Begin AgainSample

“State of Emergency” The Second Coming When we look around us at natural disasters like earthquakes and tsunamis, political instability and unrest, suicide bombers and terrorist attacks, it is easy to feel that we are in a “state of emergency.” There is much uncertainty about the future. But this we know for certain: Jesus is coming again and the world will be destroyed by fire. As we witnessed nations declare “state of emergency” in varying situations, let’s consider if we should be in a “state of emergency” spiritually as we prepare for the Second Coming of Jesus! In 2 Peter 3:1-13, Peter tells us that the promise that Jesus will come again is still going to be fulfilled. What does Peter say will happen to this earth in verse 10? The world will be destroyed by fire. Read verse 8 again. What do you think this means? According to verse 9, why is God waiting to fulfill His promise to come again and destroy the earth? Because he does not want any to perish. The only reason God delays this final event of world history is His desire that none should perish, but that all would come to repentance. Read verse 14. The certainty of Jesus’ Second Coming and the destruction of the world by fire should affect the way we live our daily lives. What does this verse say our lives should be like? We should be spotless, blameless and at peace with Him. This is our calling to begin again. To start anew. If you knew for certain that the Second Coming was going to happen in 3 months from today, what would you do differently? Give some examples of some things that you would probably stop doing and things that you would start doing. Read verse 14 again. As you consider the way you are living your life, what are some things you need to do in order to be “at peace with God”? With all this in mind, are you ready to meet Him? If not, I’d sure get ready! When we hear a message like this, it ought to make lost people consider the terrible danger they are in and cause them to run to Christ in repentance. As verse 10 reminds us, when He comes, it will be a sudden event! Now, let’s search our hearts and if there are issues that need to be settled, let’s bring them to Jesus and get right for the flight. Because, Jesus is coming These truths should stir the hearts of God’s people and make us want to get as close to Jesus as we can get so that in the time remaining, we might be used by Him to touch this world. There are multitudes all around us who have never received Jesus as their Savior. You might be the one to reach them. As you think about these things, who do you believe God wants you to talk with this week? How many close relatives, friends, and neighbors do you have who still need to come to know Jesus in a deep personal way? Let’s stop and pray silently for them right now. Pray that they will come to Jesus before His Second Coming and the destruction of the world by fire. Prayer Time: Pray that we will have a sense of urgency (a state of emergency) about the fact that we are living in the last days before the Second Coming and the end of the world. Pray that God will lead you to the people He wants us to share the Good News about Jesus this week.