When will Jesus return?
It seems that in today's world, there are thousands of books written on when Jesus will return. Some have it down to the day, while others base their entire belief system on it. Doesn't the Bible say Jesus' return is going to be a surprise...like a thief in the night that no one can anticipate? This belief is not wrong as Jesus is going to return like a thief. The problem is this belief is incomplete. The distinction is not Christian vs. non-Christian. Although subtle, it is the very important distinction between those believers who are paying close attention to Jesus and those who are not.
The letter to the Christian church of Sardis in Revelation 3:1-6 warns that if it does not wake up and stop resting on its reputation for doing good deeds, it will be surprised at Jesus' second coming. He wants the body to be alive and awake - not complacent - at His return.
The date of Jesus' return is a mystery. He told His disciples it wasn't for them to know the times, but this charge does not exclude a later generation from knowing the season! He gave us signs to go by; the first of which we see happening now: Deception of the masses. Jesus warned that there will be those who proclaim the truth that Jesus is the Christ, but they will fool and mislead many. "As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately. 'Tell us,' they said, 'when will this happen, and what will be the sign of Your coming and of the end of the age?' Jesus answered: 'Watch out that no one deceives you. For many shall come in My name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.'" Matthew 24:3,4
"We are not in darkness, nor are we asleep, that this day should surprise us like a thief." 1 Thessalonians 5:4
We are told to keep busy; doing the various jobs that Jesus has assigned each one of us. If we do this, keeping our eyes and ears open to His leading, we will not be surprised by this event.
Seeking to understand Biblical prophecy is a good thing. However, being alert to Jesus' return does not mean figuring out what the Beast means and when the battle of Armageddon will happen. Rather it means living with the constant expectation that you will one day stand before Jesus as your Judge and Savior. If you are living as a faithful follower of Christ, then you will be ready!
Praying that we're all ready,
Pastor Mike
The letter to the Christian church of Sardis in Revelation 3:1-6 warns that if it does not wake up and stop resting on its reputation for doing good deeds, it will be surprised at Jesus' second coming. He wants the body to be alive and awake - not complacent - at His return.
The date of Jesus' return is a mystery. He told His disciples it wasn't for them to know the times, but this charge does not exclude a later generation from knowing the season! He gave us signs to go by; the first of which we see happening now: Deception of the masses. Jesus warned that there will be those who proclaim the truth that Jesus is the Christ, but they will fool and mislead many. "As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately. 'Tell us,' they said, 'when will this happen, and what will be the sign of Your coming and of the end of the age?' Jesus answered: 'Watch out that no one deceives you. For many shall come in My name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.'" Matthew 24:3,4
"We are not in darkness, nor are we asleep, that this day should surprise us like a thief." 1 Thessalonians 5:4
We are told to keep busy; doing the various jobs that Jesus has assigned each one of us. If we do this, keeping our eyes and ears open to His leading, we will not be surprised by this event.
Seeking to understand Biblical prophecy is a good thing. However, being alert to Jesus' return does not mean figuring out what the Beast means and when the battle of Armageddon will happen. Rather it means living with the constant expectation that you will one day stand before Jesus as your Judge and Savior. If you are living as a faithful follower of Christ, then you will be ready!
Praying that we're all ready,
Pastor Mike
posted by Mike Sanderson @ 10:21 AM
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