Signs of the Times: Staying Faithful Amidst Chaos

Devotional

Day 1: Spiritual Discernment and Preparation

In a world filled with false teachings and deceptive messages, it is crucial to be spiritually prepared and discerning. Jesus warned His disciples about false messiahs and prophets who would lead many astray. To avoid being deceived, we must be grounded in the truth of God's Word. This means dedicating time to study the scriptures, understanding their context, and applying their truths to our lives. By doing so, we can rightly divide the word of truth and respond to falsehoods with confidence.

Spiritual discernment is not just about recognizing false teachings but also about understanding God's will for our lives. It involves a deep relationship with God, cultivated through prayer, meditation, and obedience to His Word. As we grow in our knowledge of the scriptures, we become more attuned to the Holy Spirit's guidance, enabling us to navigate the complexities of life with wisdom and grace. [19:24]

2 Timothy 2:15 (ESV): "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth."

Reflection: Think about a time when you encountered a teaching or belief that seemed questionable. How did you respond, and what steps can you take to ensure you are better prepared to discern truth from falsehood in the future?

Day 2: Wars and Rumors of Wars

Jesus spoke of wars and rumors of wars as inevitable events that should not alarm us. These occurrences are not indicators of the end but reminders to stay focused on our mission to spread the gospel. Fear and anxiety can easily distract us from our purpose, but we are called to remain steadfast and courageous in our faith.

Our mission is to proclaim the truth of God's love and salvation through Jesus Christ, regardless of the chaos around us. This requires a deep trust in God's sovereignty and a commitment to living out our faith daily. By keeping our eyes on Jesus and His promises, we can navigate the uncertainties of life with peace and assurance. [22:12]

Matthew 24:6 (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."

Reflection: In what ways can you actively share the gospel and live out your faith amidst the uncertainties and fears of the world today?

Day 3: Internal Struggles

The battle between our flesh and spirit is a daily struggle that every believer faces. The desires of the flesh often conflict with the desires of the Spirit, leading to an internal war. Recognizing this struggle is the first step towards overcoming it. We must be led by the Spirit to resist the temptations of the flesh and live a life that honors God.

This requires a conscious effort to surrender our will to God's will, seeking His strength and guidance in every aspect of our lives. By cultivating spiritual disciplines such as prayer, fasting, and studying the Word, we can strengthen our spirit and weaken the influence of the flesh. It is a continuous journey of growth and transformation, relying on God's grace and power to overcome our weaknesses. [24:07]

Galatians 5:17 (ESV): "For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do."

Reflection: Identify a specific area in your life where you struggle between the desires of the flesh and the Spirit. What practical steps can you take to be led by the Spirit in this area?

Day 4: Responding to Natural Disasters

Famines and natural disasters are signs of the times, but they are not the end. These events should prompt us to continue our mission of winning souls and sharing the love of Christ. In times of crisis, people are often more open to the message of hope and salvation. As believers, we must be ready to respond to the needs around us, offering both practical help and spiritual encouragement.

Being a light in a world filled with darkness means showing compassion, generosity, and love to those who are suffering. It involves stepping out of our comfort zones and being the hands and feet of Jesus to a hurting world. By doing so, we not only meet physical needs but also point people to the ultimate source of hope and healing—Jesus Christ. [25:44]

Isaiah 58:10 (ESV): "If you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday."

Reflection: How can you practically respond to the needs of those affected by natural disasters or crises in your community? What steps can you take to be a light in their darkness?

Day 5: Steadfast Faith and Mission

We are called to remain steadfast in our faith, knowing that God is in control. Jesus will return, and until then, we must be diligent in our walk with Him, sharing the good news and living out our faith with courage and conviction. Our mission is to be saints in motion, ready to serve and spread the gospel.

This involves a commitment to spiritual growth, community involvement, and evangelism. By staying connected to God through prayer and His Word, we can remain strong in our faith and be effective witnesses for Christ. It also means being intentional about building relationships and sharing the love of Christ with those around us. As we live out our faith with boldness and integrity, we fulfill our calling to be ambassadors of God's kingdom. [28:48]

1 Corinthians 15:58 (ESV): "Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain."

Reflection: What specific actions can you take to remain steadfast in your faith and actively participate in God's mission? How can you encourage others to join you in this mission?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Today, we gathered to reflect on the signs of the times and the beginning of the end as described in Matthew 24:5-8. We began by acknowledging God's grace and seeking His forgiveness for our shortcomings. We then delved into the scripture where Jesus, sitting with His disciples on the Mount of Olives, spoke about the future. He warned of false messiahs, wars, famines, and earthquakes, emphasizing that these are merely the beginning of birth pains, not the end itself.

We discussed the importance of being spiritually prepared and discerning, as false prophets and deceptive teachings will arise. Jesus' words remind us to stay vigilant and grounded in the truth of God's Word. We must study and know the scriptures to rightly divide the word of truth and not be led astray by falsehoods.

Wars and rumors of wars are inevitable, but they should not alarm us. Instead, we should focus on our mission to spread the gospel and live out our faith. The internal struggle between our flesh and spirit is a daily battle, but we must be led by the Spirit to overcome the desires of the flesh.

Famines and natural disasters are also signs of the times, but they are not the end. These events should prompt us to continue our mission of winning souls and sharing the love of Christ. We must be ready to respond to the needs around us and be a light in a world filled with darkness.

In conclusion, we are called to remain steadfast in our faith, knowing that God is in control. Jesus will return, and until then, we must be diligent in our walk with Him, sharing the good news and living out our faith with courage and conviction.

###

Key Takeaways

1. Spiritual Discernment and Preparation: Jesus warned of false messiahs and deceptive teachings. We must be spiritually prepared and discerning, grounded in the truth of God's Word to avoid being led astray. Knowing the scriptures helps us rightly divide the word of truth and respond to falsehoods with confidence. [19:24]
2. Wars and Rumors of Wars: Wars and rumors of wars are inevitable, but they should not alarm us. These events are not markers of the end but reminders to stay focused on our mission to spread the gospel. We must not let fear prevent us from proclaiming the truth and living out our faith. [22:12]
3. Internal Struggles: The battle between our flesh and spirit is a daily struggle. We must be led by the Spirit to overcome the desires of the flesh. Recognizing this internal war helps us stay vigilant and rely on God's strength to live a life that honors Him. [24:07]
4. Responding to Natural Disasters: Famines and natural disasters are signs of the times, but they are not the end. These events should prompt us to continue our mission of winning souls and sharing the love of Christ. We must be ready to respond to the needs around us and be a light in a world filled with darkness. [25:44]
5. Steadfast Faith and Mission: We are called to remain steadfast in our faith, knowing that God is in control. Jesus will return, and until then, we must be diligent in our walk with Him, sharing the good news and living out our faith with courage and conviction. Our mission is to be saints in motion, ready to serve and spread the gospel. [28:48]
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Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:28] - Opening Prayer
[03:45] - Hymn: Glory to His Name
[06:51] - Welcome Guests
[08:36] - Preparing for the Word
[15:15] - Scripture Reading: Matthew 24:5-8
[16:07] - Signs of the Times: The Beginning of the End
[17:27] - Jesus' Disciples and the Temple
[18:31] - Questions from the Disciples
[19:24] - Warning of False Messiahs
[20:48] - Importance of Knowing the Word
[22:12] - Wars and Rumors of Wars
[24:07] - Internal Struggles: Flesh vs. Spirit
[25:44] - Famines and Earthquakes
[27:58] - Winning Souls Amidst Chaos
[28:48] - Steadfast Faith and Mission
[29:47] - Jesus' Return to the Mount of Olives
[32:14] - God's Protection and Provision
[35:52] - Invitation to Salvation
[36:50] - Communion Preparation
[38:02] - Prayer Over the Elements
[41:58] - Communion Service
[45:35] - Announcements and Closing Remarks
[47:55] - Closing Hymn: I Know It Was the Blood
[48:55] - Benediction

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What are the specific signs that Jesus mentions in Matthew 24:5-8 that indicate the beginning of the end times?
According to the sermon, why should we not be alarmed by wars and rumors of wars? [22:12]
How does the sermon describe the internal struggle between the flesh and the spirit? [24:07]
What is the significance of famines and natural disasters as mentioned in the sermon? [25:44]

Interpretation Questions

Why does Jesus emphasize the importance of not being deceived by false messiahs and prophets? How can believers prepare themselves to discern truth from falsehood? [19:24]
How should Christians respond to the inevitability of wars and rumors of wars according to the sermon? [22:12]
What does the sermon suggest about the role of natural disasters in the context of the end times? How should believers react to these events? [25:44]
How does the concept of internal struggles between the flesh and the spirit relate to the overall message of being spiritually prepared? [24:07]

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you encountered a teaching or message that didn't sit right with you. How did you handle it, and what steps can you take to be more discerning in the future? [20:48]
Wars and rumors of wars are prevalent in today's news. How can you maintain your focus on spreading the gospel and living out your faith amidst such reports? [22:12]
The sermon mentions the daily battle between the flesh and the spirit. Identify a specific area in your life where you struggle with this internal conflict. What practical steps can you take to be led by the Spirit in this area? [24:07]
Natural disasters can be overwhelming and frightening. How can you be a light and respond to the needs around you during such times? Share a specific example of how you can help someone in need. [25:44]
The sermon calls for steadfast faith and mission. What are some practical ways you can remain diligent in your walk with Christ and share the good news with others? [28:48]
Think about a recent event that caused you to feel alarmed or fearful. How can you apply the sermon’s message to trust in God's control and not be alarmed by such events? [22:12]
The sermon encourages us to be "saints in motion." What is one specific action you can take this week to actively serve and spread the gospel in your community? [28:48]

Sermon Clips

1. "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, kingdom against kingdom. There will be famine. There will be floods and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains." [15:15] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Fake people have been around a long time. And they still are. Jesus warns that deceivers, that there will be deception and false Christianity. Ever heard something and you didn't quite get it? Praise the Lord. But you're like, what is that brother talking about? Or what is that sister talking about? Something within your spirit did not resonate. Based on what they said. I see you nodding your head. You've been there, done that." [19:24] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. Word to the wise today, know your word. Read your word. Study your word. That way, you're like the rifle man. You're loaded and you're locked and loaded with a response to this falsehood." [21:23] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Don't let anything prevent you from doing what God has called you to do. Don't be alarmed. Don't be frightened. Don't be disturbed. Don't freak out. I say that. Don't get bent out of shape. That we have to know that there is good and evil. It exists. Let's just face it. I know you're popular. I know you think everybody like you. Some folk don't. But things happen. Amen." [23:00] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "There is a war going on even within who we are. Yeah, the good you. The good tootish. You know, you up against the bad you. You know that old you. They're fighting every day. Amen. That we have this flesh and the spirit going against each other. Amen. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the spirit. And the spirit what is contrary to the flesh. And they're both fighting for recognition. Amen." [24:07] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "So what do we do in the meantime as a people? I say we should continue to try and win souls. Take the conversation. I think it's going to be it, Doc. All right. Just don't get alarmed. Just keep doing what God has called you to do in this season. We've got to be bullpen ready. Throwing spiritual pitches across the plate. Trying to reach a life. We must be saints in motion. Get in the race. Continue to run." [27:58] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "Within days of the Mount of Olives message, often called the Olivet Discourse, Jesus was betrayed into the hands of unbelievers and crucified for sinners. He died, but he rose again. And will one day return to judge the world. And scripture tells us that the Mount of Olives is where he will return. Zechariah writes this. He says in 14.4, On that day, his feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem. And the Mount of Olives will be split in two from east to west, forming a great valley with half of the mountain moving north, half south." [29:47] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "Don't worry. Nobody's keeping a clock, but know that he will take care of you. Let me ask you a question. Has he taken care of you? I mean, there's been many rumors, many things happening in your life experience. Can I take a poll? Has he taken care of you? Is he taking care of you right now? Don't have everything you want, but he has supplied every one of your needs according to his riches by Christ Jesus. Isn't that good news today?" [30:52] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "The Bible says the earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof. And those that dwell there. I'm glad to be in the hand of Jesus. That means he's got a mighty big hand. Isn't that good news today that you are in? And here's some more good news. The Bible says once you're in his hands. That the enemy cannot snatch you out of his hands. Amen. And that is the good news today. That, yeah, be careful as you go about. But make sure you stay on mission." [32:14] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "You ought to declare that God is good and he's worthy to be praised. So don't let the end time talk scare you, but rather give him glory. Signs the times. And everywhere you go, oh, people need the Lord. I know they're looking all big and bad, but they need Jesus. And you've got what they need. You've got a word to encourage them. You've got a word to get them over today. Don't be afraid." [33:57] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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