God’s End Game...

God’s End Game...

How important is it to you to know the details and the sequence of events leading up to Christ’s return? Could you explain what Christ said about His Second Coming, if someone asked? How about tying current events to the prophecies in Scripture? Could you do it? Is it important to you?

Jesus gives the clearest description of His second advent yet recorded by Luke. If you have any question concerning the potential of Jesus’ soon arrival, then see what Jesus said would precede His next, imminent earthly appearance. You’ll be convinced that we live in a unique time.
Jesus is in the last day of His earthly ministry and He obviously considers the topic of His Second Coming to be of paramount importance. It is one of the last teachings He leaves with His disciples. How important is it to you?

Many Christians today would rather learn about how they can successfully conquer the frustrations of every-day living; get along with their bosses; improve their love-lives; make more money, or move to the next level of earthly achievement, than focus on the reality—rather than the entertainment value—of Jesus’ Second Coming. Christian books promoting self-serving, self-help topics fly off the shelves. Preachers who dispense such ear-tickling drivel pack over-sized, mega-churches with surprising regularity today.

So, why did Jesus use some of His final, precious words to convey what to look for preceding His return, rather than how to merely cope with life on this planet? Why? Because it was of utmost importance! All the principles, steps, guidelines, and helpful hints concerning this life cannot compare to the motivating reality of the undeniable fact that Jesus will shortly show up to complete the redemption of all believers and establish His Kingdom on earth.

After Peter described the catastrophic culmination of the history of our planet as we know it, his next question demonstrates the real perspective that God desires for us: “Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God” (2 Peter 3:11- 12). All the self-help sermons in the world will have little effect apart from a true realization that we could well be part of God’s “end game” for planet earth; unless we truly believe that “all these things will be dissolved.”

Jesus knew that His earthly ministry was about to conclude. Very real and graphic mental images of His own suffering likely dominated many of His thoughts at that point. The emotional stress would result in His sweating drops of blood in the garden. Yet, His message to His disciples was “take heed…lest your hearts be weighed down with…cares of this life, and that Day come upon you unexpectedly” (Luke 21:34).

An abundant life in Christ can only be lived while basking in the light of the truth that He could come back today. Anyone can tell you how to improve your relationships, move ahead in your job, adjust your attitude and feel better about yourself. But those things are vanity if not pursued while enveloped in expectancy about Christ’s return.

Boost your expectancy index and live life to the full. Take every opportunity to learn about eschatology [the study of last things]. Sure, there’s more to the Christian life than studying end times prophecy, but the reality of coming events; a palpable expectancy, must provide much of the motivation and framework for your fruitful walk.

Don’t let that Day come upon you unexpectedly. Join us this Sunday as we consider what Jesus had to say about His Second Coming.

“And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works...and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” ─Hebrews 10:24-25