“Preparing for the Return of Jesus Christ” part 1

Our pastor gave a wonderful sermon yesterday and I spoke with him afterwards, gaining, by the request, not only his permission to use his sermon for my blog, but he generously handed me his sermon notes.

Then, turning with a broad smile responded, “And you don’t need to put my name on it. It’s all the Lord and I gather things from other places, some I’ve read, others I can’t remember where it came from, but it’s all the Lord.”

The power of the truth and the succinct way he phrased them, is well worth repeating, of course understanding these truths are authored by Almighty God.

To allow each one to steep in our hearts, I’m going to be doing a series of posts.

I will prepare myself to meet Jesus Christ.

And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming. If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone who practices righteousness is born of Him.
I John 2:28‭-‬29 NKJV

For every individual the journey of meeting Christ begins at salvation.

Acts 16:31 NKJV — So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.”

With this belief comes new birth.

1 Peter 1:23 NKJV — having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever,

2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV — Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

For a born again believer, the journey is a life long relationship with Jesus, all in preparation for the final day when we will meet at His return or our arrival in Heaven.

Thus to prepare oneself to meet Jesus Christ we find instructions in scripture for the journey.

We are to abide in Him.

“And now, little children, abide in Him,…” 1 John 2:28a

To abide is to continue to feel at home with the Lord.

Which equals recognizing Jesus Christ as my master and includes Him in all my decisions, depending upon His Word for direction and guidance from the Holy Spirit.

Home should be a place of peace, safety, and an opportunity for refreshment.

One finds these things through dwelling with Jesus and surrendering themselves before Him.

We are making ourselves ready for our future with the Lord Jesus by learning His ways and applying His truths.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for this instruction which tells us to abide in You. Lord, Your Word is clear that one cannot serve You and anything else. You alone are to be Lord. Please continue to teach me how to walk in Your Word each day. Lord, please bring to my heart and mind Your Word and the truths I have learned. Lord, please help me to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and careful in my actions. Lord, thank You for being my Savior, my Redeemer! How I look forward to the day when we shall meet face to face. Until then, may my life be a reflection of You. I love You, Lord. Amen.

* For those who would like to watch the sermon on YouTube our church name is Elkton Bible Baptist Church, our pastor is Rod Wilgus and the title is: Preparing for the Return of Jesus Christ, 1 John 2:28-3:3.