Basic Faith: Jesus' Return Part 1

Jason Hunter Acts 1:6-11 - So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” 9 And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. 10 And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, 11 and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.” God’s ultimate plan to take creation to its state before the fall takes another dramatic step.  He ascends to heaven. Jesus promises He will return when He ascends to heaven.    Jesus is Coming Again Colossians 1:28 – We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.    The idea is to gain disciples to give to Jesus when He returns.   We consider all we do to right living because we are going to see Jesus again.  Even the sacrament of communion is rooted into Jesus’ return. 11 Corinthians 5:9-10 – So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. For we must all appear before the judgement seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. 1 Corinthians 11:26 – For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.  Correct Attitudes of Basic Faith – right attitude Philippians 2:5-8 – Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.  And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death- even death on a cross! God despises pride and arrogance. Humility – God despises pride and arrogance. I don’t have it all figured out, but there is no requirement in the Bible to understand the end times and how it will unfold for them to be saved and assured of a place in the kingdoms of God. Salvation is through Grace and that through faith and not of works. Not even of works of understanding. Personal Diligence – It is extremely profitable to ponder the return of Jesus. There are concepts in our faith where there is some room for individual conclusions. This is what the Bible refers to as freedom. Instructions on this freedom is found in Galatians 5:13 - For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.  I encourage you to study, research and conclude what you believe on these issues. This is a way to personalize your faith, so that it is yours, with the aid of the Holy Spirit. This is keeping with Philippians 2:12 - Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.  Two things – study and be captivated by debates, you will only find debates – remember what it says in Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust in the Lord with all your heart and  lean not on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge him and He will direct your path.   You might be right and you might not be right because you are human trying to figure out God – Almighty God!! Complete Trust in God – Acts 1:7 - He s