The Promise of Jesus' Return
David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of being ready for Jesus' return, highlighting the signs of the times and the blessed hope that awaits believers.
David Wilkerson emphasizes the promise of Jesus' return, lamenting the current apathy and mockery surrounding this vital message. He recalls a time when the anticipation of Christ's return filled believers with hope and urgency, contrasting it with today's indifference and skepticism. Wilkerson warns against the scoffers who dismiss the promise of His coming, urging believers to remain vigilant and ready for His return. He encourages the faithful to find joy in the anticipation of meeting Jesus, reminding them that His coming should be a source of excitement rather than fear. Ultimately, he calls for a revival of longing for Christ's return, affirming it as the blessed hope of the Church.
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In days past, "Jesus is coming!" was declared during almost every Sunday church meeting. Evangelists brought stirring messages about the hope of Christ's return and there was a godly fear and expectancy in the hearts of his followers. Today, however, the coming of the Lord is seldom spoken of and, sadly, only a few righteous servants seem to yearn for his appearing.
The Bible warned of this lack of vigilance regarding Jesus' return. "Scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, and saying, 'Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation'" (2 Peter 3:3-4).
There are those who mock the message of Christ's return but it is probably out of fear -- fear of having to stand before God and give an account. Such mockers are among us today, preaching a new message: "Don't worry, Christ isn't coming. The sun will rise on schedule tomorrow, the seasons will come and go. All the warnings we heard in the past haven't come to pass, so enjoy yourself and be happy." God's laws are being mocked in high places and there is rampant lawlessness in the land. We read of atrocities being committed around the world and watch increasing instances of deadly new diseases, while natural disasters increase in number and intensity. It should be clear to even the ungodly that the Lord is shaking everything that can be shaken.
In Matthew, Jesus says, "Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect" (Matthew 24:44). Jesus's coming should not disturb you, it should thrill you! If you truly love someone, you want to be near that person, right? Imagine what it will be like when Jesus calls your name.
In the midst of these times, Jesus says, "Surely I am coming quickly," and the Bride of Christ answers, "Even so, come, Lord Jesus" (see Revelation 22:20). This is our blessed hope!
Sermon Outline
- I. The Decline of Expectation for Jesus' Return
- A. The past emphasis on Jesus' return has diminished
- B. The Bible warned of this lack of vigilance
- II. The Mockers of Jesus' Return
- A. They mock the message out of fear
- B. They preach a false message of no accountability
- III. The Signs of Jesus' Return
- A. God's laws are being mocked
- B. There is rampant lawlessness and increasing disasters
- IV. The Call to Be Ready
- A. Jesus' coming should thrill us, not disturb us
- B. We should long to be near Him
- V. The Blessed Hope
- A. Jesus' return is our hope
- B. The Bride of Christ eagerly awaits His coming
Key Quotes
“Jesus says, 'Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect' (Matthew 24:44).” — David Wilkerson
“Jesus says, 'Surely I am coming quickly,' and the Bride of Christ answers, 'Even so, come, Lord Jesus' (see Revelation 22:20).” — David Wilkerson
“If you truly love someone, you want to be near that person, right?” — David Wilkerson
Application Points
- We should be ready and long to be near Jesus, as His coming should thrill us, not disturb us.
- We must not become complacent and forget the importance of Jesus' return, but rather, we should eagerly await His coming.
- We should live in a way that reflects our hope in Jesus' return, being mindful of God's laws and living with integrity.