Have you ever wondered why there are still Jewish people in the world today? It seems odd that a people group that has been attacked and attempted to be destroyed over the Millenia are still a thriving people group. The only explanation for this is that there is a power greater than man, that is at work in this group of people. Israel is a nation today (after almost 2000 years of exile) because God is not finished with them yet! It is this reality that demands the return of Christ. While the church is the agent that the Lord is currently using to provide salt and light to a dark and perverted world, the time will come when God will turn to the people he chose in the beginning, to be the preparatory people to point to the Messiah. Redemptive History would not be complete if the Lord does not fulfill His promises to Abraham and his descendants. According to Old Testament prophecies, the Messiah (Jesus) must rule on the Throne of David, and through Jesus all the nations of the earth will be blessed (Given to Abraham, Genesis 12). We are reminded that God cannot lie, and He … READ MORE

Why do people keep saying that Christ must return? As we examine scripture we are reminded that God’s plan for the church demands the return of Christ. According to Acts 15:14, God is currently “visiting the Gentiles to take out of them a people for His name. God is gathering His elect into one great body, the church, and the church’s role is to be like a pure bride for God’s own Son, ready to be presented to Him at His second coming. Scripture repeatedly portrays Christ at His Second Coming as a Bridegroom coming to claim His bride. Christ must return for His bride so that when He comes back after the marriage supper He will establish his kingdom with His bride (the church) and His people (Israel); This is part of the reason that the Second coming is seen in two stages: first, the rapture (catching away) of the church before the great tribulation begins, and second, the glorious return of Christ, seen in Revelation 19, to establish His reign on the earth as He promised. What does this mean? No matter how bad this world turns away from God, one day every eye will see Christ coming … READ MORE

As we consider the reality of the return of Christ, it is helpful to take a moment and consider why is it important for us to know that Jesus is going to return? Let me share with you three important reasons:

1. If you are not a follower of Christ it is important that you understand that there is a judgment coming, and when it happens it will be to late for you to avoid the event that will happen. The purpose for following Christ is not primarily to avoid the disasters of the tribulation, but it is a consideration.

2. If you are a follower of Christ, it is so important for us to understand in a world going crazy, that God has a plan and purpose of it. Simply turning to Matthew 24-25 should provide a snapshot of what we are going through. Floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, and other climactic issues are a reminder to look to the heavens because Christ is preparing to return. Circumstances out of our control, often lead to depression but when we understand that God is in control and preparing the world for His return, it allows those who follow Christ to live with … READ MORE