Prepared for His Return: Embracing God's Eternal Kingdom

Summary

### Summary

Welcome to Lexington Park Baptist Church! Today, we gather to worship and praise our great God, even from our homes. We are reminded that God's grace is sufficient for us, and we pray for His presence to fill our hearts with joy, love, mercy, and grace. Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, our church continues to function and adapt through digital worship, community groups, and other online resources. We are also excited to announce a special digital business meeting to appoint Joe Kendig as a deacon.

As we dive into our new sermon series titled "Prepared," we reflect on whether we are ready for Jesus' return. We explore Matthew 24 and 25, where Jesus instructs His disciples to be prepared for His second coming. This series was planned long before the pandemic, but it aligns perfectly with our current situation, reminding us that God's timing is impeccable.

In Matthew 24:1-2, Jesus predicts the destruction of the temple, a shocking revelation for His disciples who saw the temple as the center of God's kingdom. Jesus teaches that the kingdom of God is not confined to physical structures but is eternal and spiritual. This message is particularly relevant today as we navigate the disruptions caused by COVID-19. We are called to evaluate our lives, priorities, and routines, and to focus on the eternal kingdom of God.

Jesus' prediction of the temple's destruction was fulfilled in 70 AD, but He also spoke of His body as the true temple, which would be destroyed and raised again in three days. This signifies that Jesus is the cornerstone of our faith, and His resurrection is the foundation of the eternal kingdom. As we face the current global crisis, we are reminded that God's plans are often different from our own, and we must be prepared for His return.

We are encouraged to embrace the changes brought by the pandemic, to adapt, and to focus on advancing the gospel. The church has shown remarkable resilience and adaptability, and we must continue this spirit of transformation. Jesus calls us to be His change agents, ready to advance His kingdom and to be prepared for His return.

### Key Takeaways

1. God's Grace and Presence: Despite the physical separation due to COVID-19, God's grace is sufficient for us. We are reminded to seek His presence, which fills our hearts with joy, love, mercy, and grace. God's presence is not confined to a building but is with us wherever we are. [14:15]

2. Adapting to Change: The pandemic has forced us to adapt quickly, moving to digital worship and community groups. This disruption is an opportunity to evaluate our lives, priorities, and routines. We must focus on the eternal kingdom of God rather than our comfort and routines. [52:17]

3. The Eternal Kingdom: Jesus' prediction of the temple's destruction teaches us that God's kingdom is not confined to physical structures. The kingdom of God is eternal and spiritual, and we must be prepared for Jesus' return. Our faith should be rooted in the eternal, not the temporal. [50:00]

4. Resurrection and Renewal: Jesus' resurrection is the cornerstone of our faith. Just as He predicted the destruction and rebuilding of the temple, He calls us to be renewed and transformed. The current crisis is an opportunity for spiritual renewal and revival within the church. [56:43]

5. Preparedness for Jesus' Return: We are called to be prepared for Jesus' return, which may not look like we expect. This involves being change agents, advancing the gospel, and being ready to adapt to God's plans. Our focus should be on the eternal kingdom and fulfilling God's mission. [01:06:28]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[14:15] - Opening Prayer
[15:04] - Weekly Announcements
[16:05] - Food Pantry Information
[17:28] - Special Business Meeting Announcement
[33:49] - Worship Song: "Nothing but the Blood of Jesus"
[35:28] - Prayer for Generosity
[41:06] - Prayer for Peace and Revival
[42:44] - Bible Reading and Prayer
[43:26] - Introduction to New Sermon Series: "Prepared"
[44:24] - The Importance of Being Prepared
[45:32] - Jesus' Final Discourse in Matthew
[47:26] - Jesus Predicts the Destruction of the Temple
[50:00] - The Eternal Kingdom of God
[52:17] - Evaluating Our Lives and Priorities
[56:43] - Jesus as the True Temple
[01:06:28] - Preparedness for Jesus' Return
[01:12:10] - Jesus' Call to the Church
[01:18:31] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
[01:18:31] - Closing Remarks and Announcements

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 24:1-2: "Jesus left the temple and was walking away when his disciples came up to him to call his attention to its buildings. 'Do you see all these things?' he asked. 'Truly I tell you, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.'"
2. John 2:19-21: "Jesus answered them, 'Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.' They replied, 'It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and you are going to raise it in three days?' But the temple he had spoken of was his body."
3. Matthew 27:40: "You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! Come down from the cross, if you are the Son of God!"

#### Observation Questions
1. What did Jesus predict about the temple in Matthew 24:1-2? How did the disciples react to this prediction? [47:47]
2. In John 2:19-21, what did Jesus mean when he said, "Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days"? How did the people misunderstand him?
3. How does Matthew 27:40 show the misunderstanding of Jesus' prediction about the temple?
4. According to the sermon, how has the church adapted to the challenges posed by COVID-19? [17:28]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus chose to predict the destruction of the temple? What was he trying to teach his disciples about the nature of God's kingdom? [47:47]
2. How does Jesus' prediction of the temple's destruction and his resurrection relate to the concept of spiritual renewal and transformation? [56:43]
3. In what ways does the current global crisis (COVID-19) serve as a reminder to focus on the eternal kingdom of God rather than physical structures or routines? [52:17]
4. How can the church's resilience and adaptability during the pandemic be seen as a reflection of Jesus' call to be prepared for his return? [01:06:28]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life. How have you experienced God's grace and presence during the COVID-19 pandemic? What specific moments or practices have helped you feel connected to God despite physical separation? [14:15]
2. The sermon encourages us to evaluate our lives, priorities, and routines. What changes have you made or do you feel called to make in response to the disruptions caused by the pandemic? [52:17]
3. Jesus' prediction of the temple's destruction teaches us that God's kingdom is eternal and spiritual. How can you shift your focus from temporary, physical concerns to eternal, spiritual ones in your daily life? [50:00]
4. The sermon speaks about the importance of being prepared for Jesus' return. What steps can you take to be more spiritually prepared and to help advance the gospel in your community? [01:06:28]
5. How can you embrace the changes brought by the pandemic as opportunities for spiritual renewal and revival within your own life and within the church? [56:43]
6. Jesus calls us to be his change agents. What specific actions can you take to be a change agent in your community, advancing God's kingdom and being ready to adapt to his plans? [01:06:28]
7. Think about a time when you felt disrupted or uncomfortable due to changes in your life. How did you see God's hand in those changes, and how can that experience help you trust in God's plans during the current global crisis? [51:49]

Devotional

Day 1: God's Grace and Presence
Despite the physical separation due to COVID-19, God's grace is sufficient for us. We are reminded to seek His presence, which fills our hearts with joy, love, mercy, and grace. God's presence is not confined to a building but is with us wherever we are. This truth is especially comforting during times of isolation and uncertainty. As we gather digitally, we can still experience the fullness of God's presence in our homes, knowing that He is with us always. [14:15]

2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV): "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."

Reflection: In what ways have you experienced God's grace and presence during this time of physical separation? How can you intentionally seek His presence in your daily routine today?

Day 2: Adapting to Change
The pandemic has forced us to adapt quickly, moving to digital worship and community groups. This disruption is an opportunity to evaluate our lives, priorities, and routines. We must focus on the eternal kingdom of God rather than our comfort and routines. This period of change challenges us to reexamine what truly matters and to align our lives with God's eternal purposes. [52:17]

Romans 12:2 (ESV): "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."

Reflection: What changes have you had to make during the pandemic that have helped you focus more on God's eternal kingdom? How can you continue to prioritize these changes in your life?

Day 3: The Eternal Kingdom
Jesus' prediction of the temple's destruction teaches us that God's kingdom is not confined to physical structures. The kingdom of God is eternal and spiritual, and we must be prepared for Jesus' return. Our faith should be rooted in the eternal, not the temporal. This perspective helps us to live with an eternal mindset, focusing on what truly matters in God's eyes. [50:00]

Hebrews 12:28 (ESV): "Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe."

Reflection: How can you shift your focus from temporal concerns to the eternal kingdom of God today? What practical steps can you take to live with an eternal perspective?

Day 4: Resurrection and Renewal
Jesus' resurrection is the cornerstone of our faith. Just as He predicted the destruction and rebuilding of the temple, He calls us to be renewed and transformed. The current crisis is an opportunity for spiritual renewal and revival within the church. We are invited to embrace this time as a season of growth and transformation, allowing God to work in and through us in new ways. [56:43]

Ephesians 4:22-24 (ESV): "To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need spiritual renewal? How can you invite God to transform you during this season of change?

Day 5: Preparedness for Jesus' Return
We are called to be prepared for Jesus' return, which may not look like we expect. This involves being change agents, advancing the gospel, and being ready to adapt to God's plans. Our focus should be on the eternal kingdom and fulfilling God's mission. This readiness requires us to live with intentionality and purpose, always seeking to align our lives with God's will. [01:06:28]

1 Thessalonians 5:2-6 (ESV): "For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, 'There is peace and security,' then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief. For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness. So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober."

Reflection: What does being prepared for Jesus' return look like in your daily life? How can you be a change agent for God's kingdom today?

Quotes

1. "Just because COVID-19 is here, just because we're worshiping digitally does not mean the church stops functioning. This is really important. I'm excited to do this digital business meeting where we appoint and vote on the next deacon at our church, Joe Kendig. And I hope that you are too." [17:28] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Maybe God has sent this to radically disrupt the church, radically disrupt life, radically change our perspective, radically disrupt the world globally, governments, communities, commerce, livelihoods, disrupted church services moved to digital. God, this is not how this is supposed to be. Maybe it's exactly how God wants it to be." [52:49] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "The kingdom of God is beyond us and is eternal and Christ has called us and given us the gospel to go into the world, and maybe the church needs a wake-up call, and I'm going to talk about that towards the end of the sermon. Just like his disciples, he had to prepare them. Jesus prepares us right now." [53:50] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Jesus is saying, you see that temple? All that that religious head stood for? All the things that you saw? You thought were good in that? That's gone. That's gone. Jesus might now, might be saying the same thing to us. Some of the things that you thought were really important, that's gone. Are you really now ready to follow me?" [01:14:34] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Are you prepared for Jesus? Have you prepared your heart? Have you prepared for his return? Are you ready? Are you looking forward to it? Are you excited? Are you saying Maranatha? Come Lord Jesus come quickly and are you ready? Do you see the signs? Can you see around? And are you doing the things that God would call you to do to be prepared for him to come?" [43:52] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "Jesus is not concerned about your comfort. He wants to develop our character. He wants to develop us into the church he wants us to be. A church that's built upon the kingdom of God. Not some man made things. So perhaps the church can similarly think just like the disciples did back then." [57:13] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "Jesus is speaking to us now. Jesus is working. He's working now. Jesus is not caught off guard now. He wasn't caught off guard back then when he's telling us at the temple, and he's not caught off guard right now. Jesus is telling his disciples back then, it's different than what you had thought, and he's telling his disciples today, it's different than what you think." [01:12:10] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "Will Jesus bring in his kingdom? You bet he will and it may be in the 21st century I pray it's in the 21st century Maranatha come Lord Jesus come quickly I pray come Lord come come return come to your people and may we be ready and may we be found doing the things he's called us to do." [01:08:00] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "The church that, listen, is not supposed to fear a virus, but is supposed to stand at the gates of hell and say, we prevail. Not even death can keep the church from success. Not even our, listen, not our livelihoods, not our comforts, not our routines, nothing is supposed to keep the church from prevailing. We are supposed to make the priority the kingdom of God." [01:13:39] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "I hope you're different now than you were four weeks ago. I hope you're more grateful than you were four weeks ago. I hope you're more appreciative than you were four weeks ago. I hope you're ready to share the gospel where maybe you weren't doing that four weeks ago. I hope you'll come back and you'll say I'm ready to let go of any program to see the gospel of Jesus advance." [01:09:35] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Chatbot

Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?