Making Room for God: Embracing Hope and Prophecy

Summary

In today's message, we explored the profound theme of making room for God in our lives, as inspired by John the Baptist's declaration, "I must decrease, and He must increase." This call to surrender and trust in God is not just a spiritual exercise but a necessary step in navigating life's challenges. We were reminded of the story of George and Alma Land, who, despite the tragic loss of their son, found solace in the presence of God because they had made room for Him daily. This serves as a powerful testament to the peace and assurance that comes from prioritizing God in our lives.

We also addressed the pressing needs of those affected by recent natural disasters, emphasizing the importance of being God's hands extended in times of crisis. Our church's involvement in disaster relief efforts is a practical expression of our faith, demonstrating that making room for God also means making room for others in need.

Transitioning to a new series on the end times, we delved into the beauty and significance of Bible prophecy. The scriptures, particularly Matthew 24, remind us that we are living in prophetic times, with many signs of the end times unfolding before our eyes. The Bible's prophetic nature sets it apart, offering us a reliable source of truth about the future. Prophecy serves to warn unbelievers and comfort believers, assuring us of the truth of God's Word and the hope we have in Christ.

We examined the two contrasting stories of the world: one of despair and hopelessness, and the other of redemption and restoration through Christ. The latter, God's story, is the true and beautiful narrative that offers hope and purpose. As we explored various prophecies concerning Israel, we were reminded of God's faithfulness and the imminent return of Christ. The fulfillment of these prophecies underscores the reliability of the Bible and the urgency of being prepared for Christ's return.

Key Takeaways:

1. Making Room for God: In times of loss and uncertainty, like the Lands' experience, making room for God provides peace and assurance. By prioritizing God daily, we invite His presence to guide and comfort us through life's challenges. [36:34]

2. Faith in Action: Our involvement in disaster relief is a tangible expression of our faith. By responding to the needs of others, we embody the love of Christ and demonstrate that making room for God also means making room for others. [40:46]

3. The Beauty of Prophecy: Bible prophecy is a unique and reliable source of truth about the future. It serves to warn unbelievers and comfort believers, affirming the truth of God's Word and the hope we have in Christ. [44:01]

4. Contrasting Stories: The world's narrative of despair contrasts with God's story of redemption and restoration. Embracing God's story offers hope and purpose, reminding us of the beauty and truth of the Christian faith. [52:22]

5. Urgency of Preparation: The fulfillment of prophecies concerning Israel highlights the reliability of the Bible and the urgency of being prepared for Christ's return. We are called to live with expectation and readiness for His coming. [57:11]

Youtube Chapters:

- [0:00] - Welcome
- [36:34] - Making Room for God
- [40:46] - Responding to Natural Disasters
- [44:01] - Introduction to End Times Series
- [52:22] - The Beauty of Prophecy
- [57:11] - Prophecies Concerning Israel
- [01:07:03] - The Urgency of Christ's Return
- [01:10:51] - Preparing for the Rapture

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. John 3:30 - "He must increase, but I must decrease."
2. Matthew 24:32-34 - "Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near—at the doors! Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place."
3. Isaiah 11:10-12 - "And in that day there shall be a Root of Jesse, Who shall stand as a banner to the people; For the Gentiles shall seek Him, And His resting place shall be glorious. It shall come to pass in that day That the Lord shall set His hand again the second time To recover the remnant of His people who are left, From Assyria and Egypt, From Pathros and Cush, From Elam and Shinar, From Hamath and the islands of the sea."

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Observation Questions:

1. What does John the Baptist mean when he says, "I must decrease, and He must increase"? How does this relate to making room for God in our lives? [36:34]

2. How did the story of George and Alma Land illustrate the concept of making room for God during times of loss? [36:34]

3. What role does the church play in responding to natural disasters, and how is this an expression of faith in action? [40:46]

4. According to the sermon, what are some of the signs mentioned in Matthew 24 that indicate we are living in prophetic times? [44:01]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the call to "decrease" in our own lives challenge our daily priorities and decisions? What might this look like practically? [36:34]

2. In what ways does the church's involvement in disaster relief reflect the teachings of Christ about loving our neighbors? [40:46]

3. How does understanding Bible prophecy provide comfort to believers and serve as a warning to unbelievers? [44:01]

4. What is the significance of the contrasting stories of despair and redemption presented in the sermon? How does this impact our understanding of the Christian narrative? [52:22]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your daily routine. What specific changes can you make to ensure you are making room for God in your life? [36:34]

2. How can you personally contribute to your church's efforts in disaster relief or other community outreach programs? What steps will you take this week to get involved? [40:46]

3. Consider the prophecies discussed in the sermon. How do they influence your perspective on current world events and your personal faith journey? [44:01]

4. The sermon highlighted the urgency of being prepared for Christ's return. What practical steps can you take to live with expectation and readiness? [57:11]

5. How can you share the hope and truth of the Christian story with someone who may be experiencing despair or hopelessness? [52:22]

6. Identify one area in your life where you feel God is calling you to "decrease" so that He can "increase." What action will you take to respond to this call? [36:34]

7. Reflect on a recent challenge or loss you have faced. How did making room for God provide peace and assurance during that time? If you haven't experienced this, what might you do differently next time? [36:34]

Devotional

Day 1: Prioritizing God's Presence in Daily Life
In times of loss and uncertainty, making room for God provides peace and assurance. The story of George and Alma Land illustrates how prioritizing God daily can lead to solace even amidst tragedy. By inviting God's presence into our lives, we allow Him to guide and comfort us through life's challenges. This act of surrender is not just a spiritual exercise but a necessary step in navigating life's difficulties. As we decrease and allow God to increase in our lives, we find a profound sense of peace and assurance. [36:34]

"Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!" (1 Chronicles 16:11, ESV)

Reflection: What is one practical way you can make room for God in your daily routine this week?

Day 2: Faith Expressed Through Action
Our involvement in disaster relief is a tangible expression of our faith. By responding to the needs of others, we embody the love of Christ and demonstrate that making room for God also means making room for others. This call to action is a reflection of our commitment to be God's hands extended in times of crisis. As we serve those affected by natural disasters, we live out our faith in a practical and meaningful way, showing the world the love and compassion of Christ. [40:46]

"Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God." (Hebrews 13:16, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your community is in need right now, and how can you extend God's love to them this week?

Day 3: The Assurance of Prophecy
Bible prophecy is a unique and reliable source of truth about the future. It serves to warn unbelievers and comfort believers, affirming the truth of God's Word and the hope we have in Christ. As we delve into the beauty and significance of Bible prophecy, we are reminded that we are living in prophetic times, with many signs of the end times unfolding before our eyes. This understanding offers us a reliable source of truth and assurance about the future, grounding us in the hope we have in Christ. [44:01]

"For the Lord God does nothing without revealing his secret to his servants the prophets." (Amos 3:7, ESV)

Reflection: How does understanding Bible prophecy impact your view of current world events and your personal faith journey?

Day 4: Embracing God's Narrative of Redemption
The world's narrative of despair contrasts with God's story of redemption and restoration. Embracing God's story offers hope and purpose, reminding us of the beauty and truth of the Christian faith. As we examine the contrasting stories of the world and God's redemptive plan, we are encouraged to align our lives with the true and beautiful narrative that offers hope and purpose. This perspective shift allows us to live with a sense of hope and assurance, grounded in the truth of God's Word. [52:22]

"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you actively choose to embrace God's narrative of redemption in your life today?

Day 5: Living with Expectation and Readiness
The fulfillment of prophecies concerning Israel highlights the reliability of the Bible and the urgency of being prepared for Christ's return. We are called to live with expectation and readiness for His coming. As we reflect on the imminent return of Christ, we are reminded of the importance of living with a sense of urgency and preparedness. This call to readiness challenges us to examine our lives and align our actions with the truth of God's Word, living each day with expectation and hope. [57:11]

"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 prepare your heart and life for Christ's return?

Quotes

1. "Hallelujah! I am so glad that we have a... God that cares about everything that we are going through. I read in the scriptures when John the Baptist said, I must decrease and he must increase in my life. What he was saying was I am making room for him. I'm making room for God. That's what he was speaking. In all of our ways, if we will acknowledge him, he'll direct our paths and we can put our trust and confidence in him. I can tell you, my dear friends, George and Alma Land are making room for him today. We lost their son a week before last. Wonderful husband, wonderful father, 41 years old, too early. But he's in the presence of God because he made room for God each and every day in his life. Now maybe, maybe, maybe the outcome wasn't what we wanted, but, but, but he's with God. He's, he's with God and we can rejoice certainly in that. So whatever your need is today, whatever you're carrying today, whatever your shoulders are burned down with today, whatever situation is calling you, causing you to feel anxious today, surrender to him. Make room for him right now." [36:34] (93 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Approximately 30 % of the Bible is prophetic in nature. You knew that, didn't you? I mean, 30 % of it. And most of the prophecies in the Bible are concerning the end times and our generation. So, we can identify with this. In Matthew chapter 24 and verse 22, and this is not, I don't think they got, I give it to them, so this is in there. But Jesus said, said, in fact, unless that time of calamity is shortened, not a single person will survive, but it will be shortened for the sake of God's chosen ones. Now, so many things that we are seeing in Matthew chapter 24 that has been fulfilled or is being fulfilled as we live at our lives here is about the second coming of Jesus Christ when he's going to come and set up his millennial kingdom. Well, can I remind you as believers that the rapture of the church is going to come. It's going to take place seven years before that." [44:01] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "We live in a beautiful world with many beautiful things yet much of it is desperately broken including people however we believe that someone created that beauty and the brokenness is not his doing or his intent and he intends good for the for both the world and the people in it and the fact that the creator cared so much for his creation that he became one of us and took all of the pain and the brokenness on himself even to the point of dying for it and even so that that did not in the story he rose from the dead glory to God come on somebody shout he rose from the dead and is recreating the world beginning with the people who will follow him and who will receive him and ladies and gentlemen one day he will fix absolutely everything glory to God so we have that promise in God now which story is better well the second story is better and the second story is better because it certainly is true and God's story from the beginning to the end is the most beautiful thing that you're ever going to hear or see or read because it is the story of God on the other hand can I just remind us all and we need to understand this from time to time our human story was ugly and extremely disappointing we need to look at it and understand that what we have come out of and if it weren't for the fact that God chose to become part of our story because of his great love then it would be a very very sad story indeed so let us see the beauty of prophecy that God has given unto us because this is a beautiful book can I get a good amen absolutely a beautiful book that the Lord has given to us" [44:01] (118 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "The only one who can predict the future with absolute certainty is the one who controls it or is that or is a direct representative who controls it ladies and gentlemen god controls the future he created the world the world is his and all of the fullness thereof and he has brought all of these pieces of this prophetic puzzle together that i'm going to share with you even from the beginning when he when he talks about in the book of genesis that the seed of the woman is going to bruise the serpent's head that was that was a prophecy concerning jesus christ being crucified and dying on the cross that you and i may have life and have it more abundantly but he has brought us unto that place and as we see this we began to understand it so god controls the future and consequently god's messages about the future are our only reliable source of truth about it only reliable source of truth about it Only this. Only this right here. I don't care what anybody else says. I don't care what the mediums of New Jersey say. I don't care about the, you know, the psychic friends network. And, you know, and all of that kind of mess we had a couple of years ago. And all the palm readers and stuff. Isn't that something, that psychic network? They went bankrupt. You thought they would have seen that coming, wouldn't you? Honestly. I mean, really. You know, you thought they would have seen it. But they didn't. But God controls it. And the truth. And thank God that we have the truth that God ministers unto us and helps us." [52:22] (98 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "God gives us prophecy to warn the unbelievers and to comfort the believers. He gives it to us. And the fact that Jesus Christ is coming again. And the Bible prophecy that has been fulfilled and is being fulfilled right before our eyes. That is a great witnessing. A tool that you can use whenever you talk to individuals. And God will open up these doors. Because people are always concerned about what's going to happen in the future. And you can begin to share with them. Because God would that none should perish. He didn't want anybody to die and go to hell. He didn't create hell for people. He created it for the devil and his angels. And if people go there, they go uninvited. And they go as trespassers. Because. The Lord wants them to be saved. Not only to unbelievers has prophecy become such a great, you know, tool. But also it is a comfort to believers. That's why Jesus said when you see all of these things taking place. When all of these things are falling into place. Lift up your head because your redemption is drawing nigh. That means that we can be comforted in our hearts. And I don't know. How do you respond? When you hear Bible prophecy, how do you respond when things are shared about the end time? If you are fearful and in consternation, then maybe you aren't ready for the return of the Lord. And you need to make some changes in your life. Maybe you need to back up and say, hey, I feel uncomfortable. But you shouldn't. You shouldn't because it should be a comfort if you're a child of God. Because this is the hope that we have in the Lord Jesus Christ. And what we live our life for. I don't know. I am hopeful today. I can't speak for anybody else in this building. But I can tell you I have hope. There is a land that's better. I'm telling you there is a place that God. God has prepared for those that love him and have received him. Praise God." [52:22] (122 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "Prophecy gives us the assurance that all the Bible is true. This is a true book. Man, this is a true book. Look how it is woven together from Genesis to Revelation and every piece of the puzzle being together. Yes, but it was written by men. Men who were inspired and directed by the Holy Spirit. That's why it fits together completely. And you can see that scarlet thread running through every scripture and everything that is given to us from the Word of God. And so God has prepared this, and it's unadulterated. It is absolutely truthful in every area that it gives. To us, there's not one thing, even though people will try to tell you, oh, it's not true, it's not true. That's not the way that it is. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. God never changes. The Word of God is true. People change. People change. Well, you know, it's not like it used to be. No, but this is like it used to be. And this is what we are standing upon and certainly depending on today. He has given us the assurance. And the Bible tells the truth. The truth about the future. Well, how do you know? Because many things the Bible tells us will happen, has happened, and is happening. I mean, right now. And the Bible foretells that we have this, you know, as God fulfills it, what has been foretold, that we have concrete, measurable proof that the Bible and all its prophecies are true, are absolutely true. And man, when you see these things happening, here's the fourth truth that I want to share with you. The Bible and the Christian faith have no rival that can help us understand the future. No other book, no other religion can come close to predicting the future in advance the way that the Word of God has and the prophecy that God has given to us." [52:22] (121 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "The Bible is more up to date than tomorrow's newspaper I believe that come on I I believe that that's not just preacher talk that is absolutely the truth and God's biblical prophecies are clear and verifiable and and and they are undeniably true and the pieces fall together into a remarkable unbreakable pattern that God has planned that God has put together and you can see it as you read the scriptures and we are seeing Bible prophecies fulfilled in front of our eyes and some are in the process of coming to fruition and Jesus is coming for his church very soon hallelujah coming for his church don't don't wait to prepare your heart don't wait say well I can I can put this off can you okay okay can you put it off no soul no heart no mind no heart you feel comfortable with the Bible you're happy with it you're ready to corresponding to his will putting it off? What if he comes today? I can tell you there's not a prophecy in here that has to be fulfilled. You know that would keep Jesus from rupturing the church and taking us out today. Not a one. Not a one. Could this be the day? Could this be the day? Could we walk out here? Could we be eating dinner? Could we be sitting around with our family and the trumpet sounds. God looks over and says, it's time. Blow the trumpet. This is the time. This is the time. Praise God." [01:10:51] (101 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Chatbot

Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

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