Monday 5th October 2020
Scripture:- Acts 1-11
Topic:- Is Jesus Coming Back [1]
Text:- Acts 1:11
Forty days after His resurrection, Jesus took His Disciples to the Mount of Olives, where He was lifted up into the clouds out of their sight.While they were gazing up in bewilderment, two men in white apparel, Angels.
1. Broken Promise:It has been nearly 2,000 years since Jesus left earth, and many wonder why He has taken so long to return.In his book, Why I Am Not a Christian, atheist Bertrand Russell accused Jesus of breaking his promise to return.Russell argues that Jesus couldn’t have been “all wise” if he broke such an important promise.He certainly couldn’t have been God as He claimed so frequently.So is it possible that Russell is right about Jesus breaking His promise.The Apostle Peter predicted scoffers like Russell would point to Jesus’ delay as a broken promise.He writes in 2 Peter 3:3-4.Perhaps Russell and other scoffers should have looked closer at Peter’s words, as well as what Jesus said about the timing of his return, and the events that would precede it.Jesus did say that, although no man would know the exact timing of his return, certain clues would tell us that it is drawing near.Additionally, the Old Testament Prophets and Jesus’ Apostles also provide insight about what the world scene will look like just prior to the return of Jesus Christ.Let’s look briefly at a few of these clues to the general timing of Jesus’ return.
2. What Are The Signs Of Jesus’ Return:Major earthquakes; Worldwide famine; Wars; Worldwide epidemics; Persecution of believers; Gospel proclaimed worldwide.Earthquakes, famines, epidemics, and wars have occurred throughout human history, but Jesus said there would be a noticeable increase of such events prior to his return.Persecution of believers began with the Apostles and is on the increase today. More Christians are being persecuted for their faith now than at any time in history.Jesus tells us that such persecution will continue until His return, as will the worldwide proclamation of the gospel.According to Jesus, when all of these events capture the world scene, we are to “look up,” for His return will be soon.Although Bible scholars don’t agree on all the details regarding Jesus’ return, many believe that the time Jesus spoke of is rapidly approaching.Paul told believers to be ready and “watch for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.”So we need to know if Jesus’ promise to return is still true. And if so, why is He delaying so long to fulfill His promise.
3. Peter Explained The Reason For Jesus’ Delay:In 2 Peter 3:10, Peter was writing to believers who were experiencing trials and persecution.They wanted Jesus to come sooner rather than later.However, Peter tells them that God’s first priority is to spread the gospel of Christ throughout the world, reaching as many people as possible.Jesus had already told His Disciples that the gospel would be preached to all Nations before He came.
4. Has Jesus Kept Other Promises:How do we answer scoffers such as Bertrand Russell who accused Jesus of breaking His promise to return?
Prayer Point:- Oh Lord God, never let me miss Your 2nd coming, in the name of Jesus Christ.
Have A Nice Monday!
