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Introduction
Introduction
When I was asked to preach the doctrinal sermon, I had no idea what I could bring this evening. There are so many things that we could look at. No doubt that we need to give focus to the great doctrines of scripture.
Concise Oxford English Dictionary Doctrine
doctrine /ˈdɒktrɪn/
■ noun a set of beliefs or principles held and taught by a Church, political party, or other group.
There are many beliefs that should be preached on, but I believe that the Lord is leading me to remind you of the doctrine of Christ’s return. Jesus is coming again. The return of Christ is not contingent on whether or not you accept the doctrine of His return. The Bible details what will happen in the days leading up to the last days as well as the last days.
I know that many people use the cliche that His return has never been closer than it is today. However, it is not just a cliche. If you look at the Bible and current events, you can not help but conclude that the signs are pointing toward the end.
Jesus detailed for us several signs to look for. This afternoon, we want to look in .
“And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring;
men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.”
I know that the apostles and early Christians worked tirelessly expecting Jesus to return at any point. I also realize that about 2,000 years have passed since Jesus spoke these words. I also realize that the number of signs available have never been like they are now. Jesus is coming. Are you looking for His return?
But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you.
For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night.
For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape.
But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief.
You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness.
Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober.
We are commanded to watch and be sober. We are to be ready for His return!
Look at the signs!
Look at the signs!
Throughout the Old Testament, the Lord provided signs and prophecies related to the first advent of Christ. Throughout both the Old and New Testaments, the Lord has given us signs of Christ’s return.
No doubt that scripture is very clear that no one can know the day or the hour. In addition to telling us that we will not know the specific day or hour, the scriptures gives us indication that it near.
“But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book until the time of the end; many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.”
Daniel 12:
Many are running to and fro.
Many are running to and fro.
We are busy. People are flying all over the world on a daily basis. It estimated that there are 500,000 passengers in the air at any given time. We are busier than we have ever been. People are getting so busy that they no longer take time for the Lord. We speed up and down the road in our own vehicles. Larger cities are congested with traffic and people busily going about their lives.
Knowledge shall increase.
Knowledge shall increase.
I have an app on my phone through which I have access to over 4,000 Bibles, Commentaries, Books, Articles, and Maps. The internet has provided instant knowledge to any subject. In an instant, we can know about something happening on the other side of the world. I can remember in 2001, I could type something on my screen in New Orleans and it would appear on Christy’s screen in Amman, Jordan.
Not only do we have instant access to knowledge, but our knowledge is increasing exponentially every day. New discoveries are being made and science is advancing.
Distress of the Nations
Distress of the Nations
The nations of this world are distressed. Jesus said that there would be wars and rumors of wars. In the past 100 years, the USA has been involved in about 29 military conflicts. The political turmoil in this world is unprecedented.
Sea and Waves roaring
Sea and Waves roaring
The hurricane season of 2017 has been one of biblical proportions. Not only have we seen hurricanes, but over the past decade, we have watched as tsunamis have decimated coastal areas.
There are many more signs pointing to Christ’s return. We could speak about the signs for days or even weeks and not exhaust all of the ways that the Lord is telling us that He is coming quickly.
Look at the Lost!
Look at the Lost!
Are you looking at the lost? Once the end comes, their fate will be sealed.
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”
The time for salvation is now! We must be about the business of telling others about Jesus Christ.
If people die without being saved, they go to hell. We must be about the business of making disciples.
Look at Jesus!
Look at Jesus!
Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.