Faith, Doubt, and Deepening Our Relationship with Christ

Devotional

Day 1: Witnessing the Future Generation

In Matthew 24:34, Jesus speaks of "this generation," a phrase that has sparked much debate. The interpretation that aligns with the future generation, which will witness the Great Tribulation, offers a profound understanding of the Olivet Discourse. This perspective emphasizes the importance of being vigilant and prepared for the events that will unfold during the end times. Understanding the abomination of desolation as a key element in this prophecy helps believers grasp the significance of Jesus' words and the urgency of living a life of faith and readiness. [04:35]

Matthew 24:32-34 (ESV): "From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see all these things, you know that he is near, at the very gates. Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place."

Reflection: How can you live today with the awareness and readiness for the future events described in the Bible? What practical steps can you take to prepare spiritually for the end times?

Day 2: Cultivating a Genuine Relationship with Christ

In Matthew 7:21-23, Jesus warns that not everyone who calls Him "Lord" will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only those who do the will of His Father. This passage highlights the necessity of a genuine relationship with Christ, one that goes beyond mere religious activities. It calls for a personal connection with Jesus, rooted in humility and reliance on His grace. This relationship is characterized by a deep, abiding faith that transforms lives and aligns actions with God's will. [08:52]

James 1:22-24 (ESV): "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like."

Reflection: Reflect on your relationship with Christ. Are there areas where you are relying more on religious activities than on a personal connection with Him? How can you deepen your relationship with Jesus today?

Day 3: Finding Reassurance in Times of Doubt

John the Baptist, despite his earlier recognition of Jesus as the Messiah, experienced doubt while imprisoned. This illustrates that even the most faithful can struggle with uncertainty, especially in difficult times. Jesus' response to John was one of reassurance, pointing to the works being done in His name as evidence of His messianic role. This compassionate response encourages believers to seek reassurance in Jesus' works and promises during their own times of doubt, trusting in His faithfulness and love. [12:57]

Isaiah 35:3-4 (ESV): "Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who have an anxious heart, 'Be strong; fear not! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God. He will come and save you.'"

Reflection: When you face doubts or uncertainties, how can you seek reassurance in Jesus' works and promises? What specific promises of God can you hold onto during challenging times?

Day 4: Deepening Your Prayer Life

A profound prayer life is rooted in a deep understanding of God, cultivated through His Word. Engaging with the Psalms and seeking mentorship from mature believers can enrich communication with God, making it more meaningful and heartfelt. Knowing God's character and works provides a solid foundation for prayer, allowing believers to approach Him with confidence and trust. This deepened prayer life becomes a source of strength and guidance, helping believers navigate the complexities of life with faith and wisdom. [15:33]

Colossians 4:2-3 (ESV): "Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison."

Reflection: How can you deepen your understanding of God through His Word to enrich your prayer life? What steps can you take to seek mentorship from mature believers in your community?

Day 5: Praying for Unbelievers with Wisdom

When praying for unbelievers in their presence, it is important to do so with wisdom and sensitivity. The focus should be on God's love and grace, avoiding any form of preaching or unnecessary offense. This approach reflects a genuine desire for the unbeliever's salvation, asking for God's grace, love, and revelation to touch their heart. By praying with humility and compassion, believers can be a powerful witness to God's transformative love and grace, leading others to repentance and faith. [20:02]

1 Timothy 2:1-4 (ESV): "First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth."

Reflection: Think of an unbeliever in your life. How can you pray for them with wisdom and sensitivity, focusing on God's love and grace? What specific prayers can you offer for their salvation today?

Sermon Summary

In this session, we delve into some profound questions that touch on biblical interpretation, personal faith, and practical Christian living. We begin by exploring the meaning of "this generation" in Matthew 24:34, a question posed by Byron. This passage is part of the Olivet Discourse, where Jesus speaks prophetically about the end times. The interpretation hinges on whether Jesus referred to the generation of His time or a future generation. I align with the view that Jesus was speaking of a future generation, specifically the one that will witness the Great Tribulation, as described in the discourse.

Next, we address a concern from End Time Magi about the haunting words of Jesus in Matthew 7:21-23, where He declares, "I never knew you." This passage emphasizes the importance of a genuine relationship with Christ over mere religious activities. It is a call to ensure that our faith is rooted in a true, personal connection with Jesus, characterized by humility and reliance on His grace.

We then consider the doubts of John the Baptist, who, despite his earlier recognition of Jesus as the Messiah, questioned Jesus' identity while imprisoned. This illustrates that even the most faithful can experience doubt, especially in times of trial. Jesus' response to John was not one of rebuke but of reassurance, highlighting the works being done in His name as evidence of His messianic role.

Don's question about deepening one's prayer life leads us to reflect on the importance of knowing God through His Word. A profound prayer life stems from a deep understanding of God's character and works, as seen in the Psalms. Additionally, seeking mentorship from seasoned believers can provide practical insights into cultivating a richer prayer experience.

Finally, we discuss the sensitive issue of praying for unbelievers in their presence. It is crucial to approach such prayers with wisdom, avoiding any form of preaching or unnecessary offense. The focus should be on asking for God's grace, love, and revelation to touch the unbeliever's heart, leading them to repentance and faith.

Key Takeaways

1. 23 underscores the necessity of a genuine relationship with Him. Religious activities, no matter how impressive, cannot substitute for a personal connection with Jesus, which begins with humility and reliance on His grace. [08:52]
3. Dealing with Doubt: John the Baptist's doubts while in prison remind us that even the strongest believers can struggle with uncertainty. Jesus' compassionate response to John encourages us to seek reassurance in His works and promises during our own times of doubt.

4. Deepening Prayer Life: A profound prayer life is rooted in a deep understanding of God, cultivated through His Word. Engaging with the Psalms and seeking mentorship from mature believers can enrich our communication with God, making it more meaningful and heartfelt.

5. Praying for Unbelievers: When praying for unbelievers in their presence, it is important to do so with wisdom and sensitivity. The focus should be on God's love and grace, avoiding any form of preaching or unnecessary offense, while earnestly desiring their salvation.

** [08:52]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:17] - Introduction and Context
[00:44] - Question on "This Generation"
[01:33] - Olivet Discourse Overview
[02:05] - Interpretations of Matthew 24
[03:08] - The Abomination of Desolation
[04:35] - Future Generation Perspective
[06:14] - Knowing God or "I Never Knew You"
[07:44] - Real Relationship with Jesus
[09:12] - Humility and Grace in Faith
[10:04] - John the Baptist's Doubts
[12:08] - Jesus' Response to Doubt
[14:08] - Deepening Prayer Life
[16:42] - Divorce and Remarriage
[18:45] - Praying for Unbelievers
[21:21] - Closing Remarks and Gratitude

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:

Matthew 24:34
Matthew 7:21-23
Matthew 11:1-6

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Observation Questions:

In Matthew 24:34, what are the two main interpretations of the phrase "this generation"? How does the sermon suggest we understand it? [04:35]
According to Matthew 7:21-23, what are the actions that people claim to have done in Jesus' name, and what is Jesus' response to them? [06:59]
What was John the Baptist's question to Jesus while he was in prison, and how did Jesus respond to reassure him? [12:08]
How does the sermon describe the relationship between a deep understanding of God's Word and a profound prayer life? [15:33]

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Interpretation Questions:

Why might Jesus' reference to "this generation" in Matthew 24:34 be significant for understanding the timing of the Great Tribulation? How does this interpretation affect our view of end times prophecy? [04:35]
What does Jesus' statement "I never knew you" in Matthew 7:21-23 imply about the nature of a true relationship with Him? How does this challenge common perceptions of religious activity? [08:52]
How does Jesus' response to John the Baptist's doubts in Matthew 11:1-6 provide a model for dealing with our own uncertainties and struggles in faith? [12:57]
In what ways can seeking mentorship from seasoned believers enhance one's prayer life, according to the sermon? [16:10]

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Application Questions:

Reflect on your understanding of "this generation" in Matthew 24:34. How does this interpretation influence your perspective on current world events and your personal readiness for the end times? [04:35]
Consider your own relationship with Jesus. Are there areas where you might be relying more on religious activities than on a genuine connection with Him? What steps can you take to deepen your personal relationship with Christ? [08:52]
Think about a time when you experienced doubt in your faith. How did you seek reassurance, and what can you learn from Jesus' response to John the Baptist to apply in future moments of uncertainty? [12:57]
Evaluate your current prayer life. What specific actions can you take to deepen your understanding of God through His Word, and how might this impact your communication with Him? [15:33]
Identify a mature believer whose prayer life you admire. What practical steps can you take to seek mentorship from them, and how might this influence your spiritual growth? [16:10]
When praying for unbelievers, how can you ensure that your prayers are both sensitive and sincere? What specific language or approach might you use to avoid unnecessary offense while expressing genuine concern for their salvation? [20:02]
Reflect on a recent interaction with an unbeliever. How might you incorporate prayer into your relationship with them, and what specific outcomes are you hoping to see as a result of these prayers? [20:02]

Sermon Clips

"Now Byron what I want you understand is that basically in and this is a very basic generalization I know there's a lot more that could be said about this but basically you can divide the Christian world into two groups, there's those who think that all or most of what Jesus referred to in Matthew chapter 24 was fulfilled in the first century basically in the 70 AD conquest of Jerusalem destruction of the temple under the Roman legions under the command of Titus then you have others who believe that for the most part what's most important about at Matthew chapter 24 is yet to be fulfilled and will be fulfilled in the last days." [00:120]

"Now I believe that this generation Jesus referred to the generation that saw the destructive cataclysmic signs of the end that he spoke about there in Matthew chapter 24 he's talking about the very last generation I believe what Jesus saying is that the generation that sees the Great Tribulation is going to be the last generation that's it the generation that sees the Great Tribulation is going to be the last generation humanity is not going to continue on forever in the incredible Cataclysm that Jesus described as the Great Tribulation." [00:275]

"Now that's very sobering thing because the idea here is that on the day of judgment there's going to be people who come before Jesus and assume that everything is good between them and Jesus Lord Lord they address them by the proper name this Lord we prophesied in your name we've cast out demons in your name we've done wonders in your name and Jesus will say to some of them I never knew you know this is what we have to understand anti-magic is when Jesus says I never knew you it's not that Jesus never had a knowledge of who they were when Jesus said I never knew you he said I never had real relationship with you you never had real relationship with me." [00:432]

"God bless you for the religious things that you do god bless you for the money that you give god bless you for your church attendance god bless you for your participation in good works god bless you for your evangelism god bless you for signs and wonders that God may do in and through all that's wonderful but it doesn't replace real relationship with Jesus Christ and let me tell you where real relationship with Jesus begins it begins by humbly coming to him and receiving the grace that Jesus offers doesn't come with us dictating our terms to Jesus it doesn't come as if we're giving Jesus you know some kind of great person a geez I'm really a great addition to your team aren't I no no it comes with the person who comes humbly depending on Jesus laying their entire weight so to speak upon him trusting in relying on him clinging to him repenting of their sins and clinging only to Jesus." [00:507]

"Now let me say John already knew that Jesus was the Messiah I mean he baptized Jesus and by the way when he baptized Jesus he said to Jesus I should not be baptizing you you should be baptizing me but she said no John it's proper for this to be done for the present time not only did John baptized Jesus but he knew that God had proclaimed from heaven when Jesus would baptize this is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased so again it's a remarkable thing John had the great evidence that Jesus would survive but remember John made this statement from prison and it's entirely reasonable to think that as as an amazing godly committed man John the Baptist was nevertheless he struggled out nevertheless he struggled with with difficulty about who God was and what God was doing and Jesus if you're really the Messiah why am I still in prison." [00:666]

"Jesus if you're really the Messiah why aren't you doing more specifically why aren't you doing more for me now our hearts are sympathetic towards John we don't criticize him and offer this because we understand there's something of our own weakness and inability in this John receive the answer that Jesus gave them jesus answered John by saying look at the blind that are seeing the lame that are walking the sick that are being healed look at the good news of the gospel that's come from yes John I am the Messiah even though your present circumstances are difficult I had one more thing Jesus did not give any criticism of John Jesus was very sympathetic to John the Baptist even in John the Baptist's doubts and that's something for us to learn from as well." [00:735]

"Jesus only had praise for John the Baptist and so again even the best of us can go through our seasons of struggle and doubt and God wants to see us through those things God doesn't despise our seasons of doubt but we don't idealize doubt we don't make an idol out of it doubt is not a preferred place for a Christian to remain but it may be a necessary season or experience for the believer to work through and I think that's what happened with the life of John the Baptist so he did know that Jesus were the Messiah but in the prison cell in the depths of his difficulty with his approaching martyrdom he he had his doubts he had his struggles just like we may all right the next question comes from Don and Don asks another good question all good questions on today's question and answer video." [00:793]

"Well Don let me give you a few suggestions number one don't try to be deep in your prayer life with God instead begin with increasing the depth of your heart and your mind after God and His Word the more you know about who God is the more you'll be able to communicate with him in light of who he is and what he has done I find the Psalms to be so helpful and illuminating when it comes to my own prayer life there's a depth of the knowledge of God and the knowledge of what God does that's reflected in the Psalms that really catches our attention and the more we know the deeper we are in our knowledge of who God is and what God has done for us and just in general in his great works in the universe then we're gonna have a deeper prayer life." [00:871]

"So Don don't try to be deep in a mystical way start with a deep heart and a deep mind after God in His Word and that will spill over so to speak in your whole relationship with God the other thing I would say is simply this if there is a Christian that you know whose prayer life you really respect there's a depth to their own prayer life why don't you go to that believer and just simply ask them and say what have you learned about prayer teach me about your prayer life I I there's something in your prayer life that I think I can learn something from sometimes that very practical person-to-person mentoring in the practicalities of the Christian life praying fasting giving reading the Bible just very practical mentoring of look I may not know everything but I know something and I can teach you a little something of what I know there needs to be more and more of that among believers." [00:936]

"Now judge I think that's a very interesting question so is it okay to pray for an unbeliever and preferably for that unbeliever salvation but to pray for them in front of that unbeliever and I would simply say this yes if you do it with wisdom in other words if you do it not preaching to that person because we shouldn't be preaching to someone else when we pray to God this is a classic mistake that a lot of people make when they pray in church they're really not praying unto God they're praying to the audience they're preaching to the audience so I'm not talking about preaching to the person I'm talking about praying wisely before God so I wouldn't have a time at all praying for an unbeliever in their presence saying lord I pray that you would work in the life of my friend who doesn't yet believe in you I pray that you would show them the greatness of your love I would pray that you would show them where they need to repent and get right with you and I pray that you would show them that it's your kindness that leads them to repentance Lord pour out your grace upon my friend who doesn't yet believe and do it in Jesus name." [00:1136]

"Now if you pray something like this Lord I pray for this wretched wicked person in front of me who hates you and hates everybody and lord I know that they're on the fast track to hell so rescue them in the midst of their wickedness listen that that's a prayer that's not wise to pray in front of the unbeliever because I think it's needlessly offensive now let me just say this we're not afraid of offending people over biblical truth but we should be afraid of needlessly offending anybody I only want offend people if it's necessary if it's truly standing up for the truth of God's Word in the truth of the gospel so I would say is it okay to pray for an unbeliever and to pray in front of that unbeliever yes but pray for blessing pray for grace pray for an outpouring of God's love pray for spiritual insight and pray for repentance as well that's absolutely fine and necessary but pray that God would give that person who does not yet believe the greatest blessing at all and that's a real relationship with Jesus Christ." [00:1220]

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Faith, Doubt, and Deepening Our Relationship with Christ

Devotional

Day 1: Witnessing the Future Generation

Day 2: Cultivating a Genuine Relationship with Christ

Day 3: Finding Reassurance in Times of Doubt

Day 4: Deepening Your Prayer Life

Day 5: Praying for Unbelievers with Wisdom

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips

Chatbot

Faith, Doubt, and Deepening Our Relationship with Christ

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