This kind of faith reminds me of many christians who are dead now, but showed triumph in Christ. Some of them were persecuted, confessing their faith on Jesus. Others had such difficulties in living, but their attitudes to earthly things with faith encourages us so much! Since God Himself told us (1127 times) that Christ is coming back, in the Bible. It's worth believing. He deserves to be trusted. Do not trouble ourselves only about earthly things. We are to look up at things in Heaven.

John 14:26. With the Spirit, we can understand and recognize the truth in spirit. We need to welcome the Holy Spirit in our lives so that we keep faith on His second coming and spiritual truth.

II Peter 3:14. To become one with whom God pleases should be our goal. Last week, as you all know, a sensational news spread all over the world; the death of Diana and Mother Teresa. Lots of people grieved and had such sorrow for them. Those people (including us) loved Diana and Mother Teresa, but we need to check if we have the same love for God.

"Love is the complete belt which overs everything."

"Love your neighbours as you love yourselves."

II Peter 3:18. We need to grow in Christ. If we humbly come up to Him, grace and knowledge of God automatically will be descended upon us. (In devotion, we could see this true).

II Peter 3:9. "While we have light, let us spread out the Good News." There is a parable in the Bible; a wealthy man had a banquet, inviting people. Those who had been invited started to refuse. So the wealthy man ordered his servants to get forcefully anyone on the streets. Sometimes, or maybe all the time, like this man and servants, we need to take forcefully to Christ. Nobody knows when Jesus is coming back. We can't tell how much time is left till He comes back.

We are to feel urgent so that we are forced to the evangelical work of sharing Christ to people around us.

Translated by Junko Okamoto - Edited for the Net by Shido
For another sermon see: Oita Evangelical Christ Church
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