BIG DAYS AHEAD

1 THESSALONIANS 1:5-10

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

It is interesting how we remember certain events and times in history. Amazing things often are remembered with the ordinary drudgery of our lives. . . . or vice-versa. I remember we bought new furniture in  the year 2005 probably because that same year Rachel & Ben got married and later that year my mother went to be with the Lord. I have mixed feelings about that year obviously. We often remember mundane things happening during anything but mundane events in the world: the JFK assassination, Tuesday- Sept. 9. 2001, Pearl Harbor Day, etc. But my friend, all these days pale in comparison with some big days ahead- days that will be marked by many events but all in relation to the Second Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ! Jesus is coming again!

 

Now, I want you to notice:

 

I. THE PROMINENCE OF THE SECOND COMING

 

1. In the Old Testament - In the Pentateuch, in the Historical Writings, in the Poetical books, in the Prophetic books. The Second Coming is mentioned twice as much as the 1st coming. [Ps. 22, 24, Is. 2, 9, 11, 53, Micah 5:2]

 

But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting .

Peter says, “Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.” 1 Peter 1:11

 

2. In the Teachings of Christ [Matthew 24:44]

 

Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.

 

3. In the New Testament [The Gospels, the Epistles, the Book of Revelation – all the divisions speak of it]

 

The Prominence of the Second Coming. Then again, I want you to notice:

 

 

II. THE POWER OF THE SECOND COMING

 

1. The Second Coming of Christ Emphasizes Security [Jn. 14:1-6]

 

2. The Second Coming of Christ Encourages Separation [1 Jn. 3:2-3]

 

Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

 

3. The Second Coming of Christ Energizes Soul-winning [1 Thess. 5:1-10]

 

III. THE PURPOSE OF THE SECOND COMING

 

1. The Purpose of the Second Coming is to Bring us into His Presence [1 Th. 4:16-18]

 

2. The Purpose of the Second Coming is to Conform us to His Person [Phil. 3:20-21, Psalm 17:15]

 

For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.

 

3. The Purpose of the Second Coming is to Fulfill the Promises of God [2 Pet. 3:1-9ff, 2 Corinthians 1:20]

 

This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance: That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour: Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.