Honey From The Rock

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Honey From The Rock
Psalm 81:16

"Sweet Stuff From God's Word"

A daily Bible study with Victor Knowles
Copyright 2007

HIS COMING SHOULD MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN HOW WE LIVE!

This entry was posted on 12-31-2007 and is filed under uncategorized.

Every time you see a cloud in the sky it should remind you of Christ's return (Acts 1:9-11). Every time you hear a trumpet sound it should remind you that some day the last trumpet will sound (1 Cor 15: 51-52). Every time you hear of a theft it should remind you that Jesus will come as a thief in the night (1 Thess 5:23). Every time you drive by a cemetery it should remind you that the dead in Christ shall rise when Christ returns (1 Thess 4:16).

There are at least five positive effects that the soon return of Christ should have upon the life of every believer.

1. Knowing He will fulfill His word builds hope - and how we need hope to keep us going! The early Christians called the return of Christ "the blessed hope" (Titus 2:13).
2. Everyone who has this hope purifies himself even as Christ is pure (1 John 3:3). We do have a responsibility to keep ourselves pure in mind, body and deed.
3. Holy living is a definite positive effect of believing in Christ's soon return (2 Pet 3:11). "Since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness." If one does not take seriously the return of Christ he or she will not be concerned about holy living. Your dress, demeanor and disposition speaks volumes about your theology of Christ's return.
4. Watchful anticipation is another healthy effect of believing in His return. "Looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God" (2 Pet 3:12). Often Jesus told us to "watch." Are we observing the signs, pondering world events, anticipating His return?
5. Zealous work for His kingdom and His cause will be the last positive effect on our lives. "Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing" (Matt 24:46). Jesus wants us to "occupy" or "keep busy" until He comes. Christian faith must be accompanied by Christian service.

Hymn: O land of rest, for thee I sigh! When will the moment come, when I shall lay my armor by, and dwell in peace at home? We'll work till Jesus comes, we'll work till Jesus comes, we'll work till Jesus comes, and we'll be gathered home (Elizabeth Mills)

Note: If you would like to have my 8-page study "Celebrating 33 Enduring Qualities of Jesus of Nazareth" that we have used in this month-long series on Christ, send $1 to POEM, Box 275, Joplin, MO 64802.