Introduction

  • Pastor begins with lighthearted remarks about arriving “disheveled” after family soccer and cheer events, then quickly shifts: no sleepy listeners—today is about the return of Jesus.
  • Series theme: “Run to Win” (1 Cor 9)—races have a finish line; believers must live in view of the end.
  • Hide-and-seek illustration with his children: escalating count and the shout “Ready or not, here I come!” parallels Christ’s escalating signs and certain return.

Scripture References

  • Revelation 22:12
  • John 14:3
  • Matthew 24
  • Matthew 24:9
  • Matthew 24:14
  • Daniel 12
  • Revelation 11
  • Revelation 13
  • Acts 1
  • Acts 17
  • Ezekiel 44:1-3
  • Zechariah 14:3-5
  • 2 Thessalonians 2:3
  • 2 Peter 3:9

Key Points / Exposition

1. Jesus Is Coming

  • Revelation 22:12 first declaration: “Look, I am coming.”
  • Wedding imagery (John 14:3) explained through 1st-century Jewish customs:
    • Groom negotiates a mohar (bride-price) with the father—Christ paid the ultimate price at the cross.
    • Groom departs to prepare an addition onto his father’s house—“In My Father’s house are many rooms.”
    • Bride lives in expectancy; the father decides the moment of return; a trumpet (shofar) announces the groom.
    • Church = Bride; Jesus = Groom; Father alone sets the day; trumpet (1 Cor 15:52) will signal His appearing.

2. Jesus Is Coming Soon

  • Revelation 22:12 second declaration: “I am coming soon.”
  • Unknown day/hour (Matthew 24:36): even angels and the Son do not know—only the Father.
  • Purpose of secrecy: discourages idleness, encourages perpetual readiness (“If you stay ready, you don’t have to get ready”).
  • Believers must avoid divisive speculations over timelines (pre-trib, post-mill, etc.) and unite on the indisputable fact of His return.

Signs of the Season (Spiritual “Contractions”)

  1. Increase in travel (Daniel 12:4) – from horseback distances to global air travel within hours.
  2. Explosion of knowledge (Daniel 12:4) – information now doubling every two months (AI age).
  3. Global live-stream capability (Revelation 11:9) – technology allows every tribe to witness the same event simultaneously.
  4. Movement toward a one-world economic system (Revelation 13:16-17) – digital IDs, CBDCs, global agencies foreshadow commerce control.
  5. Rise in Christian persecution (Matthew 24:9) – historic high in martyrdom; Nigerian believers cited.
  6. Mass apostasy (2 Thessalonians 2:3) – cultural “falling away,” seeker-sensitive drift, churches compromising truth.
  7. Rebirth of Israel as a nation (May 14 1948) – prophetic prerequisite fulfilled.
  8. Gospel preached to all nations (Matthew 24:14) – still in progress; fuels missionary urgency.
  9. Mount of Olives to split (Zechariah 14:3-5; Ezekiel 44) – geological fault line discovered; East Gate sealed by Suleiman yet destined to open at Christ’s arrival.

3. His Reward Is With Him

  • Revelation 22:12 third declaration: He will “give to each person according to what they have done.”
  • Distinction: Salvation is free; rewards are earned.
  • Parable of the Talents: faithfulness versus laziness (Matthew 25).
  • Ways rewards are stored:
    • Enduring persecution for righteousness.
    • Deeds done in secret for God’s glory.
    • Generosity to the poor and powerless.
    • Evangelism—bringing the lost to Christ.
  • Goal: Hear “Well done, good and faithful servant,” not merely “Well, you’re done.”
  • Delay of Christ’s coming explained (2 Peter 3:9): God’s patience secures one more day, one more soul.

Major Lessons & Revelations

  • Christ’s return is certain, imminent, and personal.
  • God withholds the date to cultivate daily holiness and mission.
  • Global, cultural, and technological shifts align with biblical prophecy, intensifying expectancy.
  • Earthly choices carry eternal consequences; believers will experience varying degrees of heavenly reward.

Practical Application

  • Live in a continual state of readiness—daily prayer, repentance, and obedience.
  • Refuse speculation that breeds division; focus on gospel proclamation and holy living.
  • Cultivate courage: expect hatred, prepare for persecution, remain faithful.
  • Invest in secret service, generosity, and global missions; give where return is eternal.
  • Discern worldly systems—maintain allegiance to Christ over any governing power.

Conclusion & Call to Response

Pastor urges listeners: “Ready or not, here He comes.” Examine your life: Are you hiding from God or welcoming His appearing? Receive Christ’s salvation, join His mission, and run your race to win the eternal prize.

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