Prophecy

Watching and Waiting for the Lord's Return

Pastor Tan Thai · Mar 18, 2022

Matthew 24:3John 14:27John 16:33Acts 1:11Matthew 24:1-2Matthew 24:34Mark 13:30Luke 21:322 Corinthians 4:18Revelation 18:10Revelation 18:16Revelation 18:18Matthew 24:19-22John 4:20-231 Corinthians 6:19-20Matthew 18:20Matthew 24:42Matthew 24:43-44Matthew 24:45-51Matthew 25:1-13John 2:23-25Matthew 24:13Hebrews 6:4-6

This sermon calls the congregation to live in watchfulness and readiness for the return of Jesus Christ, drawing on the prophetic passages in Matthew 24–25. The message emphasizes that no one knows the day or hour of His coming, and therefore every believer must live faithfully, alertly, and persevere to the end.

This sermon was delivered at the Vietnamese Baptist Church of Albuquerque on March 13, 2022, focusing on the Second Coming of Jesus Christ as one of seven core beliefs of the Christian faith. The pastor framed the message around the disciples' question on the Mount of Olives (Matthew 24:3), asking Jesus about the signs of His coming and the end of the age. The seven key beliefs listed include: the Incarnation, the Passion, the Resurrection, the Ascension, the Gift of the Holy Spirit, the Church, and the Second Coming.

The sermon develops the theme of the Second Coming through multiple Scripture passages. Acts 1:11 confirms that Jesus will return in the same manner as He ascended. The Apostles' Creed is also cited: "From there He will come to judge the living and the dead." The sermon highlights the contrast between the temporary and the eternal (2 Corinthians 4:18), using the imagery of Babylon's fall in Revelation 18 to illustrate the vanity of earthly wealth and power.

Two parables from Matthew 24–25 are used to call for practical watchfulness. The first is the parable of the faithful and wicked servant (Matthew 24:45–51): the faithful servant is rewarded, while the unfaithful one faces severe judgment. The second is the parable of the ten virgins (Matthew 25:1–13): five wise virgins brought extra oil, while five foolish ones were unprepared and shut out — emphasizing that spiritual readiness is a personal responsibility that cannot be transferred to another.

The sermon also warns against the danger of outward religious form without truly belonging to Christ, quoting Jesus' solemn words: "I do not know you" (Matthew 25:12; John 2:23–25). Hebrews 6:4–6 is cited to alert listeners to the peril of rejecting grace after having been enlightened and tasted God's goodness. The message concludes with a call to endure to the end to be saved (Matthew 24:13), while resting in the peace Jesus promises in John 14:27 and 16:33.