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The Second Coming

Album: Gold Audio 10: Other Times, Other Places

Episode: 145

Lesson/Theme: The return of Jesus.

Bible Verse: Matthew 24:36-42

Characters: Whit

Writer: Paul McCusker

Sound Designer: Dave Arnold

Original Air Date: March 2, 1991

Last Air Date: July 21, 2008

Description:
Melanie is excited. She's been reading a book by televangelist Henry Fernbank about the second coming of Jesus. Henry has used mathe-matics and symbols from Revelation to come up with a formula to predict when Christ will return. According to Henry, it's this Saturday! Melanie is so convinced Fernbank is right, she makes a bunch of posters about the second coming and hangs them up around town. Her parents run after her, frantically taking down the posters. Finally, they talk with her and try to explain that the Bible says no one knows the exact day of Jesus' return. That doesn't stop Melanie from believing that it will be Saturday, though. When the big day arrives, she sets up a tent in the backyard. Melanie takes her Bible, a Sunday school certificate, and a sleeping bag to await the Lord's return. Although He doesn't return, the whole experience deepens Melanie's faith in Jesus and her excitement at His promised return. It also deepens her skepticism of television preachers. Melanie learns that you can't always believe what you hear.

Questions:
Why was it so easy for Melanie to believe Henry Fernbank? Should Melanie have hung posters about Jesus' second coming all around town? Why or why not? What's the best way to tell others about Jesus' return?