Christians are waiting for Jesus Christ, and He may return at any time. We are not waiting for
any “signs”; we are waiting for the Saviour. We are waiting for the redemption of the body
and the hope of righteousness.
When Jesus Christ returns, we will receive new bodies and be like Him. He will take us to the
home He has prepared, and He will reward us for the service we have given in His name.
A local church that truly lives in the expectation of seeing Christ at any time will be a vibrant,

victorious group of people. Expecting the Lord’s return is a great motivation for soul-
winning.

If believers have these spiritual characteristics, our churches will become what God wants
them to become. The result will be the winning of the lost and the glorifying of the Lord.
What every church should be is what every Christian should be: elect (born again), exemplary
(imitating the right people), enthusiastic, (sharing the Gospel with others), and expectant (daily
looking for Christ to return).
Perhaps it is time for an inventory.
Memorize “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be:
but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is.
And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as He is pure” (1 John 3:2-
3).
Dig deeper: Romans 8:23-25; 14:10-12; Philippians 3:20-21, 1 John 3:1-2; 14:1-6.
Action assignment: Find a familiar hymn in your hymnal about the Lord’s return and sing it.
John Peterson’s “Marvelous Message We Bring” is an excellent choice. Thank God for the
promise of Christ’s return. Share with someone the gist of what you just read.

WARREN W. WIERSBE
www.backtothebible.in