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February 26, 2024Packed and Ready
Signs of the Times Week #3
Packed and Ready
1 Corinthians 3:10-15; Revelation 20:11-14; Matthew 7:21-23

Are you packed and ready for eternity?

TWO END TIME JUDGMENTS:

1. The Judgment Seat of Christ

So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1

Because of God’s grace to me, I have laid the foundation like an expert builder. Now others are building on it. But whoever is building on this foundation must be very careful. 11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have—Jesus Christ. 12 Anyone who builds on that foundation may use a variety of materials—gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay, or straw. 13 But on the judgment day, fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done. The fire will show if a person’s work has any value. 14 If the work survives, that builder will receive a reward. 15 But if the work is burned up, the builder will suffer great loss. The builder will be saved, but like someone barely escaping through a wall of flames. 1 Corinthians 3:10-15

Three things we will be judged on:

A. Time
Time is the great equalizer
B. Talent

With talent comes responsibility

C. Treasure

Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be Matthew 6:21
It’s not a money issue, it’s a heart issue
2. The Great White Throne Judgment

And I saw a great white throne and the one sitting on it. The earth and sky fled from his presence, but they found no place to hide. 12 I saw the dead, both great and small, standing before God’s throne. And the books were opened, including the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to what they had done, as recorded in the books. 13 The sea gave up its dead, and death and the grave gave up their dead. And all were judged according to their deeds. 14 Then death and the grave were thrown into the lake of fire. This lake of fire is the second death. 15 And anyone whose name was not found recorded in the Book of Life was thrown into the lake of fire. Revelation 20:11-14

Who will be there?

A. The Procrastinator

B. The Fearful
God will give you the strength to put down whatever you need to put down so you can pick up what you need to pick up
C. The Casual Christian
There is a difference between knowing about Jesus and knowing Jesus
“Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter. 22 On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ 23 But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.’ Matthew 7:21-23
Our salvation depends on Him, not us
If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9
37 min
February 19, 2024It's in The Book
Signs of the Times - Week #2
It’s in The Book
Matthew 24:3-12

Seven Signs Jesus gives in Matthew 24:

1. Religious Tolerance

Jesus told them, “Don’t let anyone mislead you, 5 for many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah.’ They will deceive many. Matthew 24:4-5
A survey showed that 57% of Christians believe all religions teach the same thing

38% of Christians believe that you don’t have to believe in Jesus to get to heaven
Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. John 14:6

2. Wars and threats of wars

And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won’t follow immediately. Matthew 24:6

3. Ethnic unrest

Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world. 8 But all this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come. Matthew 24:7-8

4. Famines

5. Earthquakes

6. Persecution

Then you will be arrested, persecuted, and killed. You will be hated all over the world because you are my followers. 10 And many will turn away from me and betray and hate each other. 11 And many false prophets will appear and will deceive many people. Matthew 24:9-11
There is a difference between hate speech and speech that you hate
7. A love growing cold

Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold. Matthew 24:12
40 min
February 12, 2024Having a Right Focus on The End Times
Signs of the Times - Week #1
Having a Right Focus on The End Times
I Thessalonians 4:16-18; Matthew 24:32-36
Closed handed issues- we have to fight for these
A few examples:

The Resurrection

The Sinless life of Jesus

The Authority of Scripture

Virgin Birth, Sinfulness of man, The Trinity, Deity of Jesus, Faith alone in Christ alone as the only way for salvation.
Open handed issues- Not essential to our salvation
A few examples:

Drinking, Worship Style, Church Government, the day of Worship, how often should you take communion, etc.
The study of The End times is called eschatology
Where Christians and the church Get it Wrong:

1. We won’t talk about the end times
Approximately 30% of The Bible is prophecy

Prophecy is given for two reasons:
a. To encourage the believer

b. To warn the unbeliever

For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the believers who have died will rise from their graves. 17 Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. 18 So encourage each other with these words. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18
The term used for Jesus coming back is the word, Rapture
Three Views on the Rapture

a. Pre- Tribulation

b. Mid- Tribulation

c. Post- Tribulation

2. We set dates

“Now learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branches bud and its leaves begin to sprout, you know that summer is near. 33 In the same way, when you see all these things, you can know his return is very near, right at the door. 34 I tell you the truth, this generation will not pass from the scene until all these things take place. 35 Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear. 36 “However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows. Matthew 24:32-36

3. We obsess over the “how,” the “what” and the “when,” and we miss the “who”
The Book of Revelation is primarily about Jesus. The end times are secondary
From the throne came flashes of lightning and the rumble of thunder. And in front of the throne were seven torches with burning flames. This is the sevenfold Spirit of God. Revelation 4:5

Each of these living beings had six wings, and their wings were covered all over with eyes, inside and out. Day after day and night after night they keep on saying, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty— the one who always was, who is, and who is still to come.” Revelation 4:8
The word Holy means without sin
“You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For you created all things, and they exist because you created what you pleased.” Revelation 4:11
God created what He pleased
Then I looked again, and I heard the voices of thousands and millions of angels around the throne and of the living beings and the elders. 12 And they sang in a mighty chorus: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slaughtered— to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing.” 13 And then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea. They sang: “Blessing and honor and glory and power belong to the one sitting on the throne and to the Lamb forever and ever.” Revelation 5:11-13
38 min
February 05, 2024Chopping Wood
Great Expectations Week #5
Chopping Wood
2 Kings 5:20-6:7
Spiritual transformation takes place as we seek the presence of God, not the presents of God
But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha, the man of God, said to himself, “My master should not have let this Aramean get away without accepting any of his gifts. As surely as the Lord lives, I will chase after him and get something from him.” 2 Kings 5:20
When we categorize, we demonize
So Gehazi set off after Naaman. When Naaman saw Gehazi running after him, he climbed down from his chariot and went to meet him. “Is everything all right?” Naaman asked. 22 “Yes,” Gehazi said, “but my master has sent me to tell you that two young prophets from the hill country of Ephraim have just arrived. He would like 75 pounds of silver and two sets of clothing to give to them.” 23 “By all means, take twice as much silver,” Naaman insisted. He gave him two sets of clothing, tied up the money in two bags, and sent two of his servants to carry the gifts for Gehazi. 24 But when they arrived at the citadel, Gehazi took the gifts from the servants and sent the men back. Then he went and hid the gifts inside the house. 25 When he went in to his master, Elisha asked him, “Where have you been, Gehazi?” “I haven’t been anywhere,” he replied. 26 But Elisha asked him, “Don’t you realize that I was there in spirit when Naaman stepped down from his chariot to meet you? Is this the time to receive money and clothing, olive groves and vineyards, sheep and cattle, and male and female servants? 27 Because you have done this, you and your descendants will suffer from Naaman’s leprosy forever.” When Gehazi left the room, he was covered with leprosy; his skin was white as snow. 2 Kings 5:21-27
When we move from spectator to participator we will face problems
One day the group of prophets came to Elisha and told him, “As you can see, this place where we meet with you is too small. 2 Kings 6:1
Problems often lead to opportunities
Let’s go down to the Jordan River, where there are plenty of logs. There we can build a new place for us to meet.” “All right,” he told them, “go ahead.” 2 Kings 6:2
God has called us to move forward
“Please come with us,” someone suggested. “I will,” he said. 4 So he went with them. When they arrived at the Jordan, they began cutting down trees. 2 Kings 6:3-4
It is the presence of God not the pressure of man that changes lives
God’s work is more powerful than man’s work
It takes commitment to move from spectator to participator
With opportunity comes distraction
But as one of them was cutting a tree, his ax head fell into the river. “Oh, sir!” he cried. “It was a borrowed ax!” 6 “Where did it fall?” the man of God asked. When he showed him the place, Elisha cut a stick and threw it into the water at that spot. Then the ax head floated to the surface. 7 “Grab it,” Elisha said. And the man reached out and grabbed it. 2 Kings 6:5-7
Please take your envelope and pray over the next week and ask God to show you how you can participate in this campaign. Please bring the envelope back on Sunday February 11, 2024. You can also go HERE to start giving to the campaign online.
43 min
January 29, 2024 From Smug to Servant
Great Expectations - Week #4
From Smug to Servant
2 Kings 5:15-19

1. When we receive Jesus, the work of God immediately begins in our lives

But Elisha sent a messenger out to him with this message: “Go and wash yourself seven times in the Jordan River. Then your skin will be restored, and you will be healed of your leprosy.” 11 But Naaman became angry and stalked away. “I thought he would certainly come out to meet me!” he said. “I expected him to wave his hand over the leprosy and call on the name of the Lord his God and heal me! 2 Kings 5:10-11

Then Naaman and his entire party went back to find the man of God. They stood before him, and Naaman said, “Now I know that there is no God in all the world except in Israel. So please accept a gift from your servant.” 2 Kings 5:15

2. Renewing our minds takes time

But Elisha replied, “As surely as the Lord lives, whom I serve, I will not accept any gifts.” And though Naaman urged him to take the gift, Elisha refused. 17 Then Naaman said, “All right, but please allow me to load two of my mules with earth from this place, and I will take it back home with me. From now on I will never again offer burnt offerings or sacrifices to any other god except the Lord. 2 Kings 5:16-17

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:2

3 ways to renew your mind:

a. Church Attendance

The first step away from God is a step away from the people of God

b. Worship Music

c. God’s Word

When you read God’s Word, you read God’s will

Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. Psalm 119:105

3. Pressure does not mean we are losing the fight. Pressure indicates we are fighting the fight

However, may the Lord pardon me in this one thing: When my master the king goes into the temple of the god Rimmon to worship there and leans on my arm, may the Lord pardon me when I bow, too.” 19 “Go in peace,” Elisha said. So Naaman started home again. 2 Kings 5:18-19

Two Things to understand today:

1. Jesus is in you

2. Jesus is for you
47 min
January 22, 2024Hey Now, It's Your Birthday
Great Expectations - Week #3
Hey Now, It’s Your Birthday
2 Kings 5:9-14

When did you surrender your life to Jesus?
The only thing we contribute to our salvation is the sin that made it necessary
So Naaman went with his horses and chariots and waited at the door of Elisha’s house. 10 But Elisha sent a messenger out to him with this message: “Go and wash yourself seven times in the Jordan River. Then your skin will be restored, and you will be healed of your leprosy.” 2 Kings 5:9-10

When you surrender your life to Jesus, life doesn’t become easier, but you become stronger

But Naaman became angry and stalked away. “I thought he would certainly come out to meet me!” he said. “I expected him to wave his hand over the leprosy and call on the name of the Lord his God and heal me! 12 Aren’t the rivers of Damascus, the Abana and the Pharpar, better than any of the rivers of Israel? Why shouldn’t I wash in them and be healed?” So Naaman turned and went away in a rage. 2 Kings 5:11-12

If you don’t deal with your anger, it will turn to rage

You can be sincere and sincerely wrong at the same time

But his officers tried to reason with him and said, “Sir, if the prophet had told you to do something very difficult, wouldn’t you have done it? So you should certainly obey him when he says simply, ‘Go and wash and be cured!’”2 Kings 5:13

Our next step with Jesus isn’t always easy, but it’s always simple

So Naaman went down to the Jordan River and dipped himself seven times, as the man of God had instructed him. And his skin became as healthy as the skin of a young child, and he was healed! 2 Kings 5:14

Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.” John 3:3
51 min
January 16, 2024Don't Allow Your 'BUT' to Get in the Way
Great Expectations Week #1 (1/7/24)
Don’t Allow Your ‘But’ to Get in the Way
2 Kings 5:1-5
Your ‘But’ matters to God
The king of Aram had great admiration for Naaman, the commander of his army, because through him the Lord had given Aram great victories. But though Naaman was a mighty warrior, he suffered from leprosy. 2 Kings 5:1
Every gift we have is a gift from God
In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. Matthew 5:45

The king of Aram had great admiration for Naaman, the commander of his army, because through him the Lord had given Aram great victories. But though Naaman was a mighty warrior, he suffered from leprosy. 2 At this time Aramean raiders had invaded the land of Israel, and among their captives was a young girl who had been given to Naaman’s wife as a maid. 2 Kings 5:1-2
We live filtered lives
One day the girl said to her mistress, “I wish my master would go to see the prophet in Samaria. He would heal him of his leprosy.” 2 Kings 5:3
Love your enemies
So Naaman told the king what the young girl from Israel had said. 5 “Go and visit the prophet,” the king of Aram told him. “I will send a letter of introduction for you to take to the king of Israel.” So Naaman started out, carrying as gifts 750 pounds of silver, 150 pounds of gold, and ten sets of clothing. 2 Kings 5:4-5
When you confess out loud, the power your sin has over you begins to shatter

Why do you matter to God? Because of His Amazing Grace!
41 min
January 15, 2024Stop Seeking Worldly Solutions to Worldly Problems
Great Expectations - Week #2

Stop Seeking Worldly Solutions to Worldly Problems

2 Kings 5:3-9
If you’ve ever gotten off track:
a. You’re not the only person who has

b. It’s never too late to get back on track

One day the girl said to her mistress, “I wish my master would go to see the prophet in Samaria. He would heal him of his leprosy.” 4 So Naaman told the king what the young girl from Israel had said. 2 Kings 5:3-4
You cannot take what God has put inside of you to someone who doesn’t know Him or know about His presence and His power
Go and visit the prophet,” the king of Aram told him. “I will send a letter of introduction for you to take to the king of Israel.” So Naaman started out, carrying as gifts 750 pounds of silver, 150 pounds of gold, and ten sets of clothing. 2 Kings 5:5
The cross is a reminder that our debt is paid in full
The letter to the king of Israel said: “With this letter I present my servant Naaman. I want you to heal him of his leprosy.” 2 Kings 5:6
Jesus did not die on the cross so He could be a part of our life, He died so He could be our life

God – Government = Chaos

Government – God = Tyranny

God is our Healer, our Peace, our Provider and our Protector
When the king of Israel read the letter, he tore his clothes in dismay and said, “Am I God, that I can give life and take it away? Why is this man asking me to heal someone with leprosy? I can see that he’s just trying to pick a fight with me.” 2 Kings 5:7
When we become unaware of God's power and God's presence... the natural result is to freak out
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6 (NIV)

Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Philippians 4:5 (NIV)
Even if you're not pursuing Him, He's pursuing you
But when Elisha, the man of God, heard that the king of Israel had torn his clothes in dismay, he sent this message to him: “Why are you so upset? Send Naaman to me, and he will learn that there is a true prophet here in Israel.” 9 So Naaman went with his horses and chariots and waited at the door of Elisha’s house. 2 Kings 5:8-9
Two of the words that describe God in the Scriptures are “patient and “kind”
The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. 2 Peter 3:9

In that day the Lord will reach out his hand a second time to bring back the remnant of his people— Isaiah 11:11
39 min
January 02, 2024 Your Voyage Into 2024
Voyage to the Manger - Week #5
Your Voyage into 2024
Psalm 73

Four Simple Steps to Having a great year spiritually:

1. Go to church
Attend Regularly

But as for me, I almost lost my footing. My feet were slipping, and I was almost gone. Psalm 73:2

Then I went into your sanctuary, O God, and I finally understood the destiny of the wicked. Psalm 73:17
Central is a church where all people can experience the presence of Jesus every week

2. Grow in church
TWO ways to grow:
a. Serve
Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, Matthew 20:26 (NIV)
b. Give
3. Show the church
Invite Boldly

Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20

4. Know that immeasurably more is coming

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, Ephesians 3:20
41 min
December 26, 2023 Say "Yes" to the Voyage
Voyage to the Manger - Week #4
Say “Yes” to the Voyage
Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 2:8-15

If we allow other people to label us, it will limit us from the life that God ultimately has for us

This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. Matthew 1:18

God never calls us into our comfort zone, He calls us out of our comfort zone

Joseph, to whom she was engaged, was a righteous man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly. 20 As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All of this occurred to fulfill the Lord’s message through his prophet: 23 “Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’” 24 When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife. 25 But he did not have sexual relations with her until her son was born. And Joseph named him Jesus. Matthew 1:19-25

Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” And then the angel left her. Luke 1:38

That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. 9 Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, 10 but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. 11 The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! 12 And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.” 13 Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” 15 When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” Luke 2:8-15

What do I need to say “Yes” to?
31 min

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