Living with Hope and Urgency in End Times

Devotional

Day 1: Hope in Uncertainty

In times of uncertainty, it is easy to feel overwhelmed by the chaos and unpredictability of the world around us. However, as believers, we have a hope that is steadfast and unchanging. Jesus' promise to return provides us with a sense of peace and assurance, even when everything else seems to be falling apart. This hope is not just a distant dream but a present reality that should comfort us and motivate us to live faithfully. Knowing that our future is secure in Him allows us to face today's challenges with confidence and courage. [01:00:04]

John 14:1-3 (ESV): "Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also."

Reflection: Think about a current situation in your life that causes you anxiety. How can the promise of Jesus' return and the hope of an eternal home bring you peace in this situation today?

Day 2: Urgency in Mission

The signs of the times should not lead us to fear but should stir up a sense of urgency within us to make disciples and spread the gospel. Our mission remains unchanged regardless of the circumstances. We are to live each day as if it could be the day of Jesus' return, staying committed to our task of being kingdom builders. This urgency is not about panic but about purposeful living, knowing that every moment counts in the grand scheme of God's plan. [50:59]

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: Identify one person in your life who does not know Jesus. What is one specific step you can take this week to share the gospel with them or show them Christ's love?

Day 3: Preparedness and Vigilance

Jesus used the story of Noah to illustrate the importance of being prepared. Just as people in Noah's time ignored the warnings, we must not ignore the signs around us. We should be excited and attentive, always ready for Jesus' return while continuing our daily mission. This preparedness is not about stockpiling resources but about spiritual readiness—living in a way that honors God and reflects His kingdom values. [01:14:50]

1 Thessalonians 5:2-6 (ESV): "For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, 'There is peace and security,' then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. 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: What are some practical ways you can stay spiritually vigilant and prepared for Jesus' return? How can you incorporate these practices into your daily routine?

Day 4: Living Without Fear

Jesus commands us not to let our hearts be troubled. This is not a suggestion but a command. We are to trust in Him and not be consumed by fear, regardless of the circumstances around us. Our faith in Jesus should be our anchor, providing us with peace and stability. This command to live without fear is a call to trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, even when we do not understand what is happening around us. [01:01:23]

Isaiah 41:10 (ESV): "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Reflection: Identify a specific fear or worry that has been troubling you. How can you actively surrender this fear to God and trust in His strength and help today?

Day 5: Faithful Discipleship

Our job is to stay ready and live as faithful disciples, regardless of when Jesus returns. We are to remain committed to our mission, living each day with the expectation that Jesus could return at any moment. This mindset should drive us to be diligent in our walk with Him and in our efforts to make disciples. Faithful discipleship is about consistency and dedication, living out our faith in practical ways every day. [01:13:16]

2 Peter 3:11-12 (ESV): "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, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn!"

Reflection: Reflect on your daily habits and routines. What is one specific change you can make to live more faithfully as a disciple of Jesus, anticipating His return? How can this change impact your relationship with God and others?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Good morning, everyone. Today, we embark on a new series titled "The End Times." Given the current state of our world, it feels timely to delve into this topic. We've witnessed many signs that Jesus spoke about: wars, famines, diseases, and a rise in senseless violence. These events can make us feel like we are living in the end times. However, it's crucial to remember that while these signs are significant, they are not the end itself but merely the beginning of birth pangs.

Jesus warned us about persecution and urged us not to be misled by false prophets. The signs of the times should not lead us to fear but should motivate us to live our lives with urgency, making disciples and spreading the gospel. The book of Revelation and Jesus' words about the end times are not meant to consume us with worry but to prepare us and confirm what is to come.

In John 14, Jesus comforts His disciples by telling them not to let their hearts be troubled. He assures them of a certain hope and a place prepared for them in His Father's house. This promise of an eternal home should bring us peace and assurance, even in uncertain times. The early church used the term "Parousia" to refer to the second coming of Christ, a cornerstone of their faith. They lived with the expectation that Jesus could return at any moment, and so should we.

Our mission remains unchanged regardless of the circumstances. We are to live each day as if it could be the day of Jesus' return, staying committed to our task of being kingdom builders. Jesus used the story of Noah to illustrate the importance of being prepared. Just as people in Noah's time ignored the warnings, we must not ignore the signs around us. We should be excited and attentive, always ready for Jesus' return while continuing our daily mission.

In conclusion, we have a hope that is certain in the midst of uncertainty. We are commanded not to let our hearts be troubled and to live each day as if it could be the day of Jesus' return. Next week, we will discuss the five faithful churches mentioned in Revelation chapters 2 and 3. Let's remain steadfast, knowing that the best days are ahead for the Church of Jesus Christ.

###

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 a sense of peace and assurance. This hope should comfort us and motivate us to live faithfully, knowing that our future is secure in Him. [60:04]
2. Urgency in Mission: The signs of the times should stir up a sense of urgency within us to make disciples and spread the gospel. Our mission remains unchanged regardless of the circumstances. We are to live each day as if it could be the day of Jesus' return, staying committed to our task of being kingdom builders. [50:59]
3. Preparedness and Vigilance: Jesus used the story of Noah to illustrate the importance of being prepared. Just as people in Noah's time ignored the warnings, we must not ignore the signs around us. We should be excited and attentive, always ready for Jesus' return while continuing our daily mission. [74:50]
4. Living Without Fear: Jesus commands us not to let our hearts be troubled. This is not a suggestion but a command. We are to trust in Him and not be consumed by fear, regardless of the circumstances around us. Our faith in Jesus should be our anchor, providing us with peace and stability. [61:23]
5. Faithful Discipleship: Our job is to stay ready and live as faithful disciples, regardless of when Jesus returns. We are to remain committed to our mission, living each day with the expectation that Jesus could return at any moment. This mindset should drive us to be diligent in our walk with Him and in our efforts to make disciples. [01:13:16]
### [73:16]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[40:53] - Connection Form and Prayer Requests
[44:49] - Women's Retreat Announcement
[46:19] - Introduction to the End Times Series
[47:42] - Signs of the Times
[49:30] - Expectation of Persecution
[50:59] - Purpose of End Times Teachings
[52:42] - Avoiding Debates on End Times Details
[54:20] - Mission Unchanged Regardless of Circumstances
[55:50] - Raising Strong Disciples
[57:05] - Jesus' Teachings on the End Times
[58:36] - Beginning of Birth Pangs
[60:04] - Hope in Uncertain Times
[61:23] - Do Not Let Your Heart Be Troubled
[74:50] - Importance of Being Prepared
[73:16] - Living as Faithful Disciples
[101:03] - Closing and Prayer Partners

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What are some of the signs of the end times that Jesus mentions in Matthew 24? ([57:05])
According to John 14:1, what is the first thing Jesus tells His disciples to do? ([01:01:23])
How does Jesus use the story of Noah to illustrate the importance of being prepared? ([01:14:50])
What does Jesus promise His disciples in John 14:2-3 about their future? ([01:02:46])

Interpretation Questions

Why does Jesus emphasize the importance of not being misled by false prophets in Matthew 24? ([57:05])
How can the promise of an eternal home in John 14:2-3 bring comfort to believers in uncertain times? ([01:02:46])
What does it mean to live with a sense of urgency in spreading the gospel, as discussed in the sermon? ([50:59])
How does the story of Noah serve as a warning for us today regarding preparedness and vigilance? ([01:14:50])

Application Questions

In what ways can you remind yourself of the hope and assurance Jesus provides in uncertain times? ([01:00:04])
How can you cultivate a sense of urgency in your daily life to make disciples and spread the gospel? ([50:59])
What practical steps can you take to ensure you are not misled by false teachings or prophets? ([57:05])
How can you prepare yourself spiritually and mentally for Jesus' return, as illustrated by the story of Noah? ([01:14:50])
Reflect on a time when your heart was troubled by current events. How did you find peace in Jesus' words from John 14:1? ([01:01:23])
What are some ways you can stay committed to your mission as a kingdom builder, regardless of the circumstances around you? ([54:20])
Identify one area in your life where you can live more faithfully as a disciple, expecting Jesus' return at any moment. How will you start making changes this week? ([01:13:16])

Sermon Clips

1. "Considering the day and age in which we live and the things we're seeing happening in our world today, especially in recent years, how many of you would agree that we've seen many things that Jesus talked about? Many of the signs. We've seen wars. We've seen nation rise against nation. We've seen famines and earthquakes. We've seen diseases and plagues. We've seen the love of many grow cold. Have we not? And we've seen senseless violence. On the rise, like we've never seen before." [46:19] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Jesus went on to say that we should expect persecution. And it's funny because I hear Christians today saying, oh man, the persecution against the church of Jesus Christ in America has gotten so bad. And I'm going, have you even? Have you even read history? Do you even know? Guys, we haven't begun to get the smallest taste of persecution on any kind of large scale." [49:30] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "The book of Revelation and even the words of Jesus when it comes to the end times is not there for us to put our trust in. We're not to be consumed every day with trying to read the times and figure out how close we are. We're not to ever make decisions simply based on signs that were given to us. It's simply, the signs are simply given to us. It's simply a reminder and a confirmation of what is to come." [50:59] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "A motivation to continue loving the Lord our God with all our heart and soul and most importantly, making disciples and doing so with expediency. If anything, reading the signs of the times should stir up that expediency within us more than ever before. I've got to go make disciples. This is my mission. This is what I live for. This is what it's all about." [50:59] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "It doesn't matter to me, frankly, when Jesus returns. I've been given a mission. I've been given a job to do. And my mission on this earth does not change regardless of any circumstance. Any circumstance. It doesn't matter what school was shot up. It doesn't matter who comes against me. It doesn't matter what somebody does in my family. It doesn't matter who's elected into office. It doesn't matter when it comes to my mission in the earth and who God has called me to be and what he has called me to do." [54:20] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "In the midst of uncertainty, we have a hope that is certain. The world may be uncertain. We don't have to be uncertain. We have a hope that is certain. Guys, Jesus' promise to return comes at a time when the disciples were probably the most uneasy at this point. Because what you find here in John 14, Jesus had begun to talk to them about his imminent betrayal and death. And this had to leave them in a place where their future was very uncertain." [01:00:04] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "Do not let your heart be troubled. It's a command. It's not a suggestion. It's a command. Do not let your heart be troubled. Believe in God, and believe also in me. Jesus is saying, do you trust me? Believe in me. Believe in God. In my Father's house, there are many dwellings. If it were not so, I would have told you. For I go to prepare a place for you. If I go to prepare a place for you, then it makes common sense. I will come again and receive you to myself, that where I am, there you may be also." [01:01:23] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "Every day we're to live our lives as if today may be the day. Every day we live our lives as if today may be the day. These are the main things that you need to know as the end approaches. Our job is not to spend hours and hours every week trying to figure out how close we are to the return of Jesus. Now, guys, look, I'm fascinated by reading some of the, you know, end time stuff and things like that, too. I'm not saying there's anything wrong with that. Get into it. Read it. Be ready. But we don't base our lives on it." [01:13:16] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "Jesus expects his disciples to remain committed to the task of being kingdom builders while living their everyday lives, waiting for when Jesus calls them to himself. Do y'all get that? Jesus expects his disciples, how many disciples do we have in here? Need to get a lot of people saved. Jesus expects his disciples to remain committed to the task of being kingdom builders while living their everyday lives, waiting for when Jesus calls them to himself. That's our mission, guys, regardless of what happens." [01:14:50] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "In the midst of uncertainty, uncertain times that I think we can all agree we live in. We have a hope that is certain. What does that mean? That means we go by Jesus' command and we choose not to let our hearts be troubled. Say, don't let your heart be troubled. Speak at your own heart. Say, heart, don't be troubled. Guys, Jesus knew what was going to happen and he told us some of it. So don't let your heart be troubled. He knew and he promised he'd come back to get us. We stay on mission in the meantime." [01:24:13] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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