12-28-08 AM - Almost, But Not Yet

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"Almost, But Not Yet"

Scripture:  I John 3:1-3    December 28, 2008 a.m. 

Waiting Tries our Patience & Tests our Faith.

   1. Must learn the discipline of waiting

   2. Where God wants us to be

   3. “I am in the perfect will of God.”

   4. Some things are out of our control

 

Waiting for Christ’s First Coming.

   1. Many prophecies foretold the Savior’s birth

   2. The righteous lived for centuries in expectation of the Messiah’s coming

 

Waiting for Christ’s Second Coming.

   1. “I will come back.”  (John 14:3)

   2. “Maranatha.”  (I Corinthians 16:22, KJV)

   3. “Behold, I am coming soon.”  (Revelation 22:7)

   4. Keeping sight of Christ’s soon return keeps us from:

    * A lost sense of urgency to serve God.

    * Focusing only on the here and now.

    * Letting the cares of this world trouble us.

    * Becoming like the world, that asks, "Where is this 'coming' he promised?”  (II Pet. 3:4)

    * Feeling abandoned by God.

    * Doubting other promises God gave us.

    * Losing hope. 

 

The Fruit of our Waiting.

   1. Hope for the “not yet”  (I John 3:2)

    * Live by faith not by sight (II Corinthians 5:7)

   2. Purify ourselves  (I John 3:3)

   3. Become more like Jesus every day (I John 3:3)

   4. Serve the Lord with gladness (Ephesians 5:16)

    * God “lavished” His love on us!  (I John 3:1)

   5. Live life to the fullest today (John 10:10)