What really happens when Jesus returns? The Book Of Revelation talks about two big events – the rapture and the second coming. But with all the movies, books, and theories out there, it’s hard to know what’s true. In this video, Lead Pastor Sean Sears looks at the evidence of what ancient writing and the Bible point to for these future events. Are they different? When do they happen? And most importantly, why does any of this matter for your life right now? Discover what these events reveal about finding hope during troubling times.

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MESSAGE NOTES

End Game: When Is Jesus Coming Back?

The Great Anticipation

“These types of significant events change how we live in the moment.”

For 6,000 years, people awaited the promised Messiah. Now, for 2,000 years, we await His return. This isn’t just ancient history or future speculation – it’s a present reality that should transform how we live today.

Two Different Returns

1. Coming FOR His Church (The Rapture)

[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.”

Characteristics:

  • Christ stays in the air
  • Only believers affected
  • Purpose: To gather His church
  • Result: Meeting Christ in the air
  • No warning signs required

2. Coming WITH His Church (Second Coming)

[Matthew 24:30-31] “And then at last, the sign that the Son of Man is coming will appear in the heavens, and there will be deep mourning among all the peoples of the earth. And they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.”

Characteristics:

  • Christ returns to earth
  • Affects all humanity
  • Purpose: Establish kingdom and judge
  • Result: Military conquest
  • Follows specific prophetic signs

Three Ways to Live in Light of His Return

1. Live Expectantly

“Unless your house is ALL WAYS clean. Most people hate when people show up unexpectedly.”

[Matthew 24:44] “You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.”

2. Worship Daily

[Hebrews 10:23-25] “Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.”

“Just as a bride-to-be doesn’t just think about the wedding day, our worship shouldn’t be confined to the weekends.”

Practical Steps:

  • Begin and end each day with praise
  • Set worship reminders
  • Create Sabbath rhythms
  • Practice regular fasting

3. Witness Boldly

[1 Timothy 2:3-4] “This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth.”

“Being a Bold Witness doesn’t mean standing on street corners with a megaphone. Just as a newly engaged person naturally talks about their upcoming wedding, our anticipation of Christ’s return should make sharing our faith a natural overflow of our joy.”

Historical Church Perspective

Early Church Fathers on the Rapture:

“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)

Practical Application

“Every morning when you wake up, you have a choice. You can live like Jesus could return at any moment, or you can live like you have plenty of time.”

  1. Live Ready
    • Examine relationships
    • Evaluate priorities
    • Address unfinished spiritual business
  2. Live Bold
    • Keep a 3-5 person prayer list
    • Build genuine friendships
    • Meet practical needs
    • Share your testimony
  3. Live Faithful

    “Until that day, may we be found faithful – loving Him passionately, serving Him wholeheartedly, and telling others about Him boldly.”

Remember: “Jesus isn’t just coming back someday; He could come back today.”

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Application Questions

  1. What stood out to you from this message and why?
  2. What is one thing God is telling you to START doing because of this message?
  3. What is one thing God is telling you to STOP doing because of this message?
  4. How will this message change how you act at home, at work, and in your relationships?