Pastures Community Church4th October 2015

Awaiting the Lord’s Return

1. Live a life that is pleasing to God.

Matt 5 v 13-16 ‘You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty

again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled

underfoot. ‘You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither

do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the

same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and

glorify your Father in heaven.

2. Make the most of every opportunity.

Ephesians 5 v 15-17 Be very careful, then, how you live – not as

unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand

what the Lord’s will is.

3. Support our brothers and sisters who are in need.

Matthew 25 v 34-36 ‘Then the King will say to those on his right, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to

eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me

in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was ill and you looked after me, I was in

prison and you came to visit me.”

4. Pray for the Lord to return.

Matthew 6 v 9-10Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be your name,your kingdom come,

your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

5. Pray for the world.

1 Timothy 2 v 1-3I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in

all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Saviour, who wants all

people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

6. Expect persecution.

John 15 v 18-19If the world hates you, keep in mind that it

hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.

2 Timothy 3 v 12In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life

in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,

7. Embrace persecution !

1 Peter 4 v 12-14Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening

to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that

you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the

name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.

Romans 5 v 2-5And we boast in the hope of the glory of

God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;

perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to

shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

Summary:

Jesus is coming back

We should not simply “sit and wait”

Living for Him will bring us suffering

Suffering will bring us closer to Him