Acts 1:9-11- And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. 10 And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; 11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

I. Definition of imminent: about to occur, impending danger. Danger to the world, but a promise to all believers.

A. Romans 13:11-12 - And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. 12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. 13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. 14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

B. James 5:7-9 - Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. 8 Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. 9 Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door.

C. Patience – Not tired, anxious, doubting or exhausted, but patiently, and eagerly anticipating the return of the Lord.

D. II Peter 3:8-13 – give us proper instructions as to patiently, eagerly anticipating the return of the Lord.

1. The Lord is not slack concerning his promise (singular).

2. This earth will one day be completely destroyed, therefore we should be hastening unto the coming of the day of the Lord.

3. We are looking for a new heaven and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.

E. II Peter 3:15 – How is our patience, eagerness in anticipating the return of the Lord our salvation?

1. Not speaking about the salvation of the soul, but salvation of the life.

2. Compare to I Corinthians 12:9 – Paul rejoiced in infirmities because the power of Christ was upon him.

3. We should rejoice in our anticipating Christ’s return because the power of Christ is upon us, if we will use it.

4. Compare to 1 Timothy 2:15 - Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.

a. The woman’s soul is not saved because she has children.

b. Her life is saved as she submits herself to her God-given husband and raises those children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

II. Patiently waiting doesn’t mean sitting around. Acts 1:10 - …Why stand ye gazing up into heaven?

A. WATCHING: Matthew 24:42 - Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.

B. READY: Matthew 24:44 - Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.

C. DOING: Matthew 24:46 - Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.

III. Matthew 9:37-38 - Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; 38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.

A. These verses show us there is still work to be done – and a LOT of work.

B. Romans 13:11-14 - And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. 12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. 13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. 14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

IV. Acts 1:10 – This same Jesus.

A. The first time Christ came, he came as Savour.

B. The next time he comes, he comes as king and judge.

1. II Timothy 4:1 - I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;

2. II Corinthians 5:10-11 - For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. 11 Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.