Prepared for Worship and Christ's Return

Devotional

Day 1: Worship as a Spiritual Force

Worship is a powerful act that transcends physical spaces, uniting believers in spirit and purpose. It is not limited to a church building but can be expressed anywhere, including our homes. When believers lift their voices in praise, it creates a spiritual impact that challenges the forces of darkness. This collective act of worship glorifies God and strengthens the community of faith, reminding us that the church is not just a physical space but a living body of believers. [19:39]

Psalm 22:3-4 (ESV): "Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel. In you our fathers trusted; they trusted, and you delivered them."

Reflection: How can you incorporate worship into your daily routine, even outside of church services, to create a spiritual atmosphere in your home?

Day 2: Leadership and Service in the Church

Leadership and service are crucial for building a strong church community. The appointment of new leaders, such as Joe Kendig as a deacon, highlights the ongoing need for dedicated individuals to guide and support the body of Christ. These leaders play a vital role in fostering unity and spiritual growth within the church. As the church navigates challenges like COVID-19, opportunities for digital engagement and community involvement become essential for maintaining connection and spiritual nourishment. [25:28]

1 Peter 4:10-11 (ESV): "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ."

Reflection: What gifts or talents do you have that could be used to serve your church community, and how can you take a step to use them this week?

Day 3: Understanding Eschatology

Eschatology, the study of end times, requires an understanding of both historical and prophetic contexts. Jesus' teachings on the "abomination of desolation" and the great tribulation are part of a larger narrative that calls believers to be spiritually prepared. This preparation involves focusing on the gospel and sharing it with others, fulfilling the mission to spread the message of Christ. By understanding these teachings, believers can ensure their salvation and readiness for the end times. [53:27]

2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 (ESV): "Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God."

Reflection: How can you deepen your understanding of eschatology and use this knowledge to share the gospel with someone in your life?

Day 4: God's Mercy in Tribulation

Even in times of great distress, God's mercy and grace are evident. The shortening of days during the great tribulation is a testament to God's compassion for His elect. This reminder of God's enduring love and care encourages believers to trust in His plan and remain steadfast in their faith. Understanding God's mercy in difficult times can provide comfort and hope, reinforcing the importance of relying on His strength and guidance. [01:16:51]

Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV): "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."

Reflection: In what ways have you experienced God's mercy during challenging times, and how can you share this testimony to encourage others?

Day 5: The Urgency of Salvation

The call to salvation is urgent and essential. Believers are encouraged to ensure their place among the redeemed by accepting Christ as their Savior. This decision prepares them for His return and helps them avoid the trials of the great tribulation. The urgency of this call emphasizes the importance of living in accordance with Christ's teachings and being ready for His return. The altar call invites those who have not yet accepted Christ to do so, highlighting the significance of this life-changing decision. [01:21:58]

2 Corinthians 6:2 (ESV): "For he says, 'In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.' Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation."

Reflection: If you have not yet accepted Christ, what is holding you back from making this decision today? If you have, how can you help someone else understand the urgency of salvation?

Sermon Summary

In today's gathering, we explored the profound themes of worship, unity, and eschatology, focusing on the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 24. We began by acknowledging the power of worship, even when conducted from our homes, and the importance of lifting our voices in praise to God. This act of worship is not confined to a building but is a powerful force that can make the demons of hell quake. We are reminded that the church is not just a physical space but a community of believers united in purpose and spirit.

We also celebrated the appointment of Joe Kendig as a deacon, emphasizing the importance of leadership and service within the church community. The announcements highlighted various opportunities for digital engagement, including community groups and worship services, as we navigate the challenges posed by COVID-19. These initiatives are designed to keep us connected and spiritually nourished during these times.

The sermon delved into the eschatological teachings of Jesus, focusing on the "abomination of desolation" and the great tribulation. We examined the historical and prophetic significance of these events, understanding them as part of a larger narrative that Jesus shared with his disciples. The message emphasized the importance of being spiritually prepared for the end times by ensuring our salvation and being part of the redeemed. We were encouraged to focus on the gospel and to share it with others, fulfilling our obligation to spread the message of Christ to the ends of the earth.

In conclusion, we were reminded of the mercy and grace of God, even in times of great distress. The call to action was clear: to be ready for the return of Christ and to ensure that we are living in accordance with His teachings. The altar call invited those who have not yet accepted Christ to do so, emphasizing the urgency and importance of this decision.

Key Takeaways

1. Worship transcends physical spaces, and our collective praise can have a powerful spiritual impact. Even when separated by distance, our voices united in worship can glorify God and challenge the forces of darkness. [19:39]
2. Leadership and service within the church are vital for fostering a strong community. The appointment of new leaders, like Joe Kendig, is a reminder of the ongoing need for dedicated individuals to guide and support the body of Christ. [25:28]
3. Understanding eschatology requires us to look at both historical and prophetic contexts. Jesus' teachings on the end times, including the "abomination of desolation," call us to be spiritually prepared and to focus on the gospel's spread. [53:27]
4. God's mercy and grace are evident even in times of great tribulation. The shortening of days during the great distress is a testament to God's compassion for His elect, reminding us of His enduring love and care. [76:51]
5. The call to salvation is urgent and essential. We are encouraged to ensure our place among the redeemed by accepting Christ as our Savior, thus preparing for His return and avoiding the trials of the great tribulation. [01:21:58]
** [81:58]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[19:39] - Opening Prayer
[25:28] - Announcements
[39:13] - Giving and Generosity
[42:48] - Unity in the Church
[48:25] - Repentance and Focus
[49:46] - Preparing for Worship
[51:32] - Bible Reading
[53:27] - Eschatological Teachings
[55:26] - The Great Tribulation
[58:41] - Abomination of Desolation
[64:00] - Historical Context
[67:40] - The Antichrist
[72:51] - Great Distress
[78:02] - God's Mercy
[81:58] - Altar Call and Salvation
[83:13] - Closing Prayer and Blessing

Sermon Clips

1) "So as we're looking at this text, we're going through this eschatological view that Jesus is painting for all of us. So this is something he taught his disciples then. In the first century, in the very beginning, and he's teaching us now in the 21st century. So the same things that Jesus is teaching, we have to understand in the context of what he was telling them. And then we also have to look at it from a context of where we're at today. We're closer to the end times than they were. So this stuff should be coming true. We should see it historically, eschatologically. We should see it unfolding. So Jesus was preparing us for these last days." [53:27] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2) "Listen, I do not believe that this text right here in Matthew 24, I don't know that Jesus is really telling us chronologically the exact order of events, but he's telling us a big perspective picture. That's my opinion on this. So as we start to move now towards concepts like the rapture and the return of Christ, I want you to hear because today we're going to talk about the great tribulation. Are you prepared for the great tribulation? Here's the news I'm going to give you from the very beginning. How do you prepare for the great tribulation? Make sure you're saved and you're redeemed, and then if the rapture happens, you're not going to be here for it." [55:26] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3) "So when Jesus is speaking of this abomination of desolation and talking about it not being about the temple, this radically, radically rocked their world. I mean, this was hard for them. That was the place of worship. Now, we know today that we become the temple. Listen, we can desecrate our temples. Now, I don't think that's what Jesus is speaking of here, but spiritually, let's step outside this for a minute. And desecration can even go on still to today. We desecrate our temple. Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Lord? Do you not know that? That's what Paul says. Do you not know that? Your body, because who dwells in you? The Holy of Holies is in you. If you know Jesus, his Holy Spirit's come into you, and now you've become the temple. So we need to make sure we don't desecrate our temple." [58:41] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4) "So, in between the 70 A .D. fall of Jerusalem and whenever the Antichrist comes, we're seeing all kinds of things that are abomination, that are desolation unto God. We have a tendency of taking the things of God. And we mess them up. So, throughout history. But this is an abomination. This is extreme what's taken place. It's a total devastation, total destruction, total ruin of the things of what God has done. So, when we look at the Temple, what was the purpose? The sacrificial offerings. These were so important to the Jews. So, to take that away from them, from 70 A .D., now the Muslim, the Dome of the Rock. And it's not going to be returned until the Antichrist. And it's not going to be returned like it was back then. And nor is it ever going to be restored into the glory of what God initially gave the Temple for." [01:04:00] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5) "So, I am ready for His return. I will call upon the name of the Lord. If you write in, I will call upon the name of the Lord. The Bible says you will be saved. Romans 10 13, read it. Anyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved. In this time of grace and goodness, God's salvation has been poured out. But I don't want you to miss this pivotal point in this text. Even in the great distress, even in the great tribulation, verse 22, unless those days were cut short, no one would be saved. Now we could interpret that as no one will perish as in die, but that's not true because we know people will die during the tribulation. Right? And maybe some people would be saved and their life wouldn't die. But I have a feeling that's a salvific quote. It's just my take. That God is saying that unless He cut the days short, no one would be saved. Maybe no one would be able to live. That's a possibility. But also, it's a truth that no one would be able to get saved either. And see, even in His mercy, God always extends salvation." [01:21:58] (65 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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