The Return of Christ

We believe that the return of Jesus Christ, as repeatedly promised in the Holy Scriptures, is very near. The promise came from the mouth of our Lord himself “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. 2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” NIV. Our Lord emphasized that we must observe the signs of the times “So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors” Matthew 24:33. KJV. In Luke 21:28-36, we are also told of events foretold for the time of the end. As for the day or hour of his return, of course, no one knows, but as biblical prophecies are being fulfilled, we observe them as signs of the end time foretold by our Lord and now being fulfilled.

The apostle Peter wrote “For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.”  2 Peter 1:16-21

In 2 Peter 3:3, we are told in advance “Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires.”.  The return of Jesus Christ is identical and simultaneous with the first resurrection. The heavenly Bridegroom will come to take his earthly Bride and bring her with him. (Matthews 25: 1-10; 1 Thessalonians 4: 13-17; Revelation 19: 1-9 etc.).

Before the Millennium reign begins, the martyrs of the Great Tribulation period are added: “Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years.” Revelation 20:4-6.

The second resurrection will take place after Christ's thousand-year reign, when all those who have lived on this earth will be summoned to appear at the Last Judgment (Revelation 20:11). Only then will God himself create the new heavens and the new earth. Revelation 21:1-8.

The Lord's Supper

The Lord's Supper is also celebrated according to scripture. Unleavened bread is prepared according to the number of people taking part. The bread is blessed during prayer and then broken for distribution to all. The cup containing red wine is also blessed during the prayer, and all take part. This is in memory of the suffering and death of our Lord and Redeemer, who became the sacrifice, shedding his precious blood to pay the price for his own, those who make up the Church, his Body. Matthew 26:26-28 “26 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.”27 Then he took a cup,(B) and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. 28 This is my blood of the[a] covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins”. NIV

Through the Lord's commission, the apostle Paul gave us profound instructions on the Lord's Supper, saying “16 Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ? 17 Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all share the one loaf.” 1 Corinthians 10:16-17.

Foot wash

John 13:3-10

3 Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God;

4 He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.

5 After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.

6 Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet?

7 Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.

8 Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.

9 Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head.

10 Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.

The Lord spoke to those who were near Him. Today He speaks to us through the same Word. We must put ourselves in the place of Peter who asked: “Lord, do you wash my feet?” and to whom the Lord replied: “What I do you do not know now, but you will know later.” Peter reinforces his decision by telling Him: “You will never wash my feet”. He did not want the Lord to humiliate himself before him by performing such contemptible service towards him. However, the Lord and Master gave His disciples a practical lesson there (Matt. 20.26): “But whoever wants to become great among you will be your servant.” The Lord served them with humility and complete abasement. He took off His clothes, girded himself with a cloth, and stooping down, took on the task of a household slave. It was an example for His disciples, in that each should consider the other as being greater than himself. On this occasion He demonstrated it to them with a very practical lesson.