Introduction
In the sermon text for this Lord’s Day, we come to Jesus’ description of his Second Coming. It will be a day of joy for his followers, but a day of dread, distress, and death for his enemies. It concludes with a message to Christians alive at that time, yet significant to believers in every generation: “lift up your heads; your redemption is drawing near.”
PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP
Prelude
Call to Worship: Psalm 46:1-11
Invocation
PROCLAMATION
Choir One Day in Glory
Note: We begin the service with a choral piece that anticipates the wonderful transformation Jesus’ followers will witness when our Savior returns.
Hymn 163 Look, Ye Saints
Notes: Christ is the risen and exalted Lord of all. Thomas Kelly’ hymn turns our gaze from Christ as “Man of sorrows” to Christ, risen and “victorious!” On earth “sinners in derision crowned him,” but now he “takes the highest station.” He will come again. In the meantime, we resolve to “spread abroad the Victor’s fame.”
Scripture Reading: 2 Thessalonians 1:3-12
Note: Jesus taught his followers to faithfully serve him in anticipation of His return. This passage anticipates that glorious day, a time of joy and reward for faithful followers and a day of dread and doom for those who reject him.
Pastoral Prayer
Hymn Insert Lo! He Comes with Clouds Descending
Note: This majestic hymn taps our imagination to “see” Christ, who was “once for favored sinners slain,” now coming to reign and to judge. His enemies will be perplexed and wail deeply at the sight. Creation itself will convulse. But Jesus’ followers will And so we sing, “O come quickly; alleluia! Come, Lord, come.”
Message: He Comes with Clouds
Luke 21:25-28
Pastor Steven Thomas
RESPONSE
Hymn 92: Joy to the World!
Note: We have popularized Isaac Watts’ famous hymn as a Christmas song. But the composer wrote it to describe Christ’s reign in his future kingdom. It anticipates Christ’s future eradication of the effects of sin and expresses our longing for the day when all nations will extol the “glories of his righteousness.” This is the climax of our glorious gospel message.
Prayer Response: Mark Buhr
Benediction: John Miles