Looking Forward with Expectation
Preparing for Christ's Return in 2025 and Beyond
As we step into a new year, many of us find ourselves reflecting on the unexpected twists and turns of the past 12 months. Some events brought joy and excitement, while others left us eager to turn the page. But amidst our personal reflections and resolutions, there's a greater anticipation we should be cultivating – the return of Jesus Christ.
The concept of Christ's second coming isn't new, but its relevance grows with each passing day. In Matthew 24, Jesus provides us with a powerful analogy: "Now learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branches bud and its leaves begin to sprout, you know that summer is near. In the same way, when you see all these things, you can know his return is very near, right at the door."
This passage invites us to be observant, to recognize the signs of the times. Just as we can discern the changing of seasons by watching nature, we're called to be spiritually attuned to the indicators of Christ's imminent return. But what are these signs?
Jesus outlines several markers:
- False messiahs deceiving many
- Wars and rumors of wars
- Nations rising against nations
- Famines and earthquakes in various places
- Persecution of believers
- Widespread hatred towards Christians
As we look at our world today, it's hard not to see these signs unfolding. From religious charlatans to global conflicts, from natural disasters to the persecution of faith communities, the landscape of our planet eerily mirrors Jesus' prophecy.
However, Jesus is clear that while these signs indicate we're in the season of His return, no one knows the exact day or hour – not even the angels or Jesus Himself. Only the Father knows. This uncertainty isn't meant to frustrate us, but to keep us vigilant and focused on our mission.
The parable of Noah serves as a stark reminder of how easy it is to become complacent. In Noah's time, people were carrying on with their daily lives – enjoying banquets, parties, and weddings – right up until the flood swept them away. They had been warned, but they chose not to listen. How often do we find ourselves in a similar position, hearing but not truly listening to the urgency of Christ's message?
This brings us to a crucial question: Are we ready? Jesus' return will come as a surprise to many, but it doesn't have to catch us off guard. We're called to be prepared, not by trying to predict the date, but by living each day with purpose and spiritual alertness.
Jesus uses the analogy of a homeowner protecting against a burglar. If we knew exactly when a thief was coming, we'd be ready. But since we don't know the timing of Christ's return, we must be ready at all times. This readiness isn't about fear or anxiety, but about living with intention and purpose.
So, what does it mean to be ready? It starts with a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Have we truly repented of our sins and put our faith in Him? Are we living out our faith in tangible ways? Are we sharing the good news of the Gospel with others?
Being ready also means actively participating in God's mission. Jesus tells us that the Gospel will be preached to all nations before the end comes. Every time we share our faith, support missionaries, or contribute to Bible translations, we're not just spreading hope – we're actually participating in the fulfillment of prophecy.
As we consider our readiness, there are three key steps we can take:
1. Regret: We must recognize where we've fallen short. This isn't about wallowing in guilt, but about honestly assessing our spiritual condition. Are there areas of our lives that don't align with God's will?
2. Repent: True change begins with repentance – a change of mind and heart that leads to a change in direction. It's turning away from our old ways and turning towards God.
3. Resolve: Finally, we make a commitment – not just to ourselves, but to God. We resolve to live differently, to prioritize our relationship with Him, and to align our lives with His purposes.
These steps apply not just to our spiritual lives, but to any area where we seek lasting change. However, our relationship with God must be our first priority. All other resolutions and goals should flow from this central commitment.
As we journey through 2025, let's challenge ourselves to live with spiritual urgency. This doesn't mean abandoning our daily responsibilities or living in constant anxiety. Rather, it means infusing our everyday lives with eternal perspective. How would our interactions change if we truly believed Jesus could return at any moment? How would it affect our priorities, our use of time, our treatment of others?
Let's not be like those in Noah's day, carrying on with business as usual while ignoring the signs around us. Instead, let's be spiritually alert, actively engaged in God's mission, and eagerly anticipating the return of our Savior.
Remember, there are only two categories of people: those who are ready and those who are not. Which category do you fall into? If you're not sure, today is the day to get right with God. Don't put it off. The Holy Spirit is faithful to convict us when we're not ready and to assure us when we are.
As we step into this new year, let's make our primary resolution to be ready – ready to meet our Savior, ready to give an account of our lives, and ready to enter into the fullness of God's kingdom. May 2025 be a year of spiritual awakening, purposeful living, and joyful anticipation of Christ's return.
As we step into a new year, many of us find ourselves reflecting on the unexpected twists and turns of the past 12 months. Some events brought joy and excitement, while others left us eager to turn the page. But amidst our personal reflections and resolutions, there's a greater anticipation we should be cultivating – the return of Jesus Christ.
The concept of Christ's second coming isn't new, but its relevance grows with each passing day. In Matthew 24, Jesus provides us with a powerful analogy: "Now learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branches bud and its leaves begin to sprout, you know that summer is near. In the same way, when you see all these things, you can know his return is very near, right at the door."
This passage invites us to be observant, to recognize the signs of the times. Just as we can discern the changing of seasons by watching nature, we're called to be spiritually attuned to the indicators of Christ's imminent return. But what are these signs?
Jesus outlines several markers:
- False messiahs deceiving many
- Wars and rumors of wars
- Nations rising against nations
- Famines and earthquakes in various places
- Persecution of believers
- Widespread hatred towards Christians
As we look at our world today, it's hard not to see these signs unfolding. From religious charlatans to global conflicts, from natural disasters to the persecution of faith communities, the landscape of our planet eerily mirrors Jesus' prophecy.
However, Jesus is clear that while these signs indicate we're in the season of His return, no one knows the exact day or hour – not even the angels or Jesus Himself. Only the Father knows. This uncertainty isn't meant to frustrate us, but to keep us vigilant and focused on our mission.
The parable of Noah serves as a stark reminder of how easy it is to become complacent. In Noah's time, people were carrying on with their daily lives – enjoying banquets, parties, and weddings – right up until the flood swept them away. They had been warned, but they chose not to listen. How often do we find ourselves in a similar position, hearing but not truly listening to the urgency of Christ's message?
This brings us to a crucial question: Are we ready? Jesus' return will come as a surprise to many, but it doesn't have to catch us off guard. We're called to be prepared, not by trying to predict the date, but by living each day with purpose and spiritual alertness.
Jesus uses the analogy of a homeowner protecting against a burglar. If we knew exactly when a thief was coming, we'd be ready. But since we don't know the timing of Christ's return, we must be ready at all times. This readiness isn't about fear or anxiety, but about living with intention and purpose.
So, what does it mean to be ready? It starts with a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Have we truly repented of our sins and put our faith in Him? Are we living out our faith in tangible ways? Are we sharing the good news of the Gospel with others?
Being ready also means actively participating in God's mission. Jesus tells us that the Gospel will be preached to all nations before the end comes. Every time we share our faith, support missionaries, or contribute to Bible translations, we're not just spreading hope – we're actually participating in the fulfillment of prophecy.
As we consider our readiness, there are three key steps we can take:
1. Regret: We must recognize where we've fallen short. This isn't about wallowing in guilt, but about honestly assessing our spiritual condition. Are there areas of our lives that don't align with God's will?
2. Repent: True change begins with repentance – a change of mind and heart that leads to a change in direction. It's turning away from our old ways and turning towards God.
3. Resolve: Finally, we make a commitment – not just to ourselves, but to God. We resolve to live differently, to prioritize our relationship with Him, and to align our lives with His purposes.
These steps apply not just to our spiritual lives, but to any area where we seek lasting change. However, our relationship with God must be our first priority. All other resolutions and goals should flow from this central commitment.
As we journey through 2025, let's challenge ourselves to live with spiritual urgency. This doesn't mean abandoning our daily responsibilities or living in constant anxiety. Rather, it means infusing our everyday lives with eternal perspective. How would our interactions change if we truly believed Jesus could return at any moment? How would it affect our priorities, our use of time, our treatment of others?
Let's not be like those in Noah's day, carrying on with business as usual while ignoring the signs around us. Instead, let's be spiritually alert, actively engaged in God's mission, and eagerly anticipating the return of our Savior.
Remember, there are only two categories of people: those who are ready and those who are not. Which category do you fall into? If you're not sure, today is the day to get right with God. Don't put it off. The Holy Spirit is faithful to convict us when we're not ready and to assure us when we are.
As we step into this new year, let's make our primary resolution to be ready – ready to meet our Savior, ready to give an account of our lives, and ready to enter into the fullness of God's kingdom. May 2025 be a year of spiritual awakening, purposeful living, and joyful anticipation of Christ's return.
Posted in Sermon Articles