LOOKING FOR JESUS

The Words of Jesus “…I go to prepare a place for you…I will come again…that where I am, there you may be also.” John 14:2b, 3. “…Surely I come quickly,” Revelation 22:20

Questions Raised Is He really coming again bodily? Is His coming to be spiritually? Will it be during or after the Tribulation Will it result in “the end of the world?”

The Second Coming is Potentially imminent The 2nd coming of Jesus can take place at any time. Jesus commanded His disciples to watch and be ready

The Olivet Discourse Jesus is speaking of future events: “But of that day and hour no one knows” “Watch therefore: for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming…” “…be ready: for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” Matthew 24: 36,42,44

Obedient Disciples of Our Lord Should: Know that no man knows the day Be constantly watchful Be continually ready “…The day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night” 1st Thessalonians

Could Be A Long Interval “…As a man traveling to a far country…” “…After a long time, the Lord …came…” Matthew 25:14,19 A watchful anticipation of His return is vital to spiritual health.

Early Predictions Wrong Hippolytus said Jesus would return in 581 AD Augustine predicted 1000 AD. William Miller preached the end would come in 1843. An Anglican clergyman predicted the battle of Armageddon for 1868

Present Predictions Wrong “88 Reasons Why Christ Will Return in 1988” by Edgar Whisenant Book; “1994” Harold Camping of Family Radio Network, predicted the end of the world September, 1994. Jesus said, “you do not know….”

Looking for Anti-Christ is Just as Wrong Some teach that church saints will live under the terror of the anti-Christ. If Anti-Christ comes first, there is no need to watch for the coming of Christ.

Why Watch for the 2nd Coming of Jesus It gives great purpose to life. It encourages living a godly life. It fortifies confidence in God’s Word It brings comfort. “…Therefore comfort one another with these words.” 1st Thessalonians 4:18