Why is it vital to remind each other of Christ's return regularly? The heartbeat of encouragement: 1 Thessalonians 4:18 “Therefore encourage one another with these words.” • Paul has just painted the breathtaking picture of Christ descending, the dead in Christ rising, and all believers meeting the Lord in the air (4:13-17). • Verse 18 locks in the practical takeaway: keep reminding each other that this is literal, imminent, and guaranteed. Christ’s return reframes our present suffering • Romans 8:18 – present pains shrink beside “the glory that will be revealed.” • John 14:3 – Jesus personally promises, “I will come back and welcome you into My presence.” • When hardships press, the certainty of His return steadies our hearts and keeps discouragement from winning. Hope that fuels holiness • 2 Peter 3:10-12 – knowing the Day is coming motivates “holy and godly lives.” • 1 John 3:2-3 – “Everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as Christ is pure.” • Regular reminders keep holiness from becoming optional; they tie daily choices to eternal realities. Motivation for fellowship and accountability • Hebrews 10:24-25 – gather and spur one another on “all the more as you see the Day approaching.” • Shared anticipation knits believers together, making church meetings more than routine; they become strategic huddles before the King returns. Stirring evangelistic urgency • Acts 1:11 – “This same Jesus… will come back.” The angel’s words propel the disciples to preach. • Matthew 24:14 – the gospel must reach every nation before the end; remembering the deadline keeps mission front-and-center. Guarding against drift and deception • 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3 warns of counterfeit claims about Christ’s coming. • Regular, Scripture-saturated reminders anchor believers in truth, protecting from false timetables, skepticism, or apathy. Practical ways to keep the reminder alive • Begin gatherings with a verse on His return (Titus 2:13; Revelation 22:12). • Share testimonies of how the promise of His coming shaped a decision or sustained someone in trial. • Incorporate songs that celebrate the Blessed Hope. • Parents weave future-oriented language into family devotions: “One day soon, Jesus will appear—let’s live ready.” • Encourage memorization of key passages—1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, John 14:1-3, Hebrews 10:24-25. Closing thought The early church lived on tiptoe, eyes lifted toward the skies. When we remind each other often of Christ’s certain, visible, triumphant return, we recover that same expectancy—and our courage, purity, unity, mission, and discernment thrive. |
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