Jesus Is Coming Again Pt. 7 A Pattern For Christian Living Until Christ Returns

We are looking at the New Testament teaching on the second coming of Jesus Christ. We are taking the verses in the order that we find them.

The second coming of Jesus Christ spans at least a seven year period. 

The church age will end with Christ coming in clouds, and the dead in Christ rising from the grave with new, glorified bodies. Then, all living Christians will be caught up in the air and Christ will take us home to heaven.

The rapture of the church begins the final countdown of God's prophetic calendar. The seven year tribulation period will begin, with a peace treaty signed by the antichrist and world leaders. 

There will be about 3 1/2 years of relative peace and prosperity until the antichrist reveals his true evil purposes. 

The last 3 1/2 years of the tribulation period will be marked by extreme idolatry and the unholy trinity consisting of the beast, antichrist and false prophet. Revelation, Daniel and Ezekiel describe these personages and events in vivid detail

God will unleash three rounds of judgment, each one increasing in intensity. Seven seals will be opened, releasing judgment on earth. This is followed by seven trumpets sounding and seven bowls being poured out. 

How to live while waiting for Christ to return. 

2 Corinthians 1:12  For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward. 

In this text, Paul is speaking of the "day of the Lord Jesus." The context shows that he has the rapture of the church in view because the apostle is concerned about believers living holy until that day comes.

Christians should seek to live a simple, humble life, marked by godliness with contentment. A Christian should experience the grace of God flowing into his or her life as we go about our duties in this world.

2 Corinthians 1:13-14  For we write none other things unto you, than what ye read or acknowledge; and I trust ye shall acknowledge even to the end; 14)  As also ye have acknowledged us in part, that we are your rejoicing, even as ye also are ours in the day of the Lord Jesus. 

Christian's should acknowledge the apostolic truth. This means we read the scriptures, seeking to understand what the apostles are teaching us. Then, we seek to live by those truths each day. 

Jesus told us that a wise man hears His sayings and does them, while a fool hears Christ's teaching and ignores it (Matthew 7:24-27). 

Choosing to live for the glory of God fills our hearts with joy, and an eager anticipation to see Jesus when He returns.

Jesus will bring all the saints together at the resurrection of life.  

2 Corinthians 4:14-15  Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you. 15)  For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.

Here is mention about the resurrection of life, when Christ comes at the rapture of the church. On that day Jesus will take us home to heaven and present us to His Father in heaven.

Paul's reference to the return of Jesus Christ, is connected with enduring the sufferings of this life. 

The Devil attacks Christians, as he attacks the veracity of God's Word and the deity of Jesus Christ.

Our flesh wants to satisfy its lusts and wants nothing to do with the things of God. Our old man, the sin nature we inherit from Adam is opposed to our new man in Christ.

The world and it's corrupt culture, are no friends to Christians and offers no help when we desire to pursue holiness. 

Paul proclaimed all these truths and bore all manner of sufferings for our sakes. 

All the apostles were willing to suffer for Jesus Christ, because suffering meant nothing compared to leading  converts to Christ. 

Hardship and sorrows simply did not matter as long as the apostles could build believers up in their most holy faith.

A model for Christian living until Christ returns. 

2 Corinthians 4:16-18  For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. 17)  For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; 18)  While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. 

Paul gave some very detailed lists of the persecutions he suffered for the sake of the gospel of Jesus Christ (See 2 Corinthians 11:16-33).

He did not care about his suffering. His primary goal was living to serve his new Master, Jesus Christ.

He tells us that even though his body might be battered, hungry, cold or afflicted, his inner man was renewed each day by the Spirit of God. 

Christians must seek daily renewal from God. How? 

By having our minds renewed as we read and study the scriptures. 

By having our mission renewed as we pray to the Lord. 

By having our joy renewed as we worship and fellowship with other Christians. 

Paul viewed all things in this life through the lens of eternity. He put his heart and soul into the eternal things that matter, rather than wasting his efforts on temporal things. 

It is the idea of setting our affections on things above, rather than things on the earth. Seeking first the kingdom of God rather than worldly things.

Thoughts to Ponder...

Thus, our minds must be filled with eternal unseen things above. Whenever we allow our minds to be filled with the depravity of this present evil world, we will lose our focus, our joy and fail to serve God as we ought.

May the words of the Psalmist bless and encourage each of us as we seek to honor God and serve our Master, Jesus Christ.

Bob

Psalm 121:1-8  A Song of degrees. I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. 2)  My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth. 3)  He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. 4)  Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. 5)  The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand. 6)  The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. 7)  The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. 8)  The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.