Living with Urgency: Embracing the Reality of Eternity
Summary
Good morning, church. Today, we gathered to witness a profound moment in the life of Drew Yeager as he publicly declared his faith through baptism. This act is not just a tradition but a life-changing decision that reflects an internal transformation. As Drew steps into his roles as a father and husband, he exemplifies the importance of living a life that mirrors the teachings of Christ, not just in words but in actions.
We are in the third week of our series, "One Day Closer," where we explore the reality of heaven. While it may seem beyond our imagination, it is a tangible truth that should influence how we live today. The anticipation of heaven is meant to instill hope, not fear, and should motivate us to live with urgency and purpose. Understanding that time is running out should propel us to live differently, embracing the reality of Christ's imminent return.
Procrastination can be detrimental, especially when it comes to our spiritual lives. We must not delay in becoming the people God wants us to be. Whether it's pursuing a dream or taking care of our health, we should act now, knowing that tomorrow may never come. The Bible encourages us to live in the present, making the most of today, as it is the only time we are guaranteed.
Peter's letters remind us of the importance of living in light of the Lord's return. We must be prepared, living with a sense of urgency and anticipation. The proximity of Christ's coming should affect our daily lives, motivating us to live holy and godly lives. We are called to be patient, to stand firm, and to live decently, knowing that the Lord is near.
In conclusion, the reality of eternity should inspire us to live differently. We must seize the opportunity to change our lives today, for tomorrow may never come. Let us live with the awareness that the Lord is near, allowing this truth to transform our actions and attitudes.
Key Takeaways:
1. Baptism as a Public Declaration: Baptism is a profound public declaration of an internal transformation. It signifies a commitment to live a life that reflects Christ's teachings, not just in words but in actions. This act is a powerful testimony to others, especially family, about the importance of faith in daily life. [18:32]
2. The Reality of Heaven: Heaven is a tangible reality that should influence how we live today. While it may seem beyond our imagination, it is a truth that instills hope and motivates us to live with purpose. Understanding that we are one day closer to eternity should propel us to live differently. [40:24]
3. The Dangers of Procrastination: Procrastination can be detrimental, especially in our spiritual lives. We must not delay in becoming the people God wants us to be. Whether it's pursuing a dream or taking care of our health, we should act now, knowing that tomorrow may never come. [44:11]
4. Living in Light of Christ's Return: The proximity of Christ's coming should affect our daily lives, motivating us to live holy and godly lives. We are called to be patient, to stand firm, and to live decently, knowing that the Lord is near. This awareness should transform our actions and attitudes. [50:05]
5. Seizing Today's Opportunities: The reality of eternity should inspire us to live differently. We must seize the opportunity to change our lives today, for tomorrow may never come. Living with the awareness that the Lord is near allows this truth to transform our actions and attitudes. [01:03:40]
Youtube Chapters:
[0:00] - Welcome
[18:32] - Baptism of Drew Yeager
[40:24] - Understanding Heaven's Reality
[44:11] - The Dangers of Procrastination
[46:55] - Living with Urgency
[50:05] - Christ's Imminent Return
[51:50] - The Importance of Readiness
[54:17] - Lessons from Noah
[55:55] - Building Your Life's Boat
[57:33] - God's Patience and Our Response
[59:27] - The Urgency of Watching and Working
[01:02:57] - Living Decently and Patiently
[01:06:27] - Paul's Call to Wake Up
[01:10:43] - James on Patience and Firmness
[01:14:55] - Rejoicing in the Lord's Nearness
[01:17:56] - The Reality of Heaven and Hell
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. 1 Corinthians 2:9 - "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him."
2. 2 Peter 3:8-9 - "But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."
3. Matthew 24:42-44 - "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him."
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Observation Questions:
1. What does baptism symbolize according to the sermon, and how does it serve as a public declaration of faith? [18:32]
2. How does the sermon describe the reality of heaven, and what impact should this have on our daily lives? [40:24]
3. What are some examples given in the sermon of procrastination in our spiritual lives, and why is it considered dangerous? [44:11]
4. How does the sermon explain the concept of living in light of Christ's imminent return? [50:05]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the anticipation of heaven instill hope rather than fear, and how can this hope influence our daily actions? [40:24]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that procrastination can hinder our spiritual growth and personal development? [44:11]
3. How does the sermon interpret Peter's letters regarding the urgency of living in light of the Lord's return? [50:05]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between understanding eternity and changing our behavior today? [01:03:40]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own life. Are there areas where you have been procrastinating spiritually? What steps can you take this week to address them? [44:11]
2. How can you incorporate the hope of heaven into your daily routine to motivate you to live with purpose and urgency? [40:24]
3. Consider the relationships in your life. How can you be a living example of Christ's teachings to those around you, especially your family? [18:32]
4. What practical steps can you take to live with the awareness that the Lord is near, and how might this change your actions and attitudes? [50:05]
5. Identify one area of your life where you feel called to make a change. How can you seize the opportunity to act today rather than waiting for tomorrow? [01:03:40]
6. How can you prepare yourself spiritually for Christ's return, and what does it mean for you to live a holy and godly life in anticipation of this event? [50:05]
7. Think of a specific dream or goal you have been putting off. What is one small step you can take this week to move towards it, trusting in God's timing and provision? [46:55]
Devotional
Day 1: Baptism as a Living Testimony
Baptism is more than a symbolic act; it is a profound public declaration of an internal transformation. It signifies a commitment to live a life that reflects Christ's teachings, not just in words but in actions. This act serves as a powerful testimony to others, especially family, about the importance of faith in daily life. As individuals like Drew Yeager step into roles such as father and husband, baptism becomes a pivotal moment that underscores the significance of living a life aligned with Christ's example. It is a reminder that faith is not a private affair but a public journey that influences and inspires those around us. [18:32]
Romans 6:3-4 (ESV): "Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life."
Reflection: How can your daily actions serve as a testimony of your faith to those around you, especially your family?
Day 2: Heaven as a Present Reality
Heaven is not just a distant dream but a tangible reality that should influence how we live today. While it may seem beyond our imagination, it is a truth that instills hope and motivates us to live with purpose. Understanding that we are one day closer to eternity should propel us to live differently, with a sense of urgency and intentionality. This anticipation of heaven is meant to inspire hope, not fear, and should encourage us to align our lives with the values and teachings of Christ. By living with the awareness of heaven's reality, we can find strength and motivation to pursue a life of purpose and meaning. [40:24]
2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (ESV): "For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."
Reflection: In what ways can the reality of heaven influence your decisions and actions today?
Day 3: Overcoming the Trap of Procrastination
Procrastination can be detrimental, especially in our spiritual lives. We must not delay in becoming the people God wants us to be. Whether it's pursuing a dream or taking care of our health, we should act now, knowing that tomorrow may never come. The Bible encourages us to live in the present, making the most of today, as it is the only time we are guaranteed. By recognizing the dangers of procrastination, we can take proactive steps to align our lives with God's purpose and calling. This involves making intentional choices and taking decisive actions that reflect our commitment to living a life of faith and obedience. [44:11]
James 4:13-15 (ESV): "Come now, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit'—yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, 'If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.'"
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you have been procrastinating, and what step can you take today to move forward?
Day 4: Living in Anticipation of Christ's Return
The proximity of Christ's coming should affect our daily lives, motivating us to live holy and godly lives. We are called to be patient, to stand firm, and to live decently, knowing that the Lord is near. This awareness should transform our actions and attitudes, encouraging us to live with a sense of urgency and purpose. By embracing the reality of Christ's imminent return, we can find motivation to pursue a life of holiness and godliness, reflecting the values and teachings of Christ in all that we do. This involves being intentional about our choices and actions, ensuring that they align with God's will and purpose for our lives. [50:05]
1 Peter 4:7-8 (ESV): "The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins."
Reflection: How can you live today in a way that reflects the anticipation of Christ's return?
Day 5: Embracing the Present with Eternal Perspective
The reality of eternity should inspire us to live differently. We must seize the opportunity to change our lives today, for tomorrow may never come. Living with the awareness that the Lord is near allows this truth to transform our actions and attitudes. By embracing the present with an eternal perspective, we can find motivation to pursue a life of purpose and meaning, making the most of every opportunity to align our lives with God's will. This involves being intentional about our choices and actions, ensuring that they reflect our commitment to living a life of faith and obedience. [01:03:40]
Ephesians 5:15-16 (ESV): "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil."
Reflection: What is one opportunity you can seize today to align your life more closely with God's eternal perspective?
Quotes
1) "One of the great realities of understanding eternity and heaven and what happens after time runs out, as we saw last week, is that it's real. It's tangible, it's touchable, it's just in a different spatial layer. And I know for the last two weeks, I've been asking you to try and wrap your head around something that is intangible, that is untouchable. It is here, though. The very first thing that Christ would say in Matthew's gospel after his temptation in the desert was, as this began his public ministry, was repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. So he wanted them to know that it has, it's penetrated this world. And our ability to conceive whatever we can can truly alter how we live this life." [40:24] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2) "Eternity is the reality that Christ is coming again to judge the living and the dead. And that's where we're going to go today. Now, we're going to have a little bit of honesty. How many people have already started their Christmas shopping? That is sick. It's not even Halloween. Holy moly, last service it was one. Well, y 'all could become a small group. There's enough of them right there. Y 'all can get together. Listen, Nicole, I'm going to send you my list. Do you mind? Great. John, I love you, brother. Thank you for marrying her. I appreciate that." [41:54] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3) "Let me tell you another area that people procrastinate on constantly, becoming the person God wants you to be. Period. And not just in practicing the disciplines of the faith, but in every area of your life. Some of you have been sitting on a dream so long that it's become your nightmare. The pressure of you just constantly thinking about it and not doing anything about it is actually, you'd be better off trying and failing than continuing to think about it. Some of you, you graduated high school, you went to tech school, you didn't go to tech school, you became a stay -at -home mom, which is the hardest job on the planet. You're sitting in this room, you're 37 and you feel like you missed out on something." [46:55] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4) "And here's the reality you've got to get in your head, okay? And this is true, not for paranoia, but also, you know, maybe for the lost, but for those who just aren't getting around to living their life, is tomorrow may never come. And that's a truth. That's not just a Garth Brooks song. I'm telling you, it is a truth. And that truth is not intended to weigh heavy on you. It's supposed to be the greatest motivator for you to live differently, to try and live out the fullness of God's purposes for you because tomorrow may not come." [47:56] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5) "The proximity of the Lord's coming can and should deeply affect our daily living. Now the good news about this word proximity in the Greek and the English, it's great, it means the same thing, is it can mean near. When you say near spatially, I am near you, it can mean near chronologically. When you see it in the New Testament, the word near is used and it means both, simultaneously. Spatially, Christ is near. Chronologically, Christ is near. So spatially, he's here for you. Chronologically, he's coming for you. So why waste today?" [50:05] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6) "But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. I wonder where Peter learned that. The heavens will disappear with a roar. The elements will be destroyed by fire. The earth and everything done in it will be laid bare. Since everything will be destroyed in this way, and here's the great question, what kind of people ought we be? That's a great question. If this is true, and it is, what kind of people, ought we be? And we should be people who are living with a constant heightened sense of anticipation and urgency." [01:00:42] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7) "Rejoice. I say it again. Rejoice. Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. The Lord is near. No matter what's going on, you rejoice. You let that gentleness. And gentleness is the willingness to constrain oneself. To be yielding. To be willing to defer. Why would I defer? Why would I defer? The Lord's at the door. And I don't got to deal with this today. I can defer. I can be gentle. Okay? The Lord is near." [01:14:55] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8) "And the peace of God that transcends all understanding will guard my heart and my mind, because the Lord is near. Are you living in light of the reality that the Lord is near? In Hebrews chapter 10, I'd encourage you to read it this week. It's all about the day of the Lord. And the last verse, and this is truly for those of you who have yet to accept him. The writer says this in the last verse. It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the Lord. To fall into the hands of the living God. It really is. Dreadful." [01:17:05] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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