Coming Again Jesus Return December 6

Think About It … What is your most memorable “returning home” experience? What is your most memorable “returning home” experience? Today we look at Jesus’ promise to “return home” to earth Today we look at Jesus’ promise to “return home” to earth  He will return to earth to set up His literal kingdom  What implications does that have for our lives right now?

Listen for How Jesus describes Himself. Rev. 22:12-13 (NIV) "Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done. [13] I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.

Jesus Promises to Return When someone uses the word “soon” how many different ways can you interpret that? When someone uses the word “soon” how many different ways can you interpret that? Greek word used also carries the meanings Greek word used also carries the meanings – quickly – swiftly Early church believed that Jesus was going to return almost immediately. Early church believed that Jesus was going to return almost immediately. – Jesus encouraged being watchful – He emphasized more the suddenness of His return – not so much the immediacy

Jesus Promises to Return Why is it important to understand that Jesus will return suddenly and without warning? Why is it important to understand that Jesus will return suddenly and without warning? How did Jesus describe Himself? How did Jesus describe Himself? What characteristics of Jesus do these words describe? What characteristics of Jesus do these words describe? According to our passage in chapter 22, what will Jesus bring with Him? According to our passage in chapter 22, what will Jesus bring with Him?

Jesus Promises to Return Verse 12 says believers will be rewarded for what we have done. Isn’t this works theology? Verse 12 says believers will be rewarded for what we have done. Isn’t this works theology? Agree?Disagree? “This verse shouldn’t be here – it means that we work for our salvation”

Jesus Promises to Return So what kind of rewards do you think we will receive? So what kind of rewards do you think we will receive? How does the hope of reward motivate you to serve God? How does the hope of reward motivate you to serve God? What does the eternality of Jesus have to do with these promises? What does the eternality of Jesus have to do with these promises?

Listen for a contrast of a blessing and a curse. Rev. 22:14-15 (NIV) "Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city. [15] Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.

Jesus Promises Rewards According to the passage, who will be entitled to citizenship in the new Jerusalem? According to the passage, who will be entitled to citizenship in the new Jerusalem? What do you think it means to “wash your robes”? What do you think it means to “wash your robes”? What are words and phrases John uses to describe those who are barred from entering the heavenly city? What are words and phrases John uses to describe those who are barred from entering the heavenly city?

Jesus Promises Rewards Note this is the Tree of Life from the Garden of Eden mentioned in Genesis Note this is the Tree of Life from the Garden of Eden mentioned in Genesis – those who ate from it were meant to live forever – refers to the eternal life promised to believers List elements of contrast between the end for believers and the end for unbelievers List elements of contrast between the end for believers and the end for unbelievers End for BelieversEnd for Unbelievers

Listen for Jesus invitation. Rev. 22:16-17 (NIV) "I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star." [17] The Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life. Rev. 22:16-17 (NIV) "I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star." [17] The Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.

Jesus Promises to Redeem What was Jesus’ method for getting His message to us? What was Jesus’ method for getting His message to us? What additional descriptive words Jesus uses to describe himself? What additional descriptive words Jesus uses to describe himself? What invitation is given? What invitation is given? In what ways do you think people are “thirsty”? In what ways do you think people are “thirsty”?

Jesus Promises to Redeem What is involved in responding to God’s invitation to “come” to Him? What is involved in responding to God’s invitation to “come” to Him?  Jesus intention is always to – offer reconciliation – offer redemption – NOT to condemn How can you help unbelievers realize that Jesus’ invitation to “Come!” is for them? How can you help unbelievers realize that Jesus’ invitation to “Come!” is for them?

Application It is important to know what you believe about Christ’s return It is important to know what you believe about Christ’s return – He is personally returning to earth – We don’t know exactly when He will come – He has given us a task to do until He does come  Our beliefs will be revealed in the way we live

Application What could you be doing to build the Kingdom of God towards the day of His return? What could you be doing to build the Kingdom of God towards the day of His return? – Witnessing – Being a good steward of your resources (time, talent, treasure) – Ministering to others who need Jesus love

Application Who do you know that is “thirsty?” Who do you know that is “thirsty?” – Invite that person to “come” … to come to Jesus – Pray for that person – Pray that their spiritual thirst and hunger will be relieved

Coming Again Jesus Return December 6