When do you "expect" Jesus to return?

[ScottA]

Matthew 24:44​

Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.​

When most "expect"--is wrong. Since Jesus put it in those terms--do you believe Him? Do those terms disqualify what you believe about when He returns?

During these times of when we are also supposed to be lead "unto all truth" by the Holy Spirit, just how are we to rationalize (or reconcile) both of these biblical facts as both being true, and what are we to do with the idea that what we "expect" is most likely wrong?

I suggest asking "When did what I believe about Jesus' return begin to be believed and taught among the Church?" Did it begin during the time when Peter warned about "false teachers" coming into the church, which he identified the time as the times of those he was speaking to, saying "among you?" Or did it begin during the time of when Paul warned of those who "believe a lie" leading to "strong delusion?" Did it begin anywhere in between--and therefore, there is no such time in all of church history that what "you expect" is to be considered reliable?

If so...who is it that has been leading you?

The point is, we all know what most "expect"...and--according to Jesus himself--that is not what we should believe.

 

[Robert Gwin]

Matthew 24:44​

Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.​

When most "expect"--is wrong. Since Jesus put it in those terms--do you believe Him? Do those terms disqualify what you believe about when He returns?

During these times of when we are also supposed to be lead "unto all truth" by the Holy Spirit, just how are we to rationalize (or reconcile) both of these biblical facts as both being true, and what are we to do with the idea that what we "expect" is most likely wrong?

I suggest asking "When did what I believe about Jesus' return begin to be believed and taught among the Church?" Did it begin during the time when Peter warned about "false teachers" coming into the church, which he identified the time as the times of those he was speaking to, saying "among you?" Or did it begin during the time of when Paul warned of those who "believe a lie" leading to "strong delusion?" Did it begin anywhere in between--and therefore, there is no such time in all of church history that what "you expect" is to be considered reliable?

If so...who is it that has been leading you?

The point is, we all know what most "expect"...and that is not what we should believe.

The million dollar question Scott, of course we do not know the day or hour, but we do believe that the last days began in 1914, and obviously he stated he would come before the generation that saw his presence begin will not expire prior to his coming. Many feel that generation has expired, but it has not, and Jesus did say that it would appear so late that even some of the anointed bride would leave the faith thinking their master was delaying. The world scene shows how the great tribulation could begin at any time, it is a scary prospect for sure. The King of the north and south are very active, the economy is out of line, anguish of nations not knowing the way out is evident not only to Christians, but even to those who take no note. Most faiths that claim to be Christian anticipate Jesus' return soon, do you Scott?

 

[Davy]

Matthew 24:44​

Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.​

When most "expect"--is wrong. Since Jesus put it in those terms--do you believe Him? Do those terms disqualify what you believe about when He returns?

During these times of when we are also supposed to be lead "unto all truth" by the Holy Spirit, just how are we to rationalize (or reconcile) both of these biblical facts as both being true, and what are we to do with the idea that what we "expect" is most likely wrong?

I suggest asking "When did what I believe about Jesus' return begin to be believed and taught among the Church?" Did it begin during the time when Peter warned about "false teachers" coming into the church, which he identified the time as the times of those he was speaking to, saying "among you?" Or did it begin during the time of when Paul warned of those who "believe a lie" leading to "strong delusion?" Did it begin anywhere in between--and therefore, there is no such time in all of church history that what "you expect" is to be considered reliable?

If so...who is it that has been leading you?

The point is, we all know what most "expect"...and that is not what we should believe.

Sorry man, but per the above, you are simply showing me that you don't really follow what The Bible reveals about Christ's future Kingdom and His future coming. It's actually pretty easy to know the 'ballpark' of when Jesus returns in the future, just by listening to Jesus' Own Word and that of His Apostles...

Matt 24:29-31
29 Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:

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.

31 And He shall send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
KJV

SEE... I went STRAIGHT to what Lord Jesus Himself declared as the timing when to expect His future coming. I didn't have to play games to reveal that either.


Now then, WHO will listen to what Lord Jesus Himself said there, instead of man's mumbo-jumbo doubtings?

 

[friend of]

Shouldn't He have returned by now?

 

[Phoneman777]

Matthew 24:44​

Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.​

When most "expect"--is wrong. Since Jesus put it in those terms--do you believe Him? Do those terms disqualify what you believe about when He returns?

During these times of when we are also supposed to be lead "unto all truth" by the Holy Spirit, just how are we to rationalize (or reconcile) both of these biblical facts as both being true, and what are we to do with the idea that what we "expect" is most likely wrong?

I suggest asking "When did what I believe about Jesus' return begin to be believed and taught among the Church?" Did it begin during the time when Peter warned about "false teachers" coming into the church, which he identified the time as the times of those he was speaking to, saying "among you?" Or did it begin during the time of when Paul warned of those who "believe a lie" leading to "strong delusion?" Did it begin anywhere in between--and therefore, there is no such time in all of church history that what "you expect" is to be considered reliable?

If so...who is it that has been leading you?

The point is, we all know what most "expect"...and that is not what we should believe.

Many are expecting Jesus to sneak into town and sneak out with the saints in a "secret rapture" - the majority are counting on this to keep them from going through the "time of trouble". What can we say about this expectation?

 

[DJT_47]

Dumb question, who knows???

 

[ScottA]

The million dollar question Scott, of course we do not know the day or hour, but we do believe that the last days began in 1914, and obviously he stated he would come before the generation that saw his presence begin will not expire prior to his coming. Many feel that generation has expired, but it has not, and Jesus did say that it would appear so late that even some of the anointed bride would leave the faith thinking their master was delaying. The world scene shows how the great tribulation could begin at any time, it is a scary prospect for sure. The King of the north and south are very active, the economy is out of line, anguish of nations not knowing the way out is evident not only to Christians, but even to those who take no note. Most faiths that claim to be Christian anticipate Jesus' return soon, do you Scott?

I believe I just answered this on another thread.

But, yes, "soon" is the correct answer--but it is still when "you do not expect." And it remains a mystery to most--but should not, for Paul gave the answer: "but each one in his own order", which Jesus specified would be when He "stands at the door and knocks." Which indeed, "of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but the Father only." But to those He has come to and knocked--they know the day and the hour!

But being when they did "not expect", they believed the "lie" that "my Master delays his coming" which has brought forth "strong delusion" just as it was foretold to occur.

Nonetheless, the promise of being "lead unto all truth" remains--if you can receive it.

 

[ScottA]

Sorry man, but per the above, you are simply showing me that you don't really follow what The Bible reveals about Christ's future Kingdom and His future coming. It's actually pretty easy to know the 'ballpark' of when Jesus returns in the future, just by listening to Jesus' Own Word and that of His Apostles...

Matt 24:29-31
29 Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:

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.

31 And He shall send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
KJV

SEE... I went STRAIGHT to what Lord Jesus Himself declared as the timing when to expect His future coming. I didn't have to play games to reveal that either.


Now then, WHO will listen to what Lord Jesus Himself said there, instead of man's mumbo-jumbo doubtings?

Sorry, but no, you have misunderstood, and therefore have believed the "lie" that "my Master is delaying his coming" that brings forth "strong delusion" just as it was foretold to occur.

Meanwhile, you have overlooked the fact that Jesus gave the specific day and hour of when those passages you quoted occur, as when He stands "at the door and knocks."

 

[ScottA]

Many are expecting Jesus to sneak into town and sneak out with the saints in a "secret rapture" - the majority are counting on this to keep them from going through the "time of trouble". What can we say about this expectation?

You said it--it is what they "are expecting", and therefore it is wrong.

On the contrary, if any who have heard or read the whole scriptural account and considered that all things come "in" and "with Christ", just as we who are His "were" (past tense) crucified with Him--and that all that remains is for Him to "knock at the door"...to have "all things made new, old things have passed away" during times like those of Noah when most did not "expect"...they would have indeed heard "what the spirit said to the churches."

But many have been deceived.

 

[Phoneman777]

You said it--it is what they "are expecting", and therefore it is wrong.

On the contrary, if any who have heard or read the whole scriptural account and considered that all things come "in" and "with Christ", just as we who are His "were" (past tense) crucified with Him--and that all that remains is for Him to "knock at the door"...to have "all things made new, old things have passed away" during times like those of Noah when most did not "expect"...they would have indeed heard "what the spirit said to the churches."

But many have been deceived.

Amen

 

[DJT_47]

I believe I just answered this on another thread.

But, yes, "soon" is the correct answer--but it is still when "you do not expect." And it remains a mystery to most--but should not, for Paul gave the answer: "but each one in his own order", which Jesus specified would be when He "stands at the door and knocks." Which indeed, "of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but the Father only." But to those He has come to and knocked--they know the day and the hour!

But being when they did "not expect", they believed the "lie" that "my Master delays his coming" which has brought forth "strong delusion" just as it was foretold to occur.

Nonetheless, the promise of being "lead unto all truth" remains--if you can receive it.

We've been in the last days for the last 2000 yrs, not since 1914.

Heb 1:1-2

1God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, 2Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds

 

[robert derrick]

Jesus is expected the resurrected Christ to return to earth, when the Father commands Him to do so for the second and final time.

Until then, the saints wait for Him in righteousness, even as the church in all ages.

Meanwhile, He comes spiritually to all believers to be recieved and obeyed.

 

[Robert Gwin]

I believe I just answered this on another thread.

But, yes, "soon" is the correct answer--but it is still when "you do not expect." And it remains a mystery to most--but should not, for Paul gave the answer: "but each one in his own order", which Jesus specified would be when He "stands at the door and knocks." Which indeed, "of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but the Father only." But to those He has come to and knocked--they know the day and the hour!

But being when they did "not expect", they believed the "lie" that "my Master delays his coming" which has brought forth "strong delusion" just as it was foretold to occur.

Nonetheless, the promise of being "lead unto all truth" remains--if you can receive it.

I think it is very likely Jesus knows the day and hour by now, perhaps even the rest of the heavenly creatures, but when Jesus was on earth only Jehovah knew as Jesus stated.

I believe you believe you are one that "He has come to and knocked" so I gather by your statement that you are claiming to know the day and hour now, so you have captured my attention Scott, what is it? If we are still here, lets see how close you are sir.

 

[Lambano]

The whole point of the Matthew verse is that we're supposed to live as if we expected Jesus to come back TODAY.

 

[ScottA]

We've been in the last days for the last 2000 yrs, not since 1914.

Heb 1:1-2

1God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, 2Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds

True.

 

[Rockerduck]

Interesting numbers for the year 2023

feast of trumpets is in September and the 23rd is during the feast of trumpets.

Leviticus 23:23-24 - Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 24 “Speak to the children of Israel, saying: ‘In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you shall have a sabbath-rest, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, a holy convocation.

Jeremiah 23:3 - But I will gather the remnant of My flock out of all countries where I have driven them, and bring them back to their folds; and they shall be fruitful and increase.

Jeremiah 23:23 - Am I a God near at hand,” says the Lord, “And not a God afar off?

 

[ScottA]

I think it is very likely Jesus knows the day and hour by now, perhaps even the rest of the heavenly creatures, but when Jesus was on earth only Jehovah knew as Jesus stated.

I believe you believe you are one that "He has come to and knocked" so I gather by your statement that you are claiming to know the day and hour now, so you have captured my attention Scott, what is it? If we are still here, lets see how close you are sir.

If you mean to test me, it is rather a test upon you instead of me...for I do know, and it is as I have been telling you, and as Paul stated, saying "but each one in his own order", and as Jesus stated, saying, "I stand at the door and knock, and if anyone hears and opens the door, I will come in..." Which did occur for me in February of 1986 when I called out to Him and He answered and caught me up in the spirit. Therefore, I confirm, "but each one in his own order" is the true day and hour of His coming.

 

[Ronald David Bruno]

what are we to do with the idea that what we "expect" is most likely wrong?

First of all, the context compares this time "as in the days of Noah". Rhe entire world did not believe the warning except Noah and his family. GOD told Noah when to load up the Ark and shut the doors.
So if you don't believe, then you can't expect anything to happen. Furthermore, if he doesn't give you a date then you can't possibly expect Him. Noah expected what would happen because He gave him a date.
If you invite a guest over for dinner on a certain date at a certain time, then you can "expect" him. If he promised he would stop by for a visit before the end of the year, you can only hope he'll show up. It would be unrealistic to expect him this Saturday night at 6pm. Likewise, we all hope and anticipate Jesus' return. He has given us signs that fall into this generation: Wars, rumors of wars, earthquakes in various places, pestilence are the beginnings of sirriw, the birth pangs. But more specifically, "when the gospel is peached to every nation", then the end will come. Well, that has been recently been accomplished.

The point is, we all know what most "expect"...and that is not what we should believe.

We hope and anticipate He shows up soon. What if it's as simple as taking the scripture literally to determine when? When did the Flood begin? On the 17th day of the a second month. According to the Torah, that would be Iyar 17, so in 2023 it would be May 8. In 2024,
May 25 and so on ...
Another plausible date would be 2000 years after the actual day of His resurrection.
Some might anticipate His return on the fall, on the Day of Atonement for instance.
The hour is easy, 9PM ... somewhere in the world, it will be 9ish. The Bible says He'll show up at night time in Jerusalem and His light will make it look like day.
But the resurrection happened at sunrise ... now I'm just not sure when to _ expect _ Him, I just hope and anticipate that He'll soon be here!

 

[Aunty Jane]

Matthew 24:44​

Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.​

When most "expect"--is wrong. Since Jesus put it in those terms--do you believe Him? Do those terms disqualify what you believe about when He returns?

To me it was important to understand what Christ's "return" actually meant.
Reading through Matthew 24, the disciples asked Jesus....
"Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?”
So Christ's return was connected to "the end of the age". And it would be revealed by a "SIGN".
But one word in that verse is mistranslated....that is "parousia" which in all the translation I look at, is translated as "coming", when Strongs primary definition is "presence"....now someone's "presence" is vastly different from their "coming". We could be at a gathering and see someone we know standing there, but never saw him arrive. We know he did because we saw him, but his presence at the gathering was not the same as his coming to the gathering. Why is this important?

Because it alters the perception of what to expect. Jesus was indicating that his "presence" would not be obvious to the world because it was to be revealed in world events....big important things that we could not miss.

Jesus answered his disciple's question with.....“See that no one leads you astray. 5 For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray. 6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are but the beginning of the birth pains."

Luke's account also says...."Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11 There will be great earthquakes, and in one place after another food shortages and pestilences; and there will be fearful sights and from heaven great signs."

So the world events that Jesus spoke of were unprecedented on the world scene.....and they had to take place whilst the last "kings" of Daniel's prophesy ruled......we are living in "the days of those kings" right now. Daniel spoke of "the King of the North" and the King of the South" engaging in a "pushing" of one another. All the nations on earth are allied to only one of two major blocks, and these make up the two national alliances that have almost caused the Doomsday clock to strike twelve. We have Russia and China and their allies on one side.....and those allied with the Anglo-American world powers on the other.....neither is portrayed as "the good guys" because both are under the command of the grand puppeteer who is their coordinator....satan the devil. (1 John 5:19)

In 1914 the world went mad.....entering into an unprecedented kind of war that, for the first time in history, involved all the nations on earth. It was completely unexpected with the prospects for peace looking very promising.....but the assassination of Arch Duke Ferdinand in Sarajevo changed forever the way the world lived.....peace was taken away. The alliances the nations had formed drew them into the conflict even against their will as they had signed an agreement to defend their partners. This we believe was the first "sign"...it was followed closely by the Spanish Flu epidemic which claimed more lives than the war did. Food shortages were a result of efforts put into the war effort.....food was rationed and in short supply. Poor nutrition was probably responsible for the flu taking so many lives.

Earthquakes too were foretold and according to Wiki, 1914 was...."A fairly busy year with 17 events exceeding magnitude 7. The largest of these was a magnitude 8.1 in Indonesia in May. The deadliest event of the year was in Turkey in October with 4,000 deaths. Several other events resulted in sizable death tolls. Italy, Indonesia and Japan were affected."

Jesus went on to say to his disciples....
“Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name's sake. 10 And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. 11 And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. 12 And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. 13 But the one who endures to the end will be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come."

True Christians could expect persecution and hatred from other "Christians" and from a godless world in general....and following through on Christ's commands to preach the "gospel of the kingdom throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations"....and with the "love of many growing cold" we could expect to see people turning their efforts and attention on themselves to the exclusion of others.
"Like the days of Noah", people were going to fail to respond to the message, and will pay with their lives. (Matthew 24:37-39)
Only our endurance and reliance on God will see us through the coming time of great distress. (Matthew 24:13, 21-22)

During these times of when we are also supposed to be lead "unto all truth" by the Holy Spirit, just how are we to rationalize (or reconcile) both of these biblical facts as both being true, and what are we to do with the idea that what we "expect" is most likely wrong?

People's expectations were wrong in 1914.....they were not expecting Christ's "parousia" because the world at large failed to discern it...and so did most of Christendom. Only those who had discerned the truth were led by God's spirit to proclaim Christ's message to the world from 1914 to the present day. They are still being ignored.

I suggest asking "When did what I believe about Jesus' return begin to be believed and taught among the Church?" Did it begin during the time when Peter warned about "false teachers" coming into the church, which he identified the time as the times of those he was speaking to, saying "among you?" Or did it begin during the time of when Paul warned of those who "believe a lie" leading to "strong delusion?" Did it begin anywhere in between--and therefore, there is no such time in all of church history that what "you expect" is to be considered reliable?
If so...who is it that has been leading you?

The point is, we all know what most "expect"...and that is not what we should believe.

The big picture has to be discerned.....staring at a few dead pixels will not give you the right time because Christ is already "present" and has been since 1914. He has been guiding his disciples in the greatest preaching campaign the world has ever seen, just as he promised....but the majority have failed to see it for what it is.....they are "blinded" by God's enemy. (2 Corinthians 4:3-4) Hatred for Christ's true disciples comes mostly from those who already imagine that they are "Christians". (Matthew 7:21-23)

Christ's coming manifestation as judge will be something very obvious.....the world will not be in any doubt that he has come to mete out his Father's justice. (Luke 21:25-28)
Jesus said...“Watch out! Don’t let your hearts be dulled by carousing and drunkenness, and by the worries of this life. Don’t let that day catch you unaware, 35 like a trap. For that day will come upon everyone living on the earth. 36 Keep alert at all times. And pray that you might be strong enough to escape these coming horrors and stand before the Son of Man.”

 

[Enoch111]

The point is, we all know what most "expect"...and that is not what we should believe.

There is no question that (1) Christ will come for His Bride at the Resurrection/Rapture and then (2) Christ will come with the saints and angels at His Second Coming. While date-setting is not recommended, the coming of Christ is very near as seen by world events and what Christ prophesied in the Olivet Discourse. So Christians are definitely required to EXPECT the coming of Christ.