Living with Purpose: Embracing Community and Prophecy
Summary
In today's gathering, we celebrated the unity and purpose of our church community, emphasizing the importance of outreach and spiritual growth. We began with an invitation to participate in upcoming events, highlighting the significance of community involvement and the joy of fellowship. Our focus then shifted to the conclusion of our study on the book of Daniel, a journey that has provided us with insights into navigating a world that often mirrors the ancient Babylonian culture. This study has been a guide on how to maintain influence and integrity in a world that challenges our faith.
We explored the prophetic visions of Daniel, particularly the seventy weeks prophecy, which outlines God's plan for Israel and the world. This prophecy, which spans 490 years, has largely been fulfilled, with one seven-year period remaining, often referred to as the Tribulation. This period is crucial in understanding the end times and the return of Christ. We delved into the book of Revelation, outlining the sequence of events leading to the return of Jesus, including the rapture, the rise of the Antichrist, and the ultimate victory of Christ.
The message emphasized the urgency of evangelism and the importance of living a life that reflects Christ's love. We are called to influence those around us, sharing the gospel and preparing for the return of Jesus. The challenge is to remain steadfast in our faith, not swayed by the culture around us, but firmly rooted in the truth of God's word.
Key Takeaways:
- Community and Outreach: Our church is a place of hope, salvation, and restoration. We are called to engage with our community, inviting others to experience the love and grace of God. This is exemplified through our events and outreach efforts, which serve as opportunities to share the gospel and demonstrate Christ's love. [12:57]
- Understanding Prophecy: The study of Daniel and Revelation provides a roadmap for understanding the end times. The seventy weeks prophecy highlights God's plan for redemption and the eventual return of Christ. This understanding equips us to live with purpose and urgency, knowing that we are part of God's unfolding plan. [38:58]
- Living with Influence: In a world that often mirrors the ungodly culture of Babylon, we are called to stand firm in our faith while maintaining influence. This requires a balance of truth and love, allowing us to impact those around us positively. Our actions and words should reflect the presence of Jesus in our lives. [40:16]
- The Urgency of Evangelism: We are living in a harvest generation, with millions coming to faith in Christ. Our role is to actively participate in this revival, sharing the gospel with those who are far from God. This is a time of great opportunity, and we must seize it with urgency and passion. [46:52]
- Preparation for Christ's Return: The question of readiness for Jesus' return is paramount. We must examine our lives, ensuring that we are living in alignment with God's word and ready for the day when Christ returns. This involves a commitment to spiritual growth and a dedication to sharing the gospel with others. [43:36]
Youtube Chapters:
[0:00] - Welcome
[12:57] - Community Outreach and Events
[14:24] - Tithes and Offerings
[30:19] - Creating an Atmosphere for God's Glory
[38:58] - Conclusion of Daniel Study
[40:16] - Maintaining Influence in a Fallen World
[46:52] - The Harvest Generation
[48:57] - The Abomination of Desolation
[50:19] - Understanding Prophecy
[56:27] - Daniel's Seventy Weeks
[01:01:41] - Overview of Revelation
[01:06:06] - The Rapture and Tribulation
[01:10:03] - Rise of the Antichrist
[01:14:36] - Second Coming of Christ
[01:22:28] - Eternity and New Creation
[01:43:36] - Are You Ready for Jesus' Return?
[01:47:13] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Daniel 9:24-27
2. Matthew 24:3-14
3. Revelation 19:11-16
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Observation Questions:
1. What are the key elements of the seventy weeks prophecy mentioned in Daniel 9:24-27, and how do they relate to the events described in the sermon? [52:29]
2. In Matthew 24:3-14, what signs does Jesus describe as indicators of the end times, and how do these align with the sermon’s discussion on current events? [44:01]
3. According to Revelation 19:11-16, what is the significance of the imagery used to describe the second coming of Christ, and how was this depicted in the sermon? [01:14:36]
4. How does the sermon describe the role of the church in the current "harvest generation," and what biblical basis is provided for this urgency? [46:52]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the understanding of the seventy weeks prophecy in Daniel influence the way believers perceive the timeline of end-time events? [52:29]
2. What might be the implications of the increase in wickedness and the spread of the gospel as described in Matthew 24:12-14 for the church today? [46:04]
3. How does the sermon interpret the role of the Antichrist and the abomination of desolation in the context of Daniel and Revelation? [48:57]
4. In what ways does the sermon suggest that believers can maintain influence in a culture that mirrors ancient Babylon, and how is this supported by biblical teachings? [40:16]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on the sermon’s emphasis on community and outreach. How can you personally contribute to your church’s efforts in engaging with the community and sharing the gospel? [12:57]
2. The sermon highlights the urgency of evangelism. Identify one person in your life who is far from God. What steps can you take this week to share the love of Christ with them? [46:52]
3. Considering the prophetic insights from Daniel and Revelation, how can you live with a sense of purpose and urgency in your daily life? What changes might you need to make? [38:58]
4. The sermon discusses the importance of being ready for Christ’s return. What specific actions can you take to ensure you are spiritually prepared for this event? [43:36]
5. How can you balance standing firm in your faith with maintaining a loving influence in your interactions with others, especially in challenging situations? [40:16]
6. Reflect on the sermon’s call to live a life that reflects Christ’s love. What practical steps can you take to demonstrate this love in your workplace or community? [40:16]
7. The sermon mentions the importance of spiritual growth. What is one area of your spiritual life that you feel needs development, and how can you address it in the coming weeks? [43:36]
Devotional
I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:
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Day 1: Engaging with Community for God's Glory
The church community is a beacon of hope, salvation, and restoration. It is a place where individuals can come together to experience the love and grace of God. Engaging with the community through events and outreach efforts is crucial, as it provides opportunities to share the gospel and demonstrate Christ's love. By participating in these activities, believers can invite others to experience the joy of fellowship and the transformative power of God's presence. This engagement is not just about attending events but actively contributing to the mission of the church, which is to reach out and make a difference in the lives of others. [12:57]
"Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." (Philippians 2:4, ESV)
Reflection: How can you actively participate in your church's outreach efforts this week to share God's love with someone in your community?
Day 2: Understanding God's Prophetic Plan
The study of the book of Daniel and Revelation provides a roadmap for understanding the end times. The seventy weeks prophecy in Daniel outlines God's plan for redemption and the eventual return of Christ. This prophecy, which spans 490 years, has largely been fulfilled, with one seven-year period remaining, often referred to as the Tribulation. Understanding these prophecies equips believers to live with purpose and urgency, knowing that they are part of God's unfolding plan. It encourages them to remain steadfast in their faith and to be prepared for the events that will lead to the return of Jesus. [38:58]
"And he said to me, 'For two thousand three hundred evenings and mornings. Then the sanctuary shall be restored to its rightful state.'" (Daniel 8:14, ESV)
Reflection: How does understanding God's prophetic timeline influence your daily decisions and priorities?
Day 3: Maintaining Influence in a Challenging World
In a world that often mirrors the ungodly culture of Babylon, believers are called to stand firm in their faith while maintaining influence. This requires a balance of truth and love, allowing them to impact those around them positively. The story of Daniel serves as a guide on how to maintain influence and integrity in a world that challenges one's faith. By living a life that reflects Christ's love, believers can influence those around them and share the gospel effectively. It is essential to remain rooted in the truth of God's word and not be swayed by the culture around them. [40:16]
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:2, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you demonstrate Christ's love and truth in your interactions with others today?
Day 4: The Urgency of Evangelism
We are living in a harvest generation, with millions coming to faith in Christ. This is a time of great opportunity, and believers are called to actively participate in this revival by sharing the gospel with those who are far from God. The urgency of evangelism is emphasized, as it is crucial to seize this opportunity with passion and dedication. By sharing the gospel, believers can influence others and prepare them for the return of Jesus. It is a call to action, urging believers to be proactive in their efforts to reach out to those who have not yet experienced the love of Christ. [46:52]
"And he said to them, 'Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.'" (Mark 16:15, ESV)
Reflection: Who is one person in your life that you can share the gospel with this week, and how will you approach them?
Day 5: Preparing for Christ's Return
The question of readiness for Jesus' return is paramount. Believers are encouraged to examine their lives, ensuring that they are living in alignment with God's word and ready for the day when Christ returns. This involves a commitment to spiritual growth and a dedication to sharing the gospel with others. By living a life that reflects Christ's love and truth, believers can be prepared for His return and influence those around them. It is a call to live with purpose and urgency, knowing that they are part of God's unfolding plan. [43:36]
"Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming." (Matthew 24:42, ESV)
Reflection: What steps can you take today to ensure that you are spiritually prepared for Christ's return?
Quotes
1. "The culture that we live in right now is parallel to the Babylonian culture of a thousand years or so ago. 2,000 years. Thousands of years ago. All the things that we see that are happening today is not something new. Because it happened back then, the Babylonian culture. And when I look at this, you know, the whole premise of my series this time is how to navigate in this ungodly, fallen, wicked culture that we find ourselves in, but yet maintain influence. You know, it's one thing to make a statement, and be right. But it's a whole nother thing to make a stand, be right, and still have influence in the people." [39:38] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "When we love well, then we maintain our influence in the people that are around us and talking to. And I mean, there may be people that are just watching your reaction to a situation that's going on. And when we can stand on the word of God and love well, somebody over there may say, wow, who is that? You see? And then they want what you've got because they know that there's something about you. And it's that presence of Jesus that's in us that people see." [40:45] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We are living in a harvest generation. There are millions and millions of people right now, given their life to the Lord and it's happening in most countries around the world. There are only 20, about 20 out of about 200 or more nations that are in the earth that are on the earth that are either in stasis or static. Or in decline. So that tells us that 180 or so are actually receiving the gospel coming to the Lord. I would say that's a revival. Amen. It's a worldwide revival. So the gospel, even though the wickedness is increasing the gospel, the spread of the gospel is expanding." [48:14] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The rapture of the church is mentioned in first Thessalonians chapter 4. And it's where we are snatched up, depending upon the translation you read, or caught up. The Greek word for that is harpazo. Which means snatched up, taken up. Okay. Now, people argue, well, rapture is not in the church. I just showed it to you. It's in first Thessalonians chapter 4. They just don't use the word rapture. They use the word harpazo. Which, when you convert it over into Latin, means rapture. Okay. So, it's there." [01:07:47] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The Antichrist and the false prophets will be thrown into the lake of fire. Woo! Do you know what happens next? If this next thing doesn't make you fall in love in Jesus, I don't know what will. Okay? The next event that takes place is not all of us singing in a choir for 50,000 years. No. We're going to have a party. We're going to party. Oh, I should just make you go, yeah! I like to party this way. I used to like to party the other way, but that's a long time ago. Okay? So this is the next event. The sixth event is the marriage supper of the Lamb. Revelation 19." [01:15:15] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "The notion that you spend, don't get mad at me. I'm going to kick over a cow. The notion that you spend eternity as a fat little baby in the clouds playing harp is hell to me. Come on. You see all these pictures of you going to heaven, being a fat little baby in a, in the clouds playing harp. No. No. Ah, the Bible doesn't even describe it that way. You get to return to a planet that has been perfected. Woo. I should make you excited. And right now, listen to this. We are all choosing. We're all choosing our eternal destiny right now." [01:24:26] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Am I ready for the return of Jesus? Am I ready? Am I ready? You know how you know if you're ready? Go read Revelation chapter 2 and 3. And see what Jesus says that the church should be. To be ready for the wedding supper. Amen? Jesus said it this way in Matthew 24. And I'm rounding third right now. I'm coming home. We're almost done. Don't get mad at me. Verse 42. Then therefore keep watch because you do not know. On what day your Lord will come. When you think it's not going to happen. Just might happen." [01:43:36] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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