Living with Hope and Urgency in End Times
Summary
### Summary
Welcome to Harvest Church! Today, we embark on a new series about the End Times. Given the current state of the world, with wars, natural disasters, and moral decay, it's a timely topic. However, it's crucial to understand that while we are in the end times, it doesn't necessarily mean Jesus is coming tomorrow. Historically, there have been darker periods, and the church has faced far greater persecution than what we experience today.
The signs of the end times should not be a source of fear but a motivation to live out our mission with urgency. Jesus' teachings on the end times were not meant to make us obsessed with timelines or specific events but to remind us to stay focused on loving God, loving our neighbors, and making disciples. The book of Revelation and Jesus' words are not instructions for daily living but confirmations of what is to come.
In the midst of uncertainty, we have a hope that is certain. Jesus promised to return, and this promise should bring us peace and assurance. The disciples faced uncertainty when Jesus spoke of His betrayal and death, but He assured them of a future with Him. This same assurance applies to us today. We must live each day as if it could be the day of His return, staying committed to our mission regardless of the circumstances.
The world's going to get darker, but that doesn't mean we stand by and do nothing. We must take a stand for righteousness and be the light in the midst of darkness. Our mission remains the same: to proclaim the gospel and make disciples. We should not be consumed with trying to figure out the exact timeline of Jesus' return but should focus on living faithfully and urgently.
In conclusion, in these uncertain times, we have a hope that is certain. We must live each day as if it could be the day of Jesus' return, staying focused on our mission and not allowing fear or uncertainty to consume us. Let's be the hands and feet of Jesus, shining brightly in a dark world.
### Key Takeaways
1. Hope in Uncertainty: In the midst of uncertain times, we have a hope that is certain. Jesus' promise to return provides us with peace and assurance, even when the world around us seems chaotic. This hope should anchor us and keep us focused on our mission. [01:17:40]
2. Live with Urgency: Every day, we should live as if today may be the day of Jesus' return. This mindset keeps us committed to our mission of making disciples and living out the gospel with urgency and purpose. [01:31:23]
3. Stand for Righteousness: As the world gets darker, we must take a stand for godliness and righteousness. This doesn't mean we passively accept the world's decline but actively work to be the light in the darkness, influencing our communities for Christ. [01:28:09]
4. Avoid Obsession with Timelines: While it's important to be aware of the signs of the end times, we should not become obsessed with trying to figure out the exact timeline of Jesus' return. Our focus should be on living faithfully and fulfilling our mission. [01:24:42]
5. Stay on Mission: Regardless of what happens in the world, our mission remains the same: to proclaim the gospel and make disciples. We must not allow fear or uncertainty to distract us from this mission but stay committed and focused. [01:54:11]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[57:19] - Introduction and Welcome to Rolling Hills
[01:02:51] - Vision and Mission of Harvest Church
[01:03:17] - Introduction to the End Times Series
[01:04:20] - Reflection on Columbine and Current Events
[01:07:04] - Understanding Persecution
[01:09:12] - Purpose of End Times Teachings
[01:10:19] - Setting Expectations for the Series
[01:13:27] - Jesus' Teachings on the End Times
[01:17:40] - Hope in Uncertainty
[01:24:42] - Avoiding Obsession with Timelines
[01:28:09] - Standing for Righteousness
[01:31:23] - Living with Urgency
[01:54:11] - Staying on Mission
[01:58:22] - Closing Remarks and Prayer Invitation
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 24:1-14 - Jesus' teachings on the signs of the end times.
2. John 14:1-6 - Jesus' promise of a certain hope and His return.
#### Observation Questions
1. What are some of the signs of the end times that Jesus mentions in Matthew 24:1-14?
2. According to John 14:1-6, what does Jesus promise to His disciples to give them hope and assurance?
3. In the sermon, what examples were given to illustrate the current state of the world that align with the signs of the end times? [01:03:48]
4. How does the pastor describe the purpose of Jesus' teachings on the end times? [01:09:12]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jesus emphasize not being misled by false prophets and signs in Matthew 24:4-5? How does this apply to us today?
2. How does the promise of Jesus' return in John 14:1-6 provide peace and assurance in the midst of uncertainty? [01:17:40]
3. The pastor mentioned that the signs of the end times should motivate us to make disciples with urgency. Why is this urgency important, and how can it impact our daily lives? [01:09:42]
4. What does it mean to "stand for righteousness" in a world that is getting darker, according to the sermon? [01:28:09]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt uncertain about the future. How did your faith in Jesus' promises help you navigate that period? [01:17:40]
2. The sermon encourages us to live each day as if it could be the day of Jesus' return. What practical steps can you take to live with this sense of urgency and purpose? [01:31:23]
3. In what ways can you take a stand for righteousness in your community or workplace? Share specific actions you can take to be a light in the darkness. [01:28:09]
4. How can you avoid becoming obsessed with trying to figure out the exact timeline of Jesus' return and instead focus on living faithfully? [01:24:42]
5. Identify one person in your life who does not know Jesus. What steps can you take this week to share the gospel with them and make a disciple? [01:54:11]
6. The pastor mentioned that fear and uncertainty should not consume us. What are some practical ways you can keep your heart from being troubled in today's world? [01:19:12]
7. How can you stay committed to your mission of proclaiming the gospel and making disciples, regardless of the circumstances around you? [01:54:11]
Devotional
Day 1: Hope in Uncertainty
In the midst of uncertain times, we have a hope that is certain. Jesus' promise to return provides us with peace and assurance, even when the world around us seems chaotic. This hope should anchor us and keep us focused on our mission. The world may be filled with wars, natural disasters, and moral decay, but these signs should not be a source of fear. Instead, they should motivate us to live out our mission with urgency and purpose. Jesus' teachings on the end times were meant to remind us to stay focused on loving God, loving our neighbors, and making disciples.
The disciples faced uncertainty when Jesus spoke of His betrayal and death, but He assured them of a future with Him. This same assurance applies to us today. We must live each day as if it could be the day of His return, staying committed to our mission regardless of the circumstances. Our hope in Jesus' return should bring us peace and assurance, anchoring us in the midst of chaos. [01:17:40]
1 Thessalonians 5:4-6 (ESV): "But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief. For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness. So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober."
Reflection: Think of a current situation in your life that feels chaotic or uncertain. How can you anchor yourself in the hope of Jesus' return and find peace in His promise today?
Day 2: Live with Urgency
Every day, we should live as if today may be the day of Jesus' return. This mindset keeps us committed to our mission of making disciples and living out the gospel with urgency and purpose. The signs of the end times should not make us obsessed with timelines or specific events but should remind us to stay focused on our mission. Jesus' teachings on the end times were meant to keep us alert and ready, not to paralyze us with fear or speculation.
Living with urgency means being intentional about our actions and decisions, knowing that our time on earth is limited. It means prioritizing our relationship with God and our mission to make disciples. We must not allow the distractions of the world to divert us from our purpose. Instead, we should live each day with the awareness that it could be the day of Jesus' return, staying committed to our mission and living out the gospel with urgency. [01:31:23]
2 Peter 3:10-12 (ESV): "But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed. Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God."
Reflection: What is one specific action you can take today to live with a greater sense of urgency for the gospel? How can you prioritize your relationship with God and your mission to make disciples?
Day 3: Stand for Righteousness
As the world gets darker, we must take a stand for godliness and righteousness. This doesn't mean we passively accept the world's decline but actively work to be the light in the darkness, influencing our communities for Christ. The signs of the end times should not lead us to despair but to action. We are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus, shining brightly in a dark world.
Standing for righteousness means living out our faith boldly and courageously, even in the face of opposition. It means being a voice for truth and justice, and living in a way that reflects the character of Christ. We must not be consumed with fear or uncertainty but stay focused on our mission to proclaim the gospel and make disciples. Our actions and decisions should reflect our commitment to godliness and righteousness, influencing our communities for Christ. [01:28:09]
Ephesians 5:8-11 (ESV): "For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them."
Reflection: In what specific ways can you stand for righteousness in your community today? How can you be a light in the darkness and influence others for Christ?
Day 4: Avoid Obsession with Timelines
While it's important to be aware of the signs of the end times, we should not become obsessed with trying to figure out the exact timeline of Jesus' return. Our focus should be on living faithfully and fulfilling our mission. Jesus' teachings on the end times were meant to keep us alert and ready, not to paralyze us with fear or speculation. We must not allow ourselves to be consumed with trying to predict the exact timing of His return.
Instead, we should focus on living out our faith daily, loving God, loving our neighbors, and making disciples. Our mission remains the same regardless of the circumstances. We must stay committed and focused, not allowing fear or uncertainty to distract us from our purpose. By avoiding an obsession with timelines, we can stay grounded in our faith and focused on our mission. [01:24:42]
Matthew 24:36-39 (ESV): "But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only. For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man."
Reflection: How can you shift your focus from trying to predict the exact timing of Jesus' return to living faithfully and fulfilling your mission today? What practical steps can you take to stay grounded in your faith and focused on your purpose?
Day 5: Stay on Mission
Regardless of what happens in the world, our mission remains the same: to proclaim the gospel and make disciples. We must not allow fear or uncertainty to distract us from this mission but stay committed and focused. The signs of the end times should not lead us to despair but to action. We are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus, shining brightly in a dark world.
Staying on mission means being intentional about our actions and decisions, knowing that our time on earth is limited. It means prioritizing our relationship with God and our mission to make disciples. We must not allow the distractions of the world to divert us from our purpose. Instead, we should live each day with the awareness that it could be the day of Jesus' return, staying committed to our mission and living out the gospel with urgency. [01:54:11]
Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV): "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to stay committed to your mission of proclaiming the gospel and making disciples? How can you prioritize your relationship with God and your purpose in the midst of distractions and uncertainties?
Quotes
1. "We are always thankful for everybody That the Lord brings to our doors And we truly believe that We don't believe that anybody ever walks through doors by accident We believe that the Holy Spirit is the one who draws us Draws us to himself And so draws us to the Father So we believe that because he drew you here That you're going to leave changed Amen Are you ready to receive what it is the Lord has for you today" [57:19] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "As I always say we're a family of Christ followers The Lord has brought us together We found we're strong together We are individually So we've chosen to link arms To fulfill God's purposes together We're a family that loves God, loves people Serves the world as the hands and feet of Jesus If you're part of the Harvest family What is our vision? To make, grow, and equip followers of Jesus To fulfill their God-given purpose in life And we do that through community, discipleship, and outreach That is our heartbeat That is why we gather together" [01:02:51] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The signs of the end times Should be a motivation to us To strive to make disciples Like never before We should strive to make disciples with great expediency About the end times Listen to me If you are just reading about the end times But it doesn't motivate you to do anything What good is it So we are going to see things happen In the days to come We are going to see some terrible things happen But we are going to remember What the word of God says And we are going to go wow Jesus said this what happened" [01:09:12] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "My mission remains the same My purpose remains the same Regardless of any circumstance That happens in the earth Regardless of what happens Regardless of what happens in society Whatever happens in government Whatever happens in my family Regardless of what happens My purpose and mission remains exactly the same So I will continue to proclaim The gospel of Jesus Christ Until either Jesus returns Or I take my last breath And for those of you who love to debate I will do it through the great tribulation If I have to Because that is what I am called to do That is who I am created to be Amen" [01:11:53] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We are called to not make converts We are called to make disciples And disciples follow no matter the cost Guys Jesus said The one thing he did promise us was persecution We should be raising up disciples That are willing to give their life one day If they have to Amen Quiet in here Come on So the book of Revelation And even the words of Jesus in the gospels Referring to the end Guys it is not teaching It is not instruction on how to live our lives It is simply a collection of signs To tell us And prepare us for what is to come" [01:12:56] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "In the midst of uncertainty We have a hope that is certain In the midst Of uncertainty We have a hope that is certain So guys Jesus' promise to return We are looking at John chapter 14 Jesus' promise to return To come back Came at a time when probably the disciples Were at their most uncertain uneasy point Along the way at this point Jesus had just begun talking about His imminent betrayal And death And I can only imagine These disciples who are going I just walked away from everything I gave up everything to follow this guy And now he is talking about being betrayed And dying" [01:17:40] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "In the midst of uncertainty We have a hope that is certain And the second thing is this Number two Every day we are to live as if today may be the day Every day we are to live as if today May be the day Really these are the two things that you need to know As we go into the end times In the midst of uncertainty You have a hope that's certain And you need to live every day As if today is it As if today is the day Our job is not to try to figure out How close the return of Jesus is I know people who are consumed with it It's not our job" [01:30:52] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "In the midst of the darkness The light is going to get brighter And brighter And you get to choose where you're going to be Are you going to be the darkness Or are you going to be the light in the midst of it all And guys the best days are ahead For the church of Jesus Christ And I want to be on God's side Because I've read the end of the book and we win Right We will shine brighter than ever before And we can also be certain that one day We will leave this world And guys Like I said I find the earth beautiful And humanity The love in humanity is beautiful But it's only because of him He is love" [01:29:11] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "We have to live constantly aware that today may be the day But we stay on mission as if he's not coming for another hundred years Right? So, in the end, I believe that you, like me, we want the Lord to say to us that we were good stewards of our time. That we used our time well. And like one of our overseers, Dr. Leon, says, he says, Populating heaven and plundering hell. How many of you want to be known for that in your life? That you can do that? You populated heaven and you plundered hell. That's what it's all about." [01:42:10] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "You were chosen to be a part for such a time as this. God chose you to be a part of these end times. He chose to use you as his vessel, his beacon of light. His beacon of hope in a dark and lost world. What an honor and what a privilege it is. What a great day to be alive, regardless of how uncertain the world may look. What an honor and a privilege to be in the middle of what God is doing. What an honor and a privilege to be used by him. Amen?" [01:44:36] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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