Preparation for Christ's Return
Preparation for Christ's Return9
Behold, the Day Cometh
By G. Campbell Morgan0MAL 4:1G. Campbell Morgan emphasizes the prophetic message of Malachi, which warns of a coming day of judgment that will burn the wicked like stubble while offering healing to those who fear the Lord. He explains that the final word of the Old Testament is not a curse but a warning of love, urging repentance and a return to God. Morgan highlights the significance of Elijah's coming to prepare hearts for the Lord, linking it to the arrival of John the Baptist. He stresses the dual nature of the coming day: it will bring destruction to the proud and healing to the faithful. Ultimately, he calls for a personal response to the imminent return of Christ, urging believers to live in readiness and holiness.
A Believing Remnant
By A.W. Tozer0MAT 24:40ROM 11:5A.W. Tozer emphasizes the concept of a believing remnant, suggesting that God is working to prepare His true followers, distinct from the larger crowd of nominal believers. He questions whether the delay in Christ's return is due to God's desire to ready His Bride, rather than a mass ascension of all believers. Tozer critiques the complacency of many Christians who believe that grace allows them to live without accountability. He asserts that God does not have a middle ground for purification, highlighting the importance of being prepared and living righteously in anticipation of Christ's return.
The Marriage of the Lamb
By Edwin H. Waldvogel12442:36EPH 5:25Edwin H. Waldvogel emphasizes the profound love of God for His people, likening it to a marriage between Christ and the Church, the 'Marriage of the Lamb.' He shares personal anecdotes to illustrate how God desires a deep, personal relationship with each believer, urging them to recognize their worth as His chosen people. Waldvogel stresses the importance of being filled with the knowledge of God's will and the role of the Holy Spirit in revealing Christ to us. He calls for believers to prepare themselves as the bride of Christ, emphasizing that true fulfillment comes from a relationship with Jesus rather than worldly pursuits. Ultimately, he encourages the congregation to seek a deeper love for Jesus and to be ready for His return.
(Power From on High) 3. the Wise and Foolish Virgins; Or, the Holy Spirit and the Coming of the Lord
By A.B. Simpson0MAT 25:1A.B. Simpson emphasizes the critical distinction between the wise and foolish virgins in the parable, illustrating that both groups were morally upright and awaiting the bridegroom, yet only the wise were prepared with oil for their lamps, symbolizing the necessity of the Holy Spirit for true readiness for Christ's return. He warns that mere belief in the Lord's coming is insufficient without the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit, which is essential for a vibrant Christian life. The sermon stresses the urgency of being filled with the Spirit, as time is short and the consequences of being unprepared are dire, leading to exclusion from the joy of the marriage feast. Simpson calls believers to recognize the importance of personal preparation and the need to receive the Holy Spirit, urging them to act promptly to ensure they are ready for the Lord's return.
Preparation for the Second Coming of the Lord
By Smith Wigglesworth02PE 3:3Smith Wigglesworth emphasizes the urgent need for spiritual preparation for the Second Coming of the Lord, encouraging believers to ask boldly and expectantly from God. He warns against the distractions of false teachings and the importance of maintaining a pure and holy life in anticipation of Christ's return. Wigglesworth calls for a spiritual awakening, urging the congregation to recognize the signs of the times and to be diligent in their faith, as the day of the Lord approaches. He reassures that through the blood of Jesus, believers can be made spotless and blameless, ready for the glorious day ahead.
His Wife Hath Made Herself Ready
By A.B. Simpson0MAT 5:16LUK 19:10ROM 12:12CO 5:17GAL 5:22EPH 2:10PHP 2:4HEB 10:24JAS 2:171PE 1:15A.B. Simpson emphasizes the importance of practical holiness and active service in preparation for the Lord's coming. He warns against a morbid, isolated approach to seeking the Holy Spirit, advocating instead for a vibrant fellowship with God that extends into our daily lives and interactions with others. Simpson shares his own experience of being compelled to share God's message, illustrating that true preparation involves both personal spiritual growth and outreach to those around us. He encourages believers to let God perfect them and to focus on living for the benefit of others as a way to prepare for Christ's return.
Rev. 16:15. the Swift and Sudden Advent
By Horatius Bonar0MAT 24:42MAT 25:1LUK 12:35ROM 13:11EPH 6:111TH 5:2HEB 10:252PE 3:101JN 2:28REV 16:15Horatius Bonar emphasizes the urgency of being prepared for Christ's swift and sudden return, as highlighted in Revelation 16:15. He warns that Christ will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night, and urges believers to remain vigilant and keep their spiritual garments intact. Bonar outlines the importance of watching, maintaining communion with God, and being ready to meet the Lord, as neglecting these can lead to shame and exposure. He reassures that those who watch and keep their garments will be blessed, while also issuing a stark warning to the unprepared. The sermon serves as a call to awaken from spiritual slumber and be ready for the imminent return of Christ.
The Walk of Faith
By A.W. Tozer1GEN 5:24HEB 11:5A.W. Tozer emphasizes the spiritual lessons from Enoch's life, illustrating how he maintained a walk of faith and fellowship with God despite living in a corrupt society. Enoch's ability to resist temptation serves as an example for Christians today, reminding us that we can also walk with God in faith amidst our own challenges. Tozer encourages believers to reflect on the quality of their faith, as it will determine their readiness for Christ's return. He reassures us that, like Enoch, we can trust in God's unchanging nature and the promise of Jesus' second coming. Ultimately, Tozer calls for a bold and unwavering faith in our daily lives.
Forerunners Proclaiming the Coming of Jesus
By Mike Bickle1455:28ISA 40:3MAL 3:1MAT 24:14LUK 1:76JHN 1:23ROM 10:14Mike Bickle emphasizes the vital role of forerunners in proclaiming the coming of Jesus, urging believers to prepare themselves and others for His return. He challenges listeners to critically engage with biblical teachings, ensuring they align with Scripture. Bickle believes that many in the audience may have a calling to be forerunners, tasked with sharing prophetic insights about the end times. He highlights the importance of prayer, fasting, and living a holy life as foundational commitments for those who wish to fulfill this calling. Ultimately, he encourages everyone to actively pursue their relationship with God and to share that journey with others.