Embracing Eternal Truth: A Call to Spiritual Readiness

In this heartfelt message, I reflect on the enduring spirit and essence of the Christian Fellowship Church (CFC) and the profound impact it has had on my life. From my earliest memories of CFC meetings in our home to the present day, the church has remained steadfast in its commitment to truth, a truth that never changes. This unwavering dedication to God's word has been a guiding light for me, teaching me that eternity is the only thing that truly matters.

I recall the joy of being part of the church community, from setting up chairs as a child to finding refuge in the church building during times of personal struggle. The spirit of God has always been palpable within the walls of CFC, and it has been my desire to replicate that same spirit in my current ministry in Colorado. The theme of reaching greater spiritual heights resonates deeply with me, as it has been a consistent message throughout CFC's history.

Drawing from 1 John 2:24, I emphasize the importance of abiding in the truths we have heard from the beginning. By doing so, we remain in fellowship with the Son and the Father, pressing on to spiritual perfection. This journey involves fixing our eyes on Jesus and seeking to dwell in the heavenlies, where eternity is our focus. The call to "come up higher" is a reminder to gain an eternal perspective, recognizing that our time on earth is fleeting and that we must be ready for Christ's return.

I share a vivid analogy of waiting for a train, symbolizing our anticipation for Jesus' return. Just as we eagerly await the train's arrival, we must be spiritually prepared, ensuring that our lives are in order and our hearts are set on things above. The urgency of this readiness is underscored by the realization that even Satan is more aware of the shortness of time than many Christians. As Christ's bride, we must be vigilant and ready for His return, echoing the cry of Revelation 22:20, "Come, Lord Jesus."

Key Takeaways

• 1. The Unchanging Truth of CFC: The essence of CFC has remained unchanged because it stands for the truth, which never changes. This commitment to truth has been a guiding light, teaching us that eternity is the only thing that truly matters. By abiding in these truths, we remain in fellowship with the Son and the Father. [02:14]
• 2. Finding Refuge in God's Presence: The church has been a place of refuge, where the spirit of God is palpable. This presence has been a source of comfort and strength, reminding us that even in times of personal struggle, we can find solace in God's house. [04:57]
• 3. Reaching Greater Heights Spiritually: To reach greater spiritual heights, we must fix our eyes on Jesus and seek to dwell in the heavenlies. This involves pressing on to spiritual perfection by focusing on eternity and recognizing that our time on earth is fleeting. [08:48]
• 4. The Urgency of Readiness: Just as we eagerly await a train's arrival, we must be spiritually prepared for Christ's return. This readiness involves ensuring that our lives are in order and our hearts are set on things above, recognizing the shortness of time. [13:37]
• 5. The Call to "Come Up Higher": The call to "come up higher" is a reminder to gain an eternal perspective, focusing on the things above rather than the temporary pleasures of this world. This mindset helps us to be ready for Jesus' return, echoing the cry of Revelation 22:20, "Come, Lord Jesus." [11:00]
  ** [11:00]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:30] - Gratitude for Technology
• [00:58] - Early Memories of CFC
• [02:00] - The Unchanging Essence of CFC
• [03:09] - Joy in Church Community
• [03:57] - CFC as a Place of Refuge
• [05:13] - Longing for God's Presence
• [06:10] - Feeling Undeserving
• [07:02] - Theme of Spiritual Growth
• [08:04] - Abiding in Truth
• [09:21] - Eternity is What Matters
• [10:19] - Call to "Come Up Higher"
• [11:48] - Waiting for the Train
• [13:37] - Urgency of Readiness
• [15:13] - Transience of Life
• [21:53] - Closing Thoughts

1. 1 John 2:24
2. Hebrews 6:1
3. Revelation 22:20

1. What does 1 John 2:24 emphasize about the importance of abiding in the truths we have heard from the beginning? How does this relate to the sermon’s message about the unchanging truth of CFC? [08:04]
2. In the sermon, the speaker shares a personal memory of finding refuge in the church building during a time of personal struggle. How does this memory illustrate the idea of the church as a place of refuge? [04:08]
3. The speaker uses the analogy of waiting for a train to describe the anticipation of Jesus' return. What are some specific actions mentioned in the sermon that reflect spiritual readiness for Christ’s return? [13:37]
4. How does the speaker describe the spirit of God being palpable within the walls of CFC, and what impact does this have on his current ministry in Colorado? [05:44]

1. How does the concept of abiding in the truths from the beginning, as mentioned in 1 John 2:24, contribute to reaching greater spiritual heights? What does this mean for the believer’s daily walk? [08:04]
2. The sermon highlights the urgency of readiness for Christ’s return. How does the analogy of waiting for a train help illustrate the importance of spiritual preparedness? [13:37]
3. In what ways does the call to "come up higher" in Revelation 4:1 challenge believers to gain an eternal perspective? How might this perspective influence daily decisions and priorities? [10:45]
4. The speaker mentions that even Satan is more aware of the shortness of time than many Christians. What implications does this have for how believers should live their lives? [21:22]

1. Reflect on the unchanging truth of CFC as a guiding light. How can you ensure that the truths you have learned remain central in your life, especially during challenging times? [02:14]
2. The church is described as a place of refuge. How can you create or contribute to an environment in your church or community where others feel safe and supported? [04:08]
3. Consider the analogy of waiting for a train. What specific steps can you take this week to ensure that your life is in order and your heart is set on things above, in anticipation of Christ’s return? [13:37]
4. The call to "come up higher" encourages an eternal perspective. Identify one area of your life where you can shift your focus from temporary pleasures to eternal values. What practical changes can you make? [10:45]
5. The speaker mentions feeling undeserving of being part of CFC. How can this sense of humility and gratitude be cultivated in your own spiritual journey? [06:10]
6. How can you actively seek to dwell in the heavenlies and focus on eternity in your daily life? What distractions might you need to minimize to achieve this focus? [09:21]
7. The sermon emphasizes the urgency of readiness. What are some practical ways you can prepare yourself and your family for Christ’s return, ensuring that all aspects of your life are in order? [23:25]