Grace Bible Church Glorifying God by Making Disciples of Jesus Christ

The Promise of the Messiah’s Return Selected Scriptures Jesus’ ministry continued through the Holy Spirit empowering the church to begin, expand and spread What enabled the early church to grow despite persecution? The Holy Spirit people enabled to believe & obey the Lord’s commands

The Promise of the Messiah’s Return Selected Scriptures Their belief’s concerning Christ gave them a hope that transcended the things of this world Jesus is the Messiah, the son of God Jesus died to redeem them from their sins

The Promise of the Messiah’s Return Selected Scriptures Their belief’s about Jesus Jesus rose from the dead Jesus will return from heaven Jesus’ promise to return gave them hope for the future and an eternal purpose for their existence.

Jesus’ Stated Promises of Return John 3:16 & 6:40 - Promise of eternal life Encompasses length of life & quality of life in living in holiness with God No judgement on those who believe. They shall never perish - John 5:24; 10:27-28. Those who do not believe will be judged - John 3:18-19 Jesus return brings judgement on the wicked and blessing to the righteous -Matthew 13:37-43; 16:24-27 -

Jesus’ Stated Promises of Return Jesus return will not be hidden, it will be seen by all - Matthew 24:30-31; Luke 17:22-37; Revelation 1:7 Matthew 25:31-46 - The Sheep & Goat judgement: The wicked sent to Hell; the righteous to Heaven John 14:1-3 - Jesus’ promise to prepare a place for them & to return to take them there

Jesus’ Stated Promises of Return Acts 1:10-11 - The Angel confirmed Jesus would return in the same manner in which He left. The previously fearful disciples became bold in their proclamation of the gospel and Jesus’ return

Apostolic Predictions of Jesus’ Return All the Epistles except 1 & 2 John, Galatians & Philemon mention or allude to Jesus return. Acts 3:19-21 - Peter’s 2nd sermon - a basis for hope for those that repented A basis for encouragement and comfort - 1 Peter 1:5; 4:13; 5:4, 10

Apostolic Predictions of Jesus’ Return A basis of warning for believers & unbelievers - 1 Peter 4:5, 7; 2 Peter 2:9; 3:3-15 James 5:7-9 – A motivation for believers to be patient & not complain 1 John 2:28; 3:2 - A motivation for believers to faithfulness and purity

Apostolic Predictions of Jesus’ Return Paul 2 Thess. 1:6-10 - A strong warning of judgement upon the wicked Motivation for Christian character: Titus 2:11-13 – deny ungodliness & worldly desires & to live sensibly, righteously & godly Phil. 1:9,10 – abound in love, real knowledge, discernment - blameless

Apostolic Predictions of Jesus’ Return Paul A motivation for Christian character: Phil. 2:16 – hold fast the word of life Phil. 4:5 – a forbearing spirit 1 Tim. 6:14 – keep commandments without stain or reproach

Apostolic Predictions of Jesus’ Return Paul A basis for encouragement & comfort of believers Philippians 3:20-21 – a transformed body in conformity with His 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18 – All believers, dead & alive, meet the Lord in the air

Prophecies of Messiah’s Coming & Reign The return of the Messiah is related to the nation of Israel God’s covenant with Abram includes specific land to his descendants forever (Genesis 12:1-3; 13:14-15; 15:13-29) That covenant goes through Isaac (Gen. 26:2-5) & then to Jacob (Gen. 35:9-12)

Prophecies of Messiah’s Coming & Reign 2 Samuel 7:8-17 - The Davidic covenant includes a future descendant of David ruling over Israel forever. Isaiah 9:6,7 - The future Messiah will reign on the throne of David. Jeremiah 33:15-18 - The Messiah will reign on David’s throne with Judah & Jerusalem dwelling in safety

Prophecies of Messiah’s Coming & Reign Zechariah 12-14 - The future return of the Lord & the establishment of His kingdom in Jerusalem Zechariah 12:10 – “they will look on Me whom they have pierced; and they will mourn for Him” (Cf. Rev. 1:7) The Mount of Olives will split when the Lord’s feet touch it. There will be no more curse

Prophecies of Messiah’s Coming & Reign Isaiah 2:4 - The Lord will judge between nations – They will never again learn of war There are many O.T. prophecies concerning the future reign of Messiah that are yet to be fulfilled in the future

The Prophecies of Revelation Revelation 19 describes Jesus’ return as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords Revelation 20 – The Millennium Satan bound for a thousand years Christ reigning for a thousand years Satan released at the end & his final rebellion is destroyed by God & Satan is cast into the lake of fire

The Prophecies of Revelation The Great White Throne Judgement - Satan, death, Hades & those not written in the book of life are throne into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:11-15) Revelation 21 & 22 – describe the new heaven, earth and Jerusalem. Believers dwelling with God. There will no longer be any curse

Be Ready & Alert Jesus’ return will be accompanied by judgements upon the wicked and blessings upon the righteous Jesus warned to be ready & alert now for His coming: Matthew 25:1-13 – The Parable of the Ten Virgins. Luke 12:39-40; Matthew 24:44 - He will come as a thief - unexpectedly

Be Ready & Alert He will come as a thief - 1 Thess. 5:4 & 2 Peter 3:10 James 5:8,9 - He is a at hand, the Judge standing right at the door. The Lord is near - Philippians 4:5 fix your hope completely – 1 Peter 1:13

Be Ready & Alert The Day of the Lord is near - Isaiah 13:6; Ezekiel 30:3; Joel 3:14; Zephaniah 1:7,14 We “eagerly wait” the Lord’s return - Romans 8:19, 23, 25; Philippians 3:20-21; 1 Corinthians 1:7-8; Hebrews 9:28 He is coming like a thief (Rev. 3:3; 16:15). He is coming quickly (Rev. 2:16; 3:11; 22:7, 12 & 20).

Conclusions Are you ready for the return of the Lord Jesus Christ? If not, why not? When will you get ready? If so, the share your hope & joy so others can get ready.

Grace Bible Church Glorifying God by Making Disciples of Jesus Christ