Preparing for Christ's Return: A Love Story
Summary
### Summary
Praise the Lord! Today, we gathered to delve into the third part of our four-part series on the Second Coming of Christ. We began by acknowledging the presence of the Holy Spirit and the selfless work of Jesus on the cross, His resurrection, and His ascension. We are a church being prepared for the wedding day when Christ returns. This series aims to equip us with the knowledge and understanding of what Jesus is looking for in a prepared church.
We discussed the prevalent interest in end times and the Second Coming, driven by the current global and national events that align with Biblical prophecy. The focus today was on understanding the signs of the times as taught by Jesus in Matthew 24 and Luke 21. We explored how these signs are not meant to instill fear but to prepare us for His return.
Jesus emphasized that the end times are not a horror story but a love story. He reassured us in John 14:1-3 that He is preparing a place for us and will come back to take us to be with Him. This promise is the cornerstone of our faith. We are on the winning team, and there is no need to fear the events described in Revelation, as they are meant for those who are not saved.
We examined the signs of the times, including wars, famines, earthquakes, and the increase in wickedness. These signs are likened to birth pains, indicating that we are in the final stages before the delivery of the end times. Jesus warned us about false prophets and the increase in wickedness, which we see manifesting in our society today.
However, amidst the increase in wickedness, there is also an increase in the spread of the gospel. We are witnessing a mighty revival and the rapid spread of the gospel to all nations, fulfilling Jesus' prophecy in Matthew 24:14. This duality of increasing wickedness and the spread of the gospel calls for two responses: to live holy and godly lives and to make an eternal difference with our lives.
We concluded by emphasizing the importance of standing firm in our faith and not conforming to the decaying culture around us. We are called to be witnesses, empowered by the Holy Spirit, to spread the gospel and prepare for the Second Coming of Christ.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Second Coming is a Love Story, Not a Horror Story: Jesus reassures us in John 14:1-3 that He is preparing a place for us and will return to take us to be with Him. This promise is the cornerstone of our faith, emphasizing that the end times are about God's love and desire to be with His family, not about fear and judgment. [09:19]
2. Understanding the Signs of the Times: Jesus provided a list of signs in Matthew 24, including wars, famines, earthquakes, and the increase in wickedness. These signs are likened to birth pains, indicating that we are in the final stages before the end times. Recognizing these signs helps us prepare and stay vigilant. [24:06]
3. The Increase in Wickedness and the Spread of the Gospel: We are witnessing an increase in wickedness, as described in 2 Timothy 3, and a simultaneous increase in the spread of the gospel. This duality calls for us to live holy and godly lives and to actively participate in spreading the gospel. [39:35]
4. Standing Firm in Faith Amidst a Decaying Culture: The world expects the church to conform to its decaying morals, but we are called to stand firm in our faith. Like Daniel, we must learn to stand firm and love well, maintaining our Biblical values while influencing the world positively. [55:05]
5. Making an Eternal Difference: We are called to make an eternal difference with our lives by spreading the gospel and preparing for the Second Coming. Jesus' final words in Acts 1:8 emphasize the importance of being witnesses, empowered by the Holy Spirit, to spread the gospel to the ends of the earth. [01:02:22]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[05:29] - Opening Prayer and Introduction
[06:44] - Purpose of the Series
[07:24] - Current Events and Biblical Prophecy
[08:29] - Misunderstanding of Revelation
[09:19] - The Second Coming as a Love Story
[10:17] - Assurance for Believers
[12:06] - Jesus' Rescue Mission
[14:01] - Harmony with God
[19:29] - Forgiveness and Identity in Christ
[20:18] - Recap of Previous Weeks
[21:12] - Signs of the Times
[24:06] - Birth Pains and End Times
[27:08] - Increase in Wickedness
[30:14] - Anti-God Times
[33:05] - Moral Decay in Society
[36:20] - Unique Signs of Our Generation
[39:35] - Increase in the Spread of the Gospel
[42:53] - Impact of the Gospel on Poverty
[45:19] - Abomination that Causes Desolation
[48:38] - Increase in Travel and Knowledge
[52:36] - Responses to the Signs
[55:05] - Standing Firm and Loving Well
[58:01] - Following God, Not Culture
[01:00:21] - Making an Eternal Difference
[01:02:22] - Empowered by the Holy Spirit
[01:03:35] - Closing Prayer and Call to Salvation
[01:08:56] - Final Announcements and Farewell
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. John 14:1-3: "Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am."
2. Matthew 24:3-14: "As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. 'Tell us,' they said, 'when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?' Jesus answered: 'Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, "I am the Messiah," and will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains. Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.'"
3. 2 Timothy 3:1-5: "But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people."
### Observation Questions
1. What does Jesus promise in John 14:1-3 about His return and the place He is preparing for us?
2. According to Matthew 24:3-14, what are some of the signs of the end times that Jesus mentions? [21:33]
3. In 2 Timothy 3:1-5, what behaviors and attitudes are described as prevalent in the last days?
4. How does the sermon describe the duality of increasing wickedness and the spread of the gospel in the end times? [39:35]
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Jesus' promise in John 14:1-3 provide comfort and assurance to believers about the end times? [09:19]
2. What is the significance of Jesus likening the signs of the end times to birth pains in Matthew 24:8? How does this analogy help us understand the timing and nature of these events? [24:06]
3. How can the behaviors listed in 2 Timothy 3:1-5 be seen in today's society, and what impact do they have on the church and believers? [30:14]
4. The sermon emphasizes standing firm in faith amidst a decaying culture. What practical steps can believers take to stand firm and not conform to the world's standards? [55:05]
### Application Questions
1. Jesus reassures us that the Second Coming is a love story, not a horror story. How can this perspective change the way you view current events and the future? [09:19]
2. Recognizing the signs of the times, such as wars, famines, and earthquakes, how can you stay vigilant and prepared for Jesus' return without living in fear? [24:06]
3. The sermon mentions the increase in wickedness and the spread of the gospel. How can you actively participate in spreading the gospel in your community? [39:35]
4. In what ways can you stand firm in your faith and Biblical values while positively influencing those around you, similar to Daniel's example? [55:05]
5. The sermon calls us to make an eternal difference with our lives. Identify one specific action you can take this week to share the gospel or serve others in a meaningful way. [01:02:22]
6. How can you cultivate a holy and godly life in the midst of a decaying culture, as encouraged in 2 Peter 3:11? [54:25]
7. Reflect on the promise that Jesus is preparing a place for us and will return. How does this promise influence your daily decisions and priorities? [09:19]
Devotional
Day 1: The Second Coming is a Love Story, Not a Horror Story
Jesus reassures us in John 14:1-3 that He is preparing a place for us and will return to take us to be with Him. This promise is the cornerstone of our faith, emphasizing that the end times are about God's love and desire to be with His family, not about fear and judgment. The Second Coming is not meant to instill fear but to remind us of the deep love Jesus has for us. He is coming back to unite with His bride, the church, and this should fill us with hope and anticipation.
Understanding this perspective changes how we view the end times. Instead of focusing on the fear and uncertainty, we can focus on the love and assurance that Jesus provides. He has promised to come back for us, and this promise is a testament to His unwavering love and commitment. We are on the winning team, and there is no need to fear the events described in Revelation, as they are meant for those who are not saved. [09:19]
John 14:1-3 (ESV): "Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also."
Reflection: How does understanding the Second Coming as a love story change your perspective on the end times? How can you live today in the assurance of Jesus' love and promise to return?
Day 2: Understanding the Signs of the Times
Jesus provided a list of signs in Matthew 24, including wars, famines, earthquakes, and the increase in wickedness. These signs are likened to birth pains, indicating that we are in the final stages before the end times. Recognizing these signs helps us prepare and stay vigilant. The signs are not meant to scare us but to keep us alert and ready for His return.
By understanding these signs, we can better navigate the world around us. We can see the events unfolding not as random occurrences but as part of God's divine plan. This understanding should lead us to a deeper reliance on God and a commitment to live according to His will. It is a call to be spiritually prepared and to help others understand the significance of these times. [24:06]
Matthew 24:6-8 (ESV): "And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are but the beginning of the birth pains."
Reflection: What signs of the times do you see around you today? How can you stay spiritually vigilant and prepared for Jesus' return?
Day 3: The Increase in Wickedness and the Spread of the Gospel
We are witnessing an increase in wickedness, as described in 2 Timothy 3, and a simultaneous increase in the spread of the gospel. This duality calls for us to live holy and godly lives and to actively participate in spreading the gospel. The increase in wickedness is a sign of the times, but it is also an opportunity for the church to shine brighter and spread the message of hope and salvation.
Amidst the darkness, the light of the gospel is spreading rapidly. We are witnessing a mighty revival and the rapid spread of the gospel to all nations, fulfilling Jesus' prophecy in Matthew 24:14. This is a call to action for believers to be part of this great movement, to live lives that reflect God's holiness, and to share the good news with others. [39:35]
2 Timothy 3:1-5 (ESV): "But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people."
Reflection: How can you contribute to the spread of the gospel in your community? What steps can you take to live a holy and godly life amidst the increasing wickedness around you?
Day 4: Standing Firm in Faith Amidst a Decaying Culture
The world expects the church to conform to its decaying morals, but we are called to stand firm in our faith. Like Daniel, we must learn to stand firm and love well, maintaining our Biblical values while influencing the world positively. The pressure to conform is strong, but our commitment to God must be stronger.
Standing firm in faith means not compromising on our values and beliefs, even when it is unpopular or difficult. It means being a light in the darkness and showing the world a different way to live. This requires courage, conviction, and a deep reliance on the Holy Spirit. We are called to be witnesses, empowered by the Holy Spirit, to spread the gospel and prepare for the Second Coming of Christ. [55:05]
Daniel 6:10 (ESV): "When Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he went to his house where he had windows in his upper chamber open toward Jerusalem. He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously."
Reflection: In what areas of your life are you feeling pressured to conform to the world's standards? How can you stand firm in your faith and be a positive influence in those areas?
Day 5: Making an Eternal Difference
We are called to make an eternal difference with our lives by spreading the gospel and preparing for the Second Coming. Jesus' final words in Acts 1:8 emphasize the importance of being witnesses, empowered by the Holy Spirit, to spread the gospel to the ends of the earth. Our lives have a purpose beyond the here and now; we are part of God's eternal plan.
Making an eternal difference means living with a sense of purpose and urgency. It means using our time, talents, and resources to further God's kingdom. It means being intentional about our relationships and our actions, knowing that everything we do has the potential to impact eternity. This is a high calling, but it is also a great privilege. [01:02:22]
Acts 1:8 (ESV): "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
Reflection: What steps can you take today to make an eternal difference in someone's life? How can you use your unique gifts and opportunities to spread the gospel and further God's kingdom?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "One of the most searched topics on the internet is the topic of the end times, the topic of the second coming of Christ. And I understand why. Because there's a lot of things going on in the world, Amen. A lot of things going on in our own nation. But what we're seeing is the news is giving us all kinds of things to make us think, man, this time must be getting close, Amen." [07:24] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "He's coming because he loves you and he wants you and me to be with him in heaven. Amen. And that's why I kept saying in the first week, it's not a horror story. It's a love story. Amen." [08:51] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believed in God, believe in me also. My Father's house is what? Has many rooms. Isn't that awesome? And I like what he said just to reassure that point. If that was not so, do you really think I'd be down here telling you that it is? I know I'm paraphrasing, but he's saying I'm going to come back and I'm going up there first to prepare a place for you. Amen." [10:41] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The majority of the mission of Jesus Christ wasn't to work out things on this earth. I believe he was always here on a rescue mission. Follow me. And I believe that the rescue mission that he was here for is more important and was the majority of his plans. He did work out a few things here, but mainly he's working in each and every one of us. Amen." [11:25] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The story of the second coming doesn't have to be a horror story in your life because it is a love story where God wants you to join him." [01:06:22] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "And when you study what Paul did in Galatians, I have this picture that when God was visiting with Paul and God said, look at this, and he showed him a picture of the crucifixion. He says, what do you see? And I believe the first thing that Paul was saying was, I see Jesus. He's on the cross. He's being crucified for us. God says, yeah, yeah, but what do you see? Look closer. And I can just, I just have this picture of Paul going, well, that's Jesus. It's Jesus on the cross. God said, look a little closer. And he went, that's me on the cross. And this is when he penned, I have been crucified in Christ." [16:13] (54 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "And so, why do I say all that? I have no clue. That's where the Lord led me. Because a lot of people don't really believe that they have been forgiven. And they carry around their own sin when they don't have to because Jesus took it all. And he's coming back for a church that is prepared. Amen. Because why? He longs to spend eternity with his family. Okay? I want to spend eternity with my God. Amen." [19:29] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The apostle Paul talked about it at the end times in 2 Timothy. But mark this, there will be terrible times in the last days. In the original language in the Greek, the word terrible is the word that described the demoniac of the Gadarenes. So that word terrible is actually a demonic term. And so it's saying that there's going to be anti-God times in the last days. Are we seeing that yet?" [30:14] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "So, if we recover from it, we will be the first in 5,000 years of recorded human history. The deconstruction of the nuclear family is part of it. Gender confusion. Sexual immorality. The Bible calls that degradation. How are we acting towards each other? The breakdown of how God sees and defines sexuality. Yes, I'm speaking it. Cut me off if you want. It's okay. The Bible calls it all degrading. Our loss of respect for life. Look at what's going on right now. I mean, there are killing in the streets of major cities every single day. Check out the news. Every day. People are fighting for the right to kill the unborn. There's no respect for life. And we are right in the middle of all that right now. We see it happening in every way." [33:05] (64 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "So, I'm going to do everything I can to help prepare us for end time living. And that's the first thing. Don't follow the culture. Follow God. Number two. Make an eternal difference with our lives. This is what we are called to do. Second Peter tells us, The Lord is not slow. He is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance. Get saved." [01:00:21] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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