Signs of the Times: Living in Expectation
Summary
Today, I began by addressing the congregation with a warm welcome and an invitation for those in need of healing to stand for prayer. I emphasized the power of prayer and the belief in divine healing, reflecting on the scriptural promise that by His stripes we are healed. This set a tone of faith and expectancy for the service.
I then transitioned into the core of my sermon, focusing on the signs of the times as described in Matthew 24 and other scriptures. I highlighted the current global events and their alignment with biblical prophecies, particularly those concerning the end times. This included discussions on the increase in lawlessness, the moral reversals in society, and the significant events occurring in Israel.
A substantial part of the sermon was dedicated to the specific signs of the end times. I started with the sign of Israel, explaining its biblical and prophetic significance, especially in light of recent historical developments that have seen the Jewish people returning to their homeland. This, I noted, fulfills prophecies and signals the nearing of the end times.
Next, I discussed the sign of increased travel and knowledge, pointing out how advancements in technology and transportation correlate with Daniel's visions of the end times where many will run to and fro, and knowledge will increase. I used personal anecdotes and historical references to illustrate the dramatic changes in travel speeds and knowledge dissemination over the past century, emphasizing how these fulfill the prophetic words.
I also touched on the spiritual implications of these signs, urging the congregation to live in readiness and holiness, as the signs are not just to be observed but to prepare us spiritually for the return of Christ. I encouraged everyone to engage more deeply with scripture and to live lives that reflect our anticipation of Christ's return.
The sermon concluded with a call to commitment and readiness. I invited those who were uncertain of their relationship with God to make a decisive prayer, affirming their faith and committing to live according to God's will. This was a profound moment of spiritual decision-making for many attendees.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Power of Prayer for Healing - Today, I was reminded of the profound truth that healing is a promise secured in the new covenant through Christ. As we stood together in prayer, it was a moment of communal faith and expectancy, believing that God still heals today just as He did in the scriptures. This act of faith is not just about physical healing but also about spiritual renewal and restoration. [00:57]
2. The Prophetic Significance of Israel - The re-establishment of Israel as a nation in 1948 is not just a historical event but a fulfillment of biblical prophecy that underscores the faithfulness of God. This sign serves as a clear indicator that we are living in times close to the events described in the end times prophecy. It's a call to watchfulness and spiritual preparedness for what is yet to come. [14:41]
3. The Increase in Travel and Knowledge - The prophecy in Daniel about people moving to and fro and knowledge increasing has clearly manifested in our time. This sign is a reminder that while technological advancements are beneficial, they should not distract us from our spiritual duties and the pursuit of godliness. It's crucial to balance our engagement with the world and our commitment to God's word. [17:54]
4. Living in Readiness for Christ's Return - The signs of the times are not just for intellectual contemplation but are a direct call to live a life of holiness and godliness. This involves a daily commitment to follow Christ and abstain from the cultural drifts that move away from biblical principles. It's about being vigilant and maintaining a lifestyle that honors God while anticipating His return. [27:48]
5. Commitment to Christ in Uncertain Times - In a world filled with uncertainty and rapid changes, the decision to follow Christ is the most stabilizing choice one can make. Today's call to prayer for those unsure of their standing with God was a pivotal moment, offering an opportunity for attendees to reaffirm their commitment to live under Christ's lordship, ensuring their readiness for His return. [30:53]
### Chapters
0:00 - Welcome
00:27 - Prayer for Healing
01:31 - Introduction to Signs of the Times
02:02 - Understanding Current Global Events
03:19 - Biblical Prophecies and Modern Fulfillments
04:29 - The Abomination of Desolation Explained
05:48 - The Importance of Christian Assembly
06:59 - The Fig Tree Prophecy
08:06 - Personal Reflections and Prayer
10:26 - Anecdotes on Watching and Waiting
11:00 - Detailed Look at the Sign of Israel
13:23 - Historical Context of Israel's Re-establishment
16:19 - The Sign of Increased Travel
19:26 - Implications of Fast Travel on Prophecy
22:10 - Real-Life Examples of Ignoring Signs
24:55 - The Role of Technology in Prophecy
27:48 - Practical Steps to Live by in End Times
29:19 - Invitation to Commitment
32:23 - Closing Prayer and Next Steps for New Believers
33:51 - Encouragement and Final Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 24:3-15 - "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. So when you see standing in the holy place "the abomination that causes desolation," spoken of through the prophet Daniel—let the reader understand—'"
2. Daniel 12:4 - "But you, Daniel, roll up and seal the words of the scroll until the time of the end. Many will go here and there to increase knowledge."
3. Isaiah 11:11-12 - "In that day the Lord will reach out his hand a second time to reclaim the surviving remnant of his people from Assyria, from Lower Egypt, from Upper Egypt, from Cush, from Elam, from Babylonia, from Hamath and from the islands of the Mediterranean. He will raise a banner for the nations and gather the exiles of Israel; he will assemble the scattered people of Judah from the four quarters of the earth."
#### Observation Questions
1. What are some of the signs of the end times mentioned in Matthew 24? ([03:57])
2. According to Daniel 12:4, what two phenomena will characterize the end times?
3. How does Isaiah 11:11-12 describe the gathering of Israel, and why is this significant in the context of end times prophecy? ([11:00])
4. What did the pastor emphasize about the importance of recognizing the signs of the times? ([05:07])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How do the signs mentioned in Matthew 24 help believers prepare for the return of Christ? ([03:57])
2. What is the significance of the increase in travel and knowledge as described in Daniel 12:4 in relation to end times prophecy? ([17:54])
3. Why is the re-establishment of Israel in 1948 considered a fulfillment of biblical prophecy, and how should this impact our spiritual readiness? ([11:00])
4. How does the pastor's call to live in readiness and holiness relate to the signs of the times discussed in the sermon? ([27:48])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflecting on the power of prayer for healing, how can you incorporate more intentional prayer for both physical and spiritual healing in your daily life? ([00:57])
2. Considering the prophetic significance of Israel, how can you stay informed about current events in Israel and pray for the nation in alignment with biblical prophecy? ([14:41])
3. With the increase in travel and knowledge, what steps can you take to ensure that technological advancements do not distract you from your spiritual duties and the pursuit of godliness? ([17:54])
4. How can you cultivate a lifestyle of readiness and holiness in anticipation of Christ's return? What specific changes might you need to make in your daily routine? ([27:48])
5. In light of the pastor's call to commitment, how can you reaffirm your relationship with God and ensure that you are living according to His will, especially in uncertain times? ([30:53])
6. How can you balance being aware of the signs of the times without becoming overly consumed by them, ensuring that your focus remains on living a godly life? ([05:07])
7. What practical steps can you take to encourage others in your community to live in readiness for Christ's return, and how can you support each other in this journey? ([27:48])
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing the Healing Promise of Prayer
Prayer is not merely a ritual but a powerful conduit for divine intervention, especially in matters of healing. The belief that God heals today as He did in the past is rooted deeply in the scriptural promise that by His stripes we are healed. This understanding transforms prayer from a passive activity to an active engagement with faith, where each believer stands in expectancy of God's healing power. It's crucial to recognize that this healing can be physical, emotional, or spiritual, providing a holistic restoration that aligns with God's will for His children. The communal aspect of prayer, as demonstrated when the congregation stands together, reinforces the unity and collective faith which can lead to profound spiritual renewal and healing. [00:57]
James 5:14-15 ESV: "Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you experienced or witnessed a healing that you believe was facilitated by prayer. How did this experience impact your faith and understanding of God's power?
Day 2: The Prophetic Role of Israel in Modern Times
The re-establishment of Israel as a nation in 1948 is not just a historical milestone but a fulfillment of biblical prophecies that highlight the faithfulness of God. This event is a clear indicator that the prophetic clock concerning the end times is ticking. Understanding Israel's role in prophecy encourages believers to view global events through a scriptural lens, fostering a deeper awareness of the times we live in. It's a call to watchfulness and spiritual preparedness, urging believers to not only observe these signs but to spiritually ready themselves for what lies ahead. This perspective is crucial for maintaining a vigilant and proactive faith in a rapidly changing world. [14:41]
Ezekiel 36:24 ESV: "I will take you from the nations and gather you from all the countries and bring you into your own land."
Reflection: How does understanding Israel's prophetic significance alter your perspective on current global events and your personal spiritual readiness?
Day 3: Navigating the Acceleration of Knowledge and Travel
The prophecy in Daniel about the increase in travel and knowledge has manifested vividly in our era, marked by rapid technological advancements and unprecedented mobility. This surge aligns with the prophetic vision where many will run to and fro, and knowledge will increase. While these developments offer significant benefits, they also pose spiritual challenges and distractions. Believers are called to balance their engagement with this ever-evolving world with a steadfast commitment to godliness and spiritual duties. Recognizing these signs should prompt a thoughtful evaluation of how technology and travel influence one's spiritual life and responsibilities. [17:54]
Daniel 12:4 ESV: "But you, Daniel, shut up the words and seal the book, until the time of the end. Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase."
Reflection: In what ways have technological advancements and increased travel affected your spiritual life, and how can you ensure that these tools aid rather than hinder your faith?
Day 4: Preparing for Christ's Return with a Holy Life
The signs of the times are not merely for intellectual contemplation but serve as a direct call to live a life of holiness and godliness. This involves a daily commitment to follow Christ and abstain from cultural drifts that move away from biblical principles. Living in readiness for Christ's return means maintaining a lifestyle that honors God, which includes vigilance in one's spiritual practices and moral choices. It's about being proactive in one's faith, ensuring that every action and decision aligns with the anticipation of meeting Christ. [27:48]
1 Peter 1:13-15 ESV: "Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct."
Reflection: What are practical steps you can take today to enhance your readiness for Christ's return, focusing on personal holiness and godliness?
Day 5: Stabilizing Faith in Uncertain Times
In a world characterized by rapid changes and uncertainty, the decision to follow Christ offers profound stability and direction. The call to reaffirm one's commitment to Christ, especially during uncertain times, is a pivotal moment that can define one's spiritual trajectory. This commitment involves not just a verbal affirmation but a wholehearted decision to live under Christ's lordship, ensuring readiness for His return. It's a call to anchor one's life in the truths of the gospel, which provides not only solace but also clear guidance in tumultuous times. [30:53]
Colossians 2:6-7 ESV: "Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving."
Reflection: Consider the current uncertainties in your life. How can reaffirming your commitment to Christ provide stability, and what changes might this commitment necessitate in your daily living?
Quotes
"Good morning, everybody. Good to see you all in the house today. I pray you're doing good. I had a prompting during worship to do something a little different than what I usually do, but I believe I'm to pray for healing today. So if you need healing in your body, in your soul, or you know of someone that needs healing, you might just wanna stand up right now." [00:27]
"The world situation, the increase of lawlessness, things that are being made to be wrong that are right, and things that are being made to be right that are wrong, and just the craziness that the Bible tells us about. And so today, the topic is this. Do you see the signs?" [02:02]
"An increase in knowledge doesn't guarantee an increase in godliness. Here's the point that I want to make. We cannot deny the fact that knowledge is going to increase at the end of the day. But don't become so bound and tied to this that you neglect the word of God and that you neglect the presence of God." [24:55]
"Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, and it's talking about the order. Listen, don't let climate change stuff scare you. Everything is going to change in the created order toward bad the closer we get to the return of Christ. Why? Because it's all going to be changed. All the planets, all everything." [27:48]
"Today, the space shuttle travels at 20,000 miles per hour. Today, once the supersonic is brought back, the Concorde will be able to fly from New York City to London in three hours. I've seen this happen in my lifetime. When I first started driving, the speed limit was 55." [19:26]
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