How can we actively await the return of "the appointed Christ"? The Appointed Christ and Our Calling (Acts 3:19-21) “Therefore repent and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that He may send Jesus, the Christ appointed for you. Heaven must receive Him until the time comes for God to restore everything, as He promised long ago through His holy prophets.” (Acts 3:19-21) Repent and Turn Back • Ongoing repentance keeps the heart soft and expectant. • Turning back (literally “be converted”) reorients life toward Christ instead of self. • Daily confession maintains uncluttered fellowship, making us ready to welcome Him (1 John 1:9). Receive Times of Refreshing Now • The Spirit brings foretastes of future restoration—“times of refreshing” are available today. • Practices that invite refreshment: – Unhurried Scripture reading (Psalm 19:7-10) – Worship that magnifies Christ’s glory (Colossians 3:16) – Quiet attentiveness to His presence (Isaiah 30:15) • Enjoying His nearness fuels anticipation of seeing Him face to face (1 Colossians 13:12). Anchor Hope in the Promise of Restoration • Heaven “must receive” Jesus until the Father’s set time—His return is fixed, not hypothetical (Matthew 24:36). • Biblical hope is certainty, not wishful thinking (Hebrews 6:19). • Review prophetic assurances often—2 Pet 3:13; Revelation 21:1-5. Live Holy and God-Centered Lives • “Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives” (2 Peter 3:11-12). • Holiness is practical: – Speak truthfully (Ephesians 4:25) – Forgive as Christ forgave (Ephesians 4:32) – Pursue purity in thought and deed (1 Thessalonians 4:3-7) Stay Spiritually Awake • “So then, let us not sleep as the others do, but let us remain awake and sober” (1 Thessalonians 5:6). • Spiritual alertness involves: – Regular self-examination (Psalm 139:23-24) – Intentional worship gatherings (Hebrews 10:24-25) – Resisting moral sluggishness (Romans 13:11-14) Serve One Another with His Gifts • “Each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace” (1 Peter 4:10). • Serving now rehearses kingdom living: – Hospitality – Mercy ministries – Teaching and discipleship Proclaim the Appointed Christ • Acts 3 shows Peter immediately preaching Jesus; awaiting His return means announcing His first coming. • Key aspects to share: – His atoning death (1 Corinthians 15:3) – His bodily resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:4) – His imminent return (Acts 1:11) Cultivate Loving Longing for His Appearing • “There is laid up for me the crown of righteousness… to all who have loved His appearing” (2 Timothy 4:8). • Practical ways to “love His appearing”: – Meditate on passages describing His coming glory (Titus 2:13). – Sing hymns and songs that anticipate His return. – Celebrate the Lord’s Supper; “For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes” (1 Corinthians 11:26). Stand Firm with Patient Endurance • “Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the Lord’s coming… strengthen your hearts, for the Lord’s coming is near” (James 5:7-8). • Endurance looks like: – Refusing compromise under trial. – Holding fast to Scripture when feelings waver. – Encouraging others with the same steadfast hope (1 Thessalonians 4:18). Summary Awake, repentant, hope-filled believers receive present refreshment, walk in holiness, serve with their gifts, and boldly proclaim the gospel. Living this way, we actively await the moment when the Father “will send Jesus, the Christ appointed” for us. |
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