A Day Like No Other
Passage: John 14:1-3
Jesus said, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”
Insight:
When a day is going to be significant, there is a countdown. High school and college seniors know their graduation date even when it’s over 100 days away. (Yes, I was part of that group.) Engaged couples want to run down the aisle months before their ceremony. (The month before our wedding may have been the slowest 31 days of my life.) Excited parents closely watch the calendar as they anticipate their baby’s due date. (Enjoy the opportunities to sleep too!) Exhausted employees get a surge of energy as they tell you about their plans for retirement. We are wired to look forward to coming events. Longing for an improved future is a desire that will be fulfilled. There is a day on God’s schedule when He will usher in a new heaven and earth.
The promises of God are drenched in His grace! There are so many promises in the Bible that relate to our future. In this passage, Jesus states that after His death and resurrection He will go to heaven. As we wait for His return, He reminds us to not give in to despair. This world is starved for hope, but there is incredible hope when we choose to trust God. And Jesus gave us a promise with a full guarantee that He is preparing a place for us in heaven and one day He will return and take His followers to be with Him forever. Jesus’ return is not a question mark; it is a fact.
Application:
What does the Bible say should be our response to His return?
1. Don’t try to guess the hour of his return: Acts 1:6-7 tell us that we will not know the exact time of His return. It will come unannounced. Unfortunately, many people won’t be ready for it. The Bible says no one will ever be able to know the exact time of Jesus’ return. Ignore any “experts” who claim to have figured out the date.
2. Long for His appearing: 2 Timothy 4:8 confirms that it will be an incredibly good day for all of those who love Jesus. It is good to want this day to come soon.
3. Get rid of the rebellion in your life: 2 Peter 3:10-13 describes the intensity of that day and how we are to be prepared now by living a pure and holy life. May Jesus find us faithful when He returns.
4. Be aware of the signs of the times: In Matthew chapter 24, Jesus gave several warnings and prophecies about the end times. Don’t be naive, pay attention to what is happening in the world.
Questions:
1. What movies and books are there about Jesus’ return: are they accurate?
2. Have you studied Biblical prophecy or the book of Revelation; if yes, what did you learn?
3. What changes do you need to make in your life knowing Jesus will return?
4. What do you find most comforting about the promises of Jesus and His return?
5. What can you do to let the world know about Jesus’ return?
Deeper Study:
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. You will meet the Lord and be with Him forever.
1 Corinthians 15:12-58. You will receive a resurrected body that won’t perish.
Acts 1:1-11. Jesus’ return will be physical and visible; eagerly await that day.
Matthew 24:26-51. Jesus’ return will be sudden and unexpected like lightning.
Revelation 22:7-21. God guarantees that Jesus will return and reign: be ready.
Prayer: Faithful God, I know that You will keep your promises, and Jesus will return. I eagerly look forward to that day. Even if the world rejects Your truth, Your plan can’t be stopped. Thank You for preparing a place for me in heaven. I confidently rest in Your guarantee today and spread the good news, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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An Expression Of New Life
By Jesse Bradley
Passage: Matthew 28:18-20
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Insight:
For several years after becoming a Christian I was perplexed about baptism because I had heard some very negative teaching on the topic. A small group of people that I later learned was a cult pressured me, claiming that they were the only “true Christians” in the world. Needless to say, their views of baptism were not Biblically based and produced a significant amount of confusion. It took time and searching the Scripture before my mindset was transformed, the damage healed, and I was thinking clearly again. A maligned and very difficult topic for me became a strong desire to move forward in my faith. When I did get baptized, it was a real celebration! I invited many of my friends and shared my journey before the baptism. Since then, I have had the privilege of baptizing many people, and every one of them has had such a pure joy (even when the water temperature was much colder than anticipated!).
There are a few rituals that Jesus emphasizes in the Bible, one of them is water baptism. It’s both a command to His followers and a time of great celebration. Interestingly, grace can be given through a command. How often do we forget that the commands of God bring joy? Jesus makes it clear that He wants all of His followers to be baptized in water. We can’t earn our way to heaven through water baptism. We are welcomed into heaven because Jesus died for our sins and is risen, not because of anything we do. Water baptism honors Jesus and is a time of identification and closeness with our Savior. Baptism and communion incorporate our physical participation in His grace.
Application:
Here are some practical tips in getting past some common excuses:
1) Some people think water baptism is just a suggestion, but in fact it’s a command by Jesus. It’s how we publicly identify with Him.
2) Some people think that they don’t need to be baptized right away, but in the Scripture, there is an urgency to do it right away (Acts chapter 16). Don’t let unnecessary delays get in the way between you and God.
3) Some people are timid when it comes to baptism. Jesus said to acknowledge Him before people and he will acknowledge you before the Father (Matthew 10:32). That’s enough motivation to overcome any fear. Simply, don’t be ashamed of Jesus. Also, thinking that you must be perfect in order to be baptized is a misconception (or none of us would be baptized this side of heaven). Let His grace guide you as you consider baptism.
4) Some people will be persecuted if baptized. This is unfortunate, but baptism and obedience are worth any cost.
5) Some people dread getting immersed in water. It might be out of our comfort zone, but I have never seen anyone be baptized without tremendous joy afterwards.
Questions:
1) Have you put your trust in Jesus to be your Savior?
2) Have you been water baptized?
3) What are some of the reasons in the Bible to be baptized?
4) Is there anyone you can encourage to be baptized?
5) How much joy has there been in the baptisms you have seen?
Deeper Study:
Matthew 3:13-17. Jesus was baptized and set the example for us.
Romans 6:1-14. Baptism reflects unity with Jesus and receiving a fresh start.
Acts 16:13-15. We affirm our faith in Jesus through water baptism.
Acts 16:31-34. Water baptism happens right after conversion with great joy.
Prayer:
Father God, thank You for the ritual of water baptism. Thank You that Jesus was baptized to set the example. I know you want me to be baptized, and I want to respond by saying yes. I also would like to encourage other Christians to be baptized too. Thank You that there is so much joy in being baptized. I love You Jesus and this is all for You. I pray this in Your name, Lord. Amen.
Author of this Blog:
Jesse Bradley, Pastor, Sebastopol Christian Church
jessejohnbradley@yahoo.com
Programs from this ministry on twr360: Activate
Official Website: www.activatelife.org
Sebastopol Christian Church: www.sebchristian.com