How can we prepare for the "times of restoration" mentioned in Acts 3:21? Setting the Scene “Repent therefore, 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 of restoration of all things, which God spoke through His holy prophets from ages past.” (Acts 3:19-21) Peter links our present response to God with a future season when everything will be set right. Because that moment is certain, preparing now is not optional—it’s wisdom. Grasping the Promise •“Times of restoration” points to the moment when Christ returns, creation is renewed (Romans 8:19-21), and every prophetic word finds literal fulfillment (Isaiah 65:17-25; Revelation 21:1-5). •God’s calendar is fixed; we live in the pre-restoration gap. What we do now echoes into that coming age (2 Peter 3:11-13). Why Preparation Matters •It proves faith is genuine (James 2:17). •It fuels hope and steadfastness (1 Corinthians 15:58). •It positions us for reward and responsibility in the kingdom (Luke 19:17). Practical Ways to Prepare Repent and keep short accounts •“Repent…so that your sins may be wiped away” (Acts 3:19). •Daily confession keeps hearts soft and eager for Christ’s appearing (1 John 1:9). Abide in close fellowship with Jesus •“Abide in Me, and I in you” (John 15:4). •Set aside unhurried time in the Word and prayer; cultivate a listening life (Psalm 119:18). Guard sound doctrine •“The time will come when men will not tolerate sound doctrine” (2 Timothy 4:3). •Measure every teaching against Scripture; contend earnestly for the faith once delivered (Jude 3). Live holy and distinct 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). •Lifestyle choices—speech, entertainment, relationships—either adorn or blur the gospel. Stay watchful in prayer •“Be always on the watch, and pray that you may have strength to escape all that is about to happen and to stand before the Son of Man” (Luke 21:36). •Pray for personal readiness, the advance of the gospel, and Israel’s salvation (Romans 10:1; 11:26). Invest in gospel witness •“This gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world…then the end will come” (Matthew 24:14). •Share Christ personally, support missions, and disciple others (Matthew 28:18-20). Serve the body of Christ •“Each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve others” (1 Peter 4:10). •Faithful service now trains us for greater stewardship in the restored creation (Luke 16:10-12). Hold material things loosely •“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things” (Colossians 3:2). •Give generously; store treasure where moth and rust cannot touch it (Matthew 6:19-21). Encouragement for the Journey •God cannot lie; the restoration is certain (Titus 1:2). •The Spirit within us is a down payment guaranteeing what is to come (Ephesians 1:13-14). •Suffering now carries a glory that will be revealed then (Romans 8:18; 2 Corinthians 4:17). Looking Ahead with Confidence Living this way keeps our lamps trimmed and burning (Matthew 25:1-13). When the long-promised “times of restoration” dawn, we will greet the King not as surprised spectators, but as ready, joyful participants in His forever reign. |
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