Prepared for His Return: Trusting God Amidst Conflict
Summary
The sermon begins with the pastor expressing gratitude for the worship team and emphasizing the importance of sharing the Gospel. He acknowledges the blessings of the nation and the global events that can impact the kingdom of God. The pastor then highlights the significance of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross and the power of his blood to reconcile humanity with God. He encourages the congregation to stand and worship, acknowledging God's faithfulness throughout their lives and the evidence of his goodness.
The pastor then discusses the significance of the events happening in the world and how they could potentially change the global landscape. He emphasizes the importance of being prepared for the Lord's return and encourages the congregation to be ready and to have a personal relationship with Jesus. The pastor also shares his belief that God is moving in power and authority in their church and in churches across the nation. He sees their church as a lighthouse and stronghold in the community, declaring that the evil one will not prevail.
The pastor addresses the feeling of being surrounded by the enemy and the uncertainty that comes with it. He emphasizes the importance of trusting God completely and calling out to Him for help. Prayer is highlighted as a crucial response when feeling trapped and overwhelmed. The pastor also reflects on the greatness of God and the victory that He has achieved. He leads the congregation in singing praises to God, acknowledging His worthiness to receive all worship and honor.
The pastor then focuses on a prophecy found in the book of Psalms, where the psalmist cries out to God, asking Him not to remain silent and still. The enemies of God's people are stirring and conspiring against them, seeking to destroy them as a nation. The pastor suggests that this prophecy may be referring to a future war mentioned in the book of Ezekiel. He also discusses the significance of the location of Megiddo in Israel and the importance of paying attention to current events and prophecy.
The sermon concludes with the pastor discussing the conflict between Isaac and Ishmael, the sons of Abraham, and how it relates to the battle over the land of Israel. The pastor explains that according to scripture, Isaac is the chosen son and the blessing of the land was passed on to him and his generation. However, Muhammad comes along and claims that Ishmael is the chosen son and should have the blessing of the land. This disagreement leads to a battle over the land of Israel, with different groups claiming to be the chosen people and rightful rulers. The pastor emphasizes that true peace will only come when both sides recognize that Jesus is the one who will rule the land and bring peace.
Key Takeaways:
- The pastor emphasizes the importance of sharing the Gospel with others and being prepared for the Lord's return. He encourages the congregation to actively look for opportunities to share the Gospel and to be ready for Jesus' return, emphasizing that it could happen at any time. [12:45]
- The pastor believes that God is moving in power and authority in their church and in churches across the nation. He sees their church as a lighthouse and stronghold in the community, declaring that the evil one will not prevail. [24:30]
- The pastor emphasizes the importance of trusting God completely and calling out to Him for help, especially when feeling trapped and overwhelmed. He also highlights the significance of continuing gospel conversations, especially during times of conflict and uncertainty. [36:15]
- The pastor discusses the significance of the location of Megiddo in Israel and the importance of paying attention to current events and prophecy. He encourages the congregation to ask themselves what the scripture is telling them about God, themselves, and what actions God wants them to take. [48:20]
- The pastor discusses the conflict between Isaac and Ishmael, the sons of Abraham, and how it relates to the battle over the land of Israel. He emphasizes that true peace will only come when both sides recognize that Jesus is the one who will rule the land and bring peace. [59:10]
Study Guide
Bible Reading:
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1. Genesis 6:5: "The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time."
2. Psalm 83:1-18: "O God, do not remain silent; do not turn a deaf ear, do not stand aloof, O God. See how your enemies growl, how your foes rear their heads. With cunning they conspire against your people; they plot against those you cherish. “Come,” they say, “let us destroy them as a nation, so that Israel’s name is remembered no more.” With one mind they plot together; they form an alliance against you— the tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites, of Moab and the Hagrites, Byblos, Ammon and Amalek, Philistia, with the people of Tyre. Even Assyria has joined them to reinforce Lot’s descendants. Do to them as you did to Midian, as you did to Sisera and Jabin at the river Kishon, who perished at Endor and became like dung on the ground. Make their nobles like Oreb and Zeeb, all their princes like Zebah and Zalmunna, who said, “Let us take possession of the pasturelands of God.” Make them like tumbleweed, my God, like chaff before the wind. As fire consumes the forest or a flame sets the mountains ablaze, so pursue them with your tempest and terrify them with your storm. Cover their faces with shame, Lord, so that they will seek your name. May they ever be ashamed and dismayed; may they perish in disgrace. Let them know that you, whose name is the Lord— that you alone are the Most High over all the earth."
3. Ezekiel 38-39: These chapters describe a future invasion of Israel by a vast coalition of nations, led by Gog, a prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal (all regions in Russia), and involve Persia (Iran), Cush (Sudan), Put (Libya), Gomer (part of modern-day Turkey), and Beth-togarmah (another portion of modern-day Turkey or possibly Armenia). The invasion will result in the outpouring of God's wrath and end with His victory and restoration of Israel.
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Observation Questions:
1. What does Genesis 6:5 reveal about the state of humanity during that time?
2. In Psalm 83, who are the enemies that are conspiring against God's people and what is their intention?
3. What nations are involved in the future invasion of Israel as described in Ezekiel 38-39?
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the wickedness of the human race as described in Genesis 6:5 relate to the current state of the world?
2. What might the plea of the psalmist in Psalm 83 suggest about the struggles of God's people today?
3. How might the prophecy in Ezekiel 38-39 about the future invasion of Israel be connected to current global events?
Application Questions:
1. Considering the wickedness described in Genesis 6:5, how can you actively seek to counteract this in your own life and community?
2. Reflecting on Psalm 83, how can you pray for those who are facing opposition and persecution today?
3. In light of the prophecy in Ezekiel 38-39, what steps can you take to prepare yourself spiritually for potential future events?
4. How can you use the knowledge of these prophecies to share the Gospel and the hope of Jesus' return with others?
5. What actions can you take to support the peace of Israel, considering the ongoing conflict between Isaac and Ishmael's descendants?
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing the Urgency of the Gospel
The Gospel is not just a message to be heard, but a truth to be shared. As believers, we are called to actively look for opportunities to share the Gospel and to live in readiness for Jesus' return, knowing that it could happen at any time. [12:45]
1 Peter 3:15 - "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect."
Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear the Gospel? How can you prepare yourself to share the hope of Jesus with them today?
Day 2: Recognizing the Church as a Spiritual Stronghold
God is moving in power and authority in our churches, transforming them into lighthouses and strongholds in our communities. We must stand firm in this truth, declaring that the evil one will not prevail. [24:30]
Ephesians 6:12 - "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."
Reflection: How can you contribute to strengthening your church as a spiritual stronghold in your community?
Day 3: Trusting God Amidst Uncertainty
In times of uncertainty and feeling overwhelmed, we are called to trust God completely and call out to Him for help. Our faith is not dependent on our circumstances, but on the unchanging character of God. [36:15]
Psalm 56:3 - "When I am afraid, I put my trust in you."
Reflection: What fears or uncertainties are you currently facing? How can you express your trust in God amidst these challenges?
Day 4: Discerning the Times through Scripture
The scriptures provide us with insights into current events and prophecies. We are encouraged to pay attention to these and ask ourselves what God is telling us about Himself, ourselves, and the actions He wants us to take. [48:20]
2 Timothy 3:16 - "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness."
Reflection: What recent event has caught your attention? How can you use scripture to gain a deeper understanding of this event?
Day 5: Understanding the Root of Conflict
The conflict between Isaac and Ishmael, the sons of Abraham, is a reflection of the ongoing battle over the land of Israel. True peace will only come when both sides recognize that Jesus is the one who will rule the land and bring peace. [59:10]
Genesis 17:20 - "And as for Ishmael, I have heard you: I will surely bless him; I will make him fruitful and will greatly increase his numbers. He will be the father of twelve rulers, and I will make him into a great nation."
Reflection: How can understanding the root of this conflict help you pray more effectively for peace in Israel?
Quotes
"He opened up the toolbox of the word and he showed you the specific tool that you can use... you guys have now become apologist really what a great way to begin a conversation when somebody is going to inevitably be saying man I don't know what's going on over there you can say I do because God's word says." #!!01:13:13!!#
"Let us not fool ourselves to think that what's happening across the globe that it won't affect us because it will but God let us also be reminded that what is going on can affect your kingdom in a powerful way... that their lives could be changed, that their eternity could be changed." #!!01:14:19!!#
"I believe he's building this church to be a lighthouse in this community and to be a stronghold in this community and to say to this community the evil one will not Prevail our Lord will prevail." #!!01:04:56!!#
"I'm not saying look for Jesus to come next month, I'm saying he could come tonight, he could come tomorrow, he could come in a thousand years... I really believe Paul thought that the Lord was coming in his lifetime and I'm not sure we shouldn't think the same." #!!01:01:23!!#
"Tonight they would bow their knees to Jesus understand that it is his blood that has won the battle that his death on Calvary cleared the way for us to be reconciled with God." #!!01:07:59!!#
"I think it matters because we're seeing prophecy fulfilled before our very eyes... Psalm 83 is prophecy and it has just described for us exactly what we see in Israel today." (#!!01:00:00!!#)
"I believe it's important because we are witnessing events that could change the landscape of our world... decisions that are being made today may have the power to change the landscape of the world." (#!!01:00:41!!#)
"Ishmael is the chosen son and Ishmael is the one that has the blessing of the land and the people and so it all comes down to a battle between the land, the lineage, and who's going to be the Lord and ruler of that land." #!!40:28!!#
"The truth is there's not going to be peace in that land until both of them decide that Jesus is going to rule...they just need to understand there's not going to be peace until Jesus rules and he is coming to rule and he may be coming very soon to make that rule." #!!41:39!!#
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