“when Jesus Returns” Series

R.A. Torrey once preached on the 2nd coming of Christ. As he finished, he concluded by saying: “may be that before we arise in the morning or before we sleep tonight or before we have finished our lunch today or even before I finish this sermon - we shall hear the sound of the trump & the voice of the archangel announcing He is here!” At that moment there was a crash of thunder and a blinding flash of lightening, which filled the auditorium with white light. Believing Jesus had come, some made for the doors. Others simply sat where they were, not sure what to do. But D. L. Moody’s sister, just threw back her head and laughed. Later she said, “I too, thought the Lord had come.” But while some were filled with terror; and others filled with apprehension; she was filled with joy.

The difference is where each one was in their relationship with Jesus. Those who reject Christ will be terrified at His return because . . .

1. He will deal with His enemies - vs. 6 - 9

When He returns, Jesus will cleanse this world of Satan, his influence, and his people.

Johnny Carson once had Billy Graham as a guest on his show. At one point Johnny said, “You know what Billy, I bet if Jesus ever came back to earth, I bet we’d do him in again!” Graham leaned forward and said, “In the Bible we read that Jesus predicted that He would return to earth again. But the 1st time He came in love; the next time, He’ll come in power; and no one will do Him in!”

“And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains, and said to the mountains and rocks, ‘Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?’” - Revelation 6:15-17 (NKJV)

Friend have you trusted Christ as your Savior? Let the return of Christ motivate you!

2. He will make all things new - v. 10

When Jesus returns, He will make all things new; and He will begin this work by completing what He has begun in us.

“I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” - Philippians 1:6 (NLT)

When Paul speaks of Jesus being “glorified in His holy people,” he is talking about our receiving a resurrection body when Christ returns. In Romans 8:18, he calls this “the glory that will be revealed in us.”

“(Jesus) will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control.” - Philippians 3:20-21 (NLT)

The newness of what will be revealed in our physical bodies is now present within us by the Holy Spirit. Until the day Christ returns and we are made new, not just within, but without, we to seek to live out the newness within us so others might also be moved to be made new through faith in Christ, too.

“The people of God are not merely to mark time, waiting for God to step in and set right all that is wrong. Rather, they are to model the new heaven and new earth, and by so doing, awaken longings for what God will someday bring to pass.” - Phillip Yancy

“Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.” - Philippians 2:12-13 (NLT)

BIBLE - Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth

As we obey God’s basic instructions, He will enable us, by His Spirit, as Christ-like character is developed in us, to live out the new life we have received and draw others to Jesus.

3. He will reward our faithfulness - vs. 3-5; vs. 11-12

Paul mentioned that the Thessalonian believers were enduring trials and persecutions. Rather than being overwhelmed, they overcame; rather than abandoning their faith, they remained faithful; rather than seeking comfort, they sought to develop Christ-like character.

A. How Paul commended them - vs. 3-5

1) Their faith was flourishing - v.3b

2) Their love was limitless - v.3c

3) Their stamina was strong - v.4