In today's gathering, we explored the profound truths found in 1 Corinthians 15, focusing on the hope and assurance of the resurrection and the second coming of Jesus Christ. This chapter, often referred to as Paul's Resurrection Discourse, addresses the doubts of the Corinthians regarding bodily resurrection and eternal life. Paul passionately argues that the resurrection of Jesus is not just a past event but a transformative reality that secures our future. He assures us that if we have placed our faith in Jesus, our future is secure, and heaven is our home. This assurance should not only comfort us but also motivate us to live purposefully today.

We delved into the mystery of what happens when Jesus returns, especially for those who are still alive. Paul provides clarity, explaining that in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, we will be changed, and the perishable will put on the imperishable. This transformation is a glimpse into the future glory that awaits us, a future where death is swallowed up in victory. The resurrection of Jesus has fixed our future, and because of this, our present can be filled with hope and purpose.

We also discussed the importance of living with an eternal perspective. The certainty of Jesus' return should instill an urgency in our lives to share the good news and live out our faith boldly. We are called to be steadfast, immovable, and always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that our labor is not in vain. This hope is not just for the future but is meant to transform how we live today.

Key Takeaways:

1. **The Assurance of Resurrection**: The resurrection of Jesus Christ assures us of our own future resurrection and eternal life. This truth should fill us with hope and confidence, knowing that our future is secure in Him. Our faith in Jesus guarantees that heaven is our home, and nothing can separate us from His love. [36:18]

2. **Transformation at Christ's Return**: When Jesus returns, those who are alive will be transformed in an instant. This transformation is a promise of the imperishable life that awaits us, where death is defeated, and we are clothed in immortality. This hope should encourage us to live with an eternal perspective. [37:54]

3. **Living with Purpose**: The certainty of Jesus' return should inspire us to live purposefully and share the gospel with urgency. We are called to be steadfast and immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that our efforts are not in vain. [38:54]

4. **Heaven's Reality**: Heaven is a glorious, sinless, and perfect place where believers who have gone before us are with the Lord. This reality should comfort us in our grief and motivate us to live with the hope of being reunited with our loved ones in Christ. [01:00:46]

5. **Urgency in Evangelism**: We are entrusted with the mission to share the good news of Jesus Christ and pack heaven with as many souls as possible. This mission requires us to be bold in our faith and intentional in our relationships, ensuring that others have the opportunity to know Jesus. [01:09:22]

Youtube Chapters:

[0:00] - Welcome
[30:42] - Introduction and Greetings
[31:41] - Celebrating Community and Service
[34:54] - Diving into 1 Corinthians 15
[36:18] - Assurance of Resurrection
[37:54] - Transformation at Christ's Return
[38:54] - Living with Purpose
[40:09] - Illustration: Back to the Future
[42:22] - Fixed Future, Better Present
[43:22] - Beauty in Our Future
[45:10] - The Importance of "Therefore"
[49:11] - Jesus is Coming Back
[54:37] - What Happens When Jesus Returns
[58:08] - Expectations of Heaven
[01:09:22] - Urgency in Evangelism
[01:12:20] - Invitation to Salvation

**Bible Study Discussion Guide**

**Bible Reading:**
1 Corinthians 15:50-58

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**Observation Questions:**

1. What does Paul mean when he says, "flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God"? How does this relate to the concept of the perishable and imperishable? [37:43]

2. According to the sermon, what is the significance of the "twinkling of an eye" in the context of Christ's return? [37:54]

3. How does Paul describe the transformation that will occur at the return of Jesus? What imagery does he use to convey this change? [38:06]

4. What is the role of the word "therefore" in 1 Corinthians 15:58, and why is it considered significant in the sermon? [44:46]

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**Interpretation Questions:**

1. How does the assurance of resurrection and eternal life impact a believer's perspective on death and the afterlife? [36:18]

2. In what ways does the promise of transformation at Christ's return provide hope and motivation for believers today? [38:06]

3. How does living with an eternal perspective influence the way believers approach their daily lives and relationships? [38:54]

4. What does it mean to be "steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord," and how can this be practically applied in a believer's life? [38:54]

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**Application Questions:**

1. Reflect on a time when the assurance of resurrection brought you comfort. How can you share this hope with someone who is struggling with fear or doubt about the future? [36:18]

2. The sermon emphasizes the urgency of evangelism. Identify one person in your life who does not know Jesus. What steps can you take this week to share the gospel with them? [01:09:22]

3. Consider the concept of transformation at Christ's return. How does this promise encourage you to live with an eternal perspective in your current circumstances? [37:54]

4. What are some practical ways you can be "steadfast and immovable" in your faith, especially when facing challenges or opposition? [38:54]

5. The sermon mentions the reality of heaven as a place of joy and perfection. How does this vision of heaven influence your attitude towards earthly struggles and losses? [01:00:46]

6. How can you cultivate a sense of urgency in your spiritual life, ensuring that you are actively participating in the work of the Lord? [38:54]

7. Reflect on the idea that our labor in the Lord is not in vain. How does this truth motivate you to serve in your church or community? [38:54]

Day 1: The Assurance of Resurrection
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is a cornerstone of Christian faith, providing believers with the assurance of their own future resurrection and eternal life. This assurance is not merely a comforting thought but a transformative truth that should fill us with hope and confidence. By placing our faith in Jesus, we are guaranteed that heaven is our home, and nothing can separate us from His love. This certainty should influence how we live our lives today, encouraging us to live with purpose and joy, knowing that our future is secure in Him. [36:18]

1 Thessalonians 4:14-16 (ESV): "For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. 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."

Reflection: How does the assurance of your future resurrection influence your daily decisions and interactions with others today?


Day 2: Transformation at Christ's Return
When Jesus returns, those who are alive will experience a miraculous transformation. In an instant, the perishable will put on the imperishable, and we will be clothed in immortality. This promise of transformation is a glimpse into the future glory that awaits us, where death is defeated, and we are united with Christ in eternal life. This hope should encourage us to live with an eternal perspective, focusing on what truly matters and aligning our lives with God's purposes. [37:54]

1 Corinthians 15:51-52 (ESV): "Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed."

Reflection: In what ways can you begin to live with an eternal perspective, prioritizing what truly matters in light of Christ's promised return?


Day 3: Living with Purpose
The certainty of Jesus' return should inspire us to live purposefully and share the gospel with urgency. We are called to be steadfast, immovable, and always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that our efforts are not in vain. This call to action is not just about future rewards but about living a life that reflects God's love and truth today. By living with purpose, we can make a meaningful impact in the lives of others and fulfill the mission God has entrusted to us. [38:54]

Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV): "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ."

Reflection: What specific steps can you take this week to live more purposefully, aligning your actions with God's mission for your life?


Day 4: Heaven's Reality
Heaven is a glorious, sinless, and perfect place where believers who have gone before us are with the Lord. This reality should comfort us in our grief and motivate us to live with the hope of being reunited with our loved ones in Christ. The promise of heaven is not just a distant dream but a present reality that shapes our lives today. By focusing on the eternal, we can find peace and strength to navigate the challenges of this world, knowing that our ultimate home is with God. [01:00:46]

Revelation 21:4 (ESV): "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away."

Reflection: How does the reality of heaven influence your perspective on life's challenges and your relationships with others?


Day 5: Urgency in Evangelism
We are entrusted with the mission to share the good news of Jesus Christ and pack heaven with as many souls as possible. This mission requires us to be bold in our faith and intentional in our relationships, ensuring that others have the opportunity to know Jesus. The urgency of evangelism is not just about numbers but about sharing the transformative love of Christ with those around us. By living out our faith boldly, we can be a light in the darkness and bring hope to a world in need. [01:09:22]

2 Timothy 4:2 (ESV): "Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching."

Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear the good news of Jesus? How can you intentionally share your faith with them this week?

1) "If you have put your trust and faith in Jesus, you are on your way to heaven. If you've put your trust in Jesus, you're going to heaven. That your future is secure. That you don't have to worry about what's on the other side of this life. Isn't that good news this morning? That if I've put my trust and faith in Jesus, heaven is my home. And I love John 10 where Jesus says, neither shall anyone pluck them out of my hands. Translation, Jesus has said to us, if you've put your trust and faith in him and he has saved you, he's never going to change his mind about that decision to put you in heaven. Ain't that good news today?" [36:18] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)


2) "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. Good morning. 1 Corinthians chapter 15, verses 50 through 58. I've read from the greatest book ever written. I bear witness to you this day that all of its words are true. Amen? Amen. He says in the passage, when the last trumpet sounds, he is giving us a preview of coming attractions." [38:42] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)


3) "Paul is celebrating this truth that when Jesus died and was buried and got up from the cross that this part of your timeline called the future got fixed. The lesson ends up being this. That because my future is fixed my right now has to get better. It's not Doc Brown today but it's Doc Paul. And instead of taking the DeLorean to the past Paul has taken this DeLorean into our future and in so doing he's given us a glimpse as to what Jesus has done for my tomorrow that ought to give me better perspective for my today." [42:22] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)


4) "The certainty of his coming should result in an urgency in your living you shouldn't be satisfied that your business is fixed while your neighbors business is not here's the operative term get busy for the Lord and tell people about the good news of Jesus get involved in the church don't be ashamed of your faith and let people know that you have a hope on the inside of you you ought to have purpose okay can I say something real hard it was awkward for the first two services and I didn't care then so I don't care now so can I say it okay Jesus says your mission is to get heaven as packed as you possibly can before he comes." [09:22] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)


5) "When Jesus comes Jesus is bringing heaven with him so when he comes back he's coming back with real estate can I get a Zillow witness but when Jesus comes he's bringing back beachfront property in Jesus name Ricky give me some Bible I heard him say in the Lord's Prayer thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven meaning when God's ultimate final destination for believers for all eternity is a renewed heaven that is right here on earth this is the plan of all mighty God he's coming and when he comes he'll bring heaven with him so when he comes he'll not only resurrect us he will renew earth." [58:08] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)


6) "When Jesus comes death will be dead oh grave where is thy victory oh death where is thy sting this is something that you're never going to go to again in heaven a funeral we're never going to say goodbye in heaven will be no more sadness there will be no more pain cause death the worst part of sin will finally be dead and there will be with Jesus forever and ever and ever amen so how do we live for this today as we close let's talk about some applications for today in other words our future is so awesome how does that translate into our present today." [05:27] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)


7) "Don't feel sorry for anyone who has died in Christ 1st Thessalonians 4 says that we do not grieve as those who have no hope you can be rest assured that if you have a loved one who's in heaven now baby girl what they're experiencing right now far surpasses anything you could have possibly imagined and you get to feel sad but you don't get to feel sorry amen in fact Philippians says for me to live is Christ for me to die is gain meaning this if we have saved loved ones that have gone on before us let me tell you something they won and you still losing but technically that is the truth." [06:05] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

And a hearty good morning, Southwest. How are you all doing today? It's good to see you. God bless you. God is good all the time. Our God is good. Good morning. We're so excited. My name is Ricky, and on behalf of our church family, as always, thank you. Thank you for being with us today to worship the name of Jesus Christ, to make him famous in our hearts and in our world.

We're excited about all the great things that are happening in this season. To everyone here who is in the room, to our worshipers who are online and livestream, thank you so much for being here today. I got just one question for you. If you're happy about the weather, then you know it. Can you say amen?

We made it, y'all. We made it. I know what you were thinking a couple of weeks ago. You were about to call the realtor. You were about to say, go ahead and put the for sale sign and the "I can't do it another day," but we made it. It is a brisk, what is it, like 70 right now? For desert people, we're like, ooh, I need a scarf, you know? I just wanted to put some hot chocolate in a mug today. It's just brr.

Okay, anyways, I am excited about the weather and this time of year. So much ministry happening in and around the church. We're just thrilled. Scripture says we ought to give honor to whom honor is due, so if y'all don't mind, I'd love to honor my wife, April. She is the cherry in my curl. She's the cheese in my macaroni. She is the red in my Kool-Aid. Anybody know what I'm talking about? She's the fried in my chicken. I just love her.

April had a birthday this week. She turned 38. Honey, would you stand and let everybody see you, please? Give it up for my wife, y'all. Love you, girl. Amen. Thank y'all for helping me rack up some points in Jesus' name.

Let's celebrate a few things. As I said, ministry is happening here, and if you're new, man, the only thing missing is you. And I just want to encourage you, get plugged in, get in community here. Growing Tuesdays, Discipleship Tuesday mornings, Tuesday nights, men's, women's studies, kids, couples, you name it, something's happening, and there's a home here for you.

Yesterday was pretty exciting. We had, I don't know, dozens and dozens of volunteers on campus yesterday for our Mexico Loft House build. Built a few houses that we're going to take down to Mexico to deserving families. So let's give it up for those volunteers and the Mexico Loft House build. Ministry, really cool stuff.

I want you to take a look at the picture. Yesterday, pretty cool, the La Quinta High School boys basketball team was here yesterday serving. And if you look at that picture in the center, those are Marines who came down from 29 Palms yesterday to serve. So let's give it up for our men and women in the armed forces. They are here as heroes in every way imaginable.

Last thing, and then we'll go to the text. You heard Kenna and Young talking about trunk or treat. And I just want to emphasize how important that is. Every now and then, we just say, let's spend some money and let's bless our community in the name of Jesus Christ. And trunk or treat is one of those opportunities.

Again, we really want you guys to buy up as much candy as you can afford so we can make all the dentists of the valley rich. Okay? So just go out and buy what you buy. I just wanted to drop this suggestion. I've heard that the kids truly love Milky Way candy bars. That's what I've heard. So buy a bunch of Milky Way candy bars. Make sure you put the tag that says Pastor Ricky. Because I want to make sure that they get it. Okay?

But anyways, it's a ministry opportunity. Some of you are thinking, man, I don't trick or treat. I don't dress up and all that kind of stuff. I'm too old for that. No. This is an opportunity when the whole church says we are in this community for this community. How many of you know that if they come because they want free candy, but then they meet all these nice people that love on them and say, hey, they start thinking different things like, man, maybe I should try this Jesus stuff after all.

So we love trunk or treat. We're going to give away a bunch of candy, but we're totally trying to trick them into coming to church in Jesus' name. So be here next Sunday night. Can y'all say amen to that?

Let's go to God's Word. First Corinthians, chapter 15. If you have your Bibles with me, meet me in First Corinthians 15. If you're new to Scripture, new to church, you don't have a Bible. We want to give you one. And so whenever you don't have a Bible, you get them here for free. And so see one of our attendees at our next steps table for your own copy of God's Word.

We're in a series walking through First Corinthians. We call it First Californians Beautiful Church. And for weeks now, we've been in this landmark chapter of Scripture, First Corinthians 15. It's known in scholarship as Paul's Resurrection Discourse. It's Paul's Resurrection Discourse. Read it and get it in your soul.

Paul, for 58 verses, is going on at length as to how good the good news is that Jesus Christ has died on a cross, that he was buried, but that he has risen again, and how that brings so much transformation to our lives. And so, when we come here to First Corinthians 15, some of the kind of background drama that was playing out was that the Corinthians did not believe in a bodily resurrection. They didn't believe that when they died that they would have resurrected bodies that would be in heaven forever.

So in First Corinthians 15, Paul's talking about all things resurrection of Jesus and how that shows up to translate to all things resurrection for followers of Jesus. So this is what he's screaming to us in First Corinthians 15. If you have put your trust and faith in Jesus, you are on your way to heaven. If you've put your trust in Jesus, you're going to heaven. That your future is secure. That you don't have to worry about what's on the other side of this life.

Isn't that good news this morning? That if I've put my trust and faith in Jesus, heaven is my home. And I love John 10 where Jesus says, neither shall anyone pluck them out of my hands. Translation, Jesus has said to us, if you've put your trust and faith in him and he has saved you, he's never going to change his mind about that decision to put you in heaven. Ain't that good news today?

So, it's all things heaven, all things bodily resurrection, all things the future. But there was one question that remained and the question that the Corinthians had was this, what about what happens to my body if Jesus comes back while I'm still alive? And so Paul brings some clarity as to what we can expect if we're alive when Jesus Christ returns to earth. For 58 verses, his argument has been this, for the believer there is hope on the other side.

We come now to 1 Corinthians 15. Hear now the words of Almighty God. Paul writes, verse 50, I tell you this, brothers, flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. Behold, I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed. Verse 52 is key. He says, in a moment in the twinkling of an eye at the last trumpet.

Look at the words, church. Paul says, for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written, death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?

The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Verse 58 is everything. 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.

Good morning. 1 Corinthians chapter 15, verses 50 through 58. I've read from the greatest book ever written. I bear witness to you this day that all of its words are true. Amen? Amen. He says in the passage, when the last trumpet sounds, he is giving us a preview of coming attractions. What the scholars call the parousia, which is a big old Greek word meaning the second coming of Jesus Christ.

That in this split second, everything will change. And he gives us words that are new to us if we're new to the Bible and new to church. He says this perishable will put on imperishable. The old King James used to say it this way. There's coming a day when the corruptible will put on incorruptible.

And so the question is burgeoning in our hearts. What is going on? What do these words mean and how are we to live by them? And to bring some explication to that, I want to tell a story of a great film. It was one of the finest films that has ever been made. Back to the Future.

Back to the Future hit the silver screens on the 3rd of July 1985. It was 1985's highest grossing film that year. It was a phenomenal success, not only at the box office, but also amidst culture. So much so that our Library of Congress made the decision to preserve a copy of the original Back to the Future film in our National Registry of Film and Archives. It was just that big a deal.

Back to the Future features the antics of Marty McFly. Can I get a Michael J. Fox witness up in here? It features the antics of Marty McFly. Now Marty McFly, his life is going not so good. Everything that's going on for him right now is not the stuff of good news. His music career is fledgling. He has a depressed and alcoholic mom. He has a sheepish and passive and wimpish dad. His big brother and big sister are essentially social failures.

This is the case for Marty McFly until an impromptu meeting with his old friend, Doc Brown. One thing leads to another and before you know it, Marty McFly is thrust into something called a DeLorean. And he revs that puppy up to 88 miles an hour and he is whisked to the year 1955. He consorts with various family members. He fixes all their issues and miraculously he's whisked back to the future in 1985 where there he finds this brand new transformed life that is far beyond anything he could have ever imagined for himself.

And the lesson kind of ends up being this. That when one part of this timeline got fixed, the other part of this timeline got better. As we come to the passage that's essentially the idea. Paul is celebrating this truth that when Jesus died and was buried and got up from the cross that this part of your timeline called the future got fixed.

The lesson ends up being this. That because my future is fixed, my right now has to get better. It's not Doc Brown today but it's Doc Paul. And instead of taking the DeLorean to the past, Paul has taken this DeLorean into our future and in so doing he's given us a glimpse as to what Jesus has done for my tomorrow that ought to give me better perspective for my today.

I'd like to walk through the passage and talk about the good news of heaven and the good news that Jesus Christ is soon to come. In so doing I want to lift up these three movements, table of contents for our time. I want to answer some questions surrounding our passage. I want to detail this hope surrounding our future. We'll land the plane on some applications for our today. I'd like to put a tag on this text. There is beauty in our future.

Let's pray. Holy Spirit thank you so much for the word. Thank you so much for the church. And thank you so much Jesus for this family you've got together both here in this room and online. Father I'm asking Jesus that you'll come and turn this thing around as we celebrate Jesus the victory you have secured for us in the future and how that translates into proper perspective as to how we live our life today.

So God give us hearts to receive, minds to grasp all that you're saying today and do it in such a way that you bring revival to our valley and fame to your name. For we pray it in Jesus name and every heart said together Amen.

Alright good morning. You already have a few minutes of church today? Okay. Raising Cane's is open on Sundays just saying. Okay. Let's go to the classroom for several minutes. I promise we're going to church. Lots of stuff going on here. Lots of new words. For some of you who are new to church, lots of new concepts. We're going to be talking about some aspects of eternity, some aspects of heaven, some aspects of the second coming of Jesus. And I'm going to do it all in 30 minutes. Haha. Yeah. Right.

But anyways, that's what we're trying to detail with today. So I think the best approach is to start off with some questions surrounding our passage. The first of which is this question. When we come to 1 Corinthians 15, 50 through 58, what's the most important word in this passage? My argument is that the most important word is found in verse 58. It's the word therefore.

Now, if you grew up in church and if you grew up on drugs like I did, which meant you were drugged to church every Sunday and drugged to Sunday school every morning, okay? What they used to teach us in Sunday school was that when you're reading your Bible, anytime you come to the word therefore, your next question is to ask what is it there for?

So anytime you come to a therefore, it is a purpose that the author has inspired from God that's going to shape the perspective of your journey with Jesus. And so my argument is that therefore is the most important word in the Bible. Stay with me. The word therefore acts as an adjoining mechanism. Here's a big word. It serves Paul's argument as a fulcrum, okay? A $20 word meaning hinge that connects whatever happened before the therefore to whatever he wants you to do after the therefore.

So whatever it is Paul has been talking about before the therefore, on the other side of the therefore, it's the charge that God wants you to do. And whatever came before the therefore is the hope through which you might find motivation and fuel to accomplish whatever it is God has called you to do.

Parenthetically, I want to say here that you ought to read your Bible more. I bear witness that this is a wonderful book. And I heard David say that the word of God is a lamp to my feet. Can I get a witness this morning that the Bible is a light to my path? And that I'm here to tell you that sometimes you don't just need to be here on a Sunday. Can I get a witness that God will show up on a Thursday at 4 in the morning in your prayer closet and opening up His holy word? He can meet you right there. You don't need Kanji and you don't need Ricky and you don't need some readers. Can I get a witness that all I need is the presence of the Lord and His holy word?

And one of the studies you ought to jump into is looking at the great therefores in the Bible. This is one of the great therefores in the Bible that you ought to commit to memory. 1 Corinthians 15, 58. You can learn a lot from a therefore. And I heard Paul say it in Ephesians 6, 13. Therefore, put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand in the evil day and having done all else that you may be able to stand.

I heard Paul say in 2 Corinthians chapter 5 verse 17, therefore if anybody be in Christ he is a new creature. Old things have passed away, behold all things have come new. I heard Paul say in Romans chapter 12 verse 1, I beseech you therefore brethren by the mercies of God that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God which is your reasonable service.

I heard him say somewhere around Philippians chapter 2 verse 9, therefore whereby he has highly exalted him and bestowed upon him a name that is above every name that at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow, every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. You can learn a lot from a therefore. The most important word in the text is therefore.

Next question then, what's the most important verse? Obviously verse 58. Look at it with me where Paul says, therefore my beloved brothers be steadfast. Everybody say steadfast. He says be immovable. Everybody say immovable. He says always abounding in the work of the Lord.

So whatever Paul's talking about before this therefore he's insisting, hear me now, that the news of it is good enough. That the hope of it is powerful enough. That the glory of it is rich enough. That it provides fuel for a changed life if I would but keep its truths central to the focus of my life. Whatever it is that Paul is talking about he says that my life now if I keep this truth in my heart and in my mind my life can move from stumbling to steadfast.

That my life can move from immature to immovable. That my life can move from always absentee to always abounding in the work of the Lord. Whatever he's talking about it has the fruit that is a changed life. The question of course then what then has Paul said brothers and sisters here's the answer Paul has said that Jesus Christ is coming back.

And I bear witness this day that the Lord Jesus is coming again to reign for all eternity on this earth. I do not know the day nor do I know the hour but I heard Jesus say that you will know when my coming is near even when I'm at the door. And I bear witness to this congregation today that one day all of humanity is going to hear the same sound.

And I bear witness that one day the trump of heaven will sound and the Messiah will crack the clouds. And he's going to plant his feet on this earth again. That the four and twenty elders will cast down their crowns and say that he truly is the son of the living God. I bear witness that there's an appointment coming that no matter what you said about Jesus in this life there's coming an appointment where every human knee will bow and every human tongue will confess that this Jesus Christ he is Lord and I bear witness he's coming get your house in order.

I bear witness that he's coming. Now if you have put your trust and faith in Jesus and like we say in the country you saved, sanctified, holy ghost filled and fire baptized then this idea of Jesus coming ought to be some of the best news you've ever heard. That is something you are rehearsing in your spirit.

But if you've not put your trust and faith in Jesus it becomes then a wake-up call to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and as your personal savior so that when he comes again you will be ready. He's saying I'm coming back. That's the text. Economists say that we're going to have inflation for years because the world's going to have to pay for the pandemic.

But Jesus says let not your hearts be troubled I'm coming back. The intelligence community says North Korea has dispatched a hundred thousand troops into Russia preparing for the precipitation of what may be worldwide conflicts but Jesus has said let not your hearts be troubled I'm coming back.

They're setting up for all sorts of destructive tactics against Israel and in the Middle East and it seems that fascism is rising up all around the world that the world is inching towards some unknown that we've never entered before but Jesus says let not your hearts be troubled I'm coming back.

The pundits say that all of the uncertainty surrounding this election will not be resolved on Super Tuesday but rather it's going to be weeks and weeks of this elongated knock down drag out of trying to figure out who the next president is but Jesus has said let not your hearts be troubled I'm coming back and I bear witness to the world that no matter what you're going through there is coming a day when the Messiah himself will make everything that is wrong with the world right again.

Put your trust and your faith in him. That's the text. Jesus is coming back. He's coming back and that's good news for the believer. Y'all haven't woken up yet do me a favor tap the person next to you on the shoulder this is a black church exercise don't be alarmed but tell them wake up neighbor Jesus Christ is coming back.

I dare this congregation to just clap today and put that in your spirit this good news that Jesus is coming again and that's hope for you and I. So remember the pastor the Corinthians didn't think that when they died that they'd get new bodies. They didn't believe in a bodily resurrection. They didn't think heaven was cracked up as the Bible says it was to be.

So Paul counters that to give them biblical certainty. They know when Jesus comes back or when I die and go to heaven when he returns I will be granted this brand new body fit for eternity. God is going to outfit me with a body that's even better than this. Isn't that a miracle?

Okay that's what it is. So let me celebrate it for myself. Jesus has said in his word today that one day Ricky Jenkins is going to have six-pack abs. It is scripture. One day I'm finally going to be able to have lakefront property. It is written okay. This is the good news of the gospel. One day I'm finally going to get a beach body and exchange it for this beached body. Did you get it? Beached I'm implying that my body looks like Shamu. Did you get it?

Anyways okay but that's the text that one day because Jesus got up we're going to get up. Last question then we'll go on to the next one. What happens then if Jesus returns while we're still alive? So that was our question. Okay when I die I get it Paul my body gets back up. Got it. What if he comes back now what happens to my body?

Then maybe that's the question you have. When Jesus comes what does that mean? Like what's going to happen? Like if today were the day I don't know if that's the key but anyways if today was the day what would happen? That's the question on their hearts. Because notice verse 51 Paul says we shall not all sleep. Translation when Jesus comes a lot of people will still be alive so what can we expect?

Now for now stay with me. You need to know this all Paul is doing here is giving us a little glimpse into heaven. That's all he's doing. He's giving us a little glimpse into the second coming so that's all I'm going to do. He's giving us a little glimpse and having a little glimpse into the second coming.

So this is not an exhaustive treatment of what scholars call eschatology which is the study of the last things. The study of the end times. So I'm not about to pull out charts and graphs okay. I'm not about to say this is what the news last week meant and all that kind of stuff. We're not going to sell the four horsemen of the apocalypse t-shirts after service okay. I'm not about to give some crazy prediction that Jesus Christ is returning on Tuesday around 3:28 so make sure you call in sick. Not doing that okay.

We don't know when he's coming. The Bible says no one knows the day nor the hour. In fact scripture teaches us that even the whimsy that is the trinity even the son of God Jesus himself does not know when he is coming. It has sovereignly been left to God the father so we don't know when he's coming back but we do know that he said you'll know when my coming is near even when it's at the door and friends can't you just bear witness that it seems different this time around.

Glory to God that it seems like things are bubbling up beneath the surface and I don't know whether he's coming a thousand years from now or now but I know this could it be that you and I are members of the last to almighty God Jesus is coming again. So this is not an exhaustive treatment I just want to give us a few things and it's worthy of our time.

There's a lot of biblical arguments about when and how he's coming you've heard terms like is it premillennialism or is it postmillennialism is it mid-trib is it post-trib is it amillennialism and I get to say you get to believe whatever you see in scripture just as long as you believe he is coming so just pick one okay some of y'all gonna pick postmillennial so your hookup ain't coming till later okay some of y'all gonna get mid-trib so it means my hookup is coming in the middle after I've gone through a little hell okay I'm just gonna park on the premillennial side because that means I'm getting hooked up before everybody else okay and when Jesus comes back don't you post-trib be trying to get on my premillennial boat I'm gonna be like kicking your no that's a joke it's a joke but anyways these are worthy subjects but today is just a glimpse we did a series on this a few years ago we called it Return of the King and so go ahead and put your phone over this QR code it'll take you right to our website we did four sermons on the second coming of Jesus Christ for now what are questions that are answered as we engage in some hopes surrounding our future.

So let's answer these two questions okay first one is this what are some things we can expect about heaven and what are some things we can expect when Jesus comes? Here's the first when Jesus comes Jesus is bringing heaven with him so when he comes back he's coming back with real estate can I get a Zillow witness but when Jesus comes he's bringing back beachfront property in Jesus name Ricky give me some Bible I heard him say in the Lord's Prayer thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven meaning when God's ultimate final destination for believers for all eternity is a renewed heaven that is right here on earth this is the plan of almighty God he's coming and when he comes he'll bring heaven with him so when he comes he'll not only resurrect us he will renew earth and it's not that Jesus Christ is going to be making a bunch of new things revelation 21 says he's going to make all things new okay so when he comes he's going to bring heaven with him.

So for now I need you to write this down for now understand this there is a heaven that is going on right now and every Christian who has ever lived is there with Jesus can I bear witness every baby that died prematurely every Christian who was persecuted for their faith anybody who even came to Jesus on their death bed we as believers can rest assured that our loved ones who were in Christ are with the Lord right now and it is a wonderful reality that they are experiencing they are there wherever there is.

Now we don't know where there is and if you ask me Ricky where's heaven I'd be like I don't know to ask Siri I don't know okay the Bible does not give us much specificity as to the physical location of heaven in fact the Bible doesn't even seem to be concerned with where heaven is but rather with what heaven is so wherever heaven is we might presume that it is beyond our normal framework of time and space that it is dimensionally somewhere else can I get a multiverse witness okay wherever it is it is not here but we've seen in biblical history how it's how heaven has intervened into our time of space when the angels would come or when the pre-incarnate Jesus would come so wherever heaven is it is somewhere else this is what we do know biblically speaking wherever heaven is it is a glorious place wherever heaven is it is a sinless place wherever heaven is it is a perfect place can I do one more wherever heaven is it is a happening place y'all heaven is off the chain it is not boring okay and the renaissance artists really jacked us up because they made heaven seem like it's a bunch of gaudy gold and pastels okay our average perception of heaven is just a bunch of flowers and clouds and this little miniature man baby wearing a diaper and a little old harp just flying around I don't know about y'all but that don't sound interesting to me okay low key it sounds a little problematic and so that's not the picture of heaven heaven is a happening place can you imagine every last one of us having bodies that run faster than Usain Bolt that every one of us is stronger than the greatest weight lifter that every human being is even more handsome than me anyways okay heaven is a wonderful place the Bible says streets are paved with gold the Bible says there's nothing but joy the Bible says there's healing for the nations the Bible says it is splendid the Bible says I will be able to see glory to God hallelujah the face of Jesus Christ the old folks used to think my mansion is up there which means we're gonna do away with Ikea furniture forever okay it's all custom up there it is a glorious place but this is what I want you to hear okay our believers that have gone on before us are not in their final resting place God never meant the heaven as it is now to be that he's gonna unite us all together for heaven on earth.

Number two when Jesus comes the dead in Christ shall rise first so Jesus comes those who are dead in Christ they get their new resurrection bodies first stay with me when Jesus returns believers who are now with him in heaven they will with the new heaven and the new earth receive a new body for the new heaven and the new earth a new body that is fit for eternity now Ricky I thought you said that they were already in heaven with Jesus they are.

Luke 23 Jesus said to the thief on the cross today you shall be with me in paradise 2nd Corinthians 5:8 to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord so we know that they're there and it's awesome and it's way better than whatever's going on right now here but the scriptures do teach us that heaven is now this wonderful glorious but albeit spiritually intermediate place where we can trust that the saints are in the presence with Jesus but they too are waiting the ultimate destination where we'll all be reunited with heaven on earth.

I like what N.T. Wright said when he said that the good news of Jesus is not only that there's life after death but for all of us there's life after life after death called heaven on earth amen. Third thing I want to say is this when Jesus comes we who are alive will be changed everybody say changed okay everyone looking this way when Jesus comes that's it whatever's happening is happening in a split second Bible says in a moment in the twinkling of an eye and so if the trump were to blow today what if it's jazz anyways the trump is going to blow and instantaneously I will be enveloped in my brand new heavenly body in a split second in fact the Bible says twinkling of an eye which is less than a less than a less than a second it's going to change instantaneously meaning you won't have time to come back and turn your iron off can I go further you won't have time to pay that bill can I go real far now Jesus comes you won't have time to go tell your unsaved loved ones that they need to give their life to Jesus the only time you have to do that is right now but in a moment the Bible says the dead in Christ rise first and then boom at the same time just after we get our brand new resurrection bodies the best analogy I have is when Superman Clark Kent something would happen and he'd run to a phone booth and he'd pull apart his suit coat and he'd get in the phone booth sorry Generation Z a phone booth is a booth that we used to make phone calls in but anyway he'd run into a phone booth and he'd change and all of a sudden he would be Superman that's the best analogy I have it's gonna happen just like that.

Fourth and then we'll go home when Jesus comes death will be dead oh grave where is thy victory oh death where is thy sting this is something that you're never going to go to again in heaven a funeral we're never going to say goodbye in heaven will be no more sadness there will be no more pain cause death the worst part of sin will finally be dead and there will be with Jesus forever and ever and ever amen.

So how do we live for this today as we close let's talk about some applications for today in other words our future is so awesome how does that translate into our present today three encouragements today number one don't feel sorry for anyone who has died in Christ don't feel sorry for anyone who has died in Christ 1st Thessalonians 4 says that we do not grieve as those who have no hope you can be rest assured that if you have a loved one who's in heaven now baby girl what they're experiencing right now far surpasses anything you could have possibly imagined and you get to feel sad but you don't get to feel sorry amen.

In fact Philippians says for me to live is Christ for me to die is gain meaning this if we have saved loved ones that have gone on before us let me tell you something they won and you still losing but technically that is the truth but I get it we feel sad because of the loss there's a lot of people here who feel that right like you got a dad that's not going to get to walk you down the aisle you got a mom that's not going to see you graduate I go through this all the time as my babies are growing up I just think every other day man mama never got to see these kids mama never got to see what we became mama never got to meet you sweet people sometimes I feel sad for sometimes I feel sorry for a loved one who struggled with a disease all their life or they were handicapped and just didn't have this rich full experience in this life but I want to tell you something they got a promotion the day they died can I bear witness honey ain't no handicap in heaven ain't no crime in heaven ain't no cancer in heaven there ain't no heart attacks in heaven nobody is getting shot in heaven no racism in heaven can I keep going ain't no inflation in heaven can I have some fun ain't no seed oils in heaven okay ain't no interest rates in heaven can I do one more ain't no politics in heaven.

So let me drop a word be careful about praying the prayer Lord I just wish they could come back because let me tell you what they would say to you today they wouldn't come back if they could. I mean imagine play that theology out and imagine if Jesus answered that prayer to bring somebody back Lord please bring them back what's going on down there it's kind of crazy election season is a mess AI is kind of tripping people out they saying world war 3 might happen and you want me to go well Jesus you tripping me and Moses in line for the pickleball tournament you better go ask somebody they wouldn't come back if they could.

So don't feel sorry for them. Number two wait on Jesus' coming purposefully right so if it's good news and you're saved Jesus is coming back okay the last thing that gives us is a license to relax just because you have fire insurance doesn't mean you don't have a mission on your life and so don't wait on Jesus' coming passively wait on his coming purposefully.

Here's the point the certainty of his coming should result in an urgency in your living you shouldn't be satisfied that your business is fixed while your neighbor's business is not. Here's the operative term get busy for the Lord and tell people about the good news of Jesus get involved in the church don't be ashamed of your faith and let people know that you have a hope on the inside of you you ought to have purpose.

Okay can I say something real hard it was awkward for the first two services and I didn't care then so I don't care now so can I say it okay Jesus says your mission is to get heaven as packed as you possibly can before he comes can I say it now.

Now look if Jesus has called you to leave California you need to do that we'll be proud of you if Jesus has called you to leave California go on and go to Boise go on and go to Nashville go on and go to Texas do it because Jesus has a work for you there if he hadn't called you to leave and you understand that your mission is to pack heaven isn't it great that God has entrusted to you one of the most heaven needing places on planet earth amen.

I hate California it's so crazy they make me sick it's full of hell yeah so tell people about heaven amen. Can I say something else Jesus is not willing that any atheist should perish Jesus is not willing that any agnostic should perish Jesus is not willing that any Muslim should perish Jesus is not willing that any Hindu should perish can I keep going Jesus is not willing that any democrat should perish do I dare say the other one I dare Jesus is not willing that any republican should perish either get busy.

So let's go home on this make sure you're ready for Jesus' return night is coming when no one can work make sure you're ready marvel not that I said to you you must be born again make sure you're ready this ain't no play thing with eternity when he comes that's it ain't no more time today is the day of salvation make sure you're calling in elections make sure it's sure in Christ if it happened today y'all if it happened right now Ricky will start flying up you sure that you have that?

I'm a nervous flyer y'all know this how I messed up I'm scared of flying I fly all the time I'm pretty messed up and so if you ever see me at the Palm Springs airport and I don't speak to you it's not you it's me your pastor has popped pills okay it just is I'm just telling you okay if I slur it's not it's pills okay anyway because my fear is that I'm gonna the plane's going down it's just my fear I live with it okay but I've always thought if something happens on my plane and I'm going down I always thought well I know when the last sermon is because I'll be going down saying give your heart to Jesus Christ put your trust and faith in Jesus and what I want you to hear is that if the plane goes down my worry ain't where I'm going it's where everybody else is going do you have that?

Well you can have it today. I grew up in a country church an old school old school country church which are the best ones and can I get a choir robe witness? Can I get a tambourine witness? We used to sing this song put me in I don't know, I'm just saying anyway it's this old hymn we used to sing and that's my question when the trumpet sounds where shall you be you be with the Lord or will he say depart from me for I never knew you will you get to leave here today with assurance that when he comes again you go home?

Every head bowed, every eye closed. If you want to give your heart and life to Jesus I want to give you the opportunity to say a prayer of faith with me so you can accept Jesus as your Lord and personal savior. We got pastors at the next steps table that can't wait to engage you with Jesus after service but let's get our house in order before we go. If you are saved what a wonderful time for you to say but if you're not saved and you want to be saved just pray these words Jesus come into my heart today and save me.

I believe that you died on the cross and got up again for me so please forgive me of all my sins as I put my trust and faith in you. Father I want to know you and I want to become yours today. I'll have peace in this life eternal paradise in the next because your promises are yes and amen and friend if you've been praying that prayer with me I want you to just close your prayer with these words I'm saved.

I'm saved. Before we say amen I want you to say amen. I want to celebrate whoever made that decision today if you prayed that prayer with the Lord the first sound I want you to hear is about 1,200 people clapping their hands like crazy because you made the biggest decision you've ever made and we want to encourage you.

So if you prayed that prayer today I'm going to count to three and I dare you to celebrate by sending your hand up in the air to say yes invited the Lord into my life one, two, three raise your hand if you prayed that prayer amen amen amen and amen. I don't know maybe 40 hands or so we give God praise until we meet again the old church used to say it this way if I don't see you next time I'll see you on the other side but until we meet again the Lord bless you and keep you the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you may the Lord lift up the light upon you the light of his countenance upon each and every one of you and bring you peace and that's his blessing in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and the church said Amen.

Amen. God bless you. Have a good week everybody.