The Spirit Prepares us for Christ’s Return
Scripture Focus
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is going to be revealed to us. For the creation eagerly waits with anticipation for God’s sons to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to futility — not willingly, but because of him who subjected it — in the hope that the creation itself will also be set free from the bondage to decay into the glorious freedom of God’s children. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together with labor pains until now. Not only that, but we ourselves who have the Spirit as the first fruits — we also groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. Now in this hope we were saved, but hope that is seen is not hope, because who hopes for what he sees? Now if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with patience.”
(Romans 8:18-25 CSB)
“Both the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” Let anyone who hears, say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come. Let the one who desires, take the water of life freely.”
(Revelation 22:18)
“Long ago God spoke to our ancestors by the prophets at different times and in different ways. In these last days, he has spoken to us by his Son. God has appointed him heir of all things and made the universe, through him.”
(Hebrews 1:1-2)
“On the contrary, this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel: ‘And it will be in the last days, says God, that I will pour out my Spirit on all people; then your sons and your daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams. I will even pour out my Spirit on my servants in those days, both men and women and they will prophesy.”
(Acts 2:16-18)
The Holy Spirit prepares us for Christ’s return!
“Pinpointing” the date of Christ’s return…
- Hippolytus of Rome (AD 500)
- Henry Archer (1700)
- Joseph Morris (1861)
- Hal Lindsey (1980s/1988)
- Jack Van Impe (2012, etc.)
Whatever we’re facing in our lives — something better is on its way
We are prepared in Community
- We - as Christ’s followers - belong together (1 Corinthians 12:12-14, 18, 27)
- We - as sisters and brothers in Christ - are called to encourage one another (Hebrews 10:23-25 CSB)
- We - as part of God’s good creation - are part of a bigger whole (Romans 8:19-22)
“Our welfare is inseparable from Earth’s welfare. Our destiny is inseparable from Earth’s destiny. That’s why the curse on mankind required that the earth be cursed and why the earth will also be resurrected when we are resurrected. The Curse will be reversed.”
– Randy Alcorn, Heaven p. 160-161
We are prepared through Sanctification
- Justification is a change in our spiritual status with God
“For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift — not from works, so that no one can boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9) - Sanctification is a change in our condition in life
“I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me; and this life I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the One who loved me and gave himself up for me.” (Galatians 2:20)
The promise of Christ’s Return focuses our attention and understanding
“The hope we have is more than simply a form of wishful thinking, more than the ability to persuade ourselves that things will surely be better in the future. The hope we have is sure because we already have a foretaste of its fulfillment: the Holy Spirit.” — Paul Achtemeier, Romans: Interpretation Commentary
This week
Happy New Year!
LCC offices will be closed December 29 - January 1.
Pastors will be available for emergencies during this time.Year-End Giving
Year-end gifts for 2025 may be completed online or postmarked by December 31st.
Coming up
Ministry Fair
Discover all that’s planned for the winter season at LLC.
Join us after each service on January 11. For more info, visit www.lighthousehome.org/connect.Starting Point
New to LCC? Starting point is for you!
🗓️ January 18 - 🕥 10:30 AM or 🕧 12:30 PM - 📍 Room 321 (Building 2)
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