Living in Readiness for Christ's Return

Summary

Today, we gathered as a family of faith, reminded that God is on the move among us and that our lives are to reflect the fruit of righteousness, as Proverbs 11:30 declares. We celebrated the opportunity to worship together, to serve our community, and to support one another through both joys and sorrows. Our hearts were called to prayer for those serving in missions, for our church family, and for the wider body of Christ, especially in times of disappointment and brokenness, as we heard about the resignation of a leader due to moral failure. In these moments, we are reminded of God’s healing power and the call to extend grace, support, and prayer to all who are hurting.

The central focus was on readiness for the return of Christ, as we explored 1 Thessalonians 5:1-4. The question was posed: Are you prepared for the Lord to come back? Preparation is not just about knowledge or anticipation, but about living a life that is saved, sanctified, and set apart for Jesus. We are called to bear the fruit of the Spirit, to use our gifts in service, and to be vigilant, not lulled into complacency by the world’s false sense of peace and security. The signs of the times are all around us, just as the changing seasons are evident in nature. We are to be aware, discerning, and motivated to share the hope of Christ with others, knowing that empty pews represent souls who have yet to hear the gospel.

The return of Christ will come suddenly, like a thief in the night, but for those who are in Christ, it should not be a surprise. We are not in darkness, but in the light, called to live with joyful anticipation and readiness. The world may be deceived by a false peace, but we are anchored in the true peace that only Christ gives—a peace that transcends understanding and is not shaken by the world’s turmoil. The call is to examine our hearts, to ensure our lamps are full, and to be ready to meet our Bridegroom with joy, not regret. This readiness is not just for ourselves, but for the sake of those around us, as we invite others to join the family of God and prepare for the great banquet that awaits.

Key Takeaways

- Readiness Is a Daily Posture, Not a One-Time Event
Being prepared for Christ’s return is not about predicting dates or living in fear, but about cultivating a daily life of faithfulness, repentance, and service. Like the wise virgins in Matthew 25, we must keep our lamps full—continually seeking God, confessing our shortcomings, and growing in holiness. This posture of readiness shapes every decision and interaction, ensuring we are not caught off guard when the Lord returns. [01:02:09]

- Discern the Spiritual Seasons as Clearly as the Natural Ones
Just as we recognize the signs of spring or fall, we are called to discern the spiritual seasons around us. God gives us signs—not to create anxiety, but to awaken us to His purposes and to motivate us to live righteously and share the gospel. Spiritual discernment is cultivated through prayer, study, and attentiveness to the Spirit, enabling us to sense when God is moving and to respond with faith and action. [01:06:33]

- Beware the World’s False Peace and Security
The world often proclaims “peace and security” while drifting further from God’s truth. We must not be deceived by cultural trends that normalize sin or offer counterfeit comfort. True peace is found only in Christ, who calls us to stand firm in righteousness, even when it means being misunderstood or opposed by the world. Our security is anchored in God’s promises, not in the shifting sands of society. [01:16:18]

- God’s Judgment Is Certain, but His Patience Is Mercy
Scripture is clear that a day of reckoning will come for all who reject Christ, yet God’s delay is an expression of His mercy, giving more time for repentance. This truth should stir both gratitude and urgency in our hearts: gratitude for the grace we have received, and urgency to share the gospel with those who are not yet ready. We are called to intercede for the lost and to live as ambassadors of reconciliation in a broken world. [01:18:22]

- Joyful Anticipation, Not Fear, Marks the Prepared Heart
For those in Christ, the return of the Lord is not a cause for dread, but for joyful anticipation—like a bride awaiting her bridegroom. Our readiness is marked by hope, assurance, and a longing to be united with Jesus. This joy overflows into our worship, our relationships, and our mission, inviting others to join in the celebration of God’s coming kingdom. [01:28:11]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Announcements and Community Life
[05:30] - Upcoming Events: Pack the Pew & March for Life
[28:39] - The Importance of Public Witness
[30:35] - Greeting and Fellowship
[31:37] - A Difficult Letter: Leadership and Moral Failure
[33:32] - Prayer for Healing and Restoration
[35:35] - Worship and Scripture Reading
[45:00] - Offering and God’s Provision
[59:51] - Are You Prepared for the Lord’s Return?
[01:03:46] - 1 Thessalonians 5: The Day of the Lord
[01:10:03] - Living in Awareness and Growth
[01:13:50] - The World’s False Security
[01:16:18] - True Peace in Christ
[01:21:04] - The Coming Judgment
[01:24:25] - Living in the Light, Not Darkness
[01:26:28] - The Joyful Surprise of Christ’s Return
[01:29:05] - The Call to Readiness and Repentance
[01:39:02] - Welcoming New Members
[01:41:09] - Farewell and Blessing for the Fessler Family
[01:55:14] - Closing Prayer and Benediction
[01:56:54] - Dismissal and Final Blessing

Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: Living Ready for Christ’s Return

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### Bible Reading

- 1 Thessalonians 5:1-4
About the times and the seasons, brothers and sisters, you do not need anything to be written to you. For you yourselves know very well that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night. When they say, “Peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them, like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you, brothers and sisters, are not in the dark, for this day to surprise you like a thief.

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### Observation Questions

1. According to 1 Thessalonians 5:1-4, what does Paul say about the timing of the Lord’s return? What kind of imagery does he use to describe it?
2. In the sermon, what are some signs or “seasons” the pastor mentions that help us recognize God is moving? ([01:04:57])
3. What is the difference between the world’s “peace and security” and the peace that Christ gives, as described in the sermon? ([01:16:18])
4. How does the sermon describe the attitude believers should have toward Christ’s return? ([01:28:11])

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Paul compares the day of the Lord to a “thief in the night”? What does this say about how people (both believers and non-believers) experience Christ’s return? ([01:13:16])
2. The sermon talks about being “ready” like the wise virgins in Matthew 25. What does it mean to have your “lamp full” in practical terms? ([01:02:09])
3. The pastor warns about being lulled into complacency by the world’s false sense of peace. What are some ways Christians might be tempted to settle for this kind of false security? ([01:14:42])
4. The sermon says that for those in Christ, the return of the Lord is a cause for joyful anticipation, not fear. Why is this distinction important for how we live day to day? ([01:28:11])

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon says “readiness is a daily posture, not a one-time event.” What is one daily habit you could start (or restart) this week to help you stay spiritually ready? ([01:02:09])
2. Think about the “spiritual seasons” in your life. Are you currently in a season of growth, waiting, or challenge? How can you discern what God is doing in this season? ([01:06:33])
3. The pastor mentioned that empty pews represent souls who haven’t heard the gospel. Who is one person you know who needs to hear about Jesus, and what is a practical step you can take to reach out to them this month? ([01:07:27])
4. When you hear about moral failure or disappointment in Christian leaders, how do you usually respond? How can you extend grace and prayer, as the sermon encouraged, instead of just judgment or gossip? ([33:32])
5. The world offers many forms of “peace and security” that aren’t rooted in Christ. What is one area of your life where you’ve been tempted to trust in something other than God for your sense of security? What would it look like to shift your trust back to Christ? ([01:16:18])
6. The sermon calls us to examine our hearts and make sure our “lamps are full.” Is there an area of your life where you feel spiritually empty or distracted? What is one step you can take this week to refill your lamp? ([01:29:05])
7. The pastor described the return of Christ as a joyful surprise, like a bride waiting for her bridegroom. What would it look like for you to live with that kind of joyful anticipation? How might it change your attitude, relationships, or priorities? ([01:28:11])

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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite group members to pray for readiness, discernment, and courage to live as people of hope and light, and to intercede for those who are far from Christ.

Devotional

Day 1: Bearing the Fruit of Righteousness and Winning Souls
The life of a believer is meant to be fruitful, not just for personal growth but for the sake of others. When we live righteously, our lives become like a tree of life, offering shade, nourishment, and hope to those around us. The wisdom of God is displayed when we seek to win souls, sharing the good news of Jesus and inviting others into the family of God. This is not just a calling for a select few, but for every follower of Christ—to let the fruit of the Spirit be evident and to have a heart that longs to see others come to salvation. [00:40]

Proverbs 11:30 (ESV)
The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and whoever captures souls is wise.

Reflection: Who is one person in your life right now who needs to experience the love and hope of Jesus? How can you intentionally reach out to them this week with the fruit of righteousness?


Day 2: God Heals the Brokenhearted and Restores the Fallen
In times of sorrow, disappointment, or even moral failure, God’s heart is to heal and restore. No wound is too deep for His touch, and no failure is beyond His ability to redeem. When we or those around us experience brokenness, we are called to pray, to extend grace, and to trust that God can bind up wounds and bring about true restoration. Even when situations seem devastating, God’s wisdom, grace, and peace are available to all who turn to Him. [33:32]

Psalm 147:3 (ESV)
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

Reflection: Is there a place of brokenness in your life or in someone close to you that needs God’s healing touch? Will you bring it honestly before Him in prayer today and ask for His restoration?


Day 3: Living in Readiness for Christ’s Return
The return of Jesus is certain, though the exact time is unknown. Believers are called to live in a state of readiness, not caught off guard like the world, but prepared and expectant. This means living a life set apart, bearing the fruit of the Spirit, and being actively engaged in the mission of God. Just as the changing seasons are evident, so too are the signs of the times—calling us to be alert, to grow in faith, and to encourage one another as we await His coming. [01:03:46]

1 Thessalonians 5:1-4 (ESV)
Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need to have anything written to you. For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief.

Reflection: What practical steps can you take today to ensure your heart and life are ready for Jesus’ return, not just in belief but in daily living?


Day 4: True Peace and Security Are Found in Christ Alone
The world offers a false sense of peace and security, often rooted in comfort, tolerance, or fleeting pleasures. But the peace that Jesus gives is not of this world—it transcends understanding and remains even in the midst of chaos. As followers of Christ, we are called to discern the difference, to reject the world’s counterfeit peace, and to anchor ourselves in the security that comes from knowing and following Jesus, even when it means standing against the tide of culture. [01:16:33]

John 14:27 (ESV)
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

Reflection: In what area of your life are you tempted to seek security or peace from the world rather than from Christ? How can you surrender that area to Him today?


Day 5: Joyful Anticipation and Preparation for the Marriage Supper of the Lamb
The return of Christ is not meant to be a fearful surprise for believers, but a moment of joyful fulfillment—like a bride eagerly awaiting her bridegroom. We are called to keep our lamps full, to be spiritually prepared, and to anticipate the day when we will sit at the banquet table with Jesus. This means not only being saved, but living in such a way that our hearts are overflowing with readiness and joy for His coming, encouraging one another to be prepared for that glorious day. [01:29:05]

Matthew 25:1-13 (ESV)
Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept. But at midnight there was a cry, ‘Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise answered, saying, ‘Since there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.’ And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’ But he answered, ‘Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.

Reflection: If Jesus were to return today, would you be joyfully ready to meet Him? What is one thing you can do this week to prepare your heart and encourage someone else to be ready as well?

Quotes