Others can become overly consumed with charting and trying to figure out the exact dates. We may see something of this with the Apostles in Acts 1. Listen to what the Apostles said to Jesus about the coming kingdom and his reply: God is omniscient. (2′) If God is omniscient, then God knows what time it is. So (3′) God knows what time it is. (From (1′), (2′)) (4″) If S knows what time it is, then how S believes

Are you faithfully using the grace that God has given you to serve? Are you praying? Are you loving? Are you showing hospitality? The end is near: let us live in the view of his imminent return even in the face of suffering. In fact, Peter in this text is encouraging these saints to be prepared to suffer by focusing on the nearness of “the end of all things.” Look at what he said in the beginning of chapter 4: “Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude (emphasis mine), because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin (1 Peter 4:1). capable of awareness) can be directly aware of each of them; and iii. with respect to some \(B\) in one of the infinitely many temporalThose who have a proper view of Christ’s imminent return will naturally start to prepare. They will start to purify themselves in preparation of his coming. This view will deliver believers from the strongholds of sin. Warren Wiersbe, The Bible exposition commentary, (Wheaton, Illinois: Victor Books, 1996), chap. I Peter 4:8. We can have no doubt, that one of the things that made Christ willing to suffer was a proper view of eternity. Christ always lived with the thought of the end in mind. In fact, throughout the gospels Christ sought to prepare Peter and the rest of the disciples for sufferings that were coming through developing this view. Look at what he said:

In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe (emphasis mine). The fact that Christ’s return is near should be a motivation for all of us to use our gifts. It should motivate us both from the prospect of disapproval and the joy of being approved for the use of our gifts. He could return at any moment. Finally, Peter gives us a reason to use these gifts. We should use them for the glory of God. Peter says: Application Question: What ways can we practice “hospitality” by supporting missionaries? What ways can we stretch our love practically by serving people in our church? How is God challenging you to love more fervently? In View of Eternity, Christians Must Use Their Spiritual Gifts to Glorify God God is omniscient. (2′) If God is omniscient, then God knows what time it is. So (3′) God knows what time it is. (From (1′), (2′)) (4′) What time it is changes. So (5′) What God knows changes. (From (3′), (4′)) (6) If what God knows changes, then God changes. (7) If God changes, then God is temporal.

Application Question: Who is God calling you to love deeply and fervently as you forgive their failings? What ways have you experienced pain in relationships that actually broadened your capacity to love others? In View of Eternity, Christians Must Practice Hospitality Without Complaining Rice, Richard, 2020, The Future of Open Theism: From Antecedents to Opportunities, Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press. How could these disciples keep their hearts from discouragement and giving up, even though they knew their master was about to die? They needed to have a view of heaven and Christ’s second coming. Christ went to build a place for them and he is coming again. This would help keep their hearts from being troubled during the coming suffering. It is the same for us. One of the secrets to being able to suffer in a world where we are pilgrims is to live in view of the imminent return of Christ.