bringing both judgment and deliverance. The world will experience cosmic disturbances—darkened sun and moon, falling stars, and the shaking of the heavens—heralding the arrival of the Son of Man on the clouds with power and great glory. For those who have trusted in Christ, this is a day of hope and fulfillment, but for those who have rejected Him, it will be a day of mourning and reckoning. The promise of Christ’s return is not a distant myth but a sure reality that should shape our lives with anticipation and reverence. [41:14]

Matthew 24:29-31 (ESV)
“Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, 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 out his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.”

Reflection: How does the certainty of Christ’s glorious return affect the way you approach your daily decisions and priorities today?

Day 2: God’s Sovereign Power Over Creation and History

God, who created the universe and upholds it by His power, will one day shake the very foundations of creation as a sign of His coming judgment and redemption. The cosmic signs—darkness, earthquakes, and the upheaval of the natural order—remind us that nothing in creation is beyond His control. These events are not random but are purposeful, signaling the end of the age and the beginning of Christ’s eternal kingdom. In a world that often feels chaotic and unpredictable, believers can rest in the assurance that God’s sovereign hand is guiding history toward His perfect conclusion. [46:13]

Revelation 6:12-17 (ESV)
“When he opened the sixth seal, I looked, and behold, there was a great earthquake, and the sun became black as sackcloth, the full moon became like blood, and the stars of the sky fell to the earth as the fig tree sheds its winter fruit when shaken by a gale. The sky vanished like a scroll that is being rolled up, and every mountain and island was removed from its place. Then the kings of the earth and the great ones and the generals and the rich and the powerful, and everyone, slave and free, hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains, calling to the mountains and rocks, ‘Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who is seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb, for the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?’”

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to trust more deeply in God’s sovereign power, especially when circumstances seem out of control?

Day 3: The Gathering of God’s Elect from Every Nation

At Christ’s return, God will gather His elect—those who have trusted in Him—from every corner of the earth and heaven, uniting believers of all ages and backgrounds in His presence. This gathering fulfills God’s promises to Israel and to all who are in Christ, demonstrating His faithfulness to redeem and restore His people. The image of angels sent out with a trumpet call to bring together the redeemed is a powerful reminder that no one who belongs to Christ will be forgotten or left behind. This hope should inspire us to persevere in faith and to long for the day when we will be united with all the saints in glory. [01:03:04]

Isaiah 43:5-7 (ESV)
“Fear not, for I am with you; I will bring your offspring from the east, and from the west I will gather you. I will say to the north, Give up, and to the south, Do not withhold; bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the end of the earth, everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.”

Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear the hope of being gathered into God’s family, and how can you share that hope with them this week?

Day 4: The Urgency of Repentance and Readiness

The coming of Christ brings both a promise and a warning: those who have not trusted in Him will face judgment, while those who repent and believe will be saved. The reality of Christ’s return should move us to examine our hearts, turn from sin, and place our faith in Jesus as Savior and Lord. God’s offer of forgiveness is available now, but the time to respond is limited. Let the urgency of eternity motivate you to make sure your hope is secure in Christ and to pray for those who have yet to believe. [01:11:18]

Romans 10:9-10 (ESV)
“Because if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.”

Reflection: Is there an area of your life where you need to repent or a step of faith you need to take to be ready for Christ’s return?

Day 5: Living with Hope and Sharing the Good News

Believers are called to live with a confident hope in Christ’s return, letting that hope shape their attitudes, actions, and relationships. This hope is not meant to be kept to ourselves but shared with others who are searching for meaning and assurance. As we honor Christ in our hearts, we are to be ready to give a gentle and respectful answer to anyone who asks about the hope within us. Let your life be a testimony to the reality of Christ’s love and the promise of His coming kingdom. [01:13:46]

1 Peter 3:15 (ESV)
“But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.”

Reflection: Who is one person you can intentionally encourage or share the hope of Christ with today, and what practical step can you take to do so?

Sermon Summary

The assurance of our future in Christ is rooted in the finished work of Jesus on the cross. Because of His sacrifice, we do not need to live in fear or uncertainty. Our salvation is not based on our own worthiness or efforts, but on the boundless grace and mercy of God. When we believe in our hearts and confess with our mouths that Jesus is Lord, we are saved and our future is secure. This hope should fill us with gratitude and praise, motivating us to share the good news with others and to participate in ministries that spread the gospel, such as Operation Christmas Child and outreach to orphans and those in need around the world.

As we look to the future, Jesus’ own words in Matthew 24 remind us that His return will be unmistakable and glorious. The world will experience unprecedented tribulation and cosmic upheaval, but these events are not merely figurative—they are literal signs of God’s power and judgment. The coming of Christ will be visible to all, and every nation will mourn, some in fear and others in repentance. For those who trust in Christ, this will be a day of deliverance and joy, as all the redeemed—Old Testament saints, the church, and believing Israel—are gathered together to welcome the King and enter His everlasting kingdom.

This reality calls us to live with urgency and hope. We are not destined for wrath, but for salvation and participation in Christ’s victory. Yet, there is a sober warning for those who remain in unbelief: judgment is coming, and the only refuge is found in Jesus. Our response should be to honor Christ in our hearts, to be ready to give an answer for the hope within us, and to pray for and reach out to those who do not yet know Him. Let us live expectantly, motivated by the certainty of Christ’s return, and committed to making disciples of all nations.

Key Takeaways

1. The foundation of our hope is not our own merit, but the grace of God demonstrated in Christ’s sacrificial death. No amount of good works or self-effort can earn salvation; it is a gift received by faith. This truth frees us from striving and fills us with gratitude, reminding us to rest in God’s love and to extend that same grace to others. [26:32]
2. The return of Jesus will be a literal, visible, and cosmic event that will shake the very foundations of creation. The signs described—darkened sun, falling stars, and global upheaval—are reminders of God’s sovereign power and the certainty of His promises. In a world that often seems chaotic and unpredictable, we can trust that God is in control and that His purposes will be fulfilled. [45:34]
3. The mourning at Christ’s return will be both a cry of judgment and an invitation to repentance. Some will mourn in terror, realizing too late the reality of Christ’s lordship, while others—especially among Israel—will mourn in repentance and be saved. God’s mercy is still available, even in the final moments, and His desire is for all to come to repentance. [55:25]
4. The gathering of the elect at Christ’s coming is a glorious convergence of all God’s redeemed people—Old Testament saints, the church, and believing Israel. This unity across ages and nations is a testimony to God’s faithfulness and the fulfillment of His redemptive plan. It reminds us that our identity is found in Christ and that we are part of a much larger story that culminates in His kingdom. [66:52]
5. The certainty of Christ’s return should shape our daily lives with hope, urgency, and purpose. We are called to live expectantly, to be ready to share the reason for our hope, and to pray for those who do not yet know Christ. Our mission is to reflect God’s holiness, justice, and mercy, and to be about His business until He comes. [71:54]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[26:32] - Assurance in Christ’s Sacrifice
[27:42] - The Call to Make Disciples
[28:20] - Operation Christmas Child and Global Outreach
[33:07] - Honoring Rosie Douly and Ministry Updates
[34:30] - Upcoming Missions and Offerings
[36:23] - Annual Business Meeting and Membership
[38:08] - Introduction to Matthew 24: The Second Coming
[41:14] - Reading and Context of Matthew 24:29-31
[43:45] - Literal vs. Figurative Signs of the End
[45:34] - Cosmic Disturbances and God’s Power
[49:52] - The Sign of the Son of Man
[52:09] - Jesus’ Return in Power and Glory
[54:45] - Mourning and Repentance at Christ’s Coming
[57:16] - The Gathering of the Redeemed
[66:52] - Who Are the Elect?
[68:46] - Living in Light of Christ’s Return
[71:54] - The Urgency of the Gospel and Closing Prayer
[74:25] - Closing Song: Sharing the Hope of Jesus

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Matthew 24:29-31 (ESV) — > 29 “Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
> 30 Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, 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.
> 31 And he will send out his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.”

Observation Questions

According to Matthew 24:29-31, what are the specific signs that will happen in the heavens before Jesus returns?
In the sermon, what does the pastor say is the reason we do not have to live in fear or uncertainty about our future? [[26:32]]
Who are described as “the elect” that Jesus’ angels will gather at His return? What groups of people does the pastor mention as being included? [[01:06:52]]
What is the response of “all the tribes of the earth” when they see the Son of Man coming, according to the passage and the sermon? [[54:45]]

Interpretation Questions

The sermon says our salvation is not based on our own worthiness or efforts, but on God’s grace. Why is this distinction important for how we view our relationship with God? [[26:32]]
The pastor interprets the cosmic signs (darkened sun, falling stars, etc.) as literal events. How does this affect the way we understand the power and sovereignty of God? [[45:34]]
The mourning at Christ’s return is described as both a cry of judgment and an invitation to repentance. What does this reveal about God’s character and His desire for people, even at the end? [[55:25]]
The gathering of the elect is called a “glorious convergence” of all God’s redeemed people. How does this shape our understanding of unity in Christ across different ages and backgrounds? [[01:06:52]]

Application Questions

The sermon says that because of Christ’s sacrifice, we are freed from striving to earn salvation. Are there areas in your life where you still feel pressure to “prove” yourself to God or others? How can you rest more fully in God’s grace this week? [[26:32]]
The certainty of Jesus’ return is meant to fill us with hope and urgency. How does thinking about Christ’s return change the way you approach your daily life and decisions? Is there something you would do differently if you lived with this expectation? [[01:11:54]]
The pastor mentioned ministries like Operation Christmas Child and outreach to orphans as ways to share the gospel. What is one practical step you can take to participate in sharing the good news, either locally or globally? [[28:20]]
The sermon warns that judgment is coming for those who remain in unbelief, but also highlights God’s mercy and desire for repentance. Is there someone in your life you feel burdened to pray for or reach out to with the hope of Christ? What is one way you can do that this week? [[01:11:54]]
The gathering of the elect at Christ’s coming is a reminder of our identity in Christ and being part of a bigger story. How does knowing you are part of God’s redeemed people affect your sense of purpose and belonging? [[01:06:52]]
The pastor encouraged being ready to give an answer for the hope within us (1 Peter 3:15). Can you think of a recent situation where you could have shared your faith? What would you say if someone asked you about your hope in Christ? [[01:11:54]]
The sermon calls us to live expectantly and to reflect God’s holiness, justice, and mercy. What is one area of your life where you want to grow in reflecting Christ’s character until He comes? [[01:13:46]]

Ask a question about this sermon

Chatbot

What signs will precede Jesus second coming?

How will cosmic disturbances signal Christ’s return?

Who are the gathered at Jesus’ return?