How to be Ready for the Return of Jesus [podcast]

“Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.” Luke 12:40

Even if we could know the exact moment of Christ’s return, that’s not important in comparison to knowing Him and being ready for His return! Many who once knew Him will not be ready as Jesus taught in His parable of the 10 virgins of Matthew 25:1-13.

WHATEVER it takes to be of a humble and contrite spirit, do it. There’s NO-thing you can’t fast out of your life. Read that again. Isaiah 58. Never mind the excuses, the “buts”…. simply repent, lay down your life, and follow Jesus (Psalms 34:18; 51:17; Hosea 10:12; Joel 2:12; Ezekiel 18:30; Mark 9:43-49; Luke 9:23-24; 14:33; 17:33; 19:27, etc.).

“Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:3

“Him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word”

“Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest? 2 For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.” Isaiah 66:1-2

One commentator notes:

“Isaiah 66:2
a    [to this man will I look even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word] Three things God prefers to a magnificent temple:
1.    A poor (humble, downtrodden, oppressed, afflicted, subdued, pious, godly) man
2.    A contrite man—one with a broken, crushed, contrite spirit
3.    A man who trembles at His Word”

Even if we could figure out the exact moment Jesus would return, that wouldn’t change the fact that we are going to Hell eternally, irrevocably if we are not ready to meet Him – on HIS terms, the terms set forth in His Word.

What people is Jesus returning for? Here’s who Jesus is soon returning for…. notice there’s no mention of being a good church member, singing in the choir, etc.. Time to ditch all disingenuous religiosity.

“Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.” Ephesians 5:25-27

“For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?” 1 Thessalonians 2:19

“And now, little children, abide in him; that, when HE SHALL APPEAR, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him AT HIS COMING.” 1 John 2:28

“Holy and without Blame”

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: 4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:” Ephesians 1:3-4 

Knowing these things were foretold, how should we live before the LORD?

“But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. 11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, 12 looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? 13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. 14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.” 2 Peter 3:10-14

“And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. 35 For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.” Luke 21:34-36

YOUR PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please purify my heart and life of every trace of sin and ungodly attitude and perspective, in the name of Jesus Christ. Please use me to edify your people and help lost souls to be saved. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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