Confession time: when I was a teenager and a new Christian I really was excited about end times teaching - you know, the books that have the timelines and dates and all that. I saw nuclear warfare, high tech helicopters, and maybe even Henry Kissenger, in the pages of Revelation. I am slightly embarrassed today to admit that I was certain that Jesus was going to return before the 1980's came to an end.

There's no question that much of today's end time teaching is sensationalistic and uses questionable exegesis. But I wonder if in reaction to this wacky teaching some of us haven't swung too far to the other side and are in danger of neglecting the "blessed hope" of Christ's return?

One of the joyful discoveries I am making as we go through the series "Watch" is how dynamically expectant the early church was that Jesus Christ would return soon! With eyes fixed firmly on the saving work of Christ in His first coming, they were also eagerly watching and waiting for the second coming of Jesus Christ.

In his book, The Bible and the Future, Anthony Hoekema writes: This...lively expectation of Christ's return should mark the church of Jesus Christ today. If this expectation is no longer present, there is something radically wrong.

We don't know when Jesus will return, but we know he will return. Let us therefore watch with lively expectation! Even so, Lord Jesus, come quickly.