Friday: Further Study: The Second Coming of Jesus
Further Study: Ellen G. White, On the Mount of Olives,
p. 627-636, in The Desire of Ages; Heralds of the Morning,
p. 299-316, in The Great Controversy.
— Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy, p. 640, 641.
Soon there appears in the east a small black cloud, about half the size of a man’s hand. It is the cloud which surrounds the Saviour and which seems in the distance to be shrouded in darkness. The people of God know this to be the sign of the Son of man. In solemn silence they gaze upon it as it draws nearer the earth, becoming lighter and more glorious, until it is a great white cloud, its base a glory like consuming fire, and above it the rainbow of the covenant. Jesus rides forth as a mighty conqueror. . . . With anthems of celestial melody the holy angels, a vast, unnumbered throng, attend Him on His way. The firmament seems filled with radiant forms-ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands. No human pen can portray the scene; no mortal mind is adequate to conceive its splendor.
Discussion Questions:
- Though we need to believe in the nearness of Christ’s return, how can we avoid the dangers of fanaticism? That’s not always so easy. After all, how many fanatics really think that they are fanatics?
- Dwell more on the idea that the Second Coming is never far off from each one of us on a personal, individual level because our death is never really that far off, no matter how long we live. What does this idea tell us about just how close the Second Coming really is as far as we each are concerned?
- How do you respond to those who mock the idea of the Second Coming? Before you respond to them, try to put yourself in their shoes, looking at things from their perspective. After you do that and see their arguments, think through ways that you can respond.
- What about this idea that we, as a people, can either help hasten or delay the Second Coming? What are the arguments either way in that discussion?
- If you knew that Jesus was coming next week, what in your life would change now?
(7)
Jesus knows when He is coming back. We can hasten His coming into our hearts by choosing to let His Spirit be the motivation of our thoughts and feelings in every issue. We can then make much faster progress In developing His character because He will have access to us.
What would I do if I knew Jesus was coming next week?
Well I would stop working, spend all my money, spend time with my family, praying and confessing our sins. I would try to answer from the Bible any questions friends and family asked about what was happening.
Should I have said that if there is only a week left I would run around telling everyone about Jesus? That might be the reaction of some if that is their spiritual gift, I don't think I would suddenly get a different gift in the last moment, I would continue to practice my calling which believe is in 1 Peter 3:15.
But this is just a spiritual exercise because I believe that the door of probation will close at least more than a week before the 2nd coming.
Now I would love to spend more time studying God's character and sharing what I learn but like most I have to earn my daily bread.
Shirley, I have seen that opportunities come up for the sharing of the character of Christ as I earn my daily bread. It seems that opportunities are more likely when I ask God to make me ready for the opportunities and lead me in His way.
By choosing to allow the Holy Spirit to motivate our thoughts and feelings in every issue that arises throughout the day, we are learning and developing the character of Christ continuously even when we are not on our knees or have the Bible open. His promises follow us to every station in life, and His Spirit is always available when we watch and pray and choose His Spirit as our motivation.
To anticipate the Second Advent of Christ is to become Christ-like. Becoming Christ-like is becoming selfless. Yet supposed ‘selflessness’ which chooses its own way is not commendable to Christ. We ought not to neglect our duty or responsibility in the name of ‘selflessness.’ For example it is not okay to neglect our God given responsibility to family because of commitment to other good things. Likewise God has given us other tasks which we should not disregard.
There is ever the temptation to pick favorites, the things which are popular and win applause, or which we think will bring us common joy. However Christ requires us to observe all things He commanded (Matthew 28:20). So it behooves us to relieve suffering, share hope, and also communicate the warning message to a world in trouble, whether or not we are applauded or opposed.
The selflessness approved by the Creator is the one of total submission to Him. So let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments; for this is the whole duty of man. (Ecclesiastes 12:13).
I want to applaud this statement, Hugh. It seems that when we try to do the work ourselves even with "unselfishness" we get off balance in our life. This may not be balanced or Christlike and cannot be balance without the continual motivation of the Holy Spirit.
My question is directed to the writer of the 1st comment: Are sure that Jesus knows when he is coming? If its yes then explain futher to me. thanks
dr soloe joe
Yes, Jesus is God and He knows the end from the beginning. Prophecy proves this. He sees the future perfectly. He knows when the time is up for this controversy. Some will have the character of God and some will not. It is up to us now for God has already chosen that we have His character. The final choice is for us to choose the Spirit of God's Love to motivate us and to form God's character in us or to allow our own selfishness to produce our "good," selfish works to form a "good," selfish character.
God will perfect our characters when we watch and pray that He would direct us by His Spirit at all times and in every issue.