The Return of Christ

In Matthew 24, Jesus' disciples asked when He would return to usher in the end of the age. Instead of revealing how long they should wait, Jesus taught them how to wait for His return. Because waiting on the Lord is such an important discipline for the Christian, Jesus revealed five characteristics we should develop as we wait.

Alertness (Matthew 24:42-44)
We are to be watchful and expectant while we wait for Christ's return. Jesus compares this component of waiting to a property owner who can never know when he might encounter a robber. Be careful, take precautions, and be prepared.

Responsibility (Matthew 24:45-51)
It's no small thing to be entrusted with the message of the Gospel. As the body of Christ, we are charged with providing appropriate and responsible care to the Church. When Christ returns, will He find His body broken down, abused and listless, or responsible, trustworthy, and focused on the work of His kingdom?

Preparedness (Matthew 25:1-13)
A bride will spend months preparing for her wedding — and there is not a detail that is overlooked. Shouldn't the Church be preparing with far greater joy and intensity, knowing that our Bridegroom will return for the marriage supper of the Lamb?

Investment (Matthew 25:14-30)
While we wait, God has entrusted us with responsibilities for the advancement of His kingdom. We each have a certain measure of time, talents, and treasure with which to invest. Jesus expects our faithfulness with these gifts — and a return on His investment in us.

Compassion (Matthew 25:31-46)
The Bible teaches that "...faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead" (James 2:17). Our service to others is a direct reflection of the condition of our heart. Thankfully, God gives us the desire and the power to serve, and by responding to His call, we can know that we are ministering to Jesus Himself.

When Christ returns, will He find us alert, responsible, prepared, invested, and full of compassion?

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Excerpted from My Journal, a monthly devotional magazine from Leading The Way with Dr. Michael Youssef.

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About Leading The Way

Along with partners committed to changing the world, Dr. Michael Youssef is leading the way for people living in spiritual darkness to discover the light of Christ. By passionately proclaiming uncompromising Truth through print, web, television, and radio, this international team of experts is uniquely providing hope that is revolutionizing lives at home — and around the world.

What began as a small local radio ministry in 1988 has grown into an international ministry reaching millions for Christ — including a vast audience in the Muslim world seeking Truth in closed countries. Leading The Way's television and radio programs are broadcast in more than 28 languages to audiences across six continents. Leading The Way also produces DVDs, CDs, books, a monthly devotional magazine, solar-powered Navigators, and daily e-devotionals to spread the light of Christ. In 2009, the ministry launched its own 24/7 satellite TV channel, reaching the Muslim world with Gospel programming in English, Arabic, French, and Indonesian. Leading The Way utilizes field teams to evangelize and disciple viewers in closed countries and help persecuted Christians on the ground.

Dr. Youssef and the Leading The Way staff are committed to sharing the Gospel with the lost and equipping believers to grow into a deeper walk with Christ. Learn how you can partner with this unique ministry today.

About Dr. Michael Youssef

Michael Youssef, Ph.D., is the Founder and President of Leading The Way with Dr. Michael Youssef, a worldwide ministry that leads the way for people living in spiritual darkness to discover the light of Christ through the creative use of media and field ministry teams. His weekly television programs and daily radio programs are broadcast more than 13,000 times per week in multiple languages throughout the world. He is also the founding pastor of The Church of The Apostles in Atlanta, Georgia.

Dr. Youssef was born in Egypt and lived in Lebanon and Australia before coming to the United States. In 1984, he fulfilled a childhood dream of becoming an American citizen. Dr. Youssef holds degrees from Moore College in Sydney, Australia; Fuller Theological Seminary in California; and a Ph.D. in social anthropology from Emory University. He has authored more than 50 books, including popular titles Saving Christianity?, Hope for This Present Crisis, Life-Changing Prayers, and Never Give Up. He and his wife reside in Atlanta and have four grown children and 11 grandchildren.