Be Prepared: The Imminent Return of Jesus
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered to reflect on the profound truth that Jesus is coming back, and the importance of being prepared for His return. We began with a heartfelt prayer, lifting up the needs of our community and asking for God's blessings and guidance. We then moved into a series of announcements, highlighting various upcoming events and activities within our church family.
The core of our time together was spent reflecting on the transformative power of Jesus in our lives. I shared my personal testimony of how Jesus broke the chains of sin that bound me, emphasizing that this freedom is available to all who come to Him. We discussed the dual nature of Jesus' return: it is good news for those who are ready and bad news for those who are not. The urgency of being prepared was underscored by the reminder that when Jesus returns, there will be no time left to get ready.
We also touched on the misuse of God's name in today's world, urging everyone to speak of Him with reverence and respect. God's love for us is immense, and He desires a genuine relationship with each of us. However, it is crucial to understand that while God is willing to forgive, He does not need us; we need Him. Living a good life is not enough; we must have Jesus living in our hearts.
We delved into the prophetic words of Jesus in Matthew 24, discussing the signs of the end times and the necessity of being spiritually prepared. The story of Noah served as a powerful illustration of the importance of heeding God's warnings and being ready for His return. Just as Noah and his family were saved by entering the ark, we too can find safety in Jesus.
In conclusion, we were reminded that Jesus' return is imminent, and we must live each day in readiness. The call to come to Jesus and repent of our sins was extended to all, emphasizing that it is the simplest yet most crucial decision one can make. As we closed, we prayed for God's guidance and strength to live lives that reflect His love and truth.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Urgency of Readiness: Jesus' return is imminent, and we must be prepared at all times. When He comes, there will be no time left to get ready. This calls for a daily commitment to live in a way that honors God and reflects His love. [28:15]
2. Reverence for God's Name: In a world where God's name is often misused, we must speak of Him with reverence and respect. His name is more than just a word; it represents His holy presence and should be treated with the utmost honor. [31:07]
3. God's Love and Our Need for Him: God's love for us is immense, and He desires a genuine relationship with each of us. However, it is crucial to understand that while God is willing to forgive, He does not need us; we need Him. Living a good life is not enough; we must have Jesus living in our hearts. [32:18]
4. The Prophetic Words of Jesus: The signs of the end times, as described in Matthew 24, remind us of the necessity of being spiritually prepared. Just as Noah and his family were saved by entering the ark, we too can find safety in Jesus. [37:04]
5. The Simplicity of Salvation: Coming to Jesus and repenting of our sins is the simplest yet most crucial decision one can make. It involves asking Jesus to forgive us and inviting Him into our hearts, allowing Him to transform our lives. [01:04:42]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[04:41] - Opening Prayer
[05:36] - Announcements
[23:55] - Welcoming Newcomers
[25:51] - Personal Testimony
[28:15] - The Urgency of Readiness
[31:07] - Reverence for God's Name
[32:18] - God's Love and Our Need for Him
[37:04] - The Prophetic Words of Jesus
[46:39] - The Story of Daniel
[49:19] - The Days of Noah
[55:04] - The Ark of Safety
[58:02] - The Imminence of Jesus' Return
[01:04:42] - The Simplicity of Salvation
[01:05:11] - Altar Call and Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 24:1-14 - Jesus speaks about the signs of the end times and the necessity of being spiritually prepared.
2. Genesis 6:9-22 - The story of Noah and the building of the ark as a response to God's warning.
3. Revelation 20:11-15 - The final judgment and the importance of having one's name written in the Book of Life.
#### Observation Questions
1. What are some of the signs of the end times that Jesus mentions in Matthew 24? ([37:04])
2. How did Noah respond to God's warning about the coming flood, and what was the outcome for him and his family? ([49:19])
3. According to Revelation 20:11-15, what happens to those whose names are not found in the Book of Life? ([36:04])
4. What does the pastor say about the misuse of God's name in today's world? ([31:07])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important to be spiritually prepared for Jesus' return, according to Matthew 24? How does this relate to the urgency of readiness discussed in the sermon? ([28:15])
2. How does the story of Noah serve as a powerful illustration of the importance of heeding God's warnings? What can we learn from Noah's obedience? ([49:19])
3. What does the pastor mean when he says that living a good life is not enough and that we must have Jesus living in our hearts? ([32:18])
4. How does the final judgment described in Revelation 20:11-15 emphasize the necessity of having a genuine relationship with God? ([36:04])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your daily life. Are there specific areas where you feel unprepared for Jesus' return? What steps can you take to be more spiritually ready? ([28:15])
2. How do you currently speak about God in your daily conversations? Are there ways you can show more reverence and respect for His name? ([31:07])
3. Think about your relationship with God. Do you sometimes feel like you are living a good life but missing a deeper connection with Jesus? How can you invite Him more fully into your heart? ([32:18])
4. The pastor mentioned the importance of not taking lightly the call to come to Jesus and repent. Is there a specific sin or habit you need to repent of today? ([01:04:42])
5. How can you be more like Noah in your daily life, heeding God's warnings and being obedient to His commands? ([49:19])
6. The sermon emphasized the simplicity of salvation. Have you ever found it difficult to come to Jesus? What can you do to make this process simpler and more genuine in your life? ([01:04:42])
7. How can you help others in your community understand the urgency of being prepared for Jesus' return? What practical steps can you take to share this message with them? ([28:15])
Devotional
Day 1: The Urgency of Readiness
The return of Jesus is imminent, and we must be prepared at all times. This readiness is not just about avoiding sin but living a life that honors God and reflects His love daily. The urgency of this preparation is underscored by the fact that when Jesus returns, there will be no time left to get ready. This calls for a daily commitment to spiritual disciplines such as prayer, Bible study, and acts of love and service. The story of Noah serves as a powerful illustration of the importance of heeding God's warnings and being ready for His return. Just as Noah and his family were saved by entering the ark, we too can find safety in Jesus. [28:15]
Matthew 24:42-44 (ESV): "Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect."
Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to ensure you are spiritually prepared for Jesus' return?
Day 2: Reverence for God's Name
In a world where God's name is often misused, we must speak of Him with reverence and respect. His name is more than just a word; it represents His holy presence and should be treated with the utmost honor. This reverence extends to how we live our lives, ensuring that our actions and words reflect the holiness and respect due to God. Misusing God's name can take many forms, from casual swearing to using His name to justify unholy actions. We are called to be mindful of how we speak and act, always honoring God in all we do. [31:07]
Exodus 20:7 (ESV): "You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain."
Reflection: How can you ensure that your words and actions today reflect a deep reverence for God's name?
Day 3: God's Love and Our Need for Him
God's love for us is immense, and He desires a genuine relationship with each of us. However, it is crucial to understand that while God is willing to forgive, He does not need us; we need Him. Living a good life is not enough; we must have Jesus living in our hearts. This relationship with God is not about fulfilling religious duties but about a heartfelt connection with Him. God's love is transformative, breaking the chains of sin and setting us free to live in His grace. We must recognize our need for Him and invite Him into every aspect of our lives. [32:18]
John 15:5 (ESV): "I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to invite Jesus to take control and transform you with His love?
Day 4: The Prophetic Words of Jesus
The signs of the end times, as described in Matthew 24, remind us of the necessity of being spiritually prepared. Just as Noah and his family were saved by entering the ark, we too can find safety in Jesus. The prophetic words of Jesus serve as a warning and a call to action, urging us to live in a state of readiness. These signs are not meant to instill fear but to encourage us to deepen our relationship with God and live according to His will. By staying spiritually vigilant, we can navigate the challenges of the end times with faith and hope. [37:04]
Matthew 24:6-8 (ESV): "And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are but the beginning of the birth pains."
Reflection: How can you stay spiritually vigilant and prepared for the signs of the end times in your daily life?
Day 5: The Simplicity of Salvation
Coming to Jesus and repenting of our sins is the simplest yet most crucial decision one can make. It involves asking Jesus to forgive us and inviting Him into our hearts, allowing Him to transform our lives. This act of repentance and acceptance is not complicated; it is a heartfelt turning towards God and away from sin. The simplicity of salvation lies in its accessibility to all who seek it, regardless of their past. Jesus' invitation is open to everyone, and accepting it brings about a profound change in our lives, leading us to live in His grace and truth. [01:04:42]
Romans 10:9-10 (ESV): "Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved."
Reflection: Have you taken the simple yet profound step of inviting Jesus into your heart? If not, what is holding you back from making this life-changing decision today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "This morning, I have good news. And the good news, I've got bad news as well. But the good news is that Jesus is coming back. Amen? And for those that are ready, that really and really is good news. And we can have a better life when Jesus returns." [26:55] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "I want you to know today, that God, in his great love, he cares about you. I remember telling you one time before, as I was preaching here, and I was quoting the words of H.B. London, I believe, and he said, God loves you as if you're the only person here." [31:07] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "But you've got to have Jesus living in your life. It's not turning over a case of the do-betters. It's a case of coming to Jesus, and repenting of your sin, and asking Him to come into your heart. And He will." [33:23] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "And I'm telling you, you can be in a place of safety just like those in the ark. That is in the arms of Jesus Christ. And when he comes to take his children away, I may not be living." [56:36] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "I'm telling you, come but child. For as a child, you have married a man, with the intention of being a good man. And as a son, you have married a man. For this will be your present life. So, here's the thing. As a son, you must be faithful to your father." [45:52] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "People seem to have gotten to the place to where the words of the Lord, and the name of Jesus, and the name of the Father means nothing to them anymore. We're living in a time when the only thing, the only time people call the name of God is in a swear word." [29:21] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "And God has given us every opportunity to turn our hearts to the Lord. And we should live in such a way as to be pleasing to God every day of our lives. And oh, I'm telling you, our lives should be filled with the joy of the Lord at all times." [36:04] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "And oh, I told you I was 80 years old and it slipped up on me. I was 79 last year. I'm sure there's some of you, I know some of you are older than me. My mother-in-law is 95. And there's others here that are older than me, not too much." [39:28] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "And I'm telling you, if you don't know the Lord, won't you come with Him now? Won't you run to an altar of prayer and allow the Lord to break those chains that's got you bound? Allow Him to break, to help to break you loose from all of the sin that has got you bound." [01:05:34] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "And I'm telling you, we are still living in the last days. And you can come to Jesus or you can go on in the life that you're living and be lost. I don't know. I may, you may think I'm, you may think I'm condemning you when you don't, aren't, really should be condemned." [01:04:18] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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