He’s Coming Again
Today I am sharing some notes from Pastor Mike Silliman’s sermon on Christ’s second coming. His full message can be found on Grace Community Church, Goshen Indiana’s website. I will put a link at the bottom of this blog post.
Do you long for Christ to return? How we long for Christ’s return effects how we live our lives. It has also been said that, the degree to which we long for Christ’s return is a measure of our spiritual condition.
We are to long for Christ’s return and continue the work He has given us. Yet we get distracted by “pit stops” on our journey to Heaven. When we get distracted by things of earth, we stop longing for our home with Christ.
There are 1,845 Biblical references to Christ’s second coming. These outnumber the references of Christ’s first coming by 8 to 1. We know that Christ came the first time and fulfilled over 200 prophecies, therefore we know He will come again to fulfill the 1,845 Biblical references to His second coming.
2 Peter 3 gives us direction in how to live in light of Christ’s second coming.
1. 2 Peter 3:1-2: Live under the authority and radical obedience of God’s word because it is our standard of truth. We will not be swayed by the currents of culture. Did you know there are 3 things that lead to moral social change in society? Think about these and where we are today, at least here in America. 1) What was once universally condemned is now universally accepted, 2) What once was condemned is now celebrated and what was celebrated is now condemned, 3) Those who refuse to accept or celebrate changes are condemned.
2. 2 Peter 3:3-7: We will not run from or hide from unbelievers, scoffers, and mockers. Instead, we will remain steadfast in what we know is true and let our light shine brightly. The gospel was written for us, at this time.
3. 2 Peter 3:8-10: We will see perceived delays as God’s divine appointments. We will be “hope dealers” to the hopeless and hurting. His delay allows others to come to Him. Imagine if God returned one week before you accepted him as your Lord and Savior?
4. 2 Peter 3:11-12: We will live a life of daily repentance. Putting to death the sin that entangles us and pursuing a spirit-filled life of godliness. Reorient your life to a gospel centered life that bears fruit.
5. 2 Peter 3:13-16: We will live our lives with balance, longing for Heaven tomorrow while at the same time living on mission today.
6. 2 Peter 3:17-18: We will make the necessary adjustments to our lives so we can grow in grace and be good and faithful stewards until Christ returns.
I know this is not our usual inspirational moment, but I hope you found it inspiring. As we face trials we’ve never faced before, may our hope, peace, and joy be anchored in Christ our solid rock. To hear this entire message from Pastor Mike Silliman, visit https://gracecommunity-church.com/watch. This is the third message in the Trilogy series.
