A deep dive into the significance of the second coming of Jesus reveals its power to inspire purpose and connection to God. The speakers confront their previous hesitations about discussing this topic and emphasize the urgency early Christians felt. They explore common misunderstandings and highlight the need for holy living. The conversation also touches on prophetic insights from the Book of Daniel, encouraging listeners to remain vigilant and continually learn within their faith journey.
The second coming of Jesus, mentioned extensively in the Bible, emphasizes urgency and purpose in believers' lives rather than fear and controversy.
Developing intimacy with God through understanding His promises fosters a life dedicated to evangelism and passionate service to others.
Deep dives
The Hesitation to Address the Second Coming
The speaker reflects on his previous avoidance of discussing the second coming of Jesus due to its complexity and the controversies surrounding it. He admits to lacking understanding and shying away from what he perceived as divisive topics, citing a statement from a preacher who also refrained from teaching on Revelation. Despite having been in ministry for nearly 40 years, he recognizes the importance of the second coming as a significant biblical theme that has often been neglected. This realization prompts him to examine the spiritual fruit of studying this topic, leading to an increased passion for evangelism and a deeper connection with the Holy Spirit.
The Frequency of the Second Coming in Scripture
The speaker highlights that the second coming of Jesus is the second most mentioned topic in the Bible, second only to salvation. It appears 318 times in the New Testament, with a considerable number of books addressing it directly. He emphasizes the urgency and importance of understanding this doctrine, noting that one out of every 30 verses in the New Testament discusses the second coming. This context sets up the expectation for believers to engage with the scripture thoughtfully rather than avoid it due to confusion or fear of controversy.
Living with Urgency and Awareness
The speaker discusses the interpretation of time in God's perspective, emphasizing the need for urgency among believers. He cites biblical passages where the apostles wrote about the soon return of Jesus, highlighting that this sense of immediacy should inspire a life lived in holiness and purpose. The speaker likens the urgency of readiness to preparing for an upcoming wedding, asserting that understanding the nearness of Christ's return impacts how one engages with life and ministry. This urgency is not to create fear, but to cultivate a heart that seeks to advance the kingdom and serve others passionately.
The Importance of Recognizing the Season
In referencing the parable of the fig tree, the speaker notes that signs indicating the time of Christ's return are evident and should not be ignored. He connects the rebirth of Israel as a nation in 1948 to the prophetic timeline, suggesting that we are in a significant season for the second coming. The speaker warns against complacency, stressing that believers should live as if Christ could return at any moment while also preparing for the long-term impact of their faith. The session concludes with a call to embrace the hope and joy that comes from actively anticipating the return of Christ while also fulfilling one's calling in the present.
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I was afraid to speak about this for years… do you know why?
In this episode, Arden and I talk about the second coming of Jesus—a topic I avoided for a long time. I share why it’s so important and how it can help us live with purpose, draw closer to God, and care more about others. We also clear up some common misunderstandings, showing that it’s not about fear but about living with hope and urgency.
Join us and see how this truth can change the way you live every day!