1 Corinthians 16:22

²² If anyone does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be accursed. O Lord, come!

CONT’D FROM YESTERDAY

III. THE CRY OF THE CHURCH: “O LORD, COME!” (MARANATHA)

The second half of the verse is written in Aramaic:
Maranatha — “Our Lord, come!”

This is the earliest recorded Christian prayer.

A. The Church Lives with Expectation

Early believers lived with:

• a daily longing
• a daily hope
• a daily readiness

They did not view Christ’s coming as a threat, but a joy.

B. The Return of Christ Separates the True from the False

Those who love Christ say:

“Come, Lord Jesus.” (Rev. 22:20)

Those who do not love Him dread His coming.

Christ’s return will:

• vindicate His people
• judge His enemies
• restore righteousness
• establish His kingdom

C. Loving Christ Creates Longing for His Appearing

Paul said:

a crown is laid up for those “who love His appearing.” (2 Tim. 4:8)

If we love Him, we will long for Him.

The bride longs for the Bridegroom.
The child longs for the Father.
The church longs for her Lord.

IV. APPLICATION: WHAT DOES LOVING CHRIST LOOK LIKE DAILY?

A. Loving Christ Means Loving His Word

His voice speaks through Scripture.
We cannot claim to love Him if we do not listen to Him.

B. Loving Christ Means Loving Prayer

Love desires communion.

C. Loving Christ Means Loving Holiness

Love hates anything that hurts the One loved.

D. Loving Christ Means Loving His Church

You cannot love the Head and ignore the Body.

E. Loving Christ Means Loving His Coming

A heart that loves Jesus says:

• “Come whenever You will, Lord.”
• “My life is Yours.”
• “My future is Yours.”

CONCLUSION: THE GREAT DIVIDE OF HUMANITY

This single verse divides all humanity into two camps:

1. Those who love Christ
   • blessed
   • saved
   • joyful
   • awaiting His return
2. Those who reject Christ
   • under judgment
   • without hope
   • unprepared for His coming

The question is not:

• “Do you go to church?”
• “Are you religious?”
• “Are you a good person?”

The question is:

Do you love the Lord Jesus Christ?

Because if you love Him:

• His coming is your hope
• His presence is your joy
• His salvation is your peace

Let this be the cry of our hearts today:

“O Lord, come!
Come into my life.
Come into my circumstances.
Come into Your church.
Come in Your glory.”

Maranatha!
Our Lord, come.