Be Vigilant: Signs of Christ's Return
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound message found in Matthew 24:36-42, focusing on the theme "Signs of the Time, the Beginning of the End, Part 2." We delved into the teachings of Jesus as he spoke to his disciples about the end times, emphasizing the importance of being vigilant and prepared for the unknown hour of the Lord's return. The passage reminds us that no one, not even the angels, knows the exact time of the second coming, highlighting the need for constant readiness and faithfulness in our walk with God.
Reflecting on the days of Noah, we see a parallel to our current times, where wickedness and complacency abound. Just as people in Noah's time were caught unaware by the flood, many today live without acknowledging the signs of the times. The call is clear: we must not be complacent but instead be active in our faith, sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with those around us. The rapture, described as a sudden and divine gathering of believers, serves as a reminder of the urgency to live a life that is pleasing to God, always prepared for His return.
We are encouraged to build our spiritual "arks" in our homes, communities, and workplaces, serving as visible testimonies of our faith. The message is not just about personal salvation but also about our mission to reach out to others, ensuring that they too are ready for the Lord's return. The promise of a reunion with Christ and our loved ones who have gone before us offers hope and comfort, urging us to remain steadfast in our faith.
As we anticipate the Lord's return, we are reminded to keep our eyes on the sky, ever watchful and expectant. The call to "look and live" is a powerful reminder that our hope and salvation are found in Christ alone. Let us be vigilant, sharing the love and truth of Jesus with those around us, so that when He comes, we will be ready to meet Him with joy and assurance.
Key Takeaways:
- Vigilance and Readiness: The uncertainty of the Lord's return calls for constant vigilance and readiness in our spiritual lives. We must live each day as if it could be the day of His coming, ensuring our hearts and actions align with His will. [12:34]
- Parallels with Noah's Time: Just as in the days of Noah, our world is filled with wickedness and complacency. We are called to be aware of the signs of the times and to live lives that reflect our faith and readiness for Christ's return. [17:43]
- Building Spiritual Arks: Our faith should be visible and active, like Noah building the ark. We must create spaces in our lives that testify to our belief in Christ, serving as beacons of hope and truth to those around us. [22:29]
- The Promise of Reunion: The rapture promises a reunion with Christ and our loved ones who have passed in faith. This hope should motivate us to live faithfully and share the gospel, ensuring others are prepared for this glorious event. [25:50]
- The Urgency of the Mission: We have a mission to share the good news of Jesus Christ with urgency and love. Our lives should be a testament to the transformative power of the gospel, inviting others to experience the same hope and salvation. [31:52]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [02:28] - Opening Hymn: Leaning on the Everlasting Arms
- [05:20] - Introduction and Greetings
- [11:19] - Prayer and Scripture Reading
- [12:34] - Signs of the Time: Beginning of the End
- [13:27] - Recap and Context
- [14:18] - Growing Pains and Persecution
- [15:57] - The Rapture Explained
- [17:43] - Comparison to Noah's Days
- [18:48] - The Noah Factor
- [20:55] - Complacency Warning
- [22:29] - Building Spiritual Arks
- [23:27] - The Mission of Believers
- [25:50] - Catastrophe and Being Left Behind
- [27:08] - Stand By: Be Ready
- [29:24] - Look and Live: Final Encouragement
- [31:52] - Invitation to Salvation
- [33:11] - Closing Prayer and Benediction
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Matthew 24:36-42
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Observation Questions:
1. What does Jesus emphasize about the knowledge of the exact time of His return in Matthew 24:36? How does this relate to the need for vigilance? [12:34]
2. How does the sermon describe the behavior of people during the days of Noah, and what parallel is drawn to today's world? [17:43]
3. What is the significance of the rapture as explained in the sermon, and how is it described in Matthew 24:40-41? [15:57]
4. According to the sermon, what are believers encouraged to do in their homes, communities, and workplaces in response to the message of vigilance? [22:29]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. In what ways does the uncertainty of the Lord's return challenge believers to live differently? How does this uncertainty impact daily life and decision-making? [12:34]
2. The sermon draws a comparison between the days of Noah and current times. What lessons can be learned from Noah's story about faith and obedience in the face of societal complacency? [17:43]
3. How does the promise of a reunion with Christ and loved ones influence a believer's perspective on life and death? What comfort does this promise offer? [25:50]
4. The sermon mentions the urgency of sharing the gospel. What are some practical ways believers can fulfill this mission in their daily interactions? [31:52]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you might be complacent in your faith? What steps can you take to be more vigilant and prepared for the Lord's return? [21:39]
2. Consider the "spiritual ark" you are building in your life. What visible actions or habits can you develop to demonstrate your faith to those around you? [22:29]
3. How can the promise of a reunion with Christ and loved ones who have passed in faith motivate you to live a life that is pleasing to God? [25:50]
4. Identify one person in your life who may not know Jesus. What specific action can you take this week to share the love and truth of Christ with them? [31:52]
5. The sermon encourages believers to "look and live." What does this mean for you personally, and how can you keep your focus on Christ amidst life's distractions? [29:24]
6. How can you incorporate the message of vigilance and readiness into your daily routine? What practical changes can you make to ensure your actions align with God's will? [12:34]
7. Reflect on a time when you were not ready for an unexpected event. How can this experience inform your spiritual readiness for the Lord's return? [27:08]
Devotional
Day 1: Vigilant Living in Uncertain Times
In a world filled with unpredictability, the call to vigilance and readiness is paramount. The teachings of Jesus in Matthew 24:36-42 remind us that the exact time of the Lord's return is unknown, even to the angels. This uncertainty should not lead to fear but rather to a life of constant spiritual preparedness. We are encouraged to live each day as if it could be the day of His coming, ensuring that our hearts and actions align with His will. This means cultivating a daily relationship with God, being attentive to His guidance, and living out our faith in tangible ways. [12:34]
"For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, 'There is peace and security,' then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape." (1 Thessalonians 5:2-3, ESV)
Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to ensure your life reflects a state of readiness for Christ's return?
Day 2: Recognizing the Signs of Our Times
The days of Noah serve as a powerful parallel to our current times, where wickedness and complacency are prevalent. Just as people in Noah's time were caught unaware by the flood, many today live without acknowledging the signs of the times. We are called to be aware of these signs and to live lives that reflect our faith and readiness for Christ's return. This involves not only personal vigilance but also a commitment to sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with those around us. By doing so, we help others recognize the urgency of the times and the need for spiritual preparedness. [17:43]
"But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy." (2 Timothy 3:1-2, ESV)
Reflection: How can you actively engage with your community to help others recognize and respond to the spiritual signs of our times?
Day 3: Building Spiritual Arks as Testimonies of Faith
Our faith should be visible and active, much like Noah building the ark. We are encouraged to create spaces in our lives that testify to our belief in Christ, serving as beacons of hope and truth to those around us. This involves building spiritual "arks" in our homes, communities, and workplaces, where our faith is evident and impactful. By doing so, we not only strengthen our own spiritual foundation but also provide a refuge for others seeking hope and truth in a world filled with uncertainty. [22:29]
"By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith." (Hebrews 11:7, ESV)
Reflection: What practical steps can you take to build a "spiritual ark" in your life that serves as a testimony of your faith to others?
Day 4: The Hope of Reunion with Christ
The promise of the rapture offers a profound hope of reunion with Christ and our loved ones who have passed in faith. This hope should motivate us to live faithfully and share the gospel, ensuring others are prepared for this glorious event. The anticipation of being united with Christ and those we love provides comfort and encouragement, urging us to remain steadfast in our faith. It is a reminder that our journey on earth is temporary and that our ultimate home is with the Lord. [25:50]
"For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord." (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, ESV)
Reflection: How does the promise of reunion with Christ and loved ones influence your daily life and interactions with others?
Day 5: Urgency in Sharing the Gospel
We have a mission to share the good news of Jesus Christ with urgency and love. Our lives should be a testament to the transformative power of the gospel, inviting others to experience the same hope and salvation. This mission is not just about personal salvation but also about reaching out to others, ensuring they too are ready for the Lord's return. By living out our faith with urgency and compassion, we can make a significant impact on those around us, drawing them closer to the hope and truth found in Christ. [31:52]
"And he said to them, 'Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.'" (Mark 16:15-16, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear the good news of Jesus Christ, and how can you share it with them today in a meaningful way?
Quotes
Amen, amen, amen I don't know about you but you know you you can't get this on Monday or Tuesday or Wednesday Thursday Friday or Saturday but when you come into the house of the Lord you come because you want to give God the praise and to thank him for what he's done for you and to bless his holy name amen amen I don't know about you it don't take much to get excited for the Lord for me yeah I'm one of these short fuse brothers just like that I'll just go right on off and say God thank you for getting me up this morning thank you for starting me on my way thank you for putting food on my table thank you for keeping me in my right it don't take much yeah you ain't gotta push me but we come today our opening hymn what a fellowship what a joy divine leaning [00:01:02] (56 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
And make sure that you're not deceived, that many people will come saying, I'm the Messiah. We said last time, watch out, there's some fake narratives going around out there. And unless you are rooted in the word of God, it will sound familiar, but won't be the real thing. Anybody a witness today? It'll sound right, but it won't be right at all. He says there will be wars, rumors of wars. There'll be earthquakes. There'll be famine in the land. And nations will rise up against nations and kingdoms against kingdoms. But even with that, these are only growing pains. [00:13:57] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
And we kind of left you there, growing pains. But as we continue to look at this Gospel of Matthew, Jesus still answering questions about signs of the time, the beginning of the end. He talks about persecution and death. You know, to be a Christian, you can admit that you could get taken out real quick. I know now we're able to wear cross earrings, and we can wear our palm around the windshield. But in that day, to say that you were a Christian, it was really a target that someone would take you out. [00:14:44] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
The rapture is a snatching away. It really is to be caught up. Amen? Can I tell you, I've been real intrigued this week in reading these narratives and with end-time prophecy, it's just the timing is just right. Amen? And so, we'll cover Matthew 26, verses 36 to 42, but he says to the disciples, he says that on that day or that hour, no one knows, not the angels. They don't have inside information. I can't tell you when, but the Father knows. Amen? [00:15:57] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Even though repentance is being preached, so many people are ignoring it. And before you point the finger, there was a time that you and I said, I don't want to hear about this end time stuff. Man, I'm in my... Young age, I got to go find a party. I got to live. You know, I got to let my hair down. Yet, we know now that we've gotten more seasoned that yes, the word is true. We may have put it on the back burner. [00:18:48] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Being described here in 1 Thessalonians is really the Lord's reunion with his people. The reunion with those who've given their hearts to Jesus Christ, with those who confess Christ as their personal Savior, and there'll be another reunion. It says the dead in Christ shall rise first, and you'll get to see your people. I know it's hard when you lose someone, but when they die in the Lord, you get to see them again. Amen? And I believe what the text says in that regard. [00:20:21] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
We can't afford to be complacent. Even those of us who are saved. That we need to be in a position to share this with someone else. We got to have a. a Noah spirit. Amen? The laws need to see us building an ark in our home. The laws need to see us building an ark in our communities. The laws need to see us building an ark on the workplace. What are you doing? What are you building, you holy roller? What are you doing? You go to church every Sunday, person. What are you doing? Your Bible, toad, and scripture memorizing, and yet we have to build an ark in their presence, something visible that they can see. [00:22:55] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
And just reading this and studying this, I was like, yeah, I believe this. 1 Corinthians 15. 51, 52. Behold, I show you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed in a moment in the twinkling of an eye at the last trump, for the trumpet shall sound and the dead shall be raised incorruptible and we all shall be changed. Final takeaway. Keep watch. [00:26:12] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
In television, the director is saying to you, stand by two minutes before you hit the air. Amen? And this sense in life that Jesus is saying, stand by. I'm coming back. And the only question to ponder is, will you and I be ready? Don't let him catch you with your work undone. We cannot afford to be in the wrong place. At the wrong time, doing the wrong thing. [00:27:28] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
The word says he's long-suffering, not willing that any should be lost. And so today, if there was, if there was any doubt in your mind, kind of, I think I kind of know, kind of, sort of, maybe, possibly, I want to urge you today as an ambassador to get to know the Savior and to be sure. Very, very sure. Let's stand today. That's the word of God. It's already blessed. [00:33:44] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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