Below are notes to a sermon preached Sunday evening, Dec. 09, 2001, at Gospel Light Baptist Church, Albany, Georgia.
JESUS CHRIST IS COMING TO TOWN
By Michael D. O’Neal Pastor, Gospel Light Baptist Church Albany, Georgia
Scripture Reading: Revelation 22:16-21
Text: Revelation 22:20
Revelation 22:20 He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.
Introduction: As I said this morning, I am jealous for the Lord Jesus Christ. It bothers me when, on the occasion of a holiday named after our Lord, such as Christmas, a mythical character named Santa Claus gets a lot of attention. After all, Santa Claus is FICTION, and Jesus Christ is FACT.
A popular song at this season every year says, “Santa Claus is coming to town.” Well, brace yourself for a shock.
THIS YEAR HE AIN’T COMING!
As a matter of fact, he didn’t come last year, either. No, Virginia, THERE IS NO SANTA CLAUS. He is merely an old fable. Sometimes his story is told as TRUTH to children by their parents and by some teachers. In such cases, he is actually a LIE.
SANTA CLAUS is not coming to town, but I will tell you who IS coming: THE LORD JESUS CHRIST. As we consider some things about the return of the Lord, you may also learn some reasons for my opinion that Santa is a COUNTERFEIT and a SUBSTITUTE for the Lord Jesus Christ.
I. CONSIDER THE PROMISE OF THE LORD’S COMING
1 Thessalonians 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
Moms and dads promise their children that Santa is coming.
Sometimes even newscasters will promise that Santa is coming.
A. The Savior promised that He would come again
B. The scriptures promise that He will come again
II. CONSIDER THE POINT IN TIME OF THE LORD’S COMING
1 Thessalonians 4:15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.
This verse is worded in such a way that I believe Paul expected the Lord to come in his lifetime. I believe that EVERY Christian should have that same expectation.
A. It is an unrevealed time
B. It will be an unexpected time for many
C. It will be an unpleasant time for many
III. CONSIDER THE PATH OF THE LORD’S COMING
1 Thessalonians 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
A. The third heaven
B. The throne
IV. CONSIDER THE PLAN FOR THE LORD’S COMING
Acts 1:10-11 And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; 11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.
In like manner
The Person – this same Jesus, bodily
The Power – Rome
The People – two witnesses
The Program (schedule):
Although many people don’t realize this, the Lord’s ascent had two parts. The first part was more secret than the other. So will it be at His return. FIRST, there will be:
A. The Rapture
B. The Revelation
V. CONSIDER THE PURPOSE FOR THE LORD’S COMING
1 Thessalonians 4:18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
Jesus is coming for a purpose. Actually, there are a number of things that will be accomplished when He returns, and these should bring comfort to us!
A. To rapture the church
B. To resurrect the dead saints
C. To reunite God’s people
D. To reward faithful service
E. To ready Israel for the kingdom
F. To reign on earth for 1,000 years
VI. CONSIDER THE PLEASURE OF THE LORD’S COMING
Titus 2:13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
Christ’s return is that BLESSED HOPE …
A. If you are part of God’s family
- The Rapture will not be pleasant for those who are left behind
B. If you are passionate about his coming
- I believe there are a lot of Christians who love this present world more than they do the Lord’s appearing.
- His return is not a blessed hope to them.
C. If you are prepared
- See my next point
VII. CONSIDER THE PREPARATION FOR THE LORD’S COMING
1 John 2:28 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.
IF you are not SAVED, the main preparation you need to consider is that you need to GET saved. That is not done by you deciding to DO right, but by BELIEVING ON THE LORD JESUS CHRIST (1 Corinthians 15:1-4; Acts 16:29-31).
If you ARE saved, however, you should still prepare for the Lord’s coming by
A. Being associated with a local church
- Baptized
- A member
- Many people introduce me as their pastor, and I’m not even their pastor. They don’t HAVE a pastor, because they just VISIT us.
B. Being assembled with the local church
- Coming to every service
- Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
C. Being active in the local church
- Praying
- Participating
- Pulling your share of the load
- Paying tithes and offerings
D. Being aggressive in your witness
E. Being accurate in your doctrine
F. Being admirable in your conduct
- Set an example for others
- Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.