A Revival Of Preaching on the Second Coming (Clip)
Zac Poonen highlights the historical neglect and recent revival of preaching on the Second Coming of Christ, urging believers to embrace this vital truth.
This sermon discusses the historical lack of emphasis on the second coming of Christ in various centuries, including the 3rd to 6th centuries and the 16th to 18th centuries. It highlights how even influential figures like Martin Luther and John Wesley focused on other aspects of faith, with little mention of Christ's return. The revival of preaching on the second coming in more recent times is seen as a preparation by God for His people.
Full Transcript
I won't speak much about the coming of the Lord after that, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th centuries. There were people who pursued godliness and all that, but the truth of the second coming of Christ was almost not preached. Even Martin Luther, when he brought people back to the truth of justification by faith, he almost never preached about the second coming of Christ.
In the 16th century, in the 18th century, John Wesley was a great man of God, and in all his writings, you hardly ever hear preaching on the second coming of Christ. And it's only about 100, 150 years ago that, again, once again, there was a revival on preaching the second coming of Christ, as if God was preparing people.
Sermon Outline
-
I
- Neglect of the Second Coming in early centuries
- Minimal preaching on the topic by reformers like Martin Luther
- John Wesley's limited focus on the Second Coming
-
II
- Historical overview of preaching trends
- The recent revival of preaching on the Second Coming
- God's preparation of believers for this truth
Key Quotes
“The truth of the second coming of Christ was almost not preached.” — Zac Poonen
“Even Martin Luther... almost never preached about the second coming of Christ.” — Zac Poonen
“It’s only about 100, 150 years ago that... there was a revival on preaching the second coming of Christ.” — Zac Poonen
Application Points
- Believers should seek to understand and embrace the truth of Christ’s Second Coming.
- Churches ought to revive preaching on the Second Coming to prepare the congregation spiritually.
- Individuals must live godly lives in anticipation of Jesus’ return.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the Second Coming rarely preached in early church history?
Because the focus shifted to other doctrines like justification by faith, and the truth of the Second Coming was often neglected.
Did Martin Luther preach about the Second Coming?
He focused primarily on justification by faith and rarely preached on the Second Coming of Christ.
When did the revival of preaching on the Second Coming occur?
About 100 to 150 years ago, there was a renewed emphasis on preaching the Second Coming.
What is the significance of preaching the Second Coming today?
It prepares believers spiritually and encourages godliness in anticipation of Christ's return.