Living in Expectation: Sharing Salvation and Christ's Return
Summary
The sermon emphasizes the role of believers in sharing the message of salvation, highlighting the effectiveness of personal invitations and connections in church growth. It references Acts 18 and 1 Thessalonians 4 to encourage the congregation to speak up for Christ and to be ready for His return. The speaker also stresses the development of Christian characteristics to reach out to the lost and bring glory to God, reminding that Christ's return could happen at any unexpected hour.
Reflecting on personal experiences, the speaker recounts their journey through various churches, from accepting Christ in Middletown, Ohio, to starting a church in Mesa, Arizona, and learning about comprehensive ministry in Tri City Baptist Church. They express gratitude for the church community and introduce a song, "The Haven of Rest," which symbolizes finding peace in Jesus. The sermon also touches on the importance of Thanksgiving and the joy of serving in the pastor's absence.
Salvation is presented as a transformative process involving faith and the work of the Trinity, with God choosing believers, Christ's sacrifice, and the Holy Spirit's guidance. The speaker discusses the qualities of an ideal New Testament Church, as seen in the Thessalonians' faith, love, hope, and reception of the gospel in power and the Holy Spirit. The sermon acknowledges the imperfections of churches but points to some that closely embody the ideal characteristics, such as being chosen by God and having a readiness for Christ's return.
The speaker encourages believers to be active and busy until the Lord's return, referencing Luke 19:11 and the book "Every Square Inch." They discuss the doctrine of divine election and God's love as foundational to salvation, supported by various New Testament scriptures. The sermon also anticipates Jesus' physical return to the Mount of Olives, as prophesied in Zechariah 14, marking the end of tribulation and the start of the Millennium.
Lastly, the sermon highlights the importance of faith, hope, love, and enthusiasm in spreading the gospel, sharing personal stories of individuals who exemplify these traits. It addresses the fate of deceased believers at Christ's return, explaining the Rapture and the subsequent establishment of Jesus' kingdom on Earth as described in 1 Thessalonians 4 and Zechariah 14.
Key Takeaways:
- Personal evangelism is crucial for church growth, and believers are called to actively share the gospel, just as Paul was encouraged in Acts. This responsibility is coupled with the anticipation of Christ's return, urging Christians to live in readiness and expectation. [43:10]
- The transformation that accompanies salvation is a comprehensive change, involving faith in Christ's work and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. This transformation should be evident in the believer's life, serving as a testimony to others and demonstrating a willingness to endure affliction for the faith. [37:28]
- An ideal New Testament Church is characterized by faith, love, hope, and the Holy Spirit's power. The Thessalonian church serves as a model, having turned from idols to serve the living God and eagerly awaiting Christ's return, setting an example for contemporary churches to emulate. [30:21]
- The doctrine of divine election is a profound aspect of Christian theology, emphasizing that salvation begins with God's sovereign choice. This understanding should inspire awe and gratitude, recognizing that God's love is the driving force behind the redemptive work of Christ. [33:49]
- The anticipation of Jesus' physical return to the Mount of Olives is a significant eschatological event, marking the end of tribulation and the commencement of the Millennium. Believers are called to be prepared for this momentous occasion, living in a manner that reflects the imminent return of Christ. [51:43]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10
2. Acts 18:9-10
3. Zechariah 14:1-9
#### Observation Questions
1. What are the key characteristics of the Thessalonian church as described in 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10?
2. How did Paul receive assurance from the Lord in Acts 18:9-10, and what was he instructed to do?
3. According to Zechariah 14:1-9, what significant event is prophesied to occur on the Mount of Olives?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. In 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10, Paul commends the Thessalonian church for their faith, love, and hope. How do these qualities serve as a model for contemporary churches? [30:21]
2. Acts 18:9-10 describes a moment when Paul was encouraged by the Lord to speak boldly. How can this passage inspire believers to share their faith despite fear or opposition? [43:49]
3. Zechariah 14:1-9 speaks of the Lord's return to the Mount of Olives. How does this prophecy shape our understanding of eschatology and the anticipation of Christ's return? [49:02]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflecting on the Thessalonian church's example, what specific steps can you take to cultivate faith, love, and hope in your own church community? [30:21]
2. Have you ever felt hesitant to share your faith like Paul in Acts 18:9-10? What practical steps can you take to overcome this fear and speak up for Christ? [43:49]
3. The sermon emphasized the importance of being ready for Christ's return. What changes can you make in your daily life to live in a state of readiness and expectation? [53:10]
4. How can you actively participate in personal evangelism within your community, following the example of the Thessalonian church? [43:10]
5. The sermon mentioned the transformative process of salvation involving faith, the work of Christ, and the Holy Spirit. How can you ensure that this transformation is evident in your life? [37:28]
6. Considering the doctrine of divine election discussed in the sermon, how does this understanding of God's sovereign choice impact your view of salvation and your gratitude towards God? [33:49]
7. The anticipation of Jesus' physical return to the Mount of Olives is a significant event. How does this eschatological hope influence your daily actions and decisions? [51:43]
This guide aims to foster a deeper understanding of the sermon’s key points and encourage practical application in the lives of the small group members.
Devotional
Day 1: Evangelism Through Personal Connection
Personal invitations and genuine relationships are powerful tools for sharing the gospel and growing the church. By engaging with others on a personal level, believers can effectively communicate the message of salvation, demonstrating the love and grace of Christ in tangible ways. This approach mirrors the early church's method of spreading the good news through close-knit community interactions. [43:10]
Hebrews 10:24-25 - "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
Reflection: Who is one person in your life you could invite to church or share your faith with this week?
Day 2: Transformation in Salvation
Salvation is not merely a ticket to heaven but a radical transformation of life. It involves a deep faith in Christ's sacrifice and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, which empowers believers to endure trials for the sake of the gospel. This transformation is a testimony to the world and a beacon of hope that points to the reality of God's kingdom. [37:28]
1 Peter 2:9 - "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light."
Reflection: How has your life changed since you accepted Christ, and how can you demonstrate this transformation to others?
Day 3: Emulating the Thessalonian Church
An ideal New Testament Church is marked by a vibrant faith, selfless love, steadfast hope, and the power of the Holy Spirit. The Thessalonian believers set a high standard by turning from idols to serve the living God and eagerly awaiting Christ's return. Contemporary churches are called to follow this example, fostering these qualities within their communities. [30:21]
1 Thessalonians 1:6-7 - "You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia."
Reflection: In what ways can your church community strengthen its faith, love, hope, and reliance on the Holy Spirit?
Day 4: Divine Election and God's Love
The doctrine of divine election reveals the depth of God's love and the sovereignty of His grace in salvation. Understanding that God chose believers out of His great love should fill hearts with gratitude and awe, motivating a life of worship and service in response to His unmerited favor. [33:49]
Ephesians 1:4-5 - "For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will."
Reflection: How does the knowledge that you are chosen by God influence your daily walk with Him?
Day 5: Anticipating Christ's Return
The promise of Jesus' physical return to the Mount of Olives is a cornerstone of Christian hope. This eschatological event will mark the end of tribulation and the beginning of the Millennium. Believers are called to live in a state of readiness, embodying the gospel in anticipation of Christ's imminent return. [51:43]
Zechariah 14:4 - "On that day his feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem, and the Mount of Olives will be split in two from east to west, forming a great valley, with half of the mountain moving north and half moving south."
Reflection: What changes can you make in your life to be more prepared for the return of Christ?
Quotes
"The god of the universe has entrusted us with the story of Salvation, the gospel message, and we have the privilege and the responsibility to share it." [43:49] (Download)
"Many people are looking for a sign, but in reality, we should be looking for the Savior." [46:11] (Download)
"Enthusiasm in faith is not just a feeling; it's a reflection of God within us. When we are truly enthusiastic, it's because we have 'God in us'—entheos—and it pours out from us, touching others with the joy of our faith." [41:20] (Download)
"Salvation begins with God, and it is through His divine election that we are called out from the world, chosen before the foundation of the world to be holy and without blame before Him in love." [34:32] (Download)
"God's love made Calvary possible, and it is this love that reaches us even while we are yet sinners. Christ's sacrifice on the cross, paying the penalty for our sins, assures us that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." [35:22] (Download)
"We are supposed to occupy until the Lord comes back. What does that mean? Well, we're supposed to be busy until the Lord returns." [54:39] (Download)
"Jesus is supposed to be Lord of all, and if every square inch of my life is under His rule, that means He should be Lord of all at my work, in my leisure, within my family, and in every other aspect of my life." [55:20] (Download)
"One day Jesus is physically going to return and touch the Mount of Olives; it's going to provide a way of escape there for the nation of Israel, and this is when God is going to set up His kingdom rule here." [52:26] (Download)
"The Lord shall be king over all the Earth; in that day, there will be one Lord, His name one. It's going to be the end of the tribulation period, and we're going to enter into a Thousand-Year reign of Christ, which we know as the Millennium." [51:43] (Download)
"What every church should be two words be ready. We as a church should be ready." [29:32] (Download)
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