Jesus has called us to faithfully share the Gospel until He returns. As we do, we can be encouraged that we are speeding His coming.

 

Read 2 Peter 3:10-18. At the day of the Lord, “the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare” (2 Peter 3:10). Christ’s return and final judgment are more certain than tomorrow. So what kind of lives should we be living today?

 

First, Peter tells us that we are to live holy lives—set apart for God’s use. Second, Peter says that we are to live expectantly—looking forward to that day. A righteous life lived in joyful anticipation of Christ’s return will “speed its coming” (2 Peter 3:12).

 

The statement “speed its coming” is staggering. Far from fearing Christ’s impending judgment, we must seek to hasten the day when we will be with Christ for all eternity. God’s Word promises that as you pray and faithfully proclaim the hope of Christ, you hasten His return.

 

Just listen to Jesus’ words: “This gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come” (Matthew 24:14). Every nation must hear the hope of the Gospel. So with our eyes fixed on that day, let us work diligently to proclaim the Good News, bearing in mind that “our Lord’s patience means salvation” (2 Peter 3:15). As long as Christ’s return is yet to come, there is still time for us to proclaim to the nations, “It’s not too late!”

 

Prayer: Jesus, I pray for Your work in the world—may many come to a saving knowledge of Your Gospel. Give Your people strength, perseverance, and great love to fulfill Your Great Commission. Use me to proclaim Your Truth today. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Check out more from Dr. Michael Youssef, here!

About The Author

Dr. Michael Youssef, Ph.D.

Even before he was born, it is clear that God had a vision for Michael Youssef. His mother was in poor health when she became pregnant with Michael, and because his life was in danger at the time of birth, the doctor recommended terminating the pregnancy. An abortion was scheduled. But God intervened and sent the family pastor to reassure them that God was involved in this pregnancy. He told them not to be afraid and that the child would be "born to serve the Lord." Michael's parents accepted the pastor's message as a message from God and obeyed. His mother gave birth, and lived to see him give his life to the Lord at the age of sixteen.


Believing that God had called him out of Egypt, Michael sought an exit visa in a time in which no university student was allowed to have a passport or leave the country. God intervened again, and miraculously he managed to acquire a visa. He immigrated to Australia, where he studied at Moore Theological College in Sydney, was ordained as a pastor, and met Elizabeth who became his wife.


The Youssefs came to America in 1977, and in 1978 Michael received a master's degree in theology at Fuller Theological Seminary in California. Then he earned a doctorate in social anthropology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Michael served nearly ten years in the Haggai Institute, traveling around the world more than 32 times, teaching courses in evangelism and leadership. He rose to the position of Managing Director at the age of 31 years. The family settled in Atlanta, and in 1984, Michael became a citizen of the United States, making his dream of many years come true.


He founded The Church of The Apostles in 1987 with fewer than 40 adults with the mission of "Equipping the Saints and Searching for the Lost". The church has since grown to be a congregation of over 3,000 people today. This church has driven the international ministry of Leading the Way. While it is heard by millions at home and abroad, behind every message preached through radio waves, is the heart of a pastor, willing to nurture and care for these people. Clearly God has uniquely equipped Dr. Youssef to speak to a global audience. The path he has taken has given him an understanding and firm grasp of the Scriptures that transcend cultures. He preaches, teaches and calls with a sincere, based on the authority of the inerrant, inspired Word of God. With his personal knowledge of the Holy Land, its history and culture, Dr. Michael Youssef transmits life to listeners all over the world.



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