Urgent Call to Vigilance: Heeding God's Warnings Today
Summary
### Summary
In today's sermon, we explored the urgency and significance of heeding God's warnings, drawing parallels between the days of Noah and our current times. We began by reflecting on how moments of global crisis often drive people to seek solace and answers in the church, much like the packed congregations during the Gulf War. This led us to the story of Noah, emphasizing that the real narrative is far from the sanitized Sunday school version. The world was filled with wickedness and violence, and despite repeated warnings, people ignored Noah's message until it was too late.
We then transitioned to the New Testament, focusing on Jesus' words in Matthew 24. Jesus likened His second coming to the days of Noah, where people were caught off guard despite clear signs and warnings. The coming of the Son of Man will be sudden and unexpected for those who are not vigilant. We discussed the predictability of certain signs, such as the darkening of the sun and the falling of stars, which will precede His return. However, the exact day and hour remain unknown, emphasizing the need for constant readiness.
The sermon also touched on the dual aspects of Jesus' return: the rapture of the church and His subsequent return to establish His kingdom. We are living in a time where normalcy can be deceptive, and the urgency to be spiritually prepared cannot be overstated. The message concluded with a call to action for believers to stay vigilant, stir up their faith, and be ready for the imminent return of Christ.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Reality of Noah's Time: The story of Noah is often sanitized for Sunday school, but the true narrative is one of catastrophe and divine judgment. The world was filled with wickedness, and despite clear warnings, people ignored Noah until it was too late. This serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of ignoring God's warnings. [03:19]
2. Jesus' Return Will Be Sudden: Just as in the days of Noah, the return of Jesus will catch many off guard. Despite clear signs and warnings, the exact day and hour remain unknown. This unpredictability calls for constant vigilance and spiritual readiness among believers. [08:53]
3. Dual Aspects of Christ's Return: Jesus' second coming involves two distinct events: the rapture of the church and His return to establish His kingdom. Understanding this duality helps believers grasp the urgency of being prepared for the rapture, which will happen unexpectedly. [15:59]
4. Living in the Last Days: The current times mirror the days of Noah, where people go about their lives, ignoring the signs of impending judgment. The Bible describes these times as perilous, filled with moral decay and spiritual apathy. Believers must recognize these signs and stay spiritually alert. [19:16]
5. Call to Vigilance and Action: The sermon concluded with a call for believers to stir up their faith and remain vigilant. This is not a time for complacency but for active engagement in spiritual disciplines like prayer, worship, and evangelism. The urgency of the times demands a renewed commitment to living out our faith. [54:07]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:41] - Reflecting on Past Crises
[03:19] - The True Story of Noah
[07:23] - Heeding God's Warnings
[08:53] - Jesus' Words in Matthew 24
[10:47] - Signs of the Second Coming
[12:40] - Predictability of God's Timeline
[15:59] - Dual Aspects of Christ's Return
[18:03] - Business as Usual
[19:16] - Living in the Last Days
[22:32] - The Urgency of Spiritual Readiness
[23:52] - The Coming Judgment
[25:33] - Jesus' Call to Watchfulness
[28:14] - Relating to People Outside the Ark
[32:29] - The Importance of Heeding Warnings
[35:46] - The Prophetic Timeline
[39:14] - Building People, Not Just a Church
[40:51] - The Two Witnesses
[44:32] - The Truth and Its Rejection
[47:04] - Signs of the End Times
[50:02] - The Strong Delusion
[52:46] - Preparing for Revival
[53:27] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Genesis 6:5-7, 11-13: "The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time. The Lord regretted that he had made human beings on the earth, and his heart was deeply troubled. So the Lord said, 'I will wipe from the face of the earth the human race I have created—and with them the animals, the birds and the creatures that move along the ground—for I regret that I have made them.' ... Now the earth was corrupt in God’s sight and was full of violence. God saw how corrupt the earth had become, for all the people on earth had corrupted their ways. So God said to Noah, 'I am going to put an end to all people, for the earth is filled with violence because of them. I am surely going to destroy both them and the earth.'"
2. Matthew 24:37-39: "As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man."
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 were the conditions of the world during Noah's time according to Genesis 6:5-7, 11-13?
2. How does Jesus describe the days leading up to His return in Matthew 24:37-39?
3. According to 2 Timothy 3:1-5, what are some characteristics of people in the last days?
4. In the sermon, what were the two types of people described in relation to heeding God's warnings? ([07:23])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think the people in Noah's time ignored the warnings despite the clear signs of impending judgment? ([05:13])
2. How does the unpredictability of Jesus' return impact the way believers should live their daily lives? ([15:59])
3. What does it mean to have a "form of godliness but denying its power" as mentioned in 2 Timothy 3:5, and how can this be seen in today's context?
4. How does understanding the dual aspects of Christ's return (the rapture and His second coming) influence a believer's sense of urgency and preparedness? ([17:16])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you ignored a warning or advice. How did that experience shape your understanding of the importance of heeding God's warnings? ([05:13])
2. In what ways can you stay spiritually vigilant and ready for Jesus' return amidst the busyness and distractions of daily life? ([18:03])
3. Considering the characteristics of people in the last days as described in 2 Timothy 3:1-5, which of these traits do you see in society today, and how can you guard against them in your own life?
4. How can you actively engage in spiritual disciplines like prayer, worship, and evangelism to stir up your faith and remain vigilant? ([54:07])
5. What specific steps can you take this week to live out your faith more boldly and be a witness to those around you who may be ignoring God's warnings? ([19:16])
6. How can you encourage and support fellow believers in your small group to stay prepared and vigilant for Christ's return?
7. Identify one area in your life where you feel spiritually complacent. What practical actions can you take to reignite your passion and commitment to God? ([54:07])
Devotional
Day 1: The Reality of Noah's Time
The story of Noah is often depicted as a simple tale of a man building an ark and saving animals. However, the true narrative is one of divine judgment and human wickedness. The world during Noah's time was filled with violence and corruption, and despite repeated warnings from Noah, the people continued in their sinful ways until it was too late. This serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of ignoring God's warnings. Just as in Noah's time, we are often surrounded by signs and warnings that we may choose to ignore. The urgency to heed these warnings and turn back to God cannot be overstated. [03:19]
Genesis 6:11-12 (ESV): "Now the earth was corrupt in God's sight, and the earth was filled with violence. And God saw the earth, and behold, it was corrupt, for all flesh had corrupted their way on the earth."
Reflection: Are there any warnings or signs in your life that you have been ignoring? How can you start paying attention to them and make changes today?
Day 2: Jesus' Return Will Be Sudden
Just as in the days of Noah, the return of Jesus will catch many off guard. Despite clear signs and warnings, the exact day and hour remain unknown. This unpredictability calls for constant vigilance and spiritual readiness among believers. Jesus emphasized the need to be prepared at all times, as His return will be sudden and unexpected. The signs of His coming, such as the darkening of the sun and the falling of stars, are meant to alert us, but the exact timing remains a mystery. Therefore, we must live each day as if it could be the day of His return. [08:53]
Matthew 24:42-44 (ESV): "Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect."
Reflection: What steps can you take today to ensure you are spiritually ready for Jesus' return? How can you cultivate a lifestyle of constant vigilance and readiness?
Day 3: Dual Aspects of Christ's Return
Jesus' second coming involves two distinct events: the rapture of the church and His return to establish His kingdom. Understanding this duality helps believers grasp the urgency of being prepared for the rapture, which will happen unexpectedly. The rapture is a moment when believers will be taken up to meet Jesus, while His subsequent return will be to establish His kingdom on earth. This dual aspect underscores the importance of living a life of readiness and anticipation, knowing that the rapture could occur at any moment. [15:59]
1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 (ESV): "For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord."
Reflection: How does understanding the dual aspects of Christ's return change the way you live your daily life? What practical steps can you take to be ready for the rapture?
Day 4: Living in the Last Days
The current times mirror the days of Noah, where people go about their lives, ignoring the signs of impending judgment. The Bible describes these times as perilous, filled with moral decay and spiritual apathy. Believers must recognize these signs and stay spiritually alert. We are living in a time where normalcy can be deceptive, and the urgency to be spiritually prepared cannot be overstated. The moral and spiritual state of the world today is a clear indication that we are living in the last days, and we must be vigilant and proactive in our faith. [19:16]
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: In what ways do you see the signs of the last days in the world around you? How can you stay spiritually alert and avoid becoming complacent?
Day 5: Call to Vigilance and Action
The sermon concluded with a call for believers to stir up their faith and remain vigilant. This is not a time for complacency but for active engagement in spiritual disciplines like prayer, worship, and evangelism. The urgency of the times demands a renewed commitment to living out our faith. Believers are called to be watchful and proactive, ensuring that their spiritual lives are vibrant and active. This involves not only personal spiritual growth but also reaching out to others and sharing the message of Christ. [54:07]
1 Peter 4:7-8 (ESV): "The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins."
Reflection: What specific actions can you take today to stir up your faith and remain vigilant? How can you actively engage in spiritual disciplines and share your faith with others?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "We're talking about Jesus is coming back. There's a generation, there's a world out there that is not heeding the warnings even today. And what's really getting ready to happen on this people planet is going to come suddenly to them and unexpectedly. Those of us that believe the word of God, we're saying, well, we believe it. We don't know when it's going to come, but we know eventually it's going to come and it will not be unexpectedly. And when he comes, we will be expecting him." [08:53] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "So shall the presence of God show up on this planet like we've never seen before. That means it's predictable. It's predictable. Verse 29. Immediately after the tribulation in those days, the sun will be darkened and the moon will not give light. The stars will fall from the heavens and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then the signs of the Son of Man will appear in heaven. And then all the tribes of the earth will mourn and they will see. The signs. The signs of the Son of Man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory." [10:47] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "There's two types of people right now walking on this earth. There's people who are not heeding the warning and what's going to happen on this planet is going to be sudden to them and unexpectedly. And then there's those of us that are gathered here today this morning. We're heeding the warning of God and it's going to happen eventually and unexpectedly. We expect it. We don't know. When it's going to come, but we know it's going to come." [07:23] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "For as in the days before the flood. They were eating and drinking and marrying and giving marriage. Until the day that Noah entered the ark. What does that mean? It means that. It was business as usual. What happened last night. Was horrible. It's because. We're living. In a time." [18:46] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "So the Bible is full of letting us know and it starts out in the last days. We're living in the last days. But yet now we turn here and it says in verse 38. For as in the days of Noah as it was before the flood. People was eating and drinking. Marry people are going through things as normal." [19:58] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "There's some people who heed the warning and are expecting that eventually the first phase of his coming is going to take place and there's a larger group out there right now. That's going to take place. That's not going to heed the warning. He's still going to come back quickly. The Trump of God is going to sound and dead in Christ is going to rise and those of us who are alive and remain shall be colored together and meet the Lord in the air and so shall we ever be with the Lord." [22:32] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We are Likened Watch this More See we get so haughty and holy And say well we're like Noah We're going into art He's not relating us to Noah Noah knew the time He's giving him Explicit instructions He's giving every warning He's even giving the time And the hour And the moment He's liking us To the people outside the ark Because I don't know When the trumpet of God's going to sound Listen to me There's a lot out there Vying for our attention." [28:14] (57 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "So we see So let me teach you something I'm here to teach you something So we can see From what I preached today From 27 All the way down to 35 He's talking about Jesus Literally coming back Revelation 19 And his foot hitting the ground The Mount of Olives And him showing up And he's setting his kingdom up Upon this planet." [38:18] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "So my point is a lot of things are going to happen we know about. But my assignment. Today is let you know that Jesus is talking to us. Be ready and watch as we go about our everyday life. Jesus is still coming back. God is on the throne. don't know. This is not a prophecy, but I just believe things are going to settle down." [51:38] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Eventually, Jesus is going to come back, but until he does, we're going to keep our eyes on the prize. Amen? Okay, I went too long. Let's pray. Father, I thank you today for your word. I thank you for your protection. I thank you for your provision. I thank you, dear God, that you're speaking to the church. I thank you, Lord, that we're building people, and that, God, we know your word. We know what your word says, and your word will not return void." [53:27] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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