Vision for Mission: Nurturing an Apostolic Heart

Ses s i on 7: The Consummat i on of the Ki ngdom 75

b. A final unsurpassed persecution (“the Great Tribulation”)

(1) A “theophany” of flaming fire, Deut. 5.4; Exod. 3.2, 19.18; Isa. 66.15

(2) Purifying and judgment: “I never knew you; depart from me,” Matt. 7.23

B. The anticipation of and waiting for the Son

1. The characteristics of authentic conversion, 1 Thess. 1.8-10

a. Forsaking of idols

b. Returning to serve the Living God

c. Waiting for the return of God’s Son from heaven

2. The delight of the anticipation of restored fellowship at the return of Christ, 1 Thess. 2.17-20

3. A prayer of preservation until the return of the Lord, 1 Thess. 3.11-13

a. “Presence” = “arrival”

b. The Second Advent: Christ returns to be forever with his people, coming with his “saints” (i.e., “holy ones” see Zech. 14.5).

c. Christ comes accompanied by the angels of God, 2 Thess. 1.7; Mark 8.38; Matt. 16.27; Matt 25.31