Anticipating Christ's Return: Hope, Community, and Redemption
Summary
The sermon explores the anticipation of Christ's second coming, drawing from Psalm 24 and 1 Thessalonians to illustrate the return of the "king of glory" and the unification of believers in the end times. The speaker emphasizes the significance of the word "Lord," blending the Old Testament imagery of the Ark of the Covenant with the New Testament promise that believers will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air. The congregation is encouraged to hold fast to the refrain, "The king is coming, we will always be with the Lord," as a source of hope and assurance.
The speaker also highlights the role of women in the faith, referencing a woman in a pagan environment who became a redeemer for her people. The gospel is presented as the only hope as the king of glory comes, and through holy baptism, believers are given a clean heart and a renewed spirit. This renewal empowers them to bear their faith with confidence, especially during times of feeling low or threatened. The phrase "we will always be with the Lord" is underscored as a comfort to believers, reminding them of Christ's enduring presence.
The sermon further emphasizes the collective nature of the faith community, urging believers to grow the community of faith in the world. The Lutheran Women's Missionary League is cited as an example of this commitment through their mission activities. The speaker calls on the congregation to be influencers, sharing their thoughts, words, and deeds to draw others to Christ. Old Testament figures like Moses and David are mentioned as examples of individuals who, despite their weaknesses and fears, accomplished great things with God's help.
God's ability to work through human weaknesses is a central theme of the sermon. The speaker lists biblical characters such as Jacob, Sarah, Abraham, and Peter, who all had shortcomings but were used by God to fulfill His purposes. The story of Esther is highlighted to show the impact of women in the church. The audience is reassured that God can work through their weaknesses too, encouraging them to share in Christ's mission.
Lastly, the sermon delves into the meaning of "Lord" as it relates to Jesus Christ. Luther's interpretation is shared, explaining that "Lord" signifies Jesus as our Redeemer from sin, death, and all evil. The fall of humanity and the redemption through Jesus are discussed, with references to Ephesians 2 and Genesis 3. The speaker concludes by affirming that Jesus, our "Lord" and "Redeemer," will be with us always, both now and at His second coming.
Key Takeaways:
- The anticipation of Christ's second coming serves as a powerful reminder of the ultimate unification of believers, both living and dead, with the Lord. This eschatological hope is rooted in the biblical narrative and provides comfort and assurance to the faithful, especially in times of uncertainty or despair. The refrain "The king is coming, we will always be with the Lord" encapsulates this promise and encourages a steadfast faith in the face of life's challenges. [02:15]
- The role of women in the narrative of faith is not only historical but also vital in the present. The sermon illustrates how women, even in the most challenging circumstances, can be instruments of redemption and bearers of hope. The gospel's transformative power is evident in the lives of women who, through their faith and actions, contribute significantly to the mission of the church and the proclamation of Christ's return. [11:59]
- Baptism is portrayed as a sacramental act that renews the spirit and cleanses the heart, equipping believers to confidently profess their faith. This inner transformation is crucial for facing life's adversities and is a testament to the enduring presence of Christ in the lives of the faithful. The assurance of "always being with the Lord" transcends the temporal and offers solace, particularly in moments of vulnerability. [12:33]
- The collective nature of the Christian community is a testament to the shared commitment to grow the faith and influence the world. The sermon calls on individuals to be active participants in this mission, using their unique gifts and overcoming personal limitations. The examples of biblical figures who achieved great things despite their weaknesses serve as an inspiration for contemporary believers to engage in God's work with courage and faith. [07:36]
- Understanding Jesus as "Lord" and "Redeemer" is central to Christian faith. This title encompasses His role in delivering humanity from sin and death, as well as His ongoing presence in the lives of believers. The sermon reaffirms that Jesus' redemptive work is both a historical event and a present reality, culminating in the promise of His second coming, where believers will eternally be with their Redeemer. [05:14]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 24:7-10 (NIV)
> Lift up your heads, you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is he, this King of glory? The Lord Almighty—he is the King of glory.
2. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 (NIV)
> For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.
3. Ephesians 2:1-5 (NIV)
> As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Psalm 24 describe about the "King of glory"? How is He portrayed? ([00:31])
2. According to 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, what will happen to believers at the second coming of Christ? ([02:15])
3. How does Ephesians 2:1-5 describe our state before and after receiving Christ's redemption? ([03:31])
4. What examples of biblical figures did the sermon mention to illustrate God's ability to work through human weaknesses? ([07:36])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the anticipation of Christ's second coming provide comfort and assurance to believers, especially in times of uncertainty or despair? ([02:15])
2. In what ways does the sermon highlight the role of women in the faith narrative, and how does this relate to the present-day mission of the church? ([11:20])
3. How does the concept of baptism as a renewal of spirit and cleansing of heart equip believers to face life's adversities? ([12:33])
4. What does it mean to understand Jesus as "Lord" and "Redeemer," and how does this understanding impact a believer's daily life? ([05:14])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the refrain "The king is coming, we will always be with the Lord." How can this promise influence your daily life and provide hope during challenging times? ([02:15])
2. The sermon emphasized the importance of women in the faith community. How can you support and encourage the women in your church to take active roles in ministry and mission work? ([11:20])
3. Baptism is described as a sacramental act that renews the spirit. How can you remind yourself of your baptismal promises and live out this renewal in your daily actions? ([12:33])
4. The sermon calls for believers to be influencers in the world. Identify one specific way you can share your faith through your thoughts, words, or deeds this week. ([06:28])
5. Consider the examples of biblical figures who overcame their weaknesses with God's help. What personal weakness do you feel God is calling you to overcome, and how can you rely on His strength to do so? ([07:36])
6. Understanding Jesus as "Lord" and "Redeemer" is central to the Christian faith. How does this understanding shape your relationship with Him and your approach to life's challenges? ([05:14])
7. The sermon mentioned the collective nature of the Christian community. How can you contribute to growing and strengthening your faith community, both locally and globally? ([06:28])
Devotional
Day 1: Hope in the King's Return
The anticipation of Christ's second coming instills a profound hope within believers, uniting them in the promise of eternal fellowship with the Lord. This eschatological vision offers strength and comfort, especially during times of trial, reinforcing the belief that the future holds a definitive reunion with the divine. [02:15]
1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 - "For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever."
Reflection: How does the promise of Christ's return shape your perspective on current struggles and the way you live your life today?
Day 2: Women as Instruments of Redemption
Women have played and continue to play a pivotal role in God's redemptive plan, demonstrating that faith and courage can transform even the most challenging situations. Their stories are a testament to the gospel's power to bring hope and change, inspiring all believers to actively participate in the unfolding narrative of faith. [11:59]
Judges 4:14-15 - "Then Deborah said to Barak, 'Go! This is the day the Lord has given Sisera into your hands. Has not the Lord gone ahead of you?' So Barak went down Mount Tabor, with ten thousand men following him. At Barak’s advance, the Lord routed Sisera and all his chariots and army by the sword, and Sisera got down from his chariot and fled on foot."
Reflection: In what ways can you recognize and support the vital contributions of women in your faith community and beyond?
Day 3: Baptism as Renewal for Mission
Baptism is a sacred act that signifies the cleansing of the heart and the renewal of the spirit, empowering believers to face adversity with confidence. This sacrament reminds us of the constant presence of Christ, providing solace and strength to boldly proclaim the faith in every circumstance. [12:33]
Titus 3:5-6 - "He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior."
Reflection: How does your baptismal identity influence the way you engage with challenges and share your faith with others?
Day 4: Community Growth Through Shared Mission
The Christian community is called to expand the faith and be a light to the world, with each member contributing their unique gifts and overcoming personal limitations. The stories of biblical figures who accomplished great things with God's help inspire believers to act with courage and faith in their collective mission. [07:36]
Hebrews 11:32-34 - "And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson and Jephthah, about David and Samuel and the prophets, who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies."
Reflection: What personal limitations have you allowed to hinder your participation in the mission of the church, and how can you overcome them to contribute more effectively?
Day 5: Jesus as Lord and Redeemer
Understanding Jesus as both Lord and Redeemer is essential to the Christian faith. This title encompasses His role in delivering humanity from sin and death and assures believers of His constant presence and the promise of eternal life with Him at His second coming. [05:14]
Colossians 1:13-14 - "For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."
Reflection: How does the recognition of Jesus as your Lord and Redeemer influence your daily decisions and interactions with others?
Quotes
"The king is coming and emphasize now we, we—it doesn't say just you—yes, you will be there with the Lord, but this is from the Apostle Paul writing to the Thessalonians. He says we, the collective body of Believers. It was All Saints Day last Sunday, and so in reference to that, it's All Saints—all those that have died in faith before us, all those that will be living at the time of Christ's second coming, and may He come today while we are still alive. And all those that are dead will be raised up to be with the Lord, but it's a collective we, and there's a commitment that we all have, and the Lutheran Women's Missionary League really shares that commitment through their mite boxes, and that is to be a we and grow the we in the world." [05:55]
"God works through all of my and your individual weaknesses to proclaim His gospel, and His gospel always bears fruit." [09:56]
"It's a chance to share, but if you have fear, think about the Old Testament and all the examples of how God worked through people's weaknesses. You know these all quite well. We can start out with Moses—remember, he was raised under Pharaoh, under the king's guidance, I should say, under the house of Pharaoh. Yet he was afflicted with a stutter and had to ask him to be the voice of the children of Israel. He says, 'Lord, I can't talk well.' He says, 'Well, that's okay, use your brother Aaron to help you out, but you're going to be the voice of me.' So he overcame his stuttering to become really the one that overturned the power of Pharaoh through the work of the Lord." [07:36]
"David, as you know, was called to take on Goliath, and he was called uniquely by God. God gave him the courage, and yet he was this puny little kid. Remember when they came to anoint King David as king, all the brothers came ahead of him, and then he says, 'No, no, no, no, that's not the one I want. That little guy over there.' And Saul wanted to put his armor on King David to take on Goliath, but David was too puny; he was too little to carry that." [08:11]
"He has redeemed me from sin, from death, from the devil, and from all evil. For before, I did not have a lord or a king, but I was captive under Satan's power, condemned to death, stuck in sin and my own blindness." [03:31]
"Those evil people and the Satan in their places come, Jesus Christ, Lord of Life, righteousness, ever blessing, and salvation. He has delivered us, poor lost people, from hell's jaws, he has won, has made us free, Romans 8, and has brought us again into the Father's favor and grace." [04:39]
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