Jesus is coming again

“Jesus Is Coming Again!”

After Jesus had completed His saving work here on earth He returned to His heavenly Father.

These are the words the angels spoke to Jesus' apostles that day. "Men of Galilee," they said, "why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven." Acts 1:11 They promised the return of the savior. His coming to the world again, will be as visible as the day He left .

Jesus return will be unmistakable. Not only will His return be visible, it will be audible. “For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, ” 1 Thessalonians 4:16a

There will be no warning, it will just happen. Just like when a thief breaks in. “For you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, "Peace and safety," destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.” 1 Thessalonians 5:2,3 With Jesus return comes destruction and those that are not ready, they will not will not escape His wrath.

The apostle Paul says this about believers; “For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 5:9 Paul also tells the church at Rome, “Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him!” Romans 5:9

The day is coming when the Lord will come again for those that are His. That day will come quickly and with out warning. Only those that are in Christ will be saved from His wrath. Knowing this about Jesus return, tells us to be prepared. There will not be another chance after that day. So, when we think about it today is the only day we have to make up our mind. The choice is ours. The day is coming. If we wait for that day it will be too late to ask "what shall we do?" Acts 2:37b

Jesus is coming again. Are you ready? If not, see Acts 2:38. Be ready.

An article in Christ for Today

(C) 2012 Leo J. Woodman

as far as it depends on you

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

Romans 12:18 NIV

There are three parts to this verse, all of which are very significant. Let's look at them individually.

“If it is possible”, in other words if there is a chance, take it. Seek the opportunity and act.

“As far as it depends on you” use your roll in the situation to bring about the best possible result. Don't wait for someone else to step up and make it happen, you do it. Do your part and you are doing what God would want you to do, taking responsibility for your actions.

“Live at peace with everyone”he didn't say some, he said everyone. We can look to Jesus for the example on how to live at peace with everyone. Even though Jesus had more than His fair share of enemies, He acted peacefully toward them.

What Paul is getting at in this verse is that we need to be the peacemakers. He is reaffirming what Jesus said in the sermon on the mount. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” Matthew 5:9 What was that? What will they be called?

Oh, sons of God. As sons of God (children of God) we are to be peacemakers. It is our duty to take on the responsibility, as far as it depends on us, to live at peace with everyone.

As always the lessons that apostles teach have already been lived out and taught by Jesus Himself. He is THE SON of GOD, we are sons of God. Let's take that role seriously and live it out as He did. Many times peace may depend on us and our ability to live at peace with others.

Can He depend on you to be a peacemaker? Today, will you be called a son (child) of God because of the example you set?

© 2012 Leo J. Woodman