Living with Hope: Focus on Christ's Return
Summary
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
- 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]
- 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]
- 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. [01:01:41]
- 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. [01:09:34]
- 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]
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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
[01:01:41] - Living as Ambassadors and Citizens of Heaven
[01:09:34] - Freedom from the Past and Embracing God’s Purpose
[01:14:36] - Jesus Is the Only Way
[01:17:07] - Real Church for Real People
[01:18:44] - Invitation and Assurance of Salvation
[01:19:51] - The Gift of Eternal Life
[01:22:00] - Church Announcements and Call to Serve
[01:25:00] - Closing and Victory Song
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide
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### 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.)
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### 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]]
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### 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]]
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### 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]]
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Devotional
Day 1: The Hope of the Rapture—Our Reunion with Christ and Loved Ones
Believers in Christ have a living hope that one day, whether we have passed on or are still alive, we will be reunited with Jesus and with those who have gone before us in faith. This promise is not just a distant theological idea, but a source of real comfort and encouragement for today. The assurance that Jesus will return for His people means that death is not the end, and sorrow is not the final word. We are called to encourage one another with this hope, knowing that our future is secure in Christ and that a glorious reunion awaits all who are in Him. [56:06]
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 (KJV):
"But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words."
Reflection: Who is one believer you have lost that you look forward to seeing again in Christ? How can you encourage someone else with this hope today?
Day 2: Jesus Prepares a Place—Assurance of Eternal Belonging
Jesus Himself promises that He is preparing a place for each of His followers, and that He will return to bring us to Himself so that we may be with Him forever. This assurance is not based on our own efforts or worthiness, but on the love and faithfulness of Christ. No matter what voices of doubt or unworthiness may whisper to you, remember that Jesus has made a place for you in His Father's house. You are not junk; you are loved, chosen, and destined for eternity with Him. [41:22]
John 14:1-3 (KJV):
"Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also."
Reflection: When you look in the mirror, what do you say to yourself? How can you remind yourself today that Jesus is preparing a place for you?
Day 3: Living with Expectation—Our Citizenship Is in Heaven
As followers of Christ, our true citizenship is not of this world but in heaven, and we are called to live each day eagerly awaiting the return of our Savior. This perspective shapes how we handle challenges, how we treat others, and how we invest our time and energy. Instead of being consumed by earthly worries or negativity, we are to live as ambassadors of hope, pointing others to the blessed hope of Christ’s return and the eternal life He offers. [01:01:41]
Philippians 3:20-21 (KJV):
"For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself."
Reflection: What is one way you can live today as an ambassador of heaven, showing others the hope you have in Christ?
Day 4: Letting Go of the Past—Freedom and New Life in Christ
No matter what scars, failures, or pain you carry from your past, Jesus offers complete forgiveness and a new identity. You do not have to live with one foot in your past and one in your present; in Christ, you are made new and set free to walk in abundant life. The enemy may try to remind you of your past, but God calls you to step forward in faith, trusting that your testimony and healing can be used to help others find hope and freedom. [01:09:34]
Isaiah 43:18-19 (KJV):
"Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert."
Reflection: What is one specific memory or regret from your past that you need to surrender to Jesus today, trusting Him to bring healing and newness?
Day 5: Comfort and Encourage One Another—Building Up the Body
One of the first commands for followers of Christ is to comfort and encourage each other, especially in times of trouble or uncertainty. Our words and actions have the power to lift up or tear down, and God calls us to be people who bring hope, comfort, and strength to those around us. Whether it’s through prayer, a kind word, or simply being present, you can be a vessel of God’s encouragement to someone who needs it today. [56:39]
1 Thessalonians 5:11 (KJV):
"Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do."
Reflection: Who is one person in your life who needs encouragement right now? How can you intentionally comfort or build them up today?
Quotes
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