Welcome to Timeless Truth with Pastor Jim Thomas. In season 2, Pastor Jim is leading us in a study of Mark. Today’s passage is Mark 13:24-37
Depending on which English translation you search, Bible teachers have said that the Second Coming of Jesus Christ is mentioned as many as 318 times in the 260 chapters of the New Testament and that this subject occupies one in every twenty-five verses from Matthew to Revelation.
“Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, and saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation”
2 Peter 3:3,4
“But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night …”
2 Peter 3:8–10
Back on the Mount of Olives, Jesus instructs His disciples to be watching and waiting for His return.
1. Christ has promised to return personally, visibly, and gloriously.
2. We should be more focused on preparing than predicting. So, we should all remain watchful, steadfast, active in God’s plans and purposes, all the while rejoicing with hope! The fact of His return is more important than the timing or sequence of events preceding His return.
3. God is sovereign over everything, everywhere in every moment of human history.
4. God’s judgment is righteous, certain and sure.
As followers of Jesus we can take courage in knowing that our hope is not anchored in the absence of tribulations in this world but in the presence of our Savior who is with us and holds us fast, while we endure them!
“The Church is the pilgrim people of God. It is on the move—hastening to the ends of the earth to beseech all men to be reconciled to God, and hastening to the end of time to meet its Lord who will gather all into one.… It cannot be understood rightly except in a perspective which is at once missionary and eschatological.”
Lesslie Newbigin, The Household of God
What difference does trusting in the promises of the return of Christ make? Hope. Security. Purpose. Anticipation!
“If you live in the light of Christ’s return each day of your life, it does wonders for your perspective.”
Chuck Swindoll, Hope Beyond the Culture
