Events Leading to Christ's Return

This series explores the great themes of prophecy that point forward to the return of Christ. With careful attention to scripture and to the world around us, these classes remind us that the promises of God are certain, the kingdom will be established, and the call to readiness is urgent. Each session builds a picture of how the nations, Israel, and the saints all have a part in the events that will unfold before the coming of the king.

Class 1: Patterns in Prophecy

The opening class sets the stage by showing how God has placed patterns in scripture that foreshadow future events. From Abraham and Isaac to Joseph and beyond, we see how God’s dealings in the past give us confidence about the return of Christ. The message is clear: whatever the details of unfolding world events, the ultimate outcome is certain—the king will come.

Class 2: The Nations Round About

Attention then turns to Psalm 83 and related prophecies about Israel’s neighbors. The class highlights how ancient hatreds and modern conflicts fit into the picture of Israel being surrounded, yet ultimately delivered by the power of God. Nebuchadnezzar’s image and the successive empires are re-examined as part of this sweeping vision, reminding us that the kingdoms of men cannot stand against the purpose of God.

Class 3: Why Do the Heathen Rage?

Building on Psalm 2, this class explores how rulers and nations continue to resist God’s will, yet are shown to be powerless before his appointed king in Zion. Zechariah 12–14 is considered alongside Ezekiel 38, showing the progression from the hostility of surrounding nations to the wider confederacy of the latter days. Through it all, the call is to watch, to be ready, and to trust that God’s plan will not fail.

Class 4: Resurrection and Judgment

The fourth class focuses on the hope of the faithful: the resurrection of the dead and the judgment seat of Christ. Isaiah 63 and Psalm 68 are explored as visions of the coming king who treads the winepress alone yet brings salvation for his people. The saints are pictured as sharing in his victory, called to be with him when he stands on the Mount of Olives and establishes the kingdom in Jerusalem.

Exhortation: Be Ye as Men That Wait

In the memorial service, the exhortation centers on watchfulness and readiness. Drawing from the parable of the ten virgins, the reminder is given that the bridegroom will come, even if delayed, and that we must keep our lamps burning with faith and devotion. The bread and wine are seen as a weekly call to remember that the bridegroom is near and to prepare our hearts to meet him.

Evening Devotion: The Greatest Event of All

From Gethsemane to the cross, the greatest of all events is shown to be the foundation of every prophecy and promise. Without the suffering servant, there could be no returning king. This devotion draws our eyes to the love of God revealed in his son, reminding us that every prophecy points back to the cross and forward to the crown.

This description has been generated by AI and lightly edited.