Listening to Jesus: Signs of the End Times
Summary
### Summary
Welcome to New Life Church! Today marks the beginning of our new series titled "Jesus, Is Anyone Listening?" We are diving into the pressing question of whether we are truly heeding Jesus' warnings and teachings about the end times. Using the analogy of a road trip with Google Maps, we explored how we often ignore the signs of impending traffic jams, much like how many Christians ignore the signs of the end times. Jesus has warned us about wars, famines, earthquakes, and the persecution of Christians, yet many continue to live as if these warnings are not urgent.
We examined the current state of the world, noting the numerous wars, food insecurity, and natural disasters that align with Jesus' predictions. We also discussed the alarming trend of Christians turning away from their faith and the rise of false prophets. Despite these troubling signs, Jesus offers us hope. He promises that those who endure to the end will be saved. This series aims to equip us with the tools and understanding to endure and remain faithful.
One of the key elements Jesus emphasized is the power of the Holy Spirit. Acts 1:8 tells us that we will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon us, enabling us to be His witnesses to the ends of the earth. This power is not just for service but also for personal spiritual growth. The Holy Spirit empowers us to live boldly, share our faith, and produce the fruit of the Spirit in our lives.
We also touched on the importance of speaking in tongues as a form of personal edification and spiritual empowerment. The Apostle Paul highlights that speaking in tongues builds us up and strengthens our spiritual life. This is a gift that Jesus wants every believer to have, to help us endure to the end.
In conclusion, we are called to seek the Holy Spirit fervently, to live boldly for Christ, and to be vigilant in these end times. Jesus has given us the tools and the power to endure, and it is up to us to listen and act.
### Key Takeaways
1. Urgency of the End Times: Jesus has warned us about the signs of the end times, including wars, famines, and natural disasters. These signs are evident in our world today, and we must not ignore them. Instead, we should live with a sense of urgency and readiness, knowing that Jesus' return is imminent. [21:21]
2. Endurance and Hope: Despite the troubling signs of the end times, Jesus offers us hope. He promises that those who endure to the end will be saved. This endurance is not passive but requires active faith and reliance on the Holy Spirit. We must remain steadfast and faithful, trusting in Jesus' promise. [25:18]
3. Power of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit empowers us for service and personal spiritual growth. Acts 1:8 emphasizes that we will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon us, enabling us to be bold witnesses for Christ. This power is essential for enduring the challenges of the end times and living a victorious Christian life. [37:35]
4. Speaking in Tongues: Speaking in tongues is a gift that Jesus wants every believer to have. It is a form of personal edification and spiritual empowerment. The Apostle Paul explains that speaking in tongues builds us up and strengthens our spiritual life, helping us to endure and remain faithful. [44:43]
5. Living a Spirit-Led Life: The Holy Spirit produces the fruit of the Spirit in our lives, such as love, joy, peace, and self-control. These qualities are essential for living a godly life and being effective witnesses for Christ. We must continually seek the Holy Spirit's guidance and empowerment to live a life that honors God. [47:28]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[17:32] - Introduction to the Series
[18:43] - Road Trip Analogy
[20:03] - Ignoring the Signs
[21:21] - Jesus' Warnings
[22:36] - Peter's Prophecy
[23:59] - Jesus is Coming Back
[25:18] - Endurance and Hope
[26:33] - Current State of the World
[27:53] - Wars and Rumors of Wars
[29:17] - Famines and Earthquakes
[30:51] - Persecution of Christians
[32:12] - Christians Turning Away
[33:32] - Rise of False Prophets
[34:45] - Sin Running Rampant
[36:08] - Love Growing Cold
[37:35] - Power of the Holy Spirit
[39:11] - Empowered for Service
[40:35] - Day of Pentecost
[41:57] - Speaking in Other Languages
[43:25] - Heavenly Language
[44:43] - Personal Edification
[46:11] - Overcoming Fear
[47:28] - Fruit of the Spirit
[48:53] - Seeking the Holy Spirit
[50:14] - Boldness to Share Faith
[51:30] - Prayer and Conclusion
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 24:7-13 (NIV)
> "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains. Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved."
2. Acts 1:8 (NIV)
> "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
3. 1 Corinthians 14:2, 4 (NIV)
> "For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people but to God. Indeed, no one understands them; they utter mysteries by the Spirit... Anyone who speaks in a tongue edifies themselves, but the one who prophesies edifies the church."
### Observation Questions
1. What are some of the signs of the end times mentioned in Matthew 24:7-13?
2. According to Acts 1:8, what will believers receive when the Holy Spirit comes upon them?
3. In 1 Corinthians 14:2, 4, what is the purpose of speaking in tongues according to Paul?
4. What analogy did the pastor use to describe how people often ignore the signs of the end times? ([18:43])
### Interpretation Questions
1. How do the signs of the end times described in Matthew 24:7-13 relate to the current state of the world? ([26:33])
2. What does it mean to endure to the end, and how can believers prepare for this endurance? ([25:18])
3. How does the power of the Holy Spirit enable believers to be witnesses for Christ according to Acts 1:8? ([37:35])
4. Why is speaking in tongues considered a form of personal edification, and how can it help believers endure to the end? ([44:43])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the current events in the world. How do they align with the signs of the end times mentioned in Matthew 24:7-13? What steps can you take to live with a sense of urgency and readiness? ([21:21])
2. Jesus promises that those who endure to the end will be saved. What practical steps can you take to strengthen your faith and reliance on the Holy Spirit to ensure you endure to the end? ([25:18])
3. Acts 1:8 speaks about receiving power from the Holy Spirit to be witnesses. How can you seek the Holy Spirit's empowerment in your daily life to boldly share your faith with others? ([37:35])
4. Speaking in tongues is described as a gift for personal edification. Have you experienced this gift? If not, are you open to seeking it? How can you incorporate this practice into your prayer life? ([44:43])
5. The pastor mentioned the importance of living a Spirit-led life and producing the fruit of the Spirit. Choose one aspect of the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control) to focus on this week. What specific action can you take to cultivate it in your interactions with others? ([47:28])
6. The sermon emphasized the need for boldness in sharing your testimony. Identify one person in your life who needs to hear about Jesus. How can you share your testimony with them this week? ([50:14])
7. The pastor encouraged seeking the Holy Spirit for both personal edification and boldness. What specific prayer or practice can you incorporate into your daily routine to seek the Holy Spirit's guidance and empowerment? ([48:53])
Devotional
### 5-Day Devotional
Day 1: Urgency in Recognizing the Signs
Description:
Jesus has given us clear warnings about the signs of the end times, including wars, famines, and natural disasters. These signs are evident in our world today, and it is crucial that we do not ignore them. Just as we would heed warnings on a road trip to avoid traffic jams, we must live with a sense of urgency and readiness, knowing that Jesus' return is imminent. Ignoring these signs can lead to spiritual complacency and unpreparedness.
Jesus' warnings are not meant to instill fear but to prepare us. By recognizing the signs, we can live with a heightened awareness and a deeper commitment to our faith. This urgency should drive us to seek a closer relationship with God and to be vigilant in our spiritual walk. [21:21]
Bible Passage:
"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." (Matthew 24:42-43, ESV)
Reflection:
Think about the current events in the world. How do they align with the signs Jesus mentioned? What steps can you take today to live with a greater sense of spiritual urgency and readiness?
Day 2: Endurance and Hope in Troubling Times
Description:
Despite the troubling signs of the end times, Jesus offers us hope. He promises that those who endure to the end will be saved. This endurance is not passive but requires active faith and reliance on the Holy Spirit. We must remain steadfast and faithful, trusting in Jesus' promise. Endurance involves persevering through trials, maintaining our faith, and not allowing the challenges of the world to shake our commitment to Christ.
In these times, it is essential to hold onto the hope that Jesus provides. This hope is a source of strength and encouragement, enabling us to face difficulties with confidence. By focusing on Jesus' promise of salvation, we can navigate the end times with a sense of purpose and assurance. [25:18]
Bible Passage:
"Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him." (James 1:12, ESV)
Reflection:
Reflect on a recent trial or challenge you have faced. How did you rely on your faith to endure it? What can you do to strengthen your reliance on the Holy Spirit in future trials?
Day 3: Empowered by the Holy Spirit
Description:
The Holy Spirit empowers us for service and personal spiritual growth. Acts 1:8 emphasizes that we will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon us, enabling us to be bold witnesses for Christ. This power is essential for enduring the challenges of the end times and living a victorious Christian life. The Holy Spirit equips us with the strength and courage needed to share our faith and to live in a way that honors God.
The empowerment of the Holy Spirit is not just for ministry but also for our personal spiritual development. It helps us to grow in our relationship with God, to overcome sin, and to produce the fruit of the Spirit in our lives. By seeking the Holy Spirit's guidance and empowerment, we can live a life that reflects Christ's love and truth. [37:35]
Bible Passage:
"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." (Acts 1:8, ESV)
Reflection:
In what areas of your life do you need the Holy Spirit's empowerment? How can you actively seek the Holy Spirit's guidance and strength today?
Day 4: The Gift of Speaking in Tongues
Description:
Speaking in tongues is a gift that Jesus wants every believer to have. It is a form of personal edification and spiritual empowerment. The Apostle Paul explains that speaking in tongues builds us up and strengthens our spiritual life, helping us to endure and remain faithful. This gift allows us to communicate with God in a unique and powerful way, enhancing our prayer life and deepening our spiritual connection.
The practice of speaking in tongues is not just for public ministry but also for personal spiritual growth. It serves as a means of personal edification, allowing us to be strengthened and encouraged in our faith. By embracing this gift, we can experience a deeper level of spiritual empowerment and intimacy with God. [44:43]
Bible Passage:
"The one who speaks in a tongue builds up himself, but the one who prophesies builds up the church." (1 Corinthians 14:4, ESV)
Reflection:
Have you ever experienced the gift of speaking in tongues? If not, are you open to seeking this gift? How can you incorporate this practice into your daily spiritual routine for personal edification?
Day 5: Living a Spirit-Led Life
Description:
The Holy Spirit produces the fruit of the Spirit in our lives, such as love, joy, peace, and self-control. These qualities are essential for living a godly life and being effective witnesses for Christ. We must continually seek the Holy Spirit's guidance and empowerment to live a life that honors God. A Spirit-led life is characterized by the presence of these fruits, which reflect the nature of Christ in us.
Living a Spirit-led life involves daily surrender to the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to guide our thoughts, actions, and decisions. It requires a commitment to spiritual disciplines such as prayer, Bible study, and worship. By cultivating the fruit of the Spirit, we can live in a way that brings glory to God and draws others to Him. [47:28]
Bible Passage:
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law." (Galatians 5:22-23, ESV)
Reflection:
Which fruit of the Spirit do you feel is most lacking in your life right now? What practical steps can you take today to cultivate this fruit through the guidance of the Holy Spirit?
Quotes
1. "Jesus said to us, hey, there is an end that is coming. Okay. There is a time that is ahead of you when governments, you know, are going to be corrupt more than they've ever been. And they're going to turn against one another and nations going to go to war against nation. And there's going to be rumors of wars, right? And Christians, their hearts are going to turn cold. And there are going to be times when Christians even hate one another." [21:21] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "For generations, people have been talking about, well, Jesus is coming back. Jesus is coming back. My grandparents, Jesus could come back at any moment, man. I remember being so scared at church. I got saved at every service, right? Give an altar call. Jeff Baker was down at that altar, man. I was at that altar, right? And we watched these like old movies that were like Jesus coming back. And then the government turns on the people." [21:21] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "I want you to know that Jesus is with you. Without a doubt, the Bible says, Jesus proclaimed it, he's coming back, and this guy just happens to be one spiritual leader that believes Jesus is coming back. He's coming back. Amen? Is that good news or not? Is it good news? Yeah, I think it's good news." [23:59] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "I think that Jesus is very plain spoken. I think he's very clear in what he said. I don't think he's trying to play games with you. I don't think he's trying to, like, mislead you. I think Jesus is trying to speak things to us to help us understand, where do you live? And I would say this to you. The green line has turned red. We live in the red zone. We live in the spot where the reality of what Jesus is talking about is upon us right now." [25:18] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "In America, all right, in America, we are not just like in this nice little safety bubble. We're in a safety bubble for a while, but Jesus said it's going to happen all over the world, not just in some countries, not just in places maybe where there's a dominant religion and runs the government. No, it's not just going to happen in places like that. Jesus said it's going to happen all over the world." [30:51] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Jesus went on to say, he said, look, like many Christians will turn away from following me, and they'll betray, and they're actually going to hate each other. That's sad. It's sad, but we're not going to be like that. We're not going to be like that. We're already seeing it. Right now in America, a recent study just came out, 3,500 Christians are walking away from fellowship with other believers, walking away from the local church every single day in America." [32:12] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Jesus also went on. He said things like this. In the last days, the days right before I come back, okay, in the red zone, he said there's going to be a lot of false prophets that will deceive many followers of Jesus. I mean, you think about it today. Like, how many teachers of Scripture can you find on YouTube right now? How many different ministries can you find online right now?" [33:32] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "But here's the good news. In the middle of all of this, here's what Jesus said. He goes, look, you can have hope. You can have hope. Here's why. For the one who endures to the end will be saved. So this might be the world that we're living in, right? But I, as your pastor, I want to help you endure to the end and be saved." [37:35] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "You will receive power from who? The Holy Spirit. You're going to receive power from the Holy Spirit. So what was Jesus saying about the power of the Holy Spirit? I think there were two critical things that he was saying in this passage. First and foremost, he was saying this, that you will be empowered by the Holy Spirit for his service. Did you realize that the power of the Holy Spirit is to help you complete the mission God has for you on this earth?" [39:11] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "You can't produce more kindness in your life. You can't do it. I don't care. Go try it. You can't produce more self-control. It's going to fail every time. You can't do it, but I know one who can. I know one who can, and that's the difference maker, the power of the Holy Spirit in your life. I don't know about you, but that's totally cool." [47:28] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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