Lesson 1 Introduction

But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day should overtake you like a thief; for you are all sons of light and sons of day.... I Thessalonians 5:4-5

As we begin our study of the Return of the Lord Jesus my goal is not to fill our minds with facts and information. I don’t want you to get overwhelmed, or for any of us to get obsessed with the end times. Rather, my hearts desire is that you will learn how to recognize the signs that Jesus told us about. If we are the generation who is alive at His return, I pray that as you see these events transpire you will be able to connect the dots and know His return is near. He doesn’t want you to be caught by surprise.

Reflect
• What do you hope to get out of this study?
• As you consider all the different theological perspectives on the Lord’s return, are you willing to set them aside and see for yourself what Jesus teaches you?
• What words describe how you feel when you hear the Lord may return in your lifetime?
• In my introduction talk, I gave ten reasons why I think we should take the time to study the Lord’s return ----- why do you think we should?

This quote from A.W. Tozer expresses my heart for each one of us as we study God’s Word, “The Bible is not an end in itself but a means to bring men to an intimate and satisfying knowledge of God, that they may enter into Him, that they may delight in His Presence, may taste and know the inner sweetness of the very God Himself in the core and center of their hearts.” *

Respond
Write out a prayer asking the Lord to meet you through our time together. Tell Him any doubts or fears you have. Ask Him to meet you with His Presence and peace.

Read The Olivet Discourse, Matthew 24-25