The Hope and Significance of Christ's Second Coming

Devotional

Day 1: The Comfort of The Blessed Hope

The Bible provides detailed descriptions of the second coming of Jesus, known as The Blessed Hope, which offers believers comfort and hope for the future. This event is meant to strengthen and encourage Christians, allowing them to face the future with confidence rather than fear. The assurance of Jesus' return is as certain as His resurrection, and the prophecies throughout the Bible serve as a reminder of this promise. Understanding the significance of The Blessed Hope can transform how believers live their daily lives, providing a sense of peace and purpose. [01:03]

Titus 2:13-14 (ESV): "Waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works."

Reflection: How does the promise of Jesus' return influence your daily decisions and outlook on life? What specific fears or anxieties can you surrender to God today, trusting in His future return?

Day 2: The Urgency of His Return

The contrast between Jesus' first and second comings highlights the urgency and significance of His return. While His first coming was a slow and quiet event, His second coming will be instantaneous and loud, witnessed by the entire world. This dramatic difference underscores the importance of being prepared and living with a sense of urgency in our faith. The Bible describes this event as happening in the twinkling of an eye, with a loud command and the sound of a trumpet, emphasizing the need for readiness and anticipation among believers. [04:15]

1 Thessalonians 5:2-3 (ESV): "For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, 'There is peace and security,' then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape."

Reflection: In what ways can you cultivate a sense of urgency in your spiritual life? What practical steps can you take today to be more prepared for Jesus' return?

Day 3: Universal Recognition of Christ's Authority

At Jesus' first coming, only a few honored Him, but at His second coming, everyone will acknowledge Him as Lord. This universal recognition underscores the ultimate authority and divinity of Christ. The Bible teaches that every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord, highlighting the significance of His return. This future event serves as a reminder of the importance of living a life that honors Christ now, recognizing His authority in all areas of life. [14:20]

Philippians 2:10-11 (ESV): "So that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

Reflection: How can you acknowledge Christ's authority in your life today? What specific actions or attitudes need to change to reflect His lordship?

Day 4: The Dual Role of Savior and Judge

Jesus came the first time to save the world, offering salvation to all who believe. His second coming will be a time of judgment, where God will set right all the wrongs in the world, rewarding the faithful and punishing the wicked. This dual role of Jesus as both Savior and Judge highlights the importance of living a life that aligns with God's will. Believers are called to live for God's glory, knowing that their actions and choices have eternal significance. [19:00]

2 Corinthians 5:10 (ESV): "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to align more closely with God's will? How can you live today in a way that reflects your faith and prepares you for Jesus' return as Judge?

Day 5: The Call to Share the Gospel

The first coming of Jesus was to die for our sins, allowing us to be adopted into God's family. His second coming will be to gather His family and take them to heaven, emphasizing the importance of sharing the Gospel with those who have never heard it. Believers are called to fulfill Jesus' command to witness to all nations, sharing the message of salvation and hope with others. This call to action is a reminder of the urgency and responsibility Christians have in spreading the Good News. [25:08]

Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV): "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."

Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear the message of the Gospel? What steps can you take today to share the hope of Jesus with them?

Sermon Summary

The Bible speaks more about the second coming of Jesus than His first coming at Christmas. While the first coming was a monumental event that split history into BC and AD, the second coming is described with even greater detail and significance. This future event, known as The Blessed Hope, is meant to provide comfort, strength, and confidence to believers, helping them face the future without fear or anxiety. Jesus promised His return, just as He promised His resurrection, and the Bible is filled with prophecies about this event.

The first coming of Jesus was a slow and quiet process, marked by a nine-month pregnancy and a humble birth in Bethlehem. In contrast, His second coming will be instantaneous and loud, with the entire world witnessing the event. The Bible describes it as happening in the twinkling of an eye, with a loud command, the shout of an archangel, and the sound of a trumpet. Unlike the single star that marked His first coming, the second coming will light up the entire sky, visible to everyone around the world.

The first time Jesus came, only a few people honored Him, and He was ultimately rejected by many. However, at His second coming, everyone will honor Him, acknowledging Him as Lord. This event will be a time of judgment, where God will set right all the wrongs in the world. Jesus came the first time to save the world, offering salvation to all who believe. But the second time, He will come to judge the world, rewarding those who have lived for God's glory and punishing those who have rejected Him.

Jesus' first coming was to die for our sins, offering us a way to be adopted into God's family. His second coming will be to gather His family from all around the world and take them to heaven. This is a call to action for believers to share the Gospel with those who have never heard it, fulfilling Jesus' command to witness to all nations.

Key Takeaways

1. The second coming of Jesus is described in the Bible with more detail than His first coming, offering believers comfort and hope for the future. Understanding this event helps us face the future with confidence rather than fear. [01:03]
2. Jesus' first coming was a slow and quiet event, while His second coming will be instantaneous and loud, witnessed by the entire world. This contrast highlights the significance and urgency of His return. [04:15]
3. At His first coming, only a few honored Jesus, but at His second coming, everyone will acknowledge Him as Lord. This universal recognition underscores the ultimate authority and divinity of Christ. [14:20]
4. Jesus came the first time to save the world, offering salvation to all who believe. His second coming will be a time of judgment, where God will set right all the wrongs in the world, rewarding the faithful and punishing the wicked. [19:00]
5. The first coming of Jesus was to die for our sins, allowing us to be adopted into God's family. His second coming will be to gather His family and take them to heaven, emphasizing the importance of sharing the Gospel with those who have never heard it. [25:08]
** [25:08]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:08] - The Significance of the Second Coming
[00:50] - The Blessed Hope
[01:30] - Jesus' Promise of Return
[02:32] - Seven Differences Between the Comings
[03:11] - Slow Arrival vs. Instant Return
[05:35] - Quiet Birth vs. Loud Return
[07:15] - Single Star vs. Lighting the Sky
[10:18] - Universal Recognition
[13:03] - Few Honored vs. Everyone Honors
[16:22] - Spiritual Differences
[19:00] - Savior vs. Judge
[23:31] - Purpose of the First Coming
[25:08] - Gathering His Family
[26:04] - Call to Share the Gospel

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What are some of the differences between Jesus' first and second coming as described in the sermon? [02:32]
How does the Bible describe the manner in which Jesus will return during His second coming? [04:15]
According to the sermon, what will be the global reaction to Jesus' second coming? [14:20]
What is the significance of Jesus' promise in John 14:2-3 regarding His return? [01:30]

Interpretation Questions

How does the promise of Jesus' return in John 14:2-3 provide comfort and hope to believers? [01:30]
In what ways does the description of the second coming in 1 Corinthians 15:52 and 1 Thessalonians 4:16 emphasize the urgency and significance of this event? [04:15]
What does the universal recognition of Jesus as Lord at His second coming imply about His authority and divinity? [14:20]
How does the concept of Jesus as both Savior and Judge challenge or affirm one's understanding of His role in the world? [19:00]

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when the promise of Jesus' return provided you with comfort or hope. How can you hold onto that promise during challenging times? [01:30]
Considering the instantaneous nature of Jesus' second coming, how can you live each day in readiness for His return? [04:15]
How does the idea that everyone will acknowledge Jesus as Lord at His second coming influence your interactions with others, especially those who do not share your faith? [14:20]
In what ways can you actively participate in sharing the Gospel, knowing that Jesus' second coming will be a time of judgment? [25:08]
How can the knowledge of Jesus' role as both Savior and Judge impact your daily decisions and priorities? [19:00]
Identify one person in your life who has not heard the Gospel. What steps can you take this week to share the message of Jesus with them? [26:04]
Reflect on your current spiritual journey. Are there areas where you need to seek forgiveness or make amends before Jesus' return? How can you address these areas this week? [19:00]

Sermon Clips

you may not realize this there are more there's more in the Bible about the second coming of Jesus than there is about the first coming of Jesus at Christmas 2,000 years ago far more verses far more prophecies far more explanations about what's going to happen in the second coming of Jesus than the first now the first coming of Jesus was predicted for thousands of years and people thought that's never going to happen but it did it did happen God came to Earth and it split history into AD and BC and even your birthday is dated by the biggest event in history when Jesus Christ came to earth when God became a man and it's called Christmas but he's coming back just as assuredly. [00:00:52]

now the Bible calls the second coming of Christ The Blessed hope and it's called The Blessed hope because when you really understand what he's going to do it's going to give you enormous Comfort enormous strength it's going to give you more confidence in your daily life it will help you look forward to the future rather than look with look into the future with fear uh or with anxiety or with uh you know some kind of uh uncertainty because because history is moving toward a point. [00:01:05]

at the first Christmas at the first coming of Jesus the first time Jesus's arrival happened slowly Jesus's arrival happened slowly because Jesus came into the world the first time the same way we all came into the World by birth and by birth it means you go through a 9mon pregnancy would any of you women who've had a baby like to testify how long a pregn feels it's 9 months it's not an overnight it's not an instant thing you carry that baby to full gestation so while it may have been a surprise to some other people Mary and Joseph knew exactly when um Jesus was going to be born it's about nine months unless you're a preey. [00:03:04]

now in comparison next time Jesus's arrival will happen instantly instantly it's going to be quick it's going to be fast the Bible says in 1 Corinthians chapter 15 verse 52 it will happen all all happen in a Flash as a twinkling of an eye as fast as the twinkling of an eye now it didn't say a blink of an eye a blink of an eye takes about a tenth of a second a twinkling of an eye is the amount of time it takes for the speed of light which is very very fast to hit the back of your eye and and reflect out. [00:04:13]

the first time Jesus arrival was very quiet was very very quiet in fact almost nobody heard of it uh most people were oblivious to the fact that the savior of the world had been born we talk about silent night it was a very quiet night it was in a little town called Bethlehem town is a generous word it was a village Bethlehem had maybe 300 residents 300 residents of be it's a very sleepy town and it's a very quiet uh entrance and so the Shepherds were told by the Angels this in Luke Chapter 2 today in the town of David literally it's the Berg the the village of David the Savior has been born for you and he is Christ the lord. [00:05:46]

next time when Jesus come back second time the exact opposite write this down the entire world will hear it the entire world will hear it it's going to be the greatest celebration and it's going to be loud nobody's going to have any doubt when Jesus Christ comes back everybody is going to hear it look at this just one verse I could show you many but on the screen 1 Thessalonians 4:16 for the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a loud L command Circle that loud command and with the shout Circle that shout of the Archangel and with the Great Sound Of The Trumpet Of God. [00:07:27]

the first time only a few people honored Jesus the first first time only a few people honored him in fact most of his own people rejected him we know that and he was eventually killed and on the cross they that most of them did not accept him he camea the Bible says this he came unto his own to his own people but his own people did not receive him when Jesus came at the first Christmas not everybody immediately bowed down and worshiped him the Shepherds did the the the wise men did but King Herod didn't and nobody else did and so it was just a very few people that received him and later his own people actually put him on the cross and and killed him. [00:12:54]

next time everyone will honor him everyone will honor him even people who denied him their entire lives even atheists everybody's going to honor him Romans 14:12 says this as surely as I am the Living God everyone will kneel before me and everyone will confess that I am God now that means when Jesus Christ comes back every celebrity is going to kneel and say Jesus is Lord every politician in the world is going to kneel and say Jesus is Lord every pro-athlete in the world is going to kneel and say yeah he's who he said he was uh every artist every musician every businessman and businesswoman is going to kneel and say yes Jesus is Lord every person who's denied that God even exists is going to kneel and say yes Jesus is Lord. [00:14:07]

the first time Jesus came to save the world that was the purpose of him coming at Christmas Jesus came to save the world he actually came to die for our sins John 3: 16 and 17 are the most famous verses in the Bible billions billions of people have memorized John 3:16 you've seen it on postcards and Banners and on every you know uh In-N-Out cup John 3:16 is literally everywhere why because it summarizes the first coming of Christ in in a couple sentences and it says this for God so loved the world he did this because of Love Christmas is because God loves you God so loved the world that he gave his only son that everyone regard of your background who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. [00:16:34]

first time he came to save the world next time he's coming to judge the world next time the second coming he's coming to judge the world he's given everybody a chance and he's being patient and he's saying you know you have an opportunity to trust me or to deny me to accept me or reject me it's up to you but have it your way but he's coming back and he's coming back to judge the world now the Bible says it like this in many places but in Acts chap 17: 31 God has set a day when the entire human race will be judged with Justice if you're if you're takeing notes Circle that word justice God is a God of Justice God will be judge every race will be judged with Justice and everything set right God's going to set right all the stuff that's wrong in the world. [00:19:00]

Jesus came the first time to die for our sins so you don't have to but you've got to accept that Jesus came to die for our sins so you don't have to that's why he came the first time he didn't come to live a nice life and pick flowers and skip the hills of Jerusalem talking about peace and love Jesus wasn't a hippie he came to save the world Ephesians 1: 15 God's unchanging plan has always been to adopt us into his own family by S sending Jesus Christ to die for us God had has a plan has had a plan for you before even created you why did God create the universe he wanted family God wanted children to love and he wants you in his family now not everybody's in God's family everybody is created by God everybody's created by God everybody is loved by God there's nobody that God doesn't love everybody has a God has a plan for everybody's life a purpose for everybody's life but not everybody's in the family you have to be adopted into God's family. [00:23:31]

next time he's coming back to gather his family he's coming back to gather his family from all around the world and take them to heaven. [00:25:08]

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