Stephen begins by emphasizing the importance of Jesus Christ's return for believers. He reminds listeners that Christ's work, while finished on the cross in terms of redemption, will only be completely fulfilled upon His second coming. This second coming, prophesied throughout the Old Testament, will be unlike His first coming as a suffering servant. Instead, Christ will return as King to judge and rule the earth.
Stephen then delves into the signs of Christ's imminent return, drawing parallels to the days of Noah and Lot, marked by rampant sin and a preoccupation with worldly pleasures. He also highlights the geopolitical climate and the state of the church as indicators of the approaching end times. The restoration of Israel, he notes, is a particularly significant sign, aligning with biblical prophecy.
Finally, Stephen clarifies the manner of Christ's return, emphasizing it will mirror His ascension. He will first return invisibly, like a thief, then visibly to everyone like lightning. This period, known as "parousia," refers not to a single event but a series of events culminating in Christ's reign on earth. He urges vigilance and preparation for believers, emphasizing the need to watch, pray, wait, and be filled with the Holy Spirit, ultimately hastening Christ's return.
The Certainty and Significance of Christ's Return
Completion of Christ's work: Redemption finished on the cross, restoration fulfilled at the second coming.
Two Comings of Christ: First as the suffering Lamb, second as the reigning Lion of Judah.
Signs of Christ's Imminent Return
Moral Decay: Parallels to the days of Noah and Lot (Genesis 4-6, 19).
Geopolitical Situation: Polarization of nations leading to a one-world government (Daniel 2).
Spiritual State of the Church: Laodicean church characterized by lukewarm faith and apostasy (Revelation 3:14-22).
Restoration of Israel: A key sign, symbolized by the fig tree (Matthew 24:32).
The Manner and Timing of Christ's Return
Mirroring the Ascension: Invisible return from heaven to the air, followed by a visible descent to the Mount of Olives (Acts 1:10-11).
Parousia: Not a single event, but a period encompassing a series of events.
Two Illustrations: Coming like a thief (hidden, unexpected) and like lightning (visible to all) (Matthew 24:36-44).
The Rapture: Believers taken up to meet Christ in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).
The Believer's Response: Watch, Pray, Wait, Prepare
Watchfulness: Be alert, discerning, and prayerful (Mark 13:33-37).
Waiting with Expectancy: Anticipating Christ's return with hope (Titus 2:13).
Preparation: Being filled with the Holy Spirit and living a life that reflects Christ (Romans 8:9).
Hastening His Return: Living in readiness can accelerate Christ's coming (2 Peter 3:12).
This message is also printed in booklet form under the title: The Life of Our Lord Jesus.
19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; 20 And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: 21 Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.
10 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.
32 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: 33 So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. 34 Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled. 35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. 36 But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. 37 But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. 38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, 39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. 40 Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. 41 Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left. 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.