West-coast Christian School

 The passage is on 2 Peter 3:8-9 and should focus on God's patience and long-suffering nature.  We have been going through a series since January reflecting on God's character.  This will be one of the last chapels of the year so feel free to get creative with it.  The chapel is similar to in the past:

Intro

Friends its good to be back with you! my name is Ben I am a minister at Centre Church I recognize a lot of you here and for those I haven’t met yet I am so excited to be will you all for one of the last chapels of the year!

Have you ever been wanted something so bad that you had to wait for?

have you ever had someone you missed that you wanted to hear from and wanted to see and it just cant seem to come fast enough?

I remember one time my best friend in the world a guy named Sam and I havent talked to each other in a long long time.

one time we were just called each other and finally got a moment to chat. Sam was driving and he said he couldnt hear me because of service and he said he would call back really soon.

now I missed him and was longing for him to call back. in reality he did call back pretty quick however it felt like and eternity because I was so excited to talk to him.

Another time was on my wedding day, When I saw my wife Ally through the church window it was really like 30 seconds before she came to the front of the room however for me it felt like an eternity. the Funny thing is that whole day felt like it blew by in 1 minute.

Sometimes time is a funny thing that seems to not Go the way we hope.

Transition

Our Text today comes to a group of Christians who are growing a little anxious if Jesus is gonna come back.

Before Jesus went to be with the father He made a promise that he will come again in Glory and set up kingdom here on earth

Some people in the group were worried that he may have forgotten or that he wasnt going to, others were making fun of the believers because Jesus wasnt back yet.

Here we are today, and Jesus isnt back yet

Lets go through our text slowly

2 Peter 3:8–9 ESV

8 But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.

Peters Response

Knowing that people are being discouraged about waiting for the return of Christ he reminds the christians of Gods Character all through out the Bible

Psalm 90:4 ESV

4 For a thousand years in your sight are but as yesterday when it is past, or as a watch in the night.

Habakkuk 2:3 ESV

3 For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay.

Gods Patience

Much like how we all experience times differently it is the same way with God!

Something that always blows my mind about our God is how infinite he is. God doesn't experience time the ways we do

not linear

outside of our idea of time and space

God way more then we can

In this God knows everything and is intimately involved in making things happen. since he dwells eternity

while things may not seem quick to us for the lord it is soon!

this means we can take him seriously when he promises

Revelation 22:20–21 ESV

20 He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! 21 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.

Gods Promises

However it has been a very long time since Jesus walked on the earth and I dont know about you I get very excited about the idea of walking hand and hand with Jesus as described in Revelation 21

The reason that Jesus hasn't come back yet is t come back yet is he desires more people to come to a saving knowledge of him

Friends the Gospel is that Jesus died that we can live and have life to the fullest in him by accepting his free offer of grace poured out on the cross.

Gods patiently waits and desires that more and more people come to know him

Since the beginning of time God desired one thing that is to be with his people. That is why he made them and made them in his image

the stubbornness of sin is what prevents that right relationship. God endures paitently making away for israel to know and be known by god

We see in the person of Christ a long suffering and endurance as the king of all of heaven and earth serves humanity and invites him to follow him. even to the point of death on a cross

Even after death and resurrection Jesus makes a way for people to come to him

Romans 8:34 ESV

34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.

Jesus is patient and longs for every one to come into relationship with him.

Idk about you but I have this kind of patience. yet even in my sin my lack of patience in your impatience your sin Jesus is patient with you.

Conclusion

So what do we do with this? knowing that you and I are not as patient as Jesus.

Respond to his call

the first thing we must do, respond to christ’s call to come to repentance. this means we turn from our sin and say I want Jesus I accept your call to follow.

We first and foremost the most important thing you will ever do is follow Jesus.

We follow Christ’s example

Jesus also gives us an example of how to live

If there is one thing we can all use is patience

family

friends

school

you name it we need it

In all areas we need must rely on christ knowing that patience according to Gal 5 is a fruit of the spirit. It is not something we do on our own but rather we ask the Holy spirit to empower us to be patient

Additonally one challenge I have for you is that Jesus prays endures with much patience waiting for people to come to him

my challenge to you is that we partner with him and patiently pray and encourage a friend of family member to come to repentance and relationship with our saviour Jesus

Prayer

Jesus, You are patient and kind.