Evening Sermon | Pastor Kim Sang-rae (July 21, Tue) - The Lord is Near, Be Forbearing

An evening sermon by Pastor Kim Sang-rae focusing on Philippians 4:5, discussing the virtues of joy and forbearance that believers waiting for the Second Coming must possess.

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pE1OpgzgY8Y

Difference Between Eschatologists and Advent Believers

• Eschatologists are motivated by fear, while Advent believers are motivated by hope.
• Eschatologists aim to survive disasters, while Advent believers aim to welcome the Lord.
• Signs of the Second Coming should not be degraded into tools for inciting fear.
• Advent believers are those who hope to become a little more like the Lord today than yesterday.

Imminence of the Second Coming in Scripture

• There are six key passages in the New Testament that express the nearness of the Second Coming.
• Scripture provides specific guidance on how to live as the Second Coming approaches.
• The nearness of the Second Coming is not just about calculating time, but about deciding one's attitude toward life.
• It is important to meditate on these scriptures and connect them to prayer.

The Essence of Joy: Rejoice Always

• Philippians emphasizes 'joy' despite being written from prison.
• The New Heaven and New Earth are a city of joy and delight without sorrow.
• Isaiah 61 and 65 contain the original descriptions of the New Heaven and New Earth found in Revelation.
• Christians have the right to rejoice even in the midst of the most solemn events.

A Life of Gratitude in All Circumstances

• Rejoicing always, praying without ceasing, and giving thanks in all circumstances are different expressions of the same state.
• Gratitude is not a demand from God, but a path to happiness for us.
• Realizing that ordinary moments are a series of miracles is the beginning of gratitude.
• We must confess God's grace for protecting our lives even in the midst of crises.

Definition and Importance of Forbearance

• Forbearance (Tolerance) is a core virtue for those waiting for the Second Coming.
• Forbearance is God's attribute of graciously accepting and forgiving others' faults.
• Philippians 4:5 exhorts us to let our forbearance be known to all because the Lord is near.
• Forbearance means applying the best interpretation to others' motives and actions.

Church Conflict and Adiaphora

• Adiaphora refers to minor, non-essential issues.
• We should avoid fighting over non-essential matters like worship style, attire, or instruments.
• The church must show the appearance of a warm community to testify to the truth.
• Criticizing others based on one's own feelings or methods is evidence of a narrow mind.

Forbearance of Joseph and Daniel

• Joseph interpreted his brothers' betrayal through the lens of God's providence and forgave them.
• Daniel offered prayers of thanksgiving to God even in the crisis of the lion's den.
• A broad heart that embraces everything, like the sea that does not reject any stream, is needed.
• True faith is viewing situations broadly within God's providence.

Pastor Kim Sang-rae's Testimony: Suffering and Grace

• He spent a difficult high school period due to his mother's accident, funeral, and unpaid tuition.
• He never lost his dream of becoming an educator despite the difficult environment.
• The church community became a lifeline of life during his suffering.
• God's providence allowed him to achieve a greater vision through suffering.

Baptism and God's Work

• Baptism is not something given by humans, but a work done by God.
• Evaluating church growth solely by the number of baptisms should be avoided.
• The forbearance and love of a pastor in the past changed a young man's life.
• Scripture commands us to make disciples, baptize them, and teach them to observe all things.

Brand Image of Advent Believers

• The brand of the Seventh-day Adventist Church is people who love Jesus deeply and try to resemble Him.
• Only when our hearts grow broad can we embrace others.
• The fact that the Second Coming is near should be a tool for love, not a tool for oppressing others.
• We must prepare to welcome the Lord by creating a warm community.

Lines Worth Remembering

• “Christians must rejoice even in the midst of the most solemn events.”
• “Forbearance means applying the best interpretation to others' motives and actions.”
• “The church belongs to the Lord, not to people.”

One-Sentence Takeaway

Believers waiting for the Second Coming must remember that the Lord is near, rejoice always, and build a warm community that shows forbearance to everyone.

If You Only Have 2 Minutes

• Advent believers prepare for the Second Coming with hope, not fear.
• Live a life of rejoicing always, praying without ceasing, and giving thanks in all circumstances.
• Realize that every moment of daily life is a miracle from God and be grateful.
• Forbearance is an essential virtue for those waiting for the Second Coming.
• Do not fight over non-essential issues; graciously accept one another.
• Practice making the best interpretation of others' actions.
• The church is the body of the Lord, and we must have broad hearts to embrace each other.
• Baptism is God's work, and ministry is caring for souls with love.

References & Rabbit Holes

• Philippians 4:5 — The core text exhorting us to let our forbearance be known to all because the Lord is near.
• Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary (SDABC) — Additional explanation on Christian happiness and joy in the commentary on Leviticus 3 regarding peace offerings.
• The Acts of the Apostles, p. 319 — The teaching that Christ-like love applies the best interpretation to the motives and actions of others.