Living with Urgency: Preparing for Christ's Return

Devotional

Day 1: Live with Urgency—Jesus Could Return at Any Moment

Many people today, including Christians, have lost the sense of urgency that Jesus could return at any time. Just as in the days of Noah, people are living their lives as if nothing will ever change, ignoring the warnings and missing the opportunity to prepare. The call is to wake up, recognize the times, and let the reality of Christ’s imminent return shape the way you live, love, and share your faith. Don’t let complacency or routine dull your spiritual alertness—live each day as if it could be the day you meet Jesus face to face. [20:54]

Matthew 24:37-39 (ESV)
“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: What is one area of your life where you’ve been living as if you have all the time in the world? How can you invite God to help you live with greater urgency and purpose today?

Day 2: Be Spiritually Prepared—Keep Your Lamp Burning

Jesus’ parable of the ten virgins teaches that spiritual readiness is not something you can borrow from others or put off until the last minute. Being prepared means keeping your faith alive and active, fueling it through prayer, God’s Word, and genuine engagement with other believers. Don’t wait for a crisis or a sign—choose today to nurture your relationship with God, so that whenever Jesus returns, you are ready to meet Him with a burning lamp and a faithful heart. [40:18]

Matthew 25:1-13 (ESV)
“Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept. But at midnight there was a cry, ‘Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise answered, saying, ‘Since there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.’ And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’ But he answered, ‘Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.”

Reflection: What practical step can you take today to fuel your faith—whether it’s prayer, reading Scripture, or connecting with other believers—so that your lamp remains burning?

Day 3: Use Your Gifts and Resources for God’s Kingdom

God has entrusted each of us with unique gifts, resources, and opportunities, and He expects us to use them to build His kingdom, not just for our own benefit. The parable of the talents reminds us that faithfulness is measured by what we do with what we’ve been given. Don’t let fear, comparison, or selfishness keep you from investing in others, sharing your faith, and serving in your church and community. When you use what God has given you for His purposes, you multiply His impact in the world. [43:20]

Matthew 25:14-30 (ESV)
“For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property. To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more. So also he who had the two talents made two talents more. But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master’s money. Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me five talents; here, I have made five talents more.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me two talents; here, I have made two talents more.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed, so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here, you have what is yours.’ But his master answered him, ‘You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed? Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. So take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents. For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’”

Reflection: What is one specific gift, resource, or opportunity God has given you that you can use this week to serve others or advance His kingdom?

Day 4: Endure in Faithfulness—Don’t Let Your Love Grow Cold

In the last days, Jesus warned that many would fall away, sin would increase, and the love of many would grow cold. Yet, He also promised that those who endure to the end will be saved. The call is to remain steadfast, to keep loving God and others even when it’s difficult, and to resist the pull of apathy or bitterness. In a world where faith and love are under pressure, choose to be someone whose heart stays warm and whose faith remains strong, no matter what is happening around you. [35:29]

Matthew 24:12-14 (ESV)
“And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.”

Reflection: Who in your life needs to experience the warmth of Christ’s love through you today, especially in a world where love is growing cold?

Day 5: Preparation Plus Faithfulness Equals Readiness

Readiness for Christ’s return isn’t about knowing dates or deciphering signs—it’s about living a life of daily preparation and faithfulness. Every small act of obedience, every moment spent in God’s presence, and every step of faith you take adds up to a life that is ready for Jesus, whether He comes today or years from now. Don’t be distracted by fear or speculation; instead, focus on doing the small things well, staying engaged with God and His people, and letting your life be a testimony of hope and readiness. [47:33]

Hebrews 1:1-2 (ESV)
“Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.”

Reflection: What is one small, faithful act you can commit to today that will help you stay prepared and engaged for Christ’s return?

Sermon Summary

Today’s focus is on the reality and urgency of Christ’s return, and how that truth should shape the way we live. Throughout history, people have been fascinated—and often misled—by predictions about the end of the world. From Halley’s Comet to Y2K, humanity has repeatedly been swept up in fear, speculation, and even deception. Yet, Jesus himself was clear: no one knows the day or hour of his return. The real question isn’t “when,” but “how should we live in light of the end?”

Many in our culture, including Christians, have lost the sense of urgency about Christ’s return. Surveys show that only a small fraction of believers think Jesus could return in their lifetime. This lack of urgency leads to spiritual complacency, disengagement from church, and a casual approach to faith. Jesus warned that the days before his return would be like the days of Noah—people living as if nothing would ever change, ignoring the warnings, and missing the moment when everything shifts.

Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 24 and 25 is clear: the world will not last forever, and we are living in the “last days” that began with his first coming. He described signs of the end—wars, famines, persecution, rampant sin, and love growing cold—but also promised that the gospel would be preached to all nations before the end comes. In the midst of chaos, the message of Jesus remains unstoppable.

But Jesus didn’t just give signs; he gave instructions for how to live. Through the parables of the ten virgins and the talents, he called us to spiritual readiness, faithfulness, and boldness. We are to be prepared at all times, keeping our faith alive and active, not relying on someone else’s relationship with God. We are to use our gifts and resources to build God’s kingdom, not bury them out of fear or selfishness. The call is to live faithfully now—doing the small things well, staying engaged with God and his people, and sharing the hope we have with others.

Ultimately, preparation plus faithfulness equals readiness for Christ’s return. We don’t know when he will come, but we do know how we are called to live: with urgency, faithfulness, and a heart set on God’s purposes.

Key Takeaways

1. Urgency in Light of Christ’s Return: The loss of urgency about Jesus’ return leads to spiritual complacency and disengagement. Jesus’ teaching reminds us that we must live each day as if he could return at any moment, allowing that urgency to shape our priorities, relationships, and witness. Living with this perspective keeps our hearts awake and our faith active. [20:54]
2. Spiritual Readiness is Personal: The parable of the ten virgins teaches that spiritual preparedness cannot be borrowed or delegated. Each person must cultivate their own relationship with God, keeping their “lamp” burning through prayer, engagement with Scripture, and fellowship with other believers. Relying on someone else’s faith or past experiences is not enough; readiness is a daily, personal pursuit. [41:56]
3. Faithfulness in the Small Things: Jesus’ parable of the talents shows that God values faithfulness in whatever he has entrusted to us, whether great or small. Multiplying what God has given—our time, resources, influence, and spiritual gifts—means investing in his kingdom and the lives of others. True readiness for Christ’s return is found in consistent, humble obedience in the everyday moments. [43:20]
4. Boldness Over Fear: Fear can tempt us to hide our faith or withhold our gifts, but Jesus calls us to live boldly, even in the face of uncertainty or opposition. The servant who buried his talent out of fear was rebuked, not rewarded. In these last days, we are called to courageously share the gospel, serve others, and stand firm, trusting that God is with us and that our labor in him is never in vain. [44:15]
5. The Unstoppable Gospel: Despite increasing chaos, persecution, and spiritual apathy, Jesus promised that the good news of the kingdom will be preached to all nations before the end comes. Nothing can stop the advance of the gospel—not even the darkest times. Our role is to remain faithful, participate in God’s mission, and trust that we are on the winning side as we await his return. [35:29]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - Series Introduction: “The End”
[03:45] - Why We’re Talking About the End Times
[07:30] - Historical Fascination and Deception About the End
[13:38] - Halley’s Comet and End-Time Hysteria
[17:05] - Modern Attitudes Toward the End Times
[18:21] - The Problem: Lost Urgency
[20:54] - Why Urgency Matters for Christian Living
[21:38] - What Does Jesus Say About the End?
[22:34] - The Days of Noah: A Warning for Today
[26:45] - The Ark, Urgency, and Spiritual Readiness
[28:04] - Jesus’ Call to Watchfulness
[29:58] - Are We Living in the Last Days?
[34:18] - Signs of the End: Jesus’ Private Conversation
[35:29] - The Unstoppable Gospel in the Last Days
[40:18] - Parable of the Ten Virgins: Be Ready
[41:56] - You Can’t Borrow Spiritual Readiness
[43:20] - Parable of the Talents: Faithfulness Matters
[44:15] - Boldness Over Fear
[46:28] - Living for God’s Kingdom, Not Ours
[47:33] - Preparation + Faithfulness = Readiness
[48:32] - Closing Prayer and Challenge

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Matthew 24:36-44 (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. Then two men will be in the field; one will be taken and one left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one left. Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”

Matthew 25:1-13 (ESV) – Parable of the Ten Virgins —
Matthew 25:14-30 (ESV) – Parable of the Talents

Observation Questions

According to Jesus in Matthew 24, what were people doing in the days of Noah, and how does that compare to how people live today? ([22:34])
In the parable of the ten virgins (Matthew 25:1-13), what was the difference between the wise and foolish virgins? What did the oil represent in the sermon? ([40:18])
In the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30), what did the master expect from his servants, and how did each respond? ([43:20])
What are some of the signs Jesus said would happen before the end comes, according to Matthew 24:4-14? ([34:18])

Interpretation Questions

Why does Jesus compare the days before his return to the days of Noah? What is the warning for us in that comparison? ([22:34])
The sermon said that spiritual readiness cannot be borrowed or delegated. Why is it important for each person to have their own “oil” or relationship with God? ([41:56])
What does it mean to be “faithful in the small things” as described in the parable of the talents? How does this relate to being ready for Christ’s return? ([43:20])
The sermon emphasized that fear can keep us from using our gifts for God’s kingdom. Why do you think fear is such a powerful obstacle, and what does Jesus want us to do instead? ([44:15])

Application Questions

The sermon highlighted that many Christians have lost a sense of urgency about Christ’s return. Do you feel a sense of urgency in your own faith? If not, what might be causing complacency or distraction in your life? ([20:54])
Jesus said that no one knows the day or hour of his return. How does this truth affect the way you make decisions about your time, priorities, and relationships? ([28:04])
The parable of the ten virgins teaches that spiritual readiness is personal. What are some practical ways you can keep your “lamp” burning—such as prayer, reading Scripture, or staying connected to other believers? Which of these do you need to grow in right now? ([40:18])
In the parable of the talents, the master expected his servants to use what they were given. What gifts, resources, or opportunities has God given you? How are you currently using them for his kingdom, and is there an area where you could be more faithful? ([43:20])
The sermon challenged us to live boldly and not let fear keep us from sharing our faith or serving others. Can you think of a recent situation where fear held you back? What would it look like to respond with boldness next time? ([44:15])
Jesus promised that the gospel will be preached to all nations before the end comes. How can you participate in sharing the hope of Jesus with others—whether in your family, workplace, or community? ([35:29])
The message said, “Preparation plus faithfulness equals readiness.” What is one small, faithful step you can take this week to be more prepared for Christ’s return? ([47:33])

Sermon Clips

Nobody in this room, nobody on YouTube, nobody on TV, no preacher who has been or whoever will be, knows the day or the hour, except Jesus is saying this. He goes, he goes in another place of Scripture. He goes, I don't even know. Only the Father knows. But I can tell you this, be ready, because I could come back at any moment. And he tells us, keep watch. [00:28:24] (25 seconds) #BeReadyAlways

What you call normal is going to one day come to a screeching halt. When will it come to a screeching halt? It could come to a screeching halt whenever God the Father goes, now's the time. Like, there's this urgency in this moment. Like, what we have here is not going to last forever. This is not where you build your treasure. This is not where you put your stake in the ground and you go, this is what my life is going, I mean, I'm going to anchor everything here. [00:29:53] (25 seconds) #TemporaryNotPermanent

The signal that we're in the beginning of the final days was when His Son, Jesus Christ, came to this earth. And ever since Jesus came to this earth, we've been living in the final days. Or some have referred to that as the last days. So when did the last days start? Through the revelation of Christ. So if the revelation of Christ was the beginning of the last days, how much closer are we to the very last day? Well, we're 2,000 years closer. [00:31:22] (33 seconds) #LastDaysStarted

Sin will be at an all-time high. I think we're looking around we're going wow the tide of sin is on the increase and then he says the love the love of in the hearts of people of many people will grow cold. Are you seeing love depreciate and hearts growing cold? I think I'm seeing that. But here's what I love the good news Jesus says is this nothing in the middle of all of that hating christians killing christians persecuting christians hearts growing cold sin growing rampant jesus says here's the good news but the kingdom the message of jesus the message of salvation will go forth in the middle of all of that will be preached to all nations so that everybody has a chance to hear then jesus goes then the end will come. [00:36:43] (43 seconds) #SinAndSalvation

In the middle of all the chaos my friends the good news is this the message of Jesus that you believe in nothing can stop the message of Jesus from going forward absolutely nothing nothing can stop it in the middle of all that that's what I love so what team are you on you're on the winning side if you believe in Jesus if your heart is committed to him you are on the winning side. [00:37:26] (30 seconds) #UnstoppableMessage

Don't wait to get right with God. I think there's this idea that God's gracious and God is kind and that, you know, if I'll wait until the very end, I can live however I want to right now and that God's still going to accept me. I'm going to tell you that there's going to be a day when Jesus comes and when Jesus comes to take his church away, and we'll hear more about that in this series. But when he comes to do that, there's only going to be one trumpet blast. There's only going to be one taking home of the faithful to the Lord. And after that, there's not a second trumpet blast so that those of you who are not ready can get ready. [00:40:29] (31 seconds) #NoDelayInFaith

God expects you to use your gifts and your resources to build his kingdom while you have life. And there is no excuse. He expects you to use what he's given you and multiply it. What does the multiplication look like today? The multiplication looks like you leading someone else to the Lord, inviting them, you utilizing your resources to help the collective, the church, like be effective in the community and reach those who are lost and help us impact the world around us in such a way that people know the truth about Jesus. [00:44:06] (34 seconds) #MultiplyYourGifts

In light of the fact that you live in the last days, don't let fear keep you from boldly living out your faith. Don't be like the guy with the one talent who buried it in the ground, because that's not going to please the Lord. In light of persecution, fear, and all these kind of things that are out there, don't let fear keep you from living the bold life that Jesus called you to live. [00:44:44] (24 seconds) #BoldFaithOverFear

It's time. It's time. It's time for what? Well, it's time to get ready for Jesus to return. That's what it's time for. It's time to get ready for Jesus to return. And here's how you do it. By just living faithfully now. [00:45:09] (17 seconds) #TimeToPrepare

Preparation plus faithfulness equals readiness for his return. This whole series is focused to prepare you. And the challenge of this whole series is going to be a series of small little faithful acts that you can stick to. And if you stick to these small little faithful acts, like the ones that Jesus gave us, then that is going to equal your readiness for his return. [00:47:23] (26 seconds) #FaithfulPreparation

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