The Return & Reign of Christ The Return Kile Baker July 27th, 2025 Heaven questions, kids camping outside & my book: Big Question: What happens when Christ returns? Our questions: What happens to me when Christ returns? What happens to the people who died? How do I go to Heaven if Christ is coming here? What happens to the Earth? Who gets to go to Heaven, and what about Hell? Will I still be me? Will I live forever? What happens to the bad people? What happens to my pets? Depends on the species! As a hint, something that has 9 lives isn’t getting into heaven, it’s avoiding the afterlife. Four Reasons To Look Forward To Christ’s Return and Reign The return of Christ has been promised and is for certain. Trustworthiness of God, intent, etc. The return of Christ motivates us to live purposefully. Our greatest purpose is to help lead people into the eternal presence of Christ. The return of Christ gives us hope in a broken world. God addresses the issues of the world with a “not yet” instead of a “no” The reign of Christ comes with rewards. Seven rewards that come with the reign of Christ We’re rewarded with God’s presence. 1 Thessalonians 4:17 Then we who are still alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Revelation 21:3 “Then I heard a loud voice from the throne: Look, God’s dwelling is with humanity, and he will live with them. They will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them and will be their God. We’re rewarded with glorified bodies. Philippians 3:20-21 Our citizenship is in Heaven, and we eagerly wait for a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ. He will transform the body of our humble condition into the likeness of his glorious body, by the power that enables him to subject everything to himself.” 1 Corinthians 15:52-53 …in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we will be changed. 53 For this corruptible body must be clothed with incorruptibility, and this mortal body must be clothed with immortality. We’re rewarded with rest and relief. 2 Thessalonians 1:7 …and to give relief to you who are afflicted, along with us. This will take place at the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven with his powerful angels… Hebrews 4:9-10 Therefore, a Sabbath rest remains for God’s people. 10 For the person who has entered his rest has rested from his own works, just as God did from his. -- Hebrews 4:9-10 We’re rewarded with praise and honor from God. Matthew 25:21 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You were faithful over a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Share your master’s joy. Romans 2:6-7,10 He will repay each one according to his works: 7 eternal life to those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor, and immortality...10...Glory, honor, and peace for everyone who does what is good... We’re rewarded with an eternal crown. 1 Thessalonians 2:19 For who is our hope or joy or crown of boasting in the presence of our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? 2 Timothy 4:8 There is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me, but to all those who have loved his appearing. We’re rewarded with responsibility in ruling. We’ll finally rule as God always intended. We’re rewarded with eternal belonging. John 14:2-3 In my Father’s house are many rooms… I will come again and take you to myself, so that where I am you may be also. Revelation 21:3 God’s dwelling is with humanity, and he will live with them. They will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them… An Invitation And A Warning Revelation 22:12-15 “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city. Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.” There is a reward, and a warning: Invitation: We should be ready at all times for Christ’s return and look forward to the rewards He has for us if we live for Him. Warning: If we live our lives opposed to God now, then we’ll live forever outside His Kingdom.