Are You Ready for Christ's Return?

N.T.#272 "Are You Ready for Christ's Return?" 

March 26, 2024 

Matthew 24-Part 7

LET IT GLOW 

Are we watching for Jesus to come get His church and children of believers? Are we awake to the signs of the times? Are we vigilant in doing kingdom work?

Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. (verse 42)

Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. (verse 44)

Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh. (25:13)

Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. (26:41)

When we are not prayerfully watching, we will not be prepared for the tragedy that is about to happen. (Falwell)

Christ's return will be sudden. People will be going about their usual duties, work, As believers in Christ, we are to live confidently (not fearfully) and hopefully (not suspiciously) in light of His prophetic picture of end-times events. Are you ready?

LET IT GROW 

Ready or not, Jesus is coming! True believers will be snatched from this earth and the rest of the world will face the great Day of the Lord-the seven-year Tribulation. (1 Thess. 4:16-5:3) concerning the days leading up to and including glorious return of Jesus Christ:

1. Christ's delay may be lengthy, so let's wait with patient anticipation. With the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. (2 Peter 3:8)
2. Christ's return will be sudden and unexpected. Be faithful in waiting and fruitful in service. Don't get too comfortable in the world.
3. Christ's judgment will be irreversible. It is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment. (Heb. 9:27)
4. When Christ returns, the truth will be revealed. Pretenders and hypocrites won't be able to pull one over on the all-knowing Judge.
5. Each individual will be personally accountable at the return of Christ. We won't be able to stand behind our spouse, parents, family name, church membership, or ministry involvement. God know the truth about us.
6. The future of the faithful will be joyful. A gathering of believers will enter the messianic kingdom from around the world. God will honor the life of faith and obedience, acts of faithfulness in this life.
7. The destiny of the lost will be dreadful. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. (verse 51) Outer darkness and eternal punishment will be for unbelievers. (25:30; 46)

[Resource: Swindoll's Living Insights on Matthew 16-28]

Salvation is through Christ alone by faith. do you believe Christ is the Messiah, the Son of God, the only way to heaven? Can we stand before Christ, our soul washed in the blood of Jesus? Or will you pay for your sins instead of accepting the free gift of salvation. We are bought with a price, so glorify God in your body.

Have you become new in Christ? Our King Jesus is coming.

LET IT GO 

All glory, honor, and praise to You, Everlasting God our Father!