Plan for: Thanksgiving | Advent | Christmas
To explore the signs of Jesus's return as described in the Gospel of Matthew, emphasizing the need for readiness and understanding the unpredictability of His return.
Good morning and welcome, brothers and sisters. Today, we are diving headfirst into a topic that certainly carries a weight of mystery and anticipation. We're going to talk about the signs of Jesus's return, the need to be ready for His return, and the unpredictability of the day and hour of His return.
As Charles Spurgeon, a respected preacher of the 19th century, once said, "When the time comes for you to die, you need not be afraid, because death cannot separate you from God's love." This quote is a reminder of the ultimate hope and peace we have in Christ Jesus, knowing that whether in life or in death, in His return or in our going to Him, we are always in the loving grip of our Savior.
Firstly, Jesus warns us of the rise of false messiahs. He tells us that many will come in His name, claiming to be the Messiah, and will deceive many. This is a stark reminder for us to be discerning and to test everything against the truth of God's Word. We must be careful not to be swayed by charismatic leaders or convincing arguments that deviate from the truth of the gospel. This is a sign that we must be vigilant for, as it is a clear indication of the times leading up to Jesus's return.
Secondly, Jesus speaks of wars and rumors of wars, of nation rising against nation and kingdom against kingdom. This is a sobering thought, but it is important to remember that Jesus tells us not to be alarmed by these things. They are signs, yes, but they are not cause for fear. Rather, they are reminders that this world is not our home, and that we are waiting for the return of our King.
Thirdly, Jesus mentions famines and earthquakes in various places. These natural disasters are tragic and cause much suffering, but they are also part of the birth pains leading up to the return of Christ. They are reminders of the brokenness of our world and the need for the restoration that will come with Jesus's return.
Lastly, Jesus speaks of the sign of the Son of Man appearing in heaven, and all the peoples of the earth mourning when they see Him coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory. This will be a sight to behold, a moment of awe and reverence, but also a moment of great sorrow for those who did not recognize Him as their Savior.
Firstly, being ready for Jesus's return means living a life of obedience to God's commands ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO