The Sure and Certain Hope of Christ’s Return

Devotional

Day 1: Jesus Foretells the Destruction of the Temple and Endurance in Suffering

Jesus teaches that even the most beautiful and seemingly permanent things in our lives—like the temple for the disciples—can be destroyed, and that suffering, persecution, and upheaval are part of the church’s journey until He returns. Yet, in the midst of all this, He calls His followers not to be terrified or led astray, but to endure, trusting that He is watching over them and that not even a hair on their heads will perish. The comfort and hope of God’s people are not found in buildings or institutions, but in Christ Himself, who is the sure foundation that endures through every trial and change. [21:37]

Luke 21:5-19 (ESV)
And while some were speaking of the temple, how it was adorned with noble stones and offerings, he said, “As for these things that you see, the days will come when there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.” And they asked him, “Teacher, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when these things are about to take place?” And he said, “See that you are not led astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and, ‘The time is at hand!’ Do not go after them. And when you hear of wars and tumults, do not be terrified, for these things must first take place, but the end will not be at once.” Then he said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences. And there will be terrors and great signs from heaven. But before all this they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name’s sake. This will be your opportunity to bear witness. Settle it therefore in your minds not to meditate beforehand how to answer, for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict. You will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and some of you they will put to death. You will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your lives.”

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are tempted to find security in something other than Christ? How can you practice trusting Jesus as your foundation today, even if that “temple” were to fall?

Day 2: The Unpredictability of Christ’s Return and Living in Hope

No one can predict the day or hour of Christ’s return, just as no one could guess what was hidden in the bag or which card would be drawn; instead, Jesus calls His people to live in hope and readiness, trusting His promise that He will come again to restore all things and make them new. In the meantime, life may be filled with hardship, suffering, and uncertainty, but Jesus assures us that He is always watching over us and will keep us safe until that day. [26:37]

Matthew 24:36 (ESV)
“But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only.”

Reflection: How does knowing that Christ’s return is unpredictable change the way you approach your daily life? What is one way you can live with hope and readiness today?

Day 3: Christ Is Our True Foundation, Not Buildings or Institutions

The true comfort, hope, and identity of God’s people are not found in magnificent buildings, familiar traditions, or stable institutions, but in Jesus Himself, whose death and resurrection have made Him the everlasting temple that can never be destroyed. Even if everything else were to crumble, Christ remains the sure and certain foundation for faith, and He calls us to lean on Him in every circumstance. [43:27]

John 2:19-22 (ESV)
Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” The Jews then said, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will you raise it up in three days?” But he was speaking about the temple of his body. When therefore he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they believed the Scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken.

Reflection: What is one tradition, building, or institution you tend to rely on for your sense of spiritual security? How can you shift your trust more fully onto Christ Himself this week?

Day 4: Jesus’ Promise: Not One Hair Will Perish

Jesus promises that even in the midst of suffering, persecution, and the apparent collapse of all that seems secure, He is watching over His people and will not let them perish; not even a hair on their heads will be lost, for He is living, reigning, and ruling over all creation, and nothing can separate us from His love. This assurance gives courage to face whatever may come, knowing that our lives are held in His faithful hands. [45:56]

Romans 8:38-39 (ESV)
For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Reflection: When you face fear or uncertainty, what would it look like to remind yourself of Jesus’ promise that not even a hair on your head will perish? Who can you encourage with this promise today?

Day 5: Bearing Witness in Times of Trial

Jesus teaches that times of trial, suffering, and even persecution are opportunities for His followers to bear witness to Him, trusting that He will give them the words and wisdom they need. Rather than shrinking back in fear, believers are called to stand firm, knowing that their hope is in Christ, who is the refuge of the lost and the rock of salvation. [21:03]

1 Peter 3:14-15 (ESV)
But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, 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: Think of a situation where you might be called to bear witness to your faith, even if it feels uncomfortable. How can you prepare your heart to trust Jesus to give you the words and courage you need?

Sermon Summary

As we gather in worship, we are reminded of the many ways God calls us to serve, support one another, and prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ. Our community is active in mission, fellowship, and devotion, but today we are drawn to consider something deeper: where do we truly find our hope and security? The disciples, standing in awe of the magnificent temple in Jerusalem, saw in its stones and gold a symbol of permanence, identity, and the very presence of God. Yet Jesus, in a moment of sobering prophecy, tells them that even this great temple will be utterly destroyed. He expands this warning to include not just the loss of buildings, but the coming of wars, disasters, persecution, and suffering—realities that have marked the church throughout history and continue to do so today.

It is tempting to find comfort in what is familiar, beautiful, and seemingly unshakeable—our churches, traditions, and communities. But Jesus challenges us to see that our true foundation is not in any earthly structure or institution. Even the most sacred and enduring things of this world can be torn down. The hope that endures is found in Christ alone, who is the everlasting temple, the sure and certain foundation that cannot be destroyed. His death and resurrection have established a refuge for us that no calamity, persecution, or loss can take away.

We are reminded that suffering and change are not signs of God’s absence, but opportunities to bear witness to his faithfulness. Whether we face the subtle anxieties and divisions of our own context or the intense persecution endured by believers around the world, Christ’s promise remains: not a hair of our head will perish. He is ever watching over his people, and nothing can separate us from his love. Even if all that is familiar were to fall away, we need not fear, for our hope is anchored in the living and reigning Christ. In him, we have a foundation that will never fail, a hope that endures through every trial, and a promise that our redemption is drawing near.

Key Takeaways

1. Christ, Not Structures, Is Our Foundation It is easy to place our hope in buildings, traditions, or institutions, believing they are unshakeable. Yet Jesus teaches that even the most sacred and enduring things of this world can be lost. Our true security is found in Christ alone, whose resurrection makes him the everlasting temple and the only sure foundation for our faith. [43:27]
2. Suffering Is an Opportunity to Bear Witness Jesus does not promise a life free from hardship; rather, he prepares us for trials, persecution, and loss. These moments are not evidence of God’s absence but are opportunities to testify to his faithfulness and to lean more deeply on his promises. In suffering, the church’s witness shines brightest. [21:03]
3. Nothing Can Separate Us from Christ’s Love No matter what we face—be it the loss of cherished places, the decline of institutions, or even persecution—Christ’s promise stands firm. He is ever watching over his people, and not even a hair on our heads will perish apart from his will. Our hope is secure because nothing in all creation can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. [47:00]
4. Endurance Is Rooted in Christ’s Resurrection The call to “straighten up and raise your heads” is not a call to self-reliance, but to confidence in the risen Christ. His victory over death is the guarantee that, even in the midst of ruins, our redemption is near. Endurance is possible because our foundation is not in what can be destroyed, but in the One who lives forever. [45:06]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[06:56] - Family Feud Fundraiser Announcement
[07:21] - Upcoming Voters Meeting and Potluck
[07:46] - Advent Experiences and Devotionals
[08:16] - Advent Sermon Series Introduction
[09:04] - Call to Worship and Gospel Reading
[20:10] - Jesus Foretells the Temple’s Destruction
[21:03] - Persecution and Opportunity to Witness
[22:44] - The Promise of Redemption
[23:25] - Children’s Message: Predictions and Promises
[26:37] - Jesus’ Return and Our Hope
[33:37] - The Disciples’ Perspective on the Temple
[36:34] - Jesus’ Shocking Prophecy
[41:54] - False Security in Earthly Things
[43:27] - Christ as the True Foundation
[45:06] - Hope Amidst Ruins
[48:04] - Hymn Reflection: Christ Our Foundation
[48:32] - Confession of Faith

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Luke 21:5-19 (ESV) —
> And while some were speaking of the temple, how it was adorned with noble stones and offerings, he said, “As for these things that you see, the days will come when there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.” And they asked him, “Teacher, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when these things are about to take place?” And he said, “See that you are not led astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and, ‘The time is at hand!’ Do not go after them. And when you hear of wars and tumults, do not be terrified, for these things must first take place, but the end will not be at once.” Then he said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences. And there will be terrors and great signs from heaven. But before all this they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name’s sake. This will be your opportunity to bear witness. Settle it therefore in your minds not to meditate beforehand how to answer, for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict. You will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and some of you they will put to death. You will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your lives.”

Romans 8:38-39 (ESV) —
> For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Observation Questions

What were the disciples admiring about the temple, and how did Jesus respond to their admiration?
According to Jesus in Luke 21, what kinds of events and hardships did he say his followers would face?
What promise does Jesus give to his followers about their security, even in the midst of suffering and persecution?
In the sermon, what examples were given of Christians today who are experiencing the kinds of suffering Jesus described?

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think the disciples found comfort and security in the temple? What does this reveal about human nature and our need for visible signs of God’s presence?
The sermon mentions that suffering and change are not signs of God’s absence, but opportunities to bear witness. How might enduring hardship actually strengthen a person’s faith or testimony?
Jesus says, “not a hair of your head will perish.” What does this mean in the context of persecution and even death? How can this promise be true?
The sermon draws a contrast between earthly structures (like the temple or church buildings) and Christ as our foundation. Why is it important to recognize this difference, especially when facing loss or change?

Application Questions

The disciples were impressed by the beauty and permanence of the temple, but Jesus warned that even the most sacred things can be lost. Are there things in your life—church traditions, routines, or even relationships—that you tend to rely on for security more than Christ himself? How can you shift your trust to Jesus as your true foundation?
The sermon described how Christians in places like Nigeria, North Korea, and China face real persecution. How does hearing about their experiences affect your perspective on your own challenges? Is there a way you can support or pray for persecuted believers this week?
Jesus says that times of suffering are opportunities to bear witness. Can you think of a time when hardship gave you a chance to share your faith or encourage someone else? How might you be more intentional about this in the future?
The message emphasized that “not a hair of your head will perish” because Christ is always watching over his people. When you face anxiety or fear about the future, what practical steps can you take to remind yourself of this promise?
The sermon mentioned that even if our church or denomination were to disappear, our hope would still be secure in Christ. How would your faith be affected if you lost something you deeply value in your church community? What would it look like to “straighten up and raise your head” in that situation?
Are there ways you have seen the church (locally or globally) place too much hope in buildings, programs, or traditions? How can we as a group encourage each other to keep Christ as our center, especially when things change?
The sermon closed with the assurance that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. Is there a specific fear or loss you are facing right now? How can this promise help you endure and find hope?

Sermon Clips

And as Jesus speaks of the destruction of this temple, his prophecy expands even further. And he sees both the horrors of the end times and the suffering of his people, and of course, the destruction of this temple. And so not only is this wonderful, magnificent building, the center of their faith and identity, going to be utterly destroyed, but nation is going to rise against nation, kingdom against kingdom. [00:37:00] (31 seconds) #ProphecyOfDestruction

Today, if you look and see what is going on in Nigeria right now, these Christians are living these exact words that Jesus speaks. Entire villages have been attacked and burned. Believers have been driven from their homes. They've been imprisoned and kidnapped or killed simply because they believe in Jesus. Pastors are targeted. Churches are destroyed. Families are torn apart because of their faith. [00:39:42] (35 seconds) #FaithUnderFire

The church's life in this world is and always has been marked by Jesus' words here in Luke 21. Now, but what about here? What about our church? Or even more broadly speaking, you could say, what about the church in America? We don't face the type of persecution and suffering that believers in Nigeria or any of these other places face. But our suffering does look different. [00:40:34] (35 seconds) #DifferentSufferingSameFaith

And for those of us who belong to a healthy congregation with strong attendance, faithful people, and beautiful sanctuaries, well, that's pretty comforting, isn't it? It is comforting. But that can also fool us, too. Because just like the disciples, we can look at something that's beautiful and familiar and stable, something that feels permanent, and assume this is secure. This will last. This is where God promises to be. This is where God is. [00:41:34] (46 seconds) #FalseSecurityWarning

And this is exactly what Jesus said would happen. So if all of this were to go away, it will be okay. Because our hope, our comfort, our faith is not placed into any one building or institution or government, but in Christ, who is Lord over all creation, who is Lord over the church and has promised to us that neither death nor life nor angels nor rulers nor things present nor things to come nor powers nor height nor depth nor anything, anything in all of creation will ever be able to separate you from the love of God in Christ Jesus. [00:47:00] (40 seconds) #UnbreakableLovePromise

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