Communion, Hope, and Standing Firm in Faith
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered to partake in the sacred act of communion, reflecting on the profound sacrifice of Jesus Christ. This act is a reminder of the new covenant established through His blood, which supersedes the old sacrifices of bulls and goats. Jesus' love and commitment to God's purpose held Him on the cross, bearing our sins and offering us His righteousness. As we remember His body given and His blood shed, we also look forward to His return, holding onto the hope of His second coming.
We also discussed the recent devastation caused by a hurricane in the southern Caribbean, particularly affecting the islands of Grenada, Carriacou, and Petit Martinique. Our church has a long-standing relationship with these communities, and we are called to support them in their time of need. We are collecting donations to help rebuild the churches and homes that were destroyed.
In the latter part of our gathering, we delved into the spiritual realities and the prophetic insights concerning the last days. We explored the pervasive spiritual darkness and the increasing deception that will characterize the end times. The Bible warns of a massive global deception, where many will be led astray by false teachings and the rise of the Antichrist. This period will be marked by extreme persecution of believers and a significant departure from true, historic, biblical Christianity.
We are reminded that our ultimate hope lies in the return of Jesus Christ. Despite the increasing darkness, we are called to stand firm in our faith, live godly lives, and spread the gospel. The spiritual battle is real, but we are assured of victory through Christ. As we navigate these challenging times, let us remain vigilant, prayerful, and committed to our mission of sharing the love and truth of Jesus with the world.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Significance of Communion: Communion is a sacred act that reminds us of Jesus' ultimate sacrifice. His body was given, and His blood was shed to establish a new covenant, offering us forgiveness and righteousness. This act not only commemorates His past sacrifice but also points us to the future hope of His return. [32:29]
2. Supporting Our Brothers and Sisters: The recent hurricane in the southern Caribbean has devastated many communities. As a church, we are called to extend our hands in support, helping to rebuild what was lost. This act of generosity and compassion reflects the love of Christ and strengthens our global Christian family. [45:15]
3. Spiritual Realities and Deception: The spiritual realm is more enduring than our current physical existence. The Bible warns of a time of great deception, where many will be led astray by false teachings and the rise of the Antichrist. We must remain grounded in the truth of God's Word to navigate these times. [54:39]
4. The Call to Stand Firm: Despite the increasing darkness and persecution, believers are called to stand firm in their faith. We must live godly lives, be vigilant in prayer, and remain committed to spreading the gospel. Our ultimate hope lies in the return of Jesus Christ, who will bring justice and restoration. [56:48]
5. The Importance of Biblical Truth: There is a growing departure from true, historic, biblical Christianity. We must earnestly contend for the faith that was once delivered to the saints, rejecting modern revisions that stray from the core truths of the gospel. Our faith must be rooted in the unchanging Word of God. [01:28:54]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[30:32] - Invitation to Communion
[31:47] - The New Covenant Meal
[32:29] - Remembering Jesus' Sacrifice
[33:10] - The Sacred Moment of Communion
[33:59] - Thanksgiving for Jesus' Body
[38:00] - Confession of Faith
[39:06] - Addressing the Hurricane Devastation
[41:12] - Introduction to Pastor Happy
[42:03] - The Impact on Petit Martinique
[43:06] - The Devastation of the Church
[44:01] - Call to Support and Rebuild
[45:15] - Prayer for the Affected Communities
[50:34] - Introduction to the Last Days Series
[51:05] - Spiritual Darkness in San Cristobal
[53:49] - The Eternal Spiritual Realm
[54:39] - Spiritual Entities and the Last Days
[55:52] - The Second Coming of Jesus
[56:48] - The Reality of Persecution
[58:12] - The Message of the Cross
[59:21] - The Call to Holy Living
[01:00:17] - Warnings from Jude and Peter
[01:01:42] - Enoch's Prophecy of the Second Coming
[01:03:11] - The Resurrection and Judgment
[01:04:20] - The Great Day of the Lord
[01:05:28] - Observations on the Last Days
[01:06:07] - The Greatest Time of Harvest
[01:08:05] - The Role of Parents in Faith
[01:09:13] - Global Deception and Delusion
[01:10:22] - The Rise of the Antichrist
[01:12:28] - The Man of Sin Revealed
[01:14:58] - The Apostasy and New Spirituality
[01:16:27] - The Deception of Modern Christianity
[01:17:56] - The Abomination of Desolation
[01:20:28] - Cultural Insanity and Deception
[01:24:31] - The Global Deception
[01:28:54] - Departure from Biblical Christianity
[01:32:26] - Increase in Persecution
[01:34:37] - The Authority of the Antichrist
[01:36:10] - The False Messiah and the Temple
[01:39:42] - Lying Signs and Wonders
[01:40:09] - The Mystery of Babylon
[01:42:09] - The Unholy Trinity
[01:43:11] - The Call to Be Ready
[01:43:55] - Living Godly Lives
[01:44:56] - Invitation to Prayer and Ministry
[01:47:21] - Supporting the Grenadine Islands
[01:48:06] - Closing Blessing and Worship
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 - "For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, 'This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.' In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.' For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes."
2. Matthew 24:14 - "And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come."
3. 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 - "Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 say about the significance of communion? How does it connect to Jesus' sacrifice and the new covenant? [31:47]
2. According to Matthew 24:14, what must happen before the end will come? How does this align with the sermon’s emphasis on spreading the gospel? [58:12]
3. In 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4, what are the signs that will precede the return of Jesus? How does this passage describe the actions of the "man of lawlessness"? [01:14:31]
4. How did the sermon describe the recent hurricane's impact on the southern Caribbean, and what is our church's response to this disaster? [39:06]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important to remember Jesus' sacrifice through communion, and how does this act strengthen our faith in His return? [32:29]
2. How does the call to spread the gospel in Matthew 24:14 challenge us to live out our faith in practical ways? What are some obstacles we might face in fulfilling this mission? [58:12]
3. What does the "man of lawlessness" represent in 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4, and how can believers prepare for the deception that will come in the last days? [01:14:31]
4. How does supporting our brothers and sisters in the Caribbean reflect the love of Christ, and what impact can our generosity have on these communities? [45:15]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your personal experience with communion. How does remembering Jesus' sacrifice impact your daily life and faith? [33:10]
2. In what ways can you actively participate in spreading the gospel in your community? Identify one specific action you can take this week to share the love and truth of Jesus. [58:12]
3. Considering the increasing spiritual deception mentioned in the sermon, what steps can you take to stay grounded in biblical truth and avoid being led astray? [01:14:31]
4. How can you contribute to the relief efforts for the hurricane-affected communities in the southern Caribbean? What practical steps can you take to support our church's mission in this area? [45:15]
5. The sermon emphasized the importance of standing firm in our faith despite persecution. How can you prepare yourself spiritually and emotionally to face potential challenges to your faith? [56:48]
6. Think about the role of prayer in your life. How can you increase your vigilance in prayer to remain strong in your faith and support others in their spiritual battles? [01:29:50]
7. How can you ensure that your faith remains rooted in the unchanging Word of God, especially in a culture that often promotes modern revisions of biblical truths? [01:28:54]
Devotional
Day 1: The New Covenant of Communion
Communion is a sacred act that reminds us of Jesus' ultimate sacrifice. His body was given, and His blood was shed to establish a new covenant, offering us forgiveness and righteousness. This act not only commemorates His past sacrifice but also points us to the future hope of His return. As we partake in communion, we are reminded of the profound love and commitment Jesus had to fulfill God's purpose, bearing our sins and offering us His righteousness. This sacred moment is a time to reflect on the depth of His sacrifice and the hope we have in His second coming. [32:29]
Hebrews 9:14-15 (ESV): "How much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God. Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant."
Reflection: As you partake in communion, how does the remembrance of Jesus' sacrifice and the hope of His return impact your daily walk with Him?
Day 2: Extending Compassion to Those in Need
The recent hurricane in the southern Caribbean has devastated many communities. As a church, we are called to extend our hands in support, helping to rebuild what was lost. This act of generosity and compassion reflects the love of Christ and strengthens our global Christian family. Our long-standing relationship with these communities calls us to action, to be the hands and feet of Jesus in their time of need. By supporting our brothers and sisters, we embody the love and compassion that Christ has shown us. [45:15]
Galatians 6:2 (ESV): "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."
Reflection: How can you practically support those affected by the hurricane in the southern Caribbean? What steps can you take today to extend Christ's love and compassion to them?
Day 3: Guarding Against Spiritual Deception
The spiritual realm is more enduring than our current physical existence. The Bible warns of a time of great deception, where many will be led astray by false teachings and the rise of the Antichrist. We must remain grounded in the truth of God's Word to navigate these times. The increasing spiritual darkness and deception call for vigilance and a deep commitment to biblical truth. By staying rooted in Scripture, we can discern false teachings and stand firm in our faith. [54:39]
2 Thessalonians 2:9-10 (ESV): "The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved."
Reflection: What steps can you take to deepen your understanding of God's Word and guard against spiritual deception in your life?
Day 4: Standing Firm in Faith Amid Persecution
Despite the increasing darkness and persecution, believers are called to stand firm in their faith. We must live godly lives, be vigilant in prayer, and remain committed to spreading the gospel. Our ultimate hope lies in the return of Jesus Christ, who will bring justice and restoration. The reality of persecution should not deter us but rather strengthen our resolve to live out our faith boldly and share the message of the cross with others. [56:48]
1 Peter 4:12-13 (ESV): "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed."
Reflection: In what ways can you stand firm in your faith and live a godly life despite the challenges and persecutions you may face?
Day 5: Upholding Biblical Truth in a Changing World
There is a growing departure from true, historic, biblical Christianity. We must earnestly contend for the faith that was once delivered to the saints, rejecting modern revisions that stray from the core truths of the gospel. Our faith must be rooted in the unchanging Word of God. In a world where cultural and spiritual shifts are prevalent, it is crucial to uphold the integrity of biblical truth and remain steadfast in our commitment to the gospel. [01:28:54]
Jude 1:3 (ESV): "Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints."
Reflection: How can you actively contend for the faith and uphold biblical truth in your daily life and interactions with others?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "This is the new covenant meal of believers because we now realize it was never by the blood of bulls and goats, those sacrifices that were made in the temple through all those, they were important, they had their place, but all of them pointed to Jesus as the Lamb of God slain from the foundation of the world. God sent His Son. Jesus came and lived a perfectly sinless life. And He was nailed to a cross. And it wasn't those nails that held Him there. It was His love, His commitment to Father's purpose, His love for you and me, and for the Father." [31:47] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We confess and believe in our hearts that Jesus is Lord and Christ. The Son of the Living God. Who died for our sins according to the scriptures. Was buried and was raised from the dead on the third day according to the scriptures. Amen." [38:00] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The spiritual realm around our lives is much more lasting than this one we're experiencing right now. This earth, as we know it now, one day will pass away, be a new heaven. There will be a new earth, and the bodies that we have will be qualitatively different than this body. There will be no more sickness, pain, death, sorrow. We'll have the ability to know even as we're known." [53:49] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The gospel involves repentance from sin. Not the celebration of sin. People that are saved. We get convicted. You know. And God deals with us about it. But the world. The version of Christianity that's going on out there. Churches are dividing. No we believe it's alright. If you want to choose to. If men with men. And women with women. And all the LGBTQ stuff. I realize there are people. Who struggle with same sex attraction. But the answer. Is not the celebration of that. It's to love people. And share the truth of God. So that they can be. Liberated from it. Not celebrated for it." [01:16:27] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "There will be a massive global deception. And delusion released upon people. To believe a lie. And I could have said the lie. Because the lie at the end. Will believe that someone else who's not Christ. Is the Christ. That's the lie. That's what the devil's always been after. That's what he said. In the garden. Don't you know? If you'll eat from this. You'll be like God." [01:09:46] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "We are in the last days. And headed toward the last of the last days. We're at least 2,000 years closer to the very end of the last days. Of any people that's ever been on planet earth. Right? But in New Testament terms. The last days were inaugurated. When Jesus ascended. Poured out the spirit. What we call the beginning of the age of the church. That's considered the last days of the span of human history. And so we're in the last days. But we're closer to the last of the last days. Than any generation." [01:05:28] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "There will be a massive movement. Departing from true. Historic. Biblical. Christianity. That's. Happening. Unfortunately that's happening. Where people are stepping away from. I'm calling it historic. Biblical Christianity. Book of Jude that we quoted from to start with. Jude starts that book. How we're to earnestly contend for the faith. That was once for all delivered to the saints. There's no updated version. Of Christianity. There's no revising of Jesus. And who he is. What he did. What we get now. That we toss the old. And end with the new. No no it doesn't work that way." [01:28:54] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "There will be a great increase of extreme persecution of believers. John dives deep into this. In Revelation 13. In the season. Where he talks about the beast coming out of the sea. Over the nations. That's the antichrist. And we see another beast rising up. That's a false prophet. I believe that's probably in the area of Jerusalem. You can see like the wedding of the political. And the religious coming together. In a one world global system. With one personage being exalted. And the image of the beast will be there. That people have to worship." [01:32:01] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "There will be lying signs. And wonders performed by the false prophet. Paul says that. He talks about how. The false Christ will come on the scene. And people will be deceived. He even talks about people that stand before him. And they said. Didn't we do many wonderful works in your name. He said I never knew you. Ever who they are. They didn't know Jesus." [01:39:42] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Let's not be lulled to sleep. Or deceived. Into a wrong place. Where we're on the sidelines. Not engaging. In kingdom living. Not praying. Not witnessing. You and I. Individually. Will all be accountable for the Lord. For what we've done. With what we've been given. And we are so blessed." [01:44:27] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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