The Day of God
  1. Introduction
    1. As we face a new year, a new century we think about what the future holds
      1. Our lives
      2. Our Jobs
    2. January 1st meet with great anticipation because of uncertainty
    3. For our bible study consider a future event
  2. Jesus IS coming
    1. Predictions of the Past
      1. In my library I have 38 of the 1000’s of speculations that have been made telling of the coming of Christ
      2. For example
        1. Samuel Snow – October 22, 1844
        2. Watchtower Witness – End of 1975
    2. Predictions of the Present
      1. Those that say Jesus will return this year.
      2. Predictions claim to be Biblically confirmed
    3. Truth is
      1. The bible tells us plainly we do not know when Christ is coming
      2. In Matt 24:36 – Jesus himself said – "

      (Mat 24:36 KJV) But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.
    4. But just because no man knows when Jesus is coming again does not diminish or annul the fact that it will happen.
  3. As Children of God, brothers and sisters of Christ we can and should look forward to His return
    1. On that great and glorious day, wonderful events will occur
    2. See Jesus coming in the Air
      1. Just like the Apostles saw him leave
      2. We will see him return
      3. Acts 1:11

      (Acts 1:11 KJV) Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.
    3. It will be a day of Judgement
      1. Stand before the great judge –2 Cor 5:10

        2. (2 Cor 5:10 KJV) For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ;…

      2. All knees shall bow before God – Isa. 45:23 (Rom 14:11)

        3. (Isa 45:23 KJV) I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.

      3. All will receive judgement – Rom 2:5-6

      (Rom 2:5-6 KJV) But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; {6} Who will render to every man according to his deeds:
    4. See God (Jesus)
      1. No man has seen God face to face – Ex 33:20-23
      2. But all will see Jesus – 1 John 3:2

      (1 John 3:2 KJV) Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
    5. New dwelling place
      1. Mansion (figurative) is prepared – John 14:2-3
      2. Righteous look forward to eternal home with God
  4. Now let’s turn our attention to the 3rd chapter of 2 Peter
    1. Show relevance of verse 11 with the beginning of the chapter
      1. Scoffers that say there is no coming. v 3-4
      2. Truth of the coming of Christ v. 9-10
      3. V 11 because of the coming of Christ "what manner of persons ought ye to be"
    2. First, we should live sober lives – Titus 2:12-13
      1. Sober
        1. Sound mind (not opposite of drunk)
        2. Sound doctrine
      2. Examples of such living in the beginning of the chapter
        1. Older men – Older women
        2. Young women – Young men
    3. Next we should keep the faith – 2 Tim 4:7-8
      1. The faith – Not just belief in God but also in His doctrine
      2. Paul looked for a crown – not just for him but for all
    4. We will also be citizens of heaven – Phil 3:20
      1. We may be living here on earth
      2. But our citizenship is in heaven
        1. Which means we are subject to the King
        2. We obey the laws of his kingdom
    5. Also from the Parables of Matt 25
      1. Ten Virgins
        1. Matt 25:1-13
        2. Preparedness (watchfulness) v. 13
      2. The Talents
        1. Matt 25:14-30
        2. Working as a child of God
    6. Obedient to the Gospel
      1. 2 Thess 1:7-12
      2. Rest for those who have obeyed the gospel
  5. What are you looking for?
    1. It has been said – "Outlook determines Outcome"
      1. Illustrate – Player visualizing the play and what will happen
      2. Often how we live determines what we are looking for.
    2. Those seeking fleshly pleasure
      1. Look for opportunity to be near other fleshly people
      2. Desire to be with others that practice such things
    3. Those seeking Fame
      1. Publicize everything they say and do
      2. Talk Loud and long to promote themselves
      3. Example - Politicians
    4. Those seeking Wealth
      1. Often Look for Overtime work
      2. Or volunteer to work on weekends
        1. Not saying we should never work extra hours
        2. I realize there are times when that is necessary
    5. Those seeking eternal life with God
      1. Will live their life looking for and hastening the day of God
      2. By living a holy and godly life
  6. Conclusion
    1. God has promised to send Christ back to Earth
      1. 2 Peter 3:9
      2. He will destroy heaven and earth and the works of it.
    2. The Day of God – Song "There Is A Great Day Coming"
      1. A dreadful and awful day
        1. To those that obey not God
        2. To see God full of wrath
        3. To hear him say depart
        4. To be separated for all eternity
      2. A wonderful and glorious day
        1. To those that obey and are faithful
        2. To see God in all his glory
        3. To hear him say enter in
        4. To live with him forever
    3. Have you obeyed the gospel
      1. Do you believe in Jesus?
      2. Repented of your sins?
      3. Confess your faith in Christ?
      4. Baptized for the remission of sins?
    4. Are you living so as to look forward to and hastening the Day of Lord?
      1. Would you say the same thing John said
      2. In Rev. 22:20

(Rev 22:20 KJV) He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.