This past Sunday, our Lead Pastor, Ben Johnson, preached a message entitled "The Hope of His Coming." Pastor Ben reminded us of the incredible hope we have in Christ’s promised return, encouraging us with the assurance of 1 Thessalonians 4:16–18 that one day we will be with the Lord forever. He highlighted both the promise and the picture of Christ’s coming, reminding us that Jesus will return for His people just as He promised. Pastor Ben also challenged us to prepare for His coming by staying close to God, living holy lives, and boldly sharing the hope of the Gospel with others. This message encourages us to live with expectation, confidence, and readiness as we await the return of Jesus Christ.
✍️ Notes Title: The Hope of His Coming – Ben Johnson For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 (NIV)
Promise of His coming “For the Lord will come down from heaven.”
The dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. VS. Therefore encourage one another with these words.
“See, the Lord is coming with thousands upon thousands of his holy ones” Jude 1:14 (NIV)
“You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.” James 5:8 (NIV)
“He will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.” Hebrews 9:28 (NIV)
“I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” John 14:3 (NIV)
“Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done.” Revelation 22:12 (NIV)
Picture of His coming “After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.” 1 Thessalonians 4:17 (NIV)
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. John 14: 1-3 (NIV)
Preparation for His coming “So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober.” 1 Thessalonians 5:6 (NIV)
⭑ Stay close …as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:25 ⭑ Get ready “All who have this hope in him purify themselves…” 1 John 3:3 ⭑ Talk about Him “We cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” Acts 4:20 The bridegroom is coming!
