Introduction: This is the last lesson in our series on practical
Christianity. What is the final result of our decision to make Jesus
Lord over every aspect of our life? To what do we have to look
forward? What is our glorious hope? How can we be sure we are right
with God? Let’s dive into the Bible and find out!

  1. The Promise


    1. Read John 14:1. What kind of things cause you to worry and
      have a troubled heart? Or, is this just a description of
      life in general?


      1. Jesus’ statement here took place just before His
        arrest, torture and death. What do you think about
        His statement that His disciples should not be
        troubled when He was about to go through the worst
        trouble of His life on earth? (God’s love and concern
        for us is extraordinary. He knew His disciples were
        going to go through a most troublesome time. He cared
        about them.)


      2. What is the answer to a troubled heart? (Trust in
        God.)


    2. Read John 14:2-3. The King James Version translates the
      Greek as “mansions” instead of “rooms.” Which would you
      rather have?


      1. If the President of the United States told you that
        you could stay in a bedroom of the White House or you
        could stay in the mansion across the street, which
        would you choose? (I used to be disappointed to learn
        that the better Greek translation was not “mansions.”
        However, when you think of living with in God’s home,
        it makes other considerations pale.)


      2. If you are concerned about the “mansion” issue, my
        understanding of this is that the quantity and not
        the quality of the dwelling is part of the Greek. If
        you want to see how this word is translated in
        another context, read John 14:23. (We will make “our
        home” with him. The Greek in John 14:2 modifies the
        word translated “home” with the word “abundant.” The
        result is “many rooms” or an “abundant abode.” I can
        see the mansion aspect to this for those concerned
        about their mansion.)


    3. Read Acts 1:9-11. Jesus has just left to return to heaven
      and the disciples are standing there looking into the sky.
      What do you think about the question of the angels?


      1. Why do you think the angels asked the question they
        did?


      2. What is the implication of the angels’ question? (He
        IS returning. Quit standing around and get to work to
        get ready.)


  2. The Method


    1. I love music, but unfortunately parents snicker and
      children generally turn around and look when they hear me
      sing. (Frogs love me.) One of my favorite songs has the
      theme (as best I can remember) “The next time around there
      will be no mistaking my King will wear His crown.” Read
      Matthew 24:23-27. Will it be the crown that lets us know
      that it is Jesus who is returning, and not an imposter?


      1. I once heard a silly discussion about Jesus’ Second
        coming. The group seemed to agree that you could tell
        Jesus from any imposters by whether His feet touched
        the ground. My concern was that you might not be able
        to see His feet. What does Matthew 24:27 tell us
        about the “feet” issue? (Jesus’ Second Coming will
        leave no doubt. It will be like lightening around the
        world! You won’t need to see His feet or His crown.)


    2. Read Matthew 24:30-31. The “secret rapture,” which is a
      minority belief among Christians, has gotten a boost with
      the popular “Left Behind” series. What does this text tell
      us about the nature of the rapture (the Second Coming)?
      (If there is anything that will not be a secret, this is
      it. Lightning around the world, Jesus coming in the sky, a
      loud trumpet, and the saved being gathered up by angels.)

    3. Read 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17. Instead of watching the
      feet, what does this text tell us will be a more obvious
      sign of Jesus’ Second Coming? (We will see people coming
      up out of their graves! Those who are alive at the Second
      Coming will see this before they are personally gathered
      up to heaven.)

    4. Read 2 Peter 3:10. A thief is quiet. A thief comes
      secretly (if possible). How can Peter say that Jesus’
      Second Coming is like a thief and like a roar? (Peter is
      saying that Jesus will come unexpectedly for some. The
      event is unmistakable, but the timing can be mistaken.)


      1. Let’s back up a couple of texts. Read 2 Peter 3:8-9.
        Why is Jesus’ Second Coming thief-like for some? (God
        may seem slow, but He is not. He is coming on His own
        timetable. Those lulled into thinking His return is
        far off will be surprised.)


    5. Read 2 Thessalonians 2:8-12. What else should we expect
      before Jesus comes again? (Paul tells us that there will
      be at least one major imposter who will perform “all kinds
      of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders.”)


      1. Who will be deceived by this imposter? (Verse 10
        tells us “those who are perishing.”)

      2. Why would verse 11 tell us that God sends a
        “delusion” so that the perishing are deceived? I
        thought God’s goal for humans was salvation, not
        destruction? ( 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12 makes this
        sound like the final test. Those who love wickedness
        instead of the truth will be taken in by this
        imposter. 2 Thessalonians 2:8 tells us that Jesus
        will destroy this imposter at His Second Coming.)


  3. How Should We Be?



    1. Read the first half of 2 Peter 3:11. Good question in
      light of the Second Coming. What is the answer? (Read the
      second half of 2 Peter 3:11 and 2 Peter 3:12.)


      1. What impact can we have on the time of Jesus’ Second
        Coming? ( 2 Peter 3:12 has a very interesting note. It
        tells us that we can “speed the coming” of Jesus.)


        1. How do you think you can speed the Second
          Coming? (By living “holy and godly lives.”)


    2. Read Matthew 7:21-23. What does Matthew 7:21 tell us is
      essential for entering heaven? (Doing God’s will. Just
      talking (“Lord, Lord”) will not do it.)


      1. If I just stopped there, we would have a very strong
        argument for righteousness by works. What is the
        argument in Matthew 7:22 of those who are protesting
        their failure to enter heaven? (That they had the
        works! Notice the phrase “Lord, did we not prophesy
        in your name” could properly be understood “did we
        not publically teach in your name?”)


      2. How can you explain this apparent contradiction?
        Jesus says “Talk and no action” will not get you a
        ticket to heaven. Then Jesus tells those who have
        plenty of action (teachers who drove out demons and
        performed miracles) “I never knew you.” Is this
        double-talk? Is heaven a moving target too difficult
        to hit? (The Bible Exposition Commentary nails the
        truth: “Words are not a substitute for obedience and
        neither are religious works.” “Obedience to [God’s]
        will is the test of true faith in Christ.” I have
        long believed that “Righteousness by attitude” is a
        more appropriate description than “righteousness by
        faith.” As we read in 2 Thessalonians 2:9-11, God
        saves those who “love the truth.”)


    3. Friend, read Revelation 19:11-16. The Second Coming of
      Jesus will not be like the first. It is time to chose who
      you will obey. Have you repented and accepted Jesus’
      sacrifice on your behalf? Do you love God and His truth?
      Is your hope placed on the Second Coming of the Faithful
      and True Warrior riding the white horse?


  1. Next week we start a new series of studies on the book of
    Ephesians.