# How To Be Ready

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/riverton-cornerstone-community-church-6718012/how-to-be-ready
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/riverton-cornerstone-community-church-6718012/how-to-be-ready.md
Podcast: [Riverton Cornerstone Community Church](https://stenobird.com/podcast/riverton-cornerstone-community-church-6718012)
Published: 2026-03-03T18:41:26+00:00
Episode link: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/timothy-dunn3/episodes/How-To-Be-Ready-e3fq4k3
Audio file: https://anchor.fm/s/10b50335c/podcast/play/116248643/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2026-2-2%2F419095568-44100-2-b2d462404508c.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/riverton-cornerstone-community-church-6718012/episodes/how-to-be-ready
Duration seconds: 3725

## Resource

How To Be Ready | 1 Thessalonians 4–5 Pastor Ian McFarland What does it truly mean to be ready for Christ’s return? In this powerful and pastoral message, Pastor Ian McFarland walks through 1 Thessalonians 4:16–5:22 , weaving together Paul’s teaching with Jesus’ words in Matthew 24–25 to paint a clear and compelling picture of the Day of the Lord. Scripture tells us that “the Lord Himself will descend from heaven” with a cry of command, the voice of an archangel, and the trumpet of God. The dead in Christ will rise first. Then those who are alive will be caught up to meet Him in the air — and we will always be with the Lord. (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17) But this promise is not given to stir speculation. It is given to produce readiness. Paul reminds believers that the Day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While the world speaks of “peace and security,” sudden destruction will come upon those who remain in darkness. Yet believers are called children of light — awake, sober, watchful. This sermon answers a crucial question: How do we prepare our hearts for Christ’s return? Pastor Ian highlights two defining marks of those who are ready: 1. Relentless Faith and Hope Those who are ready choose faith — especially in suffering. They grieve, but not as those without hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13). Their confidence rests in the resurrection and the certainty that Jesus is coming again. 2. Tangible Love Within the Body of Christ Drawing from Matthew 25:31–46 , this message carefully examines Jesus’ teaching about the sheep and the goats. True readiness is demonstrated not merely in words, but in a lived-out love for Christ’s people. “As you did it to one of the least of these My brothers, you did it to Me.” The return of Christ will bring both salvation and judgment. H…

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## Transcript

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