Second Coming
Gregg Brenes
Part of We Believe
June 3, 2024

Are we living in the end times?

“Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” —Matthew 24:3 ESV

And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. —Matthew 24:14 ESV

What we believe about the Second Coming of Christ…

  • Jesus will return to earth bodily.

“… why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.” —Acts 1:11 ESV

  • Jesus will judge the world when He returns.
    (Matthew 25:31-32, 34, 41)

When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. —Matthew 25:31-32 ESV

  • The righteous have great hope in resurrection.
    (1 Peter 1:3-5)

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead… —1 Peter 1:3 NASB

  • The wicked will pay the penalty of eternal destruction.
    (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9)

They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might… —2 Thessalonians 1:9 ESV

  • The entire creation will be made new and glorious.
    (Revelation 21:1-5)

And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” —Revelation 21:5 ESV

Our life is supposed to be a sign to the world that Jesus is already its true Lord.

  • Enjoy His presence.

  • Experience His power.

  • Engage His purpose.

Discipleship Guide

Let’s Talk About It

We believe that Jesus, the King of kings and Lord of lords, will return to earth bodily, in power and glory, at a time fixed by the Father and unknown to the Church, to raise the dead and judge the world. He will clothe the righteous with immortal, glorious bodies, rewarding them according to their deeds. But the unrighteous, satan, and the forces of darkness, He will punish with eternal destruction. God will consummate redemption and renew creation, and His people from every nation will enjoy, worship, and reign with Him forever. Until then, we glorify Him on earth by enjoying His presence, experiencing His power, and engaging His purpose.

Matthew 24:3, 12-14, 36-39, 42-44; Acts 1:11; Matthew 25:31-32, 34, 41; 1 Peter 1:3-5; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9; Revelation 21:1-5

Discussion questions:

  • Which part of the message impacted or challenged you?

  • Read Matthew 24:3, 12-14. Some believers are fascinated by the second coming. Others are confused by it. What is your tendency? Why?

  • Read Matthew 25:31-32, 34, 41 and 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9. Why is it important to embrace the doctrine of Hell and eternal judgment? What are the consequences if we do not? Is the doctrine difficult for you to embrace? What is it that makes it so difficult?

  • Large sections of the Church have historically tended to view the physical world as evil. What are the negative consequences of that view? If you believe the creation is good, how should that affect your life and mission?

  • Read Revelation 21:1-5. Does the return of Christ have 1) little effect on your daily life, 2) some effect on your daily life, or 3) a significant effect on your daily life? Why?

Take a Step

  • Study 1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11 this week. Meditate on the practical application of Christ’s return to your personal life.

  • For further study, purchase Every Nation’s book on our ministry’s doctrinal statements: We Believe, Transformative Truth for a Life of Worship and Mission by Steve Murrell, available on Amazon.

Here’s My Prayer

The last promise You gave us in the Bible was, “Surely I am coming soon.” In response to that promise, we say, “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!” We long for that day when You will declare, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall their be mourning, crying or pain, for You make all things new.” Come, my Lord, no longer tarry and hasten the day when our faith shall be sight and we shall bow in humble adoration and proclaim, my God how great Thou art.