Living In The Last Days: “Preparing For The Return of Christ”

Living In The Last Days
Preparing for The Return of Christ
2/15/26
Pastor Mark England

Are we living in the Last Days?
.

We are living in the .

The beginning of the last days began from the moment the was poured out on the . (Acts 2)

The Letter to the Thessalonians was not to them, but to as first century very young Christians.

Thessalonian Christians were concerned about the same thing we are concerned about today…
What does the ?

1 Thessalonians 1:1-3 (CSB) To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace to you and peace. ² We always thank God for all of you, making mention of you constantly in our prayers. ³ We recall, in the presence of our God and Father, your work produced by faith, your labor motivated by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

50/51 AD Paul’s 2^nd Missionary Journey
Acts 17
Major Port City with over 200,000 people.
If Paul could reach the Thessalonians with the Gospel, it would spread throughout the entire region.

Starts with the of God.

1 Thessalonians 1:4-5 (CSB) For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you, ⁵ because our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, in the Holy Spirit, and with full assurance. You know how we lived among you for your benefit,

The Gospel isn’t just God’s , it is !
You can love Jesus and miss the He has for you.

Three Ways Believers Live Ready In The Last Days

1. We .

We from that deceive to the God who saves.

1 Thessalonians 1:9 (CSB) for they themselves report what kind of reception we had from you: how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God

Thessalonica was a culture that worshiped .
(Greek gods, Zeus, Appolo, Artemis, Caesar.)

to Jesus meant to the false beliefs.

It was , but it was clear… Jesus is , and we serve Him alone.

An idol is anything you put in .

• The idol of .
  We often find our value in what we do.
  Endless hustle, climbing corporate ladder, getting ahead, building your brand…
• The idol of .
  Work hard, deserve a good life of luxury, big house, new car, dream vacation…
• The idol of .
  Getting married, kids, what people think about you over what God thinks about you…
• The idol of .
  Your body, your life, living your way, living your truth, you come first, and your happiness matters most.

2 Timothy 3:1-5 (CSB) But know this: Hard times will come in the last days. ² For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, proud, demeaning, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, ³ unloving, irreconcilable, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, without love for what is good, ⁴ traitors, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, ⁵ holding to the form of godliness but denying its power. Avoid these people.

2. We .
   We the living God, not dead idols.

1 Thessalonians 1:9 (CSB) for they themselves report what kind of reception we had from you: how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God

The idols in life that promise freedom often us.

douleuō (Gk)
To serve with .
Putting the will of another above your own.

Serving Jesus is more than a .
It is .

Not God bless … But God I exist to !

3. We .
   We , preparing for the return of Christ.

1 Thessalonians 1:9-10 (CSB) for they themselves report what kind of reception we had from you: how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God ¹⁰ and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.

Waiting doesn’t mean do .

anaménein (Gk)

Ana- Again, intensely.
Menein- To remain, stay, abide.
To wait , , and with great .

Daily Questions I Must Ask Myself…

1. Have I those who me?

Matthew 6:14-15 (CSB) “For if you forgive others their offenses, your heavenly Father will forgive you as well. ¹⁵ But if you don’t forgive others, your Father will not forgive your offenses.

2. Have I shared my with those who ?

2 Timothy 4:2 (CSB) Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and encourage with great patience and teaching.

3. Am I trusting in God’s alone to ?

Ephesians 2:8-9 (CSB) For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift— ⁹ not from works, so that no one can boast.

Are you ready?
Because !