RCCG YAYA SUNDAY SCHOOL MANUAL FOR SUNDAY 20TH OF AUGUST, 2023; THE RETURN OF CHRIST

[13]But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.

[14]For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.

[15]For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.

[16]For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

[17]Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

[18]Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

INTRODUCTION: Acts 1:10-11 describes the ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ as personal, bodily, and visible, and that His second coming will be in like manner. However, the second coming will be in two stages: the rapture which will be sudden (1Thess. 4:15-17) – when the Lord comes for His saints and we meet Him in the air and then, the revelation that is public (Rev.1:7) – when the Lord comes with His saints to set up the millennium, at the end of the great tribulation period (1Thess.3:13). The time of His coming is a secret that only God the Father knows (Matt. 24:36).

The first coming of our Lord Jesus Christ was prophesied among other prophecies that have come to pass. This gives us great confidence that the prophecies of the second coming will also be fulfilled. Christ’s second coming was foretold: by the prophets (Dan.7:13); by Jesus Himself (Matt.25:31); by Paul (1Tim.6:14); and by angels (Acts 1:10-11).

Christ is coming again:

1. To complete the salvation of saints. He has delivered us from the power and penalty of sin but then He shall deliver us from the presence of sin and Satan (Heb.9:28).

2. To be glorified and admired in His saints (2Thess.1:10).

3. To bring to light the hidden things of darkness (1Cor. 4:5).

4. To judge (2Tim.4:1) and to reign (Rev.11:15).

5. To receive us to be with Himself (Jn.14:3) and to destroy death (1Cor.15:25-26).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Students should say what they have been doing to prepare for the coming of the Lord.

At the rapture, saints will meet Christ in the air (1Thess.4:17); at the revelation, we will descend with Him to the earth. Christ is coming in the clouds (Matt.24:30); in the glory of His Father (Matt.16:27); in His own glory (Matt.25:31); in flaming fire (2Thess.1:8); with power and great glory (Matt.24:30); bodily, as He ascended (Acts.1:9-11); with a shout and voice of the archangel (1Thess.4:16); with His saints (1Thess.3:13); accompanied by angels (Matt.16:27) and suddenly (Mk.13:36).

2Timothy 3:1-7 lists 23 signs of His coming, most of which are very evident today. Matthew 24:5-7, 12-38 also lists 10 signs, which are: the appearance of false Christs; wars and rumours of wars; famines; pestilences; earthquakes; iniquity to abound; the love of many will wax cold; people will be eating, drinking, merry-making. Other signs include: the destruction of Jerusalem (Lk.21:20, 24); the completion of the Church (Rom.11: 25); the Gospel must be preached everywhere (Matt.24:14) and the coming of the antichrist (2 Thess.2:3-8).

While we ought to plan and work as if He will not be coming for another century, we must live a holy and pure life all the time as if He will return today (1Thess.3:12-13). This most important doctrine must affect our lives. It should keep us busy, preaching the gospel day in, day out, praying, and watching with all perseverance (Eph.6:18).

FURTHER READING: MON: Matt.24:44; TUE: Matt.24:50; WED: Rev.22:20; THUR: 1Cor.16:22; FRI: Rev.1:7; SAT: Matt.24:30; SUN: Matt.26:64.

ASSIGNMENT: List five ways you are preparing for Christ’s return (2×5=10 marks).