Will You Be Ready at the Moment When Jesus Comes? -- Santosh Poonen -- October 6, 2021
http://rlcf.church/media/sermons/will-you-ready-moment-jesus-comes River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The sermon uses the story of Jesus finding a fig tree with only leaves, no fruit, to challenge the congregation about their spiritual readiness. The central message is that when Jesus returns, he will look for tangible fruit in our lives, not just outward religious appearances. Believers must live in constant readiness, anticipating His unexpected return.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Jesus and the Fig TreeExamining the story in Mark 11 where Jesus approaches a fig tree looking for fruit and finds only leaves.Mark 11:11
What Jesus is Hungry ForJesus is looking for hearts stayed upon Him and genuine spiritual fruit behind our religious appearance.
Dressed in ReadinessBelievers must always be spiritually ready and dressed in readiness because Jesus will return unexpectedly.
The Warning of Hell and RepentanceThe rich man in torment teaches us the urgency of repenting today while there is still time.
Cleansing the Temple and the Fig TreeThe withered fig tree represents the judgment on outward religion that lacks internal reality.
Avoiding Self-CondemnationWe are not entitled to even one minute of self-pity, discouragement, or self-condemnation when we fall short.
The Ministry of Jesus with the AxeJohn the Baptist prophesied that Jesus comes to baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire, but the axe must first be laid to the root.Matthew 3:11
The High Standard of the New CovenantThe New Covenant offers a life far higher than an old covenant routine of token membership and outward good behavior.
Have Faith in GodInstead of condemnation, Jesus invites us to have faith in God and speak to the mountains in our lives.
Removing Mountains of Bad MoodsGod can wither up bad moods, anger, and impatience from the roots so that a new tree can grow.
Choosing Christ's Life Over Self-ImprovementWe do not need a better self-improved version of ourselves, but rather the genuine life of Christ modeled in 1 Peter.
