Are We Living in the Second Coming?
Discussion: The Second Coming - Or, Are we living in the Second Coming?
Materials for Discussion:
“The Second Coming of Jesus” by W. Jeffrey Marsh
Is it a process rather than one big event? The resurrected Savior sees Mary Magdalene—no signs from the heavens, etc. The Savior slips into a seat during the Kirtland temple dedication.
Similar to the Atonement of Christ—not just one thing, but a compilation of several events.
Are We Living in the Second Coming? Is it a process or a compilation of events? Resurrection of Christ—quietly appears to Mary Magdalene. Appearances to Joseph Smith and others (no communications from the skies). Adam-ondi-Ahman—“Maybe the meeting has already occurred.”
How Conspiracy Thinking Is Prepping the World for the Antichrist
Remarkable Signs in the Heavens the Night Joseph Got the Plates By Daniel C. Peterson · April 21, 2025
https://www.ldsliving.com/4-hopeful-signs-of-the-second-coming/s/12411
Doctrine and Covenants Section 45
Alma 40:5 & 8 - 5: Now, whether there shall be one time, or a second time, or a third time, that men shall come forth from the dead, it mattereth not; for God knoweth all these things; and it sufficeth me to know that this is the case—that there is a time appointed that all shall rise from the dead. 8 Now whether there is more than one time appointed for men to rise it mattereth not; for all do not die at once, and this mattereth not; all is as one day with God, and time only is measured unto men.
Joseph spoke to the Twelve about angels with an easy familiarity that must have thrilled his hearers. He told the apostles that “when an angel of God appears unto man face to face in personage & reaches out his hand unto the man & he takes hold of the angels hand & feels a substance the Same as one man would in shaking hands with another he may then know that it is an angel of God.” An angel’s hand could be felt because angels are resurrected. An angel of the devil, who never had a body, will extend his hand but when one grasps it nothing will be felt. Thus he may be detected. The instructions implied that the Twelve would find this rule useful when angels appeared to them. Bushman, Richard L.. Joseph Smith: Rough Stone Rolling (p. 387). (Function). Kindle Edition.
https://www.ldsliving.com/5-things-you-should-know-about-the-second-coming/s/78110
Discussion:
Chart from Cindy: https://scripturecentral.org/archive/media/chart/coming-christ-nephites-pattern-his-second-coming
Anticipating Christ’s Return - President Nelson increased the number of temples by 170.8 percent — President Nelson: “the Lord is propting me to urge us to get ready for that ‘great and dreadful day.’”
Amicus brief - our church — opposing transgender rights — not part of the lawsuit but weighing in —wants the court to not expand those rights — this is about religious freedom -
President Holland - “I’m delighted to join my friend huddled on the streets of Jerusalem . . .” Interesting perspective on symbolism in Revelation 11 related to prophecies of the Second Coming of Jesus Christ—https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nX8jHk4BgiA
Resurrection: Not a when, but a designation of readiness
Can we do more for living people if we are resurrected?
Wickedness and Destruction: We are in a spiritual war with evil right now. How am I protecting myself and my family in this spiritual war?
Daniel Peterson's article — The Wars in Heaven are literally aerial combat
Apostles testify: they know Him, they have seen His face
Many members in the discussion said they are ready for His return
We are told His coming will be as a thief in a night or glorious light from the east - How you experience His arrival depends on how you are watching and preparing for HIm
Guard our covenants — watch and be sober - President Nelson’s repeated invitations to be in the temple, to keep our covenants
We heard repeatedly from President Nelson: I plead, please listen, I urge you,
Symbolic analysis for Revelation — every number means something— symbolic—two prophets lying in the street for 3.5 days —3.5 means incomplete—
Holland: Works of God are easy to miss because they are sometimes embarrassingly plain
Some temples have no location yet
Patricia Holland: We have to be a righteous enough people for Him to come to—
Recent data analysis shows Gen Z young men are coming back to religion more than any other group
We talk about Jesus Christ more than ever—not just us, but other Christians are vocalizing their beliefs
We are accepting other religions more than before
Daughter in East Texas — persecution against LDS people there—
Sitting in the “why” until we find clarity can be very helpful.
Wear your garment — it is the garment of the Holy Priesthood—it will help you prepare and be watchful noticing and recognizing the signs that tell you He is coming