Podcast 65, Stories of the Bible, “The Book of Malachi, Ch 4 A

The birth of Christ was announced to only a few, and Christ lived his life in relative obscurity in a small corner of the world, but in his brief life he accomplished more than all mankind have accomplished over thousands of years. He saved the world and brought about the resurrection of the dead. He gave meaning to life

Following his death, his devoted disciples, who themselves became martyrs, spread the good news around the world. Two events punctuate the life of Christ: The first event is his birth, life, and death which could be referred to as his First Coming. The second event is his return in the latter days which is often referred to as his Second Coming. His first event was announced quietly by angels to lonely shepherds. The second event, however, shall be announced by wars and upheavals and earthquakes and vast destruction. Following his First Coming, the Disciples were killed, Jerusalem was destroyed, and the Jews were scattered to the four corners of the earth. Following his Second Coming, the earth shall be cleansed by fire and then comes the Millenium where he shall reign on the earth for a thousand years of peace.

Immediately prior to his death, Christ prophesied his own return.

Matthew 24:30

And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.

He will not be alone.

Matthew 25:31

When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory.

At his Second Coming there shall be a resurrection of the just who shall also join him.

1 Thessalonians 4:16–17

For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first.

For the wicked, however, it shall not be so pleasant.

2 Thessalonians 1:7–8

The Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God…”

It will be a kind of judgment.

Revelation 22:12

And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.

Immediately prior to the Second Coming of Christ will be great tribulation, referred to as “the abomination of desolation.”

Matthew 24:3-14

And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows. Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake. And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.