February 2, 2000
FAMILY BIBLE SERIES:
Don't procrastinate preparation
for Christ's return
___Matthew 24:1-25:13
___By Stacy Conner
___First Baptist Church, Muleshoe
___Premillennialist? Postmillennialist? Amillennialist? Panmillennialist?
___What are you? What do you believe? What is your theological position on the second coming of Christ?
___It is interesting that we have chosen to wear these labels as if they are the marks of our faith. The study of the last things is very complicated. I have spent entire semesters in college and seminary studying various millennial theories, and often I cannot keep thevariations straight from one preacher's presentation to the next.
___In my opinion, we have spent far too much time trying to narrow the window of opportunity or define it so deliberately that we overlook the teachings of Christ. Let's take a look at a few of the essential tenets of Jesus' teaching concerning the last days.
___The first is that Jesus very clearly teaches that no one knows the precise time of his return (Matthew 24:36).
___With such a clear admonition, it is astounding the number of people who will line up behind the latest prophet with a special revelation, mathematical formula or epiphany in the shower thatclaims to know what the Bible clearly says no one knows. But it happens.
___No one knows the time or the date of Christ's return.
___Second, the coming of Christ will be unmistakable. False prophets and pseudo-messiahs make their way onto the stage of history trying to entice followers to follow their brand of religion. Jesus warns that we should be wary of any private revelations or hidden messiahs.
___Doubt will not accompany the return of Christ. Just as lightening flashes in the east and you see it in the west, you will recognize the Messiah. Just as vultures circling is a sign of death, you will not fail to recognize the coming of the Messiah (Matthew 24:27-28).
___The coming of Christ will be sudden and unexpected. Jesus teaches that the day Noah went into the ark began without any surprising signals as to what was going to happen (Matthew 24:38-39). The day the rain began to fall was a day like any other. People will be working in the fields or preparing meals like any other day (Matthew 24:40-41). Christ will return with little warning.
___Be ready. If a man knew the time when a robber was going to break into his home, he would be prepared to defend his property. But smart robbers do not give advance warning. Just as wise property owners keep vigilant watch over their property at all times, we should be ready for the coming of Christ. No one knows the timing of Christ's return.
___Our task is to live in obedience to Christ, ready for his return at any moment. Sharing the Gospel, living in love, spreading salt and shining the light should be the daily task of every believer. You cannot procrastinate preparation for the return of Christ; be ready at every moment.
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