End Game: When Is Jesus Coming Back?

The Unfinished Story

The Old Testament ends with anticipation – waiting for the promised Rescuer. The New Testament reveals Jesus but ends with another promise – His return.

Key Promise

[John 14:1-3] “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.”

Two Distinct Returns

1. Coming FOR His Church (The Rapture)
2. Coming WITH His Church (The Second Coming)

The Rapture: Christ’s Coming FOR His Church

[1 Thessalonians 4:16-17] “For the Lord Himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the Christians who have died will rise from their graves. Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever.”

Memorable Quote: “The early Church wasn’t waiting for the Antichrist—they were waiting for Jesus.”

Evidence for Pre-Tribulation Rapture:

1. Early Church Expected Imminent Return
   • [Matthew 24:44] “You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.”
   • [Philippians 3:20] “But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior.”
2. Historical Church Support
   

   “For all the saints and the elect of God are gathered, prior to the tribulation that is to come, and are taken to the Lord lest they see the confusion that is to overwhelm the world.” – Ephraim the Syrian (306-373 AD)

3. Revelation’s Pattern
   • Church present on earth (Chapters 1-3)
   • Church absent during tribulation (Chapters 4-18)
   • Church returns with Christ (Chapter 19)

The Second Coming: Christ’s Return WITH His Church

[Revelation 19:11-14] “Then I saw heaven opened, and a white horse was standing there. Its rider was named Faithful and True, for he judges fairly and wages a righteous war. His eyes were like flames of fire, and on his head were many crowns… The armies of heaven, dressed in the finest of pure white linen, followed him on white horses.”

Memorable Quote: “That’ll give you goosebumps, baby! THAT is the second coming where Jesus punishes the wicked and brings justice to evil – ONCE AND FOR ALL!”

Events Between Rapture and Second Coming

1. Seven Year Tribulation Begins [Daniel 9:27] “The ruler will make a treaty with the people for a period of one set of seven, but after half this time, he will put an end to the sacrifices and offerings. And as a climax to all his terrible deeds, he will set up a sacrilegious object that causes desecration, until the fate decreed for this defiler is finally poured out on him.”
2. Great Revival During Tribulation
   • 144,000 Jewish evangelists
   • Two prophets witnessing
   • Multitudes saved and martyred
3. Marriage Feast of the Lamb [Revelation 19:6-7] “Praise the Lord! For the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns. Let us be glad and rejoice, and let us give honor to him. For the time has come for the wedding feast of the Lamb, and his bride has prepared herself.”

Application

1. Live Ready
   • Be prepared for Christ’s return
   • Share urgently with others
   • Don’t wait to make things right with God
2. Live Hopeful
   • God preserves His people from judgment
   • Justice will prevail
   • Every wrong will be made right
3. Live Faithful
   

   “Choose faithfulness over fear. The return of Christ is a reason for joy, not anxiety. The enemy loses, Jesus reigns, and we will be with Him forever.”

Remember: The end of this story isn’t just survival—it’s victory!

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