Evening Sermon | Pastor Kim Sang-rae (Wed, July 22)

An evening sermon by Pastor Kim Sang-rae focusing on Hebrews 10:23-25, discussing the life of a believer awaiting the Second Coming and how to live 'today for tomorrow'.

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8KHt5Znz2U

Difference Between the End and the Second Coming

• The end looks at the conclusion, but the Second Coming looks at a promise.
• Eschatological life is motivated by the fear of surviving disasters.
• Life awaiting the Second Coming is motivated by the hope of meeting the returning Lord.
• Just as Chunhyang's goal was meeting Lee Doryeong rather than just leaving prison, our goal must be meeting the Lord.

Biblical Understanding of Signs

• Wars, earthquakes, and famines are signs announcing the 'beginning of sorrows'.
• One must distinguish between 'Sunteleia' (the long end) and 'Telos' (the end of the end).
• The preaching of the gospel of the kingdom to the whole world is the decisive sign of the Second Coming.
• Rather than fearing signs, we should feel the spiritual burden to share the gospel.

Unshakable Faith

• Do not be easily shaken or afraid by false eschatological messages.
• The message of the Second Coming is not to shake the heart but to achieve spiritual awakening.
• We must prepare with a calm and determined spirit of spiritual awakening.
• We must establish the right center of faith through the sanctuary-based Second Coming message.

The Importance of Gathering

• The author of Hebrews urged believers to gather as the fall of Jerusalem approached.
• Even in situations where gatherings are restricted, such as the COVID era, we must keep the spirit of worship.
• We must be wary of the societal trend of enjoying being alone (e.g., eating/drinking alone).
• The habit of forsaking gatherings can lead to the path of 'Canaan believers' who abandon their faith.

God's Faithfulness

• God is faithful and will surely fulfill His promises.
• Even if we lack faith, the Lord remains faithful.
• God's faithfulness is the basis for our assurance of the Second Coming.
• Though people change, God keeps His promise of salvation for His people.

The Core of Our Confession, Jesus

• In Hebrews, the 'confession' (homologia) refers to Jesus Christ.
• All doctrines are connected with Jesus Christ as the living center.
• Christianity is not an ideological conviction about a philosophy, but a relationship with Jesus as a person.
• Our brand image should be 'a gathering of people who love Jesus'.

Vertical and Horizontal Preparation

• The Parable of the Ten Virgins signifies vertical preparation, our relationship with God.
• The Parable of the Talents and caring for the 'least of these' signify horizontal preparation, our relationship with neighbors.
• Hebrews 10 connects thinking deeply about Jesus with looking out for one another.
• Thinking deeply about Jesus and looking out for brothers use the same Greek word (katanoeo).

A Life of Looking Out for Others (Salimsari)

• The term 'Salimsari' carries the meaning of 'living while keeping others alive'.
• In an isolated age, visiting and caring for neighbors is the core of preparing for the Second Coming.
• Activities like the 'Halbongdan' (service group for seniors) are examples of practical faith.
• True preparation for the Second Coming happens when the church becomes a place needed by the village.

Values and Habits

• No matter how busy you are, you always have time for what you value.
• Repeated actions become habits, and habits determine character.
• Jesus had a habit of praying, and we must make gathering a habit.
• What you value determines your eternal destiny.

Filial Piety of Returning to the Father

• What parents rejoice in most is having their children before their eyes.
• The greatest filial piety we can offer our Heavenly Father is to go before Him.
• We must practice holding fast to Jesus, encouraging one another, and gathering on this earth.
• The Second Coming should be the most joyful day of going to meet the Father.

Lines Worth Remembering

• “No matter how busy you are, you always have time for what you value.”
• “Salimsari means living while keeping others alive.”
• “Preparation for the Second Coming is not about surviving disasters, but the hope of meeting the returning Lord.”

One-Sentence Takeaway

A life preparing for the Second Coming is a harmony between vertical faith that thinks deeply about Jesus and horizontal practice that cares for and keeps neighbors alive.

If You Only Have 2 Minutes

• Live with the hope of the Second Coming, not eschatological fear.
• Focus on spreading the gospel of the kingdom rather than wars and earthquakes.
• Do not be shaken by false messages; be spiritually awakened.
• Break the habit of forsaking gatherings and make worship a habit.
• Make Jesus Christ the sole center of your faith.
• Practice 'Salimsari' by thinking deeply about and caring for your neighbors.
• Make time for the Lord, who is your most precious value.
• Consider going before your Heavenly Father as the highest form of filial piety.

References & Rabbit Holes

• Hebrews 10:23-25 — Scripture urging believers to hold fast to the hope of their confession and encourage one another to gather as the Second Coming approaches.
• Matthew 24 — Biblical text containing Jesus' teachings on the signs of the Second Coming and the end.
• Christ's Object Lessons, p. 356 — Ellen White's teaching that repeated actions become habits, form character, and determine destiny.