BETTER GET READY - GAINING CONFIDENCE IN HIS RETURN
TEXT: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

You came here today because of the resurrection of Jesus. You came because somewhere along the line it has been ingrained into your heard that God became a man and lived among us, never sinned, took our sins upon Him, died on a cross, buried in a tomb, and resurrected on the third day.  But you are also here because you believe He’s coming back.  When we gather like this - we are, in essence, telling the world we believe His coming is near.  Be ready!    

Four things were always certain: I want these four things ingrained on your hearts

1)      HE’S ____________________ BACK (5:1-5)

The Bible is very clear:

- We will all SEE J come (Revelation 1:7; Matthew 24:27, 30)

- We will all FEEL J come  (Revelation 16:18-19)

- We will all HEAR J come  (I Thess 4:16)

2)      HE’S COMING BACK IN ______________ OWN GOOD _____________.
(5:2b) "...as a thief in the night."

J Himself said in (Matt. 24:35) "But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only."

And later He said in (Matt 24:44) Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not expect Him."

3)      HE’S COMING BACK WHETHER YOU ARE ____________________ OR ___________.

There will be certain Judgment upon those not ready.
While people are saying, "Peace and safety," destruct will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprised you like a thief. You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. (I Thess. 5:3-5)

4)      HE’S COMING BACK – B_______________ GET R_________________! (5:9-11)
We must live daily with an Attitude of ________________________
So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. (I Thess. 5:6-7)

According to Paul, what two things will people be found doing at night? ________________ and getting ___________________.

Which Christian are you more like?

-          Volunteer 1 got distracted  and began to do other things so when volunteer 2 came back they found him not ready.

-          Volunteer 1 got distracted by the trivial (the particular details of His return) so when volunteer 2 came back they found him not ready.

-          Volunteer 1 got busy doing the task volunteer 2 called him/her to do

Which one best fits your current anticipation of Christ’s return?