When a South African preacher recently claimed Jesus would return on September 23rd or 24th, 2025, it made international headlines and filled social media feeds. This bold prediction sparked conversations worldwide about the Second Coming and the concept of "the rapture." In this week’s episode of Making Sense of Faith, Adam Hamilton tackles these complex theological questions head-on, drawing from his own journey from teenage atheist to faith leader. With his characteristic blend of scholarly insight and pastoral warmth, Adam unpacks what Scripture actually says about Christ's return, why predictions consistently fail, and what it means to live with hope rather than fear about the future.

From Teenage Terror to Mature Faith. Adam shares his personal experience growing up in a Pentecostal church where end-times teaching was emphasized. He describes watching frightening movies like "A Thief in the Night" and reading charts predicting Christ's imminent return—experiences that led him to make major life decisions because he thought Christ would return at any moment.
The Historical Context Behind Rapture Theology. Most Christians throughout history—and most Christians worldwide today—don't subscribe to "rapture" theology. Adam explains how this relatively recent interpretation emerged in 1830 with Charles Darby and became popular in some evangelical circles, despite not being the mainstream Christian understanding of Scripture.
What Scripture Actually Teaches About Christ's Return. Rather than providing a detailed roadmap for end times, biblical passages about Christ's return focus on three key messages: this broken world won't continue forever, we have eternal hope, and we should live ready to meet Christ. Adam shows how even the apostles expected Jesus to return in their lifetime, yet Scripture's true power lies in its enduring hope.
Why Date-Setting Always Fails. Jesus himself said he didn't know the day or hour of his return, making any human prediction inherently flawed. Adam points out that throughout 2,000 years of church history, countless predictions have proven wrong—yet the core message of hope and readiness remains relevant for every generation.
Living Ready Without Living in Fear. The most practical takeaway involves embracing daily readiness through faith in Christ and loving service to others. Whether Jesus returns tomorrow or in a thousand years—or whether he comes for us individually at death—we can live with confidence rather than anxiety when we trust our lives to him.

This episode embodies what makes Making Sense of Faith essential listening for thinking people navigating spirituality in our complex world. Adam doesn't offer easy answers or ask you to check your brain at the door. Instead, he provides the theological depth and pastoral wisdom needed to wrestle with profound questions about faith, hope, and our eternal future. Whether you're skeptical, curious, or deeply committed in your faith journey, this conversation will leave you better equipped to make sense of one of Christianity's most debated topics.

[0:34] Rapture Predictions in the Headlines

[0:51] What is the Rapture? Setting the Stage

[2:00] Literal Readings: Jesus’ Return and the Bible

[2:38] Prophecy Charts, Books, and Movies

[5:12] Mainline vs. Evangelical Views on the Rapture

[6:15] What Did Jesus Actually Say About His Return?

[7:11] Signs of the End Times: Wars, Disasters, and Prophets

[8:38] The Meaning of “Parousia” and Early Christian Beliefs

[10:08] The Second Coming: Literal or Metaphorical?

11:15 - Hope, Judgment, and the Promise of Renewal

12:09 - Paul’s Letters: Living in Expectation

[13:22] What Happens to the Dead? Paul’s Comfort

[14:21] Paradise, Resurrection, and the Afterlife

[15:13] The Real Message: Be Ready and Live with Hope

[16:26] The Modern Rapture Doctrine: Where Did It Come From?

[19:00] The Ultimate Hope: Christ’s Return and Restoration

[20:41] Final Thoughts: Don’t Worry, Be Ready