Preparing for the Return of Jesus

IOI CHRISTIAN MORNING MEAL

TOPIC: Preparing for the Return of Jesus

Text: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

INTRODUCTION
In the book of Thessalonians we saw where Paul discussed "the Comfort of Christ's Return".
How we ought to be comforted by the facts and events of His coming, especially as it
relates to loved ones who have died in the Lord (1 Thes 4:13-18).

Of course, the comfort of Christ's return presumes that we are prepared for it.
Whether we are among those who have died prior to that great event or we are among
those who will be alive when He comes... are we prepared?
Will He find us ready when He comes? Will we be ready should we die before He comes?
As we come to the final chapter in Paul's epistle to the Thessalonians, we find him
telling how Christians can be 'Preparing for the Return of Jesus' (1 Thes 5:1-11).

Proper preparation for the coming of Jesus takes into account that...

HE WILL COME AS A THIEF IN THE NIGHT (VV 1-4)
FOR SOME, BUT NOT FOR OTHERS
The Lord's coming will be a surprise for many as the 'thief in the night picture' clearly
illustrates (1 Thes 5:2; cf 2 Peter 3:10).
But for those who heed the warnings of Scripture, the 'Day' will not overtake them as
a thief (1 Thes 5:1-2,4) because they will be ready for His coming, though we don't
know when it will be; and because they will have taken to heart the words of
Scripture we shall be considering.

FOR SOME IT WILL BE AN INESCAPEABLE DESTRUCTION
Jesus will come when some are saying "peace and safety!" (1 Thes 5:3). In all the
troubles and tribulations a sudden lull will occur. People will be saying, "peace and
safety!" When Jesus comes it will be with "sudden destruction" (1Thes 5:3). Terrible
signs will occur prior to His coming (Matt 24). Just as labour pains come upon a
pregnant women. There will be no time - nor any way - to escape this destruction,
which is described in more detail in the second epistle to the Thessalonians
(2 Thes 1:7-10).
This day will be one of glory for those who are ready (2 Thes 1:10). That is for those
who now 'sleep in Jesus' (1 Thes 4:13-16) and for those prepared for His coming when
He does descend (1 Thes 4:17-18).
What will this 'day' mean for us, when the Lord comes as a "thief in the night"?

Will it be a day of destruction or a day of delight? It depends whether we are prepared for His coming.

And if you prepared then practice, daily forgiveness, holiness, faithfulness, and abide with the law of God, ready to do what is right every second, let Jesus be your role model, run away from sin, ready to throw away your sinful life and embrace true christian life, love your Bible and read it, go to church and guide your self with prayer and fasting, be friendly to faithful brother and as sister in the lord to help you grow and expect Jesus coming daily
I urge you to give your life to Jesus today, tomorrow can be too late, delay is dangerous.

PRAY THIS PRAYER
LORD JESUS CHRIST, I THANK YOU FOR YOUR LOVE TO SAVE ME. I SURRENDER TO YOU, I CONFESS MY SINS, I ACCEPT YOU INTO MY LIFE, WRITE MY NAME IN THE BOOK OF LIFE AND REMOVE MY NAME FROM THE BOOK OF HELL. HELP ME TO BE FAITHFUL TO THE END OF MY LIFE. THANK U LORD FOR SAVING ME. AMEN

GOOD MORNING FRIEND