Living for God's Glory in the End Times
Summary
The sermon begins with the pastor expressing gratitude for the congregation's commitment to living for God's glory and the anointing upon Pastor Jeff as he delivers the message. The pastor then introduces a new sermon series on what the Bible says about the end times, highlighting the relevance of current world events and their connection to biblical prophecies. The pastor emphasizes the importance of fulfilling the Great Commission given by Jesus to spread the gospel and make disciples of all nations. He challenges the congregation to prioritize the kingdom of God above personal agendas and plans, and to actively participate in advancing the work of the Lord.
The pastor then discusses the importance of spreading the gospel to every nation, highlighting the technological advancements that have made it possible for even the poorest countries to access the message of Jesus Christ. He expresses concern that many Christians are more focused on building their own kingdoms rather than God's kingdom. The pastor encourages the congregation to reflect on their lives to ensure that they are truly living for God in these last days. He reminds them that God has a plan and purpose for each person's life and that they are not a mistake.
The pastor emphasizes the importance of understanding Bible prophecy as it instills hope and a sense of urgency in the hearts of believers. He acknowledges that while some prophecies may be coming to pass, there is not one specific prophecy that needs to be fulfilled for the rapture of the church to occur. The pastor then shares a personal anecdote about his upbringing in a faithful church and the impact of his mother's dedication to his spiritual growth.
The pastor then discusses the concept of the Rapture and the events that will follow. He shares a personal anecdote about his own journey with faith, highlighting a time when he felt distant from God. He emphasizes that God is not interested in church membership or religious rituals, but rather seeks a genuine relationship with individuals who are willing to give their lives to Him. The pastor concludes by mentioning the popular technology of the time, the Discman, to provide a relatable example for the audience.
The sermon concludes with the pastor emphasizing the importance of being prepared for the coming judgment. He references the story of Noah and how people mocked him for building an ark, but when the flood came, they were taken away. The pastor then relates this to the second coming of Jesus, stating that just as people were caught off guard during Noah's time, so will they be when Jesus returns. He encourages the congregation to trust in the accuracy and inspiration of God's word.
Key Takeaways:
- The pastor emphasizes the importance of fulfilling the Great Commission given by Jesus to spread the gospel and make disciples of all nations. He challenges the congregation to prioritize the kingdom of God above personal agendas and plans, and to actively participate in advancing the work of the Lord. [12:45]
- The pastor discusses the importance of spreading the gospel to every nation, highlighting the technological advancements that have made it possible for even the poorest countries to access the message of Jesus Christ. He expresses concern that many Christians are more focused on building their own kingdoms rather than God's kingdom. [24:30]
- The pastor emphasizes the importance of understanding Bible prophecy as it instills hope and a sense of urgency in the hearts of believers. He acknowledges that while some prophecies may be coming to pass, there is not one specific prophecy that needs to be fulfilled for the rapture of the church to occur. [36:15]
- The pastor discusses the concept of the Rapture and the events that will follow. He shares a personal anecdote about his own journey with faith, highlighting a time when he felt distant from God. He emphasizes that God is not interested in church membership or religious rituals, but rather seeks a genuine relationship with individuals who are willing to give their lives to Him. [48:20]
- The sermon concludes with the pastor emphasizing the importance of being prepared for the coming judgment. He references the story of Noah and how people mocked him for building an ark, but when the flood came, they were taken away. The pastor then relates this to the second coming of Jesus, stating that just as people were caught off guard during Noah's time, so will they be when Jesus returns. He encourages the congregation to trust in the accuracy and inspiration of God's word. [59:30]
Study Guide
Bible Reading:
1. John 1:12 - "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name."
2. Philippians 4:19 - "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus."
3. Proverbs 4:18 - "But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day."
Observation Questions:
1. In John 1:12, who are the ones referred to as 'sons of God' and what is the condition for becoming one?
2. What does Philippians 4:19 suggest about God's provision for those who believe in Christ Jesus?
3. How does Proverbs 4:18 describe the path of the just and what does it mean for it to shine 'more and more unto the perfect day'?
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the power to become 'sons of God' as mentioned in John 1:12 relate to the concept of living for God's glory?
2. In the context of Philippians 4:19, how does God's provision align with the idea of prioritizing the kingdom of God above personal agendas and plans?
3. How does the description of the path of the just in Proverbs 4:18 connect to the importance of understanding Bible prophecy and being prepared for the coming judgment?
Application Questions:
1. Reflecting on John 1:12, how can you actively receive Christ in your daily life to become a 'son of God'?
2. Considering Philippians 4:19, what is one specific way you can prioritize the kingdom of God above your personal plans this week?
3. In light of Proverbs 4:18, what is one step you can take to better understand Bible prophecy and prepare for the coming judgment?
4. How can you use the current technological advancements to spread the gospel to those who have not yet heard it?
5. Can you identify a specific area in your life where you are building your own kingdom rather than God's? What is one action you can take to shift your focus towards building God's kingdom?
Devotional
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Day 1: Prioritizing God's Kingdom Above Personal Agendas
In a world that often encourages self-promotion and personal gain, it is crucial to remember the call to prioritize the kingdom of God above our own plans and agendas. This means actively participating in advancing the work of the Lord, and fulfilling the Great Commission given by Jesus to spread the gospel and make disciples of all nations. [12:45]
Matthew 6:33 - "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
Reflection: What are some personal agendas or plans that you need to surrender to God today in order to prioritize His kingdom?
Day 2: Spreading the Gospel to Every Nation
In an age of technological advancements, the gospel of Jesus Christ is accessible to even the poorest countries. However, it is concerning that many Christians are more focused on building their own kingdoms rather than God's kingdom. [24:30]
Acts 1:8 - "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."
Reflection: How can you use the resources and technology available to you to spread the gospel to those who have not heard it?
Day 3: Understanding Bible Prophecy
Understanding Bible prophecy is not just about predicting future events, but it instills hope and a sense of urgency in the hearts of believers. While some prophecies may be coming to pass, there is not one specific prophecy that needs to be fulfilled for the rapture of the church to occur. [36:15]
2 Peter 1:19 - "We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts."
Reflection: How does understanding Bible prophecy instill hope and urgency in your heart?
Day 4: Seeking a Genuine Relationship with God
God is not interested in church membership or religious rituals, but rather seeks a genuine relationship with individuals who are willing to give their lives to Him. This relationship is not based on our works, but on His grace and love for us. [48:20]
Jeremiah 29:13 - "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."
Reflection: What steps can you take today to deepen your relationship with God and surrender your life to Him?
Day 5: Being Prepared for the Coming Judgment
Just as people were caught off guard during Noah's time, so will they be when Jesus returns. Therefore, it is important to be prepared for the coming judgment and to trust in the accuracy and inspiration of God's word. [59:30]
Luke 21:36 - "Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man."
Reflection: How can you prepare yourself for the coming judgment and cultivate a deeper trust in God's word?
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Quotes
"More people are getting saved now because there are more avenues in which the gospel is getting out. We live in a day of technology that even in the poorest of countries, people have a cell phone they can log on to YouTube and hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ." ([01:22:40])
"The advancement of the kingdom of God is the common assignment of every single believer. Time is short, people are going to hell, and we have the message, the hope to give them what they so desperately need." ([01:25:09])
"Tomorrow isn't the time to get serious about your relationship with God, tomorrow isn't the time to get serious for Jesus, it's today, today is the day of salvation." [01:26:31]
"One solid biblical prophecy that we can all point to is the fact that it was prophesied that Israel would become a nation again in 1948, and this generation shall not pass away until we see the coming of the Lord." [01:27:12]
"God put you here intentionally for such a time as this...there's something about you God has designed you for these last days." [01:32:46]
"There's nothing closer to the heart of God than the salvation of souls... a proper understanding of Bible prophecy helps us to live out our life with eternity in perspective." #!!01:00:45!!#
"The Bible says to seek first the kingdom of God, our lives are to revolve around the kingdom of God, our decisions should be based around the kingdom of God, that's what it means to seek first the kingdom of God." #!!01:03:48!!#
"We really are living in the last days... it should bring a proper perspective in how we are living Our Lives as Believers and actually prioritizing what really is important in my life... am I truly seeking first the kingdom of God and his righteousness?" #!!01:20:28!!#
"Knowing that Jesus can come back at any moment sets an urgency deep inside of you to live a holy life and have a deep concern for the Souls of humanity to see this gospel preached to this world." #!!01:10:50!!#
"Lord, I want to be in the center of your will in every area of my life in these last days. Lord, use me to make an impact. Use me, Lord, to be a part of this Mission so that Lord none should perish, that all should come to repentance." #!!01:11:34!!#
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