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

As we think about the return of Jesus, we are not only reminded that the promises of the Word of God demand His return, and that the teaching of Jesus demands that same return, but we see that the Testimony of the Holy Spirit demands the return of the Lord. it is the Holy Spirit who confirmed the testimony of Christ to the disciples, and it was that same Spirit who gave them their expectancy for Christ’s coming. Since the Holy Spirit is the divine author of Scripture it confirms the promise of Christ’s coming (2 Peter 1:20-21). In John 16:13 Jesus tells us that when the Holy Spirit comes, “whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.” It is the testimony of the Holy Spirit through the pens of the men whom He employed as instruments to write the inspired Word of God, what adds a third infallible witness to that of the Father and the Son. Through the inerrant Scriptures, the Holy Spirit is still testifying that Jesus is coming. The reality is that the triune Godhead has come together to provide us hope and help in the midst of the world … READ MORE