1. Facts About the Lord’s Return

2. We need to respect what the Bible says
Eschatologists seek to specifically interpret apocalyptic literature, figurative language and matters of the spiritual realm, etc.
Passages sometimes taken out of context
We must respect the nature of apocalyptic literature

3. We need to respect what the Bible says
Understanding such passages require intense effort and restraint to understand
Deuteronomy 29:29
1 Corinthians 4:6
Revelation 22:18-19
2 Timothy 3:16-17

4. Acts 1:9-11, at His ascension 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18
He IS going to return
John 14:1-3 – Jesus promised His disciples
Acts 1:9-11, at His ascension
1 Thessalonians 4:16-18

5. Matthew 24:36, 42-44 – of that day and hour no one knows
We don’t know when!
Matthew 24:36, – of that day and hour no one knows
Matthew 25:13, watch, you know neither the day nor the hour
Acts 1:7, it is not for you to know the times

6. 2 Peter 3:10, as a thief in the night
We don’t know when!
1 Thessalonians 5:1-2, as a thief in the night
2 Peter 3:10, as a thief in the night

7. Dangers of date setting:
We don’t know when!
Dangers of date setting:
It is HIGHLY speculative – and thus far has been met with 100% failure to accurately predict the day or season!
Steve Rudd documents 242 dates (about a dozen still future – including dates in 2016, 2034, 2047, and others that simply state it will be “soon”)

8. Dangers of date setting:
We don’t know when!
Dangers of date setting:
It is foolishness – many quit jobs, sell everything, blindly follow some leader, etc. 1 Corinthians 3:19 Often, the leaders have an agenda – 2 Peter 2:2-3

9. Dangers of date setting:
We don’t know when!
Dangers of date setting:
It is sensational – people want to be part of times of Biblical fulfillment
Our faith is not based upon sensationalism, 1 Corinthians 14:40

10. Dangers of date setting:
We don’t know when!
Dangers of date setting:
It is destructive – failed prophesies cause doubts, discouragement and confusion.
1 Corinthians 14:33, cf. Ephesians 5:17

11. Dangers of date setting:
We don’t know when!
Dangers of date setting:
It can lead to negligence – when a date is set, some think they have more time than they are guaranteed 2 Thessalonians 3:6, 10-15
We must ALWAYS be serious and watchful 1 Peter 4:7

12. We don’t know when!
What the Bible says about the Lord’s return is supposed to be a source of comfort 1 Thessalonians 4:18

13. Everything has happened that needs to happen
2 Thessalonians 2:3, the falling away
2 Timothy 3:1-5, perilous times will come
1 Timothy 4:1, some will depart from the faith
Events of Revelation have been associated with numerous events throughout history, including associated with Jerusalem and Rome – 1st century
“And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed.” Romans 13:11

14. When He returns it will be the end
2 Peter 3:10-11, the elements will melt
1 Corinthians 15:23-25, then comes the end when He delivers the kingdom to the Father
John 5:28-29, 1 Cor. 15:50-53, we will all be changed and raised

15. When He returns it will be the end
2 Corinthians 5:10, Romans 14:10-12, Matthew 25:31-46, we will each be judged by our behavior and response
Matthew 25:46, eternity will begin!

16. 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 3:10-11a

17. Yes, the Lord is returning We need to seek to understand this
We need to ALWAYS be sober and prepared

18. ARE YOU READY FOR THE JUDGMENT DAY?