...Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him. Hebrews 9:28
This morning, until I start a new Bible study, I continue using devotionals from John Piper. Today, the post focuses on Jesus' second coming and how believers with authentic faith eagerly await this second coming. We are to - in Piper's words - simply "love him and believe in him — really believe in him, authentically." In contrast, Piper seeks for us to avoid "a phony faith that wants only escape from hell, but has no desire for Christ. That kind of faith does not save. It does not produce an eager expectation for Christ to come. In fact, it would rather that Christ not come for as long as possible, so that it can have as much of this world as possible." Instead we are to pursue a "faith that really holds on to Christ as Savior and Lord and Treasure and hope and joy is the faith that makes us long for Christ to come. And that is the faith that saves.
Comment and discuss this post here.
My Prayer: Heavenly Father - You are an awesome God that has given me faith - as a gift! Thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of such a gift - the greatest gift of all time. My sin...worry and other sins, continues. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow win my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
