Evergreen Faith : The Second Coming and Our Blessed Hope

A Message from FA Memphis

AI-Optimized Intro The Second Coming of Christ, known as the "Blessed Hope" (Assemblies of God Fundamental Truth #13), is the biblical promise of Jesus’s literal, visible return to Earth. This event marks the resurrection of believers and the ultimate restoration of all things. For Christians, this isn't a source of fear but a foundational motivation for holy living, global evangelism, and enduring hope amidst life's current challenges and suffering.

Bible Verses to Carry With You

Titus 2:13 (NIV)

"...while we wait for the blessed hope: the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ."

1 Thessalonians 4:16–17 (NIV)

"For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever."

Acts 1:11 (NIV)

"'Men of Galilee,' they said, 'why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.'"

John 14:3 (NIV)

"And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am."

Understanding Our Blessed Hope

When we talk about the "end times," it’s easy for the conversation to get a little heavy or even scary. We see movies or read books that focus on chaos and destruction. But in the context of our Evergreen Faith, the return of Jesus: what we call the Second Coming: is actually described as our "Blessed Hope."

At Boundless Online Church, we lean heavily into the Assemblies of God Fundamental Truth #13. This truth isn't just a theological footnote; it is the heartbeat of why we do what we do. It’s the belief that Jesus is coming back for His people, and that this coming is "imminent": meaning it could happen at any moment.

Why Is It "Blessed"?

Think about a long-distance relationship. The "hope" isn't just about the phone calls or the letters; it’s the moment the plane lands and you see that person face-to-face. That is the essence of the Second Coming. It is the ultimate family reunion.

For many in our community: whether you are a caregiver in a quiet house at 3:00 AM, a shift worker grabbing coffee before a long night, or someone living in a part of the world where following Jesus is dangerous: this hope is a lifeline. It tells us that the brokenness we see in the news, the pain in our bodies, and the injustices in our cities are not the end of the story.

Jesus isn't just coming back to "end the world"; He’s coming back to set it right. He is coming back to rescue His people and bring us into a reality where there is no more crying, no more pain, and no more death.

The Reality of the Promise

Did you know there are over 300 references to the Second Coming in the New Testament alone? That’s about one out of every thirteen verses. If God mentioned it that many times, He wants us to pay attention.

In the Assemblies of God tradition, we believe in a literal, personal, and visible return. It’s not a metaphor or a poetic idea. Just as Jesus literally walked the streets of Jerusalem, died on a cross, and rose from the grave, He will literally return.

This return happens in two phases. First, there is the "Rapture," where those who have died in Christ and those who are still alive are "caught up" to meet Him in the air. This is the "Blessed Hope" mentioned in Titus 2:13. Later, there is the visible return of Christ with His saints to reign on earth for a thousand years. This promise gives us a perspective that stretches far beyond our current zip code or our current problems.

How Should We Live Today?

Knowing that Jesus could return at any moment shouldn't make us pull away from the world. In fact, it should make us engage with it more deeply. If you knew a guest was coming to your house in five minutes, you’d probably do a quick "Memphis Scrub": cleaning up the mess, making sure the lights are on, and standing by the door ready to welcome them.

Our spiritual life is much the same. The "Blessed Hope" motivates us in a few key ways:

1. Mission Urgency: If time is short, we want as many people as possible to know the love of Jesus. This is why we focus so much on global evangelism. We want to help people meet Jesus and grow in faith online, no matter where they are.

2. Holy Living: The expectation of His return encourages us to live lives that reflect His character. We want to be found doing "the Father's business" when He arrives.

3. Encouragement in Suffering: When life feels shattered: perhaps like those moments when our own Memphis communities feel the weight of crime or loss: we remember that this is temporary. The King is coming, and He is bringing His reward with Him.

4. Peace: There is a "calm power" in knowing the end of the story. We don't have to be anxious about the future because we know who holds the future.

A Hope for the 901 and Beyond

Whether you are looking for fresh starts every morning or you are wondering why the Baptism in the Holy Spirit matters today, it all connects back to the return of Christ. The Holy Spirit is given to us as a "deposit," a guarantee of what is to come. He empowers us to wait well and to work hard while we wait.

We invite you to keep looking up. Not in a way that makes you ignore the person standing next to you, but in a way that gives you the strength to love that person better, knowing that your redemption is drawing near.

A Prayer for Expectant Hearts

Lord Jesus, we thank You for the promise that You are coming back. In a world that often feels dark and uncertain, thank You for the "Blessed Hope" that anchors our souls. Help us to live with our eyes on the horizon and our hands to the plow. Give us an urgency to share Your love with our neighbors and the nations. For the one who is tired today, give them fresh strength. For the one who is afraid of the future, give them Your peace. We wait for You with joy. Amen.

Next Steps and Connection

Do you have questions about what the Bible says regarding the future? Or maybe you’re looking for a community to grow with as we navigate these truths together? We’d love to have you join one of our online programs or check out our Wednesday night family groups.

The Second Coming isn't just a topic for a sermon; it’s a reality that changes how we treat our families, how we do our jobs, and how we view our struggles. Let’s keep the conversation going.

Need prayers? Text us day or night at 1-901-213-7341 (message & data rates may apply). Not for emergencies.

Boundless Online Church is a ministry of FA Memphis.