Greetings in the name of the One who is and is to come, Jesus. As we celebrate His first coming, I always like to look for His next, which is exactly what Scripture tells us to do if we expect to be caught up: “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:11-13).
After reading this verse of Scripture, “looking” is not the only thing we are instructed to do; there is more. Salvation is free, but it is not just a trip to heaven. Salvation works in your everyday life, which is why we are instructed to “work out our own salvation with fear and trembling” (Phil. 2:12). Accepting Jesus is just the beginning; we are reminded not to forget all of His benefits; however, how can you remember them if you don’t know what they are?
Ignorance is not bliss; it is the chain that holds us in bondage to the curse. God says, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge” (Hos. 4:6). Pursuing our complete salvation is an ongoing responsibility. Searching the Scripture and communicating with God should be part of our daily behavior. Here is another example of the behavior we should exhibit:
“Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat?” (2 Peter 3:11-12).
I write these letters in hopes that you will be encouraged that there is something inside your Bible that can set you free from what binds you. Something that will help you to release the blessings of God in your life that you may believe are impossible to attain. There are things in this life that you cannot accomplish on your own or even with the help of others; however, with God, all things are possible (Matt. 19:26).
Yet, it is important to remember that you have a role to play. You are saved by grace through faith, but faith requires action. When you have faith in something, your actions will reflect that belief. The way you behave and live your life will serve as evidence of what you believe will happen. This is why faith in God comes through hearing His Word (Rom. 10:17).
“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” (John 14:3)
These are the words of Jesus, and He did indeed ascend as recorded in Acts chapter 1. I have full confidence that He will return to gather us, His disciples. This event will not be His return at the end of the Tribulation to the earth, but rather an appearance in the air to collect His Body, His Army, the Church, and take us to where He is—Heaven! We are in that season, and Jesus is coming soon and very soon.
Just as the prophecies of the Scripture foretold His first coming (being born of a virgin, in Bethlehem, becoming a Nazarene upon returning from Egypt, and enduring great suffering on the Cross), many, many more prophecies foretell His appearing and His return to earth to rule and reign. Because of the fulfillment of Bible prophecy, we knowthe Bible is true—it is the proof.
Christmas should be a wonderful time of celebration and thanksgiving to our Father for sending a Savior; however, it should also be a time of reflection that more Bible prophecy will soon come to pass, and He will return. Will we be ready? Will you be ready? Here is the key: “Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man” (Luke 21:36).
Watch your behavior and be in a constant relationship, prayer, and awareness with and of Jesus. This will ensure your readiness. You must know Him intimately to be counted worthy. We pray that you have a Merry Christmas and a joyous New Year filled with health, prosperity, and a sound mind. The year 2026 is going to be a milestone in time for us all. Thank you for being a part of this ministry. Until next time remember . . . Jesus is coming soon! Be ready!
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