Series:“When There Is a Stirring” - Part III - Pastor Brent Cantelon

The Soon Return of Christ
The Second Coming is mentioned repeatedly in the Scripture; over 50 times by Jesus Himself. It is important for us as believers to be reminded often of the Second Coming for a number of reasons:
1) Readiness – Jesus called His people to be ready for His return
Matt 24:17 and following
Luk 12:35 and following
He likens His return to the days of Noah – they were unaware of what was soon to come in the flood.
Luke 12 speaks of the servants watching for the Master’s return with their lamps burning.
There will be a reward from the Master if the servant has been faithful in this.
2) Motivation – Rev 22 says that He is coming quickly. It will be SUDDEN.

An understanding of the imminent Second Coming motivates us towards a sense of:
a) Holiness in our behavior – Titus 2:11-13
b) Urgency in sharing the Gospel

Near the time of the Second Coming the Bible speaks of a great ingathering of the harvest.
2 Tim 4:8 "Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day-and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing."
Many Christians have started to believe that this world is better than the next. Instead, let us long for His appearing.
What, therefore, should we do as we wait for His Coming?
a) ‘Take heed to yourselves lest your heart be weighed down by drunkenness, carousing, and the cares of this life”. Luke 21
b) Build yourselves up in your faith and WATCH and PRAY always.
c) Pray in the Holy Spirit; keep yourselves in the love of God. Jude 1:20
d) Do not isolate yourselves but encourage one another as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:24
e) Abide in Him.1 John 2:28, John 15
f) Use your talents and gifts for His Kingdom. Luke 19: 15

Discussion:
1) Do you love His Coming?
2) What areas can you identify in your life that need to be consecrated to God in holiness?
3) Take inventory of how you are living today. What changes are you prepared to make?
5) How can you become more active in sharing the love of Jesus with others?
6) Watch and be ready.