How Do I Prepare For The End Times?

HOW DO I PREPARE FOR THE END TIMES?

2 Peter 3:11-12

Introduction:  The Bible never divorces the truth of Christ’s return from everyday living.  Today, in this final message, we are going to discover how we should prepare for the certainty of the return of Jesus Christ.

1 John 2:28   “Now, little children, remain in Him, so that when He appears, we may have confidence and not shrink away from Him in shame at His coming.”

1. Two Truths About Christ’s Coming (1 Thessalonians 4:13-17; Zechariah 14:4)

1. Christ’s Coming Is Certain   (John 14:1-3)

John 14:3   “If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.”

Acts 1:11   “They [angels] also said, ‘Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky?  This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven.’”

1. Christ’s Coming Is Soon   (Romans 13:11-12)

Romans 13:11-12   ¹¹ “Do this, knowing the time, that it is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep; for now salvation is nearer to us than when we believed.  ¹² The night is almost gone, and the day is near.  Therefore let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.”

1. Four Principles For Last Days Living

2 Peter 3:11-12a   ¹¹  “Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness,  ^12a   looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God.”

1. Live With Hope   (Romans 15:13)

Psalm 39:7   “And now, Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in You.”

Romans 15:13   “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

1 Peter 3:15   “Sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence.”

1. Live With Insight   (1 Chronicles 12:32)

1 Chronicles 12:32a   “The sons of Issachar, men who understood the times, with knowledge of what Israel should do.”

1. Live With Action   (Matthew 5:13-14)

Matthew 5:13   “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men.”

Matthew 5:14   “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.”

Daniel 11:32b   “The people who know their God will display strength and take action.”

1. Live With Courage   (John 16:33)

John 16:33b   “In the world you have tribulation, but take courage, I have overcome the world.”

III.      The First Priority For the Last Days  

Romans 5:1   “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

2 Corinthians 6:2b   “Behold, now is ‘the acceptable time,’ behold, now is ‘the day of salvation.’”

Conclusion