The Second Coming

John 1:1-14
Christ, the Eternal Word
The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone was going to come into the world.

But although the world was made through him, the world didn't recognize him when he came. Even in his own land and among his own people, he was not accepted. But to all who believed in him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn! This is not a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan - this rebirth comes from God.

So the Word became human and lived here on earth among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the only Son of the Father. (9-14)

God is reminding me that he knows how cruel humans can be for he was shunned by society. He came to this world to understand us and share our pain and take away our sins so that we can be forgiven. Only through him can we be spiritually reborn and claimed a true child of God. God is reminding me to cherish Christ's love and faithfulness.

2 Thessalonians 2:1-6
Events Prior to the Lord's Second Coming
Please don't be so easily shaken and troubled by those who say that the day of the Lord has already begun. Even if they claim to have had a vision, a revelation, or a letter supposedly from us, don't believe them. Don't be fooled by what they say. For that day will not come until there is a great rebellion against God and the man of lawlessness is revealed- the one who brings destruction. He will exalt himself and defy every god there is and tear down every object of adoration and worship. He will position himself in the temple of God, claiming that he himself is God. (2-4)

Wow! With all these recent disasters in the world, we have heard many claim that the end of the world is near. But according to Paul, the Lord will not show up until the "false" god arrives to take over this world. So long as there is a choice for people to believe, to have faith, in Christ or any other god, our Lord will not come. He will come again only when He has lost this world He, himself, created. It's almost as if he would be coming to pick of the pieces of broken artwork... However I can't help but feel that this rebellion against God and the man of lawlessness is happening. Just look at Cambodia and the Khmer Rouge. It was one man's twist on ideology that led to the destruction of religion and love for 3 years!