Sure, there is much to depress us if we look closely at our society and where it is headed. However, there is a sure hope for a wonderful future for all who would desire it.

           It is a blessed hope, the glorious reappearing of the Lord Jesus Christ. The phrase Second Coming is not in the Bible, but is revealed in the word parousia (par-oo-see'-ah). The word as it is used, refers Christ's physical "presence, or advent." It especially means "presence after absence."

           For example "For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence (parousia) of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?" (1 Thessalonians 2:19)

           Often the word is translated "coming." "Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming (parousia) of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand." (2 Thessalonians 2:1-2)

           "Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh." (James 5:7-8)

I. VARIOUS TRUTHS ABOUT THE SECOND COMING.

A. Until recently, the Second Coming Was Not Seen as an urgent Truth. Until 1948, when Israel returned to Palestine, there was little of interest in current events to suggest it.

Generally, Christians accepted it, believed it, but could not see in history any particular events related to it.

Of course, many students of the Bible knew of the prophecies concerning the Antichrist. Most dictators and despot leaders were identified as being the Antichrist.

Hal Lindsell wrote the popular book... "The Late Great Planet Earth (, and many began to get excited about the return of our Lord.

Preachers and Bible scholars began to study the Book of Revelation.

The "Left Behind" series of books were written and videos on the subject have sold millions of copies.

TV programs about "Preppers," the Maya Calendar, Nostradamus, Edar Caysee, etc.

Without question, people are getting increasingly more interested in the Second Coming.

Since our present President was elected, and people have seen his agenda as seeking to remake America some people have become alarmed. The President=s stated plan is to make America a socialist nation. He seeks to destroy our historic Christian morality. His plan is to make our people dependent on the government for everything.

It appears, he plans to subvert the Constitution and build an imperial presidency where he will have absolute power. That alarms people who know that the Antichrist will be such a man who will grab power and rule the world in a global government. He seems to have a police state mentally in forcing health insurance on everyone and putting in jail those that do not comply.

Some have accused me of being too political. Folks it does not make any difference what I think. The facts are clear and plain for all to see. We are headed for a global world government and Obama=s policies fit that very thing.

B. In the past it Was a Neglected Truth.

The pastor and biblical church should be aware of what is happening in the world. God instructs, "Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth." (2 Peter 1:12)

C. Some Scoffed at the Truth. However, the Lord told us that would happen.

"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." (2 Peter 3:3-4)

D. It Is a Necessary Truth. READ Romans 8: 17-25

As pilgrims and sojourners on this earth the truth of Christ return gives us great comfort. It is the blessed hope and sees us through difficult times.

It helps us to understand our present place on this earth and our relationship to our God and Creator. We are heirs, joint heirs with Christ. That simply means that all that Christ has provided we are equally given.

The believer is a part of God=s family, being born into His family when we believed. Being heirs we are treated as sons/daughters of God. The heir is heir to all that God has. That is more than we can comprehend isn=t it?

Paul said, "For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." (Romans 8:18)

E. it Is a Comforting Truth.

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time." (1 Peter 1:3-5)

"It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: If we suffer, we shall also reign with him." (2 Timothy 2:11-12a)

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. Christ will return and take us to heaven to be with Him forever. We call this the "rapture" the catching away.

The believer if he/she has died cam be assured that when they pass away they will instantly be in the Lord=s presence. 2 Cor. 5:1-11

At the Second Coming, the dead shall rise first and those who alive will rise together to meet the Lord in the air and be with Him forever.

No matter what the world man does to us...our place in heaven is assured.

F. It Is a Purifying Truth.

"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." (1 John 3:2-3)

"Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness." (2 Peter 3:11)

"Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless." (2 Peter 3:14)

G. Yes, Christ Has Promised to Return for those who have believed in Him.

"Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." (John 14:1-3)

Romans 8:35-39 affirm that nothing can separate the child of God from the Lord.

"For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day." (2 Timothy 1:12)

II. THERE ARE OTHER TRUTHS ABOUT THE SECOND COMING.

A. The Second Coming Is Sure. Acts 1:11

"Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven." (Acts 1:11)

Though out history Satan has done all that he could to try and destroy the fact of the coming of the Lord Jesus.

In focus always was not only His first coming, but the Second Coming after the redemptive work of the cross.

B. THE SECOND COMING WILL BE SUPERNATURAL. Acts 1:11.

In the same manner as He ascended into heaven, He will return.

C. The Second Coming will be selective. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

In Verse 13-18 Paul is speaking to brethren, meaning those who have believed and been born again. Those in the rapture will all be saved born-again believers. The unsaved will remain behind.

In Revelation 20:1-4 Records the future event of the believers who were martyred during the seven-year Tribulation period. Many were beheaded who refused to renounce their faith in Jesus Christ. They reign with Christ during the following thousand years of Christ=s kingdom.

Conclusion:

1. Our government and our society are changing rapidly, but the child of God is sure in Christ.

2. Our whole world is in transition. I believe the forces behind our President and those who follow him will be successful in remaking America.

3. I think the whole world knows things are about to change. However, only those who have believed, repented of their sins, and accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior can have a sure peace in their hearts.

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