Preparing for the End: Hope and Readiness in Christ
Summary
### Summary
Welcome to Compass! Today, we delve into the book of Revelation, exploring the end times and how we, as Christians, should respond to the current cultural climate. We began by addressing the recent controversy at the Olympics, where a depiction of Jesus at the Last Supper was mocked. This incident serves as a reminder that the Bible predicts such scoffing in the last days. Instead of reacting with outrage, we should pray for those who mock and lead them to Jesus, as only He can transform hearts.
The main focus today is on the end times, as described in 2 Peter 3 and Revelation. Hollywood often portrays apocalyptic scenarios, but the Bible provides a clear picture of what will happen. The world will end unexpectedly and destructively, but this will lead to a complete renovation and restoration of the earth. God will create a new heaven and a new earth where righteousness dwells.
We explored three main views on the end times: amillennialism, postmillennialism, and premillennialism. Each view interprets the "thousand years" mentioned in Revelation 20 differently, either as a literal period or a figurative one. Regardless of the view, the key takeaway is that Jesus will return, and God's ultimate plan will unfold.
The timing of these events is uncertain, but we know that God's timing is different from ours. He is patient, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance. This is why the end has not yet come—God is giving people time to turn to Him.
Finally, we must ask ourselves if our names are written in the Book of Life. This is the most crucial question, as it determines our eternal destiny. Jesus offers forgiveness and a place in the new heaven and new earth. If you haven't yet made a decision to follow Him, now is the time.
### Key Takeaways
1. Expect the Unexpected: The end of the world will come like a thief in the night, suddenly and without warning. This should prompt us to live in a state of readiness, always prepared for Jesus' return. Our focus should be on living righteously and leading others to Christ, knowing that the end could come at any moment. [45:27]
2. Destruction Leads to Restoration: The Bible teaches that the world will be destroyed by fire, but this destruction will lead to a complete renovation and restoration. God will create a new heaven and a new earth where righteousness dwells. This gives us hope and assurance that God's ultimate plan is to make all things new. [50:13]
3. Different Views, Same Outcome: Whether you hold to amillennialism, postmillennialism, or premillennialism, the key point is that Jesus will return, and God's plan will unfold. These different interpretations should not divide us but rather unite us in the common goal of leading people to Christ. [56:11]
4. God's Timing is Perfect: God's timing is different from ours. A day is like a thousand years to Him. He is patient, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance. This is why the end has not yet come—God is giving people time to turn to Him. [01:07:31]
5. Is Your Name in the Book of Life?: The most crucial question is whether your name is written in the Book of Life. This determines your eternal destiny. Jesus offers forgiveness and a place in the new heaven and new earth. If you haven't yet made a decision to follow Him, now is the time. [01:15:09]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[35:05] - Opening Prayer
[36:16] - Addressing Current Cultural Issues
[41:53] - Is This the End?
[45:27] - What Does the Bible Say About the End of the World?
[53:20] - When Does the Day of the Lord Happen?
[56:11] - Different Views on the Millennium
[01:05:18] - Why Should We Believe This?
[01:15:09] - Is Your Name in the Book of Life?
[01:20:12] - Closing Prayer and Communion
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. 2 Peter 3:10-13: "But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare. Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with his promise, we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells."
2. Revelation 21:1-3: "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.'"
3. Matthew 24:42-44: "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him."
### Observation Questions
1. According to 2 Peter 3:10, how will the day of the Lord come? What will happen to the heavens and the elements?
2. In Revelation 21:1-3, what does John see coming down out of heaven, and what is its significance?
3. What does Jesus say about the timing of His return in Matthew 24:42-44? How does He describe the unexpected nature of His coming?
4. How does the sermon describe the world's reaction to the depiction of Jesus at the Olympics? What biblical prediction does this align with? [37:28]
### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean for the day of the Lord to come "like a thief"? How should this influence a Christian's daily life and readiness? [45:27]
2. How does the promise of a new heaven and a new earth in Revelation 21:1-3 provide hope and assurance to believers? What does this say about God's ultimate plan for creation? [50:13]
3. The sermon mentions different views on the end times (amillennialism, postmillennialism, premillennialism). How do these views differ in their interpretation of the "thousand years" in Revelation 20? Why is it important to focus on the common outcome rather than the differences? [56:11]
4. According to 2 Peter 3:9, why has the end not yet come? How does this reflect God's character and His desire for humanity? [01:07:31]
### Application Questions
1. Reflecting on the unexpected nature of the end times, how can you live in a state of readiness for Jesus' return? What specific changes can you make in your daily life to be more prepared? [45:27]
2. The sermon encourages praying for those who mock or scoff at Jesus. How can you incorporate prayer for non-believers into your daily routine? Can you think of someone specific you can pray for this week? [39:50]
3. Considering the promise of a new heaven and a new earth, how can this hope influence your perspective on current world events and personal struggles? How can you share this hope with others? [50:13]
4. The sermon discusses different views on the end times but emphasizes unity in the belief that Jesus will return. How can you foster unity within your small group or church community despite differing opinions on secondary theological issues? [56:11]
5. Reflect on the question, "Is your name written in the Book of Life?" Have you made a decision to follow Jesus? If not, what is holding you back? If you have, how can you help others make this decision? [01:15:09]
6. How can you demonstrate God's patience and desire for repentance in your interactions with others? Are there specific relationships where you need to show more grace and patience? [01:07:31]
7. The sermon mentions the importance of not getting off mission and staying focused on leading people to Jesus. How can you stay mission-focused in your daily life? What distractions do you need to eliminate to better fulfill this mission? [41:09]
Devotional
Day 1: Living in Readiness
The end of the world will come like a thief in the night, suddenly and without warning. This should prompt us to live in a state of readiness, always prepared for Jesus' return. Our focus should be on living righteously and leading others to Christ, knowing that the end could come at any moment. The unpredictability of the end times is not meant to instill fear but to encourage a life of vigilance and spiritual preparedness. We are called to be watchful and to live each day as if it could be our last, making the most of every opportunity to share the love of Christ with others. [45:27]
1 Thessalonians 5:2-4 (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."
Reflection: What steps can you take today to live in a state of spiritual readiness, and how can you encourage others to do the same?
Day 2: Hope in Restoration
The Bible teaches that the world will be destroyed by fire, but this destruction will lead to a complete renovation and restoration. God will create a new heaven and a new earth where righteousness dwells. This gives us hope and assurance that God's ultimate plan is to make all things new. The promise of a new creation should fill us with hope and motivate us to live in a way that reflects the coming kingdom. It reminds us that the trials and tribulations of this world are temporary and that a glorious future awaits those who are in Christ. [50:13]
2 Peter 3:10-13 (ESV): "But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed. Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn! But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells."
Reflection: How does the promise of a new heaven and a new earth influence your perspective on current challenges and suffering?
Day 3: Unity in Diversity
Whether you hold to amillennialism, postmillennialism, or premillennialism, the key point is that Jesus will return, and God's plan will unfold. These different interpretations should not divide us but rather unite us in the common goal of leading people to Christ. The diversity of views on the end times should be seen as an opportunity for rich theological discussion and growth, rather than a source of division. Our primary focus should be on the certainty of Christ's return and the urgency of sharing the gospel with those who do not yet know Him. [56:11]
Romans 14:1-4 (ESV): "As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him. Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand."
Reflection: How can you foster unity and understanding within your community despite differing views on theological issues?
Day 4: Trusting God's Timing
God's timing is different from ours. A day is like a thousand years to Him. He is patient, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance. This is why the end has not yet come—God is giving people time to turn to Him. Understanding God's patience should inspire us to be patient as well, both with ourselves and with others. It should also motivate us to share the gospel diligently, knowing that God's delay is an expression of His mercy and desire for all to come to repentance. [01:07:31]
2 Peter 3:8-9 (ESV): "But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance."
Reflection: In what ways can you align your sense of timing with God's, especially in your interactions with others who have not yet come to faith?
Day 5: Assurance of Salvation
The most crucial question is whether your name is written in the Book of Life. This determines your eternal destiny. Jesus offers forgiveness and a place in the new heaven and new earth. If you haven't yet made a decision to follow Him, now is the time. The assurance of salvation is a profound comfort and should be the foundation of our faith. It is essential to examine our hearts and ensure that we have truly accepted Christ's offer of salvation. This assurance not only gives us peace but also compels us to share the good news with others. [01:15:09]
Revelation 20:12-15 (ESV): "And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done. And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done. Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire."
Reflection: Have you made a personal decision to follow Jesus, and if so, how does this assurance of salvation impact your daily life and interactions with others?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "The only one who can transform a human heart is Jesus Christ. So it should be a great reminder to us. I mean, lost people are going to do lost things. Right? I mean, that's how it works. That's why our mission is to lead more people to find and follow Jesus." [40:06] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Friends, the Bible says that in Romans 23, all have sinned, all of us, every single one of us. This tells us the verdict for every person, guilty. That's the truth for all of us. And Romans 6, 23 goes on to tell us the sentence for every guilty person is death. The wages of sin is death." [01:11:09] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "If you're a Jesus follower, it doesn't even matter what's going on in this world. You do not, you do not have to fear. You do not have to be afraid. There's nothing that can happen in this world. Any of the things that we've talked about that you have to be afraid of." [01:11:50] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "And friends, if you've been looking for a God like that, he's been looking for you. And we want to give you an opportunity in just a few minutes as we end this service to make a decision to follow him." [01:17:35] (12 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The Scripture teaches there's no one beyond the forgiving arm of Jesus Christ. There's nothing you have ever done or could do that could keep you from his love if you want to be a part of his family." [01:18:34] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Lost people are going to do lost things. Right? I mean, that's how it works. That's why our mission is to lead more people to find and follow Jesus. That's why we should stop and pray for somebody to come into, to the path of those folks who can share the love of Jesus with them so that their hearts can be transformed." [40:24] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Do you realize that if there is no nuclear war in the future, it will be the first time humanity has created a weapon that hasn't been used to kill people? First time in history. So, buckle up, put on your thinking caps, as we attempt to answer three big questions today. Number one, what does the Bible say, about the end of the world?" [45:03] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "You can have a different view on Bible prophecy and still love one another and still fellowship with one another and still serve Jesus with one another. How do I know this? Just look around. There are different views in this room. But we're one church. And we love Jesus and we love each other. Right?" [56:11] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The most important question has nothing to do with the thousand years, or Satan, or the timing. The most serious question is simply this, is your name written in the book of life? Because friends, heaven, you don't want to miss it. It's going to be amazing." [01:15:09] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Jesus coming in power to make all things new and to bring an end to the evil in this world, but then dressing himself to serve and wiping the tears from our eyes and seating us at the banquet table to serve us. That's the kind of Savior we're talking about." [01:16:48] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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