Anticipating Christ's Return: A Call to Unity

 

Summary

In our recent gathering, we explored the profound anticipation of Christ's return, focusing on the heart of this event as depicted in Matthew 23. Jesus tells Jerusalem that He will not return until they genuinely proclaim, "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord." This statement underscores the rejection He faced, similar to the prophets before Him. It is a call for a heartfelt acknowledgment and acceptance of His coming. During a time of worship, we felt inspired to collectively express this longing, even incorporating the Hebrew language to deepen our connection and unity in this cry for His return.

The inspiration for this expression is rooted in 2 Peter 3, where Peter speaks of the kind of lives we should lead as we await Christ's return. It is not merely a passive waiting but an active participation in hastening His coming through lives of holiness and godliness. This anticipation is a unifying call for the bride of Christ to join with the Spirit in saying, "Come, Lord Jesus." Our song, born from this inspiration, serves as a unifying anthem for believers everywhere, not just in Jerusalem, to cry out for His return.

The use of Hebrew in our worship is intentional, aiming to connect us with the historical and spiritual roots of our faith. It is a reminder that the call for Christ's return is universal, transcending language and culture. As we sing, "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord," we join a chorus of believers worldwide, longing for the day when the former things will pass away, and we will see Him face to face.

Key Takeaways:

- The return of Christ is deeply tied to the acknowledgment and acceptance of His authority and presence. It requires a heartfelt proclamation from His people, echoing the call in Matthew 23 for Jerusalem to welcome Him genuinely. This is a reminder that our relationship with Christ is not passive but requires active engagement and readiness. [00:30]

- Our anticipation of Christ's return should transform our lives, as Peter suggests in 2 Peter 3. We are called to live in holiness and godliness, actively participating in hastening His coming. This is a call to align our lives with His will, reflecting His character in our daily actions. [01:16]

- Worship is a powerful tool for unifying believers in the cry for Christ's return. By incorporating elements like Hebrew, we connect with the historical roots of our faith and join a global chorus of believers. This unity in worship strengthens our collective anticipation and longing for His return. [01:42]

- The use of language in worship can deepen our spiritual connection and understanding. Singing in Hebrew, for instance, not only honors the Jewish roots of our faith but also enriches our worship experience, reminding us of the universal call for Christ's return. [01:58]

- The promise of seeing Christ face to face is a powerful motivator for our faith journey. It reminds us that the former things will pass away, and we will experience the fullness of His presence. This hope should inspire us to live with purpose and anticipation, eagerly awaiting His return. [04:21]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:14] - The Heart of Christ's Return
[00:30] - Rejection and Acceptance
[00:46] - Worship and Proclamation
[01:02] - Inspiration from 2 Peter 3
[01:16] - Lives of Holiness and Godliness
[01:30] - Participating in His Return
[01:42] - Explanation of the Song
[01:58] - Universal Call for Christ's Return
[02:31] - Dwelling with Christ
[03:28] - The Passing of Former Things
[04:21] - Seeing Christ Face to Face
[04:45] - Unified Worship
[05:13] - Anticipation and Hope
[06:13] - Closing Reflections

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Matthew 23:37-39
- 2 Peter 3:11-12

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Observation Questions:

1. In Matthew 23, what is the significance of Jesus telling Jerusalem that He will not return until they say, "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord"? How does this relate to the rejection He faced? [00:14]

2. According to 2 Peter 3, what kind of lives are believers encouraged to lead as they await Christ's return? How does this passage describe the anticipation of His coming? [01:16]

3. How does the use of Hebrew in worship, as mentioned in the sermon, connect believers to the historical and spiritual roots of their faith? [01:42]

4. What role does worship play in unifying believers in the anticipation of Christ's return, as discussed in the sermon? [01:58]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. What does it mean for believers to actively participate in hastening the coming of Christ, as mentioned in 2 Peter 3? How might this look in a believer's daily life? [01:16]

2. How does the call for a heartfelt proclamation of "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord" challenge the way believers view their relationship with Christ? [00:30]

3. In what ways does incorporating Hebrew into worship deepen the spiritual connection and understanding of the universal call for Christ's return? [01:42]

4. How does the promise of seeing Christ face to face serve as a motivator for believers' faith journeys, and what implications does this have for their daily lives? [04:21]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you might be passively waiting for Christ's return rather than actively participating in hastening it? What changes can you make to live a life of holiness and godliness? [01:16]

2. How can you incorporate the anticipation of Christ's return into your daily worship and prayer life? Consider specific practices or habits you can adopt. [01:30]

3. Think about the role of language in your worship experience. How might learning or incorporating elements from the historical roots of your faith, like Hebrew, enhance your spiritual journey? [01:58]

4. The sermon emphasizes the importance of a heartfelt proclamation of Christ's authority. How can you ensure that your acknowledgment of Christ is genuine and not just a routine part of your faith practice? [00:30]

5. Consider the global aspect of the call for Christ's return. How can you engage with and support the broader body of Christ in this unified cry, both locally and globally? [01:42]

6. Reflect on the hope of seeing Christ face to face. How does this promise influence your current struggles or challenges? What steps can you take to keep this hope at the forefront of your mind? [04:21]

7. Identify one specific way you can align your life more closely with Christ's will this week. What practical steps will you take to reflect His character in your actions? [01:16]

Devotional

Day 1: Acknowledging Christ's Authority and Presence
The return of Christ is not just an event to be awaited passively; it requires a heartfelt acknowledgment and acceptance of His authority and presence. In Matthew 23, Jesus emphasizes the importance of Jerusalem's genuine proclamation, "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord," as a prerequisite for His return. This call is a reminder that our relationship with Christ demands active engagement and readiness. We are invited to examine our hearts and ensure that our lives reflect a sincere acceptance of His lordship. This acknowledgment is not just a verbal declaration but a transformative recognition that shapes our actions and attitudes. [00:30]

Isaiah 55:6-7 (ESV): "Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon."

Reflection: In what specific ways can you actively acknowledge Christ's authority in your daily life today? How can this acknowledgment transform your actions and decisions?


Day 2: Living in Holiness and Godliness
Our anticipation of Christ's return should transform our lives, as Peter suggests in 2 Peter 3. We are called to live in holiness and godliness, actively participating in hastening His coming. This call to holiness is not about perfection but about aligning our lives with His will and reflecting His character in our daily actions. It is an invitation to examine our priorities and ensure that they align with the values of the Kingdom. As we live in anticipation of His return, our lives should be marked by a distinct difference that points others to Christ. [01:16]

1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 (ESV): "Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel called to pursue greater holiness? How can you take a concrete step towards this today?


Day 3: Unity in Worship
Worship is a powerful tool for unifying believers in the cry for Christ's return. By incorporating elements like Hebrew, we connect with the historical roots of our faith and join a global chorus of believers. This unity in worship strengthens our collective anticipation and longing for His return. It reminds us that the call for Christ's return transcends language and culture, inviting us to join with believers worldwide in a shared expression of hope and expectation. As we worship together, we are reminded of the beauty and diversity of the body of Christ, united in purpose and longing. [01:42]

Ephesians 4:4-6 (ESV): "There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."

Reflection: How can you contribute to the unity of your local church community in worship? What practical steps can you take to foster a spirit of unity and shared anticipation?


Day 4: Deepening Spiritual Connection through Language
The use of language in worship can deepen our spiritual connection and understanding. Singing in Hebrew, for instance, not only honors the Jewish roots of our faith but also enriches our worship experience, reminding us of the universal call for Christ's return. This practice invites us to explore the depth and richness of our faith heritage, connecting us with believers across time and space. It challenges us to consider how we can incorporate diverse expressions of worship into our own spiritual practices, enriching our understanding and experience of God's presence. [01:58]

Colossians 3:16 (ESV): "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God."

Reflection: How can you incorporate a new element into your worship practice that deepens your spiritual connection? What might this look like in your personal or communal worship?


Day 5: Hope in the Promise of Seeing Christ
The promise of seeing Christ face to face is a powerful motivator for our faith journey. It reminds us that the former things will pass away, and we will experience the fullness of His presence. This hope should inspire us to live with purpose and anticipation, eagerly awaiting His return. It is a reminder that our present struggles and challenges are temporary, and a glorious future awaits us. As we hold onto this hope, we are encouraged to persevere in faith, knowing that our labor in the Lord is not in vain. [04:21]

1 John 3:2-3 (ESV): "Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure."

Reflection: What specific hope do you hold onto as you anticipate seeing Christ face to face? How does this hope influence your daily life and decisions?

Quotes


this is my daughter mercy and uh we were in a prayer Gathering a few weeks ago where I was talking about really the return of Christ but just the heart of the return of Christ from Matthew 23. the significance of Jesus telling Jerusalem I'm not coming back to you until you say blessed is he who comes the name of the Lord in other words they were rejecting him just like they rejected all the prophets and so he says okay I'm leaving you and I'm not coming back until I hear you say I mean from your heart you mean it blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord [00:00:00]

I think of such computer 3 where Peter's talking about how Jesus is going to come back and he says what sort of people ought you then to be in lives of Holiness and godliness waiting for and hastening the coming day of Christ and so the the coming of Christ is not just something we anticipate but something that we actually participate in by posturing our hearts and our lives in a way that says we want you to come back lord we need you and so that's really the Cry of the song it's like a unifying for the bride and the spirit and the bride to say come Lord Jesus together [00:01:08]

yeah and so we just felt like we wanted some explanation for those of you who listen and watch this video because it is strange because some of it is in Hebrew but there's a point to it it's like we'd love to see the body of Christ not just in Jerusalem but everywhere crying out to Jesus we want you to return blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord [00:01:42]

behold your Dwelling Place we'll be with been oh The Depths and Riches of your perfect plan so come Lord Jesus come Reign Over Us as we lift up our crowds [00:02:22]

the former things will one day pass away our eyes will see you the one we've known face [00:03:29]

blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord in the name of the Lord we sing blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord in the name of the Lord [00:04:37]

we sing blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord in the name of the Lord [00:04:52]

blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord in the name of the Lord we sing blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord [00:05:03]

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Transcript
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