Sermon Prepared by James McCullen
Email Preach Him with Dr. Jim

CHILDREN LOOKING FOR THE LORDS RETURN
I JOHN 2:28-29

INTRODUCTION:
Jesus promised He would return to this earth. I believe He will return in the clouds for His children and 7 years latter return with His children. In the text I believe the Lord is talking about a return for His children. Many Bible scholars call this the "rapture of the church".

John tells his readers they should abide in Christ and aware of His return. We can see that John has certain characteristics in mind for children should look for the Lord's return.
 

I. ARE CHILDREN WHO ABIDE IN HIM. v 28 a

II. ARE CHILDREN WHO AMEN HIS APPEARING. v 28 b

III. ARE CHILDREN WHO ACT RIGHTEOUSLY.
 
 

EXPLANATION:

A.    WE ABIDE THROUGH CONFESSING CHRIST. 1 JOHN 4:15

B.    WE ABIDE THROUGH HIS ABIDING. 1 JOHN 2:27, 4:13

C.    WE ABIDE THROUGH BIBLE STUDY. 1 JOHN 2:14; 2 JOHN 1:9

D.    WE ABIDE THROUGH COMPASSION. 1 JOHN 3:17

E.    WE ABIDE THROUGH LOVE FOR BROTHERS. 1 JOHN 3:14

F.    WE ABIDE THROUGH DOING THE WILL OF GOD. 1 JOHN 2:17

G.    WE ABIDE THROUGH PRAYER. JOHN 15:7

H.    WE ABIDE THROUGH WITNESSING. JOHN 15:1-5
            1. SONG "MUST I GO AND EMPTY HANDED"
 

ILLUSTRATION:
In the book EVERY CHRISTIANS JOB this story is shared. A bank president realized he had never shared his faith with several close associates. He called all of them and asked for an appointment. He told each of them it was very important he see them soon.

He came in to each of their offices and said "I need to apologize to you, because I have never shared with you concerning faith in Christ." Several of his friends that day became Christians. We abide through witnessing.

APPLICATION:
As you think about the return of the Lord are you abiding?
 
 

EXPLANATION:

A.    AMEN WITHOUT . . SHRINKING. "ashamed a shrinking away."
        1. SHRINK BECAUSE OF SINS OF OMISSION.
        2. SHRINK BECAUSE OF SINS OF COMMISSION
 

B.    AMEN WITHOUT . . SHAME.
        1. SHAME BECAUSE OF A SINFUL LIFESTYLE.
                a. A LIST OF SINS. INCLUDE GOSSIP

        2. SHAME BECAUSE OF A SELFISH LIFESTYLE.

ILLUSTRATION:
Billy Graham told a story related to an inscription in the dome of our Capitol in Washington which few people know about. It says: "One far-off divine event toward which the whole creation moves." That saying relates to the second coming of our Lord and savior.

Illustration
Did you know that the type most newspapers use for astounding events is called "second coming" type? These are large, heavy, black letters reserved for only the most stupendous, amazing, front page news -- such as the return of Jesus Christ. Many will remember seeing this banner headline used to announce the surrenders of Germany and Japan, marking the end of World War II. It also told the news of the assassination of John F. Kennedy.

Illustration
A tourist driving through West Texas stopped at a gas station and observed a piece of rope dangling from a sign labeled "Weather Forecaster." "How can you possibly tell the weather with a piece of rope?" the tourist wanted to know. "It's simple, sonny," was the droll answer. "When the rope swings back and forth, it's windy, when it gets wet, it's raining, when it's frozen stiff, it's snowing, and when it's gone... tornado!" Jesus told us his return was imminent. Certainly all the signs clearly point to his soon return.

APPLICATION:

Confidence in His appearing brings forth a resounding . . . AMEN!
 
 

EXPLANATION:

A.    RIGHTEOUSNESS; FROM WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT . . HIM. v 29 a
        1. HE LIVED A SINLESS LIFE.
        2. HE WAS TEMPTED IN ALL AREAS. HEB. 4:15
 

B. RIGHTEOUSNESS; FROM WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT . . HIS. v 29 b
        1. HIS CHILDREN CAN LIVE RIGHTEOUSLY.
        2. HIS CHILDREN DISPLAY HIS CHARACTER.
 

ILLUSTRATION:
I read a story about a rich baker who sent for 20 of the poorest children in town and said to them, "In this basket is a loaf of bread for each of you. Take one and come back every day and I'll give you more." Immediately the youngsters began quarreling about who would get the largest loaf. Snatching from the basket, they left without even thanking the baker.

Gretchen, a poorly dressed little girl, patiently waited until the others had left. She then took the smallest loaf, which remained in the basket, kissed the old man's hand, and went home. The next day the scene was repeated. But when Gretchen's mother sliced this loaf, she found many shiny sliver pieces inside. When Gretchen took the money back to the baker, he said, "No, my child, it was not a mistake, I put them into the smallest loaf to reward you."
 
 

CONCLUSION:

CHILDREN LOOKING FOR THE LORDS RETURN
 

I. ARE CHILDREN WHO ABIDE IN HIM. v 28 a

II. ARE CHILDREN WHO AMEN HIS APPEARING. v 28 b

III. ARE CHILDREN WHO ACT RIGHTEOUSLY.