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SECOND COMING OF JESUS

By George W. Sinquefield

John 14:3 (KJV)
³ And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

        Someone has given us the following and I'm in perfect agreement:

        The second coming of Jesus is not being emphasized in many churches today. People are so pleasure oriented and materialistic that thoughts of heaven are often neglected. We have built our "nests" so strong here that we are no longer watching eagerly for the return of the Lord as the early Christians did. We are prone to think of the "meeting in the air" as a far-off event. We don't like the thought of having our plans suddenly interrupted by the Savior's return. When we do think of it, we hope He will come just in time to rescue us from a painful death, or that His appearance will be a glorious climax to our somewhat unspectacular lives.

        A young man went off to w. He told the girl he loved good-bye and promised to come back and marry her. When the war was over and troops came marching home, the girl looked for him but in vain -- he had lost his life in battle. She kept saying, "He must come back. He promised he would." She lost her reason and for years before she died, she came daily to the gate to wait for her beloved who would never return. She was disappointed but Jesus will never disappoint us. He will keep His promise and one day He will return.

        Romans 9:33, "Behold, I lay in Zion a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense. And he who believes in Him will not be disappointed." (NAS)

Hebrews 9:28 (KJV)
²⁸ So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

         Angel Martinez said, "The second coming of Jesus is the hope that keeps the church alive. Without this glorious prospect life would be unbearable. The forward look keeps the assembly of the saved on the move. This blessed future gave the early Christians their forward thrust. They were looking for a returning Christ, and with this beautiful truth embedded in their hearts, they transformed the Roman Empire and routed the forces of darkness."

        Go back to the Old Testament before Christ came the first time. Whenever that blessed hope of the coming of the Messiah was abandoned, the spiritual of God's people and their influence in the world were at a low ebb. But whenever that hope was fresh in their hearts, they rose to new heights of service to God and victory over the world.

I.    His Coming Is An Incentive To Christian Living.

        Christianity conquered pagan Rome not primarily because of its superior doctrine but because there grew up in that great pagan city a new kind of men. and women with love in their hears, good will in their speech, mercy in their conduct and self control in their hearing

        We ought to be living in expectation of the Savior's second coming, but instead we live amid the debris of a hope that has been dashed to pieces by modern unbelief. You can measure our spiritual and moral condition by our skepticism. Look at the low level on which we live . The secularism of modern life, the desecration of holy things, the denial of historic Christianity, the worldliness of the churches, as well as the spirit of war and hate, the tensions of our times, the economic injustice, the waves of crime and delinquency, the vice and corruption and drunkenness and prostitution, the materialistic greed that has us in its grip, the disruption of homes and families, the fears and worries that tear us apart within and without -- all these things are directly related to our modern unconcern about the second coming of Christ, our sophisticated notion that the old Biblical dogma about that blessed hope belongs to a pre scientific past. The fact that men no longer believe in the second coming of Christ explains why they worship both man and mammon, and are therefore hopelessly lost in a lost world.

        A man in his sixties said, "I have made a mess of my life and I have done it by putting second-class values first." As Christians, it should be our first concern to see that, so far as we can, the work of our Lord goes forward.

John 8:29 (KJV)
²⁹ And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.

        A young man had just become pastor of a large church. At a reception given him by his people, one of the gossips, a woman with a dangerous tongue, came up and said, "I do not understand how you dared attempt the task of pleasing 700 people." Quick as a flash the Lord gave him the answer. He replied, "I did not come to this city to please 700 people. I have to please only One; and if I please Him, all will be well."

        Paul's desire was to please God. He was not interested in pleasing man.

Galatians 1:9 through Galatians 1:10 (KJV)
⁹ As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
¹⁰ For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.

1 Thessalonians 4:1 (KJV)
¹ Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.

        In writing to Timothy, Paul encouraged him to seek to please the Lord.

2 Timothy 2:3 through 2 Timothy 2:4 (KJV)
³ Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. ⁴ No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.

        It was said of Enoch that he pleased God.

Hebrews 11:5 (KJV)
⁵ By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.

        Oh, may that be truthfully said of you and me.

II.    His Coming Is An Incentive To Purity Of Life.

1 John 2:15 through 1 John 2:17 (KJV)
¹⁵ Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. ¹⁶ For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. ¹⁷ And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

1 John 3:1 through 1 John 3:3 (KJV)
¹ Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. ² Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. ³ And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

       A Methodist paper had this article in it:

        Probably the most beautiful fur is that of the ermine. The formal robes of judges are lined with it, the white being emblematic of purity and honor. It is said that the ermine takes pride in his white fur coat and at all hazards, protects it against anything that would soil it.

        In the forests of Northern Asia some hunters take advantage of the ermine's passion to keep his fur clean. They find his home  -- a small cave or the hollow of a decaying tree -- and daub the entrance and interior with filth. When the dogs start the chase, the ermine flees to his home. He finds it unclean, and rather than soil his pure white coat, he faces the dogs and preserves the purity of his fur at the price of his life. He feels that it is better to surrender his life than to be unclean.

        It is said that one little girl said, "I am going to have the cleanest desk when the inspector come back. I am going to have the cleanest desk of all." Some said, "We don't know how you can have the cleanest desk. Your desk is usually the most untidy and the most disheveled and the most out of order." She said, "Well then, I am going to clean it every week of the world." They said, "Suppose the inspector came back just before you cleaned it, and it hadn't been cleaned in a week? Then you would not have the cleanest desk."

        She said, "Well, then I will clean it every morning." They said, "Suppose he comes in the late afternoon and all day long you have been using it, then your desk wouldn't be the cleanest."

        The little girl thought for a moment, then said, "Then I will tell you what I am going to do. I am just going to keep it clean all the time; then it won't matter when he comes." This ought to be the attitude of every child of God. ". . . every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure."

        Several years ago, Moody Monthly related the story of a 6 year old, golden haired child who had a strong, simple faith in Jesus, and who took seriously what she heard in Sunday school. She seemed especially impressed by the thought of the Lord's second coming. One morning a guest in her home found the youngster carefully arranging the things in her bedroom and remarked, "You sure keep your room nice and neat!" Looking up with a smile, she replied, "I'm putting everything in order, 'cause Jesus might come today."

        God help us to be as concerned about our lives as these two little girls were about their desk and room.

Matthew 24:42 through Matthew 24:44 (KJV)
⁴² Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. ⁴³ But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. ⁴⁴ Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.
 
III.    His Coming Is An Incentive To Faithfulness.

        After the tragic bombing of the Marine barracks in Lebanon, the wounded were carried to a West Germany hospital. An officer went in to visit one Marine who was just moments from death. The Marine managed to say "Semper Fi" which is the motto of the Marines. It means "always faithful." The fact that Jesus is coming, if we are expecting Him to come, will certainly motivate us to be faithful.

        On May 19, 1970 in Hartford, Connecticut, a terrifying storm arose at noon. The sky became as dark as night. People were frightened -- for they believed it to be the end of the world -- the day of judgment. The House of Representatives was in session. The speaker of the House, Cal Davenport stood up in the midst of fear and confusion and said, "I do not know whether this is the end of the world or not. If not, it will be a waste of time for us to quit our tasks. If it is the Judgment Day, I for one want to be found doing my tasks."

Revelation 2:10 (KJV)
¹⁰ Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

        Notice the word "unto." This verse doesn't teach us to merely be faithful until death but unto death -- Be faithful even if it cost us our lives. Being faithful in the use of our time and talents is taught all through the Bible.

Matthew 25:14 through Matthew 25:30 (KJV)
¹⁴ For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. ¹⁵ And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. ¹⁶ Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents. ¹⁷ And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two. ¹⁸ But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord’s money. ¹⁹ After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them. ²⁰ And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more. ²¹ His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. ²² He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them. ²³ His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. ²⁴ Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed: ²⁵ And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine. ²⁶ His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: ²⁷ Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. ²⁸ Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. ²⁹ For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. ³⁰ And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

IV.    By The Promise Of His Coming, We Are Admonished Not To Be Ashamed Of Him In This World.

2 Timothy 1:8 through 2 Timothy 1:9 (KJV)
⁸ Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; ⁹ Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,

1 Peter 4:16 (KJV)
¹⁶ Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.

Mark 8:38 (KJV)
³⁸ Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.

        The story is told of a farmer and his wife who sent their son to the university. There he fell in with a group of snobbish students. One day the father said, "Mother, I want to see our boy. I'm going over to the university and see him." He hitched the horse to the buggy and started on the long trip. He arrived late in the afternoon and he saw his boy coming down the street with other students. His daddy, dressed in his overalls, hurried to meet him. As he started to throw his arms around him, the foolish, ungrateful son said to him, "I don't know you, sir." Then he turned his back upon his father and went away. The broken-hearted father made his way home in sorrow.

        I'm afraid we are often ashamed to stand for Jesus. We are ashamed to tell others what He has done for us, but if we will but keep in mind that He may come at any moment, it'll help us to stand boldly for Him.

        Let us be real honest with ourselves. Would we be ashamed to face Him. Many will say, "Yes, I'd be ashamed to face Him because I've failed Him in so many ways. I haven't studied His Word as I should have. I let many opportunities to witness for Him pass by. I've been so busy with other things that I failed to spend time in prayer. And because of selfishness and my love for things of this world, I did not support His work with my tithe and offerings. Oh, yes, I'd be ashamed to meet Him and have to give an account of my life.

        Thank God, we do not have to be ashamed. We can be prepared to meet Him without being ashamed. The Word of God tells us how.

1 John 2:28 (KJV)
²⁸ And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.

        "Abide in Him" means, first of all, to accept Him as Savior and then permit Him to be the Lord of your life. Be obedient to His will and follow Him regardless of the price you may have to pay. This is what Paul did and listen to him.

2 Timothy 4:7 through 2 Timothy 4:8 (KJV)
⁷ I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: ⁸ Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

        Paul "loved His appearing" and so will you if you are as surrendered to Him as Paul was. You can test the depth of your spiritually by asking yourself this question. Am I looking forward to His coming or am I dreading it?

        A lady in later life went to Israel to study Hebrew. She said, "I want to be able to greet my Savior in His native tongue when He comes." Hebrew wasn't our Savior's native tongue but her motive was right. She was looking forward to greeting Him.

        The Word of God urges us to watch for His coming and be ready.

Mark 13:33 through Mark 13:37 (KJV)
³³ Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is. ³⁴ For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch. ³⁵ Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: ³⁶ Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. ³⁷ And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.

Matthew 24:42 through Matthew 24:44 (KJV)
⁴² Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. ⁴³ But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. ⁴⁴ Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.

V.    His Coming Is An Incentive To Win The Lost To Him.

        A very small percent of the world's population is ready for His return.

2 Peter 3:9 through 2 Peter 3:10 (KJV)
⁹ 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. ¹⁰ But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

        Notice two things about this verse. The Lord is giving us who are saved more time to reach and win those who are not His, those who have never experienced the new birth. An secondly, the Lord is long suffering toward those who are lost. It is His will that they trust Him and be saved. He is not willing that any should be lost and go to hell.

        Jesus told about two ways, the broad that leads to destruction and He said many are traveling it. He told about the narrow way which leads to life and He said that only a few find it.

Matthew 7:13 through Matthew 7:14 (KJV)
¹³ Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: ¹⁴ Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

        Which one are you on? You get on the narrow way by trusting Jesus as your Savior. Few were saved when the flood came.

1 Peter 3:20 (KJV)
20 Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.

        Only eight out of the whole generation were saved when the flood came. Now that's not many -- just eight -- two times four. No, eight is not many and that hasn't changed. Jesus said, "few" (percentage wise) will be ready for His return.

        His coming is imminent. That means He could come at any moment. No one knows when He will return. Foolish men have set dates for His return but all were wrong. Judge Rutherford (in 1920) said, "Millions now living will never die." He was predicting the coming of Jesus but his prediction failed. The important thing for us is not knowing the time of His return but knowing that we are ready for it..

Luke 12:40 (KJV)
⁴⁰ Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.

        A preacher stopped on the street and asked two men if they thought Jesus would come that day. They said they did not believe He would. The preacher then told them that the Bible says He'll come when we are not expecting Him. Hear the Lord as He says, "Yes, I am coming quickly" and may you and I, "Amen, come, Lord Jesus" (Revelation 22:20).