Baptist Churches Not Preaching on the Second Coming

The return of Jesus Christ is a major New Testament doctrine, and the preaching and teaching of it is essential for holy living. It was emphasized by Christ (Mt. 24:29-31; Mr. 13:24-27). It was a theme of apostolic preaching in the book of Acts (Ac. 1:11; 3:19-20). It is mentioned in nearly every Epistle (Ro. 11:26; 1 Co. 1:7-8; Php. 1:6, 10; 2:16; 1 Th. 1:10; 2:19; 3:13; 4:15-17; 5:23; 2 Th. 1:7-9; 2:1, 8; 3:5; 1 Ti. 6:14; 2 Ti. 4:1, 8; Tit. 2:13; Jas. 5:7-9; Heb. 9:28; 10:37; 1 Pe. 1:7; 5:4; 2 Pe. 3:10-13; 1 Jo. 2:28; 3:2; Jude 14-15; Re. 1:7; 19:11-21; 22:7, 12, 20). The imminent return of Christ must, therefore, be a fundamental part of every believer’s worldview, a major theme of all biblical preaching, a constantly-emphasized doctrine of every church. But there are signs that preaching on Bible prophecy is being neglected even among “fundamentalist” churches. The following is from a reader: “About three years ago I was speaking with another fundamental Baptist pastor here in the area. I mentioned that I truly believed the Lord was coming soon. He said, ‘You know, everybody was preaching on this back in the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s and thought surely Christ would come before 2000. I really don’t preach that much any more.’ I about fell on the floor and responded to him, ‘If Christ did not come by then, how much closer now?’ I said, ‘I preach His coming regularly trying to wake people up to holiness and living for Christ so that they won’t be ashamed at His coming.’ Speaking to a missionary friend who spoke at our church recently, I mentioned this story. His words were, ‘I have heard more from you today about the second coming then I have for months in other fundamental Baptist churches. This is from a man from a large missions ministry who preaches regularly across the country. Our people live in denial of this truth and unfortunately our preachers are also.” Another reader sent the following comment: “Fundamental Baptist preachers seem very reluctant to delve into prophecy. I don’t think I have ever heard a really solid message from an IFB preacher from the mountain of Old Testament prophecies with momentous future fulfillment.” Another reader commented, “I was talking to my wife recently about how that prophecy preaching has all but gone away.” This is a serious matter. Preachers who neglect the return of Christ are rebels against God’s Word and are not qualified for the ministry. The mindset of always looking for Christ’s return was modeled by the church at Thessalonica, which “turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; and to wait for his Son from heaven...” (1 Th. 1:9-10).

(Friday Church News Notes, October 25, 2019, www.wayoflife.org, [email protected], 866-295-4143)

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