The Return of Christ: 5 Aspects and 3 Images

This morning I had the privilege of speaking at Eastbrook‘s monthly men’s breakfast on the topic: “Jesus Our Coming King.” I began with an overview of the narrative arc of Jesus’ life:

• Nativity and birth
• Life: teaching, miracles, mission
• Crucifixion
• Resurrection
• Ascension
• Intercession
• Return

I then shared five aspects of Jesus’ return:

1. It will happen (Acts 1:8; John 14:3)
2. It will happen in God’s time (Acts 1:6-7; Matthew 24:36)
3. It will be recognizable to all (1 Thessalonians 4:15; Revelation 1:7-8)
4. It will bring the fullness of Christ’s victorious kingdom over all (Revelation 19:11-16; 21:1-5)
5. It will bring vindication for God’s people in the sight of all (1 Thessalonians 4:11-5; 1 John 3:2)

I closed with three images from Scripture on how we should live within the time between Christ’s first and second comings:

1. We are groomsmen – friends of the bridegroom (John 3:27-30)

• waiting
• listening
• preparing the bride for the bridegroom

2. We are ambassadors for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17-20)

• given the message of reconciliation between God and men in Christ
• God makes an appeal through us

3. We are watchmen (Psalm 130:6;  Timothy 2:3-7)

• we are watching
• we are at the ready
• we are like soldiers and athletes prepared for action