Living in Readiness for Christ's Certain Return
Summary
Today’s gathering was a call to readiness, a reminder that the return of Jesus is not a distant myth or a metaphor, but a certain event on God’s calendar. We began by celebrating the life and community of Faith Baptist Church, welcoming newcomers, and sharing opportunities to serve—especially in our children’s and bus ministries. We rejoiced in God’s faithfulness, worshipped together, and reflected on the greatest gift ever given: Jesus Christ, who paid our debt and washed us clean.
Turning to Matthew 24, we considered the reality and certainty of Christ’s second coming. Jesus himself taught that no one knows the day or hour of his return—not even the angels, but only the Father. Yet, he gave us signs to watch for: false messiahs, wars, ethnic strife, famines, and earthquakes. These signs have appeared throughout history, but their presence is a continual reminder to live in a state of readiness.
The return of Christ is not a secondary teaching; it is central to the New Testament, mentioned over 300 times. The early church, the apostles, and the creeds all affirm that Jesus will return bodily, visibly, and gloriously. When he comes, he will judge the living and the dead, reward his people, destroy evil, and reign forever. The purpose of his return is not just about getting to heaven, but about Jesus restoring all things and reigning as King of Kings.
The challenge is not to speculate about when he will return, but to ask ourselves: are we ready? Readiness is not about panic or last-minute scrambling, but about faithful, daily living—loving God, loving our neighbor, sharing the gospel, and living holy lives. For those who have trusted Christ, his return is a promise of hope and reunion. For those who have not, it is a call to respond before it is too late.
We ended with an invitation: to examine our hearts, to be honest before God, and to respond—whether by trusting Christ for the first time, rededicating our lives, or praying for those who are not yet ready. The most important question remains: if Jesus were to return today, are you ready?
Key Takeaways
- The Certainty of Christ’s Return
Jesus’ second coming is not a matter of speculation or wishful thinking; it is a guaranteed event affirmed by Jesus, the apostles, and the entire New Testament. To deny his return is to question the truthfulness of Christ himself. This certainty should shape our worldview and our daily priorities, reminding us that history is moving toward a divinely appointed climax. [31:11]
- Readiness Is a Daily Posture, Not a Last-Minute Rush
Just as soldiers prepare for their commanding officer’s return, we are called to live in a continual state of readiness. When Jesus returns, there will be no time to “get ready”—the time for preparation is now. Readiness is expressed in faithful living, not in fear or frantic activity, but in steady devotion and obedience. [40:01]
- The Purpose of Christ’s Return: Judgment, Reward, and Restoration
Jesus will return to judge the living and the dead, to reward his people, to destroy evil, and to reign forever. The two judgment seats—the great white throne for unbelievers and the judgment seat of Christ for believers—remind us that our response to Jesus in this life determines our eternal destiny. His return is about the restoration of all things under his lordship, not just our personal salvation. [43:00]
- The Call to Examine Our Hearts
The most important question is not whether Jesus will return, but whether we are ready for his return. This readiness is rooted in a genuine relationship with Christ, not in religious activity or good works. We are invited to honestly assess our standing before God, to respond in faith, and to live each day in light of eternity. [49:19]
- Readiness Includes Mission and Intercession
Being ready is not a passive waiting, but an active engagement in God’s mission—sharing the gospel, serving others, and praying for those who are not yet ready. Our readiness should overflow into love for our neighbors and a burden for the lost, knowing that Christ’s return will bring both joy and finality. [57:19]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[04:21] - Announcements and Opportunities to Connect
[06:13] - Faith Kids Open House and Bus Ministry
[07:59] - Generosity and Missionary Support
[08:36] - Opening Prayer
[09:11] - Worship: Remembering God’s Faithfulness
[13:17] - Worship: The Power of Christ’s Victory
[18:22] - Worship: Jesus Paid It All
[24:32] - Prayer for Focus and Openness
[25:12] - Are You Ready? The Importance of Readiness
[28:12] - The Second Coming: Certainty and Signs
[31:11] - The Certainty of Christ’s Return
[36:12] - What the Early Church Believed
[38:46] - The Mystery of His Timing
[42:21] - The Purpose of Christ’s Return
[48:42] - The Call to Be Ready
[49:55] - The Promise for Believers
[52:34] - Invitation: Are You Ready?
[57:19] - Prayer and Response
[59:49] - Closing Worship: Jesus Paid It All
Study Guide
Faith Baptist Church Small Group Bible Study Guide
*Are You Ready? Living in Light of Christ’s Return*
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### Bible Reading
Matthew 24:36-44 (ESV)
> “But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only. For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. Then two men will be in the field; one will be taken and one left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one left. Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”
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### Observation Questions
1. According to Jesus in Matthew 24:36-44, what are some of the signs that will happen before His return?
2. What does Jesus say about knowing the exact time of His return?
3. In the sermon, what examples were given to show the difference between being ready and not being ready for something important? ([25:47])
4. What are the two different judgment seats mentioned in the sermon, and who will stand before each one? ([43:00])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus chose not to reveal the exact time of His return, even to the angels? How does this affect the way believers should live? ([31:46])
2. The sermon compared readiness for Jesus’ return to soldiers preparing for their commanding officer. What does this analogy teach us about daily Christian living? ([40:01])
3. The sermon said that the return of Christ is not just about “getting to heaven,” but about Jesus restoring all things and reigning as King. How does this bigger picture change the way we think about the second coming? ([46:45])
4. According to the sermon, what is the difference between being religious or doing good works and actually being ready for Christ’s return? ([49:19])
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon challenged us to examine our hearts and honestly ask if we are ready for Jesus’ return. If Jesus came back today, what would you want to change about your life or priorities? ([52:34])
2. Readiness was described as “faithful, daily living”—not panic or last-minute scrambling. What does faithful, daily readiness look like for you personally? Are there habits or routines you want to start or stop? ([48:42])
3. The message said that being ready includes loving God, loving our neighbor, sharing the gospel, and living holy lives. Which of these do you find most challenging, and what is one step you could take this week to grow in that area? ([49:19])
4. The sermon talked about praying for those who are not yet ready for Christ’s return. Who is one person in your life you feel burdened to pray for? How can you pray for them specifically this week? ([57:19])
5. The pastor mentioned that the return of Christ should shape our worldview and daily priorities. Is there a specific area of your life (work, family, finances, time) where you need to realign your priorities in light of Jesus’ promised return? ([31:11])
6. The sermon described two judgment seats: the great white throne for unbelievers and the judgment seat of Christ for believers. How does knowing this affect the way you view your relationship with Jesus and your purpose in life? ([43:00])
7. The early church lived with a sense of expectation for Jesus’ return. What are some practical ways you can keep that sense of expectation alive in your own walk with God? ([36:54])
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*Close in prayer, asking God to help each person be ready, to live faithfully, and to have a heart for those who are not yet ready for Christ’s return.*
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