The Return of Christ

March 2, 2025

FBC Baxley

am service

Walk Thru Bible- set up chairs, bring finger foods, Kitchen help, clean up, etc., Joan Jones, Justin Young_________________________

Welcome radio and online guests…

** I want you to know, GOD LOVES YOU!

*It’s ok however you’ve entered, we are all here seeking God’s will, way and plan.

Some rescued, redeemed, Some Saved….Some Not..

All Loved…

*Acts 4:12 (repeat)

*John 3:16

Sermon Title: “The Return of Christ”

Scripture Passage: Luke 21:25-28

25 “And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves,

26 people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken.

27 And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.

28 Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

PRAY-

Psalm 19:14

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart

be acceptable in your sight,

O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

Three Points:

1. THE SIGNS OF HIS COMING (Luke 21:25-26)

2. THE SOVEREIGNTY OF HIS COMING (Luke 21:27)

3. THE SECURITY OF HIS COMING (Luke 21:28)

Our focus today is Luke 21:25-28, where Jesus describes the signs of His return and its significance for believers.

I. THE SIGNS OF HIS COMING (Luke 21:25-26)

Jesus declared that before His return, there would be cosmic disturbances and global distress.

These signs will be evident in both the heavens and the earth:

Heavenly Signs: "There will be signs in the sun, moon, and stars" (v. 25).

These celestial disturbances will be undeniable, much like the darkness that fell during Jesus’ crucifixion (Luke 23:44-45).

44 “It was now about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour, 45 while the sun's light failed. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two.”

Earthly Struggles: "Nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea" (v. 25).

The chaos in creation will be reflected in society, causing fear and uncertainty.

Human Fear: "Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming in/on the world" (v. 26).

The realization that they are powerless against divine judgment will grip people with dread.

These signs remind us of the warnings found in Joel 2:30-31 and Revelation 6:12-14, showing the reality that Christ’s return is imminent and unmistakable.

Joel 2:30-31

“And I will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire and columns of smoke. 31 The sun shall be turned to darkness, and the moon to blood, before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes.”

Rev. 6:12-14

12 “When he opened the sixth seal, I looked, and behold, there was a great earthquake, and the sun became black as sackcloth, the full moon became like blood, 13 and the stars of the sky fell to the earth as the fig tree sheds its winter fruit when shaken by a gale. 14 The sky vanished like a scroll that is being rolled up, and every mountain and island was removed from its place.”

-Are you looking for the signs?

II. THE SOVEREIGNTY OF HIS COMING (Luke 21:27)

"At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory."

Unlike His first coming in humility, Jesus will return in power and majesty:

His Coming Will Be Visible: Matthew 24:27 states, "For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man."

His Coming Will Be Victorious: Daniel 7:13-14 describes the Son of Man receiving an everlasting kingdom, ruling over all nations.

His Coming Will Be Vindicating: Revelation 1:7 declares, "Look, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him."

The return of Christ will not be a secret event.

It will be public, powerful, and prevailing.

Every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Philippians 2:10-11).

III. THE SECURITY OF HIS COMING (Luke 21:28)

Jesus offers a message of hope and encouragement to His followers: "When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."

A Call to Confidence: While the world trembles, believers will stand in expectation.

Our salvation will be complete as we are gathered to Christ (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).

16 For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.

A Call to Readiness: Jesus warns against spiritual complacency (Luke 21:34-36).

34 “But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. 35 For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”

Like the days of Noah, many will be unprepared (Matthew 24:37-39).

37 For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. 38 For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, 39 and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.

A Call to Watchfulness: "Be always on the watch, and pray" (Luke 21:36).

36 But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”

Instead of trying to predict His return, we should live in readiness and faithfulness.

CONCLUSION

The Second Coming of Christ is Sure/certain, Sudden, and Significant.

The world will experience unmistakable signs, the sovereign rule of Christ, and security for believers.

The question is not if He will return, but when—and when He does, will you be ready?

We need to take to heart Jesus’ words: "Stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."

May we live expectantly, work diligently, and witness fervently, knowing that the King is coming!

-Pray

-Invitation