"But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come." -Mark 13:32-33
A few years back, a survey taken by U.S. News and World Report found that 61% of Americans believe in the Second Coming of Christ. A similar Newsweek poll reported that 45% believed that Christ will return during their lifetime. Pew Research reported that 79% of U.S. Christians believe in the return of Jesus. However, interestingly enough, there’s much less agreement about the timing/circumstances surrounding His coming.
Now, as helpful as polls might be, in reality what really matters are the promises of God which we find in the Bible (i.e., the promise of eternal life, the promise of victory, the promise of forgiveness, the promise of guidance, the promise of answered prayer, the promise of wisdom, the promise of peace, and the promise of God’s presence). But, we’re still waiting for the fulfillment of His return.
It is very evident in the Bible that the return of Christ is a promise that can be counted on. Jesus communicated this very clearly in John 14:3. From the first century up to now, Christ followers have always believed in Jesus' imminent return.
Many have asked, "When is He coming back?" The timing is uncertain. No one will ever know the exact moment of His return (Matthew 24:36). If anyone ever tells you that they know exactly when Jesus will return, don’t believe it! Jesus will come when we least expect Him (Matthew 24:37-41).
The point I'm trying to get across is simple: "Make sure you’re ready!" (Matthew 24:42-44). As mentioned above, it's a good bet that He'll return when we least expect Him. So, keep your eyes toward the sky and be prepared to meet the Lord face-to-face, at any moment (Revelation 22:7; 22:12; 22:20).
In the meantime, what can we do? We can encourage one another (1 Thessalonians 4:18). The message of the coming of Christ should fill us with tremendous excitement. Also, we can live honorable, reputable lives. Ask yourself this the next time you’re sinning: “Would I want to be doing this when Jesus returns?” Wouldn't it be awful to be ashamed when Jesus comes back? (1 John 2:28).
For sure, these are all good things, but here's the most important thing you can do: Ask Jesus to save you. If you've never given your life over to Christ and received His salvation, then I strongly petition you with all my heart. Get yourself squared away with God before it’s too late! (2 Peter 3:9-10).
The repercussions are too much and the stakes are too high. Allow me to say this as clearly as I can. If you've never made a decision to put your faith in Jesus Christ for forgiveness of sins, you'll be in a world of hurt when Jesus comes back. Seriously, your judgment will be definite, immediate, and grave!
Don't sit around procrastinating! Right now, at this very moment, Jesus is seeking a relationship with you. Acknowledge Him before it’s too late!
Scripture: Isaiah 1:18; Isaiah 55:1; Matthew 11:28; Luke 14:17; Revelation 22:17
Prayer: "Dear God I know I'm a sinner, I know I'm not where I want to be, and I want your forgiveness! I believe that Jesus died on the cross to pay the price for my sins.
Please wash me clean from all sin, shame, and guilt, come into my life Jesus to be my Lord and Savior. I ask this in your name Jesus. Amen!"
God bless you always!
Heather
Now, as helpful as polls might be, in reality what really matters are the promises of God which we find in the Bible (i.e., the promise of eternal life, the promise of victory, the promise of forgiveness, the promise of guidance, the promise of answered prayer, the promise of wisdom, the promise of peace, and the promise of God’s presence). But, we’re still waiting for the fulfillment of His return.
It is very evident in the Bible that the return of Christ is a promise that can be counted on. Jesus communicated this very clearly in John 14:3. From the first century up to now, Christ followers have always believed in Jesus' imminent return.
Many have asked, "When is He coming back?" The timing is uncertain. No one will ever know the exact moment of His return (Matthew 24:36). If anyone ever tells you that they know exactly when Jesus will return, don’t believe it! Jesus will come when we least expect Him (Matthew 24:37-41).
The point I'm trying to get across is simple: "Make sure you’re ready!" (Matthew 24:42-44). As mentioned above, it's a good bet that He'll return when we least expect Him. So, keep your eyes toward the sky and be prepared to meet the Lord face-to-face, at any moment (Revelation 22:7; 22:12; 22:20).
In the meantime, what can we do? We can encourage one another (1 Thessalonians 4:18). The message of the coming of Christ should fill us with tremendous excitement. Also, we can live honorable, reputable lives. Ask yourself this the next time you’re sinning: “Would I want to be doing this when Jesus returns?” Wouldn't it be awful to be ashamed when Jesus comes back? (1 John 2:28).
For sure, these are all good things, but here's the most important thing you can do: Ask Jesus to save you. If you've never given your life over to Christ and received His salvation, then I strongly petition you with all my heart. Get yourself squared away with God before it’s too late! (2 Peter 3:9-10).
The repercussions are too much and the stakes are too high. Allow me to say this as clearly as I can. If you've never made a decision to put your faith in Jesus Christ for forgiveness of sins, you'll be in a world of hurt when Jesus comes back. Seriously, your judgment will be definite, immediate, and grave!
Don't sit around procrastinating! Right now, at this very moment, Jesus is seeking a relationship with you. Acknowledge Him before it’s too late!
Scripture: Isaiah 1:18; Isaiah 55:1; Matthew 11:28; Luke 14:17; Revelation 22:17
Prayer: "Dear God I know I'm a sinner, I know I'm not where I want to be, and I want your forgiveness! I believe that Jesus died on the cross to pay the price for my sins.
Please wash me clean from all sin, shame, and guilt, come into my life Jesus to be my Lord and Savior. I ask this in your name Jesus. Amen!"
God bless you always!
Heather
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