That brings us to a second important reason for being ready for a two-part return of Christ. It seems reasonable to resolve this apparent contradiction by seeing them as describing two different phases of the Lord's return. Just keep in mind that if this discussion seems unrelated to your real needs and problems, you're missing something. Nothing is more practical than the return of Christ. When seen properly, nothing provides more hope.
Nothing provides more accountability.
Nothing puts the pains and pleasures of life in better perspective than the promise of our Lord's return. If the Lord were to return today, all of your worst problems and all of your deepest pleasures would suddenly look entirely different. The Distinction Between an Any-Moment and a Presignaled Return. In the Olivet Discourse, delivered only shortly before His crucifixion, Jesus answered questions raised by His disciples after He had predicted the destruction of the temple at Jerusalem. As we read our Lord's answer, we find that He began with the sign part of the question.