After studying the Bible for 14 years, William Miller became convinced that Jesus Christ would return in 1843. When Miller announced April 3 as the day, some disciples went to mountaintops, hoping for a head start to heaven. Others were in graveyards, planning to ascend in reunion with their departed loved ones. Philadelphia society ladies clustered together outside town to avoid entering God's kingdom amid the common herd. When April 4 dawned as usual the Millerites were disillusioned, but they took heart. Their leader had predicted a range of dates for Christ's return. They still had until March 21, 1844. The devout continued to make ready, but again they were disappointed. A third date--October 22, 1844--was set, but it also passed.

In spite of men like William Miller, George Gallop, reports that 62 percent of all Americans believe that Jesus Christ will return to earth someday. George Gallup, "Religion in America," Leadership, Fall, 1987.

Transition: We’re not Millerites but we’ll spend this Advent season preparing for our Lord’s return. And I want to prompt us this morning by looking at what’s probably the clearest promise of His return.

The text is found in Acts 1:11. Christ has ascended into heaven. The disciples are staring at the sky and the angel sayswatching Him isciples, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven."

Regarding this verse, what has the Church always believed at all times and in all places? The Apostle’s Creed puts it this way, "From thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead"

At Nicaea God’s people penned these words, "And He shall come again in glory to judge both the quick and the dead."

The second coming of our Lord is so significant that we confess it every morning and evening, 730 times a year. But my question is, "Why? Why is it so important to daily remind ourselves that Christ will indeed return to this earth?" There are at least three reasons.

The second coming reminds us that this world is temporal and history is coming to an end. Many people live as though there is no tomorrow. They live as though this world is a "world without end." That’s a myth. This world is ephemeral. It’s temporal. James 4:15 "For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away." What is 70-80 years in light of eternity?

Revelation 21:1 "Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away."

History is linear in nature. We’re moving toward an appointed day when what we see will be replaced by a new creation. With the setting of the sun this evening, we’re one day closer to that dramatic event.

Another reason the second coming is significant is because it reminds us that there will be a day of reckoning. II Corinthians 5:10 "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad."

Romans 2:5-8 "But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, 6who "will render to each one according to his deeds": ⁷eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality; ⁸but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness--indignation and wrath, ⁹tribulation and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil"

What we do in this life has eternal repercussions whether it be good or bad. Galatians 6:7 "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. ⁸For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life."

Finally, the second coming of Christ gives us hope that things will be different. We’ll be reunited with loved ones. We’ll live without the weight of sin, guilt and shame.

Revelation 11:18 "¹⁸The nations were angry, and Your wrath has come, And the time of the dead, that they should be judged, And that You should reward Your servants the prophets and the saints, And those who fear Your name, small and great.

Wendell Berry, my favorite poet-farmer lives in Portsmouth, Kentucky. He plows with a team of draft horses. It’s not fast but it’s steady. A farmer has to maintain focus. Just like a Christian.

This Advent season, God is reaching out to you and He’s saying, "I know you’re tired. I know you’re discouraged. But I want to remind you that you’re My irreplaceable treasure. My daughter, My son. Your worth exceeds anything the world could offer Me. And though you do not feel like it you are My priceless jewel, My pearl of great price. I long and yearn to be with you. I’m going to return and we’ll be together, forever. Until then, persevere, press on and feast on My Son. He will strengthen you and give you hope to be faithful." May God give us grace to hear Him. Amen