WHEN THE LORD RETURNS

TOPIC: WHEN THE LORD RETURNS
Text: Matt 24:30-36
INTRODUCTION
The fact of the Lord’s return should encourage us to live a life of watchfulness, fidelity, kingdom service, self-restraint, prayer and abiding in Christ. This fact draws the wrath of Satan for he hates this final glorious event. A worldly Church and Carnal Christians also hate this purifying doctrine.
Special blessings are promised to those who watch faithfully.
Today as we study the consequence of the Lord’s return, may we remain occupied and watching in Jesus name. 1 Thess. 4:18, Rev. 22:20, Luke 12:37
1.The Lord’s Coming in regard to God
When Christ returns the glory of the Lord shall be revealed. Everyone shall see it. Isa 40:5
The revelation will not be for a particular group of people but all mankind. Luke 3:6
2.Regarding the Church
*When He returns, the dead in Christ shall rise first. 1 Thess. 4:13-18
*The bodies of believers will be changed to be like His Phil. 3:20-21, 1 Cor. 15:51-53
*The living believers and resurrected believers will meet Him together. 1 Thess. 4:17
*Judgement of believers will follow immediately Rev 20:11-13
*The Church will live and reign with Christ. Rev. 20:4-6, Isa. 2:2-3
3.Regarding the nations and un- regenerated individuals
It will be a sad day. Matt. 24:30, Rev. 1:7, 2 Thess 1:7-9
4.With regards to the Anti-Christ
*The Antichrist will be revealed after the rapture and his reign of terror will culminate with the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ with His saints. 2 Thess. 2:8, Rev. 19:20
*The devil shall be chained and cast into the abyss for a thousand years beginning with the appearance of Jesus Christ. Rev. 20:1-3
CONCLUSION
*We are warned to watch and be ready. Mk. 13:33, Matt. 24:42
*We are warned that we have stewardship given to us by our Lord and He requires that we be faithful in discharging that responsibility Matt. 25: 14-30
*We must be careful to maintain a worthy character 1 John 3:1-3
*In view of His near return we must hasten to carry out the great commission Matt. 28:18-20
*We must do our utmost to further the cause of Jesus’ mission and hasten the Lord's returns Matt 24:14