The Second Coming: Are You Ready?

You might wonder why the second coming of Jesus is so important. In a world where the storms of life seem to blow with gale force, understanding the promise of Jesus' return can give us hope for tomorrow and power for today. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by life’s challenges, you’re not alone. But there’s good news: Jesus is coming back, and this truth can anchor your soul amidst the chaos.

In our recent sermon series, "Pillars: Understanding the Five Foundations of Faith," we explored the essential truths that form the bedrock of our Christian faith. Today, we’re diving into the fourth pillar: the second coming of Jesus Christ. This isn’t just a theological concept; it’s a promise that can transform how you live each day.

On the night before His crucifixion, Jesus shared some profound truths with His disciples. In John 14:1-6, He assured them, "I will come again and take you to myself, so that where I am, you may be also." This promise wasn’t just for the disciples; it’s for you and me too. Jesus is preparing a place for us and will return to bring us home.

After Jesus ascended into heaven, angels appeared to the disciples and said, "This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven" (Acts 1:11). This wasn’t a metaphor or a spiritual allegory. It was a clear, literal promise that Jesus will return physically to this earth.

The early church leaders, including Paul, Peter, and John, consistently taught about Jesus' return. Paul wrote in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, "For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout... and the dead in Christ will rise first." This hope of Jesus' return was a cornerstone of their faith and should be for us as well.

Patience isn’t always easy, especially when life is hard. But Peter reminds us in 2 Peter 3:8-9 that "with the Lord, one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day." God’s timing is different from ours, and His delay is an act of mercy, giving more people the chance to come to repentance.

Jesus warned that His return would be sudden and unexpected, like a thief in the night (Matthew 24:42-44). This means we need to live each day as if He could come back at any moment. Are you living in a way that reflects this urgency?

The first step in being ready for Jesus' return is to trust Him for your salvation. Have you accepted Jesus as your Savior? Do you believe that He died for your sins and rose again, securing your place in heaven? If not, today is the day to make that decision.

Living in light of Jesus' return means prioritizing eternal things over temporary ones. Are you investing your time, energy, and resources in things that have eternal value? Are you sharing the good news of Jesus with those around you?

Our mission is to make heaven crowded. This means sharing the gospel with urgency and passion. Who in your life needs to hear about Jesus? Don’t wait. Start the conversation today.

The point is clear: Jesus is coming back, and He wants you to be ready. This incredible future should shape your everyday actions. What steps will you take this week to live in the light of Jesus' return? Will you trust Him for your salvation, live each day with purpose, and share the good news with urgency?

Dear Jesus, thank You for the promise of Your return. Help us to live each day with the hope and power that comes from knowing You are coming back. Give us the courage to share Your love with those around us and to invest in things that have eternal value. May we be ready for Your return, living in a way that honors You. In Your precious name, Amen.

By focusing on the promise of Jesus' return, we can find hope and strength to face life's challenges. Let this truth anchor your soul and inspire you to live with purpose and urgency. Jesus is coming back. Are you ready?