Living with Urgency: Embracing Eternity Today

Summary

In today's message, we explored the profound truth that each day brings us one step closer to eternity. This reality should not instill fear but rather inspire urgency and purpose in our lives. Before the foundation of the world, God ordained every moment, including the day we declare our faith in Jesus Christ. This divine orchestration calls us to live with a sense of urgency, making the most important decision of accepting Christ and living out our faith actively.

We are reminded that procrastination is a poison that can hinder us from achieving our God-given potential. Whether it's our health, finances, or spiritual life, delaying important decisions can have significant consequences. The Bible teaches us to live with expectancy, knowing that the Lord's return is imminent. This anticipation should motivate us to live holy and godly lives, making every effort to be found spotless and blameless.

Peter's letters emphasize the importance of being prepared for the Lord's Day, the second coming of Christ. He urges us to live with hope and anticipation, not allowing the delay to lead us into complacency or disobedience. Instead, we should be inspired to pursue our dreams, invest in our relationships, and live with integrity and decency.

The proximity of the Lord's coming means that tomorrow may never come. This truth should drive us to live each day to its fullest, treating others with patience and kindness, and not allowing anxiety to steal our joy. The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, guards our hearts and minds when we live in the reality that the Lord is near.

Ultimately, we are called to live in the moment, not for the moment, embracing the life everlasting that God offers through Jesus Christ. Today is the day of salvation, and we must seize the opportunity to enter into God's rest and experience the fullness of life He has prepared for us.

Key Takeaways:

- Divine Orchestration and Urgency: God has ordained every moment, including our declaration of faith. This divine orchestration calls us to live with urgency, making the most important decision of accepting Christ and living out our faith actively. [34:31]

- Procrastination as a Poison: Procrastination can hinder us from achieving our God-given potential. Whether it's our health, finances, or spiritual life, delaying important decisions can have significant consequences. We must act now to fulfill God's purpose for our lives. [37:04]

- Living with Expectancy: The Bible teaches us to live with expectancy, knowing that the Lord's return is imminent. This anticipation should motivate us to live holy and godly lives, making every effort to be found spotless and blameless. [47:00]

- Patience and Kindness: We are called to treat others with patience and kindness, not allowing anxiety to steal our joy. The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, guards our hearts and minds when we live in the reality that the Lord is near. [52:15]

- Living in the Moment: We are called to live in the moment, not for the moment, embracing the life everlasting that God offers through Jesus Christ. Today is the day of salvation, and we must seize the opportunity to enter into God's rest and experience the fullness of life He has prepared for us. [01:16:08]

Youtube Chapters:

- [0:00] - Welcome
- [0:30] - God's Divine Plan
- [2:00] - The Significance of Baptism
- [4:00] - One Day Closer Series
- [6:00] - Living with Urgency
- [8:00] - Procrastination's Poison
- [10:00] - Health and Financial Wisdom
- [12:00] - The Reality of Eternity
- [14:00] - Peter's Call to Preparedness
- [16:00] - The Imminent Return of Christ
- [18:00] - Living Decently and Patiently
- [20:00] - Embracing Life's Opportunities
- [22:00] - The Peace of God
- [24:00] - Living in the Moment
- [26:00] - Closing Prayer and Dismissal

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:

1. 2 Peter 3:8-14
2. Romans 13:11-14
3. Philippians 4:4-7

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Observation Questions:

1. According to the sermon, what is the significance of living with a sense of urgency in light of eternity? [34:31]

2. How does the sermon describe procrastination, and what are some areas of life it can affect? [37:04]

3. What does the sermon say about the proximity of the Lord's coming and its impact on our daily lives? [49:25]

4. How does the sermon suggest we should treat others, especially in light of the Lord's nearness? [52:15]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. In 2 Peter 3:8-14, Peter talks about the Lord's patience. How does the sermon interpret this patience in relation to our daily decisions and actions? [52:15]

2. Romans 13:11-14 speaks about waking up from slumber. How does the sermon relate this to the urgency of making important life decisions? [50:53]

3. Philippians 4:4-7 encourages rejoicing and not being anxious. How does the sermon connect this passage to living in the moment and not for the moment? [54:53]

4. The sermon mentions the importance of living decently and godly. How does this align with the teachings in the Bible passages discussed? [01:06:58]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a decision you have been procrastinating on. What steps can you take this week to address it, considering the sermon’s message on urgency? [37:04]

2. The sermon emphasizes living with expectancy. How can you incorporate this mindset into your daily routine to align with the anticipation of the Lord's return? [47:00]

3. Identify a relationship in your life where you can practice more patience and kindness. What specific actions can you take to improve this relationship this week? [52:15]

4. The sermon encourages living in the moment. What is one activity or habit you can start or stop this week to better embrace the life God offers through Jesus Christ? [54:53]

5. Consider an area of your life where you feel anxious about the future. How can you apply Philippians 4:4-7 to find peace in that situation? [54:53]

6. The sermon challenges us to live holy and godly lives. What is one practical way you can demonstrate godliness in your workplace or community this week? [01:06:58]

7. Think about a dream or goal you have put off pursuing. What is one step you can take this month to move closer to achieving it, inspired by the sermon’s message? [41:32]

Devotional

Day 1: Divine Orchestration and Urgency
God has ordained every moment of our lives, including the pivotal moment when we declare our faith in Jesus Christ. This divine orchestration is not meant to be a source of fear but rather a call to live with urgency and purpose. Each day is a step closer to eternity, and this reality should inspire us to make the most important decision of accepting Christ and actively living out our faith. By understanding that our lives are part of a greater divine plan, we are encouraged to seize the opportunities presented to us and live with intention and dedication. [34:31]

Ephesians 2:10 (ESV): "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."

Reflection: What is one decision you have been delaying that could bring you closer to fulfilling God's purpose for your life? How can you take a step towards making that decision today?

Day 2: Procrastination as a Poison
Procrastination is a subtle yet powerful hindrance that can prevent us from reaching our God-given potential. Whether it concerns our health, finances, or spiritual life, delaying important decisions can lead to significant consequences. The Bible warns us against procrastination, urging us to act now to fulfill God's purpose for our lives. By recognizing procrastination as a poison, we are encouraged to take immediate action in areas where we have been hesitant, trusting that God will guide us in the right direction. [37:04]

Proverbs 6:9-11 (ESV): "How long will you lie there, O sluggard? When will you arise from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man."

Reflection: Identify one area in your life where procrastination has held you back. What practical steps can you take today to overcome this and move forward?

Day 3: Living with Expectancy
The Bible teaches us to live with expectancy, knowing that the Lord's return is imminent. This anticipation should motivate us to live holy and godly lives, making every effort to be found spotless and blameless. By living with expectancy, we are reminded to focus on what truly matters, aligning our lives with God's will and purpose. This mindset encourages us to pursue righteousness and integrity, knowing that our actions have eternal significance. [47:00]

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."

Reflection: How does the anticipation of the Lord's return influence your daily decisions and actions? What changes can you make to live more expectantly?

Day 4: Patience and Kindness
We are called to treat others with patience and kindness, not allowing anxiety to steal our joy. The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, guards our hearts and minds when we live in the reality that the Lord is near. By embodying patience and kindness, we reflect God's love to those around us, creating an environment of peace and understanding. This approach not only enriches our relationships but also strengthens our faith as we trust in God's timing and provision. [52:15]

Colossians 3:12-13 (ESV): "Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive."

Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you struggled to show patience or kindness. How can you approach similar situations differently in the future, relying on God's peace?

Day 5: Living in the Moment
We are called to live in the moment, not for the moment, embracing the life everlasting that God offers through Jesus Christ. Today is the day of salvation, and we must seize the opportunity to enter into God's rest and experience the fullness of life He has prepared for us. By living in the moment, we are encouraged to focus on the present, making the most of each day while keeping our eyes on eternity. This perspective allows us to appreciate the blessings of today while preparing for the promises of tomorrow. [01:16:08]

Psalm 90:12 (ESV): "So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom."

Reflection: How can you be more present in your daily life, appreciating the moments God has given you? What is one way you can embrace the fullness of life God offers today?

Quotes

1) "The second coming of Christ was set in stone by God the Father before he ever even made the first stone. The dates and times are known. And when this whole thing started back, if you will, even in Genesis chapter 1 when God just made the matter, there was an expiration date. And every day that passes by, you must understand, you do get one day closer to that expiration date. Not only of your time, but of all time. And that's what we focused on last week, is conceptually you have to understand there is a difference between the two of those. And running out of your own time is hugely important because what you do in that time determines what will happen to you at the end of all time." [34:31] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2) "But the one area I think is most common is people literally put off their eternity. They just don't deal with it. They don't, some people don't conceive of it. Some people procrastinate and think I can do it tomorrow. Some of it is followers who are saved and they forget about forever. And here's the truth. You have to know. And this is what the writers of the new Testament from Christ to Paul, to James, to Peter, and even John with revelation who are going to tell us, but here is an absolute truth. It's not just a Garth Brooks song. Tomorrow may never come. And you've got to get that deep within you, not just for your salvation, although that's the most important thing." [41:32] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3) "The proximity of the Lord's coming and that word proximity in the Greek language and the English language actually are used the same way. Proximity in the English can mean spatially physically near or chronologically near. Okay. I am near you but also Thanksgiving is nearer now than it was yesterday. Same concept. Okay. And in the New Testament I'm going to go ahead and say every time it's used it means both that spatially Christ is near he's here physically to give us the courage to give us the strength to believe that we are here for a reason but also don't forget he's near because tomorrow it may never come." [47:00] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4) "And truly, if you think about it, if you didn't come yesterday, we're one day closer today. So it's time to start putting off today what you think you have time to do tomorrow. Because what if tomorrow never comes. What then, right? Especially your salvation. You're going to see that now. By the same word, the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire being kept for the day of judgment and destruction for the ungodly. Just like Noah. Judgment is coming. It is literally coming. And Noah didn't know the day before the rain started. Nobody did. Nobody knows when Christ is going to come. But when he comes, you're not going to miss it." [50:53] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5) "You realize that one day there will be the last person who ever gets saved? What if it's you? What if we're all waiting on you? You realize you're worth the wait. But it's not delay. It's not denial. It's patience. It's patience. Because he doesn't want anybody to perish. Nobody. So we've got to be people who set the example that delay does not mean denial. Delay never means denial, because I know tomorrow may never come. Today, the writer of Hebrews, chapter four, today is the day of salvation. Do not, having found yourself missing the opportunity to enter his rest. As long as it is today." [52:15] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6) "What kind of people ought we be? Right? I mean, like it's going to come like a roar. It's all going to be gone. Tomorrow may not come. What kind of people should we be? Well, not a bunch of glum lot worry warts. You know what I mean? Like some of y 'all, you can't even get your mind off November 5th. What do you think if Jesus comes back November 4th? Well, amen. Right? Amen. Come on back. I don't need America as much as I long for heaven. How about you? Right. So, and again, this is not some fairytale mindset. This is real. If that's real, and it is, what kind of people should we be? People who chase their dreams, who aren't afraid of failure. People who make new friendships. People who really do begin to practice the disciplines." [56:43] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7) "You ought to live. You ought to live. Now he's going to tell you how to do that. Holy and godly. Holy is distinctive, different. Godly is expressing his characters, his characteristics, his attitudes, the image of God that's within you. Look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about destruction of the heavens by fire and the elements will melt with heat. But in keeping with his promise, we are looking forward to it. Forward to it. What are you looking forward to? Right. I'm looking forward to that day, man. I hope you are as a follower. Woo! I literally can't wait." [01:01:27] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8) "So let us behave. What's the opposite of put on the armor of light? Here's, this is the highest standard. Isn't this crazy? Let us behave decently. All right? All right. And here, that's probably one of the most things we've lost more than anything. It's like, do you know what it means to be, just be decent. You treat people according to their humanity. You treat all people with respect. You've never locked eyes on a human being that doesn't matter deeply to God. So deeply to him that he crushed his one and only son for their iniquities. Are you a decent human being? Do you know how to say please? Do you know how to say thank you? Do you know how to shake a man's hand firmly and look him in the eye? Do you know how to treat older women with grace and with respect and make sure you're opening the doors? Be a decent human being. That's all you've got to be. It's decent." [01:06:58] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9) "You can put up with difficult people, but there's a place where I'm not your doormat. And your dysfunctionality doesn't have to become mine, okay? I can put up with you and your difficulties, but I'm not the source of your difficulties. I'm not going to be your doormat. I can only let you approach, if you will, spiritually and emotionally so close. And as followers, what we do is the first step is a little bit back. Give them some space to reconsider. But at a certain point, our dignity matters to God, too. You can only step into my space so far, and that should be true for you. And at a certain point, my patience with you is done. I'm not moving anymore. You're going to. Because I've moved back as far as I can. You don't have the right to strip me of my integrity, my dignity, my honor. So you're going to have to stop. Firm. Isn't that beautiful? What a balance. Because the Lord's coming is near." [01:10:48] (63 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10) "Tomorrow may never come. And if you're in Christ, I want you to start celebrating that truth. Celebrate it every day. You know, in my phone for years now, 8 a .m. every day, you're going to laugh at this, a reminder comes up as though it's an appointment. Be nice today. Every day at 8 a .m. It goes off and I look at it and it says, be nice today. Because I can remember my mom for years saying, Gregory, be nice. Why do you think my mother would tell me to be nice? Because I had a really hard time being nice. Be nice. You know, it was in my phone. This morning at 4 .30 a .m. I changed it. Now, every day at 8 a .m. the notice that comes through will say, tomorrow may never come. I'm going to look at it every day at 8 a .m. and remind myself, tomorrow may never come. Tomorrow may never come. We as followers live in the moment. The lost live for the moment. Huge difference. Huge difference. The lost live to see what they can get out of it. We live it to see what we can get from it. From it. Life. Life everlasting." [01:18:55] (72 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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