Advent (Latin word: Adventus) - "Coming or Arrival"

We believe in the personal, bodily and glorious return of our Lord Jesus Christ. The coming of Christ, at a time known only to God, demands constant expectancy and, as our blessed hope, motivates the believer to godly living, sacrificial service and energetic mission.
~ EFCA Statement of Faith Article 9: Christ's Return

“To be without God is to be without hope.” ~F.F. Bruce

1. The Certainty of Christ's Return - (1 Thessalonians 4:14-15)
a. Centered in the Gospel (1 Corinthians 15:20-23)

b. The Promise of the Lord’s Word – (1 Thessalonians 4:15; Matthew 24:37)

2. The Unmistakableness of Christ’s Return - (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)
a. Personal

b. Bodily (Acts 1:9-11; Revelation 1:7)

c. Glorious
1. Loud Command (John 5:28-29)

2. The voice of the archangel (Matthew 24:31)

3. Trumpet call of God (Exodus 19:16)

4. Two distinct responses -
a. Dread and terror (Revelation 6:12-17)

b. Love His appearing (2 Timothy 4:8)

3. The Hope Produced by the Promise of Christ's Return
a. Greatest of Reunions -
"The Lord is pictured here as escorted on the remainder of His journey to earth, by His people – both those newly raised from the dead and those who have remained alive.” ~F.F. Bruce

b. Comfort - (1 Thessalonians 4:18; Revelation 21:4)