“Praying About Our Blessed Hope” Matthew 6:7-10

Things that capture the heart: * pain = can’t think of anything else * pleasure = good things promised, prepared for and greatly anticipated * Wedding day * Arrival of a baby * Birthday? (Vernice C’s 95 th ) * His Kingdom?

Pray! “Thy Kingdom Come” * FIRST PETITION beyond God’s name being glorified * Think the 2 petitions might be related? “Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah, and he will reign forever and ever“ (Rev. 11:15, NRSV)

What to Expect Isaiah “Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain” (Isaiah 40:4) ALL THINGS made right in the eyes of the Lord!!! Application: live every day, FCBC every year, to advance the Kingdom Doing so: a) responds to Jesus’ priority “well done” b) is an answer to our collective petitions

Pray! “Thy Will Be Done” Saints rule! "Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection (The Rapture): On such, the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years." (Rev.20:6) God’s answer to this petition: Jesus: The Kingdom is in your midst! (Lk. 17:21) His church (Bride of Christ) = Kingdom community!

The Blessing of Believing! * your body = temple of Spirit; and fruit of the Spirit born within you (1 Cor. 6: 19-20) * “Where 2 or 3 are gathered in My name…” (Matthew 18:20)

What a Day That Will Be! What a day that will be when my Jesus I shall see, and I look upon His face, The One who saved me by His grace; When He takes me by the hand And leads me through the Promised Land, What a day, glorious day that will be.

These Are the Days of Elijah These are the days of great trials Of famine and darkness and sword Still we are the voice in the desert crying Prepare ye the way of the Lord! Say, behold He comes, riding on the clouds Shining like the sun, at the trumpet's call Lift your voice, (it's) the year of Jubilee Out of Zion's hill, salvation comes!

It’s the Message That Pulls Us in the Same Direction Jesus is coming again - “Be on the alert!” “Be ready!” “Have your lamps filled with oil!” The Tunes Accentuate The MESSAGE Our Differences! brings us together!

O Come O Come Emmanuel O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free Thine own from Satan's tyranny From depths of Hell Thy people save And give them victory o'er the grave Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel. I’ll Fly Away When the Roll is Called Up Yonder The King is Coming

“Our Blessed Hope: His Appearing…” “looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus” (Titus 2:13) So???? In the meantime… (Titus 2:11-12) “looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God” (2 Peter 3:12)

A Crown of Righteousness Awarded to All “Who love His appearing!” 2 Timothy 4:6 When you love: Your mind “goes there” in idle time You’re motivated internally * your spouse, your children, your job Q: does the promise of His return stir you? John the Baptist = “repent, make ready!”

Jesus Will Be Recognized as King of Kings, Lord of Lords “that at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow…and that every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:10-11). Each salvation on earth: * angels in heaven rejoice * God is glorified * Jesus prayer answered “hallowed…Thy Kingdom” * one salvation closer to the day of the Lord