Living in Light of Jesus' Return

Gary DeLashmutt
1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

In light of what Paul had previously written to the Thessalonian church concerning the Rapture and return of Jesus, he explains what this means for how Christians should live their lives. Jesus Christ's return is imminent, something that has been predicted throughout the Bible and is the basis for the hope of Christians. In light of Jesus coming back, Paul urges the Thessalonians to be sober and alert, and live consistently as if we're confident in Jesus' return. This would mean living for things that have eternal benefit, understanding the brokenness of the world around us, and living a life where we are transformed to look more like Christ.

Hope in the Face of Death

Gary DeLashmutt
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

Paul writes to the Thessalonians describing how the Christian life provides real hope amidst death. The promise of a personal, embodied reunion with Jesus Christ gives Christians hope to see their loved ones in Christ who have passed away. This is based on Jesus overcoming death and will occur during the Rapture, where Jesus will return and call up all Christians to meet him up in the air. The implications of these truths are that people need to entrust themselves to Jesus Christ, and for those who are believers in Jesus, they should instruct others with these words.

The Rise of the Antichrist and the End of the World

Scott Risley
Daniel 7:9

Biblical theologians agree this may be the most obscure passage in all of Paul's writings. The general topic of the passage is the coming of Jesus Christ and the end of human history. The Thessalonians had received a letter containing false claims about the "Day of the Lord," the day when Jesus will come back and gather His people. While only God knows the exact time, Christians should not be surprised, because God has given us some clues to help us recognize the day approaching. The Thessalonians had received false information that lead them to fear that these events had already taken place, and so Paul is writing to them to remind them of the things they had been taught. Five questions relevant to the passage are discussed: 1) what is this about?, 2) what is the "apostasy?", 3) who is the "man of lawlessness?", 4) who/what is the "restrainer?", and 5) what is the "deluding" influence? In the face of this future we know is coming, Christians can take comfort in the promise to be loved by God forever. We know that Jesus is coming back, therefore, Paul encourages the Thessalonians to stand firm and hold to the truth.

Get Ready for History's Climax

Dennis McCallum
2 Thessalonians 2:1-13

In the endtimes, there will be a man of lawlessness who will be worshipped as above God. There are many things that have to happen during this time, and it is not clear what they are, but during that time, people will believe false things, anarchy and lawlessness will increase, and hearts will grow cold.

What Does The Future Hold?

Dennis McCallum
1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11

For many people, the thought of death provokes fear, depression, and despair. For people who have started a personal relationship with God though, death leads to an eternity with God in heaven, and as a result life on Earth is no longer relatively or existentially meaningless. Besides the promise of eternal life, God has also given Christians various prophetic signs to indicate that the end of human history is near, and understanding these signs motivates believers to live a sober and committed life for God until that day arrives.

Living in the Last Days

Jim Leffel
2 Timothy 3:10-11

In the last days, selfish love will increase. Paul describes the kind of depravity that will occur; man will pursue love of self, money, and pleasure. This will result in corruption of self, destruction of relationships, and spiritual depravity. The alternative is a fulfilled life pursuing others and relationships.

Live with the End in Mind

Jim Leffel
Job 42:7-10

James encourages his readers to have patience and strengthen their hearts as they wait for the coming of the Lord Jesus. This view of history differs significantly from the view that man's journey in life and all history ends in ultimate meaninglessness. James provides three profiles of patience required for living with the end in mind: 1) the farmer who waits and strengthens his heart; 2) the prophet who speaks faithfully for the Lord; and 3) Job who showed endurance and saw the Lord's compassion and mercy.\r\n

Being Ready for the Coming of the Son of Man

Dennis McCallum
Matthew 25:1-43

Jesus teaches his disciples through three separate stories what it means to be ready for the coming of the Son of Man. The first, a parable about ten virgins, teaches that there will be many who profess themselves to be Christians, or nominal Christians, that will not be ready for Jesus' return. The second, a parable of the talents, teaches the principle of stewarding the resources God has given us before He returns. The last parable is about the sheep and goats, and shows the urgency of serving Jesus by serving those in real need. In light of what God has given us, Christians are called to consider how their lives reflect stewardship.

What It Means to "Be Ready"

Scott Risley
Matthew 25:1-46

As we live in these Last Days, no one knows when Jesus will return, so we need to be ready at all times. God will let you live your life as you choose, but He will call you to give an account at the end. Will you be found faithful?