Living with Hope: Focus on Christ's Return

Life is full of moments when joy and blessing are quickly followed by challenges and negativity. It’s easy to get distracted by the voices that want to steal your joy or sow seeds of discouragement, but we are called to keep our eyes on Jesus and the mission He’s given us. Whether it’s serving our community, feeding the hungry, or simply loving those around us, our focus must remain on Christ and not on the drama or negativity that can so easily entangle us. We are reminded that our hope is not in the approval of others or in the circumstances of this world, but in the promise of Christ’s return and the eternal life He has secured for us.

Jesus Himself promised that He is preparing a place for us and will return to bring us to Himself. This is not just a theological point to debate, but a living hope that should shape the way we live every day. Paul’s words to the Thessalonians remind us not to be ignorant or hopeless about those who have died in Christ. Instead, we are to comfort and encourage one another with the assurance that there will be a great reunion, and that death is not the end for those who belong to Jesus.

We are called to live in the present with a holy hope, not bound by our past or paralyzed by fear of the future. The reality of the rapture and Christ’s return should motivate us to live righteously, to deny ungodliness, and to be ambassadors of reconciliation and hope in a world that desperately needs it. Our testimony, our scars, and our journey can be used by God to bring others to faith. We are not defined by our failures or our wounds, but by the love and purpose God has for us.

No matter what you’ve been through, or what voices try to tell you otherwise, you are not junk. God has a purpose for your life, and He calls you to live abundantly, to comfort others, and to keep your eyes fixed on the hope of His return. Let’s be a real church for real people, living in the real world, but always looking forward to the day when we will be with Jesus forever.

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Key Takeaways

• 1. Guard Your Joy and Stay on Mission When God is moving and blessings come, negativity often follows close behind. Rather than letting critics or negative voices distract you, keep your focus on what Christ has called you to do. Love those who oppose you, but don’t let them derail your purpose—sometimes loving from a distance is necessary. The enemy wants to steal your joy, but victory is found in staying faithful to Jesus and His mission. [16:58]
• 2. The Hope of Christ’s Return Transforms Our Grief For believers, death is not the end but a transition into the presence of the Lord. Paul urges us not to grieve as those without hope, because Jesus’ resurrection guarantees our own. The promise of the rapture and reunion with loved ones in Christ brings comfort and should shape the way we face loss and sorrow. Our hope is anchored in the certainty that Jesus will return and gather His people to Himself. [50:13]
• 3. Live in the Present with Holy Expectation The reality of Christ’s imminent return calls us to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present age. We are not to be consumed by the past or anxious about the future, but to be active and faithful now. Our citizenship is in heaven, and we are ambassadors of hope, called to encourage and build up one another as we await the blessed hope of Jesus’ appearing. [61:41]
• 4. Your Past Does Not Define You—God’s Grace Does Many carry wounds, regrets, or voices from the past that say they are unworthy or broken. In Christ, we are made new, forgiven, and set free from the power of our past. God can use even our scars and struggles as testimonies to bring hope to others. Step out of the shadows of yesterday and embrace the abundant life and purpose God has for you today. [69:34]
• 5. Comfort and Encourage One Another with These Words One of the first commands for followers of Christ is to comfort and edify each other, especially with the hope of Christ’s return. The church should be a place of encouragement, not criticism or division. Our words and actions, especially toward our families and children, set the tone for faith and hope in the next generation. Let’s be intentional about building each other up and reminding one another of the living hope we have in Jesus. [56:39]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [02:10] - Battling Negativity and Staying on Mission
• [06:45] - Celebrating Service and Community Outreach
• [11:30] - Invitation to Visitors and Offering
• [16:58] - Prayers for the Sick and Open Altar
• [20:00] - Introduction to the Rapture
• [25:30] - Avoiding Drama and Focusing on Christ
• [32:00] - The Promise of Christ’s Return
• [41:22] - Keeping Pride Down and Exalting Jesus
• [46:57] - Hope for Those Who Have Died in Christ
• [50:13] - The Order of the Rapture Explained
• [54:30] - The Shout, the Trumpet, and the Reunion
• [56:06] - Comforting One Another with Hope
• [58:05] - The Reality of Salvation and Living Hope
• [61:41] - Living as Ambassadors and Citizens of Heaven
• [69:34] - Freedom from the Past and Embracing God’s Purpose
• [74:36] - Jesus Is the Only Way
• [77:07] - Real Church for Real People
• [78:44] - Invitation and Assurance of Salvation
• [79:51] - The Gift of Eternal Life
• [82:00] - Church Announcements and Call to Serve
• [85:00] - Closing and Victory Song

Bible Reading

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 — (Paul encourages believers about those who have died in Christ and the hope of Christ’s return.)

- John 14:1-3
(Jesus promises He is preparing a place for us and will come again.)

- Titus 2:11-13
(We are called to live godly lives as we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of Jesus.)

Observation Questions

1. In 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, what does Paul say about those who have “fallen asleep” (died) in Christ? What hope does he give to believers?
2. According to John 14:1-3, what does Jesus promise His followers about the future?
3. In Titus 2:11-13, what does Paul say should characterize the way we live as we wait for Christ’s return?
4. The sermon mentioned that negativity and criticism often follow times of blessing and service. What examples did the pastor give of this happening in the church or in his own life? [[16:58]]

Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Paul emphasizes not grieving “as others do who have no hope” in 1 Thessalonians 4:13? How does the hope of Christ’s return change the way Christians experience loss? [[50:13]]
2. The pastor said, “Life’s too short to hang out with negative people… sometimes love them from afar.” What does it look like to love someone from a distance, and why might that be necessary? [[16:58]]
3. According to Titus 2:11-13, what does it mean to “live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age”? How is this connected to our hope in Christ’s return? [[01:07:18]]
4. The sermon stated, “Your past does not define you—God’s grace does.” How does this truth impact the way we see ourselves and others in the church? [[01:09:34]]

Application Questions

1. The pastor talked about negativity and “negative voices” that try to steal our joy, especially after times of blessing or service. Is there a specific situation where you’ve experienced this? How did you respond, and what could you do differently next time to “guard your joy and stay on mission”? [[16:58]]
2. When you think about the hope of Christ’s return, does it bring you comfort, anxiety, or something else? How can you use this hope to encourage someone who is grieving or struggling right now? [[50:13]]
3. Are there areas of your life where you feel stuck in the past or defined by old wounds or failures? What would it look like for you to “step out of the shadows of yesterday” and embrace the abundant life God has for you today? [[01:09:34]]
4. The sermon challenged us to “live in the present with holy expectation.” What is one practical way you can shift your focus from past regrets or future worries to being faithful and active in what God has for you right now? [[01:01:41]]
5. The pastor said, “Our words and actions, especially toward our families and children, set the tone for faith and hope in the next generation.” Can you think of a recent time when your words built someone up or tore them down? How can you be more intentional about encouraging others this week? [[56:39]]
6. The message reminded us that “you are not junk” and that God can use your scars and story to help others. Is there a part of your story you’ve been hesitant to share? How might God use your testimony to bring hope to someone else? [[01:15:59]]
7. The pastor described the church as “a real church for real people in the real world.” What does that mean to you, and how can our group or church better live out this calling? [[01:17:07]]