Are You Sure About His Coming?[1]
By Abner Dizon
( Download the sermon in PDF format )
Introduction: Allow me to ask you these questions: How many of you believe that Jesus is coming soon? How sure are you that He is coming soon?
Illustration: The prime minister of a south pacific
island state said to a gathering of SDAs: "One
thing I like about you people. You know where you came from. You know where
you're going. And you are so eager to get people to go with you!"
I. Why We Need to Experience the
Certainty of His Coming?
II. How To Be Sure?
1. Fortify your mind with Scripture - especially with a study of prophecy. When you see how prophecy is fulfilled to the very letter, you will realize that this world can't last forever. It cannot withstand the prophecy. In all things, the Bible is your sword.
What to do with doubts? Study the scriptures, find proofs. Luke 1:3,4 "it seemed good to me also, having traced the course of all things accurately from the first...that thou mightest know the certainty concerning the things wherein thou wast instructed." Ascertain the truth. Our basis is the scriptures. Search it.
"There
is need of a much closer study of the Word of God; especially should Daniel
and the Revelation have attention as never before.... The light that Daniel
received from God was given especially for these last days."--TM
112, 113 (1896).
"Let us read and study the twelfth chapter of Daniel.
It is a warning that we shall all need to I understand before the time
of the end."--15MR 228 (L903).
The
unfulfilled predictions of the book of Revelation are soon to
be fulfilled. This prophecy is now to be studied with diligence by
the people of God and should be clearly understood. It does not
conceal the truth; it clearly forewarns, telling us what will be in the
future.--1NL 96 (1903).
2. Study World Affairs - world affairs, not worldly affairs! We must not be a recluse. Hermits not knowing what is going on in the world. John the Baptist was very much studying the affairs of man comparing it to prophecy. Sure the newspaper, radio, TV and internet are boastfully claimed as "the devil's report". But with it you get some idea of how close we are already to the fulfillment of all things.
"Those
who place themselves under God's control, to be led and guided by Him, will catch
the steady tread of the events ordained by Him to take place"--7T 14
(1902).
What do we mean by these things happening around us? The terrible typhoons, famines, accidents by land, air and sea. The calamities, the volcanic eruptions. The political, social and economic problems. How about the Malacanang Erap-tions (and now the GMA scandals)?
Jesus declares: "There shall be signs in the sun, and in the
moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations" (Luke 21:25; Matt. 24:29; Mark 13:24-26; Rev.
6:12-17). Those who behold these heralds
of His coming are to "know that it is near, even at
the doors" (Matt. 24:33). GC 37, 38 (1911).
"We
are to see in history the fulfillment of prophecy, to study the workings
of Providence in the great reformatory movements, and to understand the
progress of events in the marshaling of the nations for the final conflict
of the great controversy."--8T 307 (1904)
The nations are in unrest. Times of perplexity are upon us. Men's
hearts are failing them for fear of the things that are coming upon the earth.
But those who believe in God will hear His voice amid the storm, saying,
"It is I; be not afraid."--ST Oct. 9, 1901.
Strange
and eventful history is being recorded in the books of heaven--events, which it
was declared, should shortly precede the great day of God. Everything in the
world is in an unsettled state. --3MR 313 (1908).
Do the political experts control the changes in Philippine politics and society? Did the Catholic cardinals and bishops really just carried out their own whims?
In
the annals of human history, the growth of nations, the rise and fall of
empires, appear as if dependent on the will and prowess of man; the shaping of
events seems, to a great degree, to be determined by his power, ambition, or
caprice. But in the Word of God the curtain is drawn aside, and we behold,
above, behind, and through all the play and counterplay of human interest and
power and passions, the agencies of the All-merciful One, silently, patiently
working out the counsels of His own will.--PK 499, 500 (c. 1914).
The labor unions are quickly stirred to violence if their
demands are not complied with. Plainer and plainer is it becoming that the
inhabitants of the world are not in harmony with God. No scientific theory can
explain the steady march of evil workers under the generalship of Satan. In
every mob wicked angels are at work, rousing men to commit deeds of violence....
The perversity and cruelty of men will reach such a height that God will
reveal Himself in His majesty. Very soon the wickedness of the world will
have reached its limit and, as in the days of Noah, God will pour out His
judgments.--UL 334 (1903).
Friends, read the News with prophetic eyes!
The
terrible reports we hear of murders and robberies, of railway
accidents and deeds of violence, tell the story that the end of all
things is at hand. Now, just now, we need to be preparing for the Lord's
second coming.--Letter 308, 1907.
I
have been shown that the Spirit of the Lord is being withdrawn from the earth. God's
keeping power will soon be refused to all who continue to disregard His
commandments. The reports of fraudulent transactions, murders, and crimes
of every kind are coming to us daily. Iniquity is becoming so common a thing
that it no longer shocks the senses as it once did.--Letter 258, 1907.
EGW tells us that it seems these are capricious events. But here we can see the footsteps of an approaching God. The Bible says that it has been foretold ahead of time so that when you see these things happening, you will believe.
The
tempest is coming and we must get ready for its fury by having repentance
toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. The Lord will arise to shake
terribly the earth. We shall see troubles on all sides. Thousands of ships
will be hurled into the depths of the sea. Navies will go down, and human
lives will be sacrificed by millions. Fires will break out unexpectedly
and no human effort will be able to quench them. The palaces of earth will
be swept away in the fury of the flames. Disasters by rail will become more
and more frequent. Confusion, collision, and death without a moment's
warning will occur on the great lines of travel. The end is near, probation
is closing. Oh, let us seek God while He may be found, call upon
Him while He is near!--MYP 89, 90 (1890).
In
the last scenes of this earth's history war will rage. There will be pestilence,
plague and famine. The waters of the deep will overflow their boundaries.
Property and life will be destroyed by fire and flood. We should be preparing
for the mansions that Christ has gone to prepare for them that love Him.--Mar
174 (1897).
What
mean the awful calamities by sea--vessels hurled into eternity without a
moment's warning! What mean the accidents by land--fire consuming the riches
that men have hoarded, much of which has been accumulated by oppression of
the poor? The Lord will not interfere to protect the property of those
who transgress His law, break His covenant, and trample upon His Sabbath,
accepting in its place a spurious rest day.
The plagues of God are already falling upon the earth, sweeping away the
most costly structures as if by a breath of fire from heaven. Will not these
judgments bring professing Christians to their senses? God permits them
to come that the world may take heed, that sinners may be afraid and tremble
before Him.--3MR 311 (1902).
God has a purpose in permitting these calamities to occur. They are one of
His means of calling men and women to their senses. By unusual workings
through nature God will express to doubting human agencies that which He
clearly reveals in His Word.--1SMR 279 (1902).
How
frequently we hear of earthquakes and tornadoes, of destruction by fire and
flood, with great loss of life and property! Apparently these calamities are
capricious outbreaks of disorganized, unregulated forces of nature, wholly
beyond the control of man, but in them all God's purpose may be read. They are
among the agencies by which He seeks to arouse men and women to a sense of
their danger.--PK 277 (c. 1914).
3. Live as if this is your last day on earth. It makes a difference, I tell you when you think it might be the last day of your life. What is Jesus comes tomorrow? Even if He does not come tomorrow, if you die tonight, the next thing you know will be His coming.
We
are not now able to describe with accuracy the scenes to be enacted in our
world in the future, but this we do know, that this is a time when we must
watch unto prayer, for the great day of the Lord is at hand. --2SM
35.
4. Make sure you're doing the Lord's will always. Then put your whole heart, soul and mind into it! Not only for religious activities. Even in business transactions, activities at work, etc. "Whatsoever your hand findeth to do, do it with all your heart."
Illustration: Francis of Assisi was hoeing his garden when asked by a parishioner: "If Jesus should come tomorrow. What then?" The question was repeated but Francis of Assisi merely looked at his questioner and continued hoeing. For the third time the parishioner asked: "If Jesus should come tomorrow. What then?" Finally, Francis of Assisi looked up and said: "By then I would have finished my garden." If you are sure you are doing God's will in what you are doing right now, you don't have to be afraid. (I guess the advice here is make sure of God's will in the matter. Eph. 5)
5. Plan with heaven always in sight. When you plan something, always put the possibility of you not being able to carry it out because God may say, Let's go home! (Remember what James says: always "the Lord willing"). A sub title of this tip is:
Talk about heaven in your home and with your friends. Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaketh. If your treasure, your deepest ambition is not heaven, chances are, you will miss out on it!
Kids can sometimes come up
with the most jolting statements. One
day when 4 year old son announced: "Papa, I am ready for Jesus to
Come!" I asked him: "Why do you say that?" "Because I want
to go to heaven na!" Then he goes: "How about you Mama, are you ready
for Jesus to come?" My wife was
silent for a while then she said: "Sige nga, anak, always ask me that
question so I will be awake."
Talking and thinking about heaven, as if it is really your home, makes it very real. On the other hand, when we put that thought at the back of our mind always, even being ashamed to talk about it, makes it something that is less than real. Something like a fable. Paul says: we are citizens of heaven.
Eph. 2:18,
19 "For through him we both have our access in one Spirit unto the Father.
19 So then ye are no more strangers and sojourners, but ye are fellow-citizens
with the saints, and of the household of God, 20 being built upon the
foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the chief
corner stone; 21 in whom are several building, fitly framed together, groweth
into a holy temple in the Lord; 22 in whom ye are builded together for a
habitation of God in the Spirit."
Phil. 3:20
"For our citizenship is in heaven; whence also we wait for a Savior, the
Lord Jesus Christ:
The
world is not without a ruler. The program of coming events is in the hands
of the Lord. The Majesty of heaven has the destiny of nations as
well as the concerns of His church in His own charge.-5T 753 (1889).
In
the great closing work we shall meet with perplexities that we know not how to
deal with, but let us not forget that the three great Powers of heaven are
working, that a divine hand is on the wheel, and that God will bring His
purposes to pass.--Ev 65 (1902).
6. Hasten the Second Coming. Sure we have heard that there is nothing you can do to change God's plan. But the plan involves His church cooperating with Him in inviting more people to be part of His kingdom. No wonder He said: "Occupy till I come." Luke 19:13. "As the Father has sent me, so send I you." John 20:22 "This gospel must first be published" Mark 13:10; "Then shall the end come." Mt. 24:14. 2 Pet. 3:12: "As you wait for that Day, hasten its coming."
There
are many who do not understand the prophecies relating to these days and
they must be enlightened. It is the duty of both watchmen and laymen to give
the trumpet a certain sound.--Ev 194, 195 (1875).
Let
the watchmen now lift up their voice and give the message which is present
truth for this time. Let us show the people where we are in prophetic
history.--5T 716 (1889).
There is a day that God hath appointed for the close of this
world's history: "This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all
the world for a witness unto all nations;" are fulfilling. More, much
more, should be said about these tremendously important subjects. The day is
at hand when the destiny of souls will be fixed forever. ... Great pains should
be taken to keep this subject before the people. The solemn fact is to be
kept not only before the people of the world but before our own churches also,
that the day of the Lord will come suddenly, unexpectedly. The fearful
warning of the prophecy is addressed to every soul. Let no one feel that he
is secure from the danger of being surprised. Let no one's interpretation
of prophecy rob you of the conviction of the knowledge of events which show
that this great event is near at hand.--FE 335, 336 (1895).
I
saw an immense ball of fire fall among some beautiful mansions, causing their
instant destruction. I heard someone say: "We knew that the judgments
of God were coming upon the earth, but we did not know that they would come so
soon." Others, with agonized voices, said: "You knew! Why then
did you not tell us! We did not know."--9T 28 (1909).
Ellen White tells us: It is within our power to hasten the
coming of the Lord. By bringing the gospel to the world. You can't separate the gospel from
evangelism. The sharing of the goodnews. If heaven - and His second coming
becomes real to you, then you cannot help but share it with others. That's the good part about receiving the
goodnews. It becomes sweet as honey in the mouth. When we are sure about what
we are saying, we gladly tell it to everyone.
Conclusion:
As a recap: If you want to sure about the second coming of Jesus:
1. Fortify your minds with scriptures.
2. Study World Affairs
3. Live as though this is your last day on earth.
4. Be sure to always do God’s will
5. Plan with Heaven in Sight – Talk About it often
6. Hasten His Coming