Living Ready for the Return of Christ | Noel Jones | Sermon Notes — Hello Pastor

Sermon Notes

Living Ready for the Return of Christ

City of Refuge • Apr 20, 2026 • 38 min

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Take this message with you through a journey of Scripture, reflection, and prayer.

Summary

In this message, Bishop Noel Jones reminds believers that Jesus Christ is returning and calling His church to live in constant awareness of His presence. Rather than living casually and relying solely on post-sin repentance, believers are urged to maintain daily God-consciousness and remain close to Him through every trial. Knowing that Christ keeps record and will reward everyone according to their works, we must remain steadfast in doing good, maintaining holiness, and living ready for His return.

Themes

The Second Coming of ChristGod-Consciousness and Daily PresenceTrusting God in SufferingFinal Judgment and Divine RewardsHoliness and Spiritual Readiness

Key Points

1.
Deep relationship with God requires consistent two-way communication and close fellowship.
2.
God intentionally sets up situations in life to reveal His power and character to those who are close to Him.
3.
True God-consciousness before acting prevents sinful choices and reduces the need for constant reactive repentance.
4.
Jesus declared that He will return in the glory of His Father with His angels to reward everyone according to their works.
5.
God keeps record of our gratitude, heart attitudes, and unrewarded service, ensuring that no faithful effort is overlooked.
6.
Declaring trust in God during intense suffering and trial silences spiritual opposition and honors God's sovereignty.
7.
End-time scripture warns that society will despise those who do good, but believers must stay steadfast and let God handle vengeance.
8.
When Christ appears, believers will be transformed to be like Him, which calls us to live holy, watchful, and prepared lives today.

Sermon Moments

“He is everywhere, but he's nowhere if he doesn't reveal himself somewhere. Jesus is never recognized; he's always revealed.”

“Your failure to handle your business does not an emergency make for me.”

“Maybe if I were conscious of God before I did the deed that calls for repentance.”

“Though he slay me, yet will I trust him. You want to get the devil off your back? Look him in the face and say, 'I don't care what God puts me through, I'm going to praise Him until I die.'”

“You don't need to save up; you need to be saved, because He's coming back and He's keeping score.”

“He's going to judge everybody according to their works... If nobody's patting you on the back, that's all right.”

“When you know God has led you into being good, let your enemies talk. You don't have to take up a weapon against anybody trying to hurt you.”

“When He cracks the sky, I'm going to be ready. Praise Him in the morning, praise Him in the noon, praise Him in the evening.”

This Week

Cultivate daily God-consciousness by pausing to acknowledge His presence before making choices or reacting in anger.

Pray and communicate regularly with God throughout the day rather than turning to Him only during emergencies.

Trust God intentionally through painful or confusing circumstances, declaring His sovereignty even when it hurts.

Refuse to seek revenge or return evil for evil when facing hostility, leaving all vengeance in God's hands.

Practice active gratitude daily by thanking God for His provisions and protection instead of complaining.

Continue serving, giving, and doing good quietly, knowing that God sees and rewards every unacknowledged work.

Examine your daily habits, speech, and entertainment choices to ensure you are living holy and ready for Christ's return.

Remember This

Believers must live with continuous God-consciousness and unyielding faith, knowing that Christ is returning to reward faithful service and transform His holy church.

A Challenge for You

Get right, church. Get right, church. And let's go home. Let them fight across the world... but His church has got to be holy. His people have got to walk right.

These are personal sermon notes shared to help you remember the message — not a replacement for Scripture, your church, or your pastors.