We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil. (2 Corinthians 5)
In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Christ’s second coming. Jesus’ Return to judge the living and the dead. What do the Scriptures teach about Christ’s second coming?
A. Christ Will Return Visibly on the Last Day.
The day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed. (2 Peter 3)
B. Christ Will Return to Judge the World.
When the Son of Man comes in his glory. He will gather all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. (Matthew 25)
C. Christ Will Return on a Specific Day Known by God Alone.
You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. (Matthew 24)
D. Before Christ Returns, There Will be Increasing Suffering for the Church.
In later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons. (1 Timothy 4)
E. The Return of Christ is a Source of Great Joy for the Christian.
Christ will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him. (Hebrews 9)
Christ’s Return is drawing near. How to be ready for Christ’s Return? Hear the Word of the Lord. Believe the Gospel. Live by FAITH in Christ Crucified & Risen for you. When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth? (Luke 18)
God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him. Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. (1 Thessalonians 5)
The Christian always is with the Lord. Christ’s promise to you in Holy Baptism “Never to leave you.” God with His people through WORD & SACRAMENT. The Church lives by the Word of God. By every word that comes from the mouth of God. (Matthew 4)
What is the church to do while we anticipate the Lord’s Return? Watch and pray. Come Lord Jesus, come quickly. (Rev. 22) Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. (Hebrews 10)
The Lord’s Church never despairs. We are filled up with God’s Word. We stir one another to LOVE & GOOD WORKS. Filled with God’s mercy and love, we love and care for one another. Compassion. Mercy. Kindness. Generosity. The Holy Spirit working through you for the GOOD of your neighbor. The God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it. (1 Thessalonians 5)
Happy encouraging one another in these Last Days. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen