Preparing for His Return

Christ will come for his saints unexpectedly. Be faithful, be watchful, be fruitful, and be charitable until he comes!

The Suddenness of Christ’s Coming

No one knows the day or hour, only the Father. Acts 1:7 “7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority;”

His return will be sudden. This return is remarkably different than the previous “coming” that Jesus discussed, when he comes with power and glory and at the end of a period of great distress.

This section is marked by a transition “But about the day...”

His return will be swift.

The question of who is being taken - the word paralambano means to be taken with.

Every other time this word is used it refers to being brought along, or taken with someone. Jesus used it in His promise in John 14:3 “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.”

Being left means you are left to face the time of God’s wrath.

Luke 21:34–36 NASB95

34 “Be on guard, so that your hearts will not be weighted down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of life, and that day will not come on you suddenly like a trap; 35 for it will come upon all those who dwell on the face of all the earth. 36 “But keep on the alert at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are about to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”

The Preparedness of the Saints

This are signs that a person is truly saved.

Be Faithful (45-51)

Parable of the two servants (saved vs unsaved). One is faithful in what God has called you to do.

Be Watchful (25:1-13)

The story illustrates the arrangement of Jewish wedding.

The 5 virgins had the Holy Spirit, 5 never had any oil.

Be Watchful.

Be Fruitful (14-30)

The parable of the talents

What has the Lord given you to do.

Don’t discount the power of prayer (Mamaw) and praise (Grandmomma).