THE KIND OF CHRISTIAN LIVING THAT IS FIT FOR THE
CHURCH AT THE SOON COMING OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST
Matthew 24:44–47 “[44]
Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man
cometh. [45] Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made
ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? [46] Blessed is that
servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. [47] Verily I say
unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods.”
INTRODUCTION
In our
generation today, many servants of God recognize that we are living in the last
days (2 Timothy 3:1–5). As we await the return of Christ, our lives and
churches must reflect a readiness that honors Him.
1. WORSHIPING GOD WITH SINCERITY AND FAITHFULNESS IS A
MARK OF THE LOCAL CHURCH AT THE SOON COMING OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST
Hebrews 10:25 “Not
forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but
exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”
The
Apostle Paul encourages Christians to remain faithful in gathering to worship
God together in His house.
2. CONSISTENT PRAYERFULNESS IS A MARK OF THE LOCAL CHURCH
AT THE SOON COMING OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST
Acts 1:13–15 “[13] And
when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both
Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and
Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of
James. [14] These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication,
with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren. [15] And
in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the
number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,)”
a. The
Nature of Prayer: God's people come boldly before the throne of grace, trusting
in His mercy and expecting help in times of need (Hebrews 4:16).
b. More
Prayer, More Power: True spiritual power comes through persistent prayer (Acts
1:8).
c. The
Fruit of Prayer: Continuous prayer results in great harvests of saved souls
(Acts 6:4–7).
d. Our
Ultimate Example: The Lord Jesus Christ is our prime model in unceasing prayer
(Matthew 26:40–41).
e. The
Early Church: The Jerusalem church followed Christ’s example by making prayer
their foundation.
3. EAGERLY SHOWING LOVE FOR THE LOST ENABLES THE LOCAL
CHURCH TO WIN THEM BEFORE THE RETURN OF JESUS CHRIST
2 Corinthians 5:14 “For the
love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for
all, then were all dead:”
a. The
Jerusalem Church: A prime model of bold and eager soul-winning (Acts 5:26–29).
b. The
Antioch Church: A model of courage and zeal in reaching the lost (Acts
11:20–25).
c. The
Great Sacrifice: The church was bought by the precious blood of Jesus
Christ—the ultimate expression of God's love for lost humanity.
d. Our
Calling: We must continuously share God's love by presenting the gospel to lost
people every day (Matthew 28:7, 19–20).
4. A CHRIST-LIKE LIFESTYLE AND TESTIMONY MUST BE
MAINTAINED AT THE SOON COMING OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST
1 Peter 2:21 “For even
hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an
example, that ye should follow his steps:”
a. Christ
continuously demonstrated His love for lost people (2 Corinthians 5:14).
b. Christ
loved the church and gave Himself for it (Ephesians 5:25).
c. Christ
loved and supported missions; without a clear vision, people perish (Proverbs
29:18).
5. CONTINUING IN FAITHFUL CHRISTIAN LIVING SERVES AS A
GREAT MOTIVATION AT THE SOON COMING OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST
2 Timothy 3:14–17 “[14] But
continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of,
knowing of whom thou hast learned them; [15] And that from a child thou hast
known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation
through faith which is in Christ Jesus. [16] All scripture is given by
inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for
correction, for instruction in righteousness: [17] That the man of God may be
perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”
a. Redeeming the Time: We must make the most of every
opportunity because the days are evil (Ephesians 5:16).
b. Edifying
the Church: The truth of Christ’s return encourages believers to remain
steadfast, productive, and unified in ministry while awaiting His coming
(Ephesians 4:13–16).
6.
UNSTOPPABLE OUTREACH TO THE LOST MUST BE THE GOAL OF EVERY CHRISTIAN AT THE
SOON COMING OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST
a. The
Lord Jesus Christ is our supreme model in reaching the lost with urgency
(Philippians 1:5–6).
John 9:4–5 “[4] I must
work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no
man can work. [5] As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”
May
God bless you all abundantly as we serve Him together.
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