eople in all cultures live in hope of one kind or another. They anticipate events or situations that will be good for them or make life better. Youngsters look forward to different rites of passage from where they are to adulthood. Couples look forward to becoming parents and adding to their family. Workers look forward to moving up the ladder and having a better job. Students anticipate graduation at all levels of education and long for the reward that it brings. The list of our anticipations is endless. It fuels our hearts and defines our life's focus.

Last Sunday at Hillside, we talked about the kind of people Christ is looking for at his return. The writer of the book of Hebrews wrote in the ninth chapter that Jesus would return for those who eagerly await His appearing. Jesus taught about His return many times. He made it clear that the important thing about it was to be ready because no one knew when it would be. Several times in the New Testament letters, advice is given to the readers on how to live in view of the Lord's second coming. The first Christians lived their lives in constant regard for Jesus' return for His Church. Their thoughts were governed by their constant anticipation of "The Day of the Lord".

Most recent Christian writing has focused on trying to assign dates and times to certain events in order to know the unknowable. While others have tried to construct imaginary views of life after Christ comes back. All this avoids the central teachings of Jesus and His followers in the first century. It is a natural human thing to avoid what we need to face and substitute what entertains us. Christians can't afford to do that. We have to be the ones to learn to apply an eternal perspective to everything in our lives. While we live expectant lives waiting for Christ's return we have to be about the business of viewing this life in terms of the next one.

The first Christians weren't afraid of the Second Coming, they longed for it. Only those who don't belong to Christ have reason to fear. Shouldn't we who know be willing to share this special knowledge with those who don't? Shouldn't we be living lives that clearly show we are taking the "long view" of life on earth? Shouldn't we let this central teaching of Scripture out of the closet and tell people what we do know instead of speculating about what we don't? The truth about it instead of the fear of it might actually help someone believe. Are we the ones Jesus is coming back for? Are we eagerly awaiting His return? Come quickly Lord Jesus.

The annual Youth Rummage Sale is going on this week starting Thursday. This is an all-weather sale in our fellowship hall. The funds raised support youth activities all year. You are invited to check out the wide range of items or make a donation. The sale ends at noon on Saturday.