What Is the Second Coming of Jesus and Why Does It Matter?

Tier 2 – New Believers/Recent Converts

The Second Coming of Jesus is when Christ will personally return to Earth in glory and power, not as the humble servant of His first coming, but as King and Judge. It matters because it's our "blessed hope" (Titus 2:13), assuring us that God keeps His promises, evil won't win, and we'll be with Jesus forever.

If you've spent any time at First Assembly Memphis, you've probably heard us talk about Jesus coming back. Maybe you've heard it in a song during worship, caught it in a sermon, or seen someone's face light up when they mention "that day." But if you're newer to faith, or just exploring what we believe, you might be wondering: What exactly is the Second Coming, and why does everyone seem so hopeful about it?

Great question. Let's dig in.

The Promise Jesus Made Before He Left

Before Jesus ascended to heaven after His resurrection, He made His disciples a promise. He told them He was going to prepare a place for them, and that He would come back (John 14:3). The angels who appeared at His ascension confirmed it: "This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go" (Acts 1:11).

That wasn't a metaphor. That wasn't spiritual poetry. Jesus is literally coming back.

For those of us who call Memphis home, whether you're in Cordova, Bartlett, or anywhere across the 901, this promise isn't just ancient history. It's living hope.

What Will the Second Coming Look Like?

The Apostle Paul gives us one of the clearest pictures in Scripture. Writing to the church in Thessalonica (a group of new believers a lot like many of us), he said:

"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." (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)

Let's break that down, because it's incredible:

It Will Be Personal and Visible

Jesus isn't sending a representative. He's coming Himself. And it won't be a quiet, hidden event, every eye will see Him (Revelation 1:7). There will be a shout, the voice of an archangel, and a trumpet blast. Think about the loudest thunderstorm you've ever heard roll through Memphis. This will be infinitely more unmistakable.

The Dead in Christ Will Rise First

If you've lost someone who loved Jesus, a parent, a spouse, a friend, this is your comfort. Death doesn't get the final word. Those who died trusting in Christ will be resurrected with glorified bodies, free from pain, sickness, and decay.

Living Believers Will Be Caught Up

Then, those of us who are alive when Jesus returns will be "caught up" (the word "rapture" comes from the Latin translation of this phrase). We'll meet Jesus in the air and be with Him forever. No more separation. No more waiting. Just Him.

Why This Matters for Your Everyday Life

You might be thinking, "Okay, that sounds amazing, but what does it have to do with my Monday morning commute on I-240 or my stress at work?"

Everything, actually.

It Gives You Hope When Life Gets Hard

Let's be honest: life in the 901, or anywhere, can be tough. Bills pile up. Relationships break. Health fails. The news is often discouraging. But the Second Coming reminds us that this isn't all there is. The best is yet to come.

When Paul wrote about the Second Coming, he didn't end with doctrine. He ended with this: "Therefore encourage one another with these words" (1 Thessalonians 4:18). This truth is meant to lift you up when you're down.

It Shapes How You Live Today

Early Christians lived with a constant awareness that Jesus could return at any moment. That didn't make them lazy or escapist, it made them purposeful. If Jesus could come back today, how would that change the way you treat your neighbor? How you spend your money? How you use your time?

The Second Coming isn't just a far-off event. It's a daily invitation to live ready, not in fear, but in faithfulness.

It Assures You That God Keeps His Promises

God promised a Savior, and Jesus came. He promised the Holy Spirit, and the Spirit was poured out at Pentecost. And He has promised that Jesus will return. If God kept the first two promises, you can trust He'll keep the third.

At First Assembly Memphis, we anchor our faith in the authority of Scripture and the faithfulness of God. The Second Coming isn't wishful thinking. It's biblical certainty rooted in the character of a God who never lies (Titus 1:2).

What Happens After He Returns?

According to Assemblies of God doctrine (based on Scripture), several things will happen in connection with Christ's return:

Final Judgment: Jesus will judge the living and the dead (2 Timothy 4:1). Those who trusted in Him will enter eternal life. Those who rejected Him will face eternal separation from God.

The Millennium: Revelation 20 describes a thousand-year reign of Christ on earth, a time of peace and righteousness before the final consummation of all things.

A New Heaven and New Earth: Ultimately, God will create a new heaven and new earth (Revelation 21:1), where there will be no more death, mourning, crying, or pain. Everything will be made new.

For believers, this isn't a scary topic. It's the "blessed hope" Paul talks about in Titus 2:13, the confident expectation that keeps us going.

How Should We Prepare?

So how do you get ready for the Second Coming?

1. Trust in Jesus

If you haven't yet put your faith in Jesus Christ as your Savior, today is the day. Salvation is by grace through faith, not by works (Ephesians 2:8-9). You don't have to clean up your life first. You don't have to be perfect. You just have to come to Jesus, admit your need for Him, and trust that His death and resurrection paid for your sins.

If you're ready to take that step, we'd love to walk with you. Visit famemphis.org/connect to learn more.

2. Live with Purpose

Once you know Jesus, live like it. Love people well. Serve your neighbors. Share the hope you have. Let the reality of Jesus' return motivate you to make every day count.

3. Stay Connected to the Body of Christ

The Christian life wasn't meant to be lived alone. At First Assembly Memphis, we believe in the power of community, gathering together to worship, learn, pray, and encourage one another as we wait for Christ's return. Join us for a service, plug into a small group, or check out our upcoming events.

A Final Word of Encouragement

Here in Memphis, we know what it's like to wait for something good. We wait for the bluff to bloom in spring. We wait for BBQ to finish smoking low and slow. We wait for a Grizzlies comeback in the fourth quarter.

But none of those waits compare to the anticipation of seeing Jesus face to face.

The Second Coming isn't a doctrine to argue about. It's a Person to long for. It's the moment when every tear is wiped away, every wrong is made right, and every believer gets to hear, "Well done, good and faithful servant."

And until that day comes, we keep loving, serving, worshiping, and pointing others to the hope we have in Christ.

Because He's coming back. And when He does, everything changes.

---

Need prayers? Text us day or night at 1-901-213-7341.

(Note: This line is for prayer and pastoral support, not emergency services. If you are in immediate danger or need urgent help, please call 911.)