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The Return of Our LordOctober 16, 2011Please turn in your Bibles to Luke 17:20-37Vs 20: When will the Kingdom of God come?Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8All these are the beginning of birth pains. Matthew 24:7-8Birth pangs: indicators that the baby is coming. As the moment draws near birth pangs come with greater levels of intensity and frequency.Webster: \u201c2a disorder and distress incident that precedes major social change.\u201d We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. Romans 8:22-23App: Be Ready. Observe the intensity and frequency of birth pangsVs 20-21: The Kingdom is within vs. among youWithin (En-tos): Probably better translated here \u201cAmong you.\u201d Where Jesus is, there is the Kingdom. Jesus wants to take up residence in the lives of those who will trust Him (ref. Romans 6:23, John 1:4, Acts 2:38-39, Ephesians 4:18-19, 2:12-13) App: Rather than trying to dig some good thing from within yourself, call on the name of the Lord and discover the good things He longs to pour into youVs 22-25: The Day of the Kingdom will be evident to allApp: Rather than obsessing over when the Kingdom will come, simply be readyVs 26-29: Noah and Lot as examples of how Christ will come (ref. 2Peter 2:4-10,Romans 10:8-9)App: Put your faith in ChristVs 30-32: No turning backApp: All Eyes on Jesus and never look backVs 33-35: Taken by judgmentVs 37: Eagles or vultures?App: Be ready!What is His Spirit saying to you this morning?