Let's Eat - Anticipation Of His Return

The past Sunday, Pastor Matt continued the Let’s Eat series by reminding us how the series started. We are worthy, not because of anything that we have done, but because as His children in Christ, we are worthy because He is worthy!
The second segment of the series takes us to 1Corinthians11:24-26 where the Apostle Paul recounts the events of what we refer to as The Lord’s Supper, when Jesus instructs his disciples to “do this in remembrance of me” and by doing so they will “proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes”. In other words, He’s coming back, so be aware of this as you anticipate His return.
Religion has misapplied the words of Jesus in Matthew 24:42-51 into a message meant for us today that was never intended. Religion uses this behavior modification tactic as a means of control. They say, we better “be right” when Jesus returns because if we’re not, we won’t be accepted in Him. Some believe we can lose our salvation, some believe we can “fall out of fellowship” with Him, some believe our religious performance will somehow dictate our position in Christ. All of these couldn’t be farther from the truth! In Romans 8:1-2 the Apostle Paul tells us, “Therefore there is now NO CONDEMNATION for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has SET YOU FREE from the law of sin and death.” If that doesn’t excite you, check your pulse! Or as my Daddy would say... someone hold my mules!
We live our life in Christ not from a position of fear, but from resting in the completed work of Christ and resting in the knowledge that we are secure and accepted in the Beloved!

In 1 Thessalonians 5:4 the Apostle Paul reminds us that we are not in darkness, but are children of light. So, we should live our lives with this knowledge and stand firm on the ground that was claimed when Jesus was resurrected from the dead. We rest in His completed work! Paul also tells us in Ephesians 4:1 that we should live our lives worthy of the calling that we have received. The inevitable question is, how do we do that? And the answer is....YOU can’t. But don’t worry, it’s not up to you. In Philippians 1:6, the Apostle Paul tells us, “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus”. And what is the day of Christ Jesus? His anticipated return.
In Galatians 5:1 Paul tells us, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm then, and do not let yourselves be burdened AGAIN by a yoke of slavery”. The slavery Paul refers to here is the “yoke” of religious works. The completed work of Christ removed that yoke of slavery, so live confidently in that and don’t go back!
He gives us His life. He gives us His strength. He gives us His faith. He gives us His resurrection power. He gives us His future. He gives us His heirship. He gives us His spirit. He gives us His righteousness. What a deal! Now live your life in His power knowing that you are complete, whole, and lacking nothing! Looking for the day of His return!