August 6th, 2025
by Dalton Jenkins
by Dalton Jenkins
Jesus is Coming Back: Are You Ready to Meet Him?
Today, we gather with hearts full of hope and anticipation as we wait for the return of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. In John 14, Jesus assured us that we should not let our hearts be troubled and promised the glorious truth that He is coming back for us. This isn't a distant dream but a certain reality that demands our attention and preparation.
Why Should We Care About Christ's Return?
The fact of Jesus' return is the reason we gather as believers. We don't know when, but we know with certainty that He will return. The important question is: Are we ready to meet Him when He returns?
If we're not careful, the cares of life can cause us to take our eyes off the anticipation of Jesus's imminent return. We get caught up in social media and worldly happenings that distract us from being ready when Jesus returns.
What Did Jesus Promise About His Return?
Jesus promised that in His Father's house are many mansions - there is room for everybody. No matter how big our homes are today, we have a guaranteed residence in heaven if we believe and accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior.
When Jesus spoke about His return, His disciples were troubled because they had expected Him to establish an earthly kingdom. Instead, He spoke of going to Calvary. Jesus comforted them saying, "Let not your heart be troubled." We have an assurance that Jesus is coming back for us.
How Will Jesus Return?
Over 2,000 years ago, Jesus completed the transaction of restoration through His death and resurrection. When He ascended into heaven, angels appeared and said, "Men of Galilee, why stand you gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus will return as you see Him go up."
The second coming won't be like the first. Jesus isn't coming back as a baby but as a King. When He returns, it will be sudden and unmistakable:
The Bible says two will be at the mill grinding, one taken and the other left
Two will be in bed sleeping, one taken and the other left
You might be driving your car, and suddenly the driver is gone
What Happens After the Rapture?
After believers are taken out of this world, there will be a time of tribulation - a seven-year period where evil will be unleashed upon the earth. This will be followed by Jesus' second return with all the saints, and then a thousand-year reign. After that comes the final judgment.
Are There Only Two Destinations?
There are only two destinations: heaven or hell. If you hear this message today, don't harden your heart but accept Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior. Your only escape from hell is Jesus.
Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man comes to the Father except through me." There is no ambiguity about who Jesus is or what He said. The only way to the Father is through Him.
What Does It Mean to Be Ready?
When Jesus comes, He's coming back for a holy people - a prepared people, a sanctified people. He's not coming back for those playing church or living double lives.
Sin is sin, no matter what form it takes. It could be sexual, emotional, or in your thoughts - sin is sin. The only thing that can separate us from the love of God is our sinful heart.
The Bible says, "Come now and draw near." The water is troubled - step right in. Come taste and see that the Lord is good. Trust in God, put your trust in Him. Run away from sin, flee from sin, because Jesus is coming back again.
How Do We Know Jesus Will Return?
Everything Jesus said He would do, He did. He demonstrated His power. The one thing He said He would do that He has not yet done is to come back. If someone always tells you the truth, then the next thing they tell you is almost certainly true as well.
In 1 Thessalonians 4, Paul writes that the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. Those who have died in Christ will rise first, and those who are alive will be caught up to meet Him in the clouds.
Is Your Spiritual Passport Ready?
Just as you need a valid passport to travel internationally, you need a spiritual passport to enter heaven. Some of you may be traveling with an expired spiritual passport - you've given up on God and are just going through the motions.
It's time to do a spiritual checkup and ask: "Am I right with God?" When it's time to go, there's no second chance. Your passport must be stamped in the blood of the Lamb.
You can't fake your spiritual passport or use someone else's. You must have your own name written in the Lamb's Book of Life, signed in the blood of the Lamb.
Life Application
Let this truth from John 14 echo in your heart: Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life, and He's coming back for those who believe in Him. The question remains - are you ready to meet Him?
Ask yourself these questions:
The early Christians used to greet one another by saying, "Jesus is coming soon." Plant this fact in your mind today, so that with everything you do and every step you take, you're living with the anticipation that Jesus might return at any moment.
Don't wait for another moment. Surrender to Christ, align your life with His truth, and live each day eagerly expecting His return. There is an urgency to get ready - today is your day.
Why Should We Care About Christ's Return?
The fact of Jesus' return is the reason we gather as believers. We don't know when, but we know with certainty that He will return. The important question is: Are we ready to meet Him when He returns?
If we're not careful, the cares of life can cause us to take our eyes off the anticipation of Jesus's imminent return. We get caught up in social media and worldly happenings that distract us from being ready when Jesus returns.
What Did Jesus Promise About His Return?
Jesus promised that in His Father's house are many mansions - there is room for everybody. No matter how big our homes are today, we have a guaranteed residence in heaven if we believe and accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior.
When Jesus spoke about His return, His disciples were troubled because they had expected Him to establish an earthly kingdom. Instead, He spoke of going to Calvary. Jesus comforted them saying, "Let not your heart be troubled." We have an assurance that Jesus is coming back for us.
How Will Jesus Return?
Over 2,000 years ago, Jesus completed the transaction of restoration through His death and resurrection. When He ascended into heaven, angels appeared and said, "Men of Galilee, why stand you gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus will return as you see Him go up."
The second coming won't be like the first. Jesus isn't coming back as a baby but as a King. When He returns, it will be sudden and unmistakable:
The Bible says two will be at the mill grinding, one taken and the other left
Two will be in bed sleeping, one taken and the other left
You might be driving your car, and suddenly the driver is gone
What Happens After the Rapture?
After believers are taken out of this world, there will be a time of tribulation - a seven-year period where evil will be unleashed upon the earth. This will be followed by Jesus' second return with all the saints, and then a thousand-year reign. After that comes the final judgment.
Are There Only Two Destinations?
There are only two destinations: heaven or hell. If you hear this message today, don't harden your heart but accept Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior. Your only escape from hell is Jesus.
Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man comes to the Father except through me." There is no ambiguity about who Jesus is or what He said. The only way to the Father is through Him.
What Does It Mean to Be Ready?
When Jesus comes, He's coming back for a holy people - a prepared people, a sanctified people. He's not coming back for those playing church or living double lives.
Sin is sin, no matter what form it takes. It could be sexual, emotional, or in your thoughts - sin is sin. The only thing that can separate us from the love of God is our sinful heart.
The Bible says, "Come now and draw near." The water is troubled - step right in. Come taste and see that the Lord is good. Trust in God, put your trust in Him. Run away from sin, flee from sin, because Jesus is coming back again.
How Do We Know Jesus Will Return?
Everything Jesus said He would do, He did. He demonstrated His power. The one thing He said He would do that He has not yet done is to come back. If someone always tells you the truth, then the next thing they tell you is almost certainly true as well.
In 1 Thessalonians 4, Paul writes that the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. Those who have died in Christ will rise first, and those who are alive will be caught up to meet Him in the clouds.
Is Your Spiritual Passport Ready?
Just as you need a valid passport to travel internationally, you need a spiritual passport to enter heaven. Some of you may be traveling with an expired spiritual passport - you've given up on God and are just going through the motions.
It's time to do a spiritual checkup and ask: "Am I right with God?" When it's time to go, there's no second chance. Your passport must be stamped in the blood of the Lamb.
You can't fake your spiritual passport or use someone else's. You must have your own name written in the Lamb's Book of Life, signed in the blood of the Lamb.
Life Application
Let this truth from John 14 echo in your heart: Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life, and He's coming back for those who believe in Him. The question remains - are you ready to meet Him?
Ask yourself these questions:
- If Jesus returned today, would I be ready to meet Him?
- What areas of my life need to be surrendered to Christ?
- Am I living each day with the awareness that Jesus could return at any moment?
- How can I share this hope with others who don't know Christ?
The early Christians used to greet one another by saying, "Jesus is coming soon." Plant this fact in your mind today, so that with everything you do and every step you take, you're living with the anticipation that Jesus might return at any moment.
Don't wait for another moment. Surrender to Christ, align your life with His truth, and live each day eagerly expecting His return. There is an urgency to get ready - today is your day.
Devotions
Day 1: Preparing for His Return
Devotional
In our busy lives, it's easy to become distracted by daily concerns and forget the most important truth: Jesus is coming back. He promised this clearly, telling His disciples He was going to prepare a place for them and would return to bring them home. This isn't some distant fairy tale—it's a certain reality that should shape how we live each day. When we truly believe Jesus could return at any moment, it changes our priorities. Suddenly, that social media argument doesn't seem so important. The pursuit of material possessions loses its urgency. Instead, we focus on what truly matters: our relationship with God and others. Jesus warned that His return would be sudden and unexpected. No announcements, no warnings—just an immediate separation between those who are ready and those who aren't. This isn't meant to frighten us but to awaken us to spiritual readiness. Today, consider how you would feel if you knew Jesus was returning tomorrow. Would you be filled with joy or anxiety? Would you need to make amends with someone? Would there be sins to confess? Let's live each day as if it could be the day of His return—because it very well could be.
Bible Verse
"Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father's house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am." - John 14:1-3
Reflection Question
If you knew with certainty that Jesus was returning tomorrow, what would you do differently today, and what does that reveal about your current priorities?
Quote
This is not a distant dream, but a certain reality that demands our attention and our preparation.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your promise to return. Help me live with an awareness of Your imminent coming. Reveal any areas of my life that aren't ready for Your return, and give me the courage to address them today. May I live with joyful anticipation rather than fear. Amen.
Day 2: The King is Coming
Devotional
The first time Jesus came to earth, He arrived as a vulnerable baby in a humble manger. His mission then was to serve and to sacrifice Himself for our sins. But His second coming will be dramatically different. When Jesus returns, He comes not as a servant but as the conquering King. Scripture tells us His return will be visible to all—like lightning that flashes from east to west. There will be no mistaking it, no debating whether it has happened. In an instant, believers will be caught up to meet Him in the air. This sudden separation is described vividly in Scripture—two people working together, one taken and one left behind. Two people sleeping, one taken and one left. Even people traveling together might suddenly find themselves alone as their companion is caught up to meet the Lord. This reality should create in us both comfort and urgency. Comfort because for those who are in Christ, His return means the fulfillment of all God's promises. Urgency because we don't know when this moment will come, and we want everyone we love to be ready. Today, let the anticipation of Christ's return as King fill you with hope and purpose. Live in a way that acknowledges His lordship now, so you'll be ready when He appears in glory.
Bible Verse
"For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever." - 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17
Reflection Question
How does understanding that Jesus will return as King rather than as a servant change your perspective on how you should live today?
Quote
This next time he's not coming back as a baby, but he's coming back as a king.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I acknowledge Jesus as the King of my life today. Help me to live under His lordship now, so I'll be ready when He returns in glory. Give me courage to share this hope with others who don't yet know Him. May I live each day with the awareness that my King could return at any moment. Amen.
Day 3: Checking Your Spiritual Passport
Devotional
International travel requires proper documentation—a passport that proves your identity and citizenship. Similarly, entering heaven requires spiritual documentation: your name written in the Lamb's Book of Life. Just as you can't enter a foreign country with an expired passport or someone else's ID, you can't enter heaven based on someone else's faith. Your parents' faith, your spouse's devotion, or your pastor's prayers won't secure your entrance. Each person must have their own relationship with Jesus Christ. What does a valid spiritual passport look like? It's a heart transformed by the grace of God, cleansed by the blood of Jesus, and committed to following Him. It's not about religious performance or perfect behavior, but about genuine faith that produces a changed life. Many people assume they're heaven-bound because they're "good people" or attend church. But Jesus warned that many who call Him "Lord" will be turned away because they never truly knew Him. External religion without internal transformation is like a counterfeit passport—it won't stand up to inspection. Today is the day to check your spiritual documentation. Is your faith genuine? Is your name written in heaven? Don't wait until it's too late to discover your passport isn't valid.
Bible Verse
"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven." - Matthew 7:21
Reflection Question
What evidence can you point to in your life that demonstrates your faith is genuine and not just religious activity?
Quote
To go to heaven, you have to have your own passport. Hallelujah. You can't ride on anybody else's passport.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, I want to be certain my spiritual passport is valid. Search my heart and show me if my faith is genuine. I don't want to rely on religious activities or the faith of others. I place my trust in You alone as my Savior and commit to following You as my Lord. Thank You for securing my citizenship in heaven through Your blood. Amen.
Day 4: Two Eternal Destinations
Devotional
We live in a culture that often avoids discussing uncomfortable truths. One such truth is that there are only two eternal destinations: heaven or hell. This isn't a popular message, but it's one Jesus spoke about clearly and frequently. Heaven is real—a place of perfect joy, peace, and communion with God. Jesus has gone to prepare this place for those who love Him. But equally real is hell—a place of eternal separation from God's presence and all that is good. What's sobering is that many religious people will be shocked to find themselves headed toward hell rather than heaven. External religious observance without heart transformation doesn't save anyone. Even those who prophesy, cast out demons, or perform miracles in Jesus' name may hear Him say, "I never knew you." The deciding factor isn't how religious we appear or how many good works we perform. It's whether we have a genuine relationship with Jesus Christ. Do we know Him, and does He know us? Has His grace transformed our hearts? This isn't meant to create fear but urgency. God doesn't want anyone to perish but all to come to repentance. Today, we have the opportunity to ensure our destination by surrendering our lives to Christ and allowing His Spirit to transform us from the inside out.
Bible Verse
"In a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed." - 1 Corinthians 15:52
Reflection Question
If you were to stand before God today and He asked, "Why should I let you into heaven?" what would your answer be?
Quote
I can tell you the future holds two entrance, one to heaven and one to hell. If you accept Jesus. Let me prophesy to you, if you accept Jesus, I know where you're going. I you go into heaven. If you reject Jesus, let me prophesy to you, you go into hell.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. I acknowledge that I cannot earn my way to heaven through good works or religious activities. I place my trust completely in what Jesus did for me on the cross. Transform my heart and help me live in a way that reflects Your presence in my life. Thank You for the assurance of heaven for those who truly know You. Amen.
Day 5: Living in Holy Anticipation
Devotional
The early Christians lived with a constant awareness of Christ's imminent return. They greeted each other saying, "Jesus is coming soon!" This wasn't just a theological concept for them—it was a daily reality that shaped their priorities, relationships, and decisions. What would change in our lives if we recovered this sense of holy anticipation? How would we treat others if we thought today might be our last opportunity to show Christ's love? What sins would we abandon if we believed Jesus might return before sunset? Jesus is coming back for a prepared people—those who are living holy lives, washed in His blood, and set apart for His purposes. This doesn't mean perfection, but it does mean direction. Are we moving toward greater Christlikeness? Are we allowing the Holy Spirit to transform us? Regardless of what's happening in the world—economic uncertainty, political turmoil, wars and rumors of wars—we can live with hope and assurance. Jesus is coming back! This isn't wishful thinking; it's a promise from the One who cannot lie. Today, let's recapture the urgency and joy of the early church. Let's live as if Jesus could return at any moment—because He could! And let's share this hope with a world that desperately needs good news.
Bible Verse
"Therefore, brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." - 1 Corinthians 15:58
Reflection Question
How would your daily choices and priorities change if you began each morning by reminding yourself, "Jesus could return today"?
Quote
The brothers and the sisters in the early church used to greet other one amar with the saying that Jesus is coming soon. Jesus is coming soon. Jesus is coming. They anticipated him.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for the promise of Your return. Help me live today with holy anticipation, making choices that reflect my belief that You could come at any moment. Purify my heart, transform my mind, and empower me to live a life worthy of Your calling. Use me to share this hope with others who don't yet know You. May I be found faithful when You appear. Come, Lord Jesus! Amen
Devotional
In our busy lives, it's easy to become distracted by daily concerns and forget the most important truth: Jesus is coming back. He promised this clearly, telling His disciples He was going to prepare a place for them and would return to bring them home. This isn't some distant fairy tale—it's a certain reality that should shape how we live each day. When we truly believe Jesus could return at any moment, it changes our priorities. Suddenly, that social media argument doesn't seem so important. The pursuit of material possessions loses its urgency. Instead, we focus on what truly matters: our relationship with God and others. Jesus warned that His return would be sudden and unexpected. No announcements, no warnings—just an immediate separation between those who are ready and those who aren't. This isn't meant to frighten us but to awaken us to spiritual readiness. Today, consider how you would feel if you knew Jesus was returning tomorrow. Would you be filled with joy or anxiety? Would you need to make amends with someone? Would there be sins to confess? Let's live each day as if it could be the day of His return—because it very well could be.
Bible Verse
"Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father's house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am." - John 14:1-3
Reflection Question
If you knew with certainty that Jesus was returning tomorrow, what would you do differently today, and what does that reveal about your current priorities?
Quote
This is not a distant dream, but a certain reality that demands our attention and our preparation.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your promise to return. Help me live with an awareness of Your imminent coming. Reveal any areas of my life that aren't ready for Your return, and give me the courage to address them today. May I live with joyful anticipation rather than fear. Amen.
Day 2: The King is Coming
Devotional
The first time Jesus came to earth, He arrived as a vulnerable baby in a humble manger. His mission then was to serve and to sacrifice Himself for our sins. But His second coming will be dramatically different. When Jesus returns, He comes not as a servant but as the conquering King. Scripture tells us His return will be visible to all—like lightning that flashes from east to west. There will be no mistaking it, no debating whether it has happened. In an instant, believers will be caught up to meet Him in the air. This sudden separation is described vividly in Scripture—two people working together, one taken and one left behind. Two people sleeping, one taken and one left. Even people traveling together might suddenly find themselves alone as their companion is caught up to meet the Lord. This reality should create in us both comfort and urgency. Comfort because for those who are in Christ, His return means the fulfillment of all God's promises. Urgency because we don't know when this moment will come, and we want everyone we love to be ready. Today, let the anticipation of Christ's return as King fill you with hope and purpose. Live in a way that acknowledges His lordship now, so you'll be ready when He appears in glory.
Bible Verse
"For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever." - 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17
Reflection Question
How does understanding that Jesus will return as King rather than as a servant change your perspective on how you should live today?
Quote
This next time he's not coming back as a baby, but he's coming back as a king.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I acknowledge Jesus as the King of my life today. Help me to live under His lordship now, so I'll be ready when He returns in glory. Give me courage to share this hope with others who don't yet know Him. May I live each day with the awareness that my King could return at any moment. Amen.
Day 3: Checking Your Spiritual Passport
Devotional
International travel requires proper documentation—a passport that proves your identity and citizenship. Similarly, entering heaven requires spiritual documentation: your name written in the Lamb's Book of Life. Just as you can't enter a foreign country with an expired passport or someone else's ID, you can't enter heaven based on someone else's faith. Your parents' faith, your spouse's devotion, or your pastor's prayers won't secure your entrance. Each person must have their own relationship with Jesus Christ. What does a valid spiritual passport look like? It's a heart transformed by the grace of God, cleansed by the blood of Jesus, and committed to following Him. It's not about religious performance or perfect behavior, but about genuine faith that produces a changed life. Many people assume they're heaven-bound because they're "good people" or attend church. But Jesus warned that many who call Him "Lord" will be turned away because they never truly knew Him. External religion without internal transformation is like a counterfeit passport—it won't stand up to inspection. Today is the day to check your spiritual documentation. Is your faith genuine? Is your name written in heaven? Don't wait until it's too late to discover your passport isn't valid.
Bible Verse
"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven." - Matthew 7:21
Reflection Question
What evidence can you point to in your life that demonstrates your faith is genuine and not just religious activity?
Quote
To go to heaven, you have to have your own passport. Hallelujah. You can't ride on anybody else's passport.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, I want to be certain my spiritual passport is valid. Search my heart and show me if my faith is genuine. I don't want to rely on religious activities or the faith of others. I place my trust in You alone as my Savior and commit to following You as my Lord. Thank You for securing my citizenship in heaven through Your blood. Amen.
Day 4: Two Eternal Destinations
Devotional
We live in a culture that often avoids discussing uncomfortable truths. One such truth is that there are only two eternal destinations: heaven or hell. This isn't a popular message, but it's one Jesus spoke about clearly and frequently. Heaven is real—a place of perfect joy, peace, and communion with God. Jesus has gone to prepare this place for those who love Him. But equally real is hell—a place of eternal separation from God's presence and all that is good. What's sobering is that many religious people will be shocked to find themselves headed toward hell rather than heaven. External religious observance without heart transformation doesn't save anyone. Even those who prophesy, cast out demons, or perform miracles in Jesus' name may hear Him say, "I never knew you." The deciding factor isn't how religious we appear or how many good works we perform. It's whether we have a genuine relationship with Jesus Christ. Do we know Him, and does He know us? Has His grace transformed our hearts? This isn't meant to create fear but urgency. God doesn't want anyone to perish but all to come to repentance. Today, we have the opportunity to ensure our destination by surrendering our lives to Christ and allowing His Spirit to transform us from the inside out.
Bible Verse
"In a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed." - 1 Corinthians 15:52
Reflection Question
If you were to stand before God today and He asked, "Why should I let you into heaven?" what would your answer be?
Quote
I can tell you the future holds two entrance, one to heaven and one to hell. If you accept Jesus. Let me prophesy to you, if you accept Jesus, I know where you're going. I you go into heaven. If you reject Jesus, let me prophesy to you, you go into hell.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. I acknowledge that I cannot earn my way to heaven through good works or religious activities. I place my trust completely in what Jesus did for me on the cross. Transform my heart and help me live in a way that reflects Your presence in my life. Thank You for the assurance of heaven for those who truly know You. Amen.
Day 5: Living in Holy Anticipation
Devotional
The early Christians lived with a constant awareness of Christ's imminent return. They greeted each other saying, "Jesus is coming soon!" This wasn't just a theological concept for them—it was a daily reality that shaped their priorities, relationships, and decisions. What would change in our lives if we recovered this sense of holy anticipation? How would we treat others if we thought today might be our last opportunity to show Christ's love? What sins would we abandon if we believed Jesus might return before sunset? Jesus is coming back for a prepared people—those who are living holy lives, washed in His blood, and set apart for His purposes. This doesn't mean perfection, but it does mean direction. Are we moving toward greater Christlikeness? Are we allowing the Holy Spirit to transform us? Regardless of what's happening in the world—economic uncertainty, political turmoil, wars and rumors of wars—we can live with hope and assurance. Jesus is coming back! This isn't wishful thinking; it's a promise from the One who cannot lie. Today, let's recapture the urgency and joy of the early church. Let's live as if Jesus could return at any moment—because He could! And let's share this hope with a world that desperately needs good news.
Bible Verse
"Therefore, brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." - 1 Corinthians 15:58
Reflection Question
How would your daily choices and priorities change if you began each morning by reminding yourself, "Jesus could return today"?
Quote
The brothers and the sisters in the early church used to greet other one amar with the saying that Jesus is coming soon. Jesus is coming soon. Jesus is coming. They anticipated him.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for the promise of Your return. Help me live today with holy anticipation, making choices that reflect my belief that You could come at any moment. Purify my heart, transform my mind, and empower me to live a life worthy of Your calling. Use me to share this hope with others who don't yet know You. May I be found faithful when You appear. Come, Lord Jesus! Amen
Discussion Guide
Summary
In this sermon, Pastor Jenkins delivers a powerful message about the imminent return of Jesus Christ. He emphasizes that Jesus is coming back for those who are prepared, holy, and living right with God. The sermon focuses on John 14, where Jesus promises to prepare a place for believers and return for them. Pastor Jenkins warns that many people are living as if they have endless time, but death and judgment are certain realities that everyone must face.
Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, as we gather to discuss the return of Your Son, we ask that You open our hearts and minds to receive Your truth. Help us to be honest with ourselves about our spiritual readiness. May this time of sharing and reflection draw us closer to You and to one another. Guide our conversation and help each person to hear what You specifically want them to learn today. In Jesus' name, amen.
Ice Breaker
If you could have a mansion designed exactly to your preferences in heaven, what would be one special feature you would include and why?
Key Verses
John 14:1-3
John 14:6
1 Thessalonians 4:16-17
1 Corinthians 15:51-52
Acts 1:9-11
Questions
Life Application
This week, take time each morning to remind yourself that Jesus could return today. Before making decisions or responding to situations, pause and ask yourself, 'If Jesus returned right now, would I be ready to meet Him? Would I be proud of how I'm living?' Choose one area of your life that needs alignment with God's holiness and take specific steps to address it. Also, identify one person in your life who needs to hear about Jesus' saving grace and pray for an opportunity to share this hope with them.
Key Takeaways
Ending Prayer
Lord Jesus, we thank You for Your promise to return for those who believe in You. Help us to live with holy anticipation, keeping our spiritual passports current through daily surrender to Your will. Forgive us for the times we've become distracted by the cares of this world and forgotten the urgency of Your coming. Give us courage to share this hope with others who don't yet know You. May we live each day as if it could be the day of Your return, with our hearts prepared and our lives reflecting Your holiness. In Your precious name we pray, amen.
In this sermon, Pastor Jenkins delivers a powerful message about the imminent return of Jesus Christ. He emphasizes that Jesus is coming back for those who are prepared, holy, and living right with God. The sermon focuses on John 14, where Jesus promises to prepare a place for believers and return for them. Pastor Jenkins warns that many people are living as if they have endless time, but death and judgment are certain realities that everyone must face.
Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, as we gather to discuss the return of Your Son, we ask that You open our hearts and minds to receive Your truth. Help us to be honest with ourselves about our spiritual readiness. May this time of sharing and reflection draw us closer to You and to one another. Guide our conversation and help each person to hear what You specifically want them to learn today. In Jesus' name, amen.
Ice Breaker
If you could have a mansion designed exactly to your preferences in heaven, what would be one special feature you would include and why?
Key Verses
John 14:1-3
John 14:6
1 Thessalonians 4:16-17
1 Corinthians 15:51-52
Acts 1:9-11
Questions
- The pastor emphasized that Jesus is coming back for a 'prepared people.' What does being prepared for Christ's return look like in practical, everyday life?
- In John 14:1, Jesus says 'Let not your heart be troubled.' What things in today's world trouble your heart, and how does the promise of Christ's return provide comfort?
- The sermon mentioned that many people are living as if they have endless time. How might our lives look different if we lived each day with the awareness that Jesus could return at any moment?
- The pastor used the analogy of checking your spiritual passport. What would it mean to have an 'expired spiritual passport,' and how can we ensure ours is current?
- How does the certainty of Jesus' return influence your priorities and decision-making in life?
- The pastor said, 'It doesn't make sense we preach holiness and don't live holy.' What areas of holiness do you find most challenging to live out consistently?
- What's the difference between living in fear of judgment versus living in hopeful anticipation of Christ's return?
- The early Christians greeted each other by saying 'Jesus is coming soon.' How might regularly reminding ourselves of this truth change our perspective on daily life?
Life Application
This week, take time each morning to remind yourself that Jesus could return today. Before making decisions or responding to situations, pause and ask yourself, 'If Jesus returned right now, would I be ready to meet Him? Would I be proud of how I'm living?' Choose one area of your life that needs alignment with God's holiness and take specific steps to address it. Also, identify one person in your life who needs to hear about Jesus' saving grace and pray for an opportunity to share this hope with them.
Key Takeaways
- Jesus promised He would return, and His return is certain - we must be prepared at all times.
- True preparation for Christ's return involves living in holiness, not just claiming to be a Christian.
- There are only two eternal destinations - heaven or hell - and accepting Jesus is the only way to heaven.
- When Jesus returns, those who have died in Christ will rise first, then those who are alive will be caught up to meet Him.
- We should live with urgency and anticipation, as if each day could be the day of Christ's return.
Ending Prayer
Lord Jesus, we thank You for Your promise to return for those who believe in You. Help us to live with holy anticipation, keeping our spiritual passports current through daily surrender to Your will. Forgive us for the times we've become distracted by the cares of this world and forgotten the urgency of Your coming. Give us courage to share this hope with others who don't yet know You. May we live each day as if it could be the day of Your return, with our hearts prepared and our lives reflecting Your holiness. In Your precious name we pray, amen.
Dalton Jenkins
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